The next day at the Dance Palace, Natalie gave a huge sigh. Coming on stage again. She’d listen to Sharon’s lead even though it made her stomach flip-flop.
“To the left—and right again,” Sharon shouted and smiled at the same time and Natanie frowned. Everything about Sharon upsets her though she didn’t know why, but she’d figure it out. And again, she caught his eyes over her direction. What is he staring at, she thought.
This time, he wore a straight long sleeve shirt and dark trousers. She noticed his hands properly fixed in his trouser pocket and also wearing a bright smile.
She found herself responding to every part of it. And when he blinked, she cursed herself for staring too much. Then she frowned, forcing herself not to look back. Damn! Those lustful eyes. He was definitely too young to be a judge!
All her life, she thought that judges were randy old men and people who just sit on their esteemed seats and whine based on their experiences. She thought it ridiculous that he's way too young to be one.
“Great practice, girls!” Sharon called out. “I love your cooperation, keep it up.”
“You look a little happy today, Natanie.” Isabelle said beside Natanie.
“I agree, maybe because I didn't talk to Fred today.” Natanie said airily as Isabelle scoffed in disbelief. 
“Wait, don't tell me you haven't reconciled with him yet? What the hell are you thinking, don't you love him anymore?” Isabelle looked disappointed and not that it's any business of hers.
They both walked out of stage as Natanie halted at the exit of the hall, which made a couple dancers heading out to squeeze their way through.
“It's not that I don't love him Isabelle, it's just that he's too impulsive and it gets annoying. I hate it when he does that.” Natanie said gripping her leather bag tightly.
The new judge stood frozen as if observing Natanie. He noticed her ever since she smiled back at him. He had noted and seen something wonderful that he couldn't explain in her that if given the space of eternity, he still won't be able to explain it.
Isabelle nodded at her friend. “Don't worry, everything will be fine.”
“Will it?” 
Isabelle nodded again but this, with a spark of uncertainty.
“I hope so.” Natanie mumbled and headed to her dressing room. 
As soon as Madina saw her, “you had a great time?” 
“Yes Madina, I really did have a great time at practice today.” Natanie responded and tossed her leather bag on the couch and grabbed the glass of lemon juice on a small stool that Madina prepared.
“Hmm hmm..” She sipped it. “You're really good at this.” Natanie commented and reclined to a chair.
“You like it?” 
“No Madina, I love it.” Natanie chuckled.
“You really look happy today.” Madina began to say as Natanie nodded amidst sipping the lemon juice.
“You are not the only one that have said that today, Isabelle said it too.” Natanie bit her lip in amusement.
“Then I'm not the only one that noticed.” Madina smiled.
“Well, it's always like that whenever I don't have a discussion with Fred.” She shrugged.
Madina sighed. “But hold Natanie, I want you to be honest with me, do you really love your boyfriend, Fredrick?”
Natanie seemed to be lost in thought. “No_ Yes, I don't know. I guess I do.” She looked confused and Madina nodded knowingly.
“You must be confused.” Madina muttered.
“You know Madina, the thing is _ the thing is that _ sometimes, I feel like I actually do love Fred but then again, I feel like I don't. Like what I feel for him is just superficial you know _” she sighed and gave up not even believing her own explanation.
“But you're not supposed to be confused about these things, do you have someone else occupying your thoughts lately?” Madina inquired.
Natanie shook her head but remembered she had smiled back at the judge. But it really doesn't mean anything except for the fact that he's pricked her interest lately. Besides that, he doesn't affect or contribute to her confusion about Fred.
“No, no, no Madina, it's not that.” She reclined further into her chair.
“Then what is the problem?” Madina asked. 
Natanie sighed. “Of course you are aware of the endless arguments we usually have after every conversation, it's really draining. We are like water and oil, unable to blend.” 
“What sort of arguments do you both have?” 
“The thing is _ Fredrick is choking me. He doesn't let me be. He's always demeaning my ability to be independent, I bet he thinks I'm a dumbass who is unable to fend for herself. He makes me feel incapacitated and that has to be the worst feeling for me.” 
“I do understand you Natanie but I believe he's just concerned about you and also wants to support you. I understand that you like to do things your own way but there's Fred, who's willing to step up for you. Don't you want a supportive man? Do you want to end up alone?”
“He's willing to take care of you. I don't want you to be alone or experience the weight of loneliness.” Madina added.
“Mady, you sound like my mother. Don't make it look like Fred is the only man on earth for me and yes, I love to be alone.” Natanie sighed exasperatedly. She kept her unfinished glass of lemon juice back on the stool, and then stood up and moved away from her chair, pacing round the room.
“I've always wanted to be alone, to experience what it truly means to be independent and you of all people should know that I love my independence and whatever it is that I feel for Fredrick, won't change that!” Natanie said and walked out of the room.