Dreaming Of Stars

A Melancholy Birthday Celebration || Open

Arthur swallowed. "Alright.I should warn you though; I'm not a good dancer. Or even a halfway decent one." He stood all the same and helped Hazel to her feet. "I'll try my best though."

"Don't worry. As I told you before- as long as you can keep rhythm, we'll be fine." She smiled as she took his hand, gently pulling him to an open corner of the dance floor. Luckily enough for them, the music slowed to a waltz. The familiar music brought a rush of happiness to Hazel, and she grinned at Arthur as they began to move.

A Melancholy Birthday Celebration || Open

Arthur drained the last of his glass. "I'm alright," he said, "Glad I finally got to come to one of these. It's fantastic, and people are telling me that in the past, its been wilder still!" He cleared his throat, then somewhat awkwardly added as afterthought: " I'm glad to find someone I know. You look very pretty tonight, Hazel." Immediately, he regretted it. Would she think he was flirting with her? I mean, she was of course beautiful, but he was only trying to be polite. Feeling himself blush, he stared at the table until he could calm down.

"Yes, today seems a bit quiet. Summer is winding to a close, so people may be a bit more preoccupied." Hazel smiled at his enthusiasm. She took another sip of her champagne, draining the glass. She rarely drank, but tonight she needed to detach herself from the realm of sobriety. She blushed profusely as he complimented her, replying with "You look rather dashing yourself, Arthur." It looked as if he was blushing as well, and Hazel found that slightly endearing. She smiled softly. "Would you like to join me for a dance?"

A Melancholy Birthday Celebration || Open

Still scanning the crowd urgently, Arthur was glad when his eyes finally settled on someone he had actually met: Hazel Nash. She was sitting at a table, apparently alone at the moment, and looked a bit distracted. Arthur decided to go sit with her for a little. "Hello, Hazel. What are you thinking about?"

The figure materialized into Arthur Rancoff, one of her newer neighbors. "Oh, hello to you too," she smiled as he joined her. "Just remembering, I guess." She struggled to find the correct words. "How have you been?" she inquired. It was easier for her to move the topic off of herself.

I'm eagerly awaiting yet dreading this Saturday's party.

I'm eagerly awaiting yet dreading this Saturday's party.

[sighs slightly] Yes, I turned twenty one on Wednesday. I don't generally celebrate it, and you can understand why. [smiles sheepishly as if to apologize for confusing her]

I'm eagerly awaiting yet dreading this Saturday's party.

I'm eagerly awaiting yet dreading this Saturday's party.

I'm eagerly awaiting yet dreading this Saturday's party.

I'm eagerly awaiting yet dreading this Saturday's party.

I'm eagerly awaiting yet dreading this Saturday's party.