Scintillate (Scintillate Series Book 1)

by Karen Tjebben

  “I have to get my camera,” Mom gasped as she flitted into the other room. She quickly returned, camera in hand. I took my place beside Nick, and Mom took various pictures of us in different poses. I figured at least one picture would make it into the memory book I gave Nick for Christmas.

  “Well, you both look great. Have fun tonight,” Dad said, effectively ending the photo shoot.

  “Thanks.” I gave my parents a hug and put on my coat. Then Nick and I walked out the front door.

  We walked arm in arm to the car. He opened the passenger door for me, but before I could get in, his arm was wrapped around my waist.

  “Kate, you are breathtaking.” His lips met mine and sent warm sensations through every part of me.

  When he finally released me I said, “That was fun. We should do that more often.”

  “If we must.” He shrugged and kissed me again, our lip melting together.

  When I looked at him again, the lights from the porch illuminated him. As he moved, the lighter golden blond highlights in his hair shimmered, resembling a halo. I giggled as I thought about him looking like an overdressed angel.

  “What’s so funny?” he asked and his smile grew larger.

  “Nothing,” I replied, shrugging my shoulders. “I just had a funny thought.”

  “Hmm,” he smiled, still holding me close. “I guess it’s your turn to have some secrets.”

  “Maybe one or two,” I teased and ran my hand down his chest before getting into the car.

  Before I knew it, Nick pulled into the North Carolina Museum of Art parking lot. He quickly found a parking space, and we walked arm-in-arm towards the museum.

  Outdoor lighting illuminated the long pathway to the entrance. The pathway’s reflective walls threw multiple images of us as we walked towards the entrance. Despite all those copies, I knew there was only one reality, and I realized the journey to becoming my true self had just begun.

  Nick opened the door, and we stepped into the brightly lit museum. The polished hardwood floors reflected hazy shadows while the crisp white walls provided a dramatic backdrop for the art that hung from them. Music played softly as couples entered the building.

  “Let’s check your coat,” Nick said. He folded my coat carefully over his arm as we headed towards the coat check room.

  I surveyed our surroundings while he gave the gentleman my coat. To our right, down the large open hall, was the Iris Restaurant. A long row of refreshment tables lined the wall in the restaurant and café tables filled the open hall. The café tables were transformed by a white linen tablecloth and accented by a crystal vase filled with a single red rose. The ordinary café chairs were disguised by white chair covers and tied with a bow at the back. Everything looked simply elegant.

  “Are you ready?” Nick asked, lightly touching my bare shoulder.

  My eyes darted up to his. “Yes, let’s dance.”

  We hooked arms, retraced our path, and continued toward the European galleries. The wide hallway was dotted with sculptures. We entered the first European gallery and joined the other dancers under the watchful eye of enormous paintings in elaborate frames. A new song began. I didn’t immediately recognize the introduction, but Nick did.

  “This song is great,” he said. He wrapped one arm around me and pulled me close. “It’s a classic. A true love song from one of the best rock bands ever.”

  “I recognize this one. So tell me,” I said as we swayed to the music. “Was it love at first sight, were they reunited lovers, or was it all a dream?”

  “I don’t think it really matters,” Nick said. “If they’re meant to be together, they’ll be together. That’s the beauty of it.”

  The room slowly spun as Nick twirled me. Alex stood at the opposite end, like a statue in the background of the swirling dancers. Our eyes met, and his smile grew, brightening his perfect face and quickening my heart. Alex looked gorgeous in his black tuxedo. The excellent cut and fine fabric defined his body. His dark brown hair glistened under the dazzling lights of museum.

  Zoe stood beside him in her dark gray gown. The embellished sweetheart bodice flattered her shape. The embellishments continued into the fabric of the skirt. With each movement, the embellishments reflected light and captured the eye.

  I wrapped my arms around Nick as I completed my twirl. “So it doesn’t matter because you can’t change fate?” I asked.

  “I never said that,” Nick said. “Is that what you believe? That you’re fated to an end? That you have no control over your destiny?”

