Hannah's Pov (Maxine's aunt):
I hurried out of the party with my bag, feeling so angry that I had to leave this early. It was never the plan. Gosh! I seriously don't know why this stuff had to come in now. It's so annoying.
Since we had all arrived here with one car - my husband's car - I had to return home with a cab - making it so unbearable for me.
I waited by the roadside and finally boarded a cab home.
** Maxine's Pov:
Pablo and I drove for a long time and surprisingly, he stopped along a lonely path where three black jeeps were parked and seemed to be waiting for someone.
"Come on, Maxine" Pablo said as he came out of the car and I also did same and followed him out, although I was a little confused.
I saw three women and two men in suits, all waiting outside the jeeps."You kept us waiting for too long, Mr Pablo. At some point, I was beginning to think you were gonna disappoint us" one of the women in suit spoke with so much fluency as she stared at her gold wrist watch.
"I'm so sorry, ma'am. We get held up" Pablo replied and she looked at me - they all looked at me.
"So...is the veil really necessary?" Another asked, making me nervous."Yes - I explained it to you, right? She...doesn't want anyone to see her face. And it doesn't stop her from dancing as long because she's still gonna be perfect" Pablo enthused and she sighed.
"Well, I hope so. Come on, we need to leave now" the woman said as they all turned towards the jeeps.
Huh? Am I really going with them?
"Come on, little girl. Go along with them. I'll be here waiting here for you". Pablo prodded me.
"Why? Won't you be coming along?" I asked nervously.
"No, I can't. You're in their care now. But don't worry, okay? You're safe".
I turned to the men and women who were already in the cars. But the door of the last jeep was kept open with one woman standing outside.
"Come on, now. We don't have much time, please" the woman said and I gulped nervously and went in with them.
** Hannah's Pov:
This is gonna be my last time ever making use of a public cab! Gosh! I so hate it when I get to share my space with commoners. Thank goodness I was sitting close to the window so I had to take in air.
We were just four in the cab, but it felt like thousands to me. And they all smelt like rotten eggs. Geez! I really couldn't wait to get off this thing.
Suddenly, I noticed something strange.
Huh? What's happening?
The driver - he was taking a different direction.
I flinched and looked at him.
"Hey! Where do you think you're going?" I asked paranoid, but none of them said a word.
He was now heading into a deserted area.
"Hey! I'm talking to you! This is a different route. Turn around!" I rasped, but they still didn't say a word.
Oh my!
Immediately, I tried opening the door beside me but stopped when the man next to me brought out a gun and pointed it at me.
What?"
If you don't stay still, you'll have yourself to blame" he threatened, making my eyes heavy.
Whaaaat?
I shuddered in fear and looked at the rest of the men in the car and that was when it became clear to me - I was in the midst of gangsters.
I watched helplessly as they continued driving with me deeper into the deserted area and finally parked in the midst of grasses.
"Drop your bag and get out" the one with the gun said.
"What? So, you're really gonna rob me?" I asked in disbelief.
"Drop your bag and stop asking stupid questions!" The driver snarled from the front seat.
Oh my God! They were so many important things in my bag.
"I should've known" I spat out.
"Commoners like you will always be petty thieves!!"
And immediately, he gave me a hard hit with the gun on my head and I found myself passing out.
** Ruby's Pov:
I stood next to Tammy as we fixed our gaze on the stage, enjoying the young lady singing.
That was the second person singing for the night and I kinda preferred this to the first.
"Where the hell is dad?" Tammy asked, chewing from her cupcake.
"I don't know. I was hoping he was somehow, going to take me to Noah" I replied pathetically and she chuckled.
"Oh, my God!! Ruby, take a look!!" Tammy suddenly gripped my hand and exclaimed, making me a bit startled.
Geez!
"What is it??" I rasped and looked at the direction she was pointing at.
Oh! The A3.
I fred my hand from Tammy's grip and took a proper look at them as they walked in.
They were three arrogant s*xy ladies and were best of friends Their names - Alexa, Audrey and Anna - hence they were called the A3.
They were actually crazy dancers and were part of the Star Dance Competition coming up in a few days...
"Awwn! Look at Alexa's red hair! She's so hot!" Tammy squealed and I glared at her.
"You're so dumb, you know that? You shouldn't be admiring them cause they're your rivals" I queried.
