“Just rip it. I know you want to,” he said, the corners of lips turning up.
“You know me too well.” I ripped away the paper, but the box was not what I expected. I expected the traditional cardboard box from department stores, but this box is a work of art. “This is beautiful,” I whispered. The dark wood box beautifully combined several shades of various woods to make an inlay design on the lid. The artisan used a yellow wood to create four daffodils and a yellowish-green wood was used for the stems and leaves.
I traced lightly over the inlay. It appeared seamless, as if it was painted on. “Thank you,” I said, unable to take my eyes off the treasure in my hands.
“I’m glad you like the box, but that’s just the box. Your real gift is inside.”
“Oh, wow,” I said, surprised that there was more considering the box itself was a masterpiece. I carefully lifted the lid to reveal the burgundy velvet lined interior. Coiled on the burgundy velvet was an exquisite necklace. A mixture of shock and surprise welled up in me as I took in the details of the necklace. What was Nick thinking giving me two wonderful gifts?
Instead of common links, the chain was made up of intricate filigree scalloped ovals with a round turquoise stone set in the middle. Each filigree oval was connected by a tiny oval chain link. The end of the necklace had several chain links which allowed the necklace to be worn at different lengths. At the end of the chain links, five filigree hearts lay side-by-side in a circle, forming a flower which dangled at the end. In the middle of these extraordinary links lay a butterfly of such exquisite workmanship and detail that I stared, speechless. When I stroked the butterfly, it felt alive with energy under my fingertips.
The wings looked fragile, but they were not. Twisted silver shaped the outline of the butterfly, and then tinier twisted strands of silver filigree formed the pattern inside the wings of the butterfly. Multi-faceted crystals gave the butterfly sparks of colors and reflected light. Brilliant red, blue, and green crystals dotted the wings of the butterfly, and a sparkling clear crystal on each side of the long black oval body also accented the wings.
“Nick, I’ve never seen anything like this,” I whispered, still overcome with emotion. “Where did you get it?”
“Don’t worry about that,” he said. “Here, let me help you with it.”
“Uh, I don’t know. It’s pretty nice. I’m kinda afraid to wear it.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” He laughed. “This necklace was made for you. You won’t lose it unless you take it off. In fact, you shouldn’t take it off, ever.”
I lifted the necklace from the box.
“I’ll keep the box for you during the show.” He took the box and slipped it into his suit coat pocket.
“Thanks.” I held the necklace in my palm and examined it. “You did not get this at the mall.” I looked at him, trying to get some information on where it came from.
“No. But thanks for stating the obvious. Now stop worrying about where I got it and just put it on. Turn around.” He placed his hands gently on my arms and twisted me around so my back was to him. “Now give me your necklace.”
“It’s beautiful,” I gushed and handed him the necklace.
He lowered it in front of me. The butterfly landed on my chest. It felt as if it belonged there, like it was a part of me, returning home. I lifted up my hair, and he attached the clasp. I let my hair fall.
I turned so he could see the necklace on me. “How does it look?” My fingers glided over the butterfly.
Nick smiled, and a look of serenity came over him. “You look gorgeous.”
“I can assure you that my present for you is not this nice. Now I feel kind of bad.” I played with the edges of my skirt.
He took my fidgeting hands in his. “You don’t have to give me anything. I don’t need or want trinkets. I just want you.”
He brought me closer to him and kissed me. As his lips touched mine, the butterflies in my stomach tried to fly up to the new butterfly around my neck. My knees grew weak, but I clutched him for support. I knew I should be paying attention to the musical, but this was so much more fun.
He stopped and looked at me. “You know, I’d rather kiss you, but if you miss your cue because we’re kissing, that may be difficult to explain. I should probably find my seat.”
“Yeah,” I said breathlessly, my heart still pounding. “Thanks for the beautiful presents.” My fingers swept over the chain.
“You’re welcome. Good luck,” he whispered in my ear. “You’ll do great.”
