Beware of the Light

The Dance (Rough)

His senses felt dulled. The trees a dreary grey and their leaves tinted. The smell of fresh flowers comparable to the dirty scent of dust. His tuxedo seemed to stick him, but the more he pulled, the more relieved he felt, but the more it stuck to him. Like an itch after you scratch it, it always came back worse. His mother's words of encouragement sounded soft and slurred. Feeling oh so far away. His head bounced up and down slowly as he lied he was listening. And he felt like he was drifting away as he floated on his seat cushion. Feeling oh so soft. His body crumbling away like a centuries-old rock after a big storm. Feeling oh so drifty. His body relaxing and falling deeper into the cushion. Push away. Push away, he thought and a voice answered him. An eerily familiar voice, Oh push away. Push away. Don't let the waves take you today. Push away. Oh push away. I've been waiting since the end of May. He felt his arms press down and his body floated lazily through the air. Push away. Have no fear. Push away. Push oh away. Let the air glide through your hair. And he pushed away, the action felt strangely familiar to swimming. Pushing and swimming through the air. Tearing his body slowly, closing and tearing through. Scared of the hole and the blood and the cuts. And tearing through. Scared of the tar and the car and the rising star. He batted his eyelids at the sky and floated through the air on his back. His hands holding the back of his head as he dozed off. And he woke up at the sound of a bang. He pulled himself off the tar and followed the car, distracted by the sight of the first rising star. Blood flowed from his knees and he stared at the weeping cuts and the hole he left behind. And he stared at the ugly orange Beetle as it whimpered down the road. Its once shiny metals a rusty reddish-brown. And he stared at the street signs. Goldenberry Lane. Lionel Marx Avenue. Bakery Road. Sweet Street. And the words popped up in his head as he stared at the lampposts. Beware! Danger here. Beware! Beware! Beware! And the white stripes contrasting against the black, reflecting in the early Winter sunset. Beware! Danger here. Beware! Beware! Beware! And the lights on in a modern house that seemed strangely familiar. The fixtures shining across the driveway. Beware! Beware! Beware!  Danger here. Danger here. Beware! Beware! Beware! And nothing made sense, but he didn't want anything to make sense. And a splitting headache tore through his head and he snapped out of it, gasping for air. Big beads of sweat on his forehead and an ominous phrase imprinted on his brain. Beware! Danger here. It reminded him of an electric, his eyes passing the bright fixture on the wall, fence or maybe an animal cage. And he vaguely remembered a hot day at a zoo. Reminding him of the red and white sign: "Beware! Dangerous (Danger) Animals (Here.) Here!" Or the yellow and black Houdini sign: "Beware! Live electricity (Beware!)! Danger (Here.)! Fear. He felt fear mingled in with a strange sensation of excitement (Here.) and nervousness. And then he remembered (Beware! Danger here.) why he was in someone else's driveway. He sniffed the air and recognized the scratchy smell of pollen. His eyes which had felt clouded saw the shadows in the upstairs windows. And his deaf ears heard the last of his mother's inspirational words, "I'm so proud of you. I know she'll love you. Just love and always care for her."
"I love you, Mother."
"I love you so much, John. Never forget that," she said and she sounded close to tears, "Well, go get 'em. I'll catch up to you soon." He shut his eyes and breathed slowly, his feet guiding him to the front door. His senses felt alert. Ready for action. Beware! Danger here. He opened his eyes and took one more long deep breath. "You can do this," he whispered, but all he could think about was, Beware! Danger here. It was flashing through his mind. Burning a hot red. A splitting headache of words. Beware! Beware! Beware! Beware! Beware! Danger. Danger. Danger. Danger. Danger here!
Or was it there. Danger there! He giggled softly at his stupidity and knocked on the door. It opened almost immediately as if someone was standing there, waiting to open it. "Hello, Mrs Clarke," he said, his heart beating like a drum in his chest.
"That took you a while, John," she said. Her face lifted into a smile, highlighting the small wrinkles around her eyes.
"Just a little nervous."
"Who wouldn't be?"
"Ummm... Sorry to rush you, Mrs Clarke. Is Sam ready? We don't want to be late."
"She's waiting upstairs. I'll call her," she said. "Sam!"
