It was the moment of truth.
I stood in front of the mirror, eyeing the dress John had surprised me with after school two weeks ago.
When the sun shone on me, it sparkled. For a minute, I almost felt like a normal girl, not merely masquerading as one.
The dress John had chosen was dark blue with sparkles cascading across the bosom and down the front. Adjusting the slim shoulder straps, I turned this way and that, and watched as the light played upon the silky material.
My hair was pulled up, and curled the rest to fall over my shoulders and down my back. I’d done it myself and I wasn’t sure it was fancy or intricate enough for the prom. Rarely one to wear makeup, but, this evening, I thought it would be nice to do something different.
I spun one last time, took a deep breath, and went down to meet John.
Michael was at the bottom of the steps and started taking pictures.
I felt out of place. This was such a normal thing to do, but my life had never been normal. I needed normal, I reminded myself.
You have normal, Miss Belle, but I’ll be honest, I like you the way you are. You look gorgeous. John’s mind merged with mine.
With a smiled I descended slowly, keeping my eyes locked on John’s.
He looked handsome in his formal tux. His deep green eyes never left me as I came to stand in front of him. He was at a loss for words, speechless; even Michael was beside himself. I glanced from John to Michael.
Is he crying? I thought as he wiped at his eyes.
He is.
This is the moment of truth… prom, just you and I.
I didn’t see Joseph, and I wondered about that for a moment.
He’s at the prom already. John explained. But let’s not think of such things right now, Miss Belle. This is our moment. All I want to do is concentrate on us. We have a long road ahead of us; we’ll be together after all this is over.
I’m nervous … and excited at the same time.
John smiled. I can’t wait to have you in my arms.
My heart raced. You remember?
Remember? It’s the only think I can think of.
I laughed, making Michael look over. He scrunched up his eyes. “I wish you two wouldn’t do that.”
John smiled happily. You make me feel like I can have a normal life, Miss Belle.
“I wish Neil was here to see this,” Michael said wistfully.
I felt my face burning as John neared. “You look so beautiful,” he complimented out loud.
“So, do you,” I responded, admiring the tux.
He smiled widened and his face turned scarlet.
“I mean, you look handsome.”
Clumsily, he held up a small box and opened it, pulling out a beautiful corsage of pink, lilac and white flowers and ribbons. He began to pin it on my waist, but his hands were shaking so much, he nearly pricked me.
Michael’s watching made John more nervous. He pulled away anxiously and took my hand.
As I smiled, he fastened the corsage around my wrist instead.
The camera flash from Michael’s iPhone caught us by surprise.
We turned for the picture.
Michael signaled us to move closer. It was an awkward moment with him watching. I didn’t know how to act, but John seemed comfortable. He always seemed comfortable.
It might seem that way, Miss Belle, but I’m just as nervous. I’ve never done this before.
Don’t be a liar, John Slater. How many proms have you been to?
I guess, what I mean is, I’ve never gone with a girl I truly loved. John gazed back with fondness.
I caressed his cheek. I knew he was being truthful.
I would never lie to you, Miss Belle.
John pulled me close and draped an arm around my waist.
“So, Joseph mentioned he plans to take you both out to a party some of the kids are having. He’s chaperoning?”
I wasn’t aware of this, but John immediately answered. “Yeah, poor Uncle Joseph volunteered. It’s a last-minute thing one of the other parents wanted to hold for the seniors.”
“Ah, strange … I never heard about it,” Michael said, but he smiled. He knew the truth, though; I could see it in his mind.
You’re a young lady, now, so why not? I trust John and you. Michael’s thoughts merged with my mind. He’d never even attempted that with me.
I reached over, hugged him, and kissed his cheek. John had heard Michael’s thought too, but he didn’t say anything. He figured it was a private moment between us.
“I have to go,” Michael told us. “I’m running late and I’m one of the chaperones.”
“I doubt Uncle Joseph will hang you for being late to help his nephew,” John said.
Michael nodded and agreed. “Indeed, but duty still calls.”
“We understand,” we said in unison.