  “No.” I shook my head. “I believe my choices lead me down one path. I can always reroute myself through new choices. Fate turns people into victims or unjustified heroes. If fate hands you your accomplishments then you don’t really deserve credit for them. One person cannot help but succeed while another person cannot help but fail. Like Ramel,” I whispered, “if one believes in fate, then he should not be held responsible for doing evil any more than you should be praised for doing good.”

  “Those are some pretty heavy thoughts for a junior in high school.”

  “Not a religious junior in high school.”

  “Touché.” He dipped me and brought me up, pulling me close. “I only meant that if two people were meant to be together that they’d ultimately choose each other. I never mentioned fate,” Nick said, stroking my cheek. “Kate, I’ll always be here for you.”

  A thousand thoughts bombarded my mind as his words sunk in. With the new information I have, I know I’ll need his guidance. I’ll need all of their guidance and protection to make it through this fledgling stage. I’m not even sure how long it will last. How long will it be until I’m able to defend myself? When will I transition from a fledgling to a mature Asteri who can use my skills and powers to protect myself from attack?

  As the night progressed, Zoe danced with several different gentlemen. She seemed to be having fun. Alex, on the other hand, continued to keep his distance, but he watched us, never too far away.

  We followed the flow of the other dancers and gradually made our way into the next European gallery. As we danced into the room I noticed two large marble angel statues flanking a grand painting of the Virgin Mary.

  “Look at this.” I stopped dancing to stare at the cherubic, marble angel. “It’s amazing that someone carved this with tools. The marble looks so smooth, like it was poured into a mold. What’s it called?” I asked and stepped over to read the nameplate.

  “It’s named Angel Holding the Veil of Veronica by Agostino Cornacchini,” Nick said, reading the nameplate. “Look at the details in the veil the angel is holding. The image of a face is clearly evident in the folds of the veil.”

  “That’s incredible! You can actually see the shape of the eyes, nose, and mouth in the veil,” I whispered, awestruck. As I beheld the creation of another life forming in the veil, it reminded me of the new life that was forming in me. My transition was shaping me into a new type of person. Of course I’d always had the Asteri DNA, but now I was transitioning into a mature Asteri — one who understood my destiny.

  Our fingers intertwined as we appreciated the beauty of the masterpieces before us. We read the nameplate for the focal point of the back wall in this section of the gallery room. It was Massimo Stanzione’s painting of the Assumption of the Virgin. Mary is surrounded by cherubs as she ascends into Heaven.

  “I love how the golden light illuminates her face,” I said, looking up at the picture.

  “Yes, Stanzione captured the light of Heaven in his work. Perhaps the light of Heaven was transforming her, proclaiming her as Theirs,” he said, looking at me.

  “Hmm.” I thought of how my scintillating light was proclaiming my transformation. That was how Nick found me. How Ramel found me.

  “This other little angel is spectacular too,” Nick said, leading me towards the other masterpiece by Cornacchini, Angel with Instruments of the Passion.

  “Yes, but look at his mouth. He looks sad,” I said. I looked up
at Nick. “It looks like he’s waiting for something, but he doesn’t know what to expect. I wonder what he’s hoping for.”

  “Maybe he’s trying to unite lovers or find love for himself. Perhaps his plan is failing.” Nick stood behind me with his arms wrapped around my waist.

  “You must not have been working with him,” I joked.

  “No, if I had been, he’d be smiling,” Nick teased and ran his fingers down my arm.

  “Somehow, I don’t think your theory about uniting lovers would fly with the art historians.”

  “I believe you are right about that,” he chuckled. “But art and literature are about interpretation, allowing each piece to speak to you. You get to decide what the piece is saying to you. That’s the true beauty of it. Embrace it for all the multiple meanings and layers it has. Each time you look, you can see something different.”

  “I guess that’s true. As you mature, your understanding of things change, so your perception of those things also changes.”

  “Exactly.” Nick pulled me back into the flow of the other dancers. We danced around the museum, gliding from room to room. The time passed quickly as we enjoyed the night.

  “Do you mind if we stop for a moment?” I asked.

