Aura

by Rebecca Lynn Talley

  "Positive." She continued to admire the spot on her neck.

  "You've never said a word about getting a tattoo. Besides, won't it hurt for prom?"

  She shrugged. "I don't know. The idea just popped into my head. Hey, we could both get tattoos. That'd be awesome."

  I held a hand up. "No thanks. No needles for me."

  "I bet it's not that bad." She arched her eyebrow and smiled. "Come on, it'd be fun."

  "No way. I don't want one. Besides, my parents would flip."

  Erin scowled. "When are you going to grow up and forget about your parents?"

  Her cold tone shocked me. Maybe eating all of that pizza and staying up late hadn't been such a great idea for either of us.

  She seemed to notice my surprised expression. "I mean, getting a tattoo is cool. It'd prove you're an adult and that you make up your own mind."

  "I don't need a tattoo to prove that."

  Erin turned back to look at herself in the mirror. "Well, I still want one."

  "Maybe you should wait until after prom to do it. You might change your mind." Sounded reasonable to me. Getting a tattoo was a drastic decision, and I didn't want Erin to regret it, especially since she'd never mentioned the idea before.

  She shook her head. "Nope. I've made up my mind."

  I tried another tactic. "But, we don't have time to do that and get ready for prom."

  "I bet it'll only take an hour or so. We'll have plenty of time."

  "What about your mom?"

  Erin threw her head back and gave a sarcastic laugh. "My mom? Are you serious? She doesn't care what I do. She's never home long enough to care. Besides, I'm eighteen. I can do what I want."

  Though I had no desire to get a tattoo of my own, I couldn't let her go there alone. Forty-five minutes later, we were in a hot, musty room above a store on 1st Street. Looked pretty ghetto to me. Certainly didn't seem sterile or safe. Erin's sudden urge to get a tattoo overcame her, as if she couldn't think of anything else—like she was driven to get one.

  A short, bald guy with tattoos all over his head and down his left arm came out from a back room and said, "Can I help you?" The right side of his pudgy face twitched a bit.

  My fingers felt like they'd gone to sleep again so I stayed near the door, trying to relieve the pins-and-needles sensation.

  "I want a tattoo," Erin said, stepping up to the counter.

  "You don't say." He jerked his chin toward her. "How old are you?"

  "Old enough." Erin licked her lips.

  "You'll have to come back. I have appointments scheduled all day."

  Erin sulked. "I want one right now." She leaned toward him, handing him some bills then placing her hand over his.

  He sized her up and down like he was undressing her with his eyes. "Little lady, I've got exactly what you want."

  "You do?"

  "Yeah." He paused. "A popular design lately."

  Erin twisted a lock of her hair. "Oh, I don't want what everyone else has."

  "You'll want this one." He raised his eyebrows. "I guarantee it."

  He looked at me and smiled with a missing front tooth. His shoulder twitched a couple of times as he eyed me up and down. "What about you, Blondie? You want what I got?" A shudder rolled down my back.

  Disgusting.

  "Uh, no, thanks," I managed to say to Creepy McCreeperson.

  "Suit yourself." He held out his hand to Erin and said, "Let's get started."

  I didn't have the stomach to stay inside. The whole place gave me the skin crawlies. Why Erin wanted a tattoo at all and why she'd picked this armpit of a place to get it was beyond me. I wasn't sure what was going on. Erin had almost taken on a new personality since we'd woken up. Of course, she was still Erin, but she seemed . . . different. My head started to spin, so I called through the door, "I'll wait for you outside, Erin."

  I rushed down the creaking stairs and stepped into the sunshine and fresh air, my fingers no longer tingling. Not knowing what to do while Erin got her tattoo, I walked along 1st Avenue, peering into shop windows. I passed one with deep green, beaded earrings on display—they matched my prom dress exactly, so I stepped inside.

  While I was looking at the jewelry, I spotted a movement outside. Curious what it might be, I walked out of the shop and saw a guy half-way down the block rushing away from me. I was sure it was Alec. Or maybe I just hoped it was. I bit my lip and silently berated myself. Hoping to see Alec on the same day I was going to prom with Nate made me the worst girlfriend ever.

