Christine sat on the edge of her bed, silent. James brushed his teeth in the bathroom. He came back shortly and barely glanced at her, getting under the covers.

“We aren’t going to talk about it?” he asked

Christine’s voice was firm but small, “What is there to talk about?”

James sat up, “Are you going to make me say it?”

Christine rolled her eyes, “Fine. First off, thank you for the lovely evening….it would have been even more lovely if I hadn’t been publicly ridiculed for my family’s social class….by you”

“I understand your frustration….it was wrong for me to join them, I should have noticed you weren’t amused. They were truly jossing, I promise, but I’m sorry. Lawrence is an old friend of mine, he’s always been a comedian….I’m truly sorry”

Christine was silent for a moment.

“You seem to have many acquaintances,” she said, “contrary to what you told me at the wedding….why were none of them invited?”

James was surprised she remembered his words about friends.

“Well I don’t think I would consider many of my friends true ones….I actually don’t think I’d consider any of them as friends at all. They are always doing things, living their busy lives. We’re only friends when it’s convenient for them. I believe that’s made me realize….I’ve never built any relationship with anyone”

Christine touched his hand.

“This probably doesn’t help,” she smiled weakly, “but I suppose you could practice with me”

“Don’t worry about that,” he said, “you’ve already helped me more than you know”

********************************************************************************

James awoke early the next morning and went for a walk around the neighborhood. He saw a group of townsfolk crowding around town square in the distance. The neighborhood was very close to shops and the center of town, James hardly ever saw so many people there. As he walked closer, he heard two women huddled together reading the paper.

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“The Waltzes have been awfully quiet lately,” one of them said, “no new policies or events!”

“Maybe they’ll be more lenient than their parents,” the other nodded

James ignored them and kept walking through the crowd. He finally reached what everyone was staring at. A large paper was posted to the town bulletin board.

Thomas Waltz to host a gala with Lady Amber Octania it read, all are welcome for this big announcement.

James was bewildered. What could Thomas possibly have to say that the whole town has to hear? He wanted to write to Thomas and ask but didn’t think Thomas wanted to speak with him. Not after telling him to stop sending letters to Christine. James even debated telling Christine about the gala. Maybe it would do them good to have some communication with Thomas and Lady Octania….in person. Then again, Christine might not want to talk to Thomas….or her mother. James went home and found Christine sitting on the bed holding several papers. Letters.

“Christine?”

Startled, Christine stumbled and put the letters in a box next to her, sliding it under the bed.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know where you were,” Christine said, slightly passive aggressive.

“I went to town square,” he nervously ran his hand over his mouth and chin, “there was a public invitation. Thomas and your mother….are holding a gala. They….have an announcement”

Christine tensed slightly, “what might that be?”

“I haven’t the slightest idea,” he sighed, “they must want people to attend to find out”

Christine rolled her eyes outside of James’ view, “I suppose you want us to….attend?”

“I know you’ve been melancholy,” he sat down next to her, “but I think it will do us both good to communicate in person. Also, it’s a gala! What fun, right? Food, socializing,-”

“Dancing?” Christine muttered

“Yes,” James said, “I’m sure there will be some….dancing”

“I will go to the gala,” she said, pushing James lightly, “if you will dance with me”

James was surprised at her boldness, “You want me to that badly-”

“Oh come on, I know you want to!”

James let out an exasperated sigh and hid a smile, “Alright, alright….I will agree to this”

Christine laughed and let herself smile. She reached her his hand but quickly stopped herself. She was surprised by her own thoughts. What was wrong with her? After all that James has done? How could she ever forget.

“Forgive me,” he stood up, “I think I need to tell you something. Don't laugh, I promise I’m being serious. I admit I was wrong about you, from the start. I think we should be friends….truthfully”

That was not the confession Christine surprisingly found herself hoping for, but she agreed. He offered both hands to help her up as he stood in front of her. She took his hands and stood up, looking him in the eyes. She quickly shifted away from between James and the bed and went into the hall.

“Pull yourself together,” she whispered to herself, “snap out of this fake feeling, Christine, he is….him. He’s James Waltz. He is still the arrogant, entitled, and angry young boy he always was”

She took a deep breath and tried to bury her hopes about him, as she had been trying to do for days now. Somehow, he always brought them back into her heart again.