.....I stood just outside the two giant glass doors that opened to the backyard
where the party was being held. I was most astonished to see that simple,
large yard had been transformed into a setting where the rich mingled. White
tables and chairs with elegant dinnerware clustered all over the yard. Most
tables were overflowing with the laughter and conversation of people I was
never going to meet. A dance floor was set up, and I gazed at couples swaying
to the tune of an orchestra playing slow jazz. White lanterns and lights hung
in trees and bushes all over, making everything most brilliant. And it was all
under one of the clearest nights I had ever seen in Connecticut. The weather
was wonderfully cool, as if it knew we wanted it to perform like this. Stars
twinkled as a full moon rose high in the night sky. I took a deep breath and
remembered why I came. I eyed the crowd for my dear friend Kathy, but she was
nowhere to be found. I took another deep breath, but remained distressed.
..... I was not one to enjoy crowds of people. I never really liked meeting others
under those circumstances. I was not witty, cheerful, or very interesting when
it came to large parties. I was entertaining only during the time when I was
with a couple of friends. I felt my stomach turn into knots as I swallowed
hard and tried to move away to a quiet spot where I could be a spectator. Such
a lively event was not one where I should be noticed. I found an empty table
off in a corner next to the house and sat down. Waiters passed by all around.
I lowered my head and thought what a big mistake the whole idea was. I felt
like a fish out of water and hoped no one could see that. Just because Kathy
invited me, it didn't mean I had to come.
..... Kathy was not your normal kind of a girl. She had a quiet side, the side I
saw when I met her. She had just moved to the East Coast of the US from
England, and was having trouble fitting in. I was new also, coming in from the
West Coast, which placed us both in this same situation. Oh, how ironic that
two people with so many things in common could actually be so different. I
never really figured Kathy's family was of such high caliber. She was
extremely wealthy. Her mother and father "had connections" in everything from
show business to politics. It wasn't until I visited her estate once that I
realized what sort of background she had. Her parents moved because Kathy's
mom wanted to be able to have a great view of the ocean. And they had hopes of
Harvard or Princeton for their fine daughter. I wasn't much compared to that;
my dad got a promotion. We were very close and was there for each other. So
here I was, for my best friend. She wanted me to be at her big gala. The
question was if I belonged.
..... I suddenly spotted my friend and realized why I was feeling so uncomfortable.
This was her party, one where she was being reunited with friends. Okay, well,
to be honest, she was a snob and now she was going to be with her snobby
friends again! Kathy was with two girls I had never seen before at the
Academy. They were giggling like crazy. Then they seemed to be back deep into
a fascinating conversation. Kathy and I were like that, one moment acting
absolutely childish, the next moment, discussing overseas politics. We were
still very mature for teenagers.
..... They had on the most beautiful clothing I had ever seen too. They all looked
absolutely stunning. I thought I had decked out, and maybe for once I could be
the belle of the ball. I guess not. I stared at a dim reflection of myself in
the windows and noticed how my dress was too simple and my face uneven with
the light makeup I had put on. There were even a few blemishes. The dress was
just a plain, long, flowing, black silky cloth that went up to my chest ending
with a fold. Two thin straps went the rest of the way to connect with the
back. My hair was up in a bun with wisps of it spanned out like a fan. I
looked nice, but I suppose I was just another girl.
..... The party guests were mostly adults, probably clients and friends of the
family. I saw younger guests; there might even be children there too, although
I didn't see any. I stared at Kathy and her friends again. I was jealous. I
wanted to be in on the fun and have a wonderful evening like the rest of the
guests. I sat there, staring at everyone enjoying his or her time at the
party. My eyes wandered everywhere; I got tired from all the motion. I almost
fell asleep, but just then I heard Kathy's voice.
..... "Hey! You're here! Wow! You look great! Why didn't you come find me?"
..... I looked up into Kathy's face, then glanced at the two girls behind her. One
seemed to be about our age, and another slightly older. They both had smiles
and looked friendly. I smiled, hoping it would go well. I mean, after all,
they were SNOBS!
..... "Okay, this is Audrey, and her older sister Marie. They are some friends
from England. Their father flew over to see Dad. They're old university
buddies. And you two, this is my friend from the Academy I have been telling
you about. She's the one who helps me get through the days," Kathy said very
excited.
..... "Nice to meet you," we all said and waved.
..... "Would you mind if we joined you?" Marie said with an obvious British
accent.
