It was a bit of a struggle, but we managed to sneak out of the house without my parents noticing. We take the road to town where my feet are already killing me from walking in pumps, so I take them off while we continue on.

   It's just about dark enough where you can see the stars emerging in the dark blue sky like glitter. There are still faint, burnt orange traces of a dusk horizon, but that's quickly being drowned out by the approaching night.

   Like I promised, I am completely aware of the priceless ring on my finger, glancing down habitually to make sure it's still there. It's more of a mind game than anything else, it hasn't shown any signs of sliding off at all, but I continue to worry about it.

   The town looks transformed from; rather than bright, vibrant colors, you have warmer, dull colors. Streetlights have the glow of candles rather than bulbs, paper lanterns hang from porches and storefronts, the busy, excitable atmosphere has died down leaving behind a mellow, yet whimsical feel.

   The dances are always held at the Manor Hall. There, the younger kids looking to act wild and expel their energy occupy the meeting hall which is a wide, open area, while the older teens and young adults spend their time outside on the patio area behind the Hall where the garden is. It's less hectic than the kids, a slower pace to it, but still enjoyable. The adults head to the park where they don't always dance, but rather do things adults like to do, I guess. It's nice having our own age sections like this.

    By the time we make it to the Hall, night has fallen, no more traces of daylight left. We have to enter through the Hall to get to the patio in the back, passing the noisy kids who sound like they're having a blast. The moment I step out onto the patio, I'm already loving the vibe.

   Strings of lights hang overhead, connect by nearby trees. Some paper lanterns are strung along the lights. On the few tables off to the side, candles in glass containers sit, flickering undisturbed this windless night. The overall appearance is breathtakingly beautiful. It's neither too crowded or too sparse, making it a nice size turn out.

   "Mal."

   From the crowd, Libby approaches us, a uniform, bright smile on her face as usual. Of course Libby looks naturally flawless in everything, due to her healthy skin, not even needing makeup. The yellow of her dress makes her skin look even more desirable.

   "You look gorgeous." She beams, inspecting me. "Where did you find that spectacular dress?"

   "A boutique the next town over. You look amazing as well."

   She gives a showy twirl.

   "Thanks. I told my sister she could inherit it one day if she wanted to. She hates hand-me-downs, though, so it won't matter."

   Another thing about having siblings that I wouldn't understand.

   She looks behind me at Xalale and smiles. She's getting better at not being an uncomfortable presence, though she's still bad at not addressing him even when she's talking about him (Cauldron mentality is a hard thing to break).

   "You guys look so put together. Can you believe Doug is wearing old gym sneakers and a mismatch suit piece?" She ruefully shakes her head. "I wonder about him sometimes."

   Out of the corner of her eyes, someone catches her attention and she gives me another beaming smile. "Talk to you later." Then she heads off.

   It's like a natural, human body reaction for me to locate a seat farthest from the dancing and socializing crowd, but I fight against my instinctive urges, finding a table closer to the action. I need to step out of my "me bubble" more, and closing the distance between me and others is a good start.

    Watching the dancers already on the floor, I take the time to pause and glance up at the sky. The sky's very clustered tonight, each star so close they're nearly touching.

   "So," I begin, looking over at Xalale. "I'm assuming- correct me if I'm wrong- that seeing how you refuse to sing in front of me, that dancing is another off-limits thing you'll never show."

   "I don't dance because I can't."

   I sit up straighter, giving him a doubtful look. "You can't dance?"

   "When would I ever need to dance if I've never attended any festivals or balls?"

   "When would you ever need to sing?"

   "That is different. I sung as a child, there were songs to sing. There were no events to dance at."

   I don't know what to say other than laugh to myself a little. It's actually an absurd idea to think about, never dancing.

   "Why'd you even agree to come to a dance if you couldn't dance?" I ask, somewhat astounded that he came along.

   "Because you asked me to."

   "Still." I shake my head, amazed at this fact, then look at him. "So do you want to learn how to dance?"

   He glances at the people on the floor then back at me, his expression indifferent. "It doesn't seem too useful of a skill."