  “Not at all,” he said, releasing me from our dance. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. I’m getting thirsty.” I chuckled and stroked his arm. “I also need to visit the ladies’ room.

  “Of course. I’ll get some punch for us and meet you in the great hallway. You’ll be easy to spot.” He leaned over and whispered in my ear. “Your scintillating glow will give you away.”

  “Ha! I better not be glowing.” I ran my hands down the front of his tuxedo. “If I am, this necklace isn’t doing its job.”

  “The necklace is working just fine.” Nick kissed my cheek, and then he headed towards the refreshment table as I headed towards the ladies’ room.

  I pushed open the large door and found an empty stall. As I exited the stall, Zoe was washing her hands at the stone trough sink.

  “Hi, Zoe.” I waved my hand under the faucet, activating the sensor. “You look beautiful.”

  “Thanks. So do you. Are you having fun?”

  “Yes. This whole evening’s been magical.”

  “I know what you mean — the dresses, the music, the art, and the good looking men asking us to dance.” Zoe winked. “This is wonderful.”

  “Speaking of good looking men, what does Evan think of you being here with other men?”

  “He’s fine with it. He knows it’s all part of the façade.” She shrugged and tore off a paper towel. “What teenage girl would go to a romantic Valentine’s Day Ball with her dad?”

  “Good point,” I said, drying my hands. “Plus, this is a lot better than anything the school puts together.”

  “That’s for sure.” We threw away our towels as we walked out the bathroom door.

  “This is the life.” I smiled, running my hands over my dress. I didn’t see Nick, but I spied Alex in the Rodin Court. He stood beside the intimate sculpture The Kiss by Auguste Rodin.

  Alex smiled at me, his face brightening. He waved me over. As I walked towards him, his eyes took me in, starting at my face, then taking in my body, and finally returning to my face. I felt myself blush under his gaze.

  “Hi,” I said so quietly it almost sounded like a whisper.

  “Hello,” he said confidently. “You look beautiful.” His gorgeous green eyes stared into mine. “I hope you’re having fun.”

  “Yes. This night is like a dream.”

  “It is, isn’t it?” he said. “Nick seems like a worthy dance partner for you.”

  “Yes, he’s a great dancer. Most guys just sway back and forth to the music, but Nick actually knows what he’s doing.”

  Alex chuckled, making him look even cuter. “Yes, it’s obvious that Nick knows what he’s doing.”

  I smiled and flashed back to the scene of Alex and Nick arguing at Nick’s house. I knew Alex didn’t approve of Nick’s physical advances towards me, but I didn’t know why. It didn’t make sense that he was so against Nick and me having a physical relationship. Evan and Zoe had an intimate relationship, so it must not be taboo. Was he just watching out for me since I was in the fledging stage? Did he feel it was his responsibility to protect me?

  “Would you dance with me?” Alex offered his hand.

  I placed my hand in his. “Of course.”

  His free arm wrapped around my waist. There was something safe and comforting about Alex, being held by him felt natural. We began to dance and slowly found our groove, but the song ended too soon. We stopped beside Rodin’s Fugitive Love. The bronze sculpture depicts two people. The man clings to the woman as an invisible force tries to pull them apart.

  I chuckled, feeling a little awkward in Alex’s arms beside such an erotic sculpture. “I guess we should try again. That doesn’t really count. That song was like two minutes.”

  “I agree. I’m not ready to stop yet.” Alex held me close, his eyes full of expectation. “I’ve watched you dance all night. I’m hoping that now it’s my turn.”

  I smiled, looking into Alex’s eyes. “Of course. But you know, there are plenty of girls here who would love to dance with you.”

  His lips formed a pleasant smile. “That’s nice of you to say, but I’m not interested in distractions.”

  “Hmm, all work and no play will make for a very long life, Alex,” I teased. “And it seems like you’ve already got a long life ahead of you.”

  “You’ve left me speechless. I have no reply.”