“I’ll find you after the show,” I promised. “Don’t leave without saying goodbye.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” He stepped into the dim hallway and disappeared in the dark corridor.
I listened and waited patiently for my part in the musical. My mind kept drifting to my relationship with Nick. When I was with him I felt complete, like I could understand and know myself better. How could I explain soaking up his positive energy or peace like a sponge? Or the constant pull that I felt, as if a rope was connecting us? Had I found my soul mate? There had to be some explanation for our connection. None of my friends ever talked about feeling like this with their boyfriends. Nick was definitely different.
A noise sounded behind me. Had Nick returned? I turned, but it was only Mrs. Edgerton. She had taught with my mother before Reese and I were born. She’s retired now, but she loves being involved in church activities. “It’s almost your turn,” she whispered to me.
“I know,” I whispered.
“Well, get on up there,” she said in her southern drawl. She pointed to the stairs that led to the stage.
I stretched my legs and heard the lines of the play that were before the song that I danced to. The butterflies in my stomach fluttered. I touched the butterfly on my chest and took a slow deep breath in through my nose and then released it even more slowly through my mouth. I stepped up on the stairs and got ready for my cue.
I heard the transition notes and took my first steps onto the stage. Alisha and Meghan entered the stage from the other side. The spotlights illuminated us as we began our dance. Our costumes scintillated as we moved. The music soared, and the choir emulated the Heavenly Host worshipping Christ the night of his birth. Shepherds and Wise Men worshipped at the manger while Mary and Joseph looked on.
Before I knew it, Alisha, Meghan, and I were kneeling before the manger. The lights dimmed, and we quietly made our way off stage and back into our respective hiding places.
The grand finale began. Music and voices blended together as they rose higher and louder. A tumultuous round of applause thundered from the audience. I was too impatient to wait for the applause to die down and the choir to file out, so I decided to cut through the back of the church to find Nick amongst the crowd.
I made my way through the doorway and down the hallway which led around the back of the auditorium. The farther I walked into the passageway, the darker it became. Changing rooms, storage closets, and pastoral offices were back here. Another short hallway veered off and led to the baptismal pool. I ignored that hallway. No one was back here tonight except me.
I placed my hand along the wall for guidance. The irregular imperfections in the wallboard raised under my fingers like Braille. The darkness forced me to slow down.
An unusual smell, like rotten eggs, drifted my way. I looked around and saw two red dots glowing in the air. They hovered at the hallway to the baptismal pool, one beside the other. I tried to figure out what they could be, but they moved, remaining equidistant. Now they faced me, head on, like headlights.
For a moment they disappeared and then reappeared; only now they were closer. A guttural growl filled the void between the glowing lights and me. I suddenly realized that they weren’t lights — they were eyes!
I turned and ran down a short flight of stairs. The cold metal handrail sent shivers through my bones.
The snarl grew louder.
I ran faster.
The smell got stronger.
My stomach churned.
I looked over my shoulder.
The two glowing eyes were closer.
My heart raced quicker.
I rounded a corner and collided into a man.
His arms grabbed me and pulled me close.
“Ah! Let go of me!” I screamed, overcome with fear, unsure of what to do. He held me too tightly to hit him. The man in the hooded sweatshirt dominated my thoughts. Was this him? It had to be him.
“What’s wrong? It’s just me,” a calming voice said as the arms released me.
“Come on, we have to get out of here!” I grabbed Nick’s hand and tried to pull him.
“What? Why?” Nick remained unmovable.
“Something’s after me. Don’t you see it?” I yanked uselessly on his arm. “Can’t you smell it?”
His eyes looked into mine. In the darkness of the hallway his blue irises looked almost black. “No, I don’t see or smell anything unusual.” He easily removed his arm from my grasp. Then he pulled me close and wrapped his arms around me. “You’re safe. That’s all that matters. Do you see anything now?”