“You kids know where the place is, right?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Okay, you kids have fun and I’ll see you there. And no drinking, John. I’m counting on you to keep an eye on Claudia.”
John blushed; that was a first with Michael. “Not a problem, sir. I won’t let anything happen to her. I promise.”
Michael walked out the front door and we followed him outside.
There was no limo waiting. We took John’s car. Michael was behind us, looking like a proud father. I was surprised he was okay with me being out late with John and wondered if he knew I was spending the night with him.
You definitely are, Miss Belle, John said as he pulled me close. He pressed his face into my neck.
I pinched him.
He laughed lightly.
I waved to Michael as John opened the car door for me. I climbed in. Michael was already in his car pulling out of the driveway. We watched his car disappear into the distance, then were on our way.
When we arrived, the parking lot was almost full. The location was a large ballroom in the fancy Galleria shopping area of Westheimer, in one of the largest and fanciest hotels. John noticed me admiring the place.
When I glanced over at him, he was smiling, as he
drove up to the hotel valet. I was surprised when we stopped a man opened the door for me.
“This is so beautiful,” I gasped.
John continued to smile as the valet extended a hand, helping me out of the vehicle.
John hurried over to my side and took my hand, pulling me close. I glanced at him as he led me away.
It was a quick walk to the entrance. Strangely enough, I was content. I just wanted to enjoy the evening and try to forget everything else that troubled me: Quentin, the dreams, the darkness I called the Shadow Man, and the doctor at the hospital.
John squeezed my hand. Leave those things behind, baby. Tonight is our night.
But I’m worried, John.
About Dr. Spencer?
I didn’t have to answer to let him know that yes, he troubled me.
Don’t, baby. I’ll talk to Joseph.
I panicked and he squeezed my hand again. He won’t hurt him; he’ll just find out if he knows anything. Now stop thinking about that. Let’s enjoy ourselves. Let’s pretend we don’t have insane scientists or aliens coming after us. Let’s just be normal teenagers for once.
I giggled and leaned into him. John was right; this was our moment. I planned to leave all those things behind at the door. I wanted to give him my full attention. If this was what it meant to be normal, I would embrace it.
That’s my girl, John’s said. Now in we go.
We walked arm in arm into the prom, through the large and open entrance. I felt like a princess in a grand palace; there were so many students I didn’t recognize. A few boys came over to talk to John. They looked like members of the football team. Some faces I recognized, others I didn’t. They waved at me and I caught a few blushing and avoiding my eyes. I recalled the three guys from the art store.
One guy elbowed John, mouthing the words, “Lucky bastard.” He and the others snickered, gazing at me like I was a prize to be won.
I felt uncomfortable and John could sense it.
“Ignore them,” he whispered. “They’re just jealous their dates are not as gorgeous as mine.”
“John,” I blushed.
“It’s true, Claudia.”
The boys’ girlfriends wandered into the large lobby, looking for them. Among them was Rachel. I felt uneasy and John’s grip tightened reassuringly.
His friends were all dating cheerleaders, and they just happened to be Rachel and her minions. What a surprise.
“Hi John,” she said, waving a hand and flashing me an angry glare. She came to stand beside one boy, a dark-haired football player, the one that had elbowed John and been gawking at me.
It took me a minute to place his name. George. He was dating Rachel.
“Come on, George, I want to dance,” she said to him, grabbing his muscular arm and pulling him away.
He smiled, waving at John. “Come on! Let’s go! We spiked the punch,” he stated, then slapped a hand over his mouth.
Rachel rolled her eyes and uttered, “Watch out; she might tell.”
George said nothing but I sensed he was feeling apologetic. He strolled after Rachel as she and her minion cheerleader girlfriends followed her into the ballroom, dragging their boyfriends with them.
“Come on, John!” the boys repeated, waving back at us.
I hesitated unable to follow. Why does she hate me so much?
John drew me close and wrapped his arms around me. I told you, beautiful; she’s jealous of you. Don’t let her intimidate you. My god, look at you! Who wouldn’t be?
You chose me over her. Why, John Slater?
