When We Meet Again

Chapter 5 - The Ball pt. 2

"May I have this next dance?"

Diana was at a loss for words. She was unable to believe who was standing in front of her.

"Good heavens," she managed to say, "Robert, is that you?"

He straightened up from his bow and looked deeply at her. She carefully observed her dear friend who she thought she may never speak to again.

He was taller than her now, standing at around 6 foot, and wore well-fitted military uniform that was a deep shape of navy, with gold buttons, and a red sash tied around his waist.
He had dark brown hair that reached halfway down his neck, and was parted at the side. Each side of the part was carefully combed back, making it appear feathered at the side and boyish. His eyes were gentle and brown, and he had a smile that could easily charm anyone.

This was the same Robert she had know many years ago, but now he looked much more mature, which was accentuated by a mustache and a small strip of hair on his chin, much to Diana's surprise. The mustache wasn't too crazy, though, only reaching just a little past his lips, so Diana was able to accept it.

"Diana, how good it is to see you again." Robert smiled, noticing Diana eyeing him.

Diana arranged her dress and straightened up a little. It took all of her might to not go and embrace him right there. "And you as well." She spoke softly. She looked back at her friends, who nodded their heads insisting her accept his proposal. "And I accept your offer."

"Great!" Robert replied, offering her his hand, "shall we go?"

Diana reached for his hand reluctantly, and he lead her to the dance floor.

Diana did not mean to seem so reluctant in her actions, but she was still scared that deep down, he was deeply hurt by the ending of their correspondence.

If he did indeed feel that way, it was never apparent, and he seemed very happy to see her again.

Once they reached the dance floor, they got into position. The dance was another waltz, but this time the floor was open to everyone.

Robert grasped Diana's  left hand with his right, and then gently placed his other on her waist.  Diana softly gasped as he pulled her closer.

Once the music started, they started to turn and sway around the floor. They were so close that Diana could feel the warmth from his body, which slightly cooled her nerves.

"I assume you've been doing well here in Albany?" Robert spoke.

"I suppose." Diana sighed. She had a hard time looking at him directly, and mostly kept her gaze down. Robert noticed this, and observed how her thick eyelashes covered her eyes like a blanket. He saw how guarded she was acting, and knew he had to find a way to get her to open up to him again.

"How did finishing school go for you?" He asked,

Diana looked up and at him and replied. "I graduated at the beginning of the year."

The two danced in silence for a moment, before Diana decided that it was now her turn to ask something. She just didn't know what.

"How did you fair at West Point?" She asked softly.

"Quite well." Robert replied enthusiastically, "The experience was difficult and enriching to say the least."

Diana nodded and then asked, "How did you end up?"

"I graduated at the top of my class." He responded, "my performance was deemed acceptable enough for me to graduate early, so I was planning on returning home for awhile."