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Belle woke early that morning, a small twist of apprehension knotting in her stomach. She learned upon moving to town that there were several festivals throughout the year and attendance was almost mandatory.
Last year’s Flower Dance had been an interesting moment. Watching from the sidelines, things could have taken an unfortunate turn, so close to becoming a memory best left behind in those challenging first days of life in the valley.
Still harbouring moments of uncertainty, still unsure of where she belong and whether she could succeed on her grandfather’s farm, she stepped back, observing rather than taking part. Wallflower for a day, unsure of the steps to the new dance she found herself in, until she took a leap.
Only the forest itself and the charming writer saw her dance that day.
Today would be different. She had a good feeling.
So much had changed, time having given her space to learn and grow. However, there was still something missing, masks she still wore. Friends with everyone, but unable to find that special something, still looking for that unique connection.
She looked at the dress hanging in her closet, perfectly pretty in white, with elegant flowers the colour of a spring sky sprinkled over the fabric. Emily suggested they make her dress. A quick study, Belle watched her friend lay out the delicate fabric, soon grasping how each element fit together, a puzzle to solve, pieces of a pattern revealing something new as they were stitched together.
A creation made especially for her. At least this year she would look the part.
Later that afternoon, she approached the clearing. She heard music, saw planters filled with brilliantly coloured blooms, bright and cheerful flags looped and threaded around the field. Rolling her shoulders, she held her body straight and confident, a picture of poise, hopeful for the chance to dance.
With someone.
She beamed warmly at her neighbours as she passed them by, an amiable smile that hid her vulnerability well, her thoughts rushing through her mind. What if no-one would dance with her, what if she hadn’t mastered the steps?
Belle wandered through the landscape, captivated by the most picturesque painting of a spring day she’d ever seen. A gentle breeze caressed her skin while the amber rays of the soft sun lit her face. A scattering of wildflowers were dotted like confetti over an emerald carpet that stretched out before her, their fresh scent lingering on the air.
Making for the edge of the meadow, she felt the watchful gaze of one or two of her neighbours sweeping over her, her confidence wavering for a moment. She drew in a deep breath, determined not to let it shake her but found her heart thrumming in her chest when she saw him, standing to the side, surveying the festivities from a quiet corner, gentle eyes on her as she came to a standstill.
The town doctor looked handsome as always, but something about how he carried himself made her wonder if he wasn’t a little uncomfortable with both the pale blue suit he wore and the festival itself. A small smile tugged at her lips; rosy-pink warmth blooming on her cheeks as their eyes met. Butterflies swirled within and she tried to bite back her smile, looking away hurriedly, feeling bashful. He slipped from her view, but the shiver that trickled down her spine suggested his gaze didn’t falter.
She was friendly with the doctor, much like everyone in town. But with him, it was different. With him, she hoped for a little more. The thought settled, planted like a seed deep inside, a quiet confession taking root. Turning to survey the scene of springtime cheer, effervescent and carefree, Belle wondered whether this season would finally help it to blossom and grow into something new.
She glanced over, their eyes meeting once again. He looked away quickly, turning slightly, his gaze moving toward the stalls as he shuffled his feet. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, his hand climbing further, running his fingers through the soft brown waves of his hair. Her heart warmed and she brought a hand to her face, hiding a small giggle that escaped her. Perhaps she could ask him to dance? Carefully, she edged a little closer to where he stood.
‘Belle! Just look at you!’
She beamed at the sight of Emily and Haley approaching, the latter calling out to her before they both fussed over her dress, the waves in her hair, her baby blue shoes. Belle laughed brightly as Haley insisted that she twirl for them, the skirt lifting gracefully in the air. Emily smoothed over the fabric, taking a close look at the cerulean flowers peppered here and there.
‘You’ll be the belle of the ball, honey.’ Emily smiled affectionately, pleased with their creation.
Belle felt her face flushing, eyes flicking momentarily toward the doctor, smiling as she replied. ‘If only someone would dance with me.’
Haley giggled. ‘Pick me! I know you have a crush on someone whose name starts with H.’
The three of them laughed again and Belle couldn’t help but take another glance in his direction. The beautiful blush below his glasses suggested he heard them. Their eyes met and her teeth pressed against her lip as she held back a bashful smile that broke free. Her heart fluttered as she saw him smile too, quickly, almost in spite of himself, before he looked away again.
