Chapter 6: The Dance Pt. 2 (Tony and Maria POV)

(Maria POV)

Maria had never felt so excited in her entire life. This wasn't only her first dance, but her first experience as an American girl. The moment Bernardo opened the doors, Maria was dazzled by the spectacle before her. Her senses were in overload. The lights were low, and the sweet air smelled of various perfumes. People were already spinning and gliding on the dance floor. It was as if everything was in sync.

Unfortunately, that dream was interrupted by Bernardo's Sharks and those Jets getting into another tussle. Chino pulled her away, and thankfully it was quickly stopped by the officers. The one they call Glad Hand suggested a thing were the switched partners, but as soon as they stopped everyone went back to their date. This is when the dance went into full swing.

Maria was so immersed in the dancing she didn't realize someone was watching her from across the room. Feeling a tingling sensation on her neck suddenly, she turned around and was meet with those same blue eyes that had been invading her dreams for a week now. Tony instantly smiled upon seeing her looking back, and the blush that filled her cheeks. She grinned back, and as if sensing him, followed his steps leading towards the bleachers. Maria checked to make no one saw her, especially Bernardo, and went underneath. She had difficulty finding Tony in the darkness, but soon she found herself standing in front of him. Their lost of speech was becoming a terrible habit that neither one could shake.

Finding courage, Maria spoke first. "You seem to appear everywhere."

"I guess I'm just lucky, then.", Tony smiled coyly.

"You like dancing?"

"Depends on who I'm dancing with. Wanna give it a whirl?"

"Depends on who I'm dancing with", she returned taking his hand. Tony pulled her to the center, wrapped his arm around her while the other cradled her hand. Maria felt that familiar twinge again with more gusto. Tony moved them slowly around the floor never taking his eyes off her. Once the song had ended, they still clutched on to each, afraid of letting go. Maria could no longer stand the stillness and made a bold move. She leaned up as much as she could and kissed him. Tony made no movement for a second, then wrapped his arms tighter around her.

Maria couldn't believe the feeling of his lips on her. His lips were smooth and glided over hers effortlessly. His kiss ignited a fire in her; she wanted more. She moved her hands into his silky hair and pulled him closer. His groan at this only fueled the fire more for Maria. What could have minutes, or even hours, passed with neither one wanting to stop. The earth could have ended at that very moment, and neither one would care for they were already in heaven.

Heaven was soon shattered by the commotion coming from the center of the dance floor. Tony and Maria both looked and saw her brother fighting another boy. They quickly ran out from underneath the bleachers and made their way to the continuing fight. Maria ran towards Anita trying to hold back Bernardo. As she reached towards Bernardo, she looked over at the other boy and instantly felt a knife in her gut. Tony was pulling the other boy back. There were a few words she caught, but the ones that stuck out were "Buddy-boy". In that moment, they looked at each other, and she realized the horrible situation they were now in. He was one of them.

(Tony POV)

Tony's world reached its highest point, then instantly shattered in a moment. The look on Maria's face said it all. She knows who I was, and now she'll never want to see again. In the aftermath of the fight, Riff and the other Jets were grouping up and trying to pull Tony with them. His eyes never left Maria once. He watched in silence as she was escorted out by the leader of the Sharks and another. She looked back at him with a sadness that made him feel hollow inside. After a while, the dance was winding down and Tony felt no need to hang around.

As he walked down the street, he thought about everything that lead to this moment. How could the universe bring the first real good thing in my life just to take it away? Why does this stupid war between everyone have to take everything away from me? First my freedom, now the girl I love?! Tony stopped short on the sidewalk. Wait love? Do I? I can't already… Tony finally accepted it was true; he loved her. He was hopelessly in love with Maria and be damned if he would let anything or anyone keep her from him.

Tony suddenly couldn't leave it to fate anymore. He had to see her and now, but he had no clue where she lived. He, then, realized one person may know, Valentina. Tony ran as hard as he could to Valentina's apartment. Making his way to her door, he was thankful she lived on the first floor.

As she opened the door, Valentina was shocked. "Tony, what's wrong. Something happen? Did those Jets…".

Tony cut her off, "No, Val nothing's wrong, actually there is. You know that girl I been looking for… I need your help finding her. She placed an order with you last week. You'll have her address, right? I need to see her and now!", his voice becoming more frantic.

"Tony…Tony, be still. I have my book here. I'll look it up." Returning with the book, she asked, "What's the young lady's name?"

"Maria"

Valentina froze. Putting two and two together, she spoke sorrowfully. "Tony… aren't there enough problems for you?"

"I'm in love with her, Val. I don't care about any of that. I need to let her know how I feel. If she doesn't want me, fine, but I'm not running away from the best thing I ever had."

Valentina never saw Tony more determined and vulnerable in all the years she'd known him. She quickly wrote down the address and handed it to him, leaving him with, "Good luck, son". He ran out the door, and Valentina silently prayed love would prevail.