Obscura Fabula (Dark Shorts)

A Rose and a Gravestone

A Rose and a Gravestone

"She's the most beautiful tonight!" I told my friends and swigged half of the liquor in my glass.

"Yes she is", replied my buddy Billy Burton. "But, who is she? I can't recall her from school."

"Maybe she's not a senior... perhaps she is some classmate's sister. Anyways, who cares? She's absolutely the prettiest girl in the ball tonight." Johnny Dimpleton said.

We all observed the girl as she climbed down the stairs with gracious confidence. Like an angel she wore a white gown and a gilded tiara crowning her dark hair. A pair of emerald eyes glistened reflecting the fluorescent spotlights in the salon.

"I'm going to ask her for a dance." I spoke with self determination.

"Ha! I bet twenty bucks she won't dance with you!" I heard Billy say. Yet, without looking back, I walked away leaving my buddies gambling on my fate.

The beautiful brunette stood by the stairs scanning the ballroom. A cold blow in my stomach suggested with some traces of disappointment that she might have been looking for someone. Her fiancé? But I was half way across the salon on my way to ask this girl I've never seen before for a dance and my friends were expecting me to fail in the quest.

"Good evening. Are you looking for someone?" I asked her. Yes it was better to ask first. After all I didn't want to get a punch right on my nose for asking another guy's girl to dance.

"Yes... Well, I was. I think he didn't come. I've been looking for him for... Seems like an eternity.

"Oh, I see? Your boyfriend?"

"Oh no. I don't have a boyfriend. Men nowadays are not fond to commitment. And me... Well, they see me and run!" She said and chuckled.

"But why! You're the most beautiful girl in the prom", I told her.

"Oh that's so sweet! Thank you." She blushed burying innocently her eyes to the floor.

"My name is Branden." I introduced myself. "What's your name?" I asked.

"I'm Rose Marie."

"A lovely name, to a lovely lady." Like a gentleman I kissed her fist. Her delicate and pale hands were cold to the touch, but her skin was so soft and smell like roses.

"Thank you, Branden."

"Would you dance with me tonight." I ventured to ask her finally.

"Yes." Rose Marie answered and smiled.

Taking gently her hand, we sauntered amidst the dancing crowd.

And we danced and danced... And conversed and laughed to each one's jokes till the prom ended. As we walked out the salon I covered Rose Marie's bare shoulders with my Jacket. It was passed midnight and she had accepted me taking her home.

We drove through the city until we got to the Old Town's Cemetery.

"Are you sure you want me to leave you here. I think it is no appropriate. I should take you right by your door", I insisted.

"No! I mean, look, my house is that one on the hill. It's not a long walk and my mom is very strict. I don't want a fuss tonight."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely", she said. "Thank you for everything Branden. I had a wonderful time with you tonight", then she kissed my lips softly. Her lips were cold, but plump and sweet.