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It should have been an escape worthy of a story book, my Carmen. We should have made a breathless, desperate climb down knotted sheets hung out of our dormitory window, scrambling down past a trellis that would be covered in scarlet roses during summertime but is now stark and bare in the bleak winter cold.
But the door was left unlocked, and you and I simply walked out, hand in hand into the freezing moonlit night, wrapped in woollen coats and scarves, warmed from within by sheer excitement.
We were only running away for one night, but this was the greatest adventure of our young lives.
“Make sure you and Carmen get back before midnight, or I’ll have to lock you out,” Kate had whispered to me the previous afternoon, falling into place beside me as everyone filed out of English class. “If anyone finds out what I’ve done for you two, I’ll lose my position as Head Girl; maybe they’ll even expel all three of us. And I’m not risking that, Bonnie, even for you. Be warned.”
I nodded, whispering back that we’d be sure to return long before then, for I wanted to keep you safe, darling. Kate may be my best friend but protecting you is what matters most to me.
Our breath was cloudy in the icy air, and there may have been no roses in the garden, precious Carmen, but the blushing roses of your cheeks more than make up for that. Your eyes glistened with excitement, brighter than the moon or the snowflakes, and my heart was almost pounding out of my chest as we walked along the pathway to the manse with the pure white marble steps, walking up on trembling legs and ringing the doorbell with more than a little trepidation.
Kate had told me no one would give us any trouble as long as we behaved ourselves and didn’t drink any alcohol, but still I worried until a tall, handsome grey-haired butch wearing a pinstripe suit and bow tie let us in, smiling when I told her Kate had sent us.
We shed our coats and hung them on hooks in the hallway, looking impossibly gorgeous in the gilt-framed mirror when we stood together in our evening clothes. You were a glorious golden butterfly with your blonde hair flowing down your back, honey-shampoo scented, and your yellow dress flaring at the waist like the prettiest buttercup that ever bloomed. And your blue eyes told me that to you I looked every bit as dashing as that gentlemanly butch who had greeted us so warmly, as I stood beside you in my tight black trousers, collared shirt and smart satin waistcoat.
My Carmen, I could not have dreamed of any sweeter declaration of love than that look of admiration on your beautiful face.
We sipped hot chocolate with marshmallows, watching pairs of blissful-eyed women waltz around a spacious ballroom lit by crystal chandeliers. You giggled at the sight of hot cinnamon froth on the tip of my nose and stretched up to kiss it off.
I could not help but bend to press my mouth to yours, softly parting your warm lips with my tongue and hearing you almost moan aloud as you pulled me closer.
Later, as I whirled you around in my arms on a cloud of music and passion, I felt like we were a world away from the school we would have to return to before the midnight hour struck. Only this time, Prince Charming would leave the ball with Cinderella's slender hand clasped tightly in her own, and there would be no glass slippers left behind.
I kissed you again, tenderly and deeply, as the dance came to an end, and the sugar-sweetness of your lips tasted like heaven in that moment.