The next few days passed by pretty quickly for both Langdon and Nina. After the ice-cold date they had that Sunday, they really didn't had a chance to see much of each other. They had to cancel their training because Langdon had a lot of papers to degree because of the finals from some students. Nina had to train by herself. She did that by jogging every day over the campus. Her condition improved.
Nina also had her normal schoolwork that she had to finish early. She worked hard on it and had the entire work that Langdon gave her finished that week what is actually a half year of work.
"Nina, that is not normal, you must get yourself a life", Valery said one day. "I have a life, with you and Ben and with Robert. Who I haven't got a chance to see except during his class", Nina said sad. "You miss him", Valery said. "Yes I miss him, but we will see each other at the masquerade ball", Nina said. "We need killer dresses girl and who is better to help us then our gay best friend Ben, fashion expert", Valery said.
We both laughed. Ben knew everything about fashion. He read more fashion magazines then any other girl. "There is Robert, wait", Nina said and she ran towards him in the hall. "Hey", Nina said. "Hey", Langdon said. "Haven't seen you in a while", Nina said with a sad face. "I'm sorry, I've been busy with papers, finals are coming up for some students", Langdon said. "I know, I still miss your company. Are we still on for Fridays dance?", Nina asked. "Of course we are Nina, you didn't think I would forget right", Langdon said. "Just a small reminder", Nina said.
"He didn't forgot about the dance?", Valery asked. "Nope, he said he was busy but he didn't forgot", Nina said. "Good, because if man forget a date, well that is the first step back in your relationship", Valery said. "No he didn't forgot", Nina said.
Nina, Ben and Valery went to Cambridge for a perfect dress. "To bad we don't have London available", Valery said. "To bad indeed", Nina said. "Cambridge is what you got guys, make it work", Ben said.
At the end of the day they all succeeded to find themselves beautiful costumes for the gala.
"You are going to sing right?", Valery said. "You sing?", Ben asked surprised. "I'm singing one song, the first one. It's a surprise for Robert, he wouldn't know what hit him", Nina said. "You already discussed it and practiced with the school band?", Valery said. "Yes I have, when you had maths I did rehearsals", Nina said. "Ah cool, well consider me curious", Valery said. "Same her girls", Ben said.
That next day they were making themselves ready for the gala. The entire school was. "Are you ready", Nina said to Valery. "Yes I am", Valery said and she admired herself in the mirror in her emerald green dress. "Beautiful", Nina said. "Now you look amazing, your date is not going to want to stop kissing you", Valery said.
Nina looked in the mirror to see if she got the job well done. She was wearing a black dress with silver linings in it. The dress was long and so beautiful. Her black heels were not even visible and God she hoped no one would stand on the dress. Nina's black hair was in curled, she just had a little bit of mascara on and pink lipstick. Very light. So that it is natural. She was wearing a golden necklace and a golden bracelet and a mini ring from Mickey Mouse.
"What's with the Mickey Mouse ring", Valery asked. "I can't tell you, it's something personal for Robert", Nina said. "You look amazing", Valery said. "Come on let's go, the band is already waiting on me I think", Nina said and she put on her black mask.
Ben announced the school band. Normally the singer is someone else and she is singing tonight. Only for the opening song Nina was singing.
Langdon was on the lookout for Nina. Why couldn't he find her. "Professor Langdon, do you have a date?", professor Nathan asked. "I try to find her", Langdon said. "It's hard between all those masks to find that person, is she a student?", professor Nathan asked. "She is an old friend of mine, we grew up together and then drifted apart", Langdon said trying to avoid the question. "Yeah, but is she a student here?", professor Nathan asked again. "Yes", Langdon said. "I can't wait to see who it is", professor Nathan said.
Then Langdon heard a voice sing. A voice he knew all too well. It was her. Nina. He smiled. "Did you found your date professor Langdon?", professor Nathan asked. "I believe I just found her", Langdon said and he was pointing at the stage. "That's her, that is your date", professor Nathan said and his mouth fell open. "Nina Heart is your date?", he asked again. "Nina Heart is my date", Langdon said. "She, her voice is so beautiful, it's like she is singing this song for you professor Langdon", professor Nathan said.
Langdon kept his ears on full speed to try to understand what she was singing. He knew the song. It was a pop song from a well known artist and she mentioned she was a big fan of her. Taylor Swift, Love Story.
We were both young when I first saw you.
I close my eyes and the flashback starts:
I'm standing there on a balcony in summer air.
It was true, they were both young when they saw each other for the first time. They shared memories together as flashbacks. There was only a balcony missing.
See the lights, see the party, the ball gowns.
See you make your way through the crowd
And say, "Hello."
Little did I know...
This is the ball she is singing about. He knew it for sure. Later tonight she will maker her way to the crowd to come to him.
That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles,
And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet."
And I was crying on the staircase
Begging you, "Please don't go."
And I said...
Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone.
I'll be waiting; all that's left to do is run.
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess,
It's a love story, baby, just say "Yes".
He is certainly not the prince she was singing about.
So I sneak out to the garden to see you.
We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew
So close your eyes,
Escape this town for a little while.
Oh, oh.
'Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter,
And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet."
But you were everything to me,
I was begging you, "Please don't go."
And I said...
Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone.
I'll be waiting; all that's left to do is run.
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess.
It's a love story, baby, just say "Yes".
Romeo, save me. They're trying to tell me how to feel.
This love is difficult but it's real.
Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess.
It's a love story, baby, just say "Yes".
There was an applause when she was done singing. Langdon applauded to of course. She was making her way to the crowd, looking for him. She found him. "Robert", she whispered. "That was beautiful, you look beautiful", Langdon said speechless. "Thank you", Nina said.
"May I have this dance?", Langdon asked. "I thought you would never ask", Nina said smiling.
To be continued...