   "His eagerness never fails to amaze."

   I lean back in the chair, "Whatever. It is fun, though."

   We people watch in silence again, the music from the band creating the noise between us. As I look at the crowd, I notice a familiar, gangly figure making his way uncertainly through the crowd. I smile, already getting up.

   "I'll be back."

    Hurrying over to an aimlessly wandering Ruthford, I tap him on the shoulder. Looking over the wrong shoulder at first then twirling around, he relaxes, a crooked smile coming on his face.

   "Hey." He greets, more at ease.

   "Hey. Just get here?"

   "Uh, no, I was in the men's room. Did you just get here?"

   "Yeah."

   "Cool."

   He rubs the back of his neck, still giving me that lopsided smile of his.

  "You look nice," I compliment, giving him a once over. "A tux looks nice on you."

   He gets embarrassed by my compliment, his cheeks reddening as he mumbles a thanks.

   "You look gorgeous."

   "Why thank you."

   He seems stiff, probably being in the presence of all these people, or maybe the fact that this is the first dance he's attended in a while. Either way, as a friend, I need to get him to come out of his comfort zone.

   "You like the band?" He asks.

   "Oh, yeah, they're pretty good. Folk or bluegrass, whatever they are."

   "Maybe folk."

   "Yeah."

   A brief pause goes between us, the previous song ending and a new, high energy one picking up. I look at him, with a daring smile.

   "Do you dance?"

   He's still focused on the dancers so it doesn't register to him where I'm going with this.

   "Yeah, I guess. I used to dance to this type of music too. My uncle would drag us out to this place where we'd square dance and-"

   Cutting him off, I take his arm, pulling him onto the edge of the dancefloor. Usually, I'm not this spontaneous or bold enough to dance out in public, but it's a night of taking chances so why not this?

   At first, he's surprised by my action and I'm afraid I'll make him shrink back, but he, in turn, surprises me. You'd think such a stiff, graceless guy like Ruthford wouldn't be as skilled on the dancefloor, but it seems he thrives on it and with ease.

   "You're really good at this," I say with amazement. "How'd you learn to dance so expertly?"

   He shrugs meekly. "Told you, we went to a lot of square dancing places, but I dance in front of my mirror all the time." He blushes at this last comment, but I laugh along, swinging him by the arm in a circle, my dress flaring dramatically as I do so. The music and scene is a whirlwind in my head as he pulls me along, engaging me in his high energy dance. We come out of a dizzying but thrilling spin when my eye catches something, or rather someone, across the floor, over by the edge. A few people block my line of sight, but once they move I can see clearly who I thought I saw.

   A high-spirited Fall dances to the fast pace music, a lively smile on her face. Her short, red dress flares when she spins, her feet bare on the ground, free to move however she'd like. She pulls on Xalale's arm to join her, but he merely looks on. I find it extraordinary how she managed to get him to the edge of floor seeing how he seemed so stuck in his way to remain seated. Still, she tugs on his arm, smiling, unaware of how stubborn he can be. It's at that point where he glances over at me, our eyes meeting. I give an assuring nod and smile, encouraging him to at least try to humor her and step out of his comfort zone. In that distracting moment, his attention isn't on Fall, allowing her to finally drag him onto the floor. Her smile widens at him finally being out on the floor. I want to look on, see what he'll do, but Ruthford is swinging me around, dancing me across the floor so I lose sight of them. Refocusing on Ruthford, I grin, enjoying the wild feeling of our dance, the music stirring our souls.

   He swings me around at a position where I can spot Fall and Xalale again. I can't help but be pleasantly amused at the sight. She has successfully gotten him on the floor, and even though he's stubborn as an ass, she's a rather ended open dancer herself, having enough energy for the both of them. She mostly pulls him along as Ruthford does me, though I dance along, Xalale seems unsure of how to respond. It always seems like he knows when I'm watching him. He glances over at me again and I take the opportunity to laugh at little. He responds with an exasperated look, but with the trace of a smile. People block our line of view to each other so I look back at Ruthford.

