First and Last Dance

I feel now as though I am on a cloud in the blue sky as I look into it. I am thinking about him, and every little thing about him. I am once again dreading the end. Though I will hate to leave, I cannot wait until tonight.  1

He seems to sense my thoughts, for he comes up behind me. He wraps his arms around my neck and rests his head on my shoulder. I take his hands in mine. The teachers tell us we cannot love one another, but right now both of us do not care. For us, this is too sacred to break, though we break the rules.2

“I cannot wait for tonight to come,” I whisper to him. I turn my head to look into his eyes. They sparkle. I have often doubted that he loves me. For that moment, I have no doubts.  3

He nods his head. “Neither can I.”4

He lets his arms fall and walks away. There is work to be done. I turn to help him. The moment is over, but surely there are more to come.  5

I wait all day, anxious for the night to come. I dress myself in my beautiful black dress that I have bought just for the occasion. I walk about the house. Finally, it is time.6

I walk into the room. The lights are dimmed, though the Christmas lights are everywhere. Decorations are strung about in red, pink, and white. I sigh to myself in awe. It is so beautiful. Where is he? He must be here soon…7

I turn around and there he is.  At once, I am in another warm embrace. He smiles, and I smile back, still not saying a word and enjoying one another's company.  Close company. There is now noise everywhere in the room, for we are not the only ones here. The graduation dance is always crowded with graduates waiting for the event to begin.  8

I am dying to dance with him. Slowly, closer than close, alone with ourselves. Does he feel the same? I am doubtful, but I must be optimistic. This is a happy night.9

All of a sudden, the D.J.’ s voice booms, telling everyone that the song is dedicated to us; Cory and Kim. I am completely surprised. I glance at him. Did he dedicate it? No, he looks as surprised as I do.  10

Nonetheless, he stands. I still watch him in amazement. He stands before me now, and holds out his hand to me. He doesn’t need to speak. I take his outstretched hand. He leads me to the middle of the dance floor. Everyone parts so that we can enter small. We begin.11

At first, I was terrified. I thought that everyone would watch us, and that they would laugh at us, like they do during school. They do not. They do not even pay attention to us. I sigh, lay my head against his shoulder, and he lays his head against mine.  12

There in the dim light, I am again lost. The words to the song are a blur, as is the tune, for I hear nothing. I am completely numb with happiness.13

As the song ends, I let go of him reluctantly. It is over.  14

Time has built upon that night, but I still think of it every day. If only I could hold him in my arms again. To hear him say he loves me though no words are spoken. I know now that he does. I know.  15