by Sarah Adams
“I was just joking, Amber,” Joshua said and took her hand in his, “I already told you I wasn't under a spell. So you can't take advantage of me that way, but I will buy you dinner.”
“Good, because not all of us have jobs with our fathers,” she laughed, “and there's still a bit of time before I turn sixteen and can get a job.”
“Come on,” Joshua said, but before moving towards the exit he brushed his lips against hers quickly, stealing a kiss.
The restaurant was empty except for an old couple sitting at a corner booth. Amber watched them as they waited for the waitress to seat them. They were holding hands across the table and the old woman was laughing, Amber assumed at a joke her husband had told.
“Right this way,” a blonde waitress said appearing in front of them, “My name is Rachel and I'll be your waitress. Party of two or are you expecting more guests?”
“It's just us,” Joshua said.
“Follow me,” Rachel said.
Amber frowned at Rachel's natural blonde curly hair as they followed her.
“Wish my hair looked that good,” she thought to herself.
After they ordered Amber tapped her fingernails idly against the table trying to kill the silence.
“So how did you get into spell casting?” Joshua asked her.
Amber took a deep breath and launched into the story. She told him everything, except that it was the spell's failure that made her lose interest in the other Joshua. She also left out the part about her bagging up her Joshua Nelson memorabilia but being unable to take it out to the trash.
“Weird,” Joshua said, “I bet it Mrs. Galiey in costume or something. Maybe she's the real witch.”
“I don't think so. I mean she knows about a lot of things, but she doesn't look like the sort of person who has a secret that big,” Amber laughed.
“You never know. Some people are like that. You think you know them, but you don't. My dad owns an auto parts store, but he also spends three hours every night playing the cello,” Joshua said.
“Really?” Amber asked, “Music must run in the family.”
“Yeah, I tried the violin, viola, and cello when I was younger, but didn't like them. I couldn't get into them. Then I started with guitar and I like it so far. I don't have my father's patience,” Joshua chuckled.
Amber blushed when Joshua reached across the table and entwined his fingers through hers. For a moment she studied their interlocked fingers. She was going to miss him when the spell was over, after all he was the first guy she had ever really held hands with. The few others had always been hands cupped. That wasn't really holding hands. It wasn't real handholding until fingers were laced.
"Besides singing what other talents are you hiding?” Joshua asked.
“I'm decent at acting. I always ace drama class anyway,” she laughed.
“Do you plan on acting professionally?” he asked.
“No, I'm not pretty enough,” Amber shrugged, “I'm not being all self-depreciative to get compliments either. I'm just not Hollywood material.”
“I think you're pretty enough,” Joshua grinned, “but I don't think you'd like Hollywood. You tend to avoid large groups of people and if you were a famous actress you'd be surrounded all the time.”
“I'd never finish my reading list then,” Amber laughed.
“Yeah, I don't think movie directors like to be kept waiting for books,” Joshua chuckled.
“I don't think most of them know how to read books, because if they did some movies would have been a lot longer and more thought out,” Amber said.
“True,” Joshua laughed.
“Here we go,” Rachel said appearing carrying out their dinner, “Do you guys need anything else?”
“I’m good,” Amber said.
“Me too,” Joshua added.
“Okay, if you do need anything else, let me know,” Rachel said and disappeared back into the kitchen.
“So what's the plan when we do get back to the library?” Joshua asked.
“I don't think we're going to have time. Dad's supposed to pick me up at five-thirty and it's almost five now,” Amber said.
“That's why you didn't want to eat out,” Joshua said.
“Yep,” Amber nodded, “It's okay though. I've had fun. I'll just come back tomorrow and look.”
“What if I told you I don't care if the spell is ever reversed?” Joshua asked,
“That would just be the spell talking,” Amber frowned.
“If you think so,” Joshua chuckled.
“You think I'm crazy, don't you?” Amber asked.