  What is wrong with me? It was like I'd lost all sense and reason when it came to this Alec guy.

  I turned the opposite direction, walked a couple of blocks, and then down toward Main Street to Rosie's, a little sandwich shop with lace curtains. I ordered a soda and a ham sandwich. My stomach had recovered from our over-indulgence the night before, and I was done with Erin's idea of fasting until prom. I sat at a wrought-iron table on the sidewalk and watched people moving along the street, hoping to keep my mind occupied.

  Silver City was much smaller than some I'd lived in, and the downtown area was a popular tourist attraction with its Old West charm. It might have been a nice place to grow up and call my hometown. I hadn't lived anywhere long enough to really call home. This was the first place I'd even had a best friend.

  Or a boyfriend.

  A smile danced across my lips.

  I slowly drank my soda and finished my sandwich. I walked along Main Street and shopped for a bit before making my way back to Tattoos 4 You.

  I hope Erin doesn't regret her decision.

  I glanced at my watch—2:30. Barely enough time to get ready for prom. I needed all the extra time I could get.

  I met Erin on the street outside the door to the stairs. She was smiling, but not at me. It was as if she looked through me. Eerie.

  I touched her on the shoulder. "How was it?"

  She shook her head slightly, as if coming out of a daze, then focused on me. "Hardly even hurt. Kinda felt like a sunburn. No big deal."

  "Sorry I didn't stay."

  "Yeah. You're a wimp." She laughed.

  "Can I see it?" A square bandage covered the spot on her neck.

  "I'll show it to you when we get back to my house. We need to hurry so we can get glamorous for our hot men."

  We drove back to Erin's house, singing along to songs on the radio with the warm spring air filtering through my hair. Love this time of year.

  In her bedroom, I asked to see her tattoo again.

  "The guy said to leave the bandage on for twenty-four hours, but it's prom, and I'm not going to the dance with a big white thing on my neck." Erin lifted her brow. "Are you ready?"

  "Yeah."

  Erin lifted the bandage from her neck to expose the tattoo. I sucked in a quick pocket of air. I expected to see a rose or a heart shape—something girly. Instead, three circles joined together in the middle. Her skin was red and puffy, making the shapes seem three-dimensional. Curved lines, to the left of each circle, reached outward, like tentacles trying to grab me and twist around me. Choking me. A shot of fear pierced my heart and sent tingles traveling through my body, settling in my fingers. My mind went dark, and a cold heaviness wrapped around me. I tore my gaze from her neck, not understanding my reaction.

  "Don't you love it?" she purred. "Patrick, the tattoo artist, said lots of people are getting this one. At first I didn't want it, but once I saw it, I was hooked. It's perfect, don't you think?"

  I stumbled back a few steps to get away from Erin and her tattoo. I realized it was the same tattoo I'd seen on Ms. Neal.

  "What's wrong with you?" Erin glared at me. "You're acting all freaky about my awesome tattoo."

  "It's just—"

  "What?"

  "Nothing. It looks fine." How could I tell her that the tattoo on her neck scared me? That it made me feel dark and sinister? How could ink-stained skin make me feel anything? I was losing it. Lots of people got this tattoo, the guy even said so. It had to be
harmless. Right?

  "Just fine?" Erin said.

  "It looks good." I didn't sound at all convincing, but Erin didn't push the issue. Thankfully.

  Erin pulled her hair into a ponytail. "Let's get to it—don't want to disappoint our men."

  We spent the rest of the afternoon primping for prom. Erin seemed to be her regular self. I tried a few different hairstyles but finally settled on the French twist like she had suggested. I sat on the bed, applying lip gloss, when Erin walked over and clicked her tongue. "Girl, Nate is gonna love how you look."

  "You think?"

  "Definitely." She sat next to me with a strange expression.

  "What?"

  "This may be the night."

  "What are you talking about?"

  "You know. The night." She raised her eyebrows up and down.

  "I already told you. Nate and I are not going to—"

  "Yeah, yeah. But you should reconsider." She placed her cold hand on mine. "This is our senior prom. Nate and you are so perfect together. It will be like a fairytale."

  I shook my head.

