Hidden Worlds

by Kristie Cook

  After I help clean up the dishes, I excuse myself to my room, citing homework as an excuse for my anti-social behavior. After a quick shower, I am in my favorite comfy pajamas.

  I work on some homework to keep me busy, but when I finish a couple of hours later, I need something else to distract me from thoughts of Grey. I want to curl up in bed and read my favorite book but then I decide to try to read some more of the one that he gave me instead. Grey’s right, I really should branch out and read other books, but I just keep re-reading my favorite fantasy series. There is something comforting about losing myself in a different world, where the characters are strong and brave and follow their hearts. But since I’ve already read it about a million times and I know exactly what’s going to happen next, it probably won’t offer the level of distraction I’m looking for. I go ahead and grab the new book from Grey and open it up to the middle to try to spark my interest:

  In the late 1600s, King Eurico and his wife Queen Astrid were blessed with twin boys. They were named Alberico and Dugan, respectively. Given the longevity of Elves, conception was a rare and wonderful gift. To be blessed with twin boys was a remarkable event.

  Okay, yeah, definitely boring. What was Grey thinking? I like several different genres, I’ll read pretty much anything you put in front of me, but I’m not all that interested in reading books for fun that read like a history lesson. I toss the old book aside. I glance at the clock and realize it’s after eleven. My mind is showing no sign of shutting off any time soon.

  I look around my room for something else to distract me from Grey but when I can’t think of anything. I finally give in and let myself think about the upcoming dance. I open my closet and pull out the dress bag that has been hiding away in the very back since the day Hannah and I went shopping. I carefully unzip it and pull out the v-neck dress with its flouncy, pleated skirt. Casual but classy, simple but beautiful. I love it. I admire the pretty blue color that just happens to be identical to the color of a certain someone’s indigo eyes.

  Despite the very unromantic nature of the way he asked me to go with him as “just friends”, I allow myself a moment to be excited. Maybe the dance will be the turning point in my relationship with Grey? Hannah seems to think there might be something more than just friendship between us...could she be right? The thought makes me smile as I finally drift off to sleep.

  Chapter Three

  The bleachers are jam-packed tonight, which is exactly how it should be for Homecoming. Football season is my favorite part of cheerleading. Mostly because it happens to fall during my favorite season. The night games carry the crisp autumn breeze, filled with the scent of burning leaves and fog that is unique to fall. I also love football season because school spirit is always high no matter what. Even during the years our football team sucks, the stands are full of people cheering the Indians on. On game nights, the buzz of excitement is contagious and the atmosphere is alive with the smell of sweat and stale popcorn.

  It’s just a plus that our team is actually pretty good this year.

  During our pre-game stretches, I scan the crowd for Grey’s face since he promised he would actually make this game. I spot him easily, but not because of his unearthly good looks. He is the only one in the whole crowd not decked out in red, white, and blue, but rather his normal brown leather jacket. I just stand there staring at him for a while, taking advantage of the fact that he isn’t looking at me, and therefore is not witnessing my embarrassing display of lusting. I keep waiting for him to turn his attention my way, but he is completely focused on something, or someone, at the opposite end of the stands. My heart drops to my stomach as I reluctantly follow his intent gaze to see which lucky girl has finally captured the attention of Greyson St. Clair. My eyes immediately zoom in on the target, but it certainly isn’t what I expected. Instead of checking out some beautiful brunette like I fear, he is staring at Brian.

  And Brian is staring at me.

  I look back at Grey, and he is still watching Brian with a bewildered expression. I’m a little confused myself. I already know Brian is kind of odd. And he has a creepy staring problem. But what I don’t understand is why Brian would be at a high school football game. I mean, yeah, sure, lots of locals come every week to support their Alma mater, especially during a big game like Homecoming. But I am pretty sure Brian isn’t even from here, so I am not sure why he would be so interested.

  “Mia!” I hear Hannah’s squeaky voice say, “Are you ready?”

  I look back to find that all the other cheerleaders are already lining up in formation, waiting for me.

