December 19, 2004 - 10:49 p.m. The ball last night was--to say the least--fun. I liked getting my hair done and donning my sparkly red dress. I think the one shoulder was a little immodest for Cary's family, but compared to the rest of the people I fit right in. I loved the look on Cary's face when he saw me in the back seat as he put his luggage in the back of the van at the airport. He was so happy to see me. I knew he'd be happy to see his family, but he was happy to see me. I would have liked to have seen the look on my face, because I was certainly happy to see him. My only other experience with formal events is prom with all of its expectations that we look fabulous and have the time of our lives. It didn't really matter how I looked (though Cary said I looked great!); I was trying to impress no one. The food was good. Dessert was yummy. We all had great fun critiquing the whole event, whispering back and forth our little comments. Cary seemed to think that the speaker was a little long winded, but really he wasn't so bad. We danced a little. We did the twist and had a few slow songs and Cary taught me a little salsa. We got a few pictures. On the way home, Cary and I somehow managed to stay awake (Wayne and Anna were out) and we reminisced about the things we used to say and the time that we did whatever. As I left to go home, he seemed so grateful that I would go with him, but really, I was flattered that he'd asked. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. During dinner he had said that as he looked at our table, he saw the five people who knew him best in the world. Just five, and I'm one of them. What a compliment. I shouldn't be so surprised, considering that he's in my top five, too. We're telepathic for crying out loud. How can you not know a person when you can tell what they're thinking, when you can communicate with so few words that other people can't even follow the conversation. I didn't realize until we spent the entire evening together and then part of tonight too with him in person how much I missed him. I kept looking at Cary's face, remembering his facial expressions, remembering the conversations we used to have. I count myself so fortunate that I'm allowed not just to have had him as a friend but to be allowed to continue our friendship. ...before & after...