Haley took Belle’s hand, encouraging her to twirl once more and Emily straightened the skirt of her dress as music drifted on the air toward them. Her heart fell slightly as her friends left her side, each kissing her cheek before seeking their partners as the melody of the coming dance continued to build.
Emily wrapped an arm around Shane who shrugged his shoulders, a hint of a smile lighting his face as he followed her to the centre of the meadow. He shook his head, still managing to complain about the dance as Emily coaxed him to take his place by her side. Belle listened as she affectionately reminded him that the ritual was only once a year, her wink betraying that he usually had fun with her anyway.
Belle smiled, a bittersweet throb capturing her heart, as Haley waved to her, taking Alex by the hand and leading him to their places. Her friends looked wonderful, so full of cheer under the afternoon sun.
Looking away from the dancers and resigning herself to watching the event from the sidelines for the second year, Belle took a step backward, only to stumble slightly as the buckle of one of her shoes came undone. She muttered her dismay under her breath, wondering if the buckle was broken.
Blushing, she righted herself, standing up straight, looking quickly around the clearing to see if anyone had noticed. Her neighbours seemed to be too busy finding their partners and places for the dance. She breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that she hadn’t fallen to a heap in the grass, and as she crouched to fix her shoe, she heard a soft, deep voice that made her breath catch in her throat.
‘Here, let me help you.’
She carefully reached out, fingertips tracing lightly over the outstretched hand that appeared by her side. Locking eyes with him, she rose to her feet, unable to tear her gaze away. Even at her full height, the doctor towered over her, and she smiled shyly.
‘I think my shoe may be broken?’ She offered.
She found herself focused on his lovely green eyes and warm smile as he knelt by her side.
‘May I take a look?’
Tentatively, she lifted the long skirt of her dress, looking around to see if anyone had noticed the small-town doctor kneeling by the young farmer. Belle drew in a long slow breath as the gentle touch of his clever fingers found the problem buckle. He glanced up and her heart fluttered.
‘Ahh… I see.’ He spoke quietly. Belle watched, enraptured, as Harvey carefully fastened the clasp. ‘No fractures, no breaks, and no stitches required on your outfit.’ He smiled up at her. ‘Your ankle appears to be fine too.’
‘Thank you, Harvey…’ Belle smiled. ‘… for your diagnosis and treatment. It’s really kind of you.’ She glanced up in the direction of the other dancers before seeking his eyes again. ‘Please, don’t let me keep you.’
Harvey rose to his feet, running a hand through his hair. ‘I find myself without a partner for the annual dance this year.’
He smiled sheepishly and Belle followed his gaze to see Maru carefully taking Penny’s arm and leading her into the meadow.
She felt a burst of excitement for her friends, a soft gasp of happiness falling from her lips, so delighted to see them taking those first steps in front of their neighbours. She sighed softly to see Maru’s hand at Penny’s waist, Penny quietly whispering something, the two of them so happy.
‘Just look at them…’ She smiled. ‘It must feel so wonderful to dance with the person you’ve always wanted to.’ She took a chance, looking up to see if maybe he was thinking the same thing.
Harvey cleared his throat, watching the dancers take their places, nodding thoughtfully. ‘Yes, I expect so…’
‘It’s really such a lovely dance, it would be a shame to watch from the sidelines… and for my second year in a row.’
‘I can only imagine it would be much nicer away from the watchful eyes of our neighbours, but, yes, you’re right. It’s a shame for you to miss out once more.’
Belle caught his eye. ‘Well, it seems you and I are without a partner, so perhaps we can offer each other a solution to our little predicament.’ Her smile grew as she saw Harvey’s chest swell. He was a smart man. Shy, but deeply intelligent. She knew he caught her not-so-subtle hint.
‘Well… I…’ He ran a hand through his hair again; an action she was beginning to find endearing. ‘I’m sure you don’t need me to…’ He stumbled over his words. ‘Besides… you’re young and… well, I’m so…’ He met her gaze. ‘I’m sure there’s someone else you’d rather…’
She chuckled softly, her heart warmed by his bashfulness. ‘Harvey, I’d love to dance with you… if you’ll have me.’
She watched as a moment of hesitation flickered over his features before he tentatively offered her his arm.
'Ah… well then… it would be my pleasure to accompany you… if you're sure?'
Belle threaded her arm through his, giving him a gentle squeeze, and they took a step toward the centre of the meadow. As she passed Haley, she saw her friend's eyes widen. She stifled a giggle, the sound melting away as she felt Harvey unhook his arm, his touch tracing lightly along her wrist as he took her hand.
