Prompt: May I have this Dance?
So there is this French book... whose name escapes me, but essentially it was written without using the letter ‘e’. Which feels like it would be impossible right? Especially if you’ve studied french, it’s mind blowing. More so, this book was then translated to English (it’s called ‘Void’) and once again, it’s entirely void of the letter ‘e’. I personally haven’t read it yet, but I am very keen to.
The reason I mention this is because my challenge for this week is to write a short story, using the prompt ‘May I have this dance’ entirely without using the vowel ‘I’, ever so kindly picked by one of my friends. Also, we twisted the prompt to 'Care to Dance?' due to the letter 'I'. ((Have mercy on me now, I don’t know how I will cope)).
Challenge accepted.
Your hands ran through the elegant navy blue ballgown that wrapped around your frame. The dress was a present from the man you’d conned to take you to the huge gala. The one place you knew your target would be. You’d tracked the man all across the world, a prayer that he would stay at the gala long enough for you to conclude your quest.
You pulled on the gold heels that you had purchased yesterday, as well as some makeup so that you wouldn’t stand out amongst the crowd of overdressed stars that would no doubt attend.
“Ready sweetheart?” The man drawled, a knock on your door. You glance at the clock, you would both be early, perfect. That should allow you a decent chance to properly survey both the crowd and the area, the exact place had been a well-guarded secret, that had left you no chance to study the place’s plans. You wouldn’t be able to operate to the full extent of your prowess. Nevertheless, you knew that, by the end of the day, your target would be exactly where you wanted them.
Your hands shook as you approached the tower where the ball was to be held. Armed guards checked everyone that approached, cameras and reporters stood along a red carpet, prepared to catch anyone and everyone they could. You made a note to evade all of them, the last problem you wanted was your face all over the papers. You were supposed to be dead after all. There would be enough trouble to make your way through the extra guards. You had come prepared, though, your hand a gentle pressure on the arm of your date, hopefully, they would overlook you and go after someone far more famous.
Your hands pulled the fake passport from your clutch as you neared the glass doors, where metal detectors meant there was no chance that a weapon could get through to the party area. Your date had the summons, and he was well known enough that he wouldn’t get asked for proof of who he was.
Your eyes found your target the second your feet started to tap on the marble floors, he was on a balcony; grey eyes scanned everyone who entered, thankfully he overlooked you as though you were another nobody who was dragged along. He would make you the second he saw you, you knew that much to be true. He, as well as the rest of the world, thought you were dead, and you weren’t ready for anyone to know any better, not yet at least.
Your date lead you through the crowds, a glass pressed to your palm, but your eyes were more focused on your target and the grey eyes that stubbornly seemed to follow you. You felt the presence at your back as you abandoned your date, a strong chest pressed to your back as you were forced out onto a balcony. Your target blocked every means of escape, strong arms wrapped around you.
“We thought you were dead.” Your partner’s words caught as he fought away tears, a hand on your cheek, you moved closer to the man, your head on a muscular chest. “Everyone thought you were dead.” You felt when he turned to look at the rest of your team, all spread out across the gala.
“Care to dance?” You knew you should say sorry, but you weren’t ready to yet. All you wanted was to dance, held by the arms of the man who loved you. The rest could be spoken another day, he would want answers, and you would have to reveal them all, but not for now. That could be dealt to another day. (when the author can use the letter I).
That was a lot harder than I thought!! The biggest issue were the words: ‘with’ ‘into’ and ‘him’ everything else we found an easy work around. Huge thanks to my friends for helping me, and listening to me complain. To everyone else, it’s your turn :P
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