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Hotel Savanna was located downtown. It was an old hotel in the city. However, inside the hotel the art looked very novel and classic. There were several conference rooms on the lobby level. Ballroom dancing was held in two of the big conference rooms. The hotel was also close to Kadston University and many college students came to dance. At around 7, people started coming in. Sara and Bailey came around 7:30. Most of the people looked young, but there were also some middle-age couples. Sara was wearing a simple shirt and skirt, and Bailey was wearing a t-shirt and jeans.
"I've been here only a couple times. I wish other people came, too." Bailey said while she was texting.
"They can't?" Sara was changing her shoes to dance shoes.
"Well. It's more like they don't want to."
"Yeah, it's true; not many people like to dance. If Michelle wasn't working she would've come."
"I like dancing. I am not good but I think it is fun. Michelle told me that you are amazing."
"I've been dancing for a long time. My parents taught me. I never actually won any prizes or competitions though." Sara finished changing shoes and stood up. "It's been a while since I came to dance."
"Why?"
"I had something come up and I couldn’t go out to dance." Sara saw many couples entering. Sara used to dance with Keith. He was never good, but he tried. She could not go to dance after they broke up. Sara knew most of the people there and they kept asking her about Keith. She told some people what had happened, but they never understood her. In fact, Sara was sure that they did not care much. However, every time somebody asked Sara about Keith, she couldn’t help feeling guilty.
That night Sara danced with lot of people. She knew most of the dances, and guys flocked to her like bees to a flower. This never happened to Sara before since she always had Keith next to her. She usually danced with her dance team members or friends.
For three hours, Sara did not stop dancing. She danced like she was getting away from something. In fact, after each dance she felt so light. It was different from running, but it was still an amazing feeling.
"How many times did you give your phone number?" Bailey asked Sara on the way back.
"I am not sure..." Many guys asked for Sara's phone number, and she could not say no to everybody. She heard some girls giving a fake number, but Sara did not think that was good idea. Sara's phone was ringing with text messages. Sara sighed.
"Thanks for coming with me, Bailey."
"You're welcome. I really liked it. I think I lost weight, too." Bailey laughed. "So did you like any of those guys?" Bailey asked her.
"Well. I don’t know how to say this, but I don't want to be with anybody now. I want to be alone."
"Oh, got it." They went to McDonalds and got an ice cream cone. In some sense, Bailey was very similar to Sara. She was always smiling and usually talked about positive stories in her life rather than dark ones. They would become good friends, she was sure of it.
"Do you go to school?" Sara asked.
"Yes. I go to Kadston. I study Biology."
"Really? Isn't it hard?"
"It is, but I think it is fun. I want to work as a researcher. What about you?"
"I am still thinking," Sara answered biting her lip. After she came to Washington, she realized she did not have a dream. Sara was surprised about that; she was diligent, and she studied hard, got scholarships, and was also involved in many school events, but she did not have a dream.
That night before bed, her head was spinning. Where am I going? What have I been doing my whole life? Sara rolled over and put her right arm under her head. I was always happy and I thought that was enough. I never was serious about my future. I always thought I would be with Keith. Now, it’s all different. What do I need to do now? Her cell phone was blinking. She got another text message. I hope it’s not another guy. She checked her phone. It was from Jane, one of Sara's close friends at home.
-How is Washington? We haven't talked for a while. Everybody misses you.
Sara texted back. - I am good and Washington is great! How about you?
Sara knew a lot of people, but since she spent most of her time with Keith, she did not have many close friends. Jane was on Sara's dance team and they were close. Everything from Nevada seemed like forever ago. Sara was in a new place, and everything was just starting.
Right, I can start now. It’s never too late. She closed her eyes. It was a quiet night.