Page 67 of Rome: The Ballerina

She shook her head. “It won’t make sense today, but one day. One day it will.”

“Rome,” I paused, “Elaborate.”

Slowly, she took a look around. She kissed the skin of her teeth before she placed her eyes on me again. As if she was ashamed of the words that she was preparing, she withered like an oxygen-deprived flower.

I drew closer, looking down at her. She was far from intimidated. And, intimidation wasn’t my intention. Understanding was.

“Elaborate.”

She exhaled, bringing her palm to her forehead. Her elbow sharpened, sticking out in the opposite direction. She turned away, gathering herself. Shortly after, she turned to face me again.

“We’ve found one another in every other lifetime and this one is no different. It feels familiar because it is. I feel familiar because I am.”

I listened, wanting more. Needing more. Needing something to blame this feeling on.

“I understand you’re engaged and there is conflict there, but my heart won’t allow me to care, knowing in the end you will be mine. Simultaneously, my morals won’t allow me to interfere with your union, so I won’t. Because, I’m a woman before I’m a lover. Before any of that, I’m good and good people don’t hurt people. They shouldn’t, at least.”

She paused, shaking her head. Her hand fell near her side.

“You’re mine, Saint. From your head to your soles, you belong to me. Knowing this for years and years and years, yet having to wait has equipped me with an incredible amount of patience. And, I’ll continue to wait. However, I won’t wait long.

“I’ve suffered long enough due to your absence. Nevertheless, I won’t pursue you. And, I won’t entertain your pursuit of me until you’re a single man. I’m aware of my position in your life, although you’re clueless. Because I know where we will stand in the end, I will never be too far.

“I’ll always be within reach. And, I don’t mean being your parent’s neighbor. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. I’ll always be within reach. The moment it all makes sense for you, I’ll be here. I’ll be near. And, every moment after will reflect your pursuit of me.

“My knowledge of our fate will not exempt you from the chase. The hunt. I won’t relieve you of your responsibilities as a man in pursuit of a woman. You must pursue me. Court me. Woo me. Convince me that you are worthy of my time and energy. Because, our ending won’t come to fruition unless the journey is as unique as us.

“I’m inexperienced, but I am no fool. I understand what I deserve and you will, too. Soon enough. I’ll leave you no choice, Saint.”

Speechless, I stared at Rome, unblinking.

“Do you understand?”

My mouth slackened. My heart tried breaking through my skin.

“Do you understand what I am saying to you?”

I nodded.

Suddenly, the light in her eyes darkened and the muscles of her face relaxed. Though her words were soft, they hit like a MACK truck.

“It’ll be good having friendly neighbors,” she claimed, swiftly changing the subject. “Thank you for the warm welcoming. Tell your family the same.”

She extended her hand. I was immediately insulted. I watched as it lowered after she realized I had no interest in it. Instead, I placed a hand on her waist and pulled her closer to me.

Naturally, her arms slid up my chest and around my neck. I clung to her body, her scent, and the feeling of her body pressed against mine. She relaxed against me. Her comfort was gratifying. She belonged here.

It felt like a lifetime passed us by before I finally let her go. And, when I did, I regretted it. So much so that my hand went around her waist a second time, pulling her in again. This time, I didn’t linger in her space.

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