A fateful encounter

Yorktown, 1797.


The night had settled, darkness creeped about in every corner of the town where the illuminating lights couldn’t reach. Life was buzzing downtown, people mingled on the streets as most of them were heading for the great ball this evening. Ava was one of them. It had been quite some years since she had attended one but having grieved enough for her lost love, who fell in a fight with some native americans, she had listened and abided to the request of her father to attend this. She was still young and deserved happiness. Happiness. That was a word she didn’t think much about - not the last two years at least.



Striding gracefully forth on the dirty ground, her blue satin dress rustled softly. Hazel eyes, which almost seemed dark brown due to the night sky, glanced around curiously and yet she remained hesistant once she stood in front of the entrance of the large building. Swallowing for a moment, Ava thought back to her first ever appearance to such a ball. 14 years old. Young and naïve - and full of hope. It almost made her chuckle at the ironic thought. She didn’t feel anything like the 14 year old girl did. She wasn’t naïve anymore….was she? If so, it was well disguised.



Grabbing hold of her dress, Ava drew in a deep breath and forced a smile. Feet carefully stepped up the stairs, jaw clenched slowly and she felt the tension rise within her. She needed to relax. This was a joyful event - not a funeral. So, why couldn’t she just relax and enjoy this evening? Maybe because she felt like an outsider? All eyes were on her - at least that was what she felt once she entered the ball.



“Well, here goes nothing,” she muttered under breath, smiling awkwardly at the first few people, nodding politely.



The atmosphere was just like she remembered from all the other times she had been to such an event. Happiness, laughter and joyful vibes filled the room, which would have been delightful if it wasn’t for the grasp of the grief that still held onto her heart. It stung. It hurt. Maybe this had been too soon afterall? Thomas had been dead for two years and still, Ava didn’t feel as if she could truly give into it.



Eyes scanned the room until they fell on the liquor up at the bar. That was exactly what she needed. A drink. Hopefully that would help loosen her up - just a tad. Excusing herself as she maneuvered through the dancing people, Ava almost stumbled into a tall man due to a couple having swung too quickly to the right, knocking into her. She lost balance and fell towards him, her hand reaching out to prevent a collision.