A step at a Time

 A step at a time, I'll make my way

 Through the darkness, into the day

   I'll focus on the present, let go of the past

 And take one step forward, no need to be fast

We got home, Now in my room and Chloe was still shouting in my ears about how close Ray Owen and I were. She asked me when I'm seeing him next a hundred and one times. I took a look at the card again, it's his house address there, am I to go to his house? "Where's Noho?" I asked Chloe, and she seemed to pause in shock, her facial expression made me laugh.

"You're going to fucking Noho, that place is like a city in New York. You should board a cab there, I'll help you with that." She picked up her phone and started scrolling. "Done, the cab will be here by 2:30pm, it's a 3hours journey."

"I want to sleep, leave my room girl" I said frustrated. I laid there on the bed, unable to sleep, I imagined seeing him again,,, maybe this just is what I needed, I've got to take a step irrespective of my feelings. I closed my eyes and slowly and steadily drifted to dream land.

****************

         Next Day

 A gentle glow of optimism illuminates my mind, like the first light of dawn creeping into my room. My thoughts are clear, my heart feels lighter, I feel refreshed, renewed and rejuvenated. Really excited about the day. I got up and headed straight to the bathroom. As I sank into the warm waters, the tension in my shoulders began to unravel like the wisps of streams rising from the surface. With a graceful motion, I too my soap, and like magic got myself cleaned up pretty good. I took a shower after leaving the tub. And I was done. I went back to the room in a towel and walked to my closet hoping to make a beautiful choice. I signed, my shoulders sagging under the weight of indecision. My gaze drifted to the clocks, time is running out, and I am no closer to choosing the perfect outfit. I have an overflowing closet, but I was not satisfied by what I was looking at. My hands went in, they are in search of what to wear. Finally! I had options, a black long gown with puffy hands, or this green A line, short dress.

****************

An hour later, I used my collection deodorants, wore a black kitten heel shoe. "You're so beautiful, I'm sure Ray Owen won't be able to take his eyes off you." Chloe said giggling

"I'm not looking good because of a man." I corrected and she rolled her eyes.

"Whatever your cab is waiting." She replied

"Thank you for your support Darling."

"You're welcome," she replied, I carried my handbag kept some important things in, a perfume, my phone, his complimentary card, and my lip gloss. Chloe and I left my room and went downstairs.

"OMG! you look stunning dear" Aunt said dropping the kitchen gloves on the counter.

"Thank you." I replied wearing a smile.

"So, Got to ask, is this like a date or something?"

"No aunt, just connecting with a talented artist."

"Sure sounds like a date" she replied. "You better get going, you won't want to be late. Stay safe dear." I smiled in reply and hugged aunt. Chloe and I left the house, and I was led to the door of the car.

"Have fun Coz" we waved at each other.

"I'm Alfred ma'am, and I'll be taking you to Noho, buckle up please." The driver said and ignited the engine.

****************

3 hours later

"We are now in Noho, where exactly are we heading to?" The driver asked. I brought out the Card and handed it to him. He took a look and gave me back, "This is just twenty minutes away."

"Okay." I responded, I looked out of the window, the sun is gradually saying it's byes for the day. As the wheels of the car kept moving, I noticed the huge difference between where we were coming from and here, New York city has a busy road, and a noisy environment. Unlike here, where it seems like time stood still, a place where beauty and charm reigned supreme, and where the heart could find a sense of peace and tranquility.

"Here we are." The voice of the young driver brought me back to reality. My jaws dropped as I stared at the mansion. A lady is standing at the front. She is attired in a crisp, immaculate maid's uniform, a vision of neatness and professionalism. The starched white apron, adorned with delicate lace trim, gleamed like a beacon of cleanliness, covering her from neck to knee. A fitted black dress, with a modest Peter pan collar, hugged her chubby body, it's short sleeves revealing dainty wrists and capable hands. I thanked the driver before I alighted from the car. I walked towards the mansion and the lady came to me.

"Hello, and welcome Ma'am, my name is Alice, I assume you are Miss Sophia."

"I am." I answered

"Sir Owen, is waiting." She replied. The main entrance, a grandiose archway of gleaming gold, shone like a sunburst, radiating an aura of power and elegance. The doors massive and ornate swung open with a soft creak, revealing a glimpse of the opulent interior, a symphony of marble, velvet and crystal. She entered, and I followed, I looked around, the walls adorned with priceless works of art, seemed to whisper stories, the sweeping staircase, majestic and full of elegance beckoned visitors to explore wonders within. The ceiling, a dazzling display of frescoes and ornate moldings, seemed to stretch up to the heavens, creating a sense of airy lightness that belied the solidity of structure. As the light danced across the facade, and the mansion came alive, it's beauty and grandeur mesmerizing all who beheld it. It was a true masterpiece, a testament to the power of human creativity and ingenuity, a place where beauty and wonder waited around every corner. We entered a room, a grand piano, its surface gleaming like polished ebony, stood majestically, in one corner, awaiting the touch of skilled fingers to bring music to life. Nearby, a beautifully appointed easel, holding a canvas waiting to be transformed into a masterpiece, stood like a sentinel, guarding the secrets of the artistic process. His slender fingers danced across the piano keys with grace and precision, coaxing out a mesmerizing melody that capture the very essence of beauty. His chiseled features, a masterful blend of strong jawline, high cheekbones and piercing eyes, were bathed in the soft glow of the studio lights, accentuating his rugged good looks. As he played, his dark hair, perfectly messy, fell across his forehead in a charming gesture, while his lips curled into a subtle smile, convey a deep passion for the music. His broad shoulders, relaxed and confident, moved in time with the rhythm, as if the music itself were an extension of his very being.

"Want to join?" He asked his gaze warm and inviting, his eyes locked into mine, piercing and intense.

"I prefer looking, moreover I can't play."

"I'll teach you." His voice promising and full of life. I took a step, and he smiled he came to me, held my hands and led me to the piano stand, he made me sit on the stool and assisted my hands to the keys. "A step at a time." He whispered, sending chills down my spine.

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