I looked around, understanding settling within me with a profound calm, like a gentle wave caressing the shore. Here again, I thought, feeling the familiar lurch in my chest as I recognized the confines of this ethereal world. A garden stretched before my eyes, unreal in its perfection. The flowers, in a myriad of impossible shapes and colors, seemed sculpted from pure crystal, their delicate petals glowing with an inner light. So beautiful... so fragile, I mused, marveling at their immaculate beauty.
The lawn, of a green so intense it seemed painted, almost artificial, invited barefoot steps. A winding path, made of smooth stones worn by dream-time, stretched before me, flanked at regular intervals by antique lanterns. Their warm, flickering light danced on the crystal flowers, guiding my steps with a spectral softness. Where does it lead me this time? I wondered, a mixture of curiosity and anticipation fluttering within me.
At the end of the path, beneath the melancholic grace of a weeping willow, whose leafy branches fell to the ground like a green veil, a scene made me sigh. Soft music began to rise in the air, the sweet and melancholic melody of a violin that seemed to caress the soul, stirring me completely with its ethereal beauty. So calm... a peace I never find awake, I thought, feeling an unparalleled serenity invade every fiber of my being.
And right there, standing, partially hidden beneath the small haven formed by the willow's leaves, was him. His appearance was different from other dreams, a new facet of a face I felt I had known forever, but the same unmistakable presence emanated from him, a calm that spread to my soul like a balm and, at the same time, a subtle electric shock that ignited every nerve with the intensity of the feelings that blossomed in his nearness. Always him... always that feeling, I thought, my heart giving a soft lurch. Everything around me was so unreal, so perfect, that it seemed like a mirage woven from my deepest longings.
I walked towards him with an instinctive precision, my feet floating over the emerald lawn. And once again, as I approached, I felt the familiar transformation. I too had changed in appearance, although I couldn't define exactly how. Beside him, a small table, covered with an immaculate white tablecloth, held a delicately decorated cake and various preparations I couldn't quite make out. And from the weeping willow, like an unexpected gift, extended a large lagoon of crystalline waters, its surface reflecting the soft light of the lanterns and the iridescent glow of the crystal flowers. A world made for us, I thought, my breath suspending in the unreal beauty of the moment.
"Happy birthday, my love," said his voice, deep but soft as the caress of velvet, a familiar echo that vibrated in the stillness of my dream. That voice... my longing, I thought, feeling a sweet pang in my chest. His dark eyes, now more defined than in previous encounters, shone with a tenderness that seemed to encompass my entire being.
He extended a hand towards the table set beneath the weeping willow. "I've prepared a celebration... for the two of us," he continued, his gaze fixed on mine, conveying a silent promise that transcended the realm of dreams. A celebration... just for us, I thought, the fleeting memory of his words in previous dreams returning to my mind.
Then, his voice became charged with a sweet melancholy, a note of longing that resonated with mine. "With the promise... that at some point... we will make it real... when our souls meet... in our reality." His words, spoken with a deep certainty, made my dream heart beat with a mixture of hope and a poignant sadness for the distance that separated us in the waking world. Someday... if only it could be real, I thought, my hand unconsciously reaching out towards his across the dream space.
I sighed in the dreamlike silence, my eyes fixed on his, absorbing every detail of his face that the dim lantern light barely revealed. I want to remember every feature, every shadow, I thought, engraving his image in the memory of my soul. I walked towards the table, feeling the soft, crystalline grass beneath my bare feet. The cake, adorned with flowers that seemed to come to life, exuded a sweet and ineffable aroma. The "various preparations" turned out to be bright and unknown fruits, intricately carved goblets, and small candles that flickered with a soft, warm light. Everything is so perfect... so unreal, I thought, a pang of melancholy piercing the joy of this encounter.
He waited for me by the table, with a sweet smile that illuminated his dark eyes. He extended a hand, and as I took it, I felt the same electric connection as always, a silent promise that ran through my being. His touch... so familiar, I thought, clinging to his hand as if he were about to vanish. He gently guided me to the chairs set at the table, and as we sat down, the violin music seemed to intensify, enveloping us in a bubble of ethereal sound.
We chatted in silence, with glances and smiles that transcended words. I felt his joy for my birthday, a pure and selfless affection that I never experienced in waking life. He offered me one of the bright fruits, and as I tasted it, a sweet and unknown flavor exploded in my dream mouth. I wish this moment could last forever, I thought, savoring the unreality of this instant.
Suddenly, his gaze turned towards the lagoon that stretched beneath the weeping willow. "I have another surprise for you," he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He stood up and offered me his hand again. Together, we walked towards the shore of the crystalline water. As we approached, the surface of the lagoon began to glow with a soft golden light, and small luminous figures emerged from the depths, dancing in the air like shooting stars. It's magical... everything is so magical, I thought, my dream heart beating with wonder.
