"Er, excuse me Anton." Louise smiled, breaking free from his grip where the smile fell.

Quickly whisking herself away, she placed her glass violently on the table before attempting to head across the dance floor that was heavily filled with moving trees and spinning flowers. Scanning quickly the area she was in as dancers dotted her vision, she stood helplessly looking desperately for Mark who had now disappeared. Sighing, not wanting to admit defeat, she turned quickly to check behind her but still she couldn’t see him.

"May I have this dance." A voice came from behind her. "Lou…" He whispered.

Grinning as she knew who it was, everything crashed inside of her when he took her hand in his and pulled her close again, like she was before they were intervened.

"I thought you had gone." Louise said, not being able to hide her happiness of finally being able to be near him again.

"What? And not finish our dance?" Mark grinned as he locked eyes with her again.

Sparkling, like the chandelier above, Mark hauled her closer as they took small, slow steps; moving with the rest of the floor. Keeping as close as possible within the situation they were, Louise felt that passion return and squeezed his hand, making him smile instantly. They had returned to their world and as the music continued to play generously throughout the room, the tune they both wanted to hum, matched.

"I’m sorry I’ve been away all evening but Anton… he… he…"

"Shh, it’s ok." Mark hushed. "I’ve been admiring the wallpaper." He told seriously, before breaking into a grin.

"Shut up Mark." Louise chuckled.

"What? I have!" He smirked. "Royal blue… a nice, grand colour. Perfect for all the balls that must go on here."

"You’ve seriously been doing that?" Louise asked. "No wonder you looked so bored…" She laughed.

"Well I am bored if I can’t look at you." he told, as Louise rolled into a coy smile, glancing down.

Watching her eyes shine with delight, he meant what he said so titled her head up so she could face his sincerity. Touching her chin softly, she smiled as they stopped moving and just stood there, amongst the crowded floor, for now they didn’t need to move as too much was happening inside. Forgetting where she was, she forgot who she was as the people around her didn’t bother her anymore, yet that came to an ultimate halt when Anton arrived, where Mark’s touch was cruelly snatched away.

"Anton! I was erm, Mark and I were…"

"Were just dancing." Mark added quickly. "I asked Lou… Louise here and being the polite young lady she is, she accepted."

"Well I am afraid you have not got time for that now Louise, as in case you have forgotten, you have not yet performed, so I think that right now is most appropriate." Anton explained.

"What? Anton, no I can’t… I…" Louise tried to explain as she turned to Mark for help but it was already too late.

"Ladies and gentleman." Anton said loudly, gaining everyone’s attention. "It is now time for my fiancée’s music piece over at the piano." He beamed.

Looking nervously around as everyone stared at her, Louise didn’t know where to hide, as everything was open. She had no choice but to perform, and it frightened the hell out of her. All this preparation over the last few weeks was for nothing as it all seemed to fade in her mind, yet as she looked to Mark, he smiled and urged her forward where he followed.

"What are you doing?" Louise whispered as she headed towards the piano.

"I said you’d be fine when you do this piece and you will now just go and sit down." Mark instructed quietly in which Louise conformed.

"Mark, I’ve forgotten everything. I can’t remember a thing." Louise whispered precariously.

"Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. Just think of when we were practising." He tried assuring as he stood behind her.

Placing her fingers nervously on the keys, she took a deep breath yet that still didn’t clear her mind. Everything she had remembered had vanished, leaving her choked in what to do and as she closed her eyes briefly, trying to regain that memory, that lesson, something made it seem more real and come to life.

Looking towards Mark as he now stood smiling by the side, the notes he mouthed discreetly, brought back that confidence and gave her enough to play. Tapping the keys timidly as she smiled shyly, Mark proceeded to mouth the notes until Louise began freely playing the tune she could now recall.

Finishing to a small clap echoing around the ballroom, Louise stood up smiling and took position next to Mark where she brushed his hand lightly, showing her thanks.

"Oh Louise that was excellent! I am so glad I was back in time to see it." Abigail grinned, heading over with Anton behind.

"Yes, definitely. Mr Read, you certainly have proved yourself." Anton told.

"Thanks." Mark smiled, taking another glance at Louise.

"Louise, you really have proved your musical talent. I knew these lessons would be a good idea." Abigail smiled.

"Well, I think I owe most of it to Mr Read. He really is a good teacher." Louise complimented.

"But in such a short amount of time too Louise. You really should be proud." Abigail grinned.

"Yes Louise, you should be." Mark smiled.

"My associates looked so impressed with you Louise." Anton added. "Oh that reminds me mother. Mr Briggs wishes to speak to you on behalf of his wife I believe."

"Oh yes," Abigail retorted. "Where is he Anton dear?"

"I shall take you to him mother." Anton offered. "Will you be ok for a little while Louise. I will not be long."

"I will be fine." Louise smiled as Anton and Abigail shuffled into the crowd.

"Come on." Louise said quickly, taking Mark’s hand.

"Where are we going?" Mark questioned as they hurried past everyone.

"Somewhere where we can talk." Louise told simply as he let her lead him outside into the garden.

Sitting down on the stone walled pillars, nights breeze was a refreshing difference compared to the heated moment Louise was once just put in. Stars above twinkled as the moonlight sent a glisten over everything below, and as Louise turned to face Mark, she found him already gazing at her.

"I… I just want to say… say thank you for what you did in there, thank you for everything really since you’ve been here." Louise said, fumbling with her fingers in her lap.

"Don’t mention it." Mark smiled. "I’ve enjoyed it… I’ve enjoyed meeting you." He said, taking her hand and holding it tight.

"And I… I have too. Everything was just so… so… dull and… closed before you came. But then, now, everything just seems to look so much brighter with you around." Louise admitted, as Mark squeezed her hand. "Mark, I don’t want you to go. I…"

"Louise, I don’t want to either." Mark interrupted. "Ever since I’ve met you, the first day I saw you, I knew you were different, special. Now you’re part of my life and although it may not be the best one at the moment, with you in it, it feels like it is." He confessed, pulling her closer. "I don’t want to say goodbye…"

"Then don’t." Louise said simply before leaning in and touching his lips tenderly.

Kissing him for the first time felt magical to the both of them, and as Mark secured his arm around her waist and hauled her closer, she threw her own arms around his neck where she didn’t want to let go. Breaking apart and smiling at each other, Mark stroked her face, pushing away the curl that had escaped its grip, before she pulled him close again, where they connected for the second time.

The light Louise had always carried shined its brightest, and as she continued to brush her lips with his, she really did begin to feel free. She had touched partly on what life should be like, and how she should feel, making the prison she was in before grow darker and further away. She didn’t want to stay there anymore and she didn’t want to leave this feeling alone.

"Louise, what the hell is going on here!" An angry tongue shouted, breaking them apart instantly. "Mr Read. Why are you kissing my fiancée?"