by Lizzy Ford
“I know this. But I feel so …”
Alone. Frightened.
“Yes to both. I don’t feel ready for this.”
No one ever does.
Decker rubbed his face.
Do you ever wonder why your bloodline was chosen for this honor?
“You mean the curse? No. Mother said the curse was placed on us two thousand years ago.”
It is not a curse, Sam corrected firmly. It is an honor. Your bloodline was chosen because of its purity and strength. Your ancestors faced evil unlike any this world has ever known since. They defeated it and swore the greatest of all oaths: to continue to protect the balance by sacrificing themselves and their children.
Decker listened to the creature’s voice, relaxing.
You are stronger than the others. Those of your blood have always been stronger than the others.
“I don’t feel it.” Decker sighed.
Trust me.
“I do, Sam.”
How is your brother?
“Good. Our mother took us both out to show us what she does. What I’ll do in two weeks.” He shuddered. “It changed things between me and Beck.”
You two have always been close. She still mourns for her twin.
“Yeah. I would, too.”
And Summer?
Decker looked up, surprised the creature would ask. Sam met his gaze, waiting with the patience of a creature that had lived through thousands of human years.
“She’s safe,” Decker said at last. “I don’t know what else to say.”
You need to trust yourself.
“Seriously, Sam? I’m about to become the devil. I don’t trust anything about myself.”
You need each other. By now, even someone as stubborn as you can see that. Sam chuckled.
Decker looked up at the stars again. He knew it. But he wasn’t going to drag her into hell with him. He closed his eyes, imagining what it would be like if she was there, touching him, quelling the chaos in his head and body.
He hadn’t wanted to go dance with her in the morning, not after she chose Beck over him. He didn’t know what was going on with the letters, but he suspected Dawn was involved somehow. Summer wouldn’t …
Then again, she chose his brother over him, even after their time dancing together.
“I don’t know what to think, Sam,” he said.
Don’t think. Feel. And enjoy your time before your transition.
“Whatever, Sam.”
Whatever! Sam laughed, a booming guffaw. I love this word. It is my favorite from your generation.
Decker smiled, unable to keep a straight face when Sam looked so awkward laughing. His thoughts went to Summer again. Whatever was going on, she didn’t deserve to get hurt.
He stayed in the forest with Sam, talking, until almost dawn. Soon, the creature would be the only one he could talk to.
Summer slept poorly and was antsy all morning, until the moment she dreaded finally came. The dance class finished up, and the girls left. Jessie remained. Amber joined them, dressed in yoga pants and a loose shirt, and another woman entered. Summer recognized the instructor of the Dark students, Matilda, who wore all black yoga pants and a snug shirt. Her ballerina body was something even Dawn would be jealous of, and Summer gazed at her for a long moment.
“Jessie, I didn’t realize you had other plans today,” Summer said, turning at last.
Decker was five minutes late. He wasn’t coming.
“Nonsense. They heard how successful our dance classes were and decided to come for some tips,” Jessie answered. “Let’s start with some basics. Amber, Matty, line up beside me. Summer on the end.”
The women obeyed. Summer glanced at the clock again, heartbroken Decker had decided not to come after last night. She struggled to focus on Jessie’s instructions. Salsa music played loudly. Amber seemed to get it but Matty didn’t, and neither did Summer, without her partner.
Fifteen minutes late, Decker finally appeared in the doorway. There were circles under his eyes and pine needles stuck in the creases of his clothing. Summer stopped in place, thrilled he came, even if she had rejected him the day before.
“’Bout time. Other side of Matty!” Jessie called. “These two are worse than you and Summer!”
Decker said nothing but took his place on the other end of the line. Jessie barked more tips before pairing them up, Amber and Summer, Matilda and Decker. Summer grinned as Amber trampled her feet with laughed apologies. They struggled through a whole song before Jessie assigned them new partners: Summer and Matilda, Amber and Decker. The Dark instructor was neither as free with her smiles nor as forgiving of her own missteps.
