“Oh, Zoe,” Mom exclaimed. “Don’t you look stunning in white! And Shay, you look handsome.” She held up her camera and snapped a photo.
“Hi, Mrs. Jabril,” Shay said.
“You guys must get in the habit of calling me Jackie or at least Mrs. J.” Mom motioned for us to stand in front of the fireplace. “Tell everyone else to come inside. They don’t have to linger out there.”
Click. Click.
“Sidelle. That’s a gorgeous gown,” she said, beaming at my friends. “And Cali, that color is great on you.”
“Thanks, Mrs. J,” Sidelle said.
“Geez, Zoe,” Stella said. “I didn’t know you could walk in shoes like that.” She giggled. I normally didn’t; we all knew I preferred my Converses.
Click.
“Gentlemen,” Dad said as he shook Kieran’s and Shay’s hands. “How lucky you are to escort these beauties today.” Then he turned to Vash, smiling. “I don’t think I know you, young man.”
“Vash. I’m Cali’s date.”
“Well, you’re a lucky man, escorting her tonight.”
“We all are extremely blessed,” Kieran said.
After Mom took a few more pictures of us as individuals and as couples, and some with the whole group, we were done. We piled into our respective escorts’ vehicles for the hour drive to the Mall of America for dinner. Along the way, Shay and I rocked out to various music to get us in the mood for dancing. At one point my mind wandered, making me wonder for a split second if something bad was going to happen, but I pushed that thought away. Nothing would spoil tonight.
Once we arrived at M.O.A., we walked to CRAVE Restaurant. Kieran told them that our party had arrived, and we were told the wait was an hour. Sidelle suggested spending that time at Nickelodeon Universe instead of her using glamour to get us the table faster. I hauled over to the ticket counter and asked for the smallest ticket package, but Shay pulled out his wallet.
“Nope. This is a date, and the girl doesn’t pay.” He waved his hand at me to put my money away.
“That’s so old school,” I said.
“That may be, but you’re still not buying the tickets.”
We walked hand in hand around the indoor amusement park, trying to decide which ride to go on first. The Log Chute ride was quashed right away because no one wanted to get wet.
“Let’s do the Avatar Airbender,” Cali shouted, pointing toward the far end of the park. “I haven’t been on that one since they built it.”
“We don’t all have to go on it,” I said, eyeing the corkscrew blue support beams. “I’m thinking it’s not the best one to ride in a dress.”
“If the boys want to go, they can,” Sidelle said.
“How about we all go on the carousel?” Vash suggested.
That sounded more like it. I glanced around, looking for Kieran and Sidelle, then saw them whispering in each other’s ears. Hmm. Shay squeezed my hand, and I focused on the people standing in front of us, waiting for the gate to open for the carousel’s next set of riders.
“You look beautiful,” Shay said. “Just what I imagined an angel would look like.”
I blushed. “You look handsome in your black suit. Just what I know a Nephilim looks like.”
We moved up with the line and walked around the operator, and I selected a blue and pink zebra. I stepped back, looked at my shoes, and hiked up my skirt. I decided to sit side-saddle, like a proper lady would sit on a horse. There was no way I was going to attempt to straddle the thing in this dress. Cheesy circus music played in the background as the carousel spun. It was corny as all heck, but I loved every moment of it. Shay rode beside me, and Kieran and Sidelle were a few animals behind.
“We have time for one more ride,” Kieran shouted to us. “Then we’ll have to get back to the restaurant.”
The ride slowed, and Shay lifted me off the zebra. After that, we chose to ride the Rock Bottom Plunge roller coaster. I’ve never been a huge fan of roller coasters, but I didn’t want to spoil the evening, since it was just getting started. At least on this ride, our dresses wouldn’t fly up and I could fix my hair. But with all the product in it, I doubt it would move. We sat in a yellow car and waited for the operator to press the red “GO” button. The ride started with a jerk, and my heart raced. Once it got going, it shot down the teal track then launched high into the air. The twists and turns meandered around the park, giving us a bird’s eye view of the Mall, but I didn’t care. I screamed like a banshee all the way through the ride. I didn’t even notice when it slowed until Shay tried to peel my white-knuckled fingers from the shoulder bars.
