Scintillate (Scintillate Series Book 1)

by Karen Tjebben

  “Yes, Mom hides our books and uses the shelves to design a ‘harmonious and tranquil’ room.” I walked over and ran my finger along the edge of some of the books.

  “My dad’s a collector and prizes his pieces.”

  “Some of these look really old,” I said. “I don’t even think I can pronounce some these names. The Histories by Herodotus.” I laughed, pointing to the spine on a book. “This part isn’t even in English. Is this Greek?”

  “Yes. Herodotus was a historian who wrote in the fifth century BC about the ancient civilizations. He’s sometimes referred to as the ‘Father of History’.”

  “Huh,” I replied. I took another step and looked carefully at a statue of a woman. She wore a tunic from ancient Greece that was belted with a knot around her waist. Wisps of curls escaped from the sides of her helmet. Long strands of hair hung down the front of her chest and back. Her breastplate featured a face in the center with wild hair blowing about. The statue’s arms were muscular and one arm reached to the sky while the other arm was down by her side. “Who is this?”

  “That lovely lady is Athena.” Nick picked up the statue and handed it to me. “She’s the goddess of wisdom and courage. Athena is also considered to be a hero’s helper or companion. You’ve probably heard her called the ‘Goddess of War’.”

  “Obviously you’d want her on your side.” I ran my finger along the cool marble statue.

  “Yeah, she’d come in handy during a battle.”

  I handed the marble statue back to him. He placed it on the shelf.

  “All this stuff is amazing,” I said and rested my bottom against the sofa arm. There was still plenty to look at, but I really wanted to look at the Greek god in front of me.

  “We pick them up on vacations. They’re just trinkets, but they’re reminders of where we’ve been.”

  “That’s awesome.” I said, and he took a step closer to me. I felt the invisible cord wrap itself around my waist and tie me to him.

  “You know, Kate… we didn’t get to finish what we started the other night.” His hand trailed down the side of my arm as he stepped even closer to me. His cologne filled my head and transported me to a place of tranquility.

  “Huh?” I asked confused, my body bombarded with sensations.

  “Our kiss. I believe we were interrupted at an integral moment.”

  “Yes, I do recall that happening.” I blushed as a heat filled my face and my body. “My brother, the mood killer,” I said and rolled my eyes.

  “I don’t see your brother now. Should we pick up where we left off?” he asked, and the butterflies in my stomach awakened.

  A nervous chuckle broke through my lips. “I think it might be best to rewind just a little bit.”

  “I agree. Slow and steady wins the race.” He brought me to my feet and brushed his lips across my cheek. I breathed him in, enjoying the pure scent of his cologne. His left hand held my back and each finger applied the right amount of pressure to heighten my awareness of him. His right hand caressed my cheek, and made it flush with heat. His fingers slowly slid down my neck, turning my head as he kissed me.

  My pulse raced. My heart pounded, and I hungered for him. His every touch sent scintillating sensations throughout my body. Another coil of the mysterious rope wound around my waist and intensified his hold on me.

  I traced the feel of his broad shoulders and wrapped my arms around him. Then I slid my hands down the curve of his biceps. My brain shut down as I was absorbed in the moment.

  As he slowly kissed my face, the warmth of his breath and the gentle pressure of his kiss on my skin were breathtaking. He pulled me closer, and my stomach pressed against him as his hand slid down to the small of my back. When he looked into my eyes, I found warmth and peace in his gaze. Then he leaned forward and placed his lips on mine.

  I was light-headed, but he supported me, kissing me lovingly. We continued to kiss, and he embraced me, stroking my cheek and back. His teeth pulled lightly, playfully on my lips.

  Music floated through the air, similar to a chiming, and then the pounding began. I flinched in Nick’s arms as the harsh sounds that reverberated from the front door pulled me back to reality.

  “It appears the defender of your honor has arrived,” Nick whispered. “How much do you want to bet that’s your brother?” Nick released me and walked towards the front door. The intermittent pounding continued.

  “What? I called Mom. She wouldn’t send him,” I said skeptically as I followed Nick.

