After a long soak in the bath, I start to get ready. My clothes are splayed out, ready on the bed. I've chosen some sexy black denim jeans with a black vest to wear beneath my fitted chiffon top of pink and black flowers. The sheerness will seductively show off all my curves, without revealing too much skin.
My faithful high-heeled leather boots, sit beside the bed on the floor. I adore these boots. They have accompanied me on many a great night out. Although high, they are light and comfortable on my feet. Their slender design and pointed toes make wearing jeans look sophisticated, yet casual.
My glossy black curls are fresh and springy as they fall past my shoulders, still slightly damp while I impatiently apply my make-up. I quickly brush some loose powder all over my face and high cheekbones. Next, I carefully apply the blackest mascara to bring out the colour of my eyes. Then, I coat my shapely lips with a shiny pink lip gloss. That's it...I'm done. I pout at my reflection. I don't need a blusher because I'm already positively glowing, a Lisa-induced glow. I no longer seem to recognise my face. It appears to have this permanent smile tattooed all over it.
I quickly dress, sitting on the bed, slowly pulling on my old faithful boots. The only thought in my head is Lisa Manoban. I stand up, taking a deep calming breath. I look at my reflection, liking what I see. Now, I'm ready to rock the barn dance!
Stepping out into the early evening air, it's another beautiful warm dusk. I can hear the band already playing in the distance. Thoughts of Lisa produce that all too familiar feeling of excitement, once again.
I am going to a real barn dance, a proper all-American barn dance. How bloody exciting is that? The cherry on top, for me, is that Ms. Wonderful is going to be there, too.
I take my time. Trying to calm myself down with each step I take. Passing the paddocks, I watch the horses as they prance around, flicking up their heads and swishing their playful tails. They are such enigmatic creatures with powerful grace, as is Lisa Manoban.
As I get nearer to the barn, I'm now a bag of nervous excitement. Do I walk in, super confidently with a 'look at me' smile, or do I slip in with quiet confidence? I decide on the latter. I'm only ever in the 'look at me' mode after copious amount of alcohol, but tonight, I'm not here to get drink. I'm only here to have a great time.
The large barn has been dressed with bright bunting and majestic fairy lights. I look above in wonder at the lighting used. It gives the whole room a romantic golden glow.
Hay and straw bales sit snugly against the wooden walls, leaving a large rectangular space in the middle of the impressive room. The large live band stands on a low makeshift stage, filling the barn with their jolly and infectious music.
The smell of cooking beef wafts on the light breeze. Besides the stage there is a rustic dressed table with a feast of food, fit enough for kings and queens. A colourful array of wholesome American food awaits: buttered corn on the cob, Hasselback potatoes, cherry pie and chocolate brownies are all temptingly waiting to be devoured.
"Hey, Jennie! You look great, hun." I hear Rosé, who is gently tapping my shoulder.
"Hi Rosé, so do you." I look at her. She's wearing a cute floral short-sleeved dress. Her stunning blonde hair is tied up with flattering tendrils falling by her face.
"We missed you this morning." she says with a concerned smile.
"I got up late, so I went for a ride this afternoon." I tell her.
Her face lights up. "Isn't it just a beautiful place to ride in, Jennie?"
I smile, remembering my wonderful afternoon with Lisa. "It certainly is. Where's Jisoo?" I scan the room for her, but she's nowhere in sight.
"She just nipped back to our cabin to get our camera." she tells me. I watch Rosé appreciating the splendour of the barn. Her lips are slightly parted; her eyes are wide with delight.
"Haven't they done the barn up beautifully?" I say, joining in with Rosé's awe of the room.
"It's lovely." she says with a serene smile.
I link my arm through hers. "So, have you got your dancing shoes on tonight then, Rosé?"
She laughs, "Damn right I have."
I'm resisting the urge to look for Lisa. I'm only left feeling disappointed when I don't see her, after my eyes have so blatantly disobeyed me. I grip tighter onto Rosé. I need to distract my thoughts. "Do you think there will be normal dancing this evening or only traditional barn dances?" I ask.
She smiles. "I asked the very same question to Chitthip, only this morning. Apparently there will be a mixture of dancing. The band will be playing all night, but there will be traditional dancing with a dance caller, as well." she explains very matter-of-factly.
I begin to feel excited. "Sounds like fun." I say with a girlish grin.
Rosé smiles. "It will be, Jennie. Jisoo only has two left feet. It will be highly amusing to see her trying to do the hoe down with those bad boys." We both start laughing.
I look out at the sea of faces. The room is quickly filling and the buzz in the air is electrifying. The locals are all dressed in their finest attire. Clean denim, their smartly pressed western shirts, and the shiniest belt buckles I have ever seen.
"I honestly can't wait to have a go at proper barn dancing." I tell Rosé, clasping my hands excitedly together.
Rosé leans against me. "Then, you are most certainly in the right place."
I frown a little. "I bet I'll make a right fool of myself."
Rosé holds my hand, spinning me around. "Then, together we can make fools of ourselves. We can show them how we Aussie and Korean girls do it." she says. I'm laughing so hard as I come out of a fast spin, I feel giddy. When I look up, I see Lisa. I momentarily lose my footing and have to grab hold of an unaware Rosé.