“No, I don't. I'm not under a spell, but I think it's sweet you're so worried about what's fair to me. Although, it's becoming a bit frustrating,” Joshua admitted.
“Yeah, tell me about it. How do you think I feel?” Amber laughed.
“I can understand why you're frustrated too, but what I don't understand is why it's so hard for you to believe I'd like you without being under some stupid spell,” Joshua said.
“If I hadn't cast it myself, I might believe it,” Amber frowned.
“Well, I'm not under a spell, Amber,” Joshua laughed.
“We've had this conversation a lot,” Amber grinned.
“And we'll keep having it until you believe me. What time do you want to meet up tomorrow?” he asked.
“We're meeting up tomorrow?” she asked.
“Yeah, I want to get this spell business out of the way,” Joshua said.
“I usually sleep in on Saturdays. Unless Tamara calls, I won't be up before noon,” Amber said.
“So like two o'clock at the library then?” he asked.
“Sounds like a plan,” Amber said, “I hate to eat and run, but I want to be back at the library before Dad shows up.”
“I'll see you tomorrow,” he said.
“Yeah, see you then,” Amber said and sprinted out of the restaurant
Her dad's truck was already parked in front of the library. The engine was still on so Amber reasoned he hadn't been waiting too long. Whenever, she kept him waiting too long, he killed the engine and called her.
“Where've you been?” he asked when she climbed into the truck.
“Joshua took me out to dinner across the street. We hadn't planned it and I thought I'd be back before you got here,” Amber admitted.
“You really like this new Josh kid, don't you?” he asked.
“I'm starting to, yeah,” Amber said.
“Good, is he taking you to the dance?” he asked.
Amber hesitated. She wasn't sure how things were going to play out.
“That's the plan,” she said, hoping it didn't count as a lie.
“Good to hear. I was worried about you there for awhile, Amber,” he said.
“I'm okay, Dad, I'm over the other Joshua now. He was just the wrong Joshua,” Amber laughed.
“Well, I'm glad you're over it and you're happy now. You are happy now, aren't you?” he asked.
“For the most part,” Amber shrugged, “I mean I still have to go to school and stuff.”
“Ahhh, the woes of being a teenager. The prison of the spirit: high school.”
“You're a dork, Dad, do you know that?” Amber asked.
“Yep, and I'm proud of it too,” he laughed.
Chapter Ten
The Thursday Before the Dance
Amber and Joshua had spent most of the weekend at the library and Monday afternoon too. Tuesday and Wednesday Amber searched alone, but nothing had come of their work. It was the day before the dance and so far Amber had successfully avoided Joshua Kirk, whom she had now kissed a total of twelve times, not that she was counting.
Amber was attempting to sneak through the lunch line when she felt familiar arms wrap around her waist.
“Hey,” Joshua said.
“Hey,” she smiled up at him.
They were both quiet for a moment. Amber's heart raced and her fingers trembled. She wasn't sure how she was going to tell him sh
e couldn't be his date to the dance. This had to end.
“I can't live a lie produced by magic,” Amber sighed and pulled away from him so she could see his face.
“And we're not, Amber, I promise,” Joshua frowned.
Amber could hear Tamara's voice in the back of her head telling her to quit being a fool.
“You're driving a perfectly good guy away from you over something ridiculously silly,” her BFF had told her yesterday while they were waiting on their afterschool rides.
“How about just for tomorrow night we forget about the spell, okay? We can go to the dance. Pretend we're normal,” Joshua chuckled.
“Yes,” Amber said, even though agreeing to go with him felt selfish. She liked him too much to say no.
“Thank you,” Joshua said, and stole a quick kiss after making sure none of the teachers were looking.
“Not a problem, I do like you,” Amber said and looked away trying to hide her blush, “I know things have been a bit odd, but I do.”
“You're eccentric, Amber, but that's just part of your charm,” Joshua laughed.
“Thanks, I think,” Amber giggled.
“So do I have to come early to let your dad give me the whole shotgun lecture? Joshua asked.
