Twin Souls

Chapter 7: The Dance

REVISED: 18th Feb 2024

7. The Dance

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"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the World Conference!" Arthur Kirkland of the United Kingdom announced from the main stage. He wore a black suit with a matching top hat that covered his blonde hair while holding a rose, which blended perfectly in the harmony of fanfare. "First of all, please go to your 'respective continents'!"

"Respective continents?!" Tamar commented as Arthur discussed the seating arrangements.

"The committee ordered that all countries shall be grouped accordingly! You can find the European table on the central wing, North Americans on the northwestern wing, South Americans on the southwestern wing, Africans on the southern wing, Asians on the eastern wing..."

"I will accompany you on your way to your seat." A man whispered in her ear, making her blood rise to her cheeks. Tamar realized that she was still holding her boyfriend's hand, his fingers clutched firmly against hers. Yes, you've heard the word right - 'boyfriend.' However, their relationship was still a secret, but Alfred fully decided to tell the world about it tonight. How would others react? Sure, some of them might judge her for being the significant other of the most influential country in the world. And some of them may not even approve of it, but Tamar told herself that the validation of others will never really matter at all.

"Alfred!" someone called from afar.

Shaking her head, she answered, "I must decline. Your friends are very excited to see you and you should greet them. We'll catch each other later."

At first, Alfred hesitated, but he quickly kissed her forehead, "Right, see you soon. I love you."

She was a grown woman, but as soon as the three magical words escaped his lips, she would feel like a young girl again, melting with pure bliss. Love has the power to make even the most mature individuals feel childlike and carefree, reminding us of the joy and excitement we experienced in our youth.

She watched his figure disappear from the crowd as he made his way to the northwestern wing.

Shoot, she needed to go now to the central wing so she could have her seat and rest her aching feet! She did not fancy the traditional white Koshi shoes she was wearing because the heels were so high that she might stumble anytime. Despite that, she wore a lovely traditional Georgian costume. It was a long red dress called kartuli, tightly belted, with an ornate bodice and long laps. The dark belt was beautifully decorated, almost floor-length, with a matching white transparent fabric that covered the back of her two large braids.

With relief, she was glad to see the European section and saw Feliks waving at her from afar. She immediately went to him and gave each other warm hugs.

"Hey, you look outstanding in that dress!" Feliks complimented as he circled her. He was dressed in traditional Polish costume with a red peaked hat decorated with peacock feathers on the side. Colorful ribbons also tied the ends hanging over his shoulder. His shirt was sewn from white linen with a coral that serves as an adornment. Tamar just wanted to laugh at first, he reminded her of some vintage Polish men she had seen on TV. Noticing her giggles, Feliks added, "I know I look like some sort of cowboy here, and you don't have to tell me that."

"You're too sensitive!" Tamar replied. Looking around her surroundings, "Where's..."

Her question was halted when two hands covered her eyes. A laugh escaped her lips as she finally guessed the person behind it.

"...Yekaterina?" Tamar added.

"Tada!" Yekaterina of Ukraine exclaimed. "I miss you so much! I cannot count how many years we did not see each other!"