Chapter Text
It wasn't exactly as it had been at the sorority party.
For one thing, they were a little overdressed for an event like that. At least Ellen was. Alex's suit was at least very similiar to what he had worn.
Ellen, however, looked like something out of a fairy tale, though her look was still grounded in reality.
Alex's right arm was around her waist, and her left hand rested on his shoulder as the song -- their song -- played.
Neither of them were leading the dance, allowing the music to guide them.
She allowed herself to relax against his arms, her head lying on his shoulder. He whispered the lyrics of the song into her ear, making something warm and fluttery spiral in her belly.
Glittery, rose gold confetti fell from above as the song began to reach its climax, but Ellen didn't seem to notice. She was too lost in Alex's eyes. In that moment, it felt like they were the only ones in the room.
The couple shared bright grins, and neither of them could contain themselves any longer.
They leaned in closer, their lips barely brushing together...
~oOoOo~
Ellen's eyes slowly opened as she woke up.
The entire dorm was encased in darkness, even though she had the lights on when she had cried herself to sleep. She looked over at Tricia's bed, seeing her roommate fast asleep, in her silk and pink pajamas. Ellen hadn't changed into her pajamas when she had run back to the dorm, so she was still in her clothes from the party.
Tears began to well up again, making Tricia's sleeping shape blurry.
A part of Ellen wished that she had run off.
That if she had been brave enough to say "no" to Dennis when he continued to pester her about marriage during his daily phone call.
She rolled onto her side, hugging her knees close to her chest.
She was trapped.
And she was afraid.
She didn't know what Dennis would do if she had refused him, and she was scared that somehow, he would learn about tonight's events.
She wished that she could run into Alex's arms, let him hold her close, and hear him tell her that she was loved and that she was safe.
But this wasn't one of her favorite ballets, where the maiden would be saved by the dashing hero. This was real life.
Still, she would not let that stop her from dreaming.