Chapter 3
The Dance
He had no need to worry. Early that evening while standing outside of the school auditorium Peter saw an older man, whom he assumed to be Angelas father, drop her off, and from there she entered the building alone. Peter moved inside where the music was cranking up and a large group of the students were swaying to the rhythm. He stood alone along the sideline of the dance floor, craning his head and neck and viewing the entire scene in what looked to be an imitation of a Great Blue Heron seeking a morsel amongst a vast wildlife refuge. Of course he was trying to catch a glimpse of Angela. After a while he spotted her directly across the dance floor talking to friends, and as he was hidden in the vast crowd Peter felt secure in taking a long look. The figure he beheld was absolutely radiant as she chatted away, and her expression revealed the same excitement and confidence that many other girls in the room reflected. Peter recognized that they were in their favored element, but he, like many of the other boys, certainly had their doubts. Feeling seriously out of place, he wished to be in the hunters lodge shooting the breeze with the members of the Association on subjects of which he was more confident.
Just then Angelas eyes swung around to catch his in a spot between gazing and daydreaming. Startled, he looked away figuring she hadnt really caught his stare as he was only one among hundreds. Then, as if in a dream, Peter hopelessly reverted to the mental image he had just feasted upon. She was beautiful to be sure, standing there in a light peach chiffon dress that was not too full but not too clingy either. Her hair was a most unusual shade of light brown, highlighted under the glow of the ballroom. Her petite form shone out naturally amongst the crowded shores of complacency, and those beautiful long locks pulled back naturally, and so conservatively, were fastened discreetly in the back. Golden brown ringlets cascaded down her neck, speaking to Peter of a spiritual renaissance not yet experienced within the confines of his limited existence. This created a striking contrast that could only set Peters mind to wonder, How could a young lady acquire features so special that they elevated her look to a grand place that is foremost amongst a crowd? And what of those big, soft brown eyes? Peter concentrated on their beauty, trying to pull from his memory exactly where he had seen the likes of them, for they seemed so familiar, and yet new.
Immediately he remembered a doe. She was just a yearling and he had shot her only this past season. The men at the lodge were given extra hunting privileges, as restrictions had been relaxed due to dangerously increased populations. The Conservation Department issued the tags in prediction of a hard winter, and Mr. Burke explained that due to over-grazing the herds must be thinned to prevent the mid-winter problem of starvation. Peter had spent the entire day in the field with no results when finally a young female ran across his path just as he was about to quit and head back in to the lodge. The tender meat of a young doe was exactly what the men were hunting for, and Peter had surprised her at close range. The does eyes fixed upon him as she reared up, and he got off a shot. Unfortunately it was not a direct kill and it was necessary for Peter to run up and finish her off with his knife, and while struggling, the doe caught his eye a second time with a desperate pleading gaze as a tear ran down her cheek. Finally, plunging the Bowie into her throat, she gasped short alarmed cries that pitifully pulled at Peters heart and it was over.
Later on at the lodge the men all praised Peters catch, for they said the meat was the most tender and tastiest that they had ever had, but the boy couldnt stomach venison that day. Those eyes, those eyes of that gentle doe. He would never shake that image, and now it was as if they were back to haunt him. Peter stood there a bit shaken in his daydream only to be awakened by a voice.
Peter, Peter, Peter Burke? the voice blurted out at close range.
Peter shook himself back to reality and visually focused on none other than Angela; she was standing point blank in front of him and once again he felt extremely foolish at having been taken off guard and looking straight into beautiful brown eyes. But instead of mourning, these eyes were filled with hope and showed direct concern for him.
Peter, are you O.K.? Angela asked, while so close that he could smell her scent, a fragrance that reminded him of a peach orchard at harvest.
After they had made eye contact she slowly made her way toward him, hoping that he might recognize her movement and meet her half way, but it was as if he had fallen into some kind of trance. Now caught in a position that might be considered foreword, she was momentarily more embarrassed on her own behalf than she was concerned for his mindset. Just then he snapped to and loosened his tongue.
Oh, hi Angela. Im fine. Very fine, thank you. Just fine. He concluded this ridiculous affirmative barrage by nodding his head while fumbling with his suit jacket button.
Oh, Im glad. I mean, of course I thought you were, she responded clumsily, feeling silly for having thought otherwise.
They hadnt been this close before, nor had they ever been formally introduced, but they were familiar with each others names through roll call attendance at school and had learned a few details about each other from gossiping with other students in the hallways.
At that moment the band struck up a fresh number, and miraculously Mrs. Burkes coaching instructions clicked into the proper gear, as Peter fluidly and so gallantly asked Miss Angela, Could I please have the honor of this dance?
Instantly relieved of the awkwardness of the situation, Angela looked up at him, offered her hand, then fluttered her big brown eyes and away they went, for you see he wasnt the only one with midnight fantasies. They moved around the dance floor in an untrained manner that may have appeared to some as ungraceful, but you could not have told them so. To them it was as if they had slipped into another dimension, as their young hearts floated along to the rhythm of a siren song not heard by others, and due to extreme youth and innocence they were unmindful of any danger to which it might lead.
After a couple of dances they walked over to the punchbowl where an attendant poured them drinks, and while they told each other a little bit about themselves and shared a few laughs, other students noticed how intense the situation had become, and giggled claiming there were sparks to be seen between them. When the band played again Peter and Angela were up and away with eyes only for each other. After a few numbers the tempo of the music slowed down, and then someone had the presence of mind to dim the lights. Feeling it may not be too conspicuous, Peter took a chance and boldly pulled Angela a little closer to him, but sensitive to her feelings he respectfully gave her free reign to pull back to a more comfortable range. To his surprise she nestled into his breast and soon they were intoxicated by one anothers presence beyond any place their fantasies had ever taken them.
At long last the dance drew to a close and Peter saw Angela out to the parking lot where her father waited. She introduced Peter to her Dad, who was pleased to meet him, but it goes without saying that he was surprised by the after-glow on his daughters face at the close of the dance. Peter helped Angela into the car and an enthusiastic, Good night, followed, and as the pair drove away Peter was left alone to begin the long walk home. Somehow he knew that they would spend the rest of their lives together.
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