Grace's body gently swayed as she stood beside the drinks table, watching intently as Eli unthinkingly played the strings on his guitar, and leaned into the microphone- his low, husky voice bellowing out into the small tent that was filled with about 40 people, Jessie's friends, who were dancing; some separately, others with partners- dancing to Eli's song.
Been running from this feeling for so long
Telling my heart I didn't need it
Pretending I was better off alone
But I know that it's just a lie
So afraid to take a chance again
So afraid of what I feel inside
But I need to be next to you
Oh I, oh I
I need to share every breath of you
Oh I, oh I
I need to know I can see you smile each morning
Look into your eyes each night for the rest of my life
Here with you, near with you, oh I
I need to be next to you
Need to be next to you
Right here with you is right where I belong
I'll lose my mind if I can't see you
Without you there's nothing in this life
That would make life worth living for
I can't bear the thought of you not here
I can't fight what I feel any more
Cause I need to be next to you
Oh I, oh I
I need to share every breath of you
Oh I, oh I
I need to know I can see you smile this morning
Look into your eyes each night for the rest of my life
Here with you, near with you, oh I
I need to be next to you
I need to have your arms next to mine for all the time
Holding for all my life
I need to be next to you
I need to be next to you
Oh I, oh I
Need to be, need to be next to you
Share every breath of you
I need to feel you in my arms, baby, in my arms baby
I need to be next to you
The song ended, and a few claps went towards the band- but Eli's attention veered towards Grace, he looked to where she'd been standing for the last two songs, and was relieved to find her still there, a sweet smile still on her lips.
"We're going to take a quick break" Lucas spoke into the mike, and nodded towards Eli, who agreed, and rested his guitar against one of the speakers.
He walked towards Grace, and the two smiled awkwardly as he stood before her- "you guys are amazing" she beamed.
Eli felt his cheeks turn slightly red, "thanks" he mumbled.
Grace smiled and looked around the tent, Rick quickly put on another c.d before the guests got restless.
Grace was actually surprised that everyone had turned up in formal gear- although she noticed a few of the guys fidgeting in their slick suits, clearly uncomfortable in the restricting clothing- the girls seemed to indulge in the excuse to get dressed up- and had really gone full out.
The only guests who hadn't dressed for the occasion were Eli's band mates, but she could understand that wearing suits wasn't really a 'hard rockers' thing though- she was glad Eli had made the effort.
New music lifted over the guests, and people paired again, swaying as a slow song came on.
Grace listened to the tune for a moment, and Eli noticed her eyes dance as she recognized the song as one of her favourites.
"Would you?………" he mumbled, running a hand nervously through his hair.
Grace turned to him, and raised an eyebrow questioningly, "pardon?" she asked.
"Would you……….like to dance..………..?" Eli finally managed, though a little shaky.
Grace smiled warmly, but veered her eyes to the ground; Eli felt her hesitation.
He reached out and took her hand, "just one dance" he urged, gently pulling her onto the dance floor, in amongst the crowd of other couples.
"No one will suspect a thing………only that we were both feeling lonely………and felt like dancing……….that is generally what you do at these things………" he assured her as he stopped walking, after finding a space, hidden amongst bodies of people; he turned to her, and gave a sincere smile.
Grace gave a sigh, and allowed her body to press up against his, leaning her head on his left shoulder, she brought her right hand to entwine with his, and slowly, they started swaying.
Don't stray
Don't ever go away
I should be much to smart for this
Grace closed her eyes as the rhythm of the song engulfed her- and she drowned in the lyrics- and melted into Eli's body.
His strong arms made her feel safe, at ease………..made her feel……….found.
GRACE I didn't even know I'd been lost
You know it gets the better
Of me sometimes
When you and I collide
Eli leaned his head down slightly, and took in Grace's smell- the soft scent of lavender- it was probably just the shampoo she used……….but it was intoxicating……….it was Grace.
ELI and for the rest of my life it will remind me of her.
I fall into an ocean of you
Pull me out in time
Don't let me drown
"This feels good" Grace murmured- without even realising words had escaped her lips. She nuzzled her head against Eli's hard chest, breathing in the smell of his musty cologne, and sweat. She gave a small smile.
Let me down
I say it's all because of you and here I go
Losing my control
Eli looked around the room- everyone was distracted, and nobody noticed as he danced with his step sister- as they fit into each other, like pieces of a puzzle, so easily and perfectly, nobody noticed- and it did feel good.
"I could do this all night," he murmured.
I'm practising your name
So I can say it to your face it doesn't seem right
To look you in the eye
And let all the things you mean to me
Come tumbling out my mouth indeed its time
"I wish we could" Grace agreed- and opened her eyes- realizing what she'd just said.
Tell you why
I say its infinitely true
Say you'll stay
Don't come and go
Like you do
Sway my way
Yeah I need to know
All about you
Eli felt her body tense in his arms, and he looked down at her, "Just stay like this for a little while longer……….." he pleaded, not willing to let go yet.
And there's no cure
And no way to be sure
Why everything's turned inside out
Instilling so much doubt
Grace hesitated, but allowed her body to ease again, "ok………just this song" she agreed, closing her eyes again.
It makes me so tired
I feel so uninspired
My head is battling with my heart
My logic has been torn apart
"I'm sorry," she murmured, after a moment.
"For what?" Eli replied.
"Leading you on……….." she whispered back, burying her head into his chest again.
Eli let out a small laugh, and Grace felt his chest heave up and down- she smiled at the rhythm "Oh………maybe I'm just a sucker for pain………."
And now
It all turns sour
Come sweeten
Every afternoon
"Don't you ever get sick of all this though………all the pain?" she asked.
Eli was silent for a moment, thinking through his answer; "maybe……….after all the obstacles, challenges, boundaries we have to run through and break……….we'll come out of this………..and everything will be perfect………..and it'll all be worth it………..when………if……….we are together" he replied, clumsily.
Say you'll stay
Don't come and go
Like you do
Sway my way
Yeah I need to know
All about you
Say you'll stay
Don't come and go
Like you do
Sway my way
Yeah I need to know
All about you
Its all because of you
Its all because of you
The song ended, and Grace was forced to break away from Eli.
She looked up at him, her chocolate eyes roaming his face- "I hope so" she said, softly.
Eli gave a small smile- which Grace returned- she also, leaned in slightly, as though she was about to kiss him.
Her lips opened, and a small murmur came out, like she was about to say something, but stopped herself.
They stared at each other for a moment, Eli, wondering what Grace was about to do and say- and Grace trying to stop herself from doing or saying anything.
Before Eli could ask, she turned, and walked through the mass of people, and was gone.
"Eli!"
Someone shouted out, from the stage- and he knew it was Lucas.
Eli was forced to walk the opposite direction, through the crowd- left wondering what there was to say.
AUTHORS NOTE
this is the first part to the party- there will be another one or two, continuing on from this one.
So, stay tuned- it doesn't end here!
Thanks for all the wonderful reviews.
The two songs were Leigh Nash 'to be next to you'
And Big Runga 'sway'.
