by Paula Hayes
SWEET DREAMS
Anna is standing by the punch bowl. She helps herself to a small cup without thinking of its ill effects. She sips her drink daintily and places the glass cup back on the table.
She looks down at herself and sees she is wearing a pale ivory dress embellished with tiny glistening pearls. The soft lace hugs her body as three ruffles roll down the middle of her gown. The hem skims her fine suede boots. She catches sight of herself in a mirror over a mantelpiece and is intrigued by her short hair delicately waved and finished with a glimmering hair clasp. It catches the light and twinkles. She feels beautiful and carefree.
The music penetrates her dreamy state and she starts to sway in time.
The party is in full swing now. Gorgeous girls shimmer and move delicately around the dance floor. Well turned out men spin them effortlessly like twirling teacups.
She sees Leo across the room standing in front of the orchestra tapping his foot. Turning, he sees her and breaks into one of his wide grins. He looks so handsome in his black suit. He waves and then winds his way to her through the crowd of pretty young things to take her hand and leads her onto the dance floor.
“I can’t dance.”
“Of course you can, this is a dream. You can do anything you want.”
“I want to dance with you.”
“Then let us dance Miss Anna.”
He looks at her intensely with his blue eyes and then merrily swings her onto the swirling dance floor. She feels light and free and looks up into Leo’s face but he is searching the crowd. Searching for someone else.
