The Cactus Moon

When I was a senior in high school I went dancing just about every Sunday night at either the Grizzly Rose or the Cactus Moon. For six of those months I went with my then boyfriend, Chris. In March of 1996 Chris broke up with me. I honestly don't remember why, but I do remember one night shortly after we broke up. It was a Sunday night, and not being one to let someone else ruin a good time, I got ready to go dancing like normal. I had heard that a friend's older brother would be there, and I had always had a crush on him. So I mustered up my courage and went out. Later in the fall of 1996, during my freshman English writing class, I chose to write about that night. Here is an excerpt from that story.

ENG 101: 12/13/1996

"The scene inside was the usual. There were men lounging at the bar, a beer in their hand. As I walked by I winked... The horseshoe shaped dance floor provided ample seating along the railing. Every so often you would see puffs of smoke reach for the ceiling.

I tried to find Kevin's table, but it was occupied by a couple I did not know. My heart sank when I realized that he probably was not there. I turned to go. At that moment my favorite song came on. I ran to the floor to join everyone in the dance. Maybe I would stay for a while anyway.

Just as the song was ending I felt a hand on my shoulder that caressed its way down my arm. Before I could object I found myself in the embrace of a strong man. As the grey felt hat appeared before my eyes I knew it was Kevin. He had come after all. I was so excited that I turned right around to make sure it was him. He gave me his award winning smile and kissed my cheek.

The rest of the evening was a whirlwind of dances with Kevin. My feet hurt by the time I had to leave, and I was out of breath. We were finishing a slow dance to a famous love song by Garth Brooks when Kevin politely asked if he could hold me closer and kiss me. My heart raced at the feel of his lips against mine. Nothing could ruin this night now.

We turned to leave the dance floor and my eyes caught the stare of my ex-boyfriend, Chris. Kevin and I walked right past him as if he were just another cowboy. But as we did Kevin put his arm around me and kissed me. I felt the burning stare of Chris blazing into my back. I could have died right then and died a happy woman."

So there you have it. That was a good night. The kind of story you only read about or see in movies...but it is one that I'll always have tucked away in my memory.