   My stamina isn't the best, so I start to wear out soon, though Ruthford is still at it, so I focus on the way we move rather than my tired limbs and aching feet. Letting myself go to the music, I feel freer than I have in a long time, spinning like a figurine dancing, beaming up at Ruthford whose lopsided smile has transformed into a dimpled grin of joy. I want to feel this feeling every time a bitter, sour, painful moment comes around; just pull this memory out of my mind and the negative feelings disappear.

    The song eventually comes to an end and I mustn't have been the only worn out soul, as everyone lets out a gleeful sigh and most stand to the sidelines or take a seat when the music, now a bit calmer, resumes.

   "How you feeling?" I ask breathlessly, looking up at him.

   "Revitalized." He has a new glow to him, a new aurora of excitement and confidence in himself that makes me happy to see in him.

   "I'm glad. But I don't know how you expect me to keep up with you, I'm whipped."

   "You gotta keep up or get left behind."

   I'm already slinking off the dancefloor, smiling over my shoulder at him.

   "I guess I'll get left behind- doesn't sound as tiresome."

   He follows me to the edge of the floor where we run into Fall and Xalale. Fall looks like Ruthford, ready to take on another song, her eyes brimming with exhilaration. Xalale, on the other hand, seems put off from this dancing.

   "You look so pretty," Is the first thing I tell her. "I envy your hair. I wish I could've done that style."

   She wore an intricate, full looking bun that complemented her outfit and her greatly. Red suited her well.

   "Thank you. You look like a princess," She gushes. "All you need is a tiara."

   "Thanks." I look at Xalale, though my words are still meant for her. "I have to congratulate you on actually getting him out on the floor; he's not an easy one to persuade."

    "I tried, but he's not one to dance."

    "You'd probably have better luck with a coat rack."

     She blushes, hiding her soft giggles.

     Xalale shoots me a peeved look, but I shrug, giving a cheeky smile.

    "Oh, he wasn't that bad." She says kindly. "I'm not the best of dancers either."

    "Please. You could dance circles around me. You and Ruthford."

    At being pointed out, especially to an unfamiliar face, Ruthford scratches his scalp, eyes glued to the ground.

    Getting him out of his comfort zone, I push him forward a little.

   "You should see him on the dancefloor. You two might be the only ones to be able to keep up with each other."

   Fall, resorting to her introverted ways, gives a shy, small smile to him, not making eye contact. I can see I'm going to have to push them out there together and hope the dancing does the talking.

   "You guys ought to take a shot out there," I nudge Ruthford closer again. He has become stiff once more. "We'll watch from the sidelines because my feet need a break."

   I linger for a second more before leaving the rest up to them and heading back to the table with Xalale following. Watching from our spot, I observe as the two of them look up at each other and mumble some words to each other, awkward gestures toward the floor but nobody making a move. They both at one point glanced back me, seeming uncertain and stuck. I give them an encouraging smile which gives them the courage to finally- though not meeting each other's eyes- step out onto the floor together.

   With them out on the floor, I turn my attention to Xalale, who's staring at the string of lights above.

   "Anything interesting up there?" I ask, getting his attention.

   "None."

   I glance up at the lights then back down. "Oh."

   We remain in silence for another minute or so before I notice him now staring intently at me like he did when we were back at the trailer. It doesn't make me as self-conscious as before, but I really don't like people staring at me like something's wrong- especially when he does it.

   "Alright," I begin, facing him with a suspicious look. "What's wrong? Every time I look at you you're staring at me like there's something on my face. It's like you're looking through me."

   He straightens up, a perplexed look crossing over his eyes.

   "I'm sorry?"

    I let out a humorless chortle of surprise. "You really don't know you do that?"

   Rather abruptly, he glances away, making me think something else might be the problem. I lean closer, using a thoughtful tone.

   "What's up? Anything on your mind?"

   Sighing, he doesn't reply, but he does eventually look back over at me, a faint outline of a smirk on his face.

   "You worry about me too much."

   "You give me so much to worry about."

   "Forgive me for that then."

  I smile once more, returning my attention back to the action on the floor where I'm happy to see Ruthford and Fall more adjusted to each other, dancing with their bountiful energy, eyes alight with ecstasy.