"Oh, please! You really think I stand a chance in that competition? I'm just participating because mom wants me to. Yes, I love dancing, but I'm not perfect yet. I still have a lot to learn and right now, I'm not qualified for that competition. I know I won't even pass the first round" she said and I laughed and I shook my head.
Foolish girl.
All the guests kept staring at them as they walked pass their tables. Hm. Indeed, they were hot.
The singer on stage finally rounded up her performance and next and the emcee came up and announced it was time for the dancer...
** Noah's Pov:
I stood beside the VVIP table, facing the stage and getting bored by all the performances.
Seriously, if not for the fact that this was my parents' anniversary party, I'd have left a long time ago. It was damn too boring - to me - since I didn't want to associate with anyone.
"Hey, Noah" I heard a familiar tiny voice call and turned to see the A3 standing beside me.
Geez!
"Hey" I called back, out of words and she hugged me - Alexa.
What the hell? With the guests around??
I pulled away from the hug immediately
"I've missed you and I'm glad you're back. Sorry, I haven't come to pay you a visit at home. I've damn sooooo busy. You know? Hooked up with rehearsals for the big competition" she said with a little laughter and I just smiled.
"Hi, Noah" Anna also said and brought out her hand for a handshake and I collected it.
"Hey" Audrey did same
Actually, I used to be a little close to the A3, but things changed..
I just suddenly felt like keeping a little distance and to crown it all, I left the country with Rex and the distance became much.
"Um...we'll catch up with you later" Anna and Audrey said and left, leaving Alexa with me.
Why do I feel like...this is a plan
Hmph. Well, I wouldn't be surprised. Alexa's has always had her eyes on me.
She stood next to me and faced the stage. The emcee was trying to call on the dancer.
"So...how was your stay in Dubai, Noah?" She asked and I shrugged and took a drink from the table.
"It was fine, I guess" I replied.
"Um...if I may ask...is there a specific reason you returned? I mean, you spent two years in Dubai and...
"There was a vast change on the stage as colorful beaming lights circulated and a heavy sound produced. Even Alexa was interrupted by it as it seemed to grip the attention of many.
I watched keenly and saw the red curtains open with the dancer walking in - taking slow and stylish steps.
She covered a veil and looked like an Arab princess. A light gasp ran across the hall as a result of how pretty and unique she dressed. And standing on the middle spot, she awaited the music.
** Maxine's Pov:
I felt so nervous; like I never thought I'd feel in my entire life. I stood at the middle spot and awaited the song I had chosen - a suitable song.
All eyes were staring at me. The pressmen and event recorders were hovering around the stage.
I also spotted him - Noah. Oh my God!!
He was standing close to the stage, his eyes fixed to the stage.
At some point, I feared my veil would fall off. But then, it was pinned to my hair, making it 99% impossible for it to fall off. At least, it made me feel safe.I found myself staring back at Noah and soon, the slow music came up and I did what I've always done - avoid looking at the guests while dancing.
**#Song - Fly.**
I danced to the best of my ability - like I've never danced in Pablo's bar. The atmosphere was in my favor - captivating and impeccable. I could feel the wind dancing along with me. Even the floors where I marched where in concurrence with me. At that moment, I felt on top of the world. Just like the song, I was flying...**
I kinda wished the performance never came to an end but unfortunately, it did and that was when I decided to look at the guests. I was panting heavily and my eyes caught with so many faces smiling at me.
And next, there was a clapping ovation. Different lights kept flashing at me, lights of people taking pictures of me.
Oh God! I couldn't believe this.
I looked at Noah and just like everybody else, his gaze was fixed on me.
The ovation became much that I couldn't handle anymore and I ran out of the stage.
** Noah's Pov:
For the first time in my life, I met someone who left me speechless - a dancer with a difference - one that's never been seen.
I was speechless and the drink I held nearly slipped from my hand.
Was that for real??She danced with so much passion and effervescent - making everything perfect. She never faltered in any of her steps. If there was a word more than perfect, I'd have used it on her. I couldn't even take my eyes off her for a second.
The whole time she was dancing, I felt her spirit around me.
Who was she? And why was her face covered?
She stared at me and finally ran out of the stage, but I wasn't satisfied. I needed to speak with her - see her face. I know I hated running after people, but this particular lady - she was different and inexpressible. I needed to know her.
And I found myself running after her.
"Noah?" Alexa called from behind but I ignored her and ran away.**