“What are you talking about?” Amber asked.
“You know the whole thing where he's cleaning a gun and telling me I better have you home on time and stuff,” Joshua said.
“I don't think people do that anymore. What sort of girls do you usually date?” Amber laughed.
“My dad totally did that to my older sister's prom date,” he laughed.
“Well, luckily for you, my dad doesn't even own a handgun, must less a shotgun. I'll be getting ready at Tamara's so either we can meet at the dance or you can pick me up there. She's meeting Doug at the dance,” Amber said.
“Okay, we can meet at the dance then,” Joshua nodded.
“Okay,” Amber nodded, “Thanks for asking me to the dance.”
“Thanks for finally agreeing to go with me,” Joshua laughed.
“You said yes?” Tamara asked, when Amber and Joshua joined her at the table.
“She finally said yes,” Joshua chuckled.
“At least I wasn't late,” Amber shrugged.
“You almost were,” Tamara laughed, “Well, anyway, I have to go talk to Doug, to finalize some details. I'll catch you guys later.”
“Later,” Amber said, “Oh, wait, you did make sure it was okay with your mom if I got ready at your place right?”
“Yes, she's cool with it and she said yes to your other question to. We'll stop to pick it up on the way to my house tomorrow,” Tamara grinned.
“Awesome!” Amber said as her BFF walked away.
“What other question?” Joshua asked.
“I'm not telling anyone until my evil plan succeeds,” Amber joked.
“What evil plan? You're not going to try another spell are you?” he asked.
“No, I'm not. You'll see tomorrow night,” Amber said, “I think you'll like it.”
“I'm sure I will,” Joshua laughed.
The bell rang and Amber stole a quick kiss goodbye before heading to her locker. They were supposed to pretend they were just like anyone else: a normal couple. That would be easy or at least it would have been if Amber didn't feel she was racking up bad karma every second she let the spell continue.
“Chill out,” Tamara said, appearing next to her.
“I am chill. We're acting like a normal couple,” Amber said.
“Ugh.. No offense, Amber, but I don't want to act like any sort of couple with you,” Tamara said.
“You know what I meant,” Amber said and rolled her eyes.
“I was trying to make you laugh,” Tamara said.
“I'm not in a laughing mood,” Amber said.
“Please try to have fun tomorrow night. The spell wasn't real and if it was it didn't work. That's all,” Tamara said.
“I plan on having fun tomorrow night,” Amber said.
“Good, because I want to have fun and if you're acting weird all night I'm going to spend the entire freakin' dance worrying about you, girl,” Tamara said.
“I'll be okay,” Amber said and gave her BFF a quick hug before heading to class.
Friday
Classes were dismissed early on Friday for a teacher's in-service meeting.
“We'll meet in the parking lot, right?” Joshua asked for the third time today.
“Yes, we're all going to meet at Doug's car,” Amber said, trying not to be annoyed with him for double and triple checking plans. It was cute in an odd way.
“Doug's car is the black Nissan?” Joshua asked.
“YES!” Tamara said and threw her hands into the air, “The black Nissan. We're all going to meet there at seven. We'll be there. I'll have Amber there, if I have to drag her caveman style into the car. Now can you please quit asking the same questions? For the love of God above me, I can't handle this. It's a dance! It's supposed to be fun! Both of you need to quit stressing, because you're stressing me out!”
“Sorry,” Amber muttered trying to suppress a giggle. She failed and Joshua joined her in a fit of laughter. Tamara scowled at the pair for a moment before joining in.
“Do you feel better now?” Joshua asked in between laughs.
“Actually, I do,” Tamara nodded.
“Good,” Amber said, “because your mom's here.”
“I'll see you at seven,” Joshua said and pulled Amber in for a quick kiss.
“Thank God, he didn't slip me the tongue in front of Mrs. Page,” Amber thought to herself, “She'd spend the whole evening teasing me about it.”