“Decker and Summer, Amber and Matty!” Jessie called between songs.
Decker didn’t hesitate to reach for her this time, and Summer fell into step with him, a shiver working through her at the flood of his heat and magick. Sam had called him the Master of Fire and Night. Summer could feel both swirl through her. The lively music and dance steps made her feel alive. Even Decker smiled as he spun her one way, then another before folding her into his arms for a quick dip. Fire tore through her at the full body contact.
Breathless from the dance, Summer welcomed the next, slow song.
“I didn’t think you’d come today,” she said when she’d caught her breath.
“I didn’t either,” Decker admitted. He was troubled by something. “Maybe you shouldn’t—”
“And pause!” Jessie said. “You two have far outstripped these novices.” She motioned to the two instructors.
Summer withdrew from Decker.
“I’m going to spend some time with my new students. The dance is tomorrow night, and I’m on vacation tomorrow. You’ll do fine together,” Jessie said to the two of them. “You two, shoo! I’ll see you Monday.”
Summer picked up her shoes and left. She didn’t hear Decker following until he touched her arm in the hallway. Turning, she couldn’t help stepping closer to him to feel the shared sense of magick as they did when they danced.
“Summer, I think you should go to the dance with me,” he said.
“I can’t, Decker. I told your brother I’d go with him.”
“Can you … feel what’s between us?” he asked.
“Decker,” she said softly and moved away until their contact broke. “I’ve enjoyed our lessons but …” … this terrifies me, she finished silently.
“But what? They told you what I am, didn’t they.” Irritation crossed his features. “My brother is just going to break your heart tomorrow night.”
“You shouldn’t say that,” she said, frowning. “And no one told me anything about you.”
“You’re saying this is your choice?”
She hesitated, gazing up into his dark eyes. Her heart said no, she belonged with him. Fear won out, and she was silent.
“Very well.” He stepped around her and strode down the hallway and out the front door.
Summer watched him, torn. The letters from Beck were so sweet. Not only had she already agreed to a date, Beck had confessed his interest with her, while Decker had said little. She went to her room, troubled.
Biji was waiting for her, seated outside with her smartphone. She glanced up with a smile, and Summer pushed away her dark thoughts. She opened the door so they could play with Tarzan.
Chapter Nine
Despite her attempts to think of anything but the dance, Summer found herself distracted up until it was time to get ready. She hadn’t seen Decker since their last dance, and she couldn’t help the doubt that grew in her. Decker had never said anything about liking her, but he’d helped her at dinner and danced with her.
Beck hadn’t done those things. And yet, the thought of dancing with Beck the way she danced with Decker thrilled her.
“No, no, you have to wear your hair down,” Biji instructed.
Summer glanced at her friend. Biji wore an exotic Indian sari in brilliant oranges and reds. Her long, dark hair had been brushed
to a sheen and rippled like black silk.
“You look like a doll,” Summer said, admiring her friend.
Biji beamed. “Maybe Decker will go and maybe he’ll dance with me.”
“You have a one-track mind!” Summer laughed.
“You look great, Summer,” Biji said, hunching beside her to see into the mirror on the back of the door. “Except your hair.”
Summer looked at herself, unconvinced. She’d cleaned the soft pink dress. It was a baby-doll style that emphasized her breasts and slender waist before flowing over her hips. Washing it had caused it to shrink more than she liked. The hem of the dress was halfway up her thighs. She’d worn her sandals, the only shoes she had that didn’t clash too loudly with the dress. They were old and looked it. Her gaze swept over her body and lingered on her shoes.
Biji had painted her toe and fingernails a bright pink.
“You think it should be down?” Summer asked.
“Definitely.” Biji pulled a chair from the corner and placed it before the mirror. She grabbed Summer’s brush and comb.
Summer sat. Her hair was still damp. Biji unwound it from the tight bun Summer had put it in before working out the knots with her comb.
