Pure Magic

Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I approached the darkened theatre. There was something so forboding about it at night. Despite the countless times I'd walked by there, the place still creeped me out. I think it was the eerie glow the moon reflected onto the windows. Darkness cast its shadow over the old school theatre, making my imminent approach a little nerve racking. I wasn't even sure why I was going.1

It was his fault we stopped talking. I didn't do a thing. I wasn't sure why he even wanted to see me. After all, he was a big star. Well, as big of a star as the lead of the school play could be. In our high school, though, that was pretty big. There were a million people that suddenly knew his name. Every kid at our school would worship him for months to come. That's what always happened to the lead of the play.2

Jake and I auditioned together. We thought it would be something fun. We thought it would let us spend more time together. He was my best friend and he was sure that doing the play would let us hang out more. He'd assured me that, when no one was looking, we'd sneak off and go throw rocks into the nearby creek. It wouldn't be that different from what we normally did. Jake told me that the play would be a blast. Hanging out every single day after school did sound pretty sweet. Especially since it was our last year of high school. After that year there was a strong possibily that we'd be parting ways. And I was terrified. At the time, I didn't want to lose him.3

But that was all before he got the lead. Things changed for the worse as soon as that cool new title was placed upon him. He changed for the worse. At first, there was that stupid promise that nothing would change. I knew he didn't mean it the moment the words slipped out of his mouth. But I forced myself to believe it anyway. During those first couple months, I quelled my worries and forced myself to believe him. But, time after time, he was too busy to hang. He stood me up three times and ignored each of my calls. He was too busy to hang with his best friend.4

My heart was slowly breaking. He didn't see it. He never had and I was convinced he never would. He held the key to my heart. I would do anything and go anywhere with him. I tried not to be so desperate, but it was hard. I'd liked him- no, loved him- since the ninth grade. He never noticed. I don't think he ever cared to notice. I was just the girl who actually cared about him.5

Of the countless girls he'd dated, I was the only one who truly cared. I'd known him forever and I'd been there for him forever. I was there when his mom died. He was the one who cried on my shoulder night after night. For three long miserable months, I was the one who consoled him.6

Most of his girlfriends didn't care enough to ask him. Those who did didn't know how to console him. I was the only one that knew him inside out. I was the only one who could cheer him up in his time of need. After all, that's what best friends are for.7

But I suppose I'm just jealous. More than anything, I wanted to be in their place. Jake was gorgeous with his midnight hair and stunning ocean eyes. I wanted to be the one who held his loving gaze. I wanted to be the one wrapped in those strong, muscular arms. Always the athlete, Jake was so strong. Being wrapped in those arms had to feel so safe.8

And then came that day he finally contacted me. It was two weeks before the play opened and our conversation was short. He wanted me to meet him at the school theatre after dark. He wanted to talk. After all that time he spent ignoring me, he wanted to talk. I should have said no, but I didn't. The soft, pleading voice he used broke through my defenses in less than a moment. I was a sucker for his sweet, luring voice. Whenever he used that voice, I melted. He probably knew that too.9

So there I was standing outside that dark theatre just waiting for him to show up. Just as I was about ready to run, he showed up.10

"Hey," he grinned. "You showed up."11

He sounded as if he thought nothing was wrong. How could he be so stupid? I didn't respond.12

His grin slowly disappeared.13

"I know you're mad at me, but I'm making this up to you tonight," he promised. "I want things to go back to the way they were before."14

It was too hard to keep avoiding his gaze. I merely glanced up at him, hurt reflecting in my emerald eyes. One look into my eyes and guilt overtook his face.15

"I'm really sorry," he whispered, gently brushing a strand of auburn hair out of my face.16

When he did things like that, I couldn't say a word. All objections I'd had to him were lost in a sea of bliss. It was sad how just one little touch could see easily knock me off my feet.17

No more words were spoken as he led me into straight into the darkness.18

"How did you get in here?" I whispered, confusion sweeping across my face.19

"I paid the janitor," he explained, confidence seeping back into his voice.20

If I could see his face, I was sure I would see his trademark smug smile crossing his tanned face. Shaking my head, I followed him through the theatre. He was leading the way with a small flashlight he'd produced from his bag.21

After several moments of searching in the darkness, he stopped abruptly and sat down.22

"Sit next to me?" he asked, his voice soft and inviting.23

Not one to disappoint such a sweet voice, I sat beside him. I didn't know what he was planning, but I knew he was planning something. He was only used that sweet, gentle voice when he was planning something that he wanted me to go along with.24

"What are you planning?" I questioned, suspicion creeping into my voice.25

"You'll see," he whispered back.26

The enticing, husky tone in his voice surprised me. I'd never heard him use that kind of voice before. I wasn't sure what was going on, but so far, I was liking it.27

Jake wasn't usually one for surprises so I was pretty surprised by his behavior. As much as I loved him, I was bewildered by that side of him. Of the fifteen years I'd known him, I'd never seen him interested in surprises. Then again, I'd never known him to be into theatre either. Sports were a given for him, but theatre had never been something he'd particularly liked. But I guess things changed. Whatever was going on was certainly a change for him. At the time, I wasn't sure whether the change was good or bad. He was my best friend and, for once in my life, I didn't know what was going on his life. I couldn't figure out what he was planning.28

I got my answer moments later when the lights flew on and we were suddenly lifted into the air.29

"W-what's going on?" I squeaked, gripping the sides of whatever we were sitting on.30

Looking down, understanding crossed my face. It was a carpet. A magic carpet to be exact. Well, I'm not sure how magical it really was since we were being held up by wires. It made sense since the musical being done was Aladdin. What I didn't understand was why I was being whisked across the theatre on a magic carpet ride. It was awesome and all, but it seemed so unlike Jake.31

"I'm sorry I've been ignoring you," he whispered, placing his hand on top of mine. "I just got so busy with all the rehearsals. And I was getting so much extra attention I guess I let it go to my head." 32

"I-it's okay," I stammered, nervously giddy at the unexpected contact.33

"No, it's not okay," he breath, carefully moving closer.34

I couldn't speak. His face was merely a few inches away from mine. I could barely breath. He was mesmerizing and I was captivated.35

As the carpet flew around the theatre, Jake leaned in and did the one thing I never thought he'd ever do. He kissed me.36

It was the most amazing kiss I'd ever had. Sparks shot through my body like little jolts of lightning. His lips tasted of a mixture of Dr. Pepper and mint. It was a wonderful taste. It was a wonderful kiss.37

Time was lost as our lips met time after time. The world around us was lost and it was just the two of us together up there. My heart beat was still rapid as he pulled away. I was still dazed from the breathtaking kisses.38

"I love you," he whispered, as the carpet was lowered to the floor.39

"I love you too,"I murmured back. "But how did you manage to do all of this?"40

"I paid one of the kids working on the tech crew to work the carpet for me. It took my entire paycheck to do this, but it was worth it," he told me, a blissful grin on his face.41

"Thank you," I said, squeezing his hand.42

"Don't worry about it Cherry. You're worth it."43

With those words said, a smile crossed my face. Not only had he used his childhood nickname for me, but he'd worked hard to give me the most romantic experience of my life.44

With the ride over, we just sat there on that magical carpet. My head rested comfortably against his strong chest. Life was suddenly perfect.