Our fancy is our unique talent that gives us the inspiration to create, to live, and to love. As any romantic girl I fancied my marvelous Cinderella story with a magnificent happy end. I used to remember this final quotation: "They lived happily forever and ever." But the time passed, and my realistic mind erased the traces of this beautiful image from my memory. My existence was filled with a routine, and I didn't dream any more. I denied my dream, trashed it away from my head, but it returned to me in the moment of my desperate desire of a miracle. My dream came true to prove me its existence, but it never forgave my betrayal.
This day was far away from ordinary because it was the date of the charity ball. I received an unexpected invitation a couple of days ago. That's why, since morning, my head was full of dreams about a gorgeous evening. Suddenly I ran back to my earliest memories about inspiring Cinderella story. Her Godmother turned her into a beauty flapped the magic stick over her. Unfortunately, I was not so lucky and could count only on me. So, the night before, my friend Katya, who was also invited to the ball, and I were trying on the evening gowns of all possible shapes, colors and types. The choice wasn't easy because each of them had their advantages and disadvantages, but my reward was waiting for me at the bottom of the wardrobe. When I saw a silky dark-blue one-shoulder overlay garment adorned with a twinkling rhinestones, shining like stars at night sky, with the full-length, voluminous hem, I was treading on air. Happy and excited I was waiting for my moment of triumph.
Charity balls are common events in our time, popular among white collars pretending to be celebrities. It was my debut. So, I wanted to be a star and hoped for miracles at this ball. It made me forget about rainy autumn and my depressed mood.
Finally, the desired hour struck. I grabbed my fantastic attire; and together with Katya we rushed to the ball. I scarcely believed my eyes when I saw an incredible amount of beautiful ladies in elegant dresses from the Golden Century, gentlemen in military coats, tunics, and long-tails tuxedos. Some of them wore bizarre, white wigs. The fairytale came true. Katya and I, like two heroes of a historical movie, in the long and voluminous gowns, entered the ballroom. The music started, the speaker welcomed the guests. The ball was officially open. We danced all of these old-fashioned mazurka, waltz, foxtrot, and others which I had heard about, but had never danced.
However, the main surprise was waiting for me at the end of the ball, when the last sounds of the mazurka vanished, and everybody were ready to leave. Suddenly in the crowd I saw his face! I just could not move... It was unbelievable. My desired ideal man, whom I had dreamt about day and night, was standing quietly in the corner, and he was looking at me. Here he was, just as I had always imagined: black, curvy hair, aristocratic features and dark, deep eyes. My thoughts were in a turmoil, chaotically trying to realize that I was not sleeping. It was complete euphoria, when you have been waiting for something for a long time and finally it happens. The brain refuses to accept this fact as a reality. Fortunately, I immediately understood that he was real! He walked toward me, smiling.
"May I know your name?" His suave voice had a sophisticated charm.
"Irina," I exhaled, almost whispered. I was enchanted.
"Favio," He took my hand. "Nice to meet you, Irina."
I felt his warm and soft hand, and the goosebumps crawled to my back. I was trying to share my impressions of the ball but I constantly lost my thoughts. He was asking me hundreds of questions. Time flew by quickly. I desperately fought for the opportunity to stay longer with my dream man. "Is that possible?" My brain suddenly asked. "But why not?" My heart responded. It seemed we had just met and already I had to go. He promised to call me the next day. I trusted him because I wished to see him again. Everything seemed suddenly possible for me. He promised, and I was happy because I believed that our meeting was our fate's forgone culmination. I thought that we would meet again very soon, because both of us desired it.
He didn't call until next week, and all these days I was dying of desperation to see him again and again for the rest of my life. He asked me to go out that evening. I couldn't wait until the time. My heart stopped beating when I saw him again, even after a week I still felt such amazing feelings. We walked along the embankment of the river. The city looked magical in the evening, when the brightness of the shining streets reflected on the dark waves, making the landscape fascinating. His arms wrapped around my waist, my head leaned on his shoulder. I was completely in his power. His warm breath was close to my lips.
"I feel as if I know you all my life," I whispered breathlessly, looking in his eyes. He stared at me with his dark sparkling eyes and didn't answer. I wondered if I had said something wrong.
Then slowly he replied: "I feel the same. That's why I want to be honest with you. When I saw you the first time, I thought that it would likely be some adventure for me, nothing serious. But later, when I talked to you, I realized you were different from all the other girls I met before. So innocent in your feelings. I saw the real adoration in your eyes. I have never seen it before, especially toward me. I wished I could take you to my country, where we could be together, but..."
I couldn't believe it. I desired to be with him more than I could imagine. I felt heavy pain slowly compressing my heart. I couldn't breathe.
"Why?" No, I wouldn't cry, but keep my tears inside was difficult. Thanks to the darkness, he didn't notice my deadly pale face. Gazed into the river waves, he answered: "I don't believe in distant love, even real love. Distance kills all feelings, believe me. I already had this sad experience. You are wonderful and I wish you only the best in your life, but I don't want to bind myself with any promises. I'm very sorry. Tomorrow I am leaving, but I wanted to meet you before and tell you this."
"Thank you," I could hardly breathe, "Let's say goodbye to each other here and now. I wish you are happy and find what you are looking for."
I didn't tell him anything else, I just turned and went far away from him, forever. Oh, God, why I received so painful knowledge of true love?! Why so imperishable, but strong feeling can become a torture, killing all other emotions, sucking the life strength away from the body. This fatal love gives happiness to a short, but sweet moment, then charges a cruel fee. My heart was still with him; my hands still felt his touches. Perhaps, true love had to be so cruel and ended so rough because it made this feeling even more desirable and attractive with its taboo, its sweet fragrance. Then, once everything disappeared, you were left alone with your bitter experience. Yes, my dream came true, I felt what the real love meant, but my heart was broken.