Her heart began to hammer in her chest as they came to a standstill and Belle glanced to the side, finally standing ready to dance among the other villagers.
'I'll see you again momentarily.' Harvey chuckled with a slight shrug as he backed away to the line of dancers opposite.
His touch lingered for a moment before she felt the gentle brush of his fingertips against hers as he pulled away. She understood Harvey to be a quiet, shy person, her friends often talking of his careful nature, but that tiny movement sent a shiver down her spine. Could it be a hint at something she hadn't allowed herself to hope for, that maybe during her first year in town, he'd noticed her, just as much as she had noticed him.
The music swelled around them and the dance began. Belle recalled the movements she’d watched the previous year, taking her time to work through the sequence as she stepped toward Harvey. She smiled up at his approach. He seemed a little rigid, occasionally glancing down at his feet, perhaps a sign of how uncomfortable he felt.
'You're very good at this.' He offered as they came close. 'I can never quite manage to make it through without feeling more than a little awkward.' He smiled as their eyes met.
She counted through the next sequence in her mind. 'It certainly adds an interesting element having an audience of our friends and neighbours.' She stepped to the side as he moved around her. 'We're in this together though, right?' She twirled before Harvey stepped back into position, a lop-sided grin on his face. 'A team?'
'I just wish I was a little better at this… I don't want to let my team down after all.' He chuckled. 'You make it look easy.'
Belle blushed, smiling warmly. 'I sometimes think I try too hard to make every movement perfect.'
She glanced down at their feet as they backed away, following the sequence of the dance, taking careful, deliberate steps.
As they paused opposite each other, she drew in a deep breath, her eyes lingering for a moment on his broad shoulders, how good he looked in his suit, his handsome face. She blinked, reminding herself to focus on the dance and not let her imagination run away. There would be plenty of time for that later, when the dance was done, and she walked home alone.
The music rose once more and they approached each other again, meeting in the centre of the meadow.
'What's your secret? Care to share with your long-suffering teammate?' Harvey said softly, rolling his shoulders slightly, hinting at a little stiffness in his muscles.
She laughed affectionately, drawing the attention of Haley who spun at her side, a knowing smile on her face.
'You're not as bad as you think you are, Harvey. You just need to try and relax.' Belle slipped her fingers into his and twirled on the spot. 'I like to think of this as just another pattern, a sequence to work through.' She felt his hand circle her waist, a thrill rushing through her body as they spun together. 'Follow the moves… remember the rhythm offered by the music...' She glanced up, raising an eyebrow. 'And always try to think two steps ahead. Not unlike a game of chess.'
Harvey smiled as they parted. 'Chess?'
Belle nodded. 'Patterns, logic… the dance has a sequence to follow just the same.'
'Check mate.' Harvey chuckled. 'When you put it like that, it's about making connections.' He stepped to her side. 'Perhaps not unlike our brains predicting movements before we make them. My foot moves this way, just as yours moves the other way, and so it goes…'
Belle giggled. 'Exactly Doctor! Equal and opposite reactions as we move through the steps of the dance.' And yet as she spoke, she suddenly tensed. 'Sorry, that was probably a little too much science when a dance should be about magic.'
Harvey shook his head, a warm smile lighting his face as they parted. Their eyes met and Belle lost her focus for a moment, drawn to the shade of pretty green behind his glasses. She blinked, looking down at her feet, his voice bringing her back as he continued. 'You know what they say… magic is just science we don't understand yet.'
The music faded and Belle felt her heart throb as she looked across at her dance partner, their eyes meeting once more as they took a small bow of thanks.
'I suppose you're right. I guess I feel a little better when I have a system to follow.'
Harvey nodded. 'You and me both.' He brushed his fingertips over his moustache as he thought. 'Medically speaking…' A small smile broke free as he glanced away. '… and at other times, of course.'
Belle tilted her head. 'How so?'
Harvey drew in a deep breath. 'Patterns can be helpful in so many situations, to guide you through your decision-making paradigm.' He pushed his hands deep into his pockets. 'For example, I'd like to thank you for the dance today…' He paused. '… and then ask if perhaps I could walk you home this afternoon?'
'Oh…' She gasped. 'Will you do that? Follow that sequence?'
'I think it would be the smart thing to do.' Harvey inhaled deeply before offering her his arm. 'Would you allow me to accompany you home?'
Butterflies erupted in her stomach as she took his arm. 'I'd like that very much.'
