Page 30 of Rome: The Ballerina

Get pretty. It was my favorite part.

I’ll be back.

“Did you make a decision?” She asked, referring to the dress options. I’d shown her four, but only one truly had my heart.

“Yes, Mother. I have made a decision.”

“A-line. Chiffon. Cocktail. Brown.”

“Yes. That gown. I think it’s suitable for the night. Not too serious. Not casual. Right in between. Great for dinner. Great for the bar. Great for the after hour spots if we are talking a progressive date night.”

“Yes. That’s a great choice, baby.”

I picked up another piece of hair and repeated the same steps. Admittedly, it felt good having my hair down and out of the ponytail I wore more often than not.

“It’s six-fifteen your time.”

“Yes, Mother. I know. I’m finishing up.”

Natural makeup caressed the skin of my face. The Tom Ford pumps Roulette had gifted me were resting on the bed, right next to my dress. Sliding into everything was the final step before heading out of the door.

I picked the phone up from the counter once my hair curls were finished. I propped it up against the mirror as I grabbed the wide tooth comb and raked through them.

“Change feels good sometimes,” I confessed, enjoying the freedom I was experiencing.

“Change is usually always good–eventually. Things must change for things to change. Align. Fall into place. Happen as they should. Progress is a post-production of change. It’s required. It’s necessary. For growth. For experience. For everything,” my mother explained.

“Change is usually always good–eventually,” I repeated.

“How are you feeling? Nervous? Anxious? Tell me, love.”

“I’m feeling… I don’t know how to place them exactly but I’m feeling a few things. One is that this is long overdue. I’m twenty-four.” I chuckled. “Feels childish.”

“It’s not.”

“I know. And, though others have experienced a hundred dates and at least three heartbreaks by the age of twenty-four, I’m grateful I don’t have those experiences hindering this one. You know– having me going into this apprehensive or too hopeful or desperate to get it right or anything remotely close. It’s just–a date.”

“It’s not just a date, Rome. We both know that.”

“You’re right and I didn’t mean it in that context. Sac isn’t just a guy, and this isn’t just a day, but nothing has warped my reality. No prior experiences. Just dream. Good dreams. Good thoughts. Good intuition. Nothing more. No previous experiences. Nothing. Just a date.”

“And, I truly adore the innocence in that.”

“Yeah. Even at twenty-four.”

“Even at twenty-four.”

“What do you think?” I asked, leaning closer to the camera for her to see me clearly.

“You look darling, Ro.”

“Thank you, Mother. I’m going to get dressed and get going before Koen is ringing the doorbell.”

“Enjoy your night. You’re beautiful, remember that. Head high. Boundaries clear. If you should feel uncomfortable at any moment, just signal.”

“Yes. I know.”

“I love you.”

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