Whaddup Baby

Casey stared at the reflection looking back at her. She flashed a fake smile, attempting to convince herself that it was all in her head. The invading thoughts of self-consciousness were merely just a delusion that she had convinced herself to be true. She arranged her hair to better frame her face and attempted at yet another smile. She typically wasn't one to doubt herself. Casey had grown to love her body and personality, but she had found herself struggling to find that love recently.

 Casey sunk to her knees in disappointment, her throat constricted as she held back the volcano that demanded to erupt. Once the first tear broke loose, the rest followed in an unbroken stream. Droplets soaked into the navy blue dress that Casey wore, absorbing all the sadness and shame that radiated from the woman. Casey looked back up to the mirror that was before her, her face smudged with black as the mascara bled from her eyelashes. 

"Casey, are you ready to go?" she heard Ethan calling from the kitchen. The sound of his footsteps echoed off the walls as he neared the bedroom. She scrambled to remove the mascara from her eyes by wiping her hand across her face. She didn't want him to believe that at that moment her appearance had made her almost nauseous. Ethan stood in the doorway of the bedroom, his eyes planted on the woman sitting on the ground. Her dress spread in a perfect circle around her, her face red and puffy.

 "Casey, what's wrong?" he said making his way to her side. He found a spot on the ground and sat next to her. They were both looking through the mirror, their eyes locked on the others. Casey couldn't help but roam her eyes over his body. He wore a black dinner jacket paired with a silky black tie, and a silver watch strapped around his wrist. Ethan typically wasn't one to dress himself up in luxurious clothing, but the gala they were to attend required them to dress elegantly. She felt small sitting next to him. She felt dirty, embarrassed. 

"I-" Casey choked, "Ethan, I can't go to the gala." 

"Oh?" he questioned. Ethan snaked an arm around Casey's waist and pulled her closer. "You know that you look gorgeous right?" he said planting a gentle kiss to her cheek. 

Casey forced herself to look him in the eyes. She didn't have to tell him how she was feeling, because somehow he had always known. "I'm sorry," Casey whispered. She had wanted to look away, to hide, to cry. She felt embarrassed that she was allowing herself to feel this way, especially in front of Ethan. 

"If you don't feel comfortable going, then we won't go," Ethan said with a shrug of his shoulders. He placed another quick peck on her cheek before saying, "But Casey," he took her face in his hands, "you truly are gorgeous." 

"You're just saying that because I'm a total mess right now," she debated. 

Ethan gazed at her for a long second before getting up and leaving her alone with herself once again. Casey stared back at the mirror, her shoulders now sagged with defeat, questioning why Ethan had left her in such a hurry. 

A few minutes later a faint tune began to play throughout the house. She couldn't make out the song, but the beat had sounded familiar. Soon enough Ethan had made his way back into the bedroom, offering Casey his hand.

"Ethan, what are you doing?" Casey said begrudgingly laying her hand in his. Ethan ignored her question and continued to drag her by her palm. "Ethan," Casey groaned. Ethan let go of her gently as they entered the kitchen. On the counter sat a small speaker, that was the culprit for the noise she had heard earlier. Ethan gathered Casey in his arms as the words began to play.

I found a love for me

Darling, just dive right in

And follow my lead

Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet

I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

The two began to sway to the music, holding each other tightly. Casey leaned her head on his shoulder and their bodies rocked to the rhythm. A sigh of release drew out of Casey's lungs. She felt comfortable in his arms. She felt confident. 

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass, listenin' to our favorite song

When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful

Ethan gracefully spun Casey on her toes, her dress billowed as the air caught underneath it. The moment was picturesque, beautiful, and timely. Ethan wraps this hands around her waist, as Casey laid her hands around the nape of his neck. 

I don't deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight

Ethan sang along to the words you look perfect tonight in a low, croaky voice. Small tears cascaded from Casey's eyes. She felt overwhelmed with happiness, with love. A contagious smile had now consumed her face and Ethan's. He slowly leaned forward his forehead meeting hers and stared into her eyes. "You're so beautiful, Casey, it's beyond comprehension," he whispered. 

Casey offered a small laugh. Her laughter was intoxicating to him. It was like a drug, making him feel light and full of bliss.

 "I don't know what I did to deserve such an amazing human to call my mine," she questioned. 

"I wonder that daily," he professed as he spun her around again. 

We are still kids, but we're so in love

Fightin' against all odds

I know we'll be alright this time

Darling, just hold my hand

Be my girl, I'll be your man

I see my future in your eyes

The song continued to play in the background. But she couldn't hear the words. She couldn't hear the music. Everything faded away as she was entranced by him. The melody of his heart beating, the way he looked at her with more love than she could ever fathom, these were the things that made her forget about everything around her. At that moment Casey decided to let go. Let her worry, her pain, her discomfort go. Nothing else seemed to matter anymore; other than him. 

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass, we're listenin' to our favorite song

I have faith in what I see

Now I know I have met an angel in person

And she looks perfect

Casey's attention turned towards Ethan as she heard him murmur the words I have met an angel in person with the song. She drew impossibly closer to Ethan as the song came to a saddening end. 

No, I don't deserve this

You look perfect tonight