“Definitely.” Maggie flipped through the shirts in my closet. “Ooh, this one is new. It has nice texture, and the color is great on you.” Maggie held up a cobalt blue, Mandarin style, long sleeve shirt. Black swirls, outlined in white, danced over the shirt. “Put this on!” Maggie thrust the shirt at me. “I want to see where your necklace falls on the open collar.”
I took off my shirt, slipped the Mandarin shirt over my head, and pulled my arms through the soft fabric of the sleeves.
“Ah, it’s perfect,” Meghan said as she gripped her knees.
“That’s it,” Maggie said. “Now, where are your black jeans?”
“They’re over here in my dresser drawers.” The drawer slid noiselessly as I pulled on the brushed nickel drawer knobs. I rifled through several pairs of jeans until I found the exact pair I was looking for. I leaned against my bed, took off my blue jeans and slipped my bare legs into the soft black denim. “What do you think?” I stood up, fastened the waist, and ran my hands down my legs in order to push the tight fabric down my legs.
“You look amazing.” Meghan said.
“Nick won’t be able to take his eyes off of you,” Maggie swooned.
“Yeah, because he has trouble with that,” Meghan teased.
I walked into the bathroom, looked in the mirror, and smiled. My blue eyes were definitely brightened by the cobalt blue in the shirt. The open Mandarin collar beautifully showcased the butterfly necklace, and my golden hair contrasted nicely with the dark colors in the shirt. This was the perfect shirt to wear for New Year’s Eve.
“So, what do you think?” Maggie asked, peeking into the bathroom.
“I like it.” I smiled at her. “You did a great job.”
“Hmm, it’s a talent I have,” she joked and gave a little shrug with her shoulders.
I finished applying my make-up and did my hair. Music played softly in the background while we talked.
After a few minutes Maggie spoke up. “I think I heard the doorbell. Your other half must be here. Should I get it?”
I listened for another ring announcing his arrival. “Did you really hear it?” I walked over to the stereo and turned it down.
“She would never tease you about Nick,” Meghan said. “You’re way too into him.” They both exchanged not so subtle looks.
I opened the bedroom door and peeked into the hallway. Nick’s voice filled the air as he talked with Mom. The butterflies in my stomach began to dance. “I’m going to say hi.”
I headed down the stairs. “You look beautiful,” Nick said when he saw me.
“Hello there, handsome.” I pressed my face against his chest as his arms encircled my waist.
The phone rang. “I better get that,” Mom said. She went into the kitchen.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” I said. “It hasn’t been that long, but I’m kind of obsessed with you.”
“The feeling’s mutual.” He kissed my cheek. “Are Meghan and Maggie here?”
“Yes, Maggie’s dad dropped them off earlier. We’re ready to go.” I ran my hand down the soft cotton fabric of his shirt. “I really like this shirt. I may have trouble keeping my hands off of you.”
“That was the point.”
“Is it safe to come down?” Maggie shouted from the top of the stairs.
“Yes, you can join us,” Nick replied. “There’s nothing to see.”
Maggie walked down the stairs with her hand over her eyes.
“Maggie’s being a little dramatic,” Meghan said as she followed Maggie down the stairs.
“Do you want a show?” Nick asked, a playful smile spread across his face. “I’d be happy to oblige.”
“I think it’s time to go.” I ignored their theatrics and grabbed the coats from the closet. We bundled up, and then headed into the blustery night to Nick’s car.
The church’s New Year’s Eve Party for the high school students was always popular. Hundreds of teens attended each year. Even teens who didn’t regularly attend the church came to celebrate in the student center — one of four buildings that made up the mega church that my family attends. The student center is dedicated to the middle and high school students of the church.
The game room is a huge assembly room on the second floor of the student center. A large screen hangs on one wall so that movies and sports games can be projected for large groups to view. Four televisions line the opposite wall, each with a gaming system. Ping-pong, billiards, and air hockey tables help fill the space between the comfortable sitting areas formed by sectional sofas.