  The next song began. The lover questioned his beloved as he promised his undying faithfulness. We moved to the music, flowing through the Rodin sculptures. Alex’s hand glided to the small of my back as we moved through the room. The intimacy of the song made me nervous as it seemed to match the intimacy of his eyes penetrating to my soul, stirring something in me.

  I stared back into his beautiful eyes and saw a faithful friend, a confidant. Something told me that Alex would die for me, that he wanted to be my hero.

  We slowly danced past Rodin’s I Am Beautiful statue. I stared at the bronze statue of the man and woman. The woman is curled up, her legs drawn to her face. She is totally helpless, like a newborn. The man holds her against his chest, straining to support her. His muscles are flexed, strained. He struggles to remain standing and to keep his grip on her. “It’s inspirational, isn’t it,” Alex said, stopping our dance to admire the statue. “How a statue can symbolize the struggle for true love.”

  “Yes. True love is precious.”

  “True love crosses all boundaries and time. This woman, she relies entirely on his power and love for her very existence. Look at her, she is completely defenseless.”

  “Yes, but why is she so vulnerable. Why is she so powerless to help herself?” I pondered my own situation.

  “Perhaps she is unaware of her desperate need. See how she doesn’t even cling to him.” Alex stared into my eyes.

  I thought back to his conversation with Nick. There was something Alex wanted from me. He felt protective of me, but Nick also implied Alex felt some sort of claim over me. How could he possibly feel that? Why would he feel that? “He must really love her,” I whispered, too caught up in the emotion of the moment to speak louder.

  “Yes. He is driven by his love for her. He will rescue her and unite them again.”

  “Wow,” I smiled. “You put together a love story from a statue. I just thought it was a fabulous work of art,” I laughed and tried to lighten the mood. “I should have known you’d have some deep insight about a statue.” I playfully rubbed his arm, shocked when I felt his muscle through his tuxedo.

  “People see what they want to see.” He smiled. “Shall we continue our dance?”

  “Yes,” I gratefully accepted. Alex pulled me close, sliding his hand up my back. The warmth of his hand on my flesh gave me chills. Our conversation and dance were too intimate. I e
njoyed it too much. I felt guilty, like I was betraying Nick, but it also seemed natural.

  Alex spun me and pulled me in close to his body. My back was pressed against him, his arm wrapped around my waist. I looked down the long hallway and saw Nick watching us. I smiled, unsure of how I should respond. He smiled back but watched from a distance. Nick studied us as Alex had watched us earlier. Before I knew it, Alex spun me around again and pulled me close. His hand slid down my back and rested on my waist.

  I didn’t know if it was the spinning from dancing or the confusion in my mind, but my mind whirled as I considered Nick and Alex. I loved Nick, but there was something about Alex I hadn’t noticed before. He was beginning to captivate me. That pull that had drawn me to Nick when I first saw him was now pulling me towards Alex.

  “You’re a marvelous dancer,” he said.

  I felt my face flush in his praise. “Thank you,” I whispered. I felt another coil of rope around my waist pull us closer together. Our bodies touched and the butterflies in my stomach fluttered in excitement. My pulse quickened at the intimacy of our dance. Our fingers intertwined. The song was nearing the end. I stood frozen in time. He slowly slid his hand down my arm and sent scintillating shivers through my body. I felt his mouth close to my ear.

  “This is only the beginning,” Alex whispered, his breath warm on my neck.

  As I looked into his eyes, I knew he was right. I didn’t know what my future held, but I knew the mysterious rope was tying us together.

  Thanks for reading Scintillate.

  I hope you enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please consider posting a review on Amazon and Goodreads. Your support makes a huge difference. The sequel, Symbiosis, is also available. You can get your copy at http://www.amazon.com/Karen-Tjebben/e/B00F1VIJKQ.

  About the Author

  Karen Tjebben lives in central North Carolina with her encouraging and supportive husband, twin daughters, and two hamsters. When her girls left for kindergarten, Karen discovered that she needed to fill her days with something, and that was the beginning of her writing career. She loves to create worlds filled with unique creatures that she hopes will delight and raise goose bumps on her readers. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and seeing the world through her daughters’ eyes.