I glanced down the hall. Nothing was there. No red eyes. No residual rotten egg smell. Had it been my imagination, or did it disappear when Nick showed up? “No, there’s nothing there,” I murmured. I rested my head against his chest. “I didn’t want to wait for the choir to file out, so I decided to walk around the back to look for you in the audience.”
His fingers massaged the nape of my neck. “I thought you might try that.” He took my hand and we walked back the way he came. “You were beautiful up there. I couldn’t take my eyes off of you.”
“Thanks. I was nervous at the very beginning, but I relaxed once I got into it. That’s how it always is,” I added, still thinking about the red eyes that had chased me. I wasn’t losing my mind. What were they? Where did they go? They reminded me of the eyes I saw in Asheville when the sled went off course.
“You made it look easy. I’m sure most of the people in the audience wanted to get up and dance.”
We rounded another corner and came up some stairs. A low murmur grew with each step we took as we approached the wide hallway that surrounded the auditorium. Voices filled the hall as people left the show.
We opened a door and stepped into a crowded hallway that was lit by large brass chandeliers and pin-lights. People milled around, dressed in festive colors. Little girls twirled and skipped in their Christmas dresses.
Christmas trees dotted the hall with presents of all sizes scattered under them. Live music reverberated off the walls, giving energy and life to the church. Smiles and hugs were freely exchanged.
As I walked by, people congratulated me on my performance. I thanked them, and we continued to twist and turn through the crowd. I was thankful that I’d left my wings in my hiding spot. They would have made this journey to Nick’s father very difficult.
Finally, we entered the auditorium and found Mr. Pearce waiting patiently in his seat. He turned and stood. Mr. Pearce was also very handsome and tall, over six feet with wavy, dark brown hair. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Kate.” He extended his hand. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
“It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Pearce.” His hand felt warm compared to my cold hand.
“First, you can call me Justin.” His smile warmed his face and accented his brown eyes. Then he turned and picked up a large bouquet of flowers from the seat beside him. “Second, these are for you. I hope you like them.”
“Ooohh, they’re beautiful.” I took the bouquet and breathed in their fragrance. “Thank you.”
“And third, Nick, her hands are freezing. Kate, you should change out of that beautiful costume and into some real clothes. It’s too cold to be walking around in that.”
I smiled, thinking that my parents weren’t the only ones who would notice the absurdity of walking around “half-naked” in winter.
“Kate, where are your clothes?” Nick asked.
“In the bathroom.” I turned and looked at Mr. Pearce. “Mr. Pearce, uh, Justin, would you take our picture before I get changed?”
“Of course,” Mr. Pearce replied. Nick handed Justin his phone.
We made our way to the front of the auditorium. Crimson poinsettias filled the backdrop behind us, providing beautiful color to our photograph. We took several pictures, some standing side by side, some with our arms around each other, and a few giving each other kisses on the cheek.
“There, that should be plenty,” Justin said. “You two look very nice together.”
“Thanks,” I said. “Nick, will you send those to me tonight?”
“Sure.”
“I’ll give you two a minute,” Justin said, and he handed Nick the phone.
Nick tucked it into his suit jacket pocket and looked at the poinsettias. “Have you ever heard the legend of the poinsettia?”
“No,” I shook my head. “What is it?”
“It began in the 1500’s in Mexico. A poor young girl didn’t have a gift to place at the altar to celebrate Jesus’s birthday. An angel found her crying. He told her to collect some weeds and lay them in front of the altar. She followed his directions, and the next day, beautiful crimson flowers had sprouted from the weeds.”
“So a poor girl who had nothing to give Jesus gave the world poinsettias.” I glanced at the brilliant poinsettias and back at Nick. “That is a nice story.”
Nick’s calm and potent eyes penetrated mine. “I guess that’s one way to look at it. Another is that you never know what may happen when you open your eyes to the unseen world around you.”
“I have enough trouble with the world I can see. I don’t need to start worrying about an invisible world.” I thought about the floating red eyes that chased me. There had to be some logical explanation for what I saw. “I need to get changed,” I said, trying to get off the subject of unseen worlds.