The chapel is on the first floor. High school students hold their Sunday meetings in the chapel. It’s a smaller version of the church auditorium, except folding chairs are used, so it also serves as a multi-purpose room. For tonight, the chapel’s been transformed into a discotheque.
We pulled into the parking lot closest to the student center. As I opened my door, a gust of frigid wind stung my cheeks and took my breath away. I walked around the front of the car and took Nick’s hand. We churned out tiny vapor clouds as we hurried across the blacktop and weaved between the cars. The wind cut through my jeans and sent shivers deep into my bones.
Nick opened the student center door. Warm air filled my lungs and thawed my cheeks as I entered the building. “Hey, we can put our coats in here,” I said. I moved aside to avoid people coming out of the room. Portable metal garment racks formed aisles in a Sunday school room. Coats of various colors and textures hung from the racks, giving vibrancy to an ordinarily bland room.
“Oh, good,” Meghan replied. She wiggled out of her blue wool trench coat. “I didn’t want to carry this thing around all night.”
“We’ll catch up with you later.” Maggie hung up her faux fur jacket. Then she and Meghan disappeared down the hallway.
I took off my gloves and shoved them into my pockets. Nick walked over and stood behind me. “Here, let me help you.” He eased my leather jacket off my shoulders and placed it on the metal hanger. The hanger pinged against the metal bar as he hung it on the garment rack. Then he removed his own coat and hung it next to mine. “Shall we go find the party?” He took my hand.
“Yeah, I’m ready for some fun,” I said. We made our way down the short hallway and followed the concussive sounds of the music. The chapel’s double doors were propped open. Strobe lights swirled around and filled the room with a kaleidoscope of colors. Disco balls reflected the colorful lights and added shimmer to the immense room. The stage was the disc jockey’s domain.
“Do you want to dance?” I shouted over the pulsating music.
“Sure.” Nick led me towards the center of the dance floor. The room was crowded and warm. The overhead lights were dim, but the strobe lights flashed and spun. Teens of all ages filled the room. I spotted Reese, Rylee, Matt, and Lauren in the corner by the stage. Maggie and Meghan danced with a large group of friends from school.
We danced to a perfect combination of fast and moderate songs with some slower love songs mixed in. The warmth of the room brought tiny beads of sweat to our foreheads.
After a while, Nick stopped dancing and said, “I’ll be right back.” He walked towards the DJ, gracefully dodging the other dancers. Nick leaned against the DJ’s table and talked. Occasionally, he glanced at me. When he finished, colorful lights flashed across his body as he made his way back through the crowd.
Nick’s breath tickled my neck as he talked. “I asked him to play my favorite love song. It’s beautiful, passionate, and haunting. I think of you whenever I hear it. I hope you like it.”
“I can’t wait to hear it,” I said over the steady beat of the music. The fast-past song ended and new, soft notes began. The percussion started and the guitar slowly built until Amy Lee began her enrapturing tale of a two lovers’ desire to be together.
Nick slipped one arm around my waist and gently held my other hand. I wrapped my other arm around his back and felt the dip in his back along his spine and the soft fabric of his shirt against my s
kin.
Her voice instantly captivated me as she sang about distraught lovers. For some reason the lovers had to leave their homes in order to be together. Were they being hunted? Were they from warring families? What was tearing them apart that required them to flee their homes? Was it true that they were safe as long as they were together?
Our eyes locked, and I understood Nick’s love for the song: the desire, love, and safety seemed so familiar. We’d experienced all of those emotions together. We’d bonded in ways that I’d never expected. Since the day we met, he’d always been there for me, my faithful companion. “This song is beautiful,” I whispered.
“You can see why I like it.” His fingers cradled my chin and lifted my lips to his. “You’re safe with me.”
We moved to the music, and I rested my head on his chest. The emotional lyrics and steady rhythmic beating of his heart seeped into my ears and deep into my soul, confirming my belief — I was safe with Nick.
