by Rhulain Swann

Created on: April 16, 2009

Picture it. A formal dance at the country club in a lovely ballroom with a grand staircase, gray marbled floors, and elegant columns, draped with satin ribbons and flowers, in evenly spaced intervals around the room. You walk in, wearing a long, deep violet gown. Beside you, looking very handsome in his tuxedo, is your date. He looks so proud to have you on his arm. Smiling and side-by-side, you descend the wide staircase, onto the floor, and into his arms as the first melody of "I've Had the Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing begins to play.

He whispers "Let's do the dance". As the two of you move like Johnny and Baby, the rest of the ballroom seems to melt away, as everyone backs away from the middle of the floor to watch you dance. As the last note fades into the air, you gaze upon the beautiful man at your elbow. You catch his eyes, which are not looking at you. They are looking at someone else. You couldn't help but smile, which turns into a big grin. You give him a nudge and nod towards the guy he was looking at. "He's cute, why not ask him to dance?", you say. He smiles and kisses your cheek before walking over to the other man and they begin to dance.

On the other side of the dance floor, you lean against one of the columns with your arms crossed, watching with a smile as your date is still dancing in the arms of the handsome guy who caught his eye. Even though you hadn't really felt like going out tonight, you were glad you decided to help your friend, who has been feeling really down lately. When he asked you to be his date for the gay benefit dance, you were hesitant to agree. You were unsure if you would be able to enjoy the evening since you were feeling a little under the weather yourself. But you decided that your friend's need was greater than yours. When you ask him what time he plans on picking you up, he gives you a grateful smile.

Leaving him in his happiness, you walk outside in the crisp evening air. The garden is beautiful at this time of year. The blooms were just starting to come in after the cold winter and the smell of flowers was subtle but sweet. You're happy for your friend but you can't help but wish that you had someone to share such a night with. You shake your head a little and berate yourself for being somewhat silly. You did a really good thing tonight. It has obviously made your friend feel really good about himself. He was going to be alright. You chuckle softly to yourself and realize, despite the heartache, that you were going to be alright, too.

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