  She pulled her hand away and anger flashed in her eyes. "I don't know why you are so stubborn. Have you even considered his feelings and what he wants?"

  I thought best friends were supposed to support each other. "I already told you, I'm not ready to have sex with Nate. I've made my decision and I don't know why I have to keep defending it."

  "I think you're being selfish. And ridiculous."

  "What?" While Erin didn't agree with me, she'd never been so intent on trying to get me to change my mind. It was odd. It was . . .

  Erin's face turned soft. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to bug you about it. I just know how important this night is to Nate and how much he loves you. It would be the perfect chance to show him how you feel too. That's all." She moved closer and put her arm around me, but the gesture felt hollow.

  I glanced at her, noticing a clouded look in her eyes. "It's okay. We see things differently."

  I stepped into the bathroom and added some finishing touches to my hair. I didn't want anything to ruin this night.

  When the doorbell rang, the nerves in my stomach quivered. I checked over my long, flowing, emerald green dress one more time. All the make-up and my fussy hairstyle made me uncomfortable, but I hoped Nate would like it.

  "They're here. Come on," Erin said as she peeked into the bathroom. "You okay?"

  "Yeah. Guess I'm overly excited. My fingers have been so tingly today. Must be nerves."

  "I'm sure that's what it is." She smiled. "Let's go."

  We walked down the hallway toward the living room. Nate and Charlie stood there in black tuxes, holding boxes with our corsages. My heart knocked against my ribs and the closer I got to Nate, the more those nervous tingles raced along my arms.

  His hands both visibly shook.

  Who knew he'd be nervous for tonight too? So cute.

  "Wow," he said. "You . . . look . . ."

  "Speechless, Nate?" Erin said with a satisfied grin. "I helped her. Isn't she gorgeous?" She whispered something to him, and he nodded.

  "You aren't telling secrets about me, are you?" I asked.

  "Of course not. Just reminding Nate to mind his manners," Erin said with a smile.

  Nate stepped over to me, his familiar cologne following close behind. "Hi."

  "Hi." Every nerve in my body shivered.

  He opened the box and took out a corsage, which was decorated with miniature white roses, baby's breath, and green and black ribbon. He placed it on my trembling wrist. I tried to pin his boutonniere on the lapel of his coat, but my fingers wobbled too much. He placed his strong hand over mine and said, "I'll do it."

  Erin and Charlie laughed. "Crystal, you're so nervous, it's funny," Charlie said, his brown eyes sparkling.

  He was right. I wasn't exactly experienced at going to formal dances. Or dating. Or having a boyfriend. I wasn't experienced. Period.

  "I wouldn't have you any other way," Nate said with his flawless smile that lit my heart on fire.

  Definitely going to be the best night. Ever.

  I sat in Nate's truck, listening to the hum of the engine while I smoothed my dress. Nate's musky cologne mingled with the faint scent of gasoline. Erin and Charlie followed close behind in Charlie's old brown car as we drove toward the restaurant. Nate turned up the radio, filling the cab with "When the Stars Go Blue." I smiled. Such a romantic song.

  Nate glanced at me. "You look amazing."

  "Thanks." My heartbeat increased.

  "I wouldn't want to spend tonight with anyone but you." He placed his hand on mine.

  We drove along the dark rural highway for a few more miles and then turned up a county road to Stillman's, an expensive restaurant that overlooked the city. The hostess sat us at a table next to a large window. So many lights spread out across the valley that it reminded me of the night sky. It made Silver City look twice as big as it was.

  "This restaurant is fan-cy," Erin said.

  "Hey, it's prom," Charlie said. "A night we'll always remember." He wrapped his arm around Erin and whispered something in her ear. She giggled.

  Nate leaned over and nuzzled my neck. He kissed me a few times and caressed my face. Shivers traveled down my spine, but a knot formed in my stomach. Nate wasn't usually so demonstrative in public. He seemed a little different somehow.

  A tall waiter with black hair slicked into a ponytail told us about the specials. We all ordered our dinners. Mine was filet mignon wrapped in bacon. It practically melted in my mouth it was so tender.

  "How's your dinner? Nate asked.