His eyebrows knitted. Do you seriously have to ask, Miss Belle? You and I have a connection that no one can break. He kissed me; then, pulling back, he seemed hypnotized.
I gazed into his beautiful green eyes, but caught him staring past me.
His nose wrinkled.
I tried to see what he was looking at. “What’s wrong, John?”
He seemed startled. I thought I saw …
Jonas? I asked, catching the image in his mind.
John gazed back, disturbed by allowing this weakness to show.
You don’t want me to know?
I don’t want you to worry, baby, that’s all; this is our moment.
Should we be worried?
No, I’ll let Joseph take care of him.
Why do you think he’s here?
I’m not sure. But I don’t want to think about it right now. John grabbed my hand and squeezed it. I don’t want anything to ruin our moment.
I could see it still bothered him, though. He gazed at me and smiled again. “Let’s dance,” he suggested and led me into the ballroom.
As we entered, I caught sight of Michael at the far left. He was standing with Mr. Claypool and Mr. Vasquez. Joseph was walking to the ballroom, looking at the dessert table and punch bowl very suspiciously.
I waved at Michael, not recognizing some adults he was standing with. They were busy talking. More chaperones stood to the side. When I looked at one of them, a vision appeared for an instant. However, when I opened my eyes, it was gone. I must have imagined it and shrugged it off. It was prom time! I would have fun!
John pulled me close. That’s my point exactly, Miss Belle.
We went to the middle of the dance floor and I hooked my arms around John’s neck. His hands were warm on my waist as we swayed back and forth, taking little steps as a slow song played.
Those same guys—George, Jeff and Eric—found us dancing and moved closer. John nodded at them and they returned the gesture, then high-fived one another like guys did. They seemed like a bunch of clowns, but they were guys I could get along with. They seemed comfortable with me … until their dates complained. Then, they stiffened and their smiles vanished.
“Stop that,” I heard one of the girls say. She even darted away from the dance floor after saying, “I’m getting myself a drink.”
“What did I do, Jen?” her date asked anxiously, chasing after her.
John drew me close.
I had almost forgotten we were dancing as I soaked in the events around us.
“You okay?” he asked.
Smiling, I nodded.
John kissed me.
A voice behind us intruded upon the romantic moment. “Where’d you get that dress, Claudia?”
My mouth tightened upon hearing Rachel’s voice and I stepped away from John. Coming from most people, the question would have been a compliment, but where Rachel was concerned, it was mockery.
“Isn’t it lovely? I got it for her,” John said boldly, glaring at her.
She looked surprised. “It’s beautiful,” she merely said, a hint of sadness in her voice.
I felt bad for her. She’d really liked John.
Then, her pain turned into anger and it was directed completely at me.
“I knew right away it would look lovely on her,” John added, bringing me close again. He kissed me, and I felt an explosion, not just within me, but from the anger I sensed from Rachel.
I stepped away, intoxicated. Our gazes locked. An image of John flashed behind my eyes. He was on top of me, his face buried in my neck. I felt his lips kissing the skin there. I couldn’t break away from what I was sensing, and I could see he was feeling the same.
“Claudia,” he whispered and sighed softly. He wanted more; I could see it in his eyes. The golden swirl in the center of his green eyes was back. Our connection had expanded strangely, and it seemed to be growing.
Together we’re stronger. My father’s words entered my mind and I felt a ring of truth to his favorite saying.
Rachel narrowed her eyes at us as a loud sigh escaped her lips. This display further upset her—to see John in my arms, consumed by love and admiration. It was more than she could bear. I sensed she hated me to the point she wanted to harm me.
This angered John and he raised his head when he felt this from me. It filled his own emotions. We were one: a combination of feelings, emotions, energy, and thoughts.
He turned to her. The passion was obvious in his eyes; he wanted to be alone with me. He wanted to feel what we both had felt in that magical moment. “Go away, can’t you see I’m dancing with my girlfriend?” he spat angrily.
I had never heard him speak so firmly to anyone. John was generally a sweetheart, a protector ... he seemed like an entirely different person in that moment.