  “I doubt she did.” Nick opened the door, and Reese stood there, waiting impatiently.

  “Hi, there. Is, uh… Kate here?” Reese stammered. “I came to get her.”

  “Reese, what are you doing here?” I gasped.

  “Well, it’s raining, and I didn’t want you to have to run home in the rain. So I came to get you.” Reese’s eyes darted between Nick and me, as if he was in enemy territory and trying to decide which one of us was the greater threat. “Grab your clothes so we can go.”

  I huffed and bit my bottom lip, and remembered that I preferred it when Nick did this. I glared at Reese. “You can wait here.” I shut the door, leaving Reese on the front porch. I turned to Nick. “I am so sorry about this. I don’t know what he was thinking, coming here.”

  “It’s okay.” Nick massaged my shoulders as we walked towards the island to retrieve my bag of clothes. “He’s just watching out for you. I had no idea how overprotective he is.” Nick laughed. “It’s actually kind of funny.”

  “Well, I’m glad you can find humor in it. I think it’s pathetic.”

  We reached the island, and he turned me around to face him. “Don’t worry about Reese.” Nick’s hand ran down my back and relaxed me. “It would be a shame if you let him ruin what we shared today.”

  “I guess you’re right. We finally got our first kiss.”

  Nick leaned over and gave me another slow and gentle kiss. “There’s one more. Tomorrow, I’ll steal a few more.”

  “It’s not stealing if I give them to you,” I said as we neared the front door.

  Nick opened the door, but Reese was gone. “I guess Reese decided to wait in the car,” he said as I stepped onto the front porch.

  “I’m looking forward to that kiss tomorrow,” I said and dashed down the steps towards the Mustang.

  “As you wish,” he yelled back.

  Hark!

  The next few weeks flew by. Nick and I quickly established a wonderful pattern that consisted of spending as much time together as possible. He’d pick me up for school and then walk me to class. After school, he’d drive me home and we’d go for a run. Nick was a great running partner. He never got tired, and he encouraged me to persevere even when my legs felt heavy. With his support, my speed and strength increased.

  Unfortunately, in the evenings I had two responsibilities that kept me from Nick. The first was homework, which my parents refused to allow me to do with him. They are convinced we’d do something other than homework. And the second was my dance rehearsal for the church Christmas musical. When I agreed to be an angel, I didn’t realize there would only be a few of us. For some crazy reason I thought there’d be a multitude of angels in this musical. If I screw this up, I’ll be an epic failure.

  “So, tonight’s the big night,” Nick said, the morning of the Christmas musical.

  “Yes, don’t remind me,” I begged. I wrapped my arms around his waist. “I don’t want to be nervous all day.”

  “Good morning, Nick,” Mom said as she walked in from the kitchen.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Archer. Are you ready for the musical tonight?”

  “Just about.” Mom wiped her hands on a dish towel. “I’m helping all day at church with the final preparations. Do you and your dad have your tickets?”

  “Yes, I can’t wait to see my angel dance.” He spread my arms out and examined my back for wings. “Do you think she’s earned her wings yet?” He looked at my mom.

  “I don’t know
,” Mom replied. She clicked her tongue and rested her hands on her waist. “Kate’s room has been a little messy lately.”

  “Ugh.” I shook my head and freed myself from Nick’s grasp. “This angel can’t wait for this musical to be over so the ‘angel’ metaphors can be put to rest. I’m retiring my wings after tomorrow’s performance!”

  “I don’t know. I’m looking forward to seeing you with some wings.” Nick picked up my backpack. “You do make my heart soar.”

  “Do you see?” I said. “I’ve had to put up with this ever since he found out about my part in the musical.”

  “We should get going,” he said. “We don’t want to be late.”

  “Okay…” I said, opening the front door.

  “Bye, kids,” Mom said.

  “Bye,” we said in unison as Mom closed the door behind us.