    Even though I spend little to no time on the dancefloor after my first initial time, I still enjoy going around, talking to others- mainly Libby and Doug, but also getting better acquainted with others I should know- and snacking on a few items. Mainly, I spend the night simply enjoying the atmosphere of the community, the mild summer night, and Xalale's presence. I do most of the talking since he appears taken in thought tonight, which, I won't lie, does bug me a bit because of all the nights, he couldn't stay grounded for this night. Regardless, I am feeling comfortable tonight with everyone and everything. I even quit checking up on the ring on my finger, I trust that it's still there.

    It's starting to wind down towards the end, nearing my curfew. The band strings up for one or two more songs and more people crowd the floor getting that last dance in. Ruthford and Fall, deserve a trophy- both of them. They've worked up a sweat dancing like fools on the floor, waiting eagerly for the next song. Inside the Hall, the kids' dance ended an hour ago so no one but the cleanup crew is left inside.

    The band announces the last song to be a slower pace and it turns out to be the calmest one out of everything tonight. Couples, of course, flock to the floor, swaying rhythmically as one. Even those who aren't couples but just friends, join the mix, the dancefloor like tall grass in a summer breeze.

    Xalale and I seem like the only two to sit out for the slow song. In all honesty, I wanna go out there, but I don't want to be that sad, pathetic person who does it solo. But I also don't want to drag Xalale out there, so I sit quietly watching the couples sway. At one point, Libby spots me on the side and waves for me to join, but I give a rapid head shake no, telling her to dance on.

   The song after it is a tad faster, but could still easily be categorized as a slow dance, more of the kind you'd hear at a gala or ball, a nice tempo piece. As the music picked up pace, some of the couples do as well. I could watch this scene, unfolded from a fairytale, for hours I'm so wrapped up in it. In fact, so wrapped up I miss what Xalale says to me.

   "Huh?"

   He's looking at me.

   "Do you want to dance?"

   Blinking, my mind doesn't click on that completely, so I stare at him with a stupidly confused face. He sighs, not saying a word as he gets up and offers his hand.

   Glancing out at the crowd of dancers then back at him, I waste another precious second before finally taking his hand, which I wrongly assumed to be just a hand up, surprised when he held on, leading me to the very edge of the floor. When he pauses in what looks to be hesitation, I begin to take the lead, but end up not having to for he does it for me.

    It's usually very uncomfortable and awkward when you dance with someone for the first time, especially if they're unfamiliar with dancing as a whole. It looks a little stiff for even the couples who it isn't their first dance together. Plus, with someone like me, you could almost bet it'd be worse than trying to flying a plane blind. But you'd be wrong.

   It's like in the movies where two characters randomly start dancing and it looks good because it's a choreographed dance that they've practiced so it'll look flawless on screen: we just click, like that minus the pre-choreographed routine. I watched all the Disney princess movies a thousand times a thousand, so I know exactly where to place my hands and how to hold myself. For someone who doesn't dance, Xalale holds me with the ease and expertise of someone well trained in partner dancing. His hand on the small of my back, the other intertwined in mine. I place my free arm around one side of his neck.

   It's as simple as finding the sway to the music and we're fine, never stepping on each other's feet or bumping into another couple or becoming entangled. We're not the most skilled dancers on the floor, but it's like we're two different people interwoven in unison together.

   If I didn't feel like royalty before, I certainly do now, breezing around the floor, my skirt swishing dramatically. Most girls tonight are wearing shorter dresses- which is understandable- so my long gown stands out, for once, in a good way. The twirling is my favorite because as I spin and my dress flares, the wind whips my hair and generates a slight breeze before Xalale catches me in his arms. I can't suppress the permanent smile that sticks to my face. I notice the faint curve indicting there's a hidden smile on his face as well.

   "I have never seen someone who's so against smiling for no reason," I say, looking up at him.

   "Who says I'm against such a thing?"

   "You always try to keep a straight face- rather a scowl- when I know you want to smile." I shrug. "I could understand if you had an ugly smile, but you don't."

