Une Nuit Chérie

She sighed to herself as she scanned the dimly lit ballroom of the hotel, a feeling of nervousness and excitement etched on her fair face. It was the Junior-Senior Promenade… and this was her moment.

The girl was a junior, a new face in the social circle and all around her were brightly colored gowns and exquisite coats and ties. In her silvery gown, she felt quite plain but somehow didn't quite care. This was a night to have fun after all… not a fashion show, she thought as she made her way through the dance floor. Stares and murmurs soon ensued as she walked through the sea of students dancing to a mellow rhythm. Though she noticed she walked ahead unfazed and continued on her way.

Until she saw him.

Her breath caught and her heart beat began to pump faster as his brown-eyed gaze transfixed on hers. And then… she just had to turn away. Walking past dancing couples, she walked briskly--trying all she could from looking behind her shoulder. But alas, curiosity gave away from her when she heard someone call her name. It was him--the boy she had loved from afar after all those years. And he did not change a single bit.

He had grown a bit and his eyes weren't the happy brown she knew. Somehow they looked darker, a bit melancholy perhaps… but he was still the same.

"I'm glad I caught up with you," he said, smiling down at her. She tried not melt in his eyes. "I suppose so," she replied, smiling slightly. Breathe, just breathe. There was silence a moment after.

"So… do you want to dance?" he asked, holding out his hand and her thoughts scrambled. All she could do then was to nod. And soon after, they were dancing, their arms around each other as they swayed to the music, everything faded away but the two of them.

She was lost in the moment. And she was happy about it.

"This is a dream come true," she breathed, not knowing she had said it aloud. "What is?" he asked, his eyes confused. "Oh, nothing," she replied and smiled, "I'm just happy that I'm with you." He smiled as well, and pulled her just a bit closer. "I am too," he whispered, leaning down towards her.

The music seemed to grow softer now… and all she could here was her breathing and heart. Looking up to stare at his eyes, she saw the warmth she thought had gone and her emotions grew calm. These were the eyes of the one she loved…

Just before the music finished itself, he drew closer to her and whispered in her ear, "I love you." And her heart leapt with joy. "I love you too," she replied and she felt his grip tighten around her, a broad smile on his face.

"I figured you did," he said simply and kissed her forehead. "And I'm glad you do."

She laughed despite herself and hugged him. This was a night to be remembered, she thought as they made their way back to their seats hand-in-hand. This is my one cherished night. She took one more look at the boy she loved and smiled when she saw he was staring at her as well.

And I love you.

Une Nuit Chérie is French for One Cherished Night.

It sucks I know... but please R&R!