More than a memory

Chapter 20

Ever after

Roxanne

I avoided Damon as a plague before the show. After what happened that morning and Rico's threatening I was terrified to bump into him. Right before the show he grabbed my shoulder and squeezed it so hard that I yanked in pain. He leaned to my ear and whispered.

- You are only alive because, just an insane man would cut the throat of the chicken that lays golden eggs before he gets rich. Go out and amaze them. - my knees trembled. The curtains opened and flashlights focused on me. I let myself relax and enjoy what I was doing. After all, my dream came true. I was preforming on Broadway and even if this is going to be my first and last performance, I am not letting for anyone to destroy it. I lost myself in the music and didn't even realize how fast the show ended. We walked out in a line, with a bright smile on our faces and bowed. I expected a round applause and whistling. Roses and compliments but there was silence. A suffocating silence. I glanced up and all I saw was a pair of silver eyes shining in the crowd. The owner of those eyes stood up and he started clapping. The whole theater followed his example and in a matter of seconds we were the center of a standing ovation. I tried to escape as soon as possible and meet with my friends. For a strange reason that I couldn't explain, I wanted to be held by Jerry. I got held back by a few people from the audience who congratulated me and the group, they gave us gorgeous bouquets of roses. Instead of a dream come true, the whole situation felt so cliché and their smiles were fake. I spotted only three honest and bright smiles in the crowd. I finally got to them and Clarissa immediately threw herself in my arms.

- Roxy you were amazing! I'm so proud of you! - Rico immediately turned our hug into a group hug. He squeezed me so hard that I had to pat his arm before he broke my bones.

- Sorry Roxy! I can only repeat Clari, you were fantastic. - I glanced behind them and there was Jerry. His eyes were unreal. I got frightened for a second because they shined with a murderous glance. I felt a hand on my waist and I immediately understood why he made such an expression. Damon started sweet talking to us just like nothing happened that morning. His fake smile made my stomach turn upside down. Jerry didn't take his eyes off of him neither Damon took his eyes of Jerry. The atmosphere changed and even the weather got colder. Finally their glance broke when I asked Jerry if he was feeling alright. I couldn't forget his twitching body and his screams of agony that I saw and heard last night. I still didn't know what he was and had no idea about our past, but I felt his anger. He looked like a warrior ready to make heads roll, instead of my sweet and silly knight. Jerry snapped out of that frightening state and the air around us changed. Damon grinned at him and I swear I heard him mumble. "This is getting interesting." We agreed on attending the after party for a short time. Damon lead our little group to the limousine that took us to the party. On our way to the car, Jerry stopped for a second and looked at me like a kid.

- I brought this for you. You were amazing! - he said and his words were all I wanted to hear that night. Don't misunderstand me, I was grateful for all the attention and applause and kind words I've received. But, hearing Jerry say these simple, yet meaningful words, made my heart flutter in a way I couldn't understand. Jerry handed me a beautiful, single tulip, with white petals fading into pink and rose at the tips. There was a little decor paper around it with tiny dance shoes and an emerald ribbon.

- Where did you get this from? - I asked while I realizes that it wasn't tulip season at all.

- Honestly? I grew it for you. - I felt my cheeks heating up. He believed in me from the beginning. He started to take care of this little flower months before the show. Also this kind of tulip was so rare and it was my favorite. I wished I could remember what we had. But considering this gesture, once, I was really important to Jerry and he knew me better than anyone else. Why did I forget someone like him? I kissed his cheek and said trying to hide my blush and calming my racing heart.

- You are really my knight in a shining armor. - Jerry offered me his arm and I locked mine with his. Suddenly he turned me around, under a door frame. I wanted to ask but he motioned me to keep quiet. The shadows hide us while a group of paparazzis rushed next to us screaming.

- I saw her walking here with a man!

- Was it Damon?

- I don't know!

- We must find her! - as soon as they rushed away, I took a deep breath. Jerry was covering me with his body and this way I got stuck between his and the wall. He looked at me. For the first time Jerry looked right into my eyes. His eyes were exactly like the ones I used to see in my dreams. He whispered.

- They are gone now. - but he didn't move. Jerry caressed my face and I didn't take breath for a second. Jerry sighed and stepped away.

- Let's go, Rico and Clarissa are probably worried already. - Jerry walked ahead and a moment later I followed him. The chauffer drove all of us the the party and I've never felt am event as suffocating as that one. There were not enough alcohol to make me relax in a room full of fake smiles. I didn't even like the music at all and managed to hide in a corner. - Finally a little bit of peace and quiet. I thought. I took another step back and bumped into someone. I turned around and looked up. I was ready to apologize when I noticed who I bumped in.

- Excuse me, my lady, but this shelter is already occupied. - Jerry said with a childish smile.

- A knight must protect a damsel in distress am I right? - Jerry grimaced playfully and bowed.

- My shelter is your shelter my lady. - I giggled while he took a few steps behind. Luckily this segment of the hall was isolated and quiet. We didn't say a word just watched the chatting and dancing people. The music was modern and not my taste at all. Also, after a full show, I didn't want to dance more. My legs were tired and I was starving. Jerry seemed to be reading my mind because he noticed a waiter carrying a tray of tiny sandwiches. He poked the waiter's shoulder and while he turned around, Jerry snatched four sandwiches for me.

- Thanks! I was starving! - I said while stuffed my face with the sandwiches. After I destroyed them all I realized that I ate like a pig. I smiled shyly at Jerry and said.

- This wasn't lady like at all. - Jerry chuckled and caressed my face again.

- No, it wasn't, but it was perfect.

- Everything is so easy when I'm with you. Why is that? - I asked and immediately regretted it. I shouldn't have drank that much without eating first. Jerry looked pensive and said.

- Probably because no matter what you do, wear or how your mood is, you are simply perfect in my eyes. - I blushed and this time I was the one who avoided his glance, instead I looked at the dancing people.

- May I have a dance? - Jerry asked and I shook my head.

- I hate this kind of music.-Jerry pulled out his phone and earphones.

- Give me a chance. - he said and I looked into those silver eyes. I melted in his gaze. Jerry put the earphones in my ears. He held me in his arms and put my feet on his.

- What are you doing? - I asked and before he turned on the music said.

- You must be tired. Allow me to take you off of your feet. - I nodded and Jerry turned on the music. I listened to the sweet melody and a smile spread on my face. I closed my eyes and relaxed in Jerry's arms while my mind took me to a place where I was happier than ever. The song softly played Jerry sang along with Elton John

" how it feels so real

Lying here, with no one near

Only you and you can hear me

When I say softly, slowly

Hold me closer, tiny dancer..." - although I couldn't hear him sing I saw his lips saying the words. And, when Jerry mouthed the words tiny dancer a memory came into my mind.