..... I was ecstatic to hear their request. Maybe this night wasn't going to be a
complete waste after all, I thought.
..... "No! Of course you can join me," I said cheerfully. " Please do!"
..... Kathy quickly sat down as Audrey and Marie slowly pulled out the chairs and
sat down in a very lady-like fashion. Audrey waved over a waiter and ordered
something each of us. I blinked my eyes, and that's when the party really
started.
..... "Wonderful! Connecticut sounds smashing! I believe we all have tomorrow
booked," Audrey said.
..... "Hey, Kathy, why is it that YOU didn't speak with an English accent when
we first met?" I asked.
..... "Yes, whatever happened to your voice, Katherine? I was meaning to ask
you," Marie said with a look of curiosity.
..... "To tell you the truth, I have no idea! I don't know…it is very strange
isn't it?!," Kathy said.
..... "So you lost it on the plane?" I said briefly. They all laughed. It had
been like that for the past two hours. We all got along very well and talked
about everything. From the past to the present, from girl topics to economic
trade. It was fun; I had a chance to be entertaining. (Oh, and they weren't
snobs.)
..... Then all of a sudden, a most lovely song played. A piano and trumpet gingerly
echoed throughout the yard, accompanied by strings, as people started to pair
up on the dance floor once again. That's when a handsome boy with chestnut
hair came over in a gorgeous dinner suit and asked Marie to dance. She smiled
graciously and took his hand, and they whirled off to join the other couples
on the dance floor. It seem to quiet the rest of us at the table. I smiled and
almost burst out laughing. It happened so fast and we all were staring as if
the whole thing were uncalled for. Audrey looked at us and grabbed for her
glass of soda.
..... "That's Andrew," she said.
..... I looked over at Marie and Andrew dancing.
..... "Don't look so shocked. This is a party! People are supposed to be
dancing," Kathy said.
....."I don't know, maybe it's because I have never really been to a party
like this," I explained.
..... Audrey and Kathy looked at each other. We all became silent again, and I
stared at the couples and I tried to be lost in the music that played. We were
all still quiet until another boy came over and asked Kathy to dance. She
looked at us and gave a funny smile. Then she gladly took his hand and they
headed off. Audrey looked at me and took a shrimp from her plate as we both
smiled at Kathy's expression. I laughed quietly again, then looked away.
....."What is so funny?!," she asked, amused also.
....."I am just not used to this," I said. "I guess I find it a bit silly!"
....."What do you mean?" she asked. "It's like you've never danced with a boy
before!"
..... "Hmmm, I suppose I technically never have! You're right, I have danced
once or twice but I don't think you would count a few twirls dancing. This is
all new to me, especially this party. But it doesn't mean I am not enjoying
it! I hate boy talk, how girls swoon over them if you know what I mean. Yet I
can be a hopeless romantic! I am just waiting for that one dance that sets it
all off, yet not really because I AM living in reality," I said, in my best
efforts to clarify my thoughts. She smiled. I suppose she understood. I hoped
she did because I was beginning to feel a bit confused.
..... All of a sudden a group of very cute, tall, boys passed by, talking and
laughing. Audrey's eyes seemed to follow them as if she were studying, or
better yet recalling. I guess I was gawking too.
..... "Those are Eton boys, my dear! And that tall one with the blonde hair and
a white carnation is royalty!" she pointed out.
..... Eton, Eton, Royalty, Royalty, Eton…the thoughts flashed through my head. I
gasped at the thought! It was Prince William of England! It was! It was!
ROYALTY! It was someone famous, right here, a few feet away from me! I was
paralyzed with excitement! They all moved around and my view of them worsened
as they wandered off. Another glimpse and I saw the rest of the Royal family,
including Harry. They seem to blend away also. I was still sitting there,
gripping the chair, when Audrey flicked some ice water on my face with her
fingers.
..... "Oh my, if I had known that was going to happen I wouldn't have mentioned
it! Are you all right?"
.....I stuttered and mumbled. "Yeah…fine."
..... Audrey laughed at my reaction. She found it terribly funny and she finally
went mad with laughter. I was slightly amused, too, until she started with the
tears, three rolling down her cheeks.
..... "Okay, OKAY! I get it! So I don't get out much! So I am a little
overjoyed to see royalty!"
..... "I…am…so…sorry," she managed to get through. I was surprised to see her
talk.
