Part of your World

Homecoming Night

What a night to remember. 

My family took me to Arista’s house so I could pick her up. I was wearing a nice suit, as for Arista, she was...breathtaking.  she was wearing a long blue dress, her raven hair curled nicely as opposed of her usual ponytail attire. I gently held her hand as we walked to the car, prepared for our first dance.

We spent the trip expressing our excitement.  Arista was more nervous than I was. I reassured her that everything was going to be alright.
We arrived at the dance, which was specifically in the cafeteria.  As we entered, we were met by loud music. Arista started to cover her ears but changed her mind.

“come on Oliver! Lets dance!” she said with energy.

We danced to modern and classic hits. The music may have not been my favorite, but it still made our night a pleasurable experience. 

At almost an hour in, we walked outside to look at the stars. The stars were magnificent at the dark sky.
Arista had been quiet for a while.

“Arista, is everything alright?”

She turned to me with a frown. Was she sad? I was trying to understand when she started to hug me.

“Thank you, Oliver.”

“For?”

“For being accepting. you spoke to me. You went to the dance with me. You became my close. . . friend.” She said as if she were thinking.

“Of course you are my friend.  You are compassionate, smart, and unique. "

Arista looked at me with surprise. “I don’t think I’m unique.”

“How so?”

“All my life, I was homeschooled. My parents were worried that I wouldn’t be able to fit in school due to my disability. I have Asperger, you see, so I have trouble making friends.”

She noticed that I was confused. “oh, I have behavior problems, so I react differently than average people. Anyway, Last year I finally convinced my parents to give me a chance at high school.”

“Was it scary for you?” I asked.

“Yes, it was. There were so many people that I didn’t know what to do. But then you talked to me, and you helped me opened up. I still have work to do to find myself but. . .”

I tenderly lend my hands on her shoulders. She looked at me, speechless.

“Don’t worry arista, you will able to find what you’re looking for.”

“Do you have any tips for me?”

“Just be yourself. I know it’s going to be hard on your first year, however, don’t be afraid to open up to people you are conferrable with.” I thought carefully. It is not easy to think about.

Arista smiled gently “Thank you Oliver. I’ll definitely work on that.”

Slow music was in the air. I offered my hands to her. “Shall we dance”

Our hands touch. “We shall”

I led her back to the dance. It was a classic slow song. While the couples were dancing, Arista hugged me and moved along to the beat.  Her breath was shaking; I guess she was nervous. I hummed along to the music.

She finally looked right at me, her smile starting to grow. I returned the smile, feeling. . . happy? Appreciated? Kind? No, it was a different feeling. I do not know what it was but I felt warm.

The slow dance finished. It was the end of a special song, but not the end of a special bond, a special connection, between me and arista.