Amara stood at the end of a corner in that hall. She was caught up in the thought of everything that had happened since she stepped into the party. Her mind wandered to the connection she felt around Dennis, how he stood up to defend her when she was wrongly accused. She thought of thanking her friend, Teni for insisting she came to the party. The party had shifted many things in her life and, most especially, the connection she had with Dennis.
"Maybe I should just go without informing anyone" she muttered silently.
She stood up, but her gaze located Dennis where he was sitting.
"Hope this girl is not leaving now," Dennis whispered to himself as he smiled at her.
Amara's heart melts because of that warm smile from Dennis.
"I don't feel like going again" she whispered to herself.
"This smile is enough to keep me here".
Dennis keeps gazing in her direction to know what she is up to. He wasn't sure if maybe she wanted to leave, or she just wanted to take a walk.
"Don't be silly," she whispered to herself, taking a breath and glancing at the door again. "It's just one night, don't be fooled by the ambiance of a day party."
"I would like to have this girl's company again. She is so special to have made me feel warmth in this manner". Dennis muttered to himself as he sipped his drinks.
"Amara, stay!" She said softly under her breath. "Just a bit longer, then!".
The DJ man increases the volume of the music, but it doesn't get through the mind of Amara. Her attention wasn't shifted to the music.
"Hello, are you leaving now?" Dennis's voice cut through her thoughts.
"Uhmm, I ..." Amara stammered, she wasn't sure of what to say back to him.
Dennis smiled slightly, that same calm smile she had seen earlier. "I didn't get a chance to talk to you much earlier again. I have been engaged with many things. How are you finding the party?"
"The party is fine and cool. I enjoyed myself actually!". Amara said softly.
Dennis chuckled lightly. "I am glad you did."
"Yes, thank you for everything. I am grateful.". Amara smiled politely at him.
"Oh, no! It's nothing." Dennis responded.
"I just... don't know many people here," she admitted, glancing at the floor.
Dennis nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I can understand that feeling of loneliness in a place or setting you are not familiar with. But you are not alone. You have me and Teni with you ".
His words carried an unexpected warmth, Amara felt the genuineness in his heart and how much he appreciated her.
"Thank you," she said, her voice soft but sincere. "That means a lot."
Dennis smiled, taking a step closer.
"As much as I would love you to stay, I would not want to force you. The choice is yours. But I will be glad you stay for a little longer. I am sure Teni would want that too."
Amara glanced at him, seeing the genuine kindness in his eyes. Something about his presence made her feel like everything might be okay.
Amara glanced through the door, confused about what to say. But after a few seconds, she made her decision to stay. "I will stay for a little while longer."
Dennis's smile widened, and for a moment, Amara forgot about everything other thing. It was just the two of them in that corner. The music was still playing loudly.
"Good," he said softly. "You won't regret it. I promise you?"
Teni, have been checking around to see where Amara is sitting. She didn't want to bother to call her line. She never thought Amara could have thought of going without informing her.
"This is where you are." Teni's voice cut through their conversations.
Dennis quickly interrupted, "I saw her standing up for a while, so I thought I should just engage her." Amara smiled at what Dennis said.
"We have not had time to talk earlier," Dennis added. His voice was sincere and soft.
"I see; you have done well," Teni said to Dennis.
"I was contemplating going when Dennis came to me." She smiled softly, "But I have changed my mind to stay a little bit longer".
"You were contemplating going?". Teni was surprised to hear that. "You didn't inform me you were going any time soon before I left where we sat before."
"Yes, I didn't inform you; it was a spontaneous decision." Amara's voice was low.
"It's ok, thank God she is not going anytime soon. She has promised to stay for a while more". Dennis said convincingly.
"Yes, I will keep your company for another brief moment." Amara blushed in happiness.
Teni chuckled, "God save you; you didn't disappear from here without me knowing."
"Let's get a seat so that we can gist more." Dennis glances through the hall to see which seat they could occupy.
They left to have their seat while the music was still playing. Amara felt comfortable and happy being treated like a dignitary.
"Should we order for drinks?" Dennis asked sincerely.
"I am ok for now; I will not want to go back home and be dreaming of wines," Amara said sarcastically.
Everyone bursted into laughter. Her naturality and sincerity kept Dennis in awe. Teni wasn't surprised hearing her coming out plain, they have been best of friends for a while now.
"You know I just like your sincerity. You are not the type that will want to appear good and pleasing at all times." Dennis's smile widened as he spoke.
What he meant by not trying to 'appear good at all times' is that she was not a pretender.
"There is no honor in pretense. When you are genuine; genuine people will be attracted to you." Amara's voice sounds convincing.
"Hmm! That is true. A witty saying." Dennis added.
Dennis still wants to have a drink. But not wine this time.
"Waiter, please give me water!" He returned his gaze to the two of them.
"Water is therapeutic", I drink it more than wine. Dennis said softly.
The waiter came with trays of bottled water. He brought for the three of them onto the seat.