I was always waiting for somebody to notice me, searching desperately for someone to choose me. The hope that I had once prided myself upon, was lost. And that is why my story is so special…

It was our turn. He held out his hand, I placed my fingers in his palm. My lavender gown floated seamlessly behind me and my golden hair lightly swept past my face with every step. Oliver looked lovingly at me, gripped my hand tight, I smiled back. 

Walking down the spiralled staircase is a moment I will never forget. A memory like no other. I gazed down below me in amazement. 

The Grand Hall was immense, the large windows showed a landscape of stars that shone down onto the building. Below them, a symphony orchestra had been playing as each couple arrived, which set the mood incredibly well. The light from the chandelier moved effortlessly across the ladies gowns as they walked. 

I was starstruck. Even the fairytales didn’t seem as enchanting as this moment.

We reached the final step, Oliver gazed at me encouragingly. I smiled back, still completely overcome with awe. We stood amongst the other couples, they all seemed so welcoming, their eyes comforting. My eyes drifted around the hall, the music, the lights, the people. It all seemed so perfect. The chatter amongst the couples silenced, as the doors reopened. Everyone turned their view to the steps to welcome another couple, light clapping began as they welcomed Astrid Emeralds. At her right-hand side, stood Atticus Hallow. He looked striking as always. His suit was deep black with a satin finish. His brown, curly hair fell perfectly onto his chiselled face as it always had. 

The backstory between myself and Atticus was lengthy. We had known each other for years previous, since we were babies. We grew up together, I spent endless days at his home with him and his siblings. We grew up doing everything together, and we had visions of forever remaining that way. Yet recently, there had been a change of dynamic, I couldn’t figure it out. However, there was a feeling of regret in the depths of my stomach. I wished I was there with him. 

 The couple glided down the stairs with such grace and conviction. They stood near us, Atticus nodded at me. I smiled back, unaware of my blushed cheeks. Oliver noticed their presence and began conversing with Astrid. Atticus wandered closer to me, “Good evening Harriet.” He smirked, the same face he’d made since we were children. 

“Good evening! You look great tonight...Astrid too!” I motioned towards Astrid, who was eagerly talking to Oliver. “Thank you. I appreciate it.” He said, the smirk hadn’t left his face. He began to walk away. “Oh! Harriet?” He turned back to face me, put my hand between his and said, “enjoy tonight...you deserve it.” Before nodding, and turning away to talk to the endless amounts of people that had attempted to talk to him. 

My head began turning, thinking of the many theories and questions relating to this last few minutes: Why did he hold my hand? He didn’t return the compliment. Why was he here with Astrid? 

The night moved slowly, yet incredibly. I still couldn’t believe that it was truly happening, I’d dreamt of an evening such as this since I was a child. 

Now, night had fallen. The chattering had settled, many drinks had been poured. When the clock struck 11, a message came through the speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the dance to commence. Please collect your partners and make your way to the ballroom.” I held Oliver’s hand tightly, as we moved to the beautiful ballroom.

This room was similar to the hall, however, it was decorated with a different style. Long tapestries ran from the ceiling to the ground, stained glass was fitted in the windows. The lights were dim here, the moonlight was the main source of light. The atmosphere was different, calmer, quieter. 

The music was slow as the couples began to sway around the floor. Oliver looked into my eyes, I looked into his. He seemed naively in love, he was happy. However, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt as I longed to dance with Atticus. The atmosphere was perfect, I felt at ease. Yet the feeling wouldn’t subside. 

Eventually, the tempo picked up slightly. The timeless music of Louis Armstrong began to play, and I smiled.

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a princess, and Atticus swore he’d be my prince. Every Christmas he’d dance with me in front of the Christmas tree.

“Excuse me?” I turned, Oliver looked nervously. “May I have this dance, if it’s not too much to ask?” Atticus stood there, his hair still perfect. He awaited a nod from Oliver before taking his place. He motioned towards Astrid, who required a dance partner. Oliver didn’t decline the offer. 

I put my head upon Atticus’ shoulder, as he took my hands. Kiss me once...and kiss me twice. And kiss me once again…” 

“Do you remember the annual dances to this song?” I gazed up at him.

“How could I ever forget Harriet?” He smirked at me, before twirling me around and pulling me closer towards his chest. My head at his lips. “Do you remember the promise?” I questioned.

“I’ll be here until the world caves in.” I didn’t say anything, just gazed at him, in awe of this moment. Haven’t felt like this, my dear. Since I can’t remember when. The song continued. “It’s been a long, long time.” Atticus sang along, still smiling like he believed the words he was singing. 

“I’ve missed you Atticus. It feels safe with you. Like...like I’m going to be okay.” I gazed up at him, like a helpless child. He just smiled. “It’s been a long, long time.” He repeated this time he spoke it. “I’ve been awaiting our next dance.” He smiled, he kissed me on the forehead, and a sense of comfort flooding through my body as we continued to dance.

As the instrumental part played, he smiled at me. However, this smile was different. He seemed emotional, “nostalgia?” I whispered.

“We will meet again.” He said, before glancing over to the clock. I stared at him, bewildered. 

“Harriet? Harriet!” He spoke, yet his voice had changed, the atmosphere too. The music was no longer playing. Yet the clock was still upon the wall.

“Miss Anderson?” The professor stood in front of me, as confused as I was. “Would you care to read your final sentence to the class?” 

I stared down at my desk, at the pen in my hand, the whole story that I had written. I nodded and began. “However, though they may not be real...they comfort us. Grow with us. Lift us up when the only way is down…” I glanced at the door frame. There stood Atticus Hallow, his messy hair in front of his face. “We will meet again,” I spoke, feeling a sense of closure. 

“I’ll be awaiting our next dance.” I nodded in reply, with a smile. A true smile. I was okay. As I looked back to the door, he was gone. The last trace of him was in the words on the page. But I knew it was only a matter of time until I saw him again. 

“They make us feel noticed.”