“It’s okay, you can let go now,” he said, chuckling. “The ride has stopped.”
“Zoe?” Sidelle asked. “Are you okay?”
I didn’t move. “Y-yes. I’m totally fine.”
“We need to go, Z,” Kieran said. “The next set of riders is waiting.”
Laughter and giggles snapped me out of it. They weren’t directed at me, I didn’t think, but the thought prompted me to let go. Shay helped me out of the death trap, but I wobbled on my stilettos.
Kieran was on my other side in a flash. “Maybe you should sit,” he suggested.
“No, I’m fine. We can’t be late for dinner. We still have to drive an hour to get back for the dance.”
“Then buck up, Buttercup,” Sidelle said. “Let’s go chow, so we can get our dance on! And here, let me fix your and Cali’s hair.” With a wave of her hand, all was righted again in the same up-dos and not a hair out of place.
We were almost late for our dinner reservations, but then all six of us settled at a corner table with white linens. It had to be the most elegant place I’d ever eaten at. The atmosphere was dark but romantic; hushed conversations and the clinking of glasses and silverware permeated the air. Black-suited wait staffers bustled around the room, quietly taking orders and bringing out food. Everything on the menu looked spectacular, and at first I couldn’t decide what to get. Thank God for pictures on menus. I eventually narrowed it down to either baked mac and cheese or filet mignon.
“Isn’t this place awesome?” Sidelle asked. “I went to the one in Florida when I was on my way to South Beach some years ago.”
A few rows over sat another young couple, also dressed in formal wear. The girl’s back was to me. I couldn’t see her face, but there was something familiar about her. Then she moved her chair to the side and revealed her companion. Aiden. He wore a black tux, a white shirt, and a red tie. The girl giggled at something Aiden said then turned in my direction. Morgan. She glared at me, turning back around. Of course he’d taken her to prom. Aiden reached for his glass, held it up in a mocking cheer, and smiled. How could he take her, of all people? I clenched my fists, but Shay eased one of them open and threaded his fingers through mine. We ordered our dinners, and the conversation returned to normal. But something began to nudge the back of my mind, and the nudging got more persistent as the night continued. I felt off, and I couldn’t explain why. The tiny hairs on my arms and neck still lay flat, so I was fairly sure no demons lurked in the area, but still ...
The drive back to St. Joseph was uneventful and long. I was too amped up and ready to dance the night away, and I refused to let Aiden and Morgan ruin my evening. This night had to be perfect. So far, so good.
But I couldn’t help the nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach. Something wasn’t right.
Chapter Thirty
Zoe
As Shay and I walked into the school, we passed under a white and teal balloon arch, and he squeezed my hand. I stood in the doorway, taking it all in. The decoration committee had done a fantastic job making the old gymnasium look and feel just like I pictured heaven would be. Everything was white except for the teal flowers strategically placed around the room. Tulle covered the rafters, giving the appearance of a low ceiling. Twinkle lights gave the room a soft glow. Everything lived up to the prom theme: Heaven is a Place on Earth. In the center of the ceiling hung a gi
ant disco ball, which reflected shimmering dots across the walls. Off to my right, about a dozen round, high-top tables had been provided where students could gather, eat, or rest. On my left stood a long line of prom goers who awaited their turn for their keepsake, where a photographer had set up a backdrop to snap pictures. Teachers stood watch over the food tables and around the perimeter of the gym, ready to interfere with any misbehaving students.
A band had been set up on a raised platform on the opposite wall from where we’d entered. Shortly after we arrived, the music started. Screams, whistles, and shouts erupted from the students, letting everyone know that the dance had officially started.
“Zoe, may I have this dance?” Shay asked, giving a formal bow.
I grinned. “You may.”