Rachel looked hurt and dashed away.
John?
I’ve had enough from her! She can’t talk to you like that … if she dares harms you or—
John! Please. I held his cheek.
He eased into my touch and calmed. Forgive me, Miss Belle. I’ve become a vicious guardian.
I caressed his face. He exhaled and pulled me into him as my fingers ran his brown-blond locks.
Rachel’s boyfriend, George, returned with a drink in his hand. He looked at us and John just nodded in the direction Rachel had gone.
George left to search for her.
John put an arm around my waist and led me to a new spot on the dance floor. The music had changed; the beat was faster. The bass pounded in my head. That was nice; I could hear nothing but the music, no mumbling or muttering that I could never quite un-hear.
Joseph appeared alongside us. “How are you kids doing?”
The look on John’s face was one of slight irritation. More interruptions, he thought.
“Joseph, how are you?” I asked, giving him a hug. I caught him completely off guard. It was strange to see the expression on his face, simply because it wasn’t something I ever thought I’d see.
“Wow! You two look amazing. Especially you, Miss Belle.”
I beamed, lowering my gaze bashfully.
John grabbed my hand.
Is that a tiny spec of jealousy I see?
I can’t help it, Miss Belle. I can’t stand all these interruptions and all these eyes on you.
Relax, Mr. Slater.
“Joseph, we have a live BGA.”
“Where?”
“In the parking lot, moments before we arrived.” Joseph disappeared from the ballroom.
I stared at John. I felt scared and looked away. I wanted to ask but before I did, John turned my face back to him.
“Do it again,” he whispered. He looked lost, yet intoxicated again. The image of our moment in each other’s arms came back into my thoughts.
“It was amazing.” John smiled, locking his lips with mine.
I pulled away and gazed into his eyes. “BGA?”
John grinned. I caught the translation from his mind.
“Bodyguard activity?”
John nodded, drawing close again to kiss me.
I felt his body over me, his lips kissing the side of my neck, buried in my hair. I could feel his body against mine, eager and aroused.
“Yes,” I heard him whisper. “I love you, Claudia, I want you.”
“Claudia.” I jumped, looking around. The voice had been close, as if a man had bent down and whispered in my ear. But it was not John; his lips were kissing my neck. Nor did the voice belong to Quentin. There was a familiarity to the tone, but I couldn’t place it.
This action broke my connection with John. He gazed at me spellbound. His brow was covered in sweat and he looked exhausted, like he had been running a marathon. “That was amazing, baby,” John gasped, his breath heavy. He looked dazed and confused.
“What is it?” he asked, noticing the bewilderment on my face. He caressed my cheek.
“Nothing, handsome.” I shook my head and kissed him.
We went back to dancing. I moved back into John’s arms for the slow movement, holding him closer, and rested my head against his shoulder.
I found his eyes smiling at me. I let John twirl me around and I surveyed the crowd. Nothing seemed amiss. We weren’t the only couple on the floor dancing. A lot of students were trying out different snacks and drinks on the buffet table along the wall.
“You thirsty?” John asked when the song ended. He brought me close again.
“Yeah.”
“Okay.” He walked with me towards the buffet and handed me a cup filled with sweet soda.
The bubbles tickled my nose and throat. I turned around as he checked the table and tried to get a handle on all the different people. The person Michael had been talking to was nowhere to be seen.
Over the crowd, I met Michael’s eyes. He waved at me. I did the same and turned away, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear and smiling at John.
I caught sight of John looking away, his nose wrinkled. He was peering past the ballroom door.
I intended to ask him what was wrong, but he spoke before I could.
“I’ll be back, Claudia. I’m gonna go to the bathroom,” he said.
I gave him a tug and he knew I had seen into his mind.
Be careful, I warned.
He gave me a grin. Don’t worry, baby. Joseph’s close. But he knew, as I did, that if Jonas was around, Dr. Nicholson would most likely also be.
John kissed me on the head and walked toward one of the ballroom doors. I watched him disappear, feeling alone … until I heard the voice again.