"Coming," he heard Sam shout back from her room. After a few moments, he heard the click-clack of what could only be her shoes. He watched the stairs, expecting the arrival of his princess. And he thinks, Prince Charming expecting his princess. His pumpkin carriage outside. The bluebirds are singing and the mice are speaking. Prince Charming expecting her princess. Her ball gown is flowing. The heels are clacking and the shoes are clicking. And at that moment he saw the most beautiful person he had ever seen. Sam was at the top of the stairs, her blonde hair pinned up in a French Twist; a few escaped strands flowed down past her shoulders. Her body was nestled in a sleeveless dress that shone a cornflower bluish-grey. The gown watered down from a low-cut neckline to a pool around her knees. Sam's skin was fair and flawless and her lips a glistening pink.
"Wow," he said.
"Hi, John," she said.
"You look beautiful," he said.
"Thank you, Prince Charming."
Princess Charming in love with his princess. Her manners are delightful. Outside the pumpkin carriage is waiting, outside the pumpkin carriage is expecting you.
Sam walked down the spiral stairs and he took her hand. "You know I've missed you."
"We talked to each other for half an hour at school every day."
"My parents are already shouting at one another when I walk through the door."
And he frowned for a second, Oh great. A new bitch in the family.
He looked up at Sam, savouring the view, She's beautiful, sweet and kind no matter what he thinks.
"That isn't great. How's your mom faring?"
"I really don't know. She doesn't want to speak about it."
"I understand."
"Let's get going, before my mother worries."
"See you, Mom, love you," Sam said as he led her towards the rusty shell of a car.
"Have fun you, two," Mrs Clarke said and waved goodbye until the car pulled down the street.
Sam watched her mom lovingly and waved goodbye. She finally stopped when they went around a bend. She gave one last glance back and turned her attention on John.
"Oh wait, I got you some flowers."
"They're beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as you."
"Hi kids. Did you guys forget I was here?"
"Sorry, Mother."
"Sorry, Mrs Linton."
"So we're off to the dance then," she said, turning another corner. After that, the conversation was quite sparse and Mother put on some music. They drove for the next five minutes trying to sing along, laughing at themselves when they made a mistake. The fun and games died down as they drove into the car park and butterflies swam through their stomachs. The feeling of nervousness settled like a rock as they watched their friends and classmates walk inside with their dates.
"You ready?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Let's do this."
He opened Sam's door for her and Mother bid her goodbyes.
"Thanks for coming to the dance with me," he said as they walked towards the school building.
"Thank you for bringing me to the dance," Sam said in a sweet voice that rang deep into his core.
"Why would you want me to take you," he said, stopping her at the entrance.
"How could I not?"
"I thought you liked someone else."
"Really, I thought that you knew I liked you."
"How would I have known?"
"I stared at you all day long. Didn't you notice?"
"No. I just thought you had caught on I was staring?"
"I can't believe we assumed that we didn't have feelings for each other. That really made an ass out of you and me, as Mr Sancho would say," she said and pulled him into the school.
Without the lights, the school was dark and gloomy, but not creepy or ominous with each other to hold. As they got closer and closer to the hall the heavy beat and rhythmic sound of music floated towards their ears. Subconsciously they started walking faster, but just as they were about to go into the hall John stopped Sam. He looked into her eyes and said, "Are you sure you want to do this? That you actually want to go to the dance with me."
"Of course. Why do you keep asking?"
"I just don't want you to feel that you were forced to say yes."
"Don't worry. You've been my crush for as long as I can rememeber."
"Okay. I apologise," he said, feeling the butterflies eating him.
"No, don't stress. I know exactly how you feel. It's tough not knowing how someone feels about you when you feel so much for them."
He opened the door and grabbed her hand, pushing her through a flimsy wall of streamers. The music roared at their ears, Don't let them get to you. You just need a workaround. I'm sure you do.
Hopefully, that isn't the DJ's best song, he thought. His eyes adapted slowly to the pitch black of the room, but he was still worried he was going to knock into something as Sam pulled him. He looked up at the rows and saw cords of small yellow lights floating across the air above them, their small glow illuminating the neon stars further. The walls of the giant room were coated with a giant black fabric speckled with the same streamers that blocked the entrance. They walked along the edge of the dance floor towards the snacks table. "You wanted to tell me something earlier? At school."
