The Boiling of the Bones

11. Dance Recital

Soph and I met up at Avalon again as planned.

"You probably wouldn't like it, but I have a big dance recital next Friday. You could come if you want to watch."

"I'd love to."

"OK, you can come as long as you don't come up and talk to me. I'm really sorry, but we still can't be seen together. Soon, but not quite yet."

"I know. That's OK. I'd love to come anyway. I can't wait to see you dance. Where is it?"

She threw her arms around me and gave me a big hug.

"At my high school auditorium. Seven o'clock."

When the time came, I loitered in the parking lot until the stroke of seven then slipped into the back of the darkened auditorium. I sat by the door where I could sneak out right afterward. I carefully abided by her rules to put her at ease. This was a big step in the progression of her slowly opening up and allowing me into her life. I wanted her to trust me or she'd never invite me to another performance again. She'd withdraw and feel guarded, maybe even putting-up walls forcing me to keep my distance. As annoying as it was, I had to patiently do it her way, on her time frame.

The show was great. Soph had the lead role. She was amazing. She was an incredibly talented dancer. When it ended the crowd burst out into applause. I would have loved to give her a hearty standing ovation, but I discreetly slipped out the door instead. I'd seen her driving a red Porsche Carrerra, at Mendon Ponds so I looked around for it in the parking lot. I found it in a back corner farthest away from the school. I pulled three red roses from my bag and discreetly pinned them with a small note to her windshield wiper. The note simply read;

Loved the show, girl! You were amazing. –From all your friends at Avalon.

I wanted it sound like it came from a group of girlfriends in case anyone else saw it, but I invoked Avalon as a codeword to secretly inform her it came from me. I was tempted to hide and watch her come find it to see her reaction, but it was too risky. Instead, I quickly walked away before anyone discovered me there. I found my Uber waiting by the curb at the front of the school.

The next morning, I went to Mendon Ponds early and Soph showed up an hour later. I watched her park her car and as she was getting out, I ran down the trail toward Avalon. I ducked behind a thick evergreen and waited quietly.

A moment later as she came down the trail, I let her pass then jumped out and grabbed her from behind as I yelled, boo! She shrieked in a quivering jolt of panic. Then a second later, she turned and punched me in the stomach.

"Oh my gosh I'm gonna kill you! You scared the crap out of me."

I started laughing, then wrapped my arms around her. I'm sorry. I saw you coming, and I couldn't resist. You were amazing last night. You're an incredible dancer."

She smiled.

"Thanks. I got your note and flowers by the way."

I played dumb.

"What note and flowers? I don't know what you're talking about."

She smiled mischievously.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about--you dork. From all my friends in Avalon? All one of them."

"Oh, you mean those flowers. I might or might not have been involved."

"My dad saw the note and asked who it was from. I had to make up a lie about a group of girls in a dance troupe. Thanks for the flowers. I love them. I have them in a vase right beside my bed."