The large dance hall stretched out before her. Apprehension grabbed at her and the roar of her heart filled her ears. Dropping her eyes again back to her hands, she watched as they tangled together in a futile attempt to hide from the inevitable and wished that she too could hide. Silently though, she chastised herself for being silly and pushed her head back up. Gazing around the hall she was stuck by the music, it was so lovely she thought, as it slowly invaded her soul.
Gazing around her she watched all the pretty dresses swirling and twirling in time to the music. With a dreamy sigh she felt the music take hold of her feet and she began tapping along. A hesitant smile crossed her face and she relaxed ever so slightly. Among all the bright colors though, something caught her eye. On closer inspection she was confused, for there was nothing out of the ordinary. Intrigued now she looked closer, captivated. Hmmm. was it the quiet grace? Perhaps. Glancing around to see if she was spotted in her spying, she noticed that others too were enthralled. Smiling she returned her attention to the young woman. She was pretty, yes, but not like the others here. Perhaps that was it? As she twirled around the floor the sway of her dark hair captured the long graceful arch of her back. Soft curls framed the gentle curve of her face in such a way as to draw you in to her eyes. Her eyes, yes, her eyes were like large pools of unfathomable and murky depth.
A hand on her shoulder startled the girl from her contemplation of the young woman. Looking up to the body attached to the hand, she found herself looking at a handsome young man. Surprised her eyes widened as the hand moved in front of her in an invitation to dance. Shocked she looked from the hand to the face. He greeted her surprise with an encouraging raise of his eyebrows. With happy embarrassment she carefully placed her hand in his. The gentle grasp surrounded her shaking hand and helped her to her feet.
His strong arm encircled her waist and swept her close to him. A shy and awkward feeling engulfed her, causing a misstep, but a reassuring whisper brought renewed confidence and she tried to relax. As he propelled them around the dance floor. The whispered confidences they exchanged led to smiles and laughter from both. As she looked up into his sweet face, the light of the candles caught in his hair making is glow like fire and striking her with the feeling of warmth and happiness. When the closing strains of the song greeted them, though, sadness descended on her. It was over.
But the young man didn't let go, instead he twirled her around and continued to dance as the band struck up again. Caught up by the beauty of her dress flaring out he spun her again and again, and she laughed in joy. His warm smile told her that he too felt the happiness that swept through her. This was indeed heaven and she was ready to stay forever.
This time as the song ended, he whispered for her to join him. Relieved she nodded. Placing her arm in his, he lead her over to the side and toward a small group. My friends, he whispered and smiled reassuringly. Reaching the outer circle of friends, they parted to allow entrance for their friend. Gaining the inner core, she was shocked to see the young girl from earlier hold court. Embarrassed and surprised she shyly dropped her head. In a haze she found herself introduced to this group of exotic and elegant people. Then a soft voice cut through the haze, turning she made eye contact with her- Lily was *her* now. Lily. Round and round in her mind it repeated itself in a never ending cascade and she found herself tapped in her eyes.
The return of Johns arm to her waist broke the spell though and Agnes was able to look away. Embarrassment flooded her face and she again returned her gaze to the floor. A soft sigh brought back her gaze and Agnes was greeted with a pleasant but quizzical smile. Further discussion was interrupted as others clamored for attention. Discussion and conversations resumed with shy comments from Agnes as they moved around the group of friends. Time passed in laughter and exchanges yet Agnes found herself drawn to Lily and always when she looked the young girls dark eyes greeted her. They appeared to be reaching out in curiosity to Agnes, tempting her with mystery and hidden meanings.
As the night wore on new worlds opened to Agnes, sights and sounds she had never even dreamed of greeted her everywhere she turned. After each twirl on the dance floor Agnes and John drew closer to the group huddled closest to Lily until finally they stood face to face with her again. Agnes felt that string tugging her again, but his time it was attached to this dark and exotic woman, with that recognition also came the instant acceptance deep within that it was fate. Smiling shyly Agnes tried to find her tongue to speak without success. Watching the curve of her lips as Lily spoke, Agnes was hypnotized and gave up trying to follow the conversation. And so it was with great embarrassment when Agnes realized that she had been called upon to giver her opinion on the discussion. As though she had known what had happened, Lily spoke up in defense of Agnes' lapse. Chiding that they shouldn't pick on the new comer to solve their old arguments, she placed a compassionate hand on Agnes' arm. General laughter resounded among the young men as Agnes looked to Lily who had a passing comment to the group of men and tugged at Agnes' hand.
Standing next to the young woman, Agnes tried to remain calm, and to quiet her nerves, suddenly afraid of what this could mean.
(c)February 10, 1998, Brook
Mayfair
