Date at WcDonalds

Chapter 6 - 2 Left Feet and 1 Wrong Move

It was getting late, and the place was nearly empty now. From their seats on the upper floor, Cole could almost imagine that it was entirely deserted.

"So what about before you were a ninja?" Seliel was prodding him. "What did you do then?"

"Well . . ." Cole said with a wince. "Don't laugh."

Seliel shrugged. "No promises."

Cole took a deep breath. "Before I learned to be a ninja, I was learning how to dance."

Seliel gawked at him. "You're a dancer?"

"Not so much anymore. I hated it. Okay, well, I suppose it was fun sometimes, but I hated practicing everyday. My dad put so much pressure on me to be the best. Nowadays I prefer learning how to fight and getting stronger."

Seliel pursed her lips and squinted at him. After a moment of silence, she said, "Nope, I can't see it. There's no way you can dance."

Cole scoffed. "Wanna bet?"

"I'll bet you have two left feet."

Cole stood and held out his hand. "Try me."

Seliel gave him a look that suggested she knew what he was up to, but she took his hand and stood anyway.

Overhead, the speakers were playing some slow pop dance. Cole was really more into the classics himself, but this song had a nice beat. Even though the music was low, they could hear it clearly over the rain drumming on the window.

Cole put his other ethereal hand on her waist. "Just follow my lead," he said.

There wasn't a whole lot of room, what with the booths lining the wall on one side and a row of tables on the other. But with a simple waltz, they wouldn't need much. Picking up on the beat, Cole began to lead her along, and he was pleased to find that Seliel had some idea of what she was doing. She followed his steps smoothly and without hesitation.

But holding her so close, Cole was reminded that, as a ghost, he couldn't feel anything anymore. He couldn't feel Seliel's hand in his, or the way she leaned into him as he guided her along. Still, there was something about just having her so close that thrilled him, and maybe that was enough for now. His new form had caused enough trouble in his life. He wasn't about to let it ruin this as well.

"Okay," said Seliel after a bit. She wore a tentative smile. "I'll admit you're not a total loss. But it's hardly impressive."

Cole huffed. "You're a tough judge."

Seliel shrugged. "Any fool can waltz."

"Any fool can do the steps, but not everyone can do it with flair." He lifted her arm and spun her away from him. Her bright hair flared out and she twirled gracefully. She came twirling back and he was about to catch her. But it seemed that Cole had lost focus enough that instead of coming to a stop, she spun right through him.

"Whoa!"

Cole gasped and heard her thump onto the tiled floor. He cringed. Stupid, stupid - stupid ghost body! He whirled around. "Seliel! Are you okay? I'm so sorry!" He knelt beside her as she sat up, but was surprised to find that she was laughing.

"I guess I should have seen that coming." She brushed her hair out of her face. "I think you could use some more practice."

Cole sighed in relief. "Are you alright?"

Seliel glanced at her palms before wiping them off. "I'm fine, but this floor is nasty." She reached into her back pocket. "I'm gonna go thoroughly wash my hands, but you can go get us some dessert - and then maybe I'll forgive you this time." She shoved some money at him and then got to her feet.

Cole sighed to himself. Real slick, he thought to himself. He glanced out the windows at the infinite deluge. At least he might have more time to make up for his blunder.