   "You believe so?"

   "My mom told me a smile is the most attractive thing you can wear." Gah, that damn word again. Just erase it from my vocabulary.

   "I've never heard of such an idea."

   "Well now you have."

   A slight curve hints of a smile, but it's not fully there. Still, I can work with it.

   I don't know what it is, whether it be the moon or lights or my imagination, but his eyes shone exceptionally tonight, and the worst part is, I can't tear myself away from them. Usually, holding someone's gaze can be intimidating and awkward, but right now, it feels oddly normal, like a familiar calming presence. I guess I've looked into them a few times, but the way we hold each other's gaze is different somehow tonight- everything is.

   "It's quite frequent I say this," He begins. "But thank you."

   "And I suppose I ask this quite often: what for?"

   "You ought to know by this point."

   For once, he smiles the way he did in the stream and when we were on the tire swing, a true, authentic smile.

   "I should?" I say, eyebrow arched.

   "Very much so."

   I grin. "Let me get back to you on that one."

   We've come to a point where our silence breaks aren't thick enough to cut with a dull knife. We can enjoy each other's company without saying words, and that is tremendous progress seeing where we were at not even a week ago. "What changed?"

    The last note is drawn, dissolving into the night air. I'm disappointed when it ends as everyone else appears to be, but it was fun while it lasted. Pulling back from Xalale, I wish we could dance to at least one more song, but one song was worth seeing the smile on his face.

   The last song signals that the dance is officially over so people start to pack up and leave, a tired though energized buzz emitting from the crowd who slowly trickles into the Hall to exit. My feet are literally trying to kill me, or at least temporarily paralyze me; I can't wait till I can kick these things off.

   Before we leave, I want to say goodbye to Ruthford. I didn't hang out with him as much as I wanted to, but he at least looked like he was having a good time with Fall, dancing the night away. I try scanning the crowd for either one of them in hopes of seeing the other with them, but to no avail.

    Suddenly, I'm hugged from behind, my body reacting by tensing up, though I relax when the bubbly voice of Libby follows.

   "I'll see you later, Mal. It was really fun hanging out with you guys all day."

   Turning around to face her, I nod, genuinely meaning what I say next.

   "Same. We should try hanging out more, especially you and me."

   I'll never know how it's possible for people's smiles to brighten past their max, but I've seen it countless times.

   "Yeah! I'd like that." She gives another tight hug before starting to head off again. "See you around."

   As she hurries off, I resume searching for Ruthford and Fall, worried that they might have slipped out already.

   About to give up, I catch a break. I actually hear them before I see them. They're out farther in the garden than they should be, strolling around the trees talking in hushed giggles and whispers, clearly more at ease with each other. I kind of feel like I'm breaking something up when I interrupt to say my goodbyes.

   "I hope I didn't pressure you two into having to spend the whole night tonight," I say, apologetically.

   They exchange a secretive look, then Ruthford glances at the ground, a lopsided smile on his face. Fall's cheeks are rosy, indicting she's been laughing quite a good amount tonight. It makes me wonder what they've been up to.

   "Oh no," Ruthford begins. "I enjoyed myself tonight."

   "I'm glad," I reply.

   "I've enjoyed tonight more than I thought I would." Fall adds.

   The way they keep giggling to themselves makes me want to know in on their little secret, but that's not for me to know. As long as they enjoyed themselves.

   They pick back up their promenade, speaking quietly and enthusiastically to each other. I warn them not to stay out here too long least they get locked in, but my words fly over their heads. Whatever. I return to where Xalale waits for me. Everyone's pretty much cleared out, only the band and cleaning crew remain.

   Passing past the clock in the Hall, I let out a tiresome sigh.

   "It's half past 11. I'm definitely getting a lecture on this."

   "We should hurry then."

    A sly smile spreads across my face and I slip off my heels, holding them instead.

   "What? And miss the beautiful night stars? Everybody knows midnight's the real deadline."

   There goes that slight smile of his that makes me smile.

   Taking our time is an understatement. We waste time, taking in the stars and comforting fullness of our silence.