  “Um...yeah.” I tear my eyes away from the strange boy. “I’m coming.” I plaster on a bright smile for the crowd.

  “What’s wrong? You look pale,” Hannah asks me once I am close enough. “I mean, paler than usual.”

  “Nothing.”

  “Don’t lie.”

  “Fine. I think I have a stalker,” I admit.

  “Dude! Seriously? How exciting! Who?” She stands on her tippy toes and starts scanning the crowd.

  “Hannah, there is nothing exciting about a creepy stalker,” I chide her. I take a quick drink of water before grabbing my pom poms.

  “Hey. Some girls go for that sort of thing.”

  “You’re terrible.”

  Hannah giggles and lines up next to me in the front row. The game is about to start, so I sneak a quick peek into the crowd only to discover that Brian is gone. I don’t see him anywhere. Where did he go and how did he leave so fast? My eyes find Grey, and his eyebrows are furrowed in frustration. He must sense my stare this time because he makes eye contact, then after a brief moment, he glances over to where Brian was standing just moments ago before quickly looking back at me. His eyes widen with surprise as though a disturbing thought has just occurred to him. I desperately want to go to him and ask him what he is thinking. Why does he suddenly look so distressed? There has to be something wrong and whatever it may be, I have a hunch it has something to do with Brian. But the band starts playing the school fight song signaling the start of the game, so I’ll have to wait until later.

  Half time rolls around, and I head to the concession stand to grab a quick snack before the crowning ceremony begins. As I round the corner, I hear Grey speaking rather rapidly on his cell phone. His back is to me, so he doesn’t see me approach.

  “I told you. I can’t be sure. He is obviously interested in her, but it might not be what we think. She is a pretty girl; she is bound to attract attention from other human males.”

  Human males? What an odd thing to say. I step back around the corner. I know it’s rude to eavesdrop, but I want to hear more. And I have a feeling that the conversation would come to an abrupt end if he knew I was listening.

  “Yes, of course. I’ll keep an eye on him and if anything suspicious happens, I know what to do. I’ll take care of it.”

  Geez. He sounds like an assassin or something.As soon as I think that, I shake the crazy thought from my head. Seriously, how ridiculous is that? I have obviously been reading way too many Young Adult books lately. A small giggle escapes my lips, and I am a little too slow to cover my mouth.

  Grey abruptly stops talking and cocks his head slightly.

  Did he really just hear me? In this noisy crowd?

  “I have to go. I’ll be in touch soon.” He hangs up, and I hear his footsteps approach my hiding spot. I try to blend in with the wall unsuccessfully. “Mia.”

  Busted.

  “Um, hi,” I falter. “I was coming to get some nachos before the crowning.” My face is definitely beet red with guilt.

  “I see, and did you get lost on the way to the concession stand?”

  I think he’s teasing me but I’m not sure. He has a smile on his face, but it is obviously strained.

  Oh crap, maybe I really made him mad. I guess I wouldn’t be too happy either if I knew someone was spying on me.

  “Er, well, no. I saw you and was going to say ‘hi’, but you looked bus
y, so I thought I would just wait.”

  Gah.

  Why didn’t I just walk away? Why did I have to be so freaking nosy? I could have already had my nachos and been back down in the stands silently praying for Hannah to be announced as this year’s Queen, but instead I made Grey mad, and now he is probably going to tell me he never wants to talk to me ever again.

  “Shall I escort you?”

  That was unexpected.

  “I guess?” I am a little stunned that he isn’t yelling at me for eavesdropping. Since I was and he obviously realizes that.

  “Shall we?”

  For the first time in the three months that I have known Grey, he grabs my hand.

  Holy smokes.

  Greyson St. Clair is holding my hand.

  He even buys my nachos like a proper gentleman.

  We make our way back down to the bleachers, still holding hands, where we watch an ecstatic Hannah receive her rightful crown. After half time, the game is all a blur. I’m surprised I managed to pull off my arabesque 540 under Grey’s watchful gaze. I don’t think his eyes left my face for the rest of the night. It made me nervous, but I kind of liked it.

