Mina. Four letters that make up half of my life. The other half? That's my dream; becoming the next dancer to top the world. Mina ... is difficult when it comes to this. She would rather I settle down with her as a doctor. I really love her, but... if I had to choose immediately, I'd be undecided. Of course, I really would prefer Mina to be Mrs. Castantin -- my beautiful wife.Unfortunately, she can't wait that long... I have to choose by this Saturday. Can I come up with my decision?
Part Two - Patrick
Mina Roseburg Castantin... My dream name. Will Patrick choose me over his dream, or would he...
I can't bear to think that. I really hope he'd choose me.I don't know what will happen to me if he doesn't...
Part Three - I Finally Realize...
"One, two three, four, five, six, seven, eight!" Patrick danced the moves flawlessly. He turned around and gestured for his students to try that part. All of them did the moves perfectly. They should all be good to go for the recital next week. Perhaps the last recital Patrick would ever teach... Patrick dismissed his class just as his cell phone rang. He flipped it open and pressed the receiver to his ear.
"What's up Mina" Patrick said, tucking the phone under his chin so he could put his CD case back into the proper case.
"Ricky, I can't wait until Saturday..." Mina said quietly. "If you don't choose me today, my parents will make an arranged marriage for me with Daniel."
"Arranged marriage?!" Patrick exclaimed, almost dropping the case of CD's to the wooden floor of his dance studio. "Mina, it's the twenty-first century, for Pete's sake!"
Patrick only said this to hide his horror for his fear of this situation. He hoped this was just a horrible nightmare. But...the chances of that weren't likely. Mina's parents were just about the most old-fashioned people EVER. Heck, they were even the richest family in the city!
"Ricky, don't hide from this," Mina's voice cracked. "My parents demand your answer. Now. Please, come."
Patrick clenched his teeth and fists.
"I'll be over in fifteen minutes." Patrick ended the call with a soft click.
~~
Patrick had decided to walk to Mina's house from his house; his car was almost out of gas. In thirteen minutes -- according to Patrick's digital watch -- Patrick was standing in front of the gates to Mina's manor. The gates swung open with ease once Patrick entered in the password on the keypad.
A maid in a black dress with a clean white apron came out. Patrick recognized her as Giana, the head maid.
"Hello, Mr. Castantin," Giana said, bowing her head.
Patrick nodded in acknowledgment and followed Giana to the dining room. There were four people sitting at the long rectangular dining table -- Mina, her parents, and... Daniel. It was at that moment, watching Daniel's gaze toward Mina, that Patrick finally realized what he wanted the most.
Part Four - Go On And Go heart
"Good evening, Patrick," Mr. Roseburg said, gesturing toward the empty seat next to Mina. "Please have a seat."
Three pairs of eyes followed Patrick as he sat down. The other pair of eyes -- that belonged to Daniel -- were fixed on Mina's face with a longing. Patrick took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts in his mind.
"Ricky..." Mina said softly."We're all here and ready to hear your decision."
Patrick sighed the sigh that usually comes before the truth.
"You really want to hear my answer, don't you?" Patrick asked, looking down at his hands folded on the polished wooden table.
"Yes," Mina whispered, a single tear escaping from her eyes and sliding down her cheek.
Patrick nodded and began to talk.
"Mina, you're my dream girl, but there are so many things I could do!"
Patrick was letting it all out now. "If you didn't rush me, I would most likely choose you, Mina. But... I won't. So Mina Roseburg, go on and go. Time heals; we'll both be okay."
At this point, Mina was crying in her mother's arms. Daniel tensed beside Mina. then he relaxed a bit.
"I'm sorry, Mina," Patrick said, and got up to leave the house.
That day, was the last time Patrick ever saw Mina. He never regretted his choice. It was the best choice. Patrick could never give Mina the love and attention Daniel could, and Daniel understood that.
Part Five - I Wish You Happiness
Today is my wedding day with Daniel. I sent a wedding invitatino to Patrick, but all he sent back to me was the invitation and a small note that said, "I wish you happiness with Daniel. ~Patrick"
Patrick Castantin, you will always have a place in my heart, but I should let you go. Although it tore my heart apart when you said those four words -- go on and go -- I'll be happy. No matter what. It's the most I can do for you. I love you, Patrick. Forever. heart
End of Go On And Go
