Chapter 1

"Boys. I would like to make an announcement." Herr Sonesstich barked from the front of the classroom, a look of importance on his face.

I shrunk further into my seat, fearing the worst: my expulsion or maybe some spontaneous natural disaster.

"In honor of the Rillow's Annual Children's Ball, all of you will be learning how to waltz." He continued, a sense of mocking in his voice.

At that moment, I had to clasp my hands over my mouth to stop my gasp from becoming audible. Shivering, I ran one hand through the front of my hair, clearing my bangs from my eyes. I watched my hand quiver as I placed it upon my chalk slate, a cloud of white traveling up towards my nostrils. Even at the thought of dancing, my body went into complete shock.

I raised my eyes up and saw Hanschen looking at me, a confident smirk upon his face.

In the previous years, I had been a wallflower at the Rillow's parties; hiding mostly amongst the decoratory ferns while the rest of the children danced and played with each other. It was one of the only times of the year it was tolerable for the boys and girls to intermix, making it a day that almost everyone looked forward to. Yet, for some reason, I was the only one who utterly loathed it. Or so it seemed, for I was the only occupant of the ferns during each ball.

"To interest you more, we will be learning with our sister class, so each of you will have a female dance partner." The teacher explained, dryly, a slight grimace apparent at the side of his mouth.

An excited chatter filled the classroom as my peers began to discuss who they hoped their partner would be. My eyes stayed concentrated on my slate, my frustration and utter shock surging through me. I had no desire at all to dance with any of the girls and more so, it annoyed me that the rest of the boys were sharing their opposing feelings aloud!

"Ernst!"

Melchior Gabor's voice rang through my ears as he whispered my name from beside me. I looked up and gave him my famous 'innocent wonder' look and squeaked:

"Yes, Melchior?"

He smiled in return.

"Who would you enjoy to waltz with?" He asked warmly.

This is why I so greatly admire dear Melchi Gabor; he is always so intelligent about his words and genuinely interested in the conversations he made.

"Well…" I stalled, staring down at my slate, searching for the perfect answer..

"Wendla or Thea maybe be nice…" I responded, meekly.

There was a pause as Melchior registered my choices, nodding slowly.

"And Martha?" He asked, seriousness in his tone.

Martha?!? Martha was indefinitely not an option, so I simply shook my head and avoided his eye contact.

"Don't worry, dear Ernst. We all have our… Preferences."

He explained in a comforting tone, letting his hand rest on my shoulder.

A crack filled the air as Herr Sonesstitch struck the chalkboard, which hung at the front of the classroom. Leading his pointer across the board, he produced a terrible whine-like scratching sound.

"Do you, or do you NOT want to know your partners?" He barked, brow threatening to furrow further.

I felt a rush of disappointment as Melchior removed his soft, warm hand and placed it back in his lap, along with the other. How lovely it would be to feel that warmth throughout my entire body…

Oh, what am I getting at? Of course, Melchior Gabor has better things to do then run his hands through my hair as I steal simple wisdoms from his gorgeous eyes..

He would surely be an amazing waltz partner. Not that I envy the girl who has the utter privilege of dancing with him.

"Melchior Gabor! You will be paired off with Miss Bergman." Herr Sonnestitch announced.

My chest tightened as Melchior nodded, a smile in his eyes hidden by the serious look on his face.

"Moritz Steifel, you're partner is Martha. Treat her well.." The teacher advised, while Moritz grinned excitedly.

Even someone as depressed and disturbed as he is able to enjoy the ball more then I can.

"Georg Zirschnitz! Anna! And Otto with Thea!" The teacher continued, an annoyance beginning to build as he noticed the joy this was giving his students.

I picked at my wool vest as I waited to hear my name and know of my dreaded dance partner.

"And finally, due to uneven numbers of the classes…" Herr Sonnestitch began.

I smiled widely, realizing that somehow I had gotten lucky and would have no partner. I settled into my seat and began to clean my slate, which I rarely did unless I was feeling particularly joyful.

"Ernst Robel and Hanschen will be paired together." He concluded.

The entire class gasped and I simply closed my eyes in hope that it would all just fade away…