The Dance

Chapter 15 Knowing

Lila and Joshua had talked for what seemed forever while they shared the lunch he had packed. Being away from the family was good for both of them as it gave them the time to share their lives and loves, their histories and mysteries, and the quirks that made them who they were.

Bam learned that Lila was a hopeless romantic, the kind of girl who believed in fairytale endings and Cinderella dreams. He also learned that she felt misplaced in time and was meant for a more gentile period of history. Her favorite book was "Pride and Prejudice" and she cried everytime Charlotte the spider died in her favorite children's book, "Charlotte's Web." She thought Winnie the Pooh was a terrific philosopher and that Charlie Brown was her hero for never giving up on the little red headed girl he secretly loved.

Lila discovered that Joshua played the violin, was extremely well read, and could quote full poems from recollection. She learned he secretly liked to draw but had never shared that talent with anyone except himself. She loved hearing that he was somewhat insecure when it came to how he perceived himself. He didn't think of himself as the outgoing brother or the athletic brother.

Obviously, Bam didn't fully understand the effect he was having on Lila. She studied him carefully as he spoke of growing up in Alaska with his four brothers.  She found him to be distractingly handsome. From the gray highlights in his hair to the way he rubbed his beard with his hand, she thought him interesting. She loved the way his brow furled when he didn't like something or when Matt kept referring to her as his future wife.

"Tell me something you haven't shared with me yet." Joshua asked inquisitively.

Lila thought hard and replied, "I can't sleep if the closet door is open."

Joshua was quick to snap back, "Well that's good to know but I don't have any closets in my trapper shack." Lila felt her cheeks tinge with color because it sounded like an invitation.

"You're turn. Tell me a secret about you." Lila stared hard into his eyes.

Bam pondered the thought for a minute. "I snore."

Lila burst out laughing. "Perfect. Because I do too! Then we won't keep each other awake." That comment didn't go unnoticed by Bam and Lila had hoped that he could take a subtle hint.

"We should start the hike back down to Browntown before we lose the light." Bam began to gather his pack and rifle.

"Wait! We didn't take a picture. You brought your camera, didn't you?"

Joshua never travelled far without his camera and quickly found a spot for the shot. He set the timer and made his way back to Lila's side wrapping his arm around her and pulling her closer to him. "Now we'll always have a picture of our first official date."