Chapter Three: The Pines Are Dancing

The party at the lake the night before the season opener was a Panther tradition. Tim went out of habit, without really thinking about what it would be like now that he was no longer a Panther. Still, it wasn't like he was some sad, fat thirty-five year old who was crashing a teen party.

He still knew nearly all the guys on the team. No one looked at him like he didn't belong. Rally girls still paid attention to him, especially since the rumor of his recent single status had rolled through town.

Even though it was the same as countless other parties, it was different. It felt all wrong Even though everyone treated him like he still belonged, he knew the truth. And the truth stung.

He kept to the edge of the party, more of an observer than a participant. The sun was setting behind the trees across the lake. A breeze blew through, carrying a chill on its sharp edges.

Tim stood up and stretched, thinking maybe he should head home while he was still safe to drive. A lone figure swaying at the edge of the water caught his eye, so he wandered over. It was Julie Taylor.

She was wearing an oversized blue Panthers sweatshirt. The sleeves came down over her hands, folded fabric hiding everything except her fingertips, which were clutching a red Solo cup. She was wearing tight jeans and blue sneakers. Her blonde hair fell straight down her back. The expression on her face was dreamy and far-away. Tim almost felt like he was intruding.

"Taylor," said Tim, lifting his beer bottle in greeting.

"Hi," she said, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Been asking myself the same thing," he replied as he jammed a hand in his pocket and hunched his shoulders. He shifted uneasily on his feet.

"Look, the pines are dancing," she said, turning her head to look back across the lake.

"You drunk, Taylor?"

She laughed and shook her head. He deftly plucked the cup out of her hands and took a sip, tasting the tang of rum mixed with sugary Coke.

"You lie," he said with a smile, holding the cup out of her reach.

"I do not. That's my first one. I swear."

He looked at her skeptically.

"OK, maybe it's my second. But I'm definitely not drunk."

Tim was able to reach up and set the cup onto the branch of a tree, wedging it into a hollow in the trunk so it stayed there.

"Tim, give it back."

"Nu-huh, Taylor," he replied, shaking his head. "You start talking about dancing trees, I say it's time to cut you off. Friends don't let friends hallucinate."

"But look," Julie said, gesturing out across the lake. "They are dancing."

Tim looked, but all he saw were branches moving in the breeze. He shrugged. "I'm not seeing it."

She reached out, grabbed his hand and pulled him over. Surprised, he tried not to stumble. She put his hand on her hip and then slid her hands up his chest. She leaned in close, her swaying hips gently pushing him into copying her languid rhythm. They danced for a few minutes, her head resting on his chest, the weight of it somehow both novel and natural.

"Now, look at the trees, look especially at the tops."

He turned his head and looked. "Nah, Taylor, I'm still not seeing it."

"Well look again," she insisted. "Really look, Tim. Like you're seeing them for the first time."

He let his eyes go out of focus and then looked again. The shape and motion were the first impression he picked up. He laughed.

"You can see it?"

"I can see it."

He looked down and she was looking up at him. He felt like he was seeing her for the first time too. He leaned down, partially expecting her to pull away, but she stretched up and met him halfway. He closed his eyes and kissed her as they danced to the music that only she and the pines could hear.