  A lot.

  We win the game, thankfully, and all in all I think it was a very successful Homecoming. Sets a good tone for tomorrow, I think to myself with a smile.

  Grey walks me to my car after the game, and I am practically beaming with joy at the turn of events. Almost everyone is still on the field celebrating, so the parking lot is actually pretty deserted.

  As we stand there, I envision some creative ways that we could take advantage of this practically empty parking lot. The look in Grey’s eyes gives me hope that maybe he is imagining the same type of things. He gently tugs my hand, pulling my body closer to his, and I breathe in his sweet apple and sandalwood scent. Suddenly, I am realizing that he might actually kiss me tonight, and instead of feeling eager with anticipation, I find myself completely freaking out. So I do what I do best: act like an idiot and ruin the moment by saying the first thing that pops into my head.

  “So...Did you see Brian here?”

  “Yes.” His breath catches in surprise, then his eyes narrow. “Why?”

  I don’t want to admit that I saw him staring at Brian. That would require admitting that I was staring at Grey.

  “Um...Well, I was just wondering. Seemed weird, right?” I ask.

  He nods once in agreement.

  “There is something about him...” He trails off like he can’t quite put a finger on the reason Brian creeps him out. At least, I know that’s how I feel.

  “Yeah, the dude has a serious staring problem,” I offer.

  “What do you mean?” Grey looks concerned all of the sudden. He puts his hands on my shoulders, forcing me to look up into his eyes.

  “It’s probably nothing,” I say, trying to wiggle free before I lose my willpower and do something stupid. Like kiss his luscious lips. “I just notice him staring at me a lot.”

  His eyes harden.

  “He stares at you a lot?”

  “Yeah. At least I think he’s staring at me.” I am suddenly embarrassed. I don’t know why he is asking me this. I know he saw Brian watching me earlier.

  “When did you first notice this?”

  “I don’t know. Recently,” I stammer, made uncomfortable by the seriousness in Grey’s tone. “I think the first time I gave him a ride to work? A week or so ago?”

  “Have you noticed anything else strange about him?” I’m not really sure what Grey is getting at but his intensity is making me nervous.

  “Other than the fact that he smells bad? No.” I try to lighten the mood, but I’m not sure it’s working.

  “Let me know immediately if you do notice anything, okay?”

  “Um, sure?”

  “No. Promise,” he insists. “Promise me you will let me know.”

  “Okay, Grey. I promise.”

  “Thank you.” He sighs in relief. “And don’t pick him up anymore. I don’t want you to be alone with him.”

  “That’s a little over the top, don’t you think? He hasn’t done anything except stare at me. And yeah, it’s creepy, but it’s not like he is trying to hurt me,” I snapped. “Besides, I can take care of myself. I don’t need you protecting me.”

  I don’t really like him telling me what do.

  “Just please don’t pick him up anymore. I don’t trust him.”

  “Fine. Whatever.” Who does he think he is? It’s not like he’s my boyfriend. But maybe that’s why he is acting like this? Did he change his mind about us? He did hold my hand tonight. But still, I don’t see the need for his overreaction.

  “Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He gently kisses my cheek and my irritation vanishes. I’m half tempted to turn my head and finally introduce his lips to my own, but I control myself. “Good night,” I whisper as I get into my car.

  Chapter Four

  Since I didn’t plan on actually going to the dance until the last minute, I never scheduled a hair appointment. Hannah offered to help, but her appointment ran late so I decided to wing it myself. Unfortunately, I lack the girly-ness gene that most females have, making them naturally good at applying make-up and styling hair. Simple ponytails for games I can handle, but anything more complex than that and I am at a loss. As for applying make-up? I don’t ever wear it. Hannah says my skin is perfect so I don’t need to wear anything other than a light powder, but she is always trying to get me to play up my eyes. She actually buys me make-up for my birthday every year, so I’m well-stocked though I have no idea what to do with any of it. I know what it’s all for, I just lack the artistic ability to apply it to my face without ending up looking like a clown.