Shay led me into the throng of dancers then placed his free hand on my waist and pulled me tight against his chest. I inhaled, breathing in his scent: musky lavender tinged with a hint of something as sweet as a strawberry. Even though the music had a fast, upbeat tempo, and Shay was an awesome dancer, he and I swayed to our own slow rhythm. We shifted back and forth for a while, and then he led me into a spin. People moved out of our way as we gradually created an open space. Other dancers stopped to look at us, then resumed flailing their arms and jerking their bodies around in their kind of dance.
“You’re so beautiful,” Shay whispered into my ear.
“You clean up nicely, too.”
“I hope I can make this a night you will always remember.”
“I won’t forget any of this, Shay.” I stood on my tiptoes and placed a kiss on his lips. “I’m so glad to have you back. I didn’t know what I would do if you—”
“Shh. I’m here. I’ll always be here for you.”
We stopped dancing and just stood there, holding each other.
“Get a room,” Sidelle muttered as she and Kieran waltzed past.
I smiled at her and waved. Everything was perfect.
We kept getting glares as people bumped into us, which meant we’d either have to start dancing or get off the floor. Shay kissed the top of my forehead, and then we broke apart. He loosened his tie and jammed out to the rock song the band was playing, and I followed suit. Sidelle and Kieran came back around to join us, and we made a circle as Vash and Cali danced toward us. I spotted Rena and Noah standing in line, waiting for their prom photo. They waved when they saw me looking in their direction, so I motioned for them to join us. Quinn and Caden stood with the rest of the basketball team near the food tables, so we shuffled our circle over to be near them. Quinn grabbed a reluctant Caden’s hand and dragged him to the dance floor, even though his face was beet red. He kept looking back at his teammates with pleading eyes. Maybe he just didn’t want to dance next to Shay and Kieran, who made dancing look like a breeze. Of course for them, it was.
The entire evening was just how I’d dreamed it would be. I was surrounded by my closest friends, my boyfriend’s arms were wrapped around me, and there wasn’t any place I’d rather be. I didn’t want the night to end. A few songs later, I was breathless and needed a break. I tugged on Shay’s hand, fanning myself.
“Do you want something to drink?” he asked.
“Yes!” I screamed over the blaring music. “I need to sit, too, and rest my feet for a bit.”
He led me over to one of the high-top tables and pulled out a chair, and then he kissed my hand. “You rest those pretty little toes, so we can dance the rest of the night away.”
“I’ll be right here.”
The song ended. The gym doors swung open and hit the walls, creating a loud bang. Everyone stopped and stared at the entrance as Aiden and Morgan strolled in, hands linked. He wore an impish smile across his face, or maybe that was him being happy. Morgan, wedged in a red, flowing gown, sashayed across the room like she owned the place. Her dress flared out behind as her two bookends, Ashel and Abby, flanked her with their dates.
My stomach churned, reminding me of the uneasy feeling I had in the restaurant and on the car ride here.
“What are you all staring at?” she yelled. “I’m fashionably late. The party can start now!”
I rolled my eyes and turned away, hoping she didn’t see me. She and I didn’t need to get into a fight tonight. Really, I didn’t want to get into any fights tonight. As I watched my friends on the dance floor, I realized how much I loved them all. I’d do anything to keep them safe. We had to beat Sammael; that’s all there was to it. Then we’d keep him locked in Hell with no way to escape. I had to find a way to get a Seraph’s Sword. The sooner, the better.
“Hey, Zoe.”
I turned and faced Aiden. “What do you want?”
“To ask you to save a dance for me.”
“Why would I do that?” I glared at him. “I can’t believe you took Morgan to prom. Doesn’t our friendship mean anything to you?”
He held up one hand. “Whoa, hold on. I came to this school late in the year and didn’t have anyone to bring. She was available, so I asked her. I know you two don’t get along, but—”
“‘Don’t get along’ is an understatement.”
“I don’t see why you gals can’t be friends.”
“Tell her that. I don’t need friends who bully me.”
“Well, don’t do her any favors then. Do me one. Please save me a dance.”
He had a point, in that most of the girls had already been asked. Of course, Morgan was one of the last ones without a date, so she for sure would have said yes if Aiden had asked her.
“Fine, I’ll save you a dance.” I folded my arms and lifted my chin. “But only if you can pry me away from Shay.”