  We listened to music on the way to school. Nick parked and walked me to class. I had difficulty concentrating in AP biology. Instead, I worried about tonight’s performance. The rest of the school day flew by. I guess anxiety propels one towards a terrifying event. Before I knew it, school was over and Nick was driving me home.

  “I can’t wait to see you in your costume.”

  I reached over and rubbed the back of his neck. “It should look fabulous under the lights,” I said, happy that he was coming tonight.

  “I’m sure it will pale in comparison to you.”

  “You know, I do love it when you talk that way.”

  “I know. That’s why I talk this way.” A playful grin brightened his face.

  I chuckled and tried to remember my life without Nick, but I couldn’t. I felt so comfortable with him, like he’d always been a part of my life.

  We pulled up to my house and got out of the car. He walked me to the door. “Good luck tonight. I’ll be cheering for you.”

  “Thanks.” I wrapped my arms around him and snuggled my head into his chest. “I could stay here forever.”

  “I wish you could stay here forever.” His lips pressed against mine as I traced the contours of his back and arms. His kisses tickled me as they trailed down my cheek and neck.

  “What was that all about?” I said breathlessly. “Now I have to go face Mom all flushed.”

  “You look fine. Don’t be so melodramatic. You’re not acting yet.”

  “See you after the show?” I asked, my hand on the doorknob.

  “Of course,” he said.

  I closed the door and heard Mom shout from kitchen, “You two were out there a long time. Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, Mom… we were uh… just saying goodbye.” The effect Nick had on me was truly breathtaking. His kisses still accelerated my pulse and sent my head spinning. I thought after a few weeks I would grow immune, but each kiss was still fresh and invigorating.

  I made my way to the kitchen and saw pizza boxes on the island. “Do you need any help?” I headed to the refrigerator to get a drink.

  “Yes,” Mom said, “go tell Reese and Dad that dinner is ready.”

  We ate dinner quickly, and I finished just as the doorbell rang.

  I opened the front door and said, “Hi, Maggie.”

  “Hi, I am so excited!” Maggie radiated with excitement. Her springy curls bounced with every step she took into the house. “Are you ready for me to do your hair?”

  “Yes, I just finished dinner. Let’s go up to my room.” We darted up the stairs and into my bedroom. I sat at my desk chair. “I think we should braid your halo into your hair,” she said as she brushed my long blonde hair. “That way it won’t fall out when you’re dancing. I’ve already prepped the tiara or halo, whatever you want to call it.” She giggled and parted my hair down the middle.

  “Sounds like a plan. I don’t need to lose my halo.” I laughed and twirled the crystal and rhinestone encrusted tiara in my hands. “That would be embarrassing.”

  Maggie took the halo and placed it on my head. She attached it in the back with bobby pins. Then she picked up the previously tied silver threads from between a few of the openings on the tiara and began to French braid the hair and threads on the left side of my head. She continued to add the threads to the braid to ensure it was securely attached. When she finished the left side, she began on the right side. Maggie attached the two braids in the center in the back into one braid and let the unbraided hair fall naturally. Then she removed the bobby pins and pulled lightly on the halo. It didn’t budge.

  “There, your hair is finished.” She rested her hands on her hips. “Now you just need your dress and wings.”

  “Don’t forget my tights and shoes,” I added. “Those will come in handy too as I twirl across the floor.”

  “Yes, I guess you do need those. I’m glad I don’t have to dance in front of all those people.” She bugged her eyes. “I think I’d throw up.”

  “Great, that’s very encouraging.” I opened the closet doors.

  “Well, it should be easy for you.” She walked over to the closet and stood beside me. “You’ve been dancing for years. Let me see your dress.”

  “Here it is.” I pulled out a plastic hanger. The body of the dress was a white, sleeveless leotard. The bodice was covered with sheer fabric that was gathered at the top by the shoulders and cinched in place using ornate crystal flower pins that sparkled in the lights. Crystals and sequins were sewn along the edge to reflect light as I danced.

  A feathery boa and sequin belt embellished the waist. My hips and thighs were covered by several layers of sheer white fabric that flowed and flared as I twirled. These layers were zigzagged so that the bottom was uneven and showed off the layers of fabric. Once again, sequins were used to embellish the edges of the fabric on the hem. The dress looked light and airy. The sequins and crystals threw light while I danced.

