Can I have this dance?
The first time they danced together was during the spring dance in middle school. It was what you would call awkward but cute. She had never stood near a boy in such proximity. She was trying hard not to giggle. She only stepped on his toes twice, and she lauded that as an accomplishment.
On the other hand, he was quiet. Occasionally, he cracked a smile when his eyes caught hers. There was only one thought that was running through his head that night; he was dancing with the prettiest girl he had ever met.
The second time they danced was at his cousin, Sheila’s graduation party. She was the first one from their small town to have gotten into Yale. Having lived in the same town from when they were in diapers, everybody knew everybody. It was no surprise that the whole town was invited. The backyard was packed; adults were gossiping with one another, children running around, and the adolescents trying to spike the punch bowl. The real party, however, started after the adults and children had gone to bed.
Sheila’s friends had managed to get their hands on the key to the community center’s indoor poolside. Everyone was asked to bring whatever booze they could find, and everyone was drunk within the first hour. Some were sitting around chatting, some were playing around the pool, and the lucky ones were getting busy in the shady corners.
They had wandered off by themselves and bumped into each other outside of one of the rooms. They were friends, albeit having different social circles. They ended talking to each other for hours, seated on the floors of the hallway.
“Do you hear that?” he said abruptly.
He had jumped up off the floor and was straining to hear something.
“What is it?” she whispered, not knowing why she was whispering.
He let out a laugh, and said, “Take my hand.”
She realized, a moment later, he was singing. And that his hand was outstretched.
“This is my favorite song,” he said, grinning. “Take my whole life, too.”
He pulled her up and placed her hand on his shoulders. His hands came to rest on her hips.
“For I can’t help… falling in love with you.”
He pulled her closer, his brown eyes shining. She felt an odd flutter when he twirled her around, his voice caressing her ears. They continued to dance as he continued to sing along with Elvis.
Like a river flows.
Surely to the sea.
Darling, so it goes.
Some things are meant to be.
Take my hand,
Take my whole life, too.
For I can’t help falling in love with you.
For I can’t help falling in love with you.
They shared their first kiss that day.
The third time they danced together, he was feeling overwhelmed. She looked so beautiful in her white, wedding dress. It made him recollect their middle school spring dance. He knew then, and he knew now that he was dancing with the prettiest girl he had ever met. He hugged her a little closer, and let out a shaky breath.
“Are you happy?” he murmured.
She pulled back to look at him.
“Yes,” she nodded, smiling.
They swayed together until one song ended, and another one started.
Wise men say…Only fools rush in.
He grinned and said, “I believe this is our song.”
She laughed, her head thrown back.
“Care to dance for one more song?” he asked. She obliged sweetly, clutching at his outstretched hand.
Just when they were starting to sway, he felt a tap on his shoulder.
“Can I have this dance with my wife?” asked the groom.
She had already gone over to her husband’s side before he could respond. She turned around and smiled sheepishly at him.
“Next time,” she whispered before walking away.