“Yes, you should. Your arms are freezing,” Nick said as he rubbed my arms.
I gave him a kiss on the cheek, and then headed for the bathroom. My adrenaline was slowing, and the coolness of the auditorium was affecting me.
As I walked to the bathroom, Nick’s understanding of the legend weighed on me. Is there an unseen world around us? My life was changing. I was attacked. I had seen and felt a dark shadow in Asheville. Just now I’d seen floating red lights chasing me and heard a snarl. Were these bizarre events part of an invisible world that I needed to open my eyes to?
I scoffed at this absurdity. As I pushed open the bathroom door, I closed the door on the idea of an invisible world.
I took off my costume and placed it in my bag. I pulled on my jeans and then my shirt and wool sweater. Their warmth instantly helped relieve the chill in my bones. Finally, I lifted my beautiful butterfly necklace over my shirt and sweater so everyone could see it. The butterfly and elaborate chain looked impressive as it sparkled against my cobalt blue sweater.
I carefully touched my halo and debated whether I should take out my French braids. Afraid of what my hair might look like once I removed it, I decided to keep the halo in until I got home. I gathered up my things and walked back to Nick.
As I stepped into the auditorium, I noticed my parents talking with Nick and his dad. “Oh, no,” I whispered to myself. Nick turned and saw me, a smile spread across his glorious face.
“Hi there,” I said as I joined the group.
“Katie Bug, you did fabulously,” Dad said. “I am so proud of you.”
“Katie, you were wonderful,” Mom exclaimed. “My goodness, what is that?” She lifted my necklace from my sweater.
“It’s my Christmas gift from Nick. Isn’t it beautiful?” I said as nonchalantly as I could. I didn’t want them to think the necklace was more significant than it was.
“It certainly is.” Mom eyed Nick and then the necklace again.
Dad examined the fine details, touched the chain, and felt the weight in his hand. “This is a very nice necklace,
Katie. I’m not sure you should be accepting something this… elegant.” His eyes landed on Nick. I could tell the final nail in the coffin of distrust had been hammered home.
“If I may,” Justin spoke up, “a friend from Greece made this. She gave it to us on a previous trip. It looks perfect on Kate. She might as well enjoy it. It’s better than keeping it in a drawer where no one can appreciate it.”
“Hmm.” Dad looked into my pleading eyes. “I guess she can keep it. But I’m not comfortable with Kate accepting expensive gifts. She’s too young for that.” Dad’s eyes darted from Nick to Justin.
Would anyone notice if I hid under the seats and crawled out of the auditorium? I knew the meeting of the parents would not end well for me.
“I understand completely,” Justin assured him, his kind eyes meeting Dad’s. “She’s young, and they haven’t known each other long, so I do appreciate your concerns.”
“Thank you for your generous gift,” Dad said with an uncomfortable smile. If I knew Dad, he was terrified of the strings that came with this necklace. According to him, anyone bearing expensive gifts was definitely worthy of suspicion.
“We should get going,” Mom said. “It’s getting late, and Kate needs to perform twice again tomorrow.” Mom looked at me. “Kate, we’ll meet you at the car.” Mom and Dad shook hands with Justin and walked out of the auditorium.
“I’ll walk you to your car,” Nick said.
Justin turned to me. “Kate, it was a pleasure meeting you.” Then he walked off without a backward glance.
Nick picked up my brown leather coat. “May I,” he said. He gently raised the coat into place, slipped his hand along the back of my neck, and lifted my hair so it hung over the coat instead of uncomfortably down inside of it. “You were fabulous tonight, and you haven’t even begun to reach your potential.”
I chuckled as his breath and lips tickled my neck. “Nick, not here. We’re in church.” I turned and promptly ended his kisses.
“I’m sorry. You’re right. You just have this aura about you that gets me going. I can’t help myself. When you smile, laugh, or get excited, you scintillate.”
Scintillate (Scintillate Series Book 1) Page 17