Natasha's Legacy by Heather Greenis

Elaine’s eyes. “There is nothing left to
say. I vividly recall your words the evening we broke our
engagement. To my knowledge, nothing has changed.”
    “My emotions remain unchanged.”
    “Cherishing Sarah’s company, I have no desire
to speak with you.”
    Alex raised Sarah's hand toward his face and
kissed her fingers. Sarah continued to look at the floor.
    This should be your night.
You should be glowing, feeling special, not unhappy. Alex
released her hand, placed his forefinger under her chin, and tilted
Sarah’s head upward. Relaxed and confident in her company, his
attention shifted down to her mouth and those beautiful,
perfectly-shaped lips. The world around ceased to exist.
    Alex leaned toward Sarah, closed his eyes,
and then it happened. He kissed her. It was better than he could
have hoped for. After savouring the moment for a few seconds, he
pulled back. Keeping his eyes closed, he slid his finger from under
her chin, allowing his palm and fingers to rest on her cheek. His
lips were back on hers. Alex’s eyes were still closed when Sarah
pulled away from his touch.
    “Alex. We’re at the concert hall.”
    Her words slapped him back to reality.
    The concert hall? What have
I done? Please, please, allow that kiss to have gone
unnoticed. Listening, he didn’t hear a sound. Nothing. The
room should have been full of the loud hum of chatter, but it was
quiet, uncomfortably silent. Opening his eyes, he took a quick look
around. A room full of strangers were staring at them. Closing his
eyes, he placed his hands on his burning cheeks. How humiliating. I've embarrassed myself and Sarah. Every ounce of his being wanted to run from the building, but he
would never see Sarah again.
    Determined to remain and face the
consequences, he tilted his head enough to see Sarah’s face. It was
difficult to read her emotions, to tell whether she was upset with
him.
    “My humble, humble apologies.” With a barely
audible voice he mumbled. “Please forgive me.”
    “I thought you were shy.” Alex strained his
ears to listen to her words. “I was mistaken.”
    “No. You were not mistaken. I’m terribly shy,
especially among strangers.”
    Sarah never responded, but looked around the
room. What was I thinking? Glancing to his
right, Elaine had disappeared, but Andrew and Ingrid were
approaching with someone he didn’t know.
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    Normally bubbly and chatty, Sarah was quiet
in the automobile, staring into the dark night as they travelled.
Once inside her apartment, Alex closed the door and took her hands
in his. “Sarah. Please. Speak to me.”
    “Your fiancée is a beautiful woman.”
    “She is not my
fiancée.”
    There was no sign of a smile, no response. I can’t lose you from my life . “She is
attractive, but her beauty does not compare to yours.” When Sarah
remained silent, he led her to the oval mirror in the sitting room.
Standing with her back against his chest, he looked at her
reflection.
    “Look, Sarah. Your inner beauty is deep
within your soul and shines brightly to the surface of your face.
It takes my breath away.”
    “She would be pleased to welcome you back
into her life.” Sarah looked through the mirror at Alex. “You’re
able to leave my side and return to her.”
    “That will never happen. Elaine is not
capable of making me happy or content. Elaine hurt me. I do not
regret ending that relationship.”
    “I recall seeing Elaine at John’s concert.
She did not stop speaking when John walked onto the stage.”
    “I recall that dreadful evening like it
happened only moments ago. You turned and glared at her. I was
mortified, but she continued talking. I was naïve to her arrogance.
I will not discuss my past, or my foolish stupidity. You must put
me out of my misery. Are you able to forgive me?”
    “What possessed you to kiss me at the concert
hall?”
    Having hoped for Sarah to respond “of course
I am!” he wasn’t certain how to respond. His silence