A Reunion to Remember

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

When dinner was over, the DJ once again became the voice of the evening. "Ok, everyone. Tonight, we'll begin with a high school sweetheart dance. I want everyone to grab the one they loved during those formative years, and have a beautiful slow dance. For those who are presently seeing other people, hands above the waist only!" 

Ronnie hated cheesy DJ's. They tried too hard to be funny. At least he was trying to keep everyone happy, she thought guiltily. 

"May I have this dance?" Ronnie heard behind her. She turned around to find Josh there, hand outstretched in the traditional dance invitation gesture, staring at her.  

She looked at him sternly and said, "We did NOT date in high school. Go away." Josh just stood there, unmoving.  

"We should have," he said, never taking his eyes off of her. "Please," he begged. "Mia sent me over here. She doesn't know you're mad at me. I'm getting married in thirty-six hours. Please help me by doing this." 

Ronnie let out a groan. "Okay, but only on one condition: if after this, you LEAVE ME ALONE!" Her friends exchanged questioning looks, but knew better than to ask Ronnie anything until they were back in their cabin. 

Out on the dance floor, Josh put his arms around Ronnie's waist and began swaying back and forth to the music. It was almost as if he was afraid to look at Ronnie. Ronnie almost laughed, silently comparing herself to Medusa, who could turn people to stone if they looked into her eyes. 

"I'm sorry about earlier," Ronnie said, looking intently at the top of Josh's head. She would rather have looked him in the eye, but he was making that difficult to do. 

"No big deal," he mumbled. "You weren't wrong. We were. I knew it was a bad idea, especially with you, but I was just so curious...." he trailed off. His arms kept tensing up, so Ronnie moved in a little closer to him. 

"I know. I know," she comforted. "I was curious, too. You really helped me out, whether you believe me or not. You are also a pretty awesome kisser. Mia is very lucky. Maybe we should just enjoy the rest of this dance, since we seem to have called a truce, and part amicably." 

"I really did love you," Josh replied. "It was great getting to hang with you for awhile. You are also very good at kissing. It was almost as good as sex with M......nevermind. I'll stop talking now." 

Ronnie rested her head on his shoulder and wished the song would never end. She felt safe and comfortable right where she was. 

"You two looked adorable out there," Kristy stated as Ronnie sat back down. Ronnie felt like a balloon that had lost all of its air.  

"Thanks," Ronnie replied. "I think I'm going to go to bed now." Ronnie stood up and walked towards the exit. As she was leaving, she thought she heard Maggie say, "I think she really has it bad for him. The last time I saw her like this was the day I told her Austin hated her." 

Who cares if Maggie is right? thought Ronnie. I missed my chance twenty some years ago. The tears came shortly afterward. By the time she reached her cabin, sobs were wracking her body.