Never again

It was the kind of night when you perspired simply by breathing.

William’s 21^st party at his home was in full swing. Coloured lights hung across the veranda, their colours reflecting on the wall of the house. The Rock and Roll music blasted out urging everyone to dance.

Rose was 17, young and naively unaccustomed to alcoholic parties. She didn’t know why William had asked her. She’d only met him at tennis. She sat observing the actions of those there, sipping her lemonade, with a real slice of lemon, feeling very sophisticated.

William appeared. “Come on. Let’s dance," he’d said.

'One o’clock, two o’clock three o’clock rock' rang out. People were rocking, polka dot skirts with tight cinch belts circled around Rose, flaring and swishing brightly.

William was holding her close. Perhaps he liked her? Perspiration ringed his armpits. It was so hot. The boys were taking their shirts off and the girls their shoes.

Rose felt clammy and needed to cool off. 
"Just one more," William pleaded. He must like her! The music changed but instead of a slow one it was the Twist.

“Let’s twist and shout," everyone hollered.

Rose just had to sit. Exhaustedly she picked up her glass with the big slice of lemon and thirstily gulped it down. Strange taste!

William was beside her as the MC stood up to propose a toast.

"When William and I…………”

The room went round like a kaleidoscope of colour….

She woke up in a bedroom with the curtains drawn, head thumping.

“What time is it?” she asked William’s mother who had entered.

“It’s morning.  I rang your mother………"

 "What!!!!  What happened?”

“You picked up the wrong glass. It should have been the other one without the gin. William was worried."

The other glass.

Stupid mistake!

 Fay Ward