"I've just really missed hanging out with you after school even if it was a lot of homework most of the time."
"Me too, but girls don't just wake up like this."
"They don't," he asked stupidly, but he was a bit bewildered to think that Sam might wake up not looking this beautiful.
"Duh, I woke up looking like a pork chop this morning."
"I thought your mom liked tender roast," he said and they burst into laughter. The night floated away on their words and giggles and soon enough the DJ called out, "Okay lovebirds. We have the last song for the night before the slow dance. Come on and dance. This one's called Dancing Under The Night Sky."
Surprised they filed onto the dance floor, unaware that hours had passed without them dancing to even one song. It started up and John started to move his feet awkwardly, "Come on. Loosen up, John. Tonight is all about fun," Sam said and he tried his best to do whatever she was doing. "I'll try," he said, struggling to move to the beat. He listened to the lyrics, recognizing it as his favourite song, Dancing Under the Night Sky. I didn't know you were coming out tonight. As the grey clouds pass by, the night whisked into your light. She looked at him and led him as he did his best to not step on her toes. Oh, tonight the stars are falling down. And even when the world seems like it's coming to an end. I'm telling you. Dancing feels so good under the night sky. I'd give anything. I'd anything to dance with you. Tonight. He listened to the small piece of music, waiting for chorus, but just as he heard the start of the word the music stopped and everyone looked around, trying to figure out what was happening, but not able to see anything in the dark. The lights flashed on and a shrieking ring stung their ears. They tried to look at the stage, but the bright light burned their eyes. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," a voice echoed out of the speakers. They were still blinded by the light, but they recognised the voice as Mr Nelson, their principal. "I hope you are all having a fantastic evening. I do not want to ruin the festivities of this special night for you, but I must sadly inform you of some unexpected news." Sam looked at John in what-is-it-now look and John stared back, saying with his eyes, "I don't know, but this can't be good."
"My condolences to all of you, students and family alike. I know you all loved Mr Sancho, but tonight we must sadly say goodbye. Mr Sancho was a great man, a comfort, a loving father for his family and our school," he watched as the glinting fire in her eye disappeared and her chin began to tremble. Her head shook from side to side and she ran to him. Falling into him, seeking comfort in him, seeking hope. Something he wished he had. A single tear drop shed, spilt down his chin and plopped down on her head. She looked up, searching for content and wisdom, but met only with tears streaming down in glistening lines. And she realized in that moment that maybe it wasn't words she wanted, but someone to hug her and kiss her better. Someone to protect her from the world's evils. Someone who holds her close. And as John pulled her in tighter and buried her head next to his she kissed his cheek. "He was a man who gave everything he had and expected nothing in return. No pat on the back or a thank you. He gave up his last years teaching kids and the impact he left on them was outstanding. He is the type of person I would like to be one day and I hope you agree. Thank you." The hall stood still, depressed, only the cries of students breaking the silence. John looked up and tried to wipe his tears away as he led Sam away. Gripping a strong arm her waist as he walked her out. Her head still buried into his stomach, crying. He walked out the doors, not able to bear what might be said next. He walked her down the hallway, the blurry darkness encasing him and sinking into his soul. Destroying him slowly as their feet stepped onto the empty tarmac outside. He collapsed on a chair, keeping her close for warmth and lay his head softly on her. He felt another warmth as he let the tears sparkle down his face. He stared out at the night, empty lots surrounded the school and far across the field past the gate he saw a street lamp. Beware! Danger here. And the thought of those words broke him, he struggled to sound strong for Sam as he breathed the cold night air. He listened to the sound of the night, the chirping of crickets under the blank sky, imagining where Mr Sancho was now. In his garden. His special garden where a special bird sang a beautiful tune. His tune, John's favourite song, but really Mr Sancho's. He hummed harmonically and sang softly, "Dancing under the moonlight. Under the shine of the stars so bright. The journey ahead, exploring our destiny." Have a fantastic walk down your garden Mr Sancho. Think of your rebirth, another chance to be a beautiful human being. Know we miss you already. You were always much more of a father to me than my real dad. And I want you to know I love you. "And I think of a special night." I think of a special night where I floated away, but you pulled me back and floated away to the clouds yourself where a stream flows serenely under a bridge.