Amor Fati: Episode 4 - The School Dance

By Elyse Harrison
Previous Episodes

It was nearing the end of the school year, on a Friday evening, that the final year formal came around. The examination period was over and the air around the schoolyard held a sense of finality and hinted at the conclusion of an era. Clara could see this feeling consume all the girls in her year, as they hurriedly made last-minute hair appointments or dress fittings. She had never concerned herself with attending any previous school social functions, not simply because she never had someone to go with, but also because such events never appealed to her.

However, now she did have someone to go with.

The only problem was, James hadn’t quite asked her yet.

While this didn’t out rightly bother her, Clara had secretly hoped he might have considered accompanying her to the dance. Hence, when the bell rang that afternoon and she still hadn’t received an invitation, she concluded that she wouldn’t attend. She was perfectly content with that.

At least that’s what she told herself.

At the usual time, Clara heard a solid knock at the front door. She opened the door to James; a huge grin plastered across his face. Draped over his left arm was a blue formal dress, wrapped in protective plastic. It was the dress she had admired a few weeks ago at the local craft market. He must’ve gone back to purchase it after he’d dropped her home. He thrust it toward her, and she took it gingerly in her hands, still astonished by such a gesture.

‘Quickly put it on, or else we’ll be late,’ James winked.

Clara ran inside and hurriedly dressed herself. The dress was the perfect fit. She tied her hair up in a loose bun that allowed wavy strands to fall to each side of her face. After a small addition of make-up, she returned to the front door.

‘Whoa,’ James smiled, his eyes twinkling. ‘You look amazing.’

Clara blushed. ‘Why, thank you,’ she replied as she hooked her arm around his.

‘No motorbike?’ she asked as she saw the white ute in her driveway.

‘No. I thought we would go in a bit more style.’ He winked again, the slight sarcasm evident in his voice. ‘Besides, I wasn’t going to make you ride the bike in your dress.’

The ute was his father’s and looked as angry and as worn as the man himself. Clara didn’t mind, though. It would’ve taken a while for James to have built up the courage to ask his father to borrow the car, and so she was very appreciative, nonetheless.

At the school, James pulled up into the car park and the pair slowly made their way towards the hall where the formal was held. He walked with his hands in his pockets and Clara had hers clasped in front of her. Before walking through the hall’s entrance, James hesitated for a moment. He took his hands out of his pockets and gently pulled Clara to the side. He paused once more, only slightly this time, and cupped his hands around her face. He stepped in closely and kissed her, his lips lingering on hers for some time.

As he pulled away from the kiss, James opened his eyes and took a step back. Clara took his hands from her face and held them in front of her.

‘You know, things can’t go back to the way they were,’ she contemplated aloud.

‘I don’t want them to, because… I love you,’ James returned.

‘Wow,’ Clara stated, surprised by the words that came out of his mouth. She paused, but only for a second. ‘I love you too.’

Clara, then, took James’s face in her hands and returned the kiss.

‘Come on,’ James said, happiness encompassing his entire face. ‘Let’s go inside.’

So, hand in hand, Clara and James left the past behind them and took a step forward, into their future.

About the Author: Elyse Harrison

Elyse Harrison is an environmental professional and writer based in Geelong. Her writing explores the connections between people, animals, history and the natural world, often weaving together themes of hope, grief, belonging, love, and environmental stewardship. Drawing inspiration from nature, philosophy, and the enduring relationships between humans and animals, she writes poetry and fiction that seeks to find meaning in the fleeting moments that shape our lives.

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