What If?

Chapter 8

Dante stopped laughing and said, "I miss that laugh."

I stopped laughing and curiously asked, "What laugh?"

Dante smiled. "That laugh. Your laughter was always so full of joy and happiness."

"Oh," I chuckled.

"I never thought I would ever hear your laugh again," Dante said.

I looked out to the Eiffel Tower and the lights throughout of all Paris.

"Dante..." I began to say.

"Yes, Anastasia?" Dante asked.

"I'm sorry," I replied.

"Sorry? Why are you are sorry?" Dante asked.

"Well I mean I feel like I know you and that memory from the summer with my sisters and brother confirms it but I can't remember you, Dante. As a person." I told him, feeling remorse.

"Oh, I see. But that's okay. It's not your fault. Maybe we can start over again and I could tell you more about me and my past and the things we did together as children." Dante said putting his hand on my shoulder.

"Sure. That would be great." I replied.

I need to distract myself anyways.

"I think we should head back to the ballroom," I told Dante.

"Yes, you are right. I'm sure your Grandmamma and the rest of guests are wondering where the beautiful host is." Dante said.

"Haha, very funny" I pushed Dante teasingly. "Come on, hurry up!" I said.

"Wait! Anastasia!" Dante said.

I stopped in my tracks. "Yes?" And as I turned around I remembered that it was Dante and not Dimitri. Not the man I would joke around with and not the man that I fell deeply in love with. But a man that was a complete stranger to me. A man I knew as a child. I looked at the Eiffel Tower once more. That was the last happy moment I had when Dimitri was here. With me. When I felt loved by him.

"Let me escort you back to the ballroom," Dante said as he took my hand to escort me back to the ballroom and out of my trance.