Life Lines

43: Ooh Child

Chapter Forty-Three

"Oh my. Who is that?" Kaylee asked from across the table.

I looked over at her since her voice sounded a little muffled and saw each of them had put their masks on. This was weird. I frowned at all of them, narrowing my eyes at Allie for an explanation. "What's going on?"

"That's the theme. First dance with a mystery guy. My gift to you, well, one of them anyways. Everyone was given a number when they came in, all random and after you get your butt up there, the rest of us can join you."

"But how...?"

"Just go," Dreama said. "Mostly everyone knows who they're paired with. Found out while we were waiting for you to come in. So just go."

I glanced at Schylar to see what he thought. He just shrugged, the comedy mask that was currently covering his face made him look like a strange version of the joker.

It was supposed to be a mystery, she said. But I knew exactly who was under that mask as I got up and walked over to the dance floor. By the time I got there, the song was already half over but he stood there, waiting patiently.

He held out his hand for me, a visible twinkle in his eye that literally said 'I dare you'. I smiled behind my own mask, which Schylar had slipped into my hand as I left the table, and accepted the challenge by placing my hand in his. He slowly drew me in until he could wrap an arm around my waist. I didn't know if he was going to do this the formal way or the relaxed way.

"Ready?"

"Last time I checked you couldn't dance."

His double broke through for a second, flashing me a smile. "Bear with me."

We expertly started dancing around the still empty dance floor.

"Where were you?" I asked as he spun me out.

"I got caught up." He pulled me back in. "Sorry I'm late."

I placed my hand back on his arm and took the two steps needed in his direction, backing him up. "I was worried."

Somehow I was able to tell he was trying not to smile. "Natalie Abernathy worried about me. I never thought that day would come back around."

I squeezed his hand hard, digging my nails in a little for affect, and he faltered just a little. "No need to be snarky."

He paused for a split second, staring me in the eyes. "Everything's fine, Tally. I'm sorry I worried you." His voice was soft, concerned almost.

I turned my face away and stuck my chin out, wanting this to go back into the joking territory. Every time I had a meaningful conversation with him, it always went sour. I didn't want that to happen this time so humor seemed like the best route. "You shouldn't be mean to me. I'll make your life a living hell."

He chuckled and spun us around in a tight circle. "For the past three years, I was living in hell. I don't think you could top that if you tried." He took two steps in my direction and then one to the side. "I'm still there, you know. Until you decide."

I was in complete shock as he dipped me down, the song ending. We stayed there frozen for a couple of seconds until he pulled me back up. The formal dancing was over as he held me closer. The smell of lavender and vanilla was slightly discernible under the chemical smell of his tux. It had definitely been dry cleaned lately but I didn't let that side track me. He very carefully, as if he was handling glass, lifted the bottom of my mask. "Found you," he whispered.