  "Awesome." I smiled.

  "Only the beginning." He reached under the table and squeezed my leg. I jumped.

  "What's going on over there?" Erin said with a grin.

  "Nothing." I gave Nate a disapproving glance.

  "Relax," Nate said. "This night is all about fun and making memories. Right?" He nodded at Charlie and Erin, who both agreed.

  Maybe he was right. I was a little uptight worrying about what might happen after the dance and if I could trust myself with Nate.

  "Oh, guess what?" Nate said. "Good news."

  "Yeah, what?' Charlie asked.

  "Turns out I have my scholarship after all." Nate grinned.

  "That's great," I said, feeling both relieved and happy for him. "What happened?"

  "It all worked out. I'm going to CSU after all." His answer was a little evasive. I figured he didn't want to get into the details at dinner. Besides, the important thing was he had his scholarship back.

  "So we're still rooming together?" Charlie said. He took a bite of his steak.

  "Absolutely. All our plans are back on track." Nate glanced at me and winked.

  After dinner, we ordered a dessert to share—a big brownie draped in ice cream with chocolate sauce drizzled over it, and a mound of whipped cream on top. Definitely the best dessert I'd ever eaten.

  "After the dance, we're all heading up to the cabin, right?" Charlie said.

  "Everything is all set." Nate rubbed my back and let his hand slip all the way down.

  I shifted in my seat and said in quietly, "Remember, my curfew." I was glad my mom insisted I be home by 2:00 because I didn't want anything to happen with Nate that I'd regret later.

  "You're kidding," Nate said in a gruff voice, which startled me.

  "My parents—"

  "Are ridiculous," Nate said. His face hardened.

  "They just—"

  "Don't want us to have any fun." He looked at Charlie and added, "What century are they from anyway?" He laughed. Erin and Charlie joined him and I suddenly felt like I had a target painted on my chest.

  For a minute, I thought about leaving. Nate must've sensed my discomfort, because his demeanor changed.

  "Crystal, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. Really. We can make it work." He laid his hand on my shoulder. "I don't want anything to ruin our night."

  I studied him, trying to un
derstand his erratic change in behavior and the dull, distant look in his eyes. I'd never seen them so lifeless. Like Erin's had been. Like Ms. Neal's were the other day. The thought stabbed me in the stomach. Were they all doing something to make their eyes do that? Drugs, maybe? No. Nate was too concerned with being in shape and running track. And Erin had never done drugs around me. Ms. Neal didn't seem drugged out, either, just creepy.

  Something is going on. But what?

  "I promise to take you home whenever your parents want." Nate's voice intruded into my thoughts. He smiled at me, but, somehow, it wasn't his same, familiar one.

  I took some comfort in his willingness to respect my curfew, but something still yanked at my stomach. Something I couldn't explain.

  "We're going to have a great time. We'll figure out everything later. Okay?" Erin said.

  I nodded. But even Erin's words seemed forced.

  We arrived at the dance—a popular resort with a golf course and numerous cabins lining the small lake. I walked into the ballroom. Tiny Christmas lights hung across the dance floor making it look like we were under a blanket of stars. Magical.

  The music pulsed through the large speakers and my classmates, in formal dresses and tuxes, crowded the room. A few teachers, including Ms. Neal, stood around the edges of the dance floor. I decided I'd stay as far away from her as possible.

  Nate grabbed my hand and led me into the crowd.

  We danced to a few fast songs, and then a slow song started. Nate pulled me close, his strong arms wrapping around me. Erin and Charlie danced nearby, and Erin gave me a big grin.

  "Crystal," Nate's smooth voice whispered in my ear. "You're so tense. Relax and enjoy our special night." I tried to, but something still gnawed at me.

  Nate seemed to lose himself in the music. He started to sing softly. I was surprised by his velvety voice. It began to lull me, so I closed my eyes. My muscles started to ease as we swayed back and forth. When I opened my eyes, my gaze was immediately drawn toward the doorway. Alec stood there in a dark gray tux, his thick hair combed to the side, staring at me. My body stiffened, and my pulsed tripled while his gaze captured mine.

  Nate pulled away. "Crystal?"