As the song ended, Nick rested his hands on my waist. “Did you enjoy your song?”
“Yes, it was fabulous — haunting, powerful and romantic all at the same time. Her voice is amazing.”
“I thought you’d like it.”
“Do you think they went off together?” I asked. “Do you think they left their old lives behind and found safety somewhere else?”
“Who? The lovers in the song?”
I nodded my head. “Who else?”
“If they were smart, but they could only run for so long. Eventually your past always catches up with you.”
“Well, I think they left and lived happily ever after.” I tickled his waist.
“Of course you do.” He chuckled and grabbed my hands. “Stop that, or I’ll think you’re flirting with me.”
“I am.” I stood on my tippy-toes in order to bring his face closer to mine. “I was wondering when you might notice.”
“Oh, there isn’t a second I’m not noticing you.” His arms cinched around my waist, brought me closer, and his kisses trailed down my neck.
“Would you stop?” I warned and pulled away. “We’re in public — at church!”
“Okay, I’ll wait until we’re in private,” he smirked, his blue eyes smoldering.
“What am I going to do with you?”
“Well, I could give you some ideas — if you need help.”
“Uh, that’s not what I meant.” I laughed. “You’re incorrigible.”
“That’s true. I do love it when you encourage me.”
“Two different words, Nick.”
“Oh, my bad.” A sly smile spread across his face. “You’re so cute when you get frustrated.”
“Really, that’s your response?” I bit my lower lip. “‘I’m cute’. You can do better than that.”
“How about I just work on not annoying you?”
“That would be a good start.”
Nick’s eyes darted around the room and his mood shifted. “We should get out of here. Would you like to get a drink? All this dancing is making me hot.” Nick’s eyes glanced over my body. “In fact, you look extremely hot, too.”
“That’s what happens when people dance a little too closely.”
“No,” he shook his head. “You don’t get to blame me. You should blame your genetics. You are hot.” He palm pressed into my back as he led me towards the exit. “Come on. Let’s go.”
We walked out of the chapel using the side door nearest the hallway that adjoined with the café. The café was decorated for New Year’s Eve. Streamers hung from the ceiling, and confetti decorated the tables and floor. Cheese and crackers, bags of chips, veggie plates, fruit trays, cookies, candy, croissants, and meat trays lined the food tables. Another table was filled with water bottles, a punch bowl, and several varieties of soda.
Tables were set up throughout the room and provided seating for people to eat, relax, and listen to performers. A karaoke machine was stationed at the front of the café, and a long line formed behind it. People performed as if they were trying out for a competitive television show.
Nick handed me a drink. “Are you going to sing?” He smiled and nodded towards the karaoke machine.
“No one deserves that.” I shook my head. We walked through a small crowd to the back of the room to sit at an open table.
A hand landed on my shoulder. “Hey.” Maggie sat in an empty chair at our table. “This is so much fun,” she said breathlessly.
“Yeah. Hi Adam,” I said. His cheeks were pink from dancing and sweat lined the edge of his forehead.
Adam turned the chair around and sat in it backwards and rested his hands on the backrest. “Hey, Happy New Year,” he beamed. “I’d say the music in the chapel is better than the music in the café.” He chuckled and glanced up at the karaoke singers.
“I’ll drink to that.” Nick raised his can of soda towards Adam.
“I’m going to visit the restroom.” I stood up and eyed Maggie.
“I’ll join you.” Maggie placed her bottled water on the table. “You know why we go in pairs don’t you? It’s so we can talk about you behind your back.”
Nick leaned back in his chair and rested his soda can on his thigh. “You’re stating the obvious,” he said with a wink.
“Come on.” I grabbed Maggie’s arm. We left the crowded café, walked down the hallway, and entered the restroom. Hairspray, perfume, and nail polish scents bombarded my senses. Girls lined the counter in front of the mirror, primping for the long night ahead.
“You sure seemed to enjoy that last dance.” Maggie said. She slipped her hand into her jeans pocket and took out her lip gloss.