He turned to me, his face illuminated by the dance of the lights. "This is our secret place," he whispered, his voice laden with a deep intimacy. "Here we can be who we really are, without masks or pretenses." Our place... just ours, I thought, feeling an even deeper connection with this stranger from my dreams.
In that instant, as his hand reached for my cheek and his dark eyes locked with mine with a palpable intensity, a sharp and familiar sound broke the stillness of my dream.
"Josephine! Josephine, wake up now!"
The voice, harsh and demanding, shattered the magic of the dream garden. The image of the dark eyes faded, the violin music abruptly silenced, and the warmth of his hand disappeared.
I opened my eyes with a jolt, feeling my body heavy and my mind confused. The faint light of dawn had intensified, flooding my room. Above me, the imposing figure of my mother loomed, her face furrowed with impatience.
"It's late, Josephine! Get up at once. You have to get ready for the party tonight. We can't afford any delays!" Her voice, cold and authoritative, completely erased the warm and soft echo of my dream, abruptly returning me to the reality I so longed to escape. The crystal garden and the stranger from my dreams vanished, leaving behind only a persistent longing and the vague promise of a future encounter somewhere between waking and dreaming.
I sighed, sitting up in bed. I knew that any attempt to express my desire for a more intimate birthday would be in vain. For my parents, this party was a declaration of status, an opportunity to rub shoulders with the elite of society. My personal happiness was a secondary detail.
"I'm coming, Mother," I replied, trying to sound compliant.
"Perfect. I've already asked your stylist and makeup artist to come in a couple of hours. And I've selected a dress for you. I want you to look dazzling, darling. Remember the image we must project." With a final assessing glance, she left the room, leaving me with a knot in my stomach and the feeling of being just another piece in the elaborate set design of her world.
The next few hours passed in a kind of controlled whirlwind. The stylist worked on my hair, elevating it into an elegant high updo, with a few loose strands strategically framing my face, giving it a sophisticated yet youthful air. The makeup artist enhanced my eyes with subtle shadows and a touch of shimmer, my lips with a soft cherry color, achieving a perfect balance between naturalness and sophistication.
Finally, it was time to get dressed. The dress my mother had chosen was exquisite: a long emerald silk mermaid design that elegantly accentuated my figure. The strapless neckline left my shoulders bare, and delicate beading details adorned the waist, adding a touch of sparkle without being ostentatious. I felt strangely distant from the image reflected back at me, as if I were seeing a stylish and refined young woman, yes, but also slightly imprisoned in a mold that didn't quite feel like my own.
As I put on long diamond earrings, a thought crossed my mind: what would he think of this outfit? The fleeting image of the dark eyes, full of tenderness from my nighttime dream, slipped into my memories, generating a pang of longing.
With a final glance in the mirror, trying to infuse some of my own essence into that carefully constructed image, I knew it was time to go downstairs. Music already resonated muffled from the main hall, and I knew my parents would be waiting to make their triumphant entrance.
I took a deep breath and opened my bedroom door. As I began to descend the marble staircase, the view spread out before me: a sea of lights, music, and familiar and unfamiliar faces. And then I saw him. Josep was standing at the foot of the stairs, conversing with some guests. His gaze lifted just as I began my descent.
His eyes widened slightly, and for an instant, all the bustle and the crowd around me seemed to vanish. His expression, usually jovial and carefree, transformed into one of silent astonishment and an admiration so pure that I felt a slight blush rise on my cheeks. His gaze slowly traveled over my figure, from the elegant updo of my hair to the subtle shimmer of the emerald silk, pausing for an instant on the sparkle of my earrings. In his eyes, I could read a genuine approval, a special glow that made me feel, for a brief moment, that perhaps, just perhaps, beneath all these layers of formality, the real Josephine could also shine. A faint smile touched his lips as he saw me, a smile that seemed to say without words: "You look... radiant."
His silent astonishment lasted only an instant, before a wider, more familiar smile illuminated his face. He excused himself from the group he was talking to and approached the foot of the stairs just as I reached the last step.
"Josephine," he said, his voice slightly lower than usual, as if afraid to break the magic of the moment. His eyes continued to shine with sincere admiration. "You look... incredible." His gaze swept over my dress once more, lingering on my eyes with a warmth that comforted me amidst the cold and formal atmosphere of the party.
A slight blush rose to my cheeks at his genuine compliment. "Thank you, Josep," I replied with a small smile, feeling a glimmer of confidence bloom within me. His approval meant a lot to me, more than he probably imagined.