“That’s all I ask. Thank you, Zoe.”
He turned and walked away to find his date with his head down, passing Shay as he returned with a few drinks in hand. He watched Aiden’s retreating back. Shay turned to me. “You okay?” he asked. “Who was that?”
“I’m fine, and that was no one.” I raised the plastic cup and toasted his. “Thanks for getting these.”
“No problem.” Shay peered over the rim of his drink. “What did he want?”
“Nothing. Just a dance.” I tossed back the cool blue liquid and slammed the empty cup on the table. “But I only agreed to dance with him if you and I weren’t dancing.”
“Then we’d better not let him have an opportunity.”
“My thoughts exactly,” I said, beaming.
We threw our empty cups into the trash can and headed back to the dance floor. Hand in hand, we joined my friends and stayed out there until our legs wouldn’t hold us up anymore. Shay was always by my side. Sometimes he reached for me, touching my arm, and other times, he grabbed my hand and twirled me into his embrace. Eventually, I flung my stilettos into a corner, and Cali and Quinn followed my lead. Sidelle, of course, kept hers on.
An upbeat song merged into a slow one, and Kieran appeared at my side. “Zoe?” he asked. “Dance with me?”
“Of course, K.”
Shay let go of my waist, and I stepped into Kieran’s open arms. My two favorite guys seemed to be on better terms lately, but even if they weren’t, I couldn’t imagine Shay denying my best friend a dance.
“I saw you with Aiden,” Kieran said once we were on the dance floor. “Is he bothering you?”
“Nothing I can’t handle.”
He nodded, satisfied. “So? How is tonight? Is this everything you dreamed it would be?”
“Yes,” I said, smiling at him. “Everything and more.”
“Good. I’m glad.”
Kieran was just as good a dancer as Shay, if not better. Our bodies flowed as one, like we were meant to always be with each other. Maybe it was because we’d known each other for so long. Kieran turned gracefully and whirled, leading me across the floor, and I was the envy of everyone—or at least that’s what I liked to think. Truth was they were staring at Kieran because, well, how could they not? There was a glow about him tonight. It was as if he’d let out some of his Angel L
ight to shine around us.
“I wish ...” Kieran started, but he didn’t finish his sentence. Instead, he rested his chin on top of my head. We slowed, and I looked up into his blue eyes. “I ... Zoe, I’m sorry. I have to say it. I think I’m in love with—”
“May I cut in?” Aiden stood next to us. “Please?”
We stopped moving, and I stared at him. I shook my head, knowing I was rude, and that I previously said I would. I tightened my grip in Kieran’s hand. I need to hear what Kieran has to say. I have to know who he’s in love with.
“I don’t think so, Aiden.” Kieran turned our bodies.
“Please? Zoe, you promised.”
I looked into his pleading eyes. Kieran shook his head but didn’t say anything. I slowly nodded, even though I really didn’t want to end my dance with Kieran.
Aiden reached his hand toward me. Kieran obviously wanted to tell me something important about someone he had feelings for, but I’d kind of promised a dance to Aiden. Darn the Minnesota nice and promises.
Kieran extended his arm in a sweeping motion, and Aiden stepped in. As soon as Aiden touched my hand, a jolt coursed through my body like an electrical current. I stared, quite literally shocked. I’d never felt anything so intense before. It was nothing like the shocks that Shay and I experienced. This was something entirely different.
Something menacing.
I looked into Aiden’s aqua-colored eyes, the same beautiful shade as Shay’s, and realized this was the first time we’d actually touched. We’d come close many times since I’d known him, but he’d always pulled away. It was like he purposely didn’t want to touch me, like he couldn’t bear it. But this dance had been his request, not mine. As we circled across the dance floor, we passed Shay. My heart ached—I wanted to be in his arms, not in Aiden’s. Aiden kept his back to Shay and Kieran, and both glared at Aiden’s back. Finally, Ever the Same drew to a close. It was one of my favorites by Rob Thomas, and I knew it well, and I wanted to return to Shay’s arms.
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