Two hours later Amber stood in front of Mrs. Page's full length mirror examining her reflection. Her hair was now a shade of blonde that complemented her complexion and made her green eyes stand out. Although, the latter could be credited to Mrs. Page's fantastic makeup job. Amber's eyes were lined with black eyeliner and her lids painted with green eye shadow that glimmered now and then if the lighting was just right. Her lips weren't colored, but Mrs. Page coated them in clear gloss. She wore the dress she had bought at Katie's and some black flats she borrowed from Tamara.
“You girls look beautiful!” Tamara's father said peeking in.
“Thanks, Mr. Page,” Amber grinned at him in the mirror.
“It's good we look great,” Tamara said, “because it's almost time to go.”
“I just need to grab my purse,” Amber said.
“Don't take your purse,” Tamara shook her head, “It will only get in the way.”
“But I'm going home after the dance, so I have to take it,” Amber said.
“Okay, but lock it up in Joshua's car when we get there, because you don't want to carry it around all night,” Tamara said.
“True,” Amber nodded, 'I hadn't thought about that.”
Mrs. Page dropped Amber and Tamara off at the front door of the school at six-forty-five.
“We're early,” Amber said.
“Yeah, but I'd rather be early than late and it gives us some time to gossip before the guys arrive. I feel like we've barely had time to have a real conversation since all this guy stuff started,” Tamara laughed.
“I know and I've been busy with the sp.. I mean stuff. Just stuff,” Amber said.
“See you're doing good,” Tamara nodded, “Just don't mention the spell at all tonight and try not to think about it either.”
“Looks like our girl talk is going to be cut short again,” Amber grinned.
“What is Doug here already?” Tamara asked looking around.
“No, Joshua is,” Amber said pointing out his car, “Let's walk over there so I can ask him about my purse.”
“Hey,” Joshua said pulling into a parking space, “You girls are early and you are blonde.”
“Yes, I am. Do you like it?” Amber grinned,
“It looks nice, but so did your red locks,” Joshua said.
“Someone's
trying to earn brownie points,” Tamara laughed.
“Well, it's working, but I do like the blonde. It makes me feel older,” Amber said.
“It looks great,” Joshua said.
“Good, because I'm keeping it this way forever,” Amber said.
“Or at least until your dad buries you in the backyard. I've heard the arguments you guys have over your hair,” Tamara laughs.
“My dad wouldn't bury me in the backyard,” Amber said.
“Nah, but he's going to be mad,” Tamara nodded.
“I already know this, Tamara. BFF of mine, remember we're supposed to be having fun tonight,” Amber said.
“I thought we were,” Tamara laughed.
“Can I leave my purse in your car?” Amber asked, deciding not to retort Tamara's comment.
“Sure,” Joshua said, “We can lock it up in the trunk, if you like.”
“That works,” Amber nodded.
“That's Doug, I'll see you guys inside,” Tamara said and was gone before Amber could reply.
“Are you ready to head inside?” Joshua asked after Amber's purse was safely locked away.
“Yeah, they should be opening the doors soon,” Amber said.
Amber blushed when Joshua offered her his arm, but she took it.
“So the blonde hair was what you were talking about yesterday?” he asked as they walked.
“Yeah, my dad is going to flip, but it's something I wanted to do for awhile. So if you don't see me, it's because he grounded me for life,” Amber grinned.
“Well, hopefully not your whole life,” Joshua chuckled.
“He might,” Amber nodded.
The gym had been transformed into a dance floor. The volunteers did their job well enough that for a moment Amber didn't recognize the room she was in twice a week for gym class. The walls were covered in what looked to be black silk sheets covered in glow in the dark stars and planets. More glow in the dark celestial objects hung from the ceiling.
“Wow,” Joshua said.
“Yeah, they did a really good job,” Amber nodded.
“I usually don't come to dances. Does the gym always look this great?” he asked.
“Most of the time it looks pretty good, but this is the best I've ever seen it. It's freakin' epic!” Amber smiled.