As they walked toward the entrance to the clearing, she looked in the direction of Haley, who grinned, opening her mouth to speak before reconsidering. Belle smiled excitedly, certain that she’d be receiving a phone call from her friend before the end of the day.
Strolling in the direction of the farm, Belle and Harvey walked quietly through the forest, the sound of twittering birds and chirping insects on the spring breeze. It was a pleasant afternoon, a gentle serenity settling over their surroundings. Still, she could sense the slight pull of nerves between them as their eyes met, both clearly trying to think of something to say, to fill the silence. Yet she wondered if the tranquillity of the woods was just the right thing to follow the excitement of the Flower Dance.
'Isn't it the loveliest afternoon?' She sighed softly. 'A little quiet time after all the festivities…' She looked up at him with a smile. 'Just what the doctor ordered…'
Harvey visibly relaxed and she heard his slow exhale. 'I think so too.'
They continued their peaceful stroll back to the farm, arriving in the small garden at the front of the property just as the sun began to set. Everything around her was suddenly tinted by a beautifully warm and golden light. She inhaled deeply, soothed by the soft spring air.
Long shadows began to form, gilded in a shimmering glow. Even as the day, and her time with Harvey, drew to a close, it felt like a soft breath, a moment of pause, a promise of more to come, as day turned to night and would soon turn back again. As they came to a stop in front of her house, she looked up to find his eyes trained on her. Her heart fluttered and she allowed herself to hope for more.
'This is me.' She smiled, readying herself for her afternoon with the handsome town doctor to come to an end. And it had been such a perfect afternoon.
'Did you enjoy the dance?' Harvey asked. 'A little better than last year… I hope?'
Belle laughed softly. 'Most certainly better than last year.'
A pretty blush rose to his face and he ran his hand over the back of his neck. 'It really is quite a lovely melody… for the dance… don't you think?'
'It is.' She looked away into the distance, memories skipping over her view of the horizon. 'Reminds me a little of something I learned on the piano.'
'You play?' Harvey asked.
'Oh yes, since I was young… something learned among many other things.'
'Dancing must have been one of them.' Harvey smiled and she nodded as he continued. 'I can't say I ever took dance lessons… well, just enough to avoid falling flat on my face at a university formal or hospital fundraiser. I did, however, learn to play the piano.'
‘You’ll have to play for me some day.’ Belle smiled.
Harvey blushed as he replied. ‘Only if we can make it a duet? Or pair it with a game of chess.’
‘You play?’ Belle asked and Harvey simply nodded, smiling as he met her gaze.
She looked up into his eyes. He searched her face for a moment, and she could sense he was trying to work through the next steps in his mind. He ducked his head for a moment before looking out over her property.
'Lovely music… lovely day…' He drew in a deep breath and she almost held hers, hanging on his every word as his voice dropped, smooth, soft and hopeful, yet she could see the struggle of uncertainty cross his brow. 'It would be a shame for it to end.'
She wasn't sure what to say. She knew she didn't want it to end either, but for the first time that day, she didn't quite know how to proceed. She had prepared herself to say a cordial goodbye, and her second Flower Dance would come to an end. His voice surprised her.
'I wonder… Would you care to dance, Belle?' He held out his hand. 'Once more before the day is over.'
Belle giggled. She couldn't help it, so charmed by his offer. 'There's no music…' She took his hand despite her observation.
'No pressure too.' Harvey smiled brightly. 'I think if we remember our piano lessons or the music at the dance, we'll be just fine.' He pulled her close. 'Perhaps we can try to recall the steps and the melody… it's just another sequence for us to follow.'
His hand slipped around her waist and a ripple of anticipation rushed through her as he held her tight, the steps of the earlier dance somehow forgotten. Slowly, tentatively, they began to sway in the quiet, bathed in the warm light of the late afternoon. As they moved to a melody that neither of them counted or hummed out loud, every step fell perfectly into place, as if they had somehow memorised that delicate sequence before.
She looked up, meeting his gaze. He smiled softly.
'I'm glad I got to spend some time with you today, Belle.' He glanced away, his smile growing. It was tender and bashful, and she felt her heart melting. 'There's something special about you… I think you hold a wealth of surprises within you, that you sometimes keep hidden.'
She blushed as his eyes found her once more. 'You think that?'
Harvey nodded. 'In the best way possible. You're kind, friendly and so talented. You make everything look effortless.'
