Rotations

dates and dancing

dedicated to the most epic human being, who encouraged me to write an epilogue to Colton and Sally's story, and is also one of my most loveliest readers from the start

:::

"Why are you covering my eyes Colton? Do you wish to kill me and allow me to fall off an unseen cliff?"

She heard his familiar deep laugh and felt his hands slightly move against her eyelids.

"No, why would I want to kill you? I'm covering your eyes cause this is a surprise and I know girls love surprises."

Finally, Sally felt his hands move away and she opened her eyes to see they were in Southwood Park, judging from surrounding playgrounds and trees. In front of her, there was the well-known rotunda, filled with dancing couples and tapping musicians. Every Friday night, there was a small dance in the rotunda, a small round building where many dances and kisses have been rumored to be shared.

From her middle school years, Sally has dreamed of dancing in the rotunda with a handsome boyfriend who'd ask her to dance for the entire night, with only stars and the music to accompany them. The few boyfriends she had during high school were often lacking a romantic bone or were too busy to care for a little dance. Yet, here she was, about to dance with her boyfriend, on a perfect windy night in September.

"I know, I know. This is too cliche and not exactly high class dining. But, I just thought we could have a casual first date, before we move on to fancy restaurants. Not to mention I'm utterly broke and I wanted the few times we can hang out together,before college sweeps us off, to be worthwhile."

She turned to see his flustered face and his hands rubbing his neck, a sure sign of his nervousness. Sally smiled up at him and took his hands into hers. "Thank you, I absolutely love it! It's all I ever wanted and is way better than any old fancy restaurant."
Colton's eyes lit up at her approval and slowly led her into the crowded little building, guiding her through the flared dresses and plaid shirts, until they found a empty space to dance in.

Before she could put her hand on Colton's shoulder, he suddenly kissed her on the lips and left her with a burst of happiness. Seeing her blushing face, Colton grinned and put his hand on her waist. "Shall we dance, milady?" "Gosh, I love it when you talk like a gentleman to me." "Except when we are in bed, then we talk about other things."

Sally smacks his arm and tries not to laugh while they slowly waltzed around their little corner. Eventually, the music seemed to go slower and their need of conversation decreased, as they move closer and their eyes glanced at the other's. Her dark blue dress swirled around her legs as he spun her around. Her arms slowly descended upwards, wrapping themselves around his neck while his arms grabbed her waist, pulling them even closer.

Gradually, as the minutes passed by, the other couples left the building, until they were the only couple dancing around. A couple of times, they stopped due to uncontrollable laughter or the pain in their feet. Only when the musicians packed up their instruments after a hour, then only did they stop twirling each other around. Their toes were pained and their minds in weird swirls of color, but the smiles on their faces made up for it.

"So shall we conclude this dance, milady?" "Of course kind sir, as my legs completely agree with that sentiment." They then walked over to a nearby bench to rest their feet.

"So, now what do we do?" The two sat closely to each other and linked their fingers with the other's while they thought over their next activity. Suddenly, droplets for water began falling all around them. The dark night sky became overwhelmed with gray clouds and bursts of lighting. "Well, Mr.Colton, your question has been answered by the skies above. So, I suggest we seek shelter as soon as possible!"

They both quickly ran back to the parking lot and sat in Colton's car. With a turn of the key, the engine started and they were off to escape from the raindrops falling from the skies. Sally sat in the passenger seat, just watching the droplets race across the window. Eventually, the sound of the rain and the car movement slowly caused her to drift off to sleep.

"Hey, wake up sleepyhead. Come on, we're at your house. Since you refuse to get up, then, we'll have to do this the hard way." Slowly, he picked her up and closed the car door behind him with his back.

Sally barely heard the door creaking and heard her parents whispering to Colton about taking her to the bedroom. As she wrapped her arms more tightly around Colton's neck, seeking a more comfortable position, she heard the familiar sound of Colton's humming as he walked up the stairs.

She felt her cozy blanket being tucked in under her neck and felt a soft kiss upon her forehead. Sally opened her eyes to see Colton about to leave her bedroom, and called out for him. "No, don't go. We haven't even finished our date yet!" He sighed and sat next to her on the bed.

"Come on, you're sleepy and I'm starting to feel tired just watching you. We can continue tomorrow night. Actually, I have to work tomorrow. Maybe Friday night is best.." Sally simply yawned and snuggled closer to him. Colton almost felt like lying down next to her, but he knew her parents would see it another way and would have no hesitation to kick him out their house.

"Can you please tell me a story? Just one, and then you can leave." "You do realize how much of a child you sound like right now, right?" Sally grinned and simply replied, "Yes, and I don't care. Can you please tell me a bedtime sorry?"

Colton then gave up any urge to leave and began telling the sleepy girl her needed bedtime story. "Once upon a time, there was a handsome prince who wanted to search for a treasure, one incomparable to all the gold and jewels in the world.He packed his bags and then left on his horse, galloping through countless fields. One day, he saw a beautiful girl. The girl was scared to climb a tall tree, yet she longed to eat the fabulous fruit sitting among its leaves.The prince helped the girl climb the tree and slowly, they fell in love while munching upon the delicious fruit and exchanging tales of their childhood. The prince then found what he was longing for all those lonely nights ruling the kingdom and all those days searching for hidden treasure, the love of a maiden who was worth far more than anything else in the world. They then strode off and had many countless adventures for the rest of their years." 

Sally blinked and smiled at how Colton looked while telling his story. His gorgeous eyes sparkled with emotion while his hands moved constantly to emphasize his storytelling. She yawned and snuggled into her pillows, her eyes dropping with sleepiness. 

She barely closed her eyes when she felt a kiss upon her forehead. 

"Goodnight princess." said Colton before he walked out her bedroom door.