“You have hairspray?” Biji asked.
“No.”
“I might have some.”
Summer watched Biji in the mirror as she dug through a large handbag. It looked pricey, like the bags Summer saw displayed in the windows of the expensive stores at the mall. Biji pulled out a travel-size hairspray and proceeded to redo Summer’s hair into soft waves.
“One more thing then we’re ready,” Biji said. She rifled through her bag again and pulled out a thick silver belt. “I thought your dress needed something else.”
“Why are you being so nice?” Summer asked, struck by her friend’s actions.
“That’s what friends do,” Biji said nonchalantly, wrapping the belt around her body.
Summer’s throat tightened.
“Haven’t you ever …” Biji stopped. “You’ve never had a friend before?”
“Not a nice one.”
Biji laughed.
“Thank you, Biji,” Summer said. “I’ve never had a friend like you before. This place is like a dream to me. I can’t believe I’m here.”
“I’m glad you’re here. I can’t imagine your life if you think dealing with Dawn is good,” Biji said. “Ready?”
“No.”
“Come on! You’ve got a date waiting for you!”
Summer smiled. She looked at herself again, patted Tarzan then trailed Biji down the stairs. Her heart sank some to see Dawn and her friends waiting in the lobby for the van. Dawn and her friends wore their expensive, revealing dresses and high heels, and they carried small evening bags. Their make-up was heavy and flawless.
Summer crossed her arms, feeling plain next to them in their high fashion. She hadn’t thought to put on anything but gloss and mascara, because she didn’t have anything else. She looked at Biji for some support. Biji was glaring at Dawn openly. Summer nudged her.
“You look too nice tonight not to smile,” she whispered. “Ignore her.”
“We are cuter,” Biji said grudgingly.
“You are,” Summer agreed. “Are you going to—”
“Summer, you look gorgeous,” Dawn exclaimed from across the foyer. “I never would’ve guessed you bought that dress from a yard sale.”
The girls with her laughed. Biji stepped forward, red-faced. Summer took her arm.
“Thank you, Dawn. You look beautiful,” she said before Biji could retort.
“I knew Beck would like it,” Dawn said and smoothed her hands over her hips. “Do you think he will?”
“Um, yes,” Summer said uneasily.
“He’s my date, you know.”
Summer frowned. She was about to retrieve the letters from her room to make sure she hadn’t made a mistake when Amber flung the screen door open.
“Ride’s here!” she called. “Everyone in.”
Dawn and her friends were the first out. Summer hesitated.
“She’s just messing with you,” Biji told her. “Come on. Beck is a good guy. If he said he’s going with you, then he will. She’s just jealous.”
Summer smiled and let Biji pull her out of the house.
“He did say he was going with you, right?” Biji whispered as they stood in line to enter the van.
“Yes. Well, he wrote it. I haven’t actually talked to him.”
“What? Are you serious?”
“In the van, girls!” Amber said again.
Biji climbed in and sat beside one of Dawn’s friends while Summer sat on the bench two seats ahead of her. Their conversation was silenced. Summer felt a sliver of dread, not for the first time. She gazed out the window as they drove. The dark reminded her of Decker.
She barely recognized the resort when they piled out of the van. It was brilliantly lit, the walkway to the dock hidden between darkness and trees. She could see teens in the main floor of the resort through the windows.
“Let’s find Beck,” Biji said and grabbed her hand. She tugged Summer into a side entrance and ran up stairs to the main level.
Summer followed. The Dark teens were lined on one side and the Light on the other. Only a few couples ventured onto the dance floor. The edges of the room were dark and the dance floor brightly lit while music throbbed. One wall held buffet tables lined with snacks and punch, and bright decorations had been hung up all over the room.
She wound her way through the Dark teens. A sense reached her, one that told her Decker was close even without seeing him. She glanced around before catching sight of Biji again. The smaller girl was waving at her frantically, standing in front of a small group of Light boys, including Beck.
