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Soon, I was handed a long ribbon and moved into position with the other dancers. A cheerful fiddle tune started up, and Lucia nudged me forward.
I initially felt awkward, weaving in and out with the other people. But soon, I realized no one was watching me - they were all just having fun. I started to relax and go with the flow.
My fuchsia wrap dress swished around my legs as I moved to the fiddle music, the skirt billowing out whenever I spun around the pole. I had slipped off my wedges beforehand, enjoying the feel of the cool grass under my bare feet.
With each rotation around the maypole, I glimpsed Alexander standing nearby, enthusiastically clapping along to the music. His presence acted as a reassuring anchor, injecting me witha burst of confidence. I surrendered to the rhythmic beats, my dress swirling, and my unbound hair billowing in the breeze. In that fleeting moment, I felt like the carefree young girl of yesteryears, dancing under the sun, unburdened by the world’s weight.
By the time the song ended, I was laughing and slightly out of breath. I curtsied playfully at the sound of applause, and my cheeks flushed from exertion and joy.
“See, that wasn’t so bad,” Lucia said as we moved away from the maypole.
“You know what, it wasn’t,” I admitted. “I can see why it’s still a tradition.”
Alexander stepped over to us, smiling. “You looked like a natural out there,” he said.
I blushed, suddenly feeling shy. “Well, maybe I’m still young at heart.”
His eyes were warm. “I’d say that’s a very good thing.”
We stood there a moment, the levity of the dance giving way to something deeper passing between us. Then Lucia cleared her throat, tactfully reminding us she was still there, and reminding us not to miss the fireworks, before disappearing into the merry crowds.
I felt lighter than air. Dancing in front of the whole town was nothing compared to that shared look with Alexander. This had already become a Spring Festival I’d never forget.
***
Alexander and I made our way through the crowds at the Spring Festival, sampling delectable treats from the food stalls and trying our hand at the game booths. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d laughed so freely. Alexander brought out a playful, carefree side of me.
We shared a plate of cheesy fries, the savory richness complementing the sweetness of the funnel cake we’d devoured earlier. Alexander won me a plush tiger by popping balloons with a dart, which I cuddled gleefully.
As the sun began its descent toward the shimmering ocean horizon, the mayor’s voice crackled over the loudspeakers, heralding the commencement of the beachside barbecue and fireworks show. Alexander and I joined the bustling throngs of people making their way to the beach, blankets, and baskets in hand. Eventually, we settled near one of the bonfires, already blazing brightly against the dusky sky.
Taking a seat on the blanket thoughtfully brought by Alexander, I absorbed the lively atmosphere. The tiger he had won sat beside me, a tangible reminder of our shared joyous moments. My cheeks ached from continuous smiling and laughter, prompting me to reflect on when I had last experienced such unbridled lightness.
I nestled into the blanket, warmed by the crackling fire and Alexander’s presence beside me. He turned to me, his face gentle.
“Etta, I want to share something special with you,” he said softly. He pulled out a folded piece of paper from his pocket. “I know we are taking things slowly, but I have been so inspired by our time together that I wrote you this poem. I hope the words convey what’s in my heart.”
I raised my eyebrows, intrigued and touched, as he began reading the heartfelt poem.
“My dearest Etta, Your laughter rings sweet as a bird’s melody, Lifting my spirit like the blushing dawn. Our time together at the fair was a sublime gift. Moments I’ll treasure my whole life long.
Your smile stirs my soul, warm as the summer sun. Your grace and beauty I can’t praise; they outshine the stars, eachone. My heart overflows and runs far too deep; when I’m with you, I’m complete.
I’ll forever keep time spent by your side etched in my memory for me to reap. No jewel could compare to your radiant eyes; no treasure is more significant than your open and wise heart.
You are my angel, muse, and friend; all sorrows will end with you by my side. Our bond grows stronger with each moment we share, a love pure and right, beyond comparison.”
As he finished, tears shone in my eyes. His words were so genuine and moving, conveying the depth of his feelings for me. No one had ever spoken to my heart and soul like this before.
“That was exquisite,” I said softly. “I don’t know what to say, Alexander. To think you wrote something so meaningful and beautiful just for me...” I trailed off, overcome with emotion.
He gazed at me tenderly. “You inspire me, Etta. You deserve to know how cherished you are.”
We sat silently for a moment, hands clasped, the depth of feeling palpable. Then, as if on cue, the first fireworks burst overhead, lighting up the night sky in dazzling colors. Oohs and aahs rose from the crowd.
I leaned into Alexander, resting my head on his shoulder as the colors danced across the sky. The display was dazzling, but I was lost in the moment we had just shared. His thoughtful words conveyed the profound connection between us. As the grand finale lit up the beach, I made a silent wish - for this tender love to last forever.
Chapter 15
