Family + Camp (working title)

Chapter 31 Part 2: Square Dancing

Nell's dad instructed them to put their arms out by their sides to make sure they would not bump into their neighbor. Nell smiled politely at the two people to her left and right. One was a boy who would be a counselor for the Pioneers, if her memory was correct. The other was one of two young women from France and worked with the horses, Camille.

"I love square dancing," Camille's smile was big and sincere.

"You've done it before?"

"Yes. Last summer, when I was here. It is so refreshing! It reminds me of some of our traditional dances—"

Camille was cut off by Morrie continuing his instructions.

"I'll be singing the directions," he said. "And Oak and Coyote will demonstrate."

Everyone turned their attention to the top of the room where Oak and Coyote faced each other, grinning. Coyote was one of the naturalists, a shorter version of the boys this place seemed to attract.

Nell's dad started out slowly:

Heel, toe, heel, toe
Slide, slide, slide
Heel, toe, heel, toe
Slide, slide, slide
Clap right
Clap left
Clap both
Clap knees
Hook yer arms
Swing yer partner
Now we start again!

As Morrie sang into the mic, Oak and Coyote did what he said. Between the three last lines, as they hooked elbows and swung around, everyone started to hoot and cheer. There were a few ironic Yeehaw!s and a few genuine ones. It was hard to tell the difference.

Nell had to wonder when her father had actually been planning this out with the other staffers. When had he learned square dancing or being a caller?

Now it was everyone's turn to try it. Nell looked at Seth who looked back at her. He clapped his hands once and rubbed them together.

"Are you ready to do this?" He asked, bending his knees like he was going to catch a ball.
"I was born ready," she said in a monotone.

Seth clapped his hands again. "I like your spirit."

And so, Nell's dad started singing the lines again. Nell and Seth approached each other. They held hands, eyes locked. Morrie was singing slowly enough that it was not hard to follow his directions. The guitar players were strumming in time to his glacial lead.

When everyone was done with the swing yer partner, they wound up in the opposite line and with a new partner. Nell found herself surprised and kind of delighted at this. She had not realized she would not have to spend the entire dance with Seth. This was a get-to-know-you dance. Her new partner was a cabin counselor whose name she could not remember—it would take a while to learn all of their names, but she'd get there.

This dude kept giggling hysterically.

After six more partners, Nell swung around and found herself facing Cash.

Cash smiled down at her. Nell was sweaty by then. She was out of breath. She had actually been laughing! In delight! Her hair was sticking to her neck. Of course she'd love square dancing. She loved dancing! It made no difference what kind.