At that moment, my mother approached us with her socially trained smile, taking my arm with a barely concealed firmness. "Josephine, darling, there you are. We have to greet the Dukes of Valois. They arrived a few minutes ago." Her gaze slid towards Josep with courtesy. "Josep, could you entertain Miss Marcela in the meantime?"
Before I could answer, my mother was already guiding me through the hall, towards the group of dignitaries waiting to be greeted. I felt Josep's gaze follow me for an instant, a mixture of understanding and resignation in his eyes. He knew this was the dynamic of my life, social obligations always in the foreground.
As I smiled and extended my hand to the Dukes, listening attentively to their kind but formal words, I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for the simplicity of the previous night's celebration, for the carefree laughter with Brianna and Josep, and for the mysterious warmth of the stranger from my dreams. Amidst the glitter and pomp of my birthday party, a small part of me yearned for the authenticity of those stolen moments.
Once the endless round of greetings and introductions came to an end, my mother finally granted me a respite. My gaze wandered through the hall until it found Josep's, who, with a kind smile and a slight nod, extended an invisible hand to me, inviting me to the dance floor that was beginning to liven up.
As I approached him, I noticed out of the corner of my eye my parents conversing animatedly with his. Suddenly, both pairs of eyes landed on us, exchanging glances laden with calculated approval, then offering smiles that, despite trying to be discreet, did not escape my attention. What are they plotting? a pang of suspicion went through me. However, for some strange reason, I decided not to give it too much importance, burying that unease in some corner of my mind.
As Josep gently guided me among the couples dancing to the rhythm of the cheerful music, a peculiar sensation washed over me. Involuntarily, I began to compare the warmth of his hand in mine with the ethereal feeling of contact with my dream stranger. It was very strange. Although Josep's kindness and closeness were undeniable, I didn't feel that same deep peace, that inexplicable connection that overwhelmed me in my dream encounters. It was as if two similar melodies were played at the same time, but one lacked an essential note that the other possessed.
My mind kept turning over that strange duality. Was it really just my imagination, a fantasy created by my longing for something more? Or were they subtle signals, coded messages from life trying to guide me towards something I didn't yet understand? I shook my head slightly, trying to clear those intrusive thoughts. For the moment, I decided to stop analyzing everything and simply allow myself to enjoy the moment, Josep's company, and the palpable joy of the party. I let myself be carried away by the rhythm of the music and the feeling of his hand in mine, trying to find happiness in the present, even though a small part of me remained in the haze of my dreams.
Joseph and I danced to the rhythm of the music that filled the hall, our movements synchronized by years of friendship and a tacit connection.
Joseph and I moved to the beat of the music that vibrated in the hall, our steps meeting in a familiar dance, woven by years of friendship and an understanding that needed no words. His hand on my waist was firm and kind, guiding me with a gentleness that made me feel light, almost floating in the whirlwind of the celebration.
"I'm sure Louie would have loved to be here with you, not to mention Brianna," Joseph commented, his voice barely audible above the laughter and cheerful melody. His eyes, bright under the hall lights, reflected a genuine warmth, a brotherly affection that I had always appreciated.
A pang, barely perceptible, pierced the bubble of my joy. Louie... I thought, his smiling face and sweet gaze etched in my memory. I missed him, the absence of his hand in mine a silent void amidst the crowd. And Brianna, her overflowing energy and unexpected remarks, were also needed to complete this picture. I wish they were here, I sighed internally, although my smile towards Joseph didn't waver. "I know," I replied with a sincerity that tried not to betray the lack I felt. "Tonight would be even more special with them."
"How about we sneak away to call them?" he proposed with a mischievous smile, feeling a sudden need to hear their voices, to share even for an instant the joy of this night. The idea of briefly breaking away from the formality of the party, of seeking a corner of complicity, irresistibly drew me in. I need to know how they are, I thought, the worry for their absence beating softly in my chest.
Joseph smiled knowingly, his gaze reflecting my own desire for a brief truce. "Sounds like an excellent idea to me. A little break from the 'perfect family'," he said, making a slight funny face that I returned with a giggle. Yes, a necessary break, I thought, feeling the need to reconnect with my true tribe.
He took my hand and, with a discreet excuse about needing some fresh air, we made our way through the elegantly dressed crowd. The bustle of the main hall gradually faded as we moved away, replaced by the distant murmur of other conversations and the soft sound of music filtering through closed doors.
We walked through a less crowded hallway, adorned with family portraits of past generations that seemed to observe us sternly. I hope they don't think we're doing something inappropriate, I thought with a hint of nervousness, although the excitement of the little escapade outweighed any concern.
