Swamps

ONE

"Rosaline! Come on, it's time!" Dezarah calls from outside. I sigh, applying my last bit of powder on. I run out, pulling my left heel on and then straightening my dress. "Ready." I say with a smile as I approach the car.

"Finally! What took you so long, peach?" Dezarah complained. I rolled my eyes. "Makeup, honey." I teased. I hopped in the car and leaned up to the front seat. "We goin' or what?" Dezarah smiled. "'Course!" She exclaimed, and with that, the car was off.

The drive to the get-together was quiet except for when Dezarah would occasionally ask if we were excited or not. I laughed and she had to fix her dress after squealing in delight.

"Now ladies, shall I be picking y'all up?" Jonathan, my friend, asked.

I nodded. "Sure. You weren't invited?"

"Nah, I'm going somewhere. I'll be back at... Say... 7?" He asked.

I nodded. "Sure! By Johnny!"

He waved and drove off. Dezarah and I walked closer to the house, knocking on the door. Music was heard from the inside and when the door opened, I was greeted by a very happy Kate.

"Rosy! Dezarah!" She exclaimed. "Come on!" She pulled us inside and a burst of heat warmed up my cheeks, opposing from the cold, brisk winter air outside. It was the kind of weather that nips at your nose, leaving it red.

The record player was playing my favorite music, and they were serving the best food. I noticed a few alcoholic beverages, but made sure to steer clear from those. As momma always says,

'Beautiful ladies can't be downin' their bodies!'

Most people didn't really understand what she meant when she said this, but it was clear to me. Stay away!

I wasn't one to break a rule, and I'm usually called a 'goody-goody.' Oh well, rather be called that then being considered a 'trouble maker!'

I heard a loud laugh, and I instantly knew it was Dezarah. I walked into the family room and took a seat on their chair. I watched as she danced with a young man I've met once or twice before. I laughed when he twirled and dipped her, causing her to squeal.

"Danny! You do a fine job on those feet of yours!" I called. He looked up and sat Dezarah on her feet, walking over to me. He smiled as he took my hand, kissing it gently. "I'll bet you would, too, ma'am."

"Ma'am? What do I look like? Thirty?!" I joked. He smiled. "Nope, just thought I'd respect a beautiful, young woman like yourself."

I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks and just knew the red was visible. I chuckled.

"Know how?" He asked.

I nodded. "'Course I do!"

He smiled as he grabbed me hand, lifting me off the chair. He grabbed my waist and I put my arms around his neck. We rocked side to side for a minute, and I could feel people's stares. I looked around, and I felt the heat creeping up to my neck. I looked over to Daniel and hid my fave in the crook of his neck.

I felt the vibrations in his neck and noticed he was laughing. Finally, the sing ended and others began dancing as well so we weren't the only ones.

"I'm gonna get something to drink. You want one?" He asked. I nodded. "I'll just come with you." I said.

We walked out and into the kitchen. I leaned against the counter as he poured two lemonades. He handed one to me and I sipped it, the cool, refreshing liquid cooling me down.

I finished and placed the cup in the sink. I turned back around and almost bumped into Danny. I laughed and tried to get by, but he blocked me. He smirked down at me.

"It's been awhile, peach." He laughed. I giggled. "I guess so." He laughed and then stared into my eyes.

"Maybe, to catch up of course, we could go to a diner later this week?"

I felt the heat again and smiled. "Sure."

He smiled, taking my fave in his hands and pecking my cheek before walking out.