Summer’s heart pounded. She’d all but memorized his notes and recited them as she approached. Biji tapped his arm, and he turned, taking them both in with smiles. His hair was combed, his teal eyes making Summer’s knees weak. She hadn’t seen him in a few days and yet, his appearance didn’t impact her as much as Decker’s.
“Glad you could make it!” he said to her over the music. “You look great.”
“You guys should dance!” Biji said.
Beck glanced around, his hesitance brief. “Sure. Come on, Summer.”
Summer couldn’t help feeling even more triumphant over Dawn. Biji was right; Dawn was jealous. Summer took Beck’s hand when he offered it and ventured onto the dance floor with him.
She felt none of his magick, and her first attempt to keep up with the dance moves failed. She looked at one of the other girls and tried to mimic the movements. Her own lightness on her feet helped keep the situation from getting too awkward, but she wasn’t comfortable.
“I got your notes,” she said, looking up at Beck.
“Notes,” he said. “Okay.”
“They were nice,” she said. “It’s the reason I came.”
His brow furrowed. “I meant to talk to you about that.”
“Sure.”
“I, uh, got your notes, too.”
Summer waited, puzzled by his words. She’d written no notes to him, only passed back the first one, as it instructed.
“And the video,” he said, face reddening. “You look very nice in your … um, but uh, I’m kind of—”
“What video?” she asked.
“I don’t think you meant to forward it to everyone, but we all got it,” he said. “Look, I’m flattered, I really am—”
“What video?”
“The one of you undressing. Good footage, of course, but probably not something you should’ve put on YouTube.”
Summer stopped in place. Beck looked nervous. A roaring was filling her ears, and her face felt hot enough to explode.
“I’m with Dawn, so I’m sorry I can’t really, you know, hook up,” he said. “I’m really sorry. You’re a great girl. And I have to say, the video was like, wow. We were looking at it again on the ride over. I
t’s kind of cool that you sleep naked.”
“Who all saw it?” she managed.
“Everyone. The link went out to all of us on our school email accounts.”
“Hi, guys,” Dawn said, approaching them. She struck a pose then made a kissy-face at Beck, who pecked her on the lips. “Don’t you like Summer’s dress? She found it in a trash can and fixed it up.”
“It’s, ah, nice.”
“Did you tell her?”
“Yes, we were just talking about it,” Beck said. “Only one girl for me.”
Dawn batted her eyelashes at him and maneuvered between them.
“I’m sorry, but he’s taken, Summer. No more videos, okay?”
Summer stepped back, unable to register exactly what happened. She looked around, feeling cold. All the guys in the room were staring at her, a few snickering. She felt exposed standing in the middle of the dance floor. Not only had everyone seen her very public snub from Beck, but they’d all seen her naked.
Someone set her up. Staring at the two dancing, she couldn’t help thinking it was Dawn.
Summer moved out of the spotlight and bumped into one guy then strode towards the door. Everyone seemed to be staring at her, ridiculing her. Her tears held until she reached the outdoors. The patio was open and empty, and she sat down in one chair, devastated.
In one night, her paradise had been destroyed. No one would want anything to do with her after this! Amber would send her away, back to the orphanage, for a video she had nothing to do with. Even if they didn’t, how could she live in a place where everyone was laughing at her?
“Hey. Uh, can I ask you something?”
She wiped her tears away hastily at the sound of Beck’s voice and rose to face him.
“You didn’t send the video, did you?”
She shook her head.
“Or the notes?”
“No.”
He appeared troubled. “That sucks. I owe you an apology, then.”
“It’s okay. I’m used to people messing with me.” Summer crossed her arms, chilled in the evening air.
“I’ve got a list of girls a mile long who want to dance with me, but if you want to go back inside, you’ll be the first,” he offered. “I don’t know what happened, but I’ll make it up to you.” A note in his voice told her he suspected he knew what happened.