“Hmm, well Nick did specifically ask for that song.” I smiled at her in the mirror and pulled out my own lip gloss.
She unscrewed the lid and pulled out the applicator. “He is so into you. I’ve never seen anything like it. I wish Adam looked at me like that.” She spread the red gloss across her full lips.
Her directness made me a little uncomfortable. I turned and looked directly at her. “Well, he probably did at the beginning. Remember Nick and I at the beginning stage.” I shrugged my shoulders. “All the ooey-gooey stuff will wear off soon.” I brushed the applicator across my thin lips and left a hint of plum that brightened my face.
“Nice try, but I don’t know of anyone’s relationship that can compare with what you two have.” Maggie raised her eyebrows at me and gave me a knowing look. “I’m just being honest with you. What you’ve got… is not normal.”
“Pff,” I scoffed. I wiped some errant gloss from below my lip line. “Thanks, if we’re not normal, what are we?”
“I don’t know.” She eyed me and shifted her weight. “Give me more time. Maybe I’ll figure it out. Eventually, you’ll blow your cover.” She shoved her gloss back into her pocket.
I rolled my eyes and laughed. “You sound almost as ridiculous as Reese. Did it ever occur to you that maybe we’ve found true love?”
“Nah, that’s not it. But you sure are funny.” She chuckled and playfully shoved my shoulder.
I pushed open the bathroom door. “I don’t know what to tell you, Maggie. I guess I’m just lucky.” We made our way back to Nick and Adam in the café.
Nick looked up. “They’re starting a game of hide-and-seek in the library. Let’s play.”
“That sounds like fun. Are you two playing?” I looked over at Maggie and waited for her answer.
“Yeah, why not?” Maggie said. “We can dance later.”
“Great! Let’s head over there.” Adam stood up from his chair. “The game’s starting soon.”
“Do you know who’s ‘It’?” I asked as we walked away from our table.
“Thomas, from history class,” Nick said. “So watch out for him.”
We walked out of the café and down the short hall until we came to a vestibule. We turned left and walked down the long hallway that connected the student center with another building that housed the library, church offices, and Sunday school r
ooms. At the second building, we entered the main vestibule. Comfortable sitting chairs and artwork hung on the walls. We turned left and entered the massive library.
The church library is filled with bookcases stuffed with fiction and nonfiction books. Religious and non-religious books can be found in the bookcases that are laid out horizontally — two rows across and numerous rows deep. Dividing the room in half, between the two rows of bookcases, are large study tables and wooden chairs. Shelves filled with study guides, concordances, and commentaries line the periphery of the rectangular room. Towards the back of the library, CD’s and DVD’s are stored. Large rectangular windows line the sides of the library, allowing light in and visitors to view the large garden outside. These windows also look directly across to the student center which houses the café, chapel, and game room.
In the library is a smaller room decorated in the Noah’s Ark theme for children. Animals are painted on the walls. A few small tables and chairs with animal shaped backrests are available in the reading nook. A small toy bin is in the opposite corner. Children can read or play in here while their parents look for books in the main library. This room also houses the children’s books, CDs, and DVDs.
As we entered the library, the lights were dim, on energy saving mode. About twenty teens crowded around the first table, deciding the rules for our game. “How much of the church should we use?” Thomas asked.
“I think we should limit it. If we make it too large we’ll never find each other,” Adam said. He ran his hand through his brown hair. “The game will never end.”
“I agree,” Nick said. “Let’s use the library and Sunday school rooms in this building.”
Luis piped up, “Including the Sunday school rooms, that should give us plenty of places to hide.”
“Hey, no locking the doors,” Thomas said. “That would make it impossible for me to find you.”
“Should we use the first floor or both floors?” Alisha asked, her green eyes looking from person to person.
“I think we should just use the first floor,” I said. “That way the game will stay exciting.”
“Okay, so is everyone happy with that?” Thomas asked.
Scintillate (Scintillate Series Book 1) Page 19