Just a guy

.........The arena was hushed as Alexei took his position, the song started and from that moment on I was mesmerised.
It was just like watching smoke move......the way he effortlessly moved around the ice.........and when he did his jumps it was like an explosion off the ice.
I couldnt take my eyes off him.......and let go of Jess's hand so I could sit up and try to get closer. He was spellbinding.......and skated perfectly to the song. The words and music suited him so well, you felt he was skating just for you......directing the words of love just to you. After every jump I clapped along with the audience...my hands hurt I clapped so hard.
When the music finally stopped and he stood in the middle of the ice the whole place erupted in screams and shouts, people were running down to throw flowers and gifts on to the ice. The applause was endless and Alexei bowed and smiled aery ery one there. You could tell he loved this...all the adoration, the screaming fans,the clapping,he stood and let it wash over him.
When the clapping continued Alexei skated off the ice and Jess said.."..Whew...am I glad thats done...are we going to eat now "..
I was speechless......I could still see Alexei stood there in my mind and I was awestruck.
I had never seen any skating before this and maybet wat was why I was so stunned........but somehow I knew that wasnt the reason. Alexei had touched me.....deep down....in a way no other man ever had.
It must have been his talent...his movements on the ice.....the way his body moved...the strength he had to make the jumps.....all these things are what made me speechless.
I felt a sharp jab in my side and looked at Jess who was getting ready to leave..."Come on....its f.."...before he could say any more Alexei came back out on to the ice.......and the applause was deafening. The music started again...a different, more lively piece...and once again he skated with such passion and skill, and the audience went wild.
I couldnt believe the effect he was having on all these people.....and after he finished and bowed to his standing ovations he left the ice and the lights came up.
Jess stood and took my hand saying .."God ..Im starving......lets go "
"..I cant leave yet...the whole idea of me coming here was to meet Alexei backstage...just hang on here, I wont be too long "..
I gave him a smile and walked off to find the dressing rooms, when I looked back Jess looked completely out of place, stood with his hands in his pockets.....while hundreds of young girls giggled and talked round him. I would just do a very quick hello and then rescue Jess before he was trampled to death by mobs of screaming fans.
After asking security where I could find Mr Yagudin......and having my pass checked and double checked....I finally made it to his room.
I was trembling slightly and a little flushed and I have to say very, very, nervous.
I stood for a minute practising what I was going to say...." Hi Mr Yagudin...."...." ..Oh hello Mr Yagudin"......this wasnt going to be easy........." Hi there Alexei...."..I said ,still practising when I heard..."..Hello there.....I have been expecting you "
I turned round and looked at the most dazzling smile I had ever seen...he held out his hand and said "..Im Alexei.............. I didnt know what to say....I felt myself getting more flushed and gave a girlish giggle and took his outstretched hand.
"..Oh..Hi...sorry I was just...er...".he must have seen how embarrased I was and said.."Please...come inside.....have a seat.......can I get you a drink of something."
I walked into his room ,happy to be away from his piercing stare and sat on the settee.
"..No thanks......Im ok."...I said, and he sat down at the side of me. "..You were really good out there tonight.......the people love you "..i said, feeling a little better now my face had returned to its normal colour.
I introduced myself and told him that I would be looking after his interests ....I didnt tell him I hadnt a clue as to how.
"...Please......tell me a little about yourself.........have you lived here long.......are you married. Its good that we get to know each other if we will be working very close together..yes? "
I was amazed at how easily he put me at ease.......his soft accent and easy smile were hypnotising me......"..I think that would be a great idea Mr Yagudin......"...and I settled back to answer his questions.
I told him I had just moved here and that I was not married and didnt plan on being married for quite some time.
"..I think that is something that will happen when you least expect it......meeting someone that will be your soul mate.....someone you know you wnt wnt want to live without.......and please ...call me Alexei, lets not be too formal. I would like us to be friends"
We talked about all the other skaters I would be representing......of which I hadnt seen any.....and Alexei arranged for me to go to a couple of practice sessions to meet them. His accent was like a warm summer breeze making the goose pimples rise all over my body.......I could sit and listen for hours.He told me all about Russia......about his familly......about his coach......and it was then I remebered Jess.
"...Oh no.......I left my friend down stairs by the rink.....what must he be thinking......"
I stood up and said "..Im really sorry but I have to go...........I enjoyed listening to you so much I completely forgot I was going for a meal".
Alexei walked me to the door and said "..I hope we can meet again...very soon......I have enjoyed our chat very much ".
He held his hand out once again and I took it in mine. He gave it a soft sqeeze and said "..please dont leave it too long." Was I imagining things ...was he reluctant to let go of my hand.....was he really trying to look into my soul with those deep blue eyes.
" Its been a pleasure meeting you Alexei........."..I said as I gently pulled my hand out of his grasp." We will meet again very soon......ok"
He smiled and opened the door, I walked through it and turned round to him..." Your skating was superb.....I was breathless watching you, I didnt want to blink in case I missed any of it". His smile lit his face up and he said "..Goodnight ...and thankyou very much........call me soon ". He closed the door and I just stood there.......I knew what was wrong with me........I had developed a crush on this man......I had seen him only twice and I felt like a silly teenager.....I wanted to ring him tomorrow.......early......but that was stupid. I didnt even know him.......but one thing I did know.........he had imprinted himself in my head and if I never saw him again, I could never forget him.................