..... It took her another minute to compose herself. By then my feelings of rapture
at seeing the Royal Family evanesced. We were silent once again. Then it
happened one more time. Another young boy, maybe from the Eton group, came
over and offered Audrey a dance. She looked at me and I nodded, and they
left. A part of me was saddened that I was to be alone again, but what could I
do? I didn't really mind. They all could dance. People knew who Kathy, Audrey,
and Marie were. Yes, I was perfectly fine with this. I started to look amongst
the crowds again and thought nice thoughts as the music drifted. The orchestra
just started a new song as the winds and strings really picked up to a waltz.
..... And so I sat, and sat, and sat, sat, sat, sat. The wait soon became tiresome.
Now I minded! I had done a lot of staring and sitting that night. I looked
around and spotted a clock that said 10:45pm inside. I stood up and did a
little stretch without actually reaching out. After my muscles felt a slight
bit better I decided to leave. They were having a good time and I decided not
to ruin their fun, thinking they had to tend to me. I wondered where they
were… Well, I guessed I'd take a walk home. I did live close by.
..... I was near the glass doors and stopped and took one last look at where I was.
I smirked to myself, and took a step to leave the yard.
.....Without warning someone grabbed my arm and I was pulled back! I was
bewildered with the action and turned around to see who it was! Who would dare
do such a thing?! And then…. there he was. Prince William. I was taller
because I was a step up. He gave me a sparkling smile. His blonde hair in
order, he seemed nothing like the pictures, yet I saw the likeness. That was
the first thought that crossed my mind.
..... "Would you like to dance?" he asked.
..... I never heard his voice. It was deep, the pure British accent, and had a high
spirited tone. Think fast…what was it he just said? I had to comprehend quick
and mumbled my shy, "Yes."
..... "Splendid!" he said with a tad bit of hesitation.
And then as we walked arm in arm, it was my turn to be heading off to the
dance floor.
.....The orchestra was in mid-song. He smiled generously as we made our way to the
dance floor. He held my hand up, and lightly slipped his other arm around my
waist. I placed my hand on his shoulder, like I was taught, and we started in
with the dancing crowd.
..... I seemed to be leading at first, but then gave up and followed him. I looked
away, and so did he. No eye contact established whatsoever! The people all
around seem to take a casual glimpse at us, but I paid no attention. We didn't
say anything and there was enough space between us for an Oxford dictionary,
not that that was a bad thing. Thousands of thoughts raced through my mind.
"Why did he ask me? I am nobody! Did Kathy, Marie, and Audrey do this? Is this
considered dancing? We're not even talking, should I risk a conversation? Is
he upset he is dancing with me? Is he okay with it? OH THANK YOU FOR DANCING
WITH ME! But you could leave if you want, really." All this while I gazed at
his shoulder.
.....I looked up behind him and around the dance floor. To the sides Kathy, Marie,
and Audrey were all together smiling at me. Once they caught my glance, they
waved! Like proud parents at their child's performance. I shook my hand a
little. Next to Kathy, Marie, and Audrey was a group of guys, the Etonian
guys. They had a strange, unsatisfied look on their faces and pointed at me. I
soon regretted everything and sort of pushed William to the center of the
dance floor among others so we couldn't be seen. I felt the awkward silence
between us change. This time he was probably thinking about what he had just
done. Asking a total maniac to dance. I felt so pathetic and was so upset. Why
is all this going wrong? Oh, when would the music end so I would be rid of all
of this!?
..... My wish was granted in a very slow, painful, and gradual time. The music
stopped. He dropped me instantly and clapped. I managed to slap my hands
together also. He faced me and I kept quiet, looking down.
....."Uh...thank you for the dance. It was a pleasure," he politely mentioned.
..... I sort of waved it off and sighed deeply. Suddenly the next card of my
evening was dealt.
..... "This was a request, from the three to the one," a man, who appeared to
be a singer, announced.
..... I twitched and glanced over to Kathy, Audrey, and Marie. This was of their
doings. I gave a sole look of appreciation and hope of what was to happen.
They nodded. The lights suddenly dimmed, and the setting glowed a soft blue
hue, except for a spotlight on the man singing. It was terribly surreal to me.
It was all a perfect blur of every idea I ever had of my imaginary moment. I
looked up into the sky as the beautiful song started with the bass and piano,
my favorite song.
..... "In the moonlight, in the shadow's glow…."
..... "What was I to do?" I thought. I looked at William already halfway to the
edge of the dance floor and decided not to lose my chance at this! I was going
to get my first dance and I would remember it as a wonderful event. I walked
quickly and caught up to him before he left. He might not have seen my face in
the lack of light. Well, it was beaming with anticipation.
