~ Nicci, inbetween Bo and Marcus, sipping champagne with everyone ~<br/><br/>Nicci didn't dare look up.... what if he was still upset or angry? She didn't think she would be able to hide how badly she felt from the others and it would be very wrong of her to upset them.  She needed to wait and talk to Bo on their own, she felt terrible that she had upset him, she always played the role of peacemaker, of giver and friend and her heart ached that she had caused him pain.  She would say sorry when they were on there own, she thought, and ask him what she had done and tell him she wouldn't do it again. Nicci hoped Bo would forgive her for what ever it was she had done.<br/><br/>She could still feel the ache of failure, that the fears fluttering in her tummy were there because she was not as good a candidate as they had thought.  She had always faced her fears and tried to become a better person when she failed, and she thought that now she faced probably the biggest challenge in her life, if she didn't make this work she didn't see herself ever being totally happy.  She knew in her heart with complete certainty that she needed to be in a poly family and she had to do everything she could to overcome her fears and work harder at accepting whatever this place, and these beautiful people brought to her life.<br/><br/>When Marcus spoke to her, lifting her chin, she was gathering up her courage and promising herself that she would find a way of working things out with Bo - and right now - to make the best of the evening and try really hard to make Bo, and everyone else, feel at ease with her and not let what had happened come in between bonding with everyone.  So as his eyes met hers she smiled bravely, if a little tremulously and said, “Thank you.........” recognising that he was giving her a compliment and trying to put her at ease she too made sure her tone was light and playful, wanting to try and smooth over any vibes she had been giving off, “I was the lucky one, to have such an accomplished lead, all I did was follow him, Bo is a wonderful dancer.”<br/><br/>She flashed a look at Bo, relieved he didn't look angry - he was looking at her and seemed, if anything, concerned.  Her eyes widened as he caressed he check and openly admitted to being drawn to her, and she searched his face, it didn't seem like a light-hearted comment and he hadn't needed to be anything other than politely praising – so did he mean it? She felt again that deep tug inside, to cherish him and to care for him. As he bent his head and whispered reassuringly that she needn't worry, she felt cherished - whether or not it was her fault, or something else, he was trying to make her feel better and that showed how kind he was and how considerate.<br/><br/>So as he smiled and touched her arm she smiled back, letting him know she was OK and appreciated his kindness at trying to put her at her ease. Nicci realised that Mari was talking, she had been so absorbed in her thoughts she hadn't even really been aware of the others and looking across at Mila and Vincent, she thought Mila looked positively sparkling and was pleased her dance had gone so well.  Mari too seemed, excited and happy, and was being sweet to Mila, it looked as though the girls could have a real chance of making something great together and she warmed even more to both of them, she'd always longed to have brothers and sisters, and a big family, hopefully these two women would become far more than friends, especially as they too must need, or want to be in a poly family, they hopefully would share a lot of the same goals and be able support each other.<br/><br/>Still feeling a little unsettled but determined not to let it impede her socialising with them all Nicci smiled at Mari warmly, “I agree, it looks as though we will never be bored, not with each other, and I have to admit, I can't wait to explore all the Island has to offer too.  I don't think I have ever been anywhere that so gloriously combines both the sea and the land, it has such a raw grandeur and rugged beauty.”