Chapter 26
The ballroom was filled with dancing, music and laughter. The children had turns with the piano which either turned out well, or bad.
Little kids danced with each other or the adults.
Marzia gazed lovingly at Felix as they danced. Smiling and talking about the party.
Piggeh played with the kids, using one of his bandages as a blindfold to play 'Blind man's bluff'.
Mr. Chair taught some of the smaller children how to play piano. He even taught them all how to sing.
Stephano watched Jennifer dance with the children. He smiled and chuckled quietly.
Jennifer noticed Stephano by himself and pranced over to him.
"Hey Steph, why are you all alone? Shouldn't you be partying?"
He shrugged. "Well since somebody didn't allow alcohol, I can't party."
She nudged him. "Oh, don't be like that! You know we can't be drunk in front of the kids!"
He looked at the kids and smiled. They were all dressed beautifully. Boys in shorts and ties while girls in shorts and dress-shirts. Hats and bows on their heads but their most charming accessory: their smiles.
"Yeah…I get what you mean. I don't want to ruin this for them."
She giggled. "You are such a sweetie!"
And before he could protest, she dragged him onto the dance floor.
"What are you-?"
She smiled and started dragging him along the dance floor.
He got himself in rhythm and started dancing. Only problem was…
"Jennifer, why are you leading?"
"Because I feel like it."
He smiled. "Shouldn't men be in the lead?"
"Shouldn't you just let me lead?"
He sighed. "Fine."
And like that, they were dancing. A bit clumsily because of the height difference.
"Jennifer, I should really be the one leading."
"I can do it!"
And then with one slip up-
*THUMP*
They fell to the ground.
Stephano blushed, seeing as he was on top of Jennifer.
Jennifer was flushed as well.
The whole ballroom paused, watching the two. Will something finally happen between the two?
Stephano bolted straight up. "I'm sorry Jennifer! Are you alright?" He reached his hand out to help.
"Yeah…I'm fine." She grabbed his hand and got pulled up. But instead of standing, she was up in a dancing position again.
"Jennifer? Are you sure you're alright?"
She nodded. "You lead."
He agreed and they started dancing again. The whole ballroom went back into action with sneaky smiles. They saw Jennifer's blushing face. They all knew.
Something interesting will happen tonight.
After the party~
Jennifer stood in the middle of the now quiet and empty ballroom. She sighed, a content look on her face.
She turned around once hearing footsteps. She smiled at him.
"Hey Steph. What's up?"
He shrugged. "You weren't leaving so I was wondering if you were ok."
The moonlight fell on the both of them. It sparkled on Jennifer's gold and black dress and Stephano's gold bow tie.
She turned away from him, grabbing a fistful of her dress. "No…I'm not ok."
His eyes widened. "Why?! What's wrong?!" He was about to run towards her until he heard her next sentence.
"I think I love you."
Time froze.
His heart was beating loudly, his palms were sweaty. He stared at her back.
She then sighed. "I'm sorry. I must sound ridiculous." She stared at the ceiling. "You can ignore me if you wish."
His body unfroze and reached out to grab her shoulder. He turned her towards him and saw her blushing face. Her eyes were full of confusion.
"Steph?" She whispered.
Then in a flash, he kissed her.
A sweet, yet quick kiss. When they broke apart, they laughed.
Nothing was funny. They just laughed for the hell of it. They then embraced once again, staring into each other's eyes.
Stephano then smiled, tearing up. "I love you, Jennifer."
Jennifer laughed, kissing his cheek. "Why are you crying, Steph?"
He buried his face into her shoulder. "Shut up. I'm not crying."
"Whatever you say." She reached her arms up his back and hugged him.
Holding each other's hands, they left the ballroom.
"By the way Stephano, will you be my boyfriend?"
"Of course Jennifer. But only on one condition."
"What's that?"
"To never hate yourself ever again."