Ch. 27

Okay Marceline, It is just a dance . You have danced before. But with Simon...not the most beautiful girl in the world. Calm down...you can do this.

My mind raced and my heart pounded as we entered the room . Some people were eating , some were dancing and some were black out drunk .A lady in black dress was on stage, her long fingers floating across the keys in ease as she played to the tune of Canon in D, a fairly common wedding song. The lights were bright, the wooden floor looked as if it had just been waxed, the yellow walls complimented them nicely .

I felt the skin on my hands become moist as I held Bonnies'. She must not have noticed. That, or she didn't mind.

She turned to face me as the lights dimmed. She pulled me close against her, talking softly as she placed a kiss to my cheek. "You've danced before ..right?"

I stuttered, trying to look down and make sure I didn't step on her dress. "Uh...to be honest..not really ".

Her lips formed a smile. "It's okay ..Just follow me Miss. Badass" She said in a mocking tone. The side of my mouth twitched up to form an awkward smirk, but I felt at ease. The people around me would usually make me nervous, but, the only thing making my heart race right now was her. My hand trailed down her side and I placed it on her waist. My other going to her shoulder. Her smile was growing larger, and more contagious as she brought my hand up to hers' and laced our fingers together. We danced in content silence , she laid her head on my shoulder. I would bring her closer to my body every now and then , We would let the music control each of our movements. It felt like I was melting, and god I didn't want it to stop .

A familiar song hit my ears. I recognized every chord, every strike of the drums, every note the artist sang. Bonnibel's eyes met mine, like she was searching for long lost starlight. Her fingers traced along my rib cage and inhaled sharply, I couldn't help it.

Her eyes continued to scan mine, her eyebrows knit together in concern "What's on your mind Marcy?"

I barely understood her. I was too focused on the song . I glanced back at her and kissed her hand. "n-nothing" I said, not sure if I wanted to talk about it.

"Come on. You can tell me "

As we danced I told her about the times my mom used to take me to the beach while my dad was at work. The stunning golden light shone across the sea, the seagulls soared through the windy air.

My mother scooted closer , her eyes baggy and dark, her hair long, dark brown, and messier than even mine. She sat me in her lap and I looked down, staring at the tattoo of a bunny on her ankle. She slowly started to sing a song I have not heard before. It sounded like a sad love song.

"How do you do It?"

"Do what ?" She asked, the tune in her voice continuing.

I smiled , "..just..make music like that "

She shrugged, her arms wrapping around me tighter as she placed a kiss to the back of my head. "I don't really know sweetie " She paused as she played with my short black hair . "I guess..when you have a lot of experiences ..the words just come to you..It's hard to describe ". She coughed out , I felt her chest rattle behind me as she winced in pain. She was very sick .

"Momma ...?" I asked , my voice shaking with concern

"Yeah sweetheart?" She asked back, her voice quiet.

"..why did you marry papa ?"

She grew silent . I looked back at her, seeing her eyes drift over the ocean, as if she was looking for a place to escape. "..well..he has some good qualities marcy ..he is hard working .." She said.

"..that's it though " I muttered under my breath.

She paused . "Marceline..do you know what a rabbit symbolizes ?"

I looked back at her, shaking my head . She took my small hands in her own. "It symbolizes rebirth , growth ...the cycle of life...we all grow up , and make sacrifices...we just want what is best for our kids and their kids and .."

I cut her off "so..you had to marry papa ...? "

She nodded and I turned back around , facing the water .

"So..after a while I asked her to begin singing again, I knew it was the one thing that could make her smile" I said, as Bonnibel rested her head on my chest . "So..she sang this song..she wrote it "

She looked up " It's a beautiful song "

Trying to smile I nodded , "y..yeah..it is.. "

She stared down at our feet "I remember the first time my parents seemed really proud of me " She said, her voice quiet . "It was the first time I won the science fair after years of coming in second " She paused " they were never happy with second " .

I slowed down our pace as I felt her hand tighten around my dress shirt .

"They were even more proud when I said Guy asked me out, we had been friends for a while, and they paid close attention. Not because they were curious ,or concerned, or, anything. But because he had a lot of money . They seemed so happy for me ...but they weren't..they always faked it.." She stared down at her feet "I should never have wanted to please them " .

"I used to play soccer when I was younger, my dad never used to encourage me , he just felt ashamed whenever I would mess up " I said, holding her hand in mine as we slowed enough to a stop . "...and when I started dating my ex..ash..my dad didn't really care..even when ash .." I paused , not sure how to word it . "... hurt me, he didn't say anything, he said it was my fault for trusting him .."

She gripped on to me tighter "you should never want to please him either "

I smiled " trust me..he is out of my life and I am glad about it "

Her lips met mine for way too short of a time before she pulled back, her arms around my neck . " Thank you marcy. It still hurts but..I will be okay.."

I looked around me, seeing people dance and laugh, their voices didn't bother me for once. The only thing I could focus on was the smile forming upon Bonnibel's pink lips, as she rested her head against my pulsing chest .