"How do you know Russian? It's just unbelievable," he asks me.

I smile, " Just as you know English, I learnt it."

"Wow! That's awesome," he smiles," I am Dmitriy by the way. Nice to meet you."

My heart skips a beat. It was a funny feeling. Like someone was tickling it. But I had never felt it before,

"I want to get to know you more," he whispers.

More fluttering in my heart.

"Rosella, nice to meet you too," I barely manage to say. I see the teacher staring at us. I feel so embarrassed. My cheeks feel hot. What is this feeling?

" Just go now," I say tossing my hair back? "We'll talk later."

He smiles apologetically and moves to the bench where he was sitting.

That day class passes by in a whiff. More because I don't pay attention to the teacher. I am time and again glancing back at where he is sitting. All alone...shunned...I feel bad for him. But I don't know why I keep looking at him.

I am observing his gorgeous brown hair which shines with the little sunlight touching it, giving it unearthly highlights, his eyes, beautiful like a woman, with big eyelashes, his face, a picture of concentration, as he stares at the book in his hand, frowning in concentration and most importantly that smile which seems to be a constant companion, his never-fading gorgeous smile. I just can't help admire him. I had never admired a boy in my life. I am definitely changing...

Suddenly he looks up from his book and our eyes lock. I immediately lower my eyes. I am blushing. He caught me staring at him. What a shame! My cheeks burn hot. But it is not that fierce embarrassment when someone insults you. This embarrassment is something sweet, something passionate. This embarrassment comes with a feeling of satisfaction. A feeling of being complete. Another new feeling.

Suddenly my dreams change...I feel like I am falling again...falling to a deep gorge. Falling to my death...

I am standing on a street. The cold night air blows my hairs and my skirt. It's a chilly, windy night. I start walking down the alley. No sound except those of my footsteps and the rustling of the leaves of the trees overhanging the alley. I feel so cold and lonely

"Roza, wait," I hear his voice, having a slight Russian accent, caressing each letter, wrapping my name in a warmth which is beyond comparison. I feel the warmth on my whole body.

"Dmitriy? You here," I turn back surprised. "Shouldn't you be at the dance?"

"Nope, I followed you since you left the party. Why did you leave?"

There was a party at school and I had left in between without informing anyone... Well, I thought so... But now I see he always keeps a watch out for me.

I avert his eyes and keep quiet. How can I tell him why I left? Will he understand? He is so noble that he may never agree to leave me. I think it's better if I break our bond. But I don't want to lose him. I can't tell him. Instead, I keep quiet. Without my knowledge, a lone drop of tear leaks from the corner of my eyes.

A/N As I said earlier, this story is writing itself. This story comes from my heart. I would appreciate your votes and comments. Hope you like this entry for the #opennovellacontest Hope to hear from you my beautiful and talented readers.😊 Feedbacks are welcome.