He had always been viewed a very handsome boy. While growing up, people would often remark about the depth of his blue eyes, fullness of his masculine form and the jet-black hair curling in profusion upon his head. Growing up well liked and well placed in society; John later became the butt of nasty jokes when, upon reaching puberty, his right arm had twisted up in paralysis. Despite the best attempts by dozens of doctors the cause of his affliction remained inexplicable. Voices suddenly dropped to secretive giggled whispers whenever he approached. Tightly trapped upon his chest, still with full mobility of hand, this awkwardness, presented a young man of his age, left him shamed. Frustrated to the point where even pleasing himself became impossible, over time his heart grew cold.
June likewise become embittered when, after growing straight, tall, blonde and beautifully rounded, she developed a bad stammer at that time most girls blossomed. It was exactly when she first noticed boys the impediment manifested itself. She could not speak a single word without stuttering awkwardly, again and again, over each and every syllable. Thus impaired, her beautiful brown eyes sank low whenever spoken to, and the round full lips that otherwise would have surrounded a warm smile, became a tightly fortressed line.
Seasons had come and gone and with each passing year isolation sadly iced both hearts. It was in their senior years of high school when the miracle happened. The homecoming dance that had been on the minds of all the students, and both John and June were no exception, though theirs was a pained reaction. Being the odd two out, they had been assigned to the ‘decorations and refreshments’ committee. While others in the group chattered on about fixing the streamers, balloons and flowers or who was to bring in the cookies and punch, John and June sat silently watching. Participants shot them an occasional questioning glance; they also stole a few between themselves. When their eyes did meet, both faces became a brilliant crimson and immediately they dropped their gaze. Being told what chores they had been assigned, they walked out of the room with hearts beating wild and minds full of confused frustration.
Dance night was upon them and not having nerve or willpower enough to collect dates, both sat idle in hard folding chairs placed against a wall behind the refreshment stand. He was groomed impeccably in tails; she in her long dark blue gown matched wonderfully the red and white streamers and balloons floating in the music filled the hall. People romantically mingled to embrace on the dance floor.
Quickly the cruelty of childish adults reared its ugly head; a group of young couples approached the table. June had started to stutter out “wwwoo… wwoo… wwouldddd…ddd… dd, yyyyyouuuuuuu, liiii… li… liiiik… k… kkkke” when a nasty voice rose up, “Just give me some punch babe, save the spit for your boyfriend.” John rose from his chair hot behind the ears, his eyes flashing with hatred. “Yeah, what you going to do gimp?” was heard from another voice with much the same malice behind it as the first.
June looked deep into John’s eyes imploring calm, and placed her hand on his shoulder to steady his anger. Meeting her eyes, he raised himself, unclenching the tightened fist of his left hand and turned to the group sternly asking, “OK then, who wanted the punch?” The embarrassed group quickly quieted and a girl meekly said, “Can I have some with cookies please?” June picked up a napkin and handed it to the girl then ladled and gave her the filled glass. John then asked once again, a little less agitated “Anyone else?” Soon they busied themselves into routine, John doing the asking and June the serving. It was if the partnership simply needed to focus together just that once, to enable them see order.
After a couple hours the relief servers came and took charge of the table. John quietly asked June if she would like to dance. Her answer was a simple but clear “Yes.” He beamed at her beauty and she smiled back. Wrapping herself tightly in his right arm, once against his chest and heart dancing she whispered other words softly that only he could hear.
Later when the music died down, they sat together, entranced and oblivious to their surroundings. All eyes about the room were drawn curiously towards them in silent awe. Unnoticed, the arm at some point had unlocked from his heart; both of his hands now gently caressed hers, bringing them to his lips to kiss while the gay warm laughter of her beautiful rich voice filled the air.
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