Code Red (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 6

A group of girls were huddled round a large poster in the mess hall, giggling, chatting between themselves on what was being advertised, as Chrissy and Waverly entered. Chrissy was too hungry to investigate the excitement, rushing to join the short queue. Waverly went to check. Having got her lunch, she joined Chrissy at the table and began eating. "So, what's all the fuss about?" Chrissy asked, tucking into her lamb chop.

"Oh, some dance for new recruits in the big hall," Waverly said dismissively, looking at Chrissy, wondering if this girl was ever 'not' hungry.

"Fantastic. Love dances. So much fun. Got just the outfit for it. When is it?"

"Next Saturday. I'm not sure it's my cup of tea," Waverly mumbled, breaking off a piece of her roll.

"What!" Chrissy exclaimed, again a little too loudly, causing the other diners on their table to look at her. "You've got to come," she continued in a lower voice. "Who will I dance with?"

Waverly had never been to a dance. James wasn't keen, preferring strolls in the park and evenings at the cinema. They had gone to the theatre twice, which she found thrilling. She really did want to go and knew it would be great fun, particularly with Chrissy who had a joy for life that was infectious. The problem was, she did not know how to dance. She had seen dancers in films, but never learnt any steps. She didn't want to admit this to Chrissy, preferring to give the impression a dance was not her 'thing.' She wondered if Nicole would be there?

In the lounge that evening, Chrissy flicked through the records in search of something to dance to. Her eyes lit up as she found one she recognised. "Ooh, Nikki has great taste in music!" she exclaimed, as she slipped the black vinyl record out of its card cover and placed it on the record player. Bringing the needle over to the record, a crackle, then the room filled with the pulsating beat of a drum, the start of 'Sing, Sing, Sing' by Benny Goodman. Trumpets came in and the room exploded in sound to which Waverly felt unable to stop her feet moving. She sat watching, transfixed, as Chrissy became more and more carried away in the rhythm. She had a natural dance style, matching the beat to the swing of her hips. Waverly wished more than anything she could dance like that.

Pulling Waverly out of the armchair, Chrissy attempted to dance with her, quickly realising Waverly was well and truly out of her comfort zone. "You've danced before, right?" she asked, slightly out of breath, having moved a little too enthusiastically.

"I'm...I," Waverly replied, releasing her hands from Chrissy's, returning to her armchair.

"Oh lamb chop, it's OK," Chrissy uttered, now realising Waverly may not be able to dance.

Waverly had to giggle at Chrissy's term of endearment for her. Only Chrissy could call her 'lamb chop' and not realise the irony, given she didn't eat meat.

Nicole entered the room, looking slightly flustered. "Sorry girls, would you mind awfully lowering the music. I have an important call to make."

"My fault," Chrissy explained. "I was just teaching Waverly how to dance. She's never done it before. And the dance is next Saturday."

Nicole paused, looking at Waverly who was sitting with her head down, feeling rather foolish. "I can teach you if you like?" she offered, waiting to see whether the offer was acceptable.

"Thank you, but your work?" Waverly replied, not wanting to distract Nicole from her project.

"I think I can spare some time for this," she smiled. "But, not tonight. Still a lot to do. Chrissy, not too loud."

Nicole left the room, as Chrissy started the music again, this time at a reduced volume. "I bet she's a really good dancer," Chrissy said, as she resumed her movements.