  “Oh, it’s beautiful.” Maggie ran her fingers over the fabric. “Put it on.”

  I slipped into it, careful not to mess up my hair. “What do you think?”

  “Ohh, you look fabulous!” She brought her hands to her mouth. “I can’t wait to see Nick’s face. Has he seen you in this?”

  “Nooo,” I said. “I didn’t want him at any of the rehearsals. I am nervous though. I’ve never performed in front of a boyfriend before.”

  Maggie laughed. “Don’t be silly. He’s going to think you’re wonderful. Even if you fall flat on your face, he’ll think you did it gracefully.” She rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry about impressing him. That ship has sailed.”

  A knock sounded at the door. “Kate, are you ready?” Mom opened the door. “Oh, you look beautiful.” She leaned against the doorjamb and smiled.

  “Thanks, I’m ready.” We hurried to the car and headed to church.

  The four large brick buildings that made up our church loomed ahead of me. Each one resembled an ornate gift box accented by evergreen wreathes, bright red bows, and outlined in white twinkling lights. As we pulled into the crowded mega-church parking lot, my stomach got queasy. There would be a lot of people in the auditorium tonight, and at some point, their eyes would be one me.

  Maggie and I walked into the auditorium, amazed by the beauty of the Christmas decorations and the swirl of activity. The stage is typically where the pastor delivers his sermons, but tonight it’s Jesus’s birth place. The orchestra was warming up in the pit, and the youth choir was noisily finding their places in line. Maggie joined them, behind the stage, in the fan-shaped choir loft. The adult choir chatted quietly along the walls of the auditorium.

  Beautiful poinsettias lined the perimeter of the stage and accented the auditorium with bright crimson and emerald splashes of color. Garlands decorated the stained glass windows, and giant candelabras added a subtle glow to the low-lit auditorium. A scattering of lights illuminated the ceiling and gave the effect of stars shining in the night sky. A humble stable and manger made of rough-edged wood stood in the center of the stage.

  Alisha, Meghan, and I will dance at center stage, right in front of the manger. There will
be three other dancers scattered throughout the auditorium on mini-stages. The adult and youth choirs will soon disappear, and then make a grand entrance holding lit candles and slowly march to the orchestra’s live Christmas music.

  I found my designated hiding spot beside the orchestra pit. A temporary thick curtain divider ran along the side of the stage to block performers from the view of the audience. This hiding spot has a stained glass window on one wall and a door that the pastor uses to get to the stage from a hallway on the other wall. Alisha and Meghan will enter from the other side of the stage, so they are hiding out on the opposite side of the auditorium.

  Once I was in my spot, I put on my feathery wings. They are the perfect size — large enough for the audience to see, but still easy to dance in. Crystals are glued into the feathers so that they shimmer as they reflect light.

  Music filled the auditorium as the orchestra started to play. I peeked around the curtain and searched for Nick as the audience filed in. A squeak caught my attention as the door behind me opened. I turned, expecting to see a late orchestra player or another member of the cast, but instead it was Nick. He looked gorgeous in his navy herringbone suit, white shirt, and paisley tie. His blue eyes were intensified by the suit and sparkled in the flickering light of the candles in the candelabra. “I think you must be the prettiest angel I’ve ever seen,” he said.

  “I was looking for you.”

  “I couldn’t let you dance without giving you a good luck kiss.” His fingers brushed across my waist and awakened the butterflies in my stomach as he gave me a gentle kiss.

  “I’m glad you‘re here.”

  “Actually, I wanted to give you your Christmas present.”

  “Now?”

  “Yes, it just seems appropriate. You’ll see.” He handed me a long, thin box wrapped in elegant red paper, topped with a silver bow. “Go ahead. Open it.”

  The box was heavier than I expected. I looked at him, puzzled and removed the bow. I slid my finger under the paper and tried to lift the tape without tearing the elegant paper.