'It's really not…' She let out a breath of laughter, an anxious giggle that bubbled up from within and she averted her gaze. 'I think I would give all these things away, these hobbies I've collected, just to find friends I can be myself with…' She swallowed. 'I guess I'm just looking for someone who'll like me for who I am.'
Still, they moved, gently swaying to the rhythms of the spring day and the rustle of the wind in the trees. The sun sank a little lower toward the horizon.
'You're smart. You keep it locked away… and I think I can understand why you wouldn't always share that side of yourself.' She looked up as he spoke. 'Not least because of the pressure we put on ourselves to be what people expect.' She searched his face as he spoke, saw recognition in his eyes as he sorted through his own thoughts and memories. 'It can be difficult to find your people, share the things you love, truly trust someone.' He smiled sheepishly. 'I think we all wear masks when we need to. I can definitely say I have been known to hide behind my profession.'
'Do you let people in…? Would you let someone get close to you?' She asked.
He chuckled. 'I think I tend to keep to my patterns and sequences. I'm a creature of habit in my old age.'
Belle laughed. 'You're not old, Harvey.'
'You're just being generous in your youth.' He lifted his arm so he could spin her as they continued to dance. The surprise addition to the slow and steady formula of their steps made her feel lighter, a little braver.
As she returned to his arms, she raised an eyebrow. 'I don't think age should define our worth…' Her hands came to rest on his chest and he pulled her close. Their steps slowed to a graceful sway once more. ‘I think we should place more value in… connection.’
He smiled, nodding. ‘Especially when there are similar patterns we share.’ Belle giggled again and his smile grew. She smoothed her fingertips over the fabric of his suit jacket, and she watched as he became thoughtful, glancing away for a moment.
Harvey cleared his throat. 'You know, I wanted to ask you last year… when I saw you standing and watching from the side.'
'You did?'
'I… I'm not sure why I didn't…' He paused, choosing his words carefully. 'I suppose I felt that you wouldn't want to dance with someone like…'
'Like you?' She questioned.
He nodded. 'Like me.'
'I think maybe you're exactly who I wanted to dance with.'
Their eyes met as he inhaled deeply. 'I hope this dance, right here, just the two of us, can make up for…'
'For last year?' She whispered, her voice faltering slightly.
'For that and more.' He offered tenderly and a quiet sigh fell from her lips as they danced. Harvey continued. 'It really has been lovely spending some time with you this afternoon, Belle.'
Her hands rose to the back of his neck. She felt him shiver, goosebumps prickling under her fingertips. 'I've had a good time too.'
'I-I… think I'd like to get to know you a little better…' He reached up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. ‘If you would like to, of course…?’
'How does that fit in with your decision-making paradigm?' She couldn't help but smile as she asked, delighting as he returned her smile with his own.
'Sometimes, I wonder if I'd benefit from deviating from a sequence I usually follow, making a conscious change to do something new.' He smiled.
'Oh really…?' She beamed, a little surprised, her astonishment overwhelming her, her breath catching in her throat as he suddenly held her tight and dipped her. She gasped to feel his strong arms around her; fingers splayed against her back. His face fell to her shoulder and she shivered to feel the warmth of his breath on her skin.
Slowly he raised her back up, pulling her close, holding her body against his. Her heart thrummed in her chest.
'I think I'd like that very much.' He smiled warmly, searching her eyes.
'I think I'd like that too.' A thrilling crackle of energy coursed through her system, exploding in a burst of butterflies deep inside.
His gaze dropped to her lips and he leaned in. 'I'd like that very much…'
Her words stalled as he kissed her, his soft lips capturing hers. Her eyes fluttered shut and she felt her whole body soften, her hands sliding up into his hair as he deepened the kiss. A delicate sound escaped her, taken by the press of his mouth, the slide of his tongue, and then she heard a sound too, his quiet sigh as his hands gripped her waist just a little tighter.
Mere seconds passed, yet she felt like she'd waited a lifetime to be kissed like that and as they parted, she almost couldn't open her eyes as she felt a whisper of his breath against her lips before he kissed her again.
He eventually pulled back and she forced her eyes to open, her head hazy with the weight of what it felt like to kiss him. She smiled as she looked up, watching as he pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose with one hand, the other remaining firmly at her waist.
The early evening wind rushed through the land, a slight chill sweeping over her skin and she blinked, taking a final glimpse at the last drops of gold as the setting sun pooled on the horizon before twilight flooded everything around her. She looked up into his pretty eyes and smiled, her second Flower Dance leading to a promising first step.