Our Imagination is our Forever

1

It had been age since I had last worn the dark red dress. The front scoped down to form a V-neck, not revealing, just enough to leave one guessing. Where it joined the bodice it was form fitted and around the hips, came together to create a gathering of the fabric on either side. From there, it flowed gently around my legs, yet without all the extra poof of a renaissance gown. Ruffles formed in different layers, adding elegance and fluidity. A short train ended the back, turning colors into almost a midnight black shade. The sleeves, much like the train, got darker and darker, flaring out at the end. A piece of fabric connected to one finger to hold them in place. The dress had belonged to my mother, when we lived in Ireland during the middle ages, still in perfect condition, all these long years later.2

My Hair was pinned in an authentic up-do with curls; random pieces left falling around my face to soften the look. A red and gold band intertwined intricately, gold glitter lingering in the strands. 3

I had rubbed on some gold flecked body lotion, giving my pale skin a sun kissed glow and when lights hit just right, my skin seemed to sparkle where the glistening flecks stuck to my skin. 4

The mask was delicately crafted hundreds of year’s prior, in Rome. The main color matched the dress, dark deep rouge. Gold trimming outlined the edges with slender gold string hanging loosely down the side of my face. The mask was only made to cover half of my face; my mother had colored the other half. Swirls of gold and red outlined my eye and gold lipstick was rubbed gently on my soft lips. 5

After sliding my feet in the black heels, I was ready to leave, my heart pumping loud in my chest. Caleb had said he was coming, but would he? For all I know he could chicken out, my nervousness being for nothing. What am I talking about, I should not be nervous to begin with. I had been to this ball every year since I began going to Kent High three years ago. 6

I heard a loud knock on the door; it could only belong to Jana. My thoughts were confirmed when I heard matt tell her that they could just walk like normal, there was no need to knock. I laughed; Jana just chose to ignore him. 7

I walked down the stairs to be greeted by their exuberant smiling faces, one forming on my own lips. Matt extended his free hand to take mine, having Jana on the right and me on the left. 8

Mother kissed my check and waved us out the door, shouting for us to have a great time as we climbed up into Matt’s rather large white Silverado. My mind stayed focused on one subject Caleb Morgan. I had not even notice what outfits my two best friends wore. I told them how wonderful they looked out of habit and courtesy. In all honesty, I did not care.9

I could not help but wonder if all those that are bonded feel this way at the beginning, or was it this way just because of the fact we were opposite sexes. I had no one to ask and there for there was no way of knowing. I wanted to know if Caleb had the same jitters, nervousness, and thoughts. 10

All to soon I heard the loud diesel engine grumble off and watched as Matt came to open our doors, lending a hand to our descent. I smiled and laughed as he jokingly twirled me around and lowered me back to the hard ground. 11

Walking in the gym, I was first drawn to the large silver disco ball attached to the ceiling. I worked through my transfixion and turned in a circle tacking in the view. Every so often, a new era was being represented. It started with the 1900 and going back as far as the 1400s. On the opposite wall, they had all different set-ups for Disney princesses. Between each major theme was a random mini theme, like cave dwellers and jesters.12

For the first time that night my mind was not focused on the Morgan boy, just having a good time and laughing. Matt had taken turns dancing with Jana and I for the past hour, by this time I was completely exhausted from dancing.13

‘I think I’m taking my leave now, be back in a sec.” I called over my shoulder as I walked to the punch bowl. Reaching down I grabbed the handle to the long curved silver spoon that held drink matching the color of my dress. The music was loud, rattling some of the decorations attached to the walls and the table where the food and drinks were arranged. 14

A chill traveled up my spine, making me shiver. I turned to see what caused it. With all the people I was around, I had to keep myself in a mid transformation to handle all the needs and emotions that the kids unintentionally sent out. As a normal person I could not handle it, I would crumble from the pressure.15

At that moment, our eyes locked. Black eyes met my green ones. His pale skin reflected the multicolor of the strobe lights and disco ball. Unconsciously my eyes traveled down his body. He was dressed in leather pants and a dark black dress shirt. The shirt was neatly tucked in and unbuttoned midway, showing the porcelain toned skin that lay beneath. I sucked in a breath, as he appeared right in front of my eyes. My heart speed up and I knew he heard it, even with all the other teenagers around us. In this light and atmosphere he was perfect, that precise kind of beauty artist try to capture every day, whether the gently quiet of a hidden creek of the raging surges of a typhoon, but never could. 16

“I was beginning to think you weren’t going to show.” I told him as my eyes finally reconnected with his black irises. It was a dumb response, yet the only one that found its way to my voice.17

Caleb smiled, his white teeth, reflecting the light, “I like to be fashionably late.”18

I laughed, rubbing my head, which had a slight ache. He furrowed his brow, “How are you holding up?”19

“Actually it is better when your around, the feelings are not as sharp, I try to ignore them if I can.” I smiled, surprised that I was not lying, as soon as he placed himself beside me the levels of intensity dropped. Considering all the looks he was getting from the girls, and most of the guys, you think it would only add more. A playful grin lit up his sharp pale features, taking my breath again.20

Leaning over, placing his mouth next to my ear, his breath cold against my skin, instead of warm, “Come dance with me.” His spoke voice spoke in my ear, chill bumps formed all down the left side of my body.21

I looked at his outstretched hand and slowly, yet not reluctantly, laid mine in his. His fingers wrapped themselves around mine, my body going cold from his touch. For the first time I heard the song that began playing. It was old, not from the twentieth century that was for sure. Placing one hand lightly on my waist, he cupped the other in the air. My free hand was suspended ever so lightly around his neck. 22

He held me so soft, so tenderly, like a dove. I sighed softly and rested my head on his shoulder, following where he led me, our bodies traveling together in perfect harmony. It was like we have rehearsed the routine for days on end. It was the first time I felt him completely relaxed in my presence, felt some of his emotions and needs. I was meeting Caleb Morgan for the first time.23

The dance floor dissolved around us, we were suspended in the air, dancing through the clouds of heaven, the moon a giant silver ball floating by us. In that moment, we were one, the only people who existed. He was all that mattered. I felt for the first time in my life, I was in control of my life and where I was going. I knew that here and now was right, this is how it was supposed to be. Even if Caleb and I were both human and not creatures, this would be right. Here in the clouds of our imagination. 24