When Summer Becomes Winter

Chapter 11: Dance Festival Nerves and Embarrassment

Summer 19

The dance festival was today, causing me to grin from ear to ear. It was one of my favorite festivals! I mainly loved the fun, bouncy music that put a spring in my step. Even the slow melodies, which were for couples, were nice as well! And though we weren't a couple, my best friend and I always danced together during the slow music.

I took a seat on the bench as a slow, majestic, and romantic melody filled the air. I looked over at my parents dancing together, looking into each other's eyes with such adoration. They've been married for years, yet they still had that young love attitude. I sighed deeply, with a smile on my face. I couldn't wait until I found Mister Right to be able to look into his eyes like that. It was so romantic!

I looked over at someone sitting next to me. I felt my face heat up.

"Uh, hey." I said as the elf gave me a small smile.

"Hey." Orland greeted me back as I blushed deeper.

"Uh, y-you're not dancing with Leann; how come?" I asked as he made eye contact with me, a small smile on his face.

"Well, not this round at least. She's dancing with her dad." He replied, his eyes gazing past me as I turned my head to see Max and Leann dancing together in a silly manner while laughing.

"But you're not dancing with Leonel either." He said as I sighed.

"He hasn't even ask-." I stopped, looking around, "Uh, where is Leonel?" I asked curiously as Orland looked around as well.

"Huh...good question." He replied, standing up from the bench.

"Well, since neither of us has a partner, and the music piece is almost finished, do you want to dance together for the remainder?" He asked, offering his hand as I felt my heart race, taking his offering.

"Sure." I replied as he helped me from my seat, placing his hand on my waist. This had to be the best day ever!

We began twirling as I felt my stomach churning. I really hope I don't have to...

I pushed Orland away as I rushed over to puke into the fountain. My face turned a deep crimson. I just embarrassed myself in front of my crush! Why did I do that?

"Clara? Are you-?"

"I am so, so sorry, Orland!" I exclaimed, cutting Orland off, my hands covered my face in embarrassment.

"Don't worry about it. After all, yo-...uh I-I mean, it was my fault for twirling you too fast; I didn't know you had a weak stomach." He replied, as I blushed deeper. I'm pretty sure my nerves caused me to be sick, not his twirling. Mom came rushing towards me with dad trailing behind her.

"Clara, sweetie, are you okay?" she asked, placing her hand on my shoulder affectionately. I smiled a bit and nodded.

"I-I'm fine. Uhm, maybe Orland spun me a little too fast?" I said, looking down in embarrassment.

"Uh, I-I think I'll go home and lie down. I still don't feel well." I said, I just wanted to get out of there after embarrassing myself.

"Do you want me to get you some water?" Mom asked as I shook my head.

"N-no, mom. I'll be fine." I reassured her, rushing home as fast as I could. I opened the front door of the farmhouse, locking the door behind me, and trudging upstairs into my room. I flopped into my bed, grabbing my pillow and groaning loudly in it from embarrassment.

My stomach began to churn again as I grabbed the wastebasket, upchucking whatever was left in my stomach. The sounds of my hurling were disgusting; I still cannot believe that I did that! I flopped back on my back, giving a slight groan. I eventually heard footsteps tramping up the stairs as I sat up. I had to tell my parents that they didn't need to check on me, I'd be fine, and to have fun.

A knock on my door followed by a "Clara? It's me! Are you okay?" That voice was neither my mother nor my father as I opened the door to make sure I wasn't going crazy as well. Indeed, my hearing was accurate as I saw my closest friend standing there; his cheeks were tinted a pale pink color, and his hands were close to his chest with his fingers wiggling.

"Clara? A-are you okay? I-I saw you get sick, and I...wanted to make sure you were okay." I blushed in embarrassment and nodded.

"I'm fine...but, wait, how did you get in?" I wondered since the front door was locked, or at least I hoped I had locked it, as Leonel chuckled a bit.

"Don't worry. Your dad gave me the spare key since I wanted to make sure you were alright." He gave one of his sweet smiles as I allowed him into my room. We both sat on the bed as I looked at him curiously.

"By the way, where were you? I was kind of expecting you to ask me to dance when the slow music came on." I stated as he blushed.

"Bathroom." He replied, "I hesitated to go for a moment because I really wanted to dance with you. But I had to go." He sighed as I giggled.

"I'll make it up to you then! I'll dance with you next year! And I won't accept an offer from anyone else! Promise!" I exclaimed as he laughed, shaking his head.

"Don't worry about it; if you get sick, then you get sick. You can't help it." He said while shrugging.

"You know, you can still go and have fun at the festival." I said, confused as to why he was hanging out here as he chuckled.

"Are you kidding? It would be boring without you! Besides, I'd rather be with you than out there dancing. You're the only reason I enjoy going to these festivals! You're so fun!" I blushed a bit at his comment as he smiled.

"Aw! Thanks Leo!" I responded, giving him a big hug, which caused him to turn pink in the face.

"So tell me." He began as we broke the embrace, "How fast did Orland spin you?"

I blushed. Right, he probably heard mom or dad saying that I got dizzy from Orland spinning me too fast.

"U-uhm..." I pursed my lips, placing my index finger to my lips, "I-I'm not sure." I said as he chuckled a bit.

"Then, I'll have to make sure not to spin you as fast as he did." He stated as I laughed with him

"Don't worry. I've never gotten sick with you. I think you know what you're doing." I said, smiling at him as his cheeks flushed and his eyes widened before he smiled back, swaying slightly in glee.