Flirt

Henry exclaimed that i have come back to class fitter than before.

Unfortunately, he had to keep more patience than ever because i forgot every jive step that i learned three weeks ago.

Of course Henry is a gentleman. He is also most agile. He went back to basics, much to the others' chagrin.

So, there we went round and round.
Basics, turns, American spins, change of place, change hand, whip, jive walk, stop and go, change of place and finally back to basics.

See i even memorized everything. Slowly everything came back. Like unfolding waves within the brain.

I thought that's what we call consistency. Perseverance. Hardworking. Self acclamation! Silly girl!

Then someone broke into my reverie. The clearing of his throat alerted me.

"Your legs are hairy!" He said.

"Hmmm. So?"

"That's very unladylike!" Was his reply.

"Oh! Really? Do you know I'm more man than lady?"

"Huh! I can't see anything manly about you. Only unkempt appearance." He retorted.

"I do more work than any man i know. I have more responsibility than some!"

"So, you think that's a valid reason for you to neglect yourself?" He queried.

"I'd say, lack of interest would be more accurate. Lack of time would be a second aspect. Apart from this class i don't basically have a social life. I don't see any reason to upgrade my lady luck charm."

"Enigmatic butterfly, you are!" He mocked.

"What are you, I wonder? A flirt?"

"My! A butterfly with a sting!" Came his teasing reply.

"Who are you? Why are you annoying me?"

"My name is Alexander. I'm an expatriate from Russia!" Was his calm reply.

If i had been fair i might have turned red. Russian. Expatriate meant what? I was tongue tied.

"Cat got your tongue?" He asked.

"I'm just wondering if you left your manners back in, where did you say, you came from?"

"Volga, Russia." He smiled.

"Well, for starters, I'm feeling awkward. I've not spoken too many words in this manner with anyone, let alone, a foreigner. My throat feels dry!"

"You are the odd one out here. Your skin is tanned. Ebony. Sable skinned." More musings.

"Are you flirting with me? It's of no use you know!"

"Maybe. But I'm more curious. Because you're different than the rest. Are you a Nigerian? He asked.

"Hmm. No. Never heard of Indians?"

"You're a Red Indian?" He asked.

"Not red. Just Indian. Malaysian Indian."

Then it hit me. He was a pretender. Something in his eyes, grey silvery eyes, showed a twinkle of humor. He found this situation funny.

"You're pulling my leg, aren't you?

"And you have big beautiful eyes!" He said.

"You're a daring flirt."

"Ahh! But I'm merely talking to you. No harm meant!"

"No offense taken! You're a dancer here?"

"Yes. I'm one of the performers for the graduation night. In November. I came to meet Henry to select my partner. Finalize the song." He answered.

"Ohh!"

I was not afraid. Simply dumbfounded.

"You think you can dance with me? His question threw me off balance. I started to laugh then stifled it.

"You know how i dance? I'm crazy in the dance floor. I forget steps every ten seconds. I'm easily disoriented!"

"Ahh. With me you don't have to dance. You just need to hold on and follow. I will be your move." He half whispered.

It was quite scary. And i was lost for words.

"I..."

"Of course you must shave the legs and..."

"I beg your pardon sir.. Alexander. I am not going to dance with you. Whether i shave my legs or not is none of your business."

Luckily at that point Henry came and interrupted that crazy situation and whisked him away.

And from afar he raised his hand and showed me a thumbs up sign and then a warning gesture.

My! It was a bit weird and rather intimidating. But Henry is there. I'm sure nothing can supersede Henry.