The happy music swept throughout the whole castle. It was a quick paced song that didn’t take much to get into the rhythm. Of course, it might be hard if you don’t remember ever dancing in your life. He held my hand gingerly, as if it would break if he grasped it. I walked slowly and gracefully to the center of the ballroom with him. He placed a hand on my waist and one in my hand and I lay my free hand on his shoulder.
Olive sat behind a potted plant, hiding from the guests as she was not invited to the party. She watched as the skirts of the beautiful woman swept effortlessly across the floor, guided by handsome men. The cheery music sent an uplifting vibe through the room.
“May I have this dance, your highness?” A mans voice came from behind Olive. She turned to see George, a close family friend. He held his hand out, waiting for a response. She giggled and stood.
“Yes you may.” She said, trying to sound as old as she could. He led her to the middle of the dance floor. His sturdy arms held her hands up and she stood on his feet as he slowly moved.
One two three four, one two three four, one two three spin. One two three, dip, one two three four, and on and on they went, twirling all the while.
I went along with this. Hoping the dance hadn’t changed, I mocked the tempo of my memory. It hadn’t changed one bit, and I twirled and danced gracefully around the dance floor with the mystery man for three songs. Finally we stopped, out of breath and red in the cheeks.
“Punch?” The waiter asked passing by and bowing his head to me. I took a glass and so did he. We sipped our punch while we caught or breath.
“You haven’t told me your name yet,” I told him, “Care to?”
“What? It hasn’t been that long now has it? I haven’t changed that much, now have I? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already!” He laughed heartily.
Olive sat next to a boy at a desk. A puzzle was laid out before them, and they worked hard to figure it out. Now about 9, Olive was becoming quite beautiful. They poked and giggled with each other while the picture of the magnificent castle came together.
“Alex! I think were missing a piece!” He suppressed a laugh as she searched high and low for the last puzzle piece.
“Oh Olive! You sly goose! You’ve been hiding it all along!” He laughed at her confusion, and then magically pulled it from behind her ear. She squealed in delight and pushed it into place.
