The Girl at a Ball

It's a favor for a friend. A night of fun, food and dancing. Her Date is polite, but nervous. There is no connection or attraction. They are simply together to have a good time. The car drives down the freeway, wheels go round and round. She's been on many dates before, all similar experiences and missing something.

They arrive at the Ball. Formal introductions are made to many people. Names and faces flash before her, not noticing any in particular. She's never been here before, does not know much about those around her. In her mind, she won't meet these people again. It's all a new environment, different from any other.

She spots him from across the room. He starts to make his way to her. Four people standing together for introductions, the Football Player, the Date, and the Lieutenant. The conversation starts with the Football Player asking her if there are other "good looking girls like her around because the Lieutenant is looking for a wife." The Lieutenant's face turns red as he grins. She thinks, pick me. Her heart flutters. She is enchanted to meet him.

It's time to sit down. He leaves. Her heart sinks. Suddenly, he turns around and approaches her at the table. His place card is right next to hers, Ms. C and Lieutenant B. They have been seated together. Brought together by something other than their own plan or ideas.

Conversation starts at a table of strangers. She visits with all at the table, her Date remaining silent. Her friends are merely Cadets and are seated at another table. The Lieutenant is to the right of her, pouring her wine. They discuss anything and everything. A sweet lady sits across from them, next to the Football player. She not shy and talks to everyone. Still, the Date is quiet. The dinner is the longest she has ever been to. Many courses. Stand up, sit down, toast everyone possible, including the President.

Finally the dance begins. She finds the Cadets. They are in a big group. Everyone is having a great time. Suddenly, the first slow song is played. There she stands in a circle of friends. The Date does not approach her, but the Lieutenant does. The music plays and they dance around the room. She's wonder-struck, there is no one else except her and him.

Her Date becomes ill. He asks the Lieutenant to take her home. The Date brings her coat and things. Once again, he is polite and says goodbye.

She's filled with excitement. The Lieutenant meets her at the table. They've shared their first meal and first dance. He leans over and gently gives her a kiss. She's forgotten his name. Brian, Ryan? She just can't remember. Then he says "Nathan."

The Cadets inquire about the Lieutenant, but approve. Not ready for the night to end, they drive to have coffee. It's late, but she's not tired. Before coffee, he kisses her again. They share each others story. She's never felt this way before and thinks she will marry him. This is something she keeps to herself because it sounds to crazy to say right now.

He brings her back to her hall. She asks if he wants to walk her up. They are complimented by strangers as they enter the hall. He comes to her room. There are no words held back, they discuss everything. They talk until morning.

He leaves and she can't sleep. A phone call to a good friend to share her experience. Sleep comes, but only for a few hours. She attends early mass and continues her day, thinking of him. Mid-morning, he calls. He shows up with flowers and wants to take her out to eat. It is the beginning of the end. An end to her seeing anyone else. This is it. She has finally found him.

They are truly blessed to have met and shared such a wonderful life together at this point and beyond.