AT THE VALENTINE'S DANCE!

FEBRUARY 14, 1860

"Hey Melissa," CJ said as he got closer to her, "You are the prettiest girl in this place."

Melissa smiled happily, "Hi CJ, thanks." CJ kissed her on the cheek, but he couldn't turn his eyes from her sister Jacy.

"CJ Hudson this is my sister, Jacy." Melissa continued.

"Please to meet you Jacy, you don't know how long I have been waiting for this moment." CJ replied kissing Jacy�s hand.

"It's nice to meet you too, Mr. Hudson." Jacy answered a little embarrassed with CJ's attitude.

"Please call me CJ, and its all my pleasure," he affirmed maliciously. "May I have this dance?" He asked turning to Melissa.

Melissa agreed and they danced to Caller Bob�s first song. It was a slow one, and CJ held Melissa tight. Melissa watched Jacy as much as possible. She was hoping that Jimmy would come back with their drinks and ask Jacy to dance. When the song ended they walked back to where Jacy was. Jimmy had joined her, but to Melissa�s dismay he hadn�t asked Jacy to dance.

CJ asked Jacy to dance with him and they walked to the middle of the room. He kept his eyes the whole time directed into her eyes. She turned her eyes away a few times. He wasn�t sure if she was looking for somebody, or if she was just self-conscious about him staring into her eyes. He hoped it was the latter. He wanted to start some different kind of conversation, but he felt Jacy was more difficult than he thought she would be, so he kept talking just about the dance and the people.

They joined Melissa again, and CJ gave Melissa a paper flower. She thanked him happily. She showed Jimmy what she got. Before Jimmy could say a word Caller Bob was starting a square dance and Melissa pulled Jimmy out on the floor.

CJ asked Jacy if she would be his partner, but she declined. He kept persisting, and finally taking the bull by the horns he pulled her out on the dance floor. Melissa�s square was already full, so they ended up being in Teaspoon�s square.

After dancing a few rounds CJ pulled Jacy off, so they could be alone. He took the bracelet out of his pocket and gave it to Jacy. "This is for you."

"I can't accept this, CJ," Jacy said and quickly put it back in his hands.

"Why not?" CJ asked, "I bought it for you," he continued.

"But you don�t even know me." Jacy exclaimed.

"But I do. I know you like to square dance. I know you�re fun to be with." CJ turned his eyes to Clover and she seemed really mad at him, so he quickly excused himself and pushed the bracelet back into Jacy�s hand and hurriedly walked back to his date. The first move was done and now Jacy was at least curious about him.

Clover was upset at CJ because he had left her alone. He apologized and asked her to dance again. She said no, and she decided she wanted to go back to town. CJ insisted that they stay a little longer and she finally agreed. He told Eddie about them leaving soon.