Purple

chapter 6

The day of the dance came quickly. I had only ever been to one school dance in elementary school, in the times before all of the children have colors.

I won't lie, I was excited to spend a night of bright pulsing lights and loud music blasting with a familiar face. Much better than awkwardly bopping up and down to a random beat with a stranger. I think spending this dance with a friend will make it more special than I could've have initially imagined.

I woke up the morning of the dance (a sunny Saturday) feeling nervous. Nervous to be seen in my dress, nervous to dance with someone, just nervous for things to finally play out. I can't predict the future so things could really go anywhere.

I started the preparation for the evening events with a nice warm bubble bath and random face masks i'd stuffed in my bag before departing to Color Academia. Relaxation was the first key to a good day.

Throughout the day I didn't spend much time talking to Derek. He spent his day lazily lounging around, while I pampered myself.

Evening came and the sun set over the horizon. A beautiful display of oranges and purples spilt across the sky telling everyone dance time was soon. I hurried myself to my room to plop on my dress as well as a light makeup look.

My dress was a deep blue reminiscent to the ocean on a dark night. Slight shimmers displayed across it, and shone as I moved. It was a long dress reaching my ankles. The bodice was fitted to my waist and the cups fitting my chest in a perfect heart neckline. I adored the fit and color of the dress, it made me feel fantastic. My pale skin glowing against the dark shining blues.

My makeup consisted of a black eyeliner smudged with eyeshadow. I even had a bright red lipstick adorning my lips. I knew mom would disapprove, but I felt so free, and frankly, hot.

As all the components of my dance attire was completed, I left my room to remind Derek it was getting close to leaving time.

I found Derek waiting for me in the living room, his suit a bright red shining under the moonlight. Hair slicked back letting the world see his whole face for once. He was stunning, I wouldn't pretend otherwise. I had to catch my breathe and at that exact moment his eyes found me. His stare was fierce, however I couldn't read it at all. Did he think I looked alright? I'm not sure why I even needed his approval, I know I looked good.

"Wow." That's all he said. His eyes found his chin and he held it. Almost like he was trying to keep his mouth closed.

I spoke next, "You look, truly, amazing."

He smiled, it reaching his eyes. White teeth glowing under the night sky. Even the sky played in his favor.

"Thank you...., but Alice, you look otherworldly in that dress."

My cheeks grew a slight warmth, being not used to compliments from men.

"Just because the dress?" I laughed kidding with him, my smile remaining on my face. He attempted a laugh back, but mostly just kept staring.

"Everything." He gave a response though I didn't expect one.

"Thanks, seriously" I reply the smile unable to leave my face. "We should go yeah?"

Blowing out his breath, and giving me a nod, we made our way to the gym.

—

Lights of white cascaded through the room throbbing along with the beat of the current song that pushed it tunes throughout the gym. Derek and I walked through the doors, wildly turning our heads to see the decor embellishing the once empty gym walls.

I immediately pulled Derek onto the busy dance floor, moving with the beat of the music. The night felt truly magical.

We danced against one another light sweat coming to the surface of our skin. We smiled and laughed through it, nothing could bring us down from this high. We stared at each other for who knows how long, and in that moment it felt as if it was just Derek and I.

—
The heavy dancing continued to a point where a break was definitely mandatory. We sat on the bleachers, huffing and puffing looking at each other with wide smiles. The light shined over our faces going on, off, on again, off again. We didn't look away even in the moments of darkness.

I felt Derek's warm hand hold and caress mine. I didn't pull away. His opposite hand reaching up behind my hair to the nape of my neck. I didn't pull away.

Without another moment of hesitation his soft lips were on mine.