  Can’t go wrong with just a little mascara though, right? I might even put on some tinted lipgloss instead of my usual chapstick. Hannah will be so proud, I laugh to myself as I pull out the tube of black goopy stuff.

  In typical Mia form, I stab myself in the eye with the mascara wand. Twice. I couldn’t even figure out how to work the curling iron right. All my attempts at perfect bouncy curls fall pathetically limp. I am tempted to give up and just leave it long and straight down my back. What I wouldn’t do for the curls that Maddie has been blessed with. I eventually manage to get my hair to somewhat cooperate and twist it up in a high ballerina bun. My one errant lock of hair that always kinks out funny falls loose, framing my face. It looks like I did it on purpose, so I don’t fret over it.

  Grey picks me up about a half an hour later. He looks dashing of course. I can only hope I look half as good in my dress as he looks in his nicely fitted khakis, dress shirt and tie. Which is just wrong. Even the plainest girl in the world should still feel prettier than her date. I suppose when your date is Greyson St. Clair, that is a nearly impossible feat to accomplish.

  “Wow. You are stunning.” His eyes sparkle as I make my way down the stairs.

  I guess Hannah was right all along about this whole make-up thing. Who would have known a little mascara and pink-tinted lips would get such a reaction out of Grey?

  “Thanks.” I blush and reply, “You don’t look too bad yourself.” Swoon-worthy is what I actually am thinking, but I restrain myself. Just friends, remember? Just friends. You can’t be swooning over your just friend. The way he is staring at me is making me so self-conscious. But his eyes are so captivating that I can’t seem to stop staring back at him.

  “Oh, honey!” My mom squeals as she turns the corner, toting her camera, as always. “You look gorgeous! I really love that color on you.”

  She snaps a quick candid shot before Paul and Maddie enter the living room.

  “You guys make a sharp looking couple,” Paul says rather embarrassingly. He’s such an old guy.

  “Mi-mi! Pitty!” Maddie exclaims happily as she reaches for me.

  “Oh no you don’t, messy girl! We don’t want to ruin Mia’s pretty dress before the dance. Bath time for Maddie!” Paul says as he heads up the stairs w
ith my sister. “Have a great time at the dance kids. Grey, you better take good care of my daughter.”

  “Yes, sir.” Grey’s voice is tight, almost like something has made him uncomfortable all of a sudden. I really hope my parents aren’t freaking him out.

  “I’ll have her home by midnight, Mrs. Carrington.” His voice is much warmer as he speaks to my mother.

  “Wait! You can’t go yet,” my mom stops us. “I’m not done taking pictures yet! This is a special occasion! I have to document every moment.”

  “Mom, it’s just a dance,” I sigh.

  I’m used to her sentimental ways. I wouldn’t be surprised if she started singing Barbra Streisand’s The Way We Were like she does when she is feeling particularly sappy about me growing up too fast. The thought makes me groan inwardly, but Grey cracks a smile. I am glad he finds her amusing, because at times like this, I just think she is annoying.

  “But it’s not just any dance, Mia. This is your Homecoming. The first dance of your very last year of high school. It’s a huge deal,” she says as she wipes a fresh tear out of the corner of her eyes.

  “Oh Mom, please don’t start crying!” Oh my goodness this is so humiliating.

  “Sorry, I just can’t believe you are a Senior. It seems like just yesterday—”

  “Moooommmmm!” I really hope she isn’t going to start breaking out the photo albums of my childhood.

  “Honey, let the kids go already,” Paul calls down from the stairs in good humor. “You’re going to make them late for the dance!”

  “Oh fine, just a few more pictures,” she promises.

  When the customary pre-dance photography session is finally complete to her satisfaction, my mother kisses my cheek, tells me I look beautiful again, and then finally Grey and I are able to make our escape. He didn’t rent a limo or anything for the evening, which is completely fine by me. This is the first time I have been in his truck. It’s very clean and smells like him. He opens my door for me and helps me climb up into the cab. We don’t talk much as he pulls onto the highway that will lead us to the dance, so I stare out the window at the stars.