Finally, we reached a small study, a secluded room with a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Joseph gently closed the door behind us, isolating us from the whirlwind of the party. The air here smelled of old leather and paper, and the dim light of a desk lamp created a cozy ambiance.
"We'll be fine here," Joseph whispered, pointing to a comfortable velvet sofa. "Now, who do we call first?" He took his phone out of his pocket, ready to dial.
"How about a group call?" I said with a mischievous smile, the idea of hearing their voices at the same time filling me with a sudden joy. That way we'll have both of them here, even if virtually, I thought, feeling the distance shorten a little just by imagining their responses.
Josep searched on his phone until he found the group contact and pressed the call button. The ringing tone resonated briefly in the silence of the study, charged with the promise of connecting our worlds for an instant. I hope they answer soon, I wished silently, holding my breath with a mixture of excitement and slight anxiety.
"Hello!" Brianna's unmistakable voice sounded, full of energy despite the distance. "What's up?"
Barely a few seconds later, Louie's softer and slightly worried voice joined the conversation. "Josep, you were dancing very close to my girlfriend... besides, why did you two go off alone?" His tone, although playful, hinted at a bit of curiosity and possessiveness.
Brianna took the floor again with her usual drama. "That's right! Where's Jo? The paparazzi are following you everywhere! This party is crazy!" Her voice sounded agitated, as if she were dodging guests and flashes.
Joseph and I exchanged an amused glance in the silence of the study. Typical of them, I thought with a fond smile, feeling a palpable relief at hearing their voices. The physical distance had briefly shortened, replaced by the familiar echo of their concern and affection.
Louie's initial joke had evaporated, replaced by a serious and possessive tone that left no room for doubt. "I'm serious, Josep. Keep your distance from my girlfriend," he snapped, his voice tense and charged with palpable jealousy. Oh, oh, I thought, feeling a pang of discomfort at the intensity of his reaction.
Before Josep could respond, Louie continued, his voice now tinged with growing frustration. "They're already doing polls on the live stream about whether you two are a couple or not, because your incredible 'chemistry' is so obvious." The irony in the last word was evident. The pressure from the cameras is unbearable, I thought, feeling the weight of public expectations on my shoulders.
Brianna's voice interrupted the budding tension with her usual urgency. "Where's Josephine, Josep!"
"I'm here," I said, trying to smooth the tension that was palpable through the line. My voice tried to sound calm and firm, seeking to calm the turbulent waters. "Honey, calm down. Yes, I'm your girlfriend, relax. They just want to create controversy to get more viewers. You know how the media is." Please understand, I thought, mentally directing my words towards Louie, hoping that the distance wouldn't distort the sincerity of my tone.
A silence charged with frustration and pain stretched across the line. Louie's voice, previously tense with jealousy, now sounded bitter and hurt. "Sure, I'm your boyfriend... and I can't be at your birthday party because your parents don't accept me," he said, each word loaded with a silent reproach that pierced me like an ice splinter.
My heart shrank at his pain. I know, love. I'm so sorry, I thought, the helplessness of my situation weighing me down like an anchor. I wanted to hug him, erase that sadness from his voice, but the distance and the barriers imposed by my family kept us apart on this important day.
Josep's voice interjected, trying to lighten the tension. "Come on, Louie, don't get like that. You know Josephine would like you to be here. And I was just being a gentleman, guiding her in the dance." His tone was conciliatory, although I could perceive a slight discomfort with the situation. This is getting ugly, Josep thought, wishing he could teleport and mediate in person.
Brianna added with her usual pragmatism, "Hey, guys, I think they're looking for you to make a toast or something. You should go before they notice you're gone." Her voice sounded a little lower, as if she were whispering so as not to be heard. We have to get them out of there before this gets worse, Brianna thought, feeling the palpable tension through the phone.
"You're right, Brianna," I said, feeling the urgency in her voice. The idea of my absence being noticed and generating more questions only increased my discomfort. "We have to go back."
I looked at Joseph, whose face reflected a mixture of worry and understanding. He nodded softly. "We better go back before my aunt starts sending out a search party."
To Louie, on the other side of the line, I said with as much sincerity as I could muster, "Love, I'll call you tomorrow, okay? I miss you so much and I wish you were here. But I don't want to cause any more problems. I love you."
A brief and heavy silence floated in the air before Louie's voice, though still tinged with sadness, responded with a resigned sigh. "Okay, Josie. I love you too. Take care."
We hung up, letting the silence of the study envelop us again. The brief connection with my friends and with Louie, though bittersweet, had been a necessary respite. But the reality of the party and family expectations awaited us on the other side of the door. Tomorrow will be a different day, I told myself, trying to cling to that small hope as Joseph and I prepared to return to the bustle of the hall.