..... "Um, would you like to dance again? I promise this time it'll be
better." I said in my most mature way.
..... He said something. I think it was a start of something like, "No, I have to
go and…" I was not about to leave it at that!
....."What? Great, thank you!" I said like a complete idiot with a hearing
problem.
..... And then I pulled him to me and started to move. He had no choice but to wrap
himself around me. He must have rolled his eyes. I just carried on with my
plans. I made sure this time we would be close, and I do mean close. No, no, I
wasn't that type of a girl, but you only get one chance with a prince if ever
at all. I started to look past his shoulders again at the people behind us.
No! I couldn't do that again. I forced myself to look up at his face.
Surprisingly, he was looking past me! He seemed to be confused with how close
we were. I did feel his heart beat and he probably felt mine. I snickered at
the fact; he was just as nervous as I was! Only I had more control because I
knew what I wanted. The laugh made him look at me and we made eye contact at
last. He eyes were so blue.
....."Your Royal Highness…" I said taking advantage of the attention.
....."Yes?" he answered with a 'not sure what to expect' tone.
....."Thank you ever so much!"
..... Then as though on cue, my song did not finish with the rest of its slow self
but a light waltz with a hint of easy jazz played as the lights came back on.
This required much more movement. I smiled showing some whites as we quickened
our pace. He still looked at my eyes and flashed his divine smile once again.
I was glad to see it! It was my sign of approval that he might be enjoying
this dance. We twirled around and it all started to feel like a movie. We
looked at each other and moved tightly packed for about another minute or so.
It was special for some reason. We danced gracefully around and I was sure I
felt the approval of a small crowd around the corner. I did not actually see
them, but I felt their presence. At one point we moved our heads closer and
closer together until we were cheek to cheek. When the song seem to be near
its closing, he made his first and final dance move. Holding me in his arms,
he suddenly dipped me. My head was a fourth of the way to the ground, and at
that point the song officially ended. Everyone clapped while we were still in
that position. I think some of that applause was geared towards us. The next
song instantly started and he lifted me back up. Most of the couples resumed
with their dancing.
..... We were at the upper corner of the dance floor and stepped off to the grass
away from the crowd. He looked at me and I looked at him and we were face to
face, eye to eye, but lip to lip? Alas, no. He instantly grinned and I did
too. He backed away and then, at a leisurely pace, took my hand, held it up,
and kissed it.
....."No, thank you," he said in response to my earlier comment.
.....I was glad that was all that happened! Prince or no prince, he was a boy and I
was a girl. I didn't want any of that relationship stuff at the moment, and I
think he wanted it like that also. We just had an innocent little dance. We
didn't even know each other.
He unpinned his carnation and handed it to me. I showed a look of gratitude.
Then he walked off looking at me with that smile as I headed away too, smiling
at him. We turned our heads finally, and broke off the connection to see where
we were going. My moment ended.
..... I looked at the Kathy, Audrey, and Marie who all had also been dancing. They
looked at me with smug faces. Their set-up had been a success.
..... "Wow, you are lucky. It took a bit of convincing for him to go ask you to
dance, but he did it! And you showed him that you were worthwhile!" Marie
said.
..... "Surprise!" Kathy said with a big grin.
..... "And…and…before…you saw him and…" was all Audrey said until she burst out
laughing again at the thought of what I had did before I suppose. Kathy and
Marie tried to calm her and find out what happened. I kept quiet; I didn't
want to stay. I had a bit more of the romantic feeling left in me and I wasn't
going to spoil it.
..... "I gotta go. This has all been quite overwhelming! And frankly, I sure
did have a good time! Thank you so much for my 'one dance'. I'll see you all
tomorrow!" I said waving the carnation as I started to leave.
.....They said their "See you!" and I was actually going to leave this time, I
hoped. On my way out I caught one last glance at Prince William. I believe his
friends were introducing him to a girl. I looked at him and remembered the
dance and the simple steps we took. And that feeling of joy that was attached
to each one of them. How could I explain this? How could I EVER tell anyone
exactly what I felt? I supposed I couldn't, but at least I knew.
I ran through the glass doors and out of the house; I was walking home, and
this time I was gonna go home. On the way, in my mind, I tried to remind
myself about what was reality and what was fantasy. I stopped in my tracks,
and looked up into the sky. Let's leave it at that…
