Chapter 24
Spring break ended, which meant prom was drawing nearer. The school was buzzing with excitement. Girls were telling everyone who would listen about their dresses, while the boys were telling everyone who their date was. The whole school was gossiping.
“So, who’re you taking, Jack?”
“Amy. I expect you and Holidee are going together?”
“Yeah.” Zeke smiled.
“Where is Holidee?”
“Probably somewhere with your sister, discussing dresses.” Rip smiled.
“Yeah. Bek’d do that.” Ty walked up to them and joined the conversation.
“Who is Rebekah going to the prom with?”
“No one yet. Don’t know why she’s waiting so long. Said she’s ‘waiting for the right guy to ask her’. Whatever that means.” Ty rolled his eyes as he sat down. Tom looked at Rip.
“You don’t know who this ‘right guy’ is?”
“Nope. Won’t tell me. Said I’ll have to find out.” Rip crinkled his forehead. “First thing she’s not confided in me.”
“I guess there’s a first for everything.”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
“So, who’re you taking, Tom?” Tom looked at them.
“I don’t know. I haven’t decided yet.” They laughed.
“What? Stuck between two or something?” Tom smirked.
“No. I just don’t know if I’m the…never mind.”
“Okay, but you better hurry up. The good ones are goin’ fast.” They all started walking.
“Man, am I glad today’s over!”
“Why?”
“Boys! They keep pestering me to go to the prom with them.”
“And you’ve declined every one?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I want someone better.” Holidee cocked an eyebrow. She and Rebekah were walking down the street.
“Do you have someone in mind?” She hesitated a bit too long. “Who?” Rebekah was quiet. “Oh please, tell me! I won’t tell! I promise!” Rebekah looked at her friend.
“No. You’ll find out if he asks me.” Holidee wasn’t satisfied.
“Is it someone I know?”
“No. I’m not giving you any hints.”
“Oh, okay.” They walked a little further and ran into Rip, Tom, Zeke, Jack, and Ty. “Hey guys!” They waved. They merged the two groups and became one big one.
“Where’re the other girls?”
“Shopping.”
“Figures.”
“What do you expect?” Jack shrugged his shoulders. Holidee fell in step beside Zeke. Rip, Jack, and Ty followed them, talking about baseball. Tom and Rebekah brought up the rear. They didn’t walk quite as fast as the others.
“So, are you going to prom?” Tom looked at her.
“And why wouldn’t I?”
“I don’t know. Sometimes you don’t like those social gatherings.”
“Yeah. They can get pretty annoying. I like dancing, though.”
“Me, too.” They fell silent for a few minutes.
“Bek?” She looked at Tom. No one called her Bek except for Rip, but coming from Tom’s mouth, it felt so right. “Do you think maybe…would you-”
“Hey you two! Stop bein’ so slow!” Tom looked up to see Zeke shouting and smiling back at him. He smiled. Nothing was said between them the rest of the night.
“Hi. Is Holidee ready?” Crix smiled down at Zeke, dressed in a tux.
“Just about. Come on in.” Crix noticed Zeke was holding a red rose in his hand. He yelled up the stairs for Holidee, who replied with ‘just a minute!’ “She’s probably doing some finishing touches. Women.” Zeke smiled. “That’s one thing you’re gonna learn: never be in a hurry.” Zeke laughed, but stopped when he saw Holidee at the top of the stairs.
Holidee was wearing a blue dress that matched her eyes perfectly. It was strapless. The top of the dress fit around her curves like a corset, while the bottom of her dress flared out, accenting those curves. Her hair draped over her shoulders, with only a few strands pulled back with pins. She had curled her hair, giving it body. Around her neck hung the Celtic necklace his father had given her for Christmas along with a pearl necklace. She looked amazing.
She walked down the stairs toward Zeke, who was staring up at her. When she reached him, he absentmindedly handed her the rose. She smiled and set it in a vase. Zeke quickly got out of his daze.
“Are we ready?” He nodded. She kissed Crix good-bye on the cheek and walked out the front door with Zeke. A black limo was waiting for them. She screamed with delight. He helped her into the vehicle and started to get in himself when Crix yelled from the door.
“Have her back before midnight!” Zeke smiled and nodded and then they were off. Holidee felt like a princess who had fallen into a dream. She was wearing a dress that made her feel beautiful. She was sitting next to a guy she adored. She was riding in a limo, built for royalty. Zeke slipped his arm around her waist and kissed her cheek.
“You excited?” She nodded. He looked her up and down. “You are truly the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” Holidee blushed.
“You’re just saying that.”
“No. Really. You are gonna light up the room and make every girl jealous.” She smiled.
“Then you will make every boy jealous, since you probably won’t leave my side.”
“You’re right. I won’t leave your side. I’ll be too afraid someone will snatch you away.” Holidee laughed. A few minutes later they pulled into the school and he took her arm as they headed toward the music. Fast music was playing and multi-colored lights flashed everywhere. Zeke and Holidee immediately met up with their friends. They all danced, laughed, and had punch. Zeke was twirling Holidee around when Tom cut in.
“Let me dance with her a few.” Zeke smiled at his best friend, happy to see him back to normal again.
“Tom. I should’ve known you’d be the first to try and steal her away.” Tom smiled.
“Next time you should have a better grip on her.” Zeke shook his head and headed to the side to watch. Holidee laughed as Tom twirled her around once more.
“Where’s your date, Tom?”
“I didn’t come with one.”
“Really? Why not?”
“Let’s just say I didn’t have the guts to ask the girl I wanted to take.” Holidee laughed. “You look mighty fine tonight, Miss Holidee.” Holidee smiled. “You might want to watch for snakes tonight.”
“I’ll be sure to do that.” Holidee looked down at Tom. He was wearing something other than shorts. His suit was a little loose fitting. His tie was already coming off. He had probably already fidgeted with it. His jet-black hair matched his outfit perfectly, making him almost irresistible. He still wore that army green headband, though. The music changed and a slow song started up. Tom smiled and stopped dancing with Holidee.
“This is Zeke’s field.” Holidee laughed.
“Go find that girl you didn’t have any guts to ask.” Tom smiled.
“Maybe I will, if she didn’t find a guy already.”
“Who could resist you, Tom?” She smiled coyly.
“Obviously you.” Holidee smiled.
“That’s because I’m taken…and happy. Now find that girl of yours.” She shoved him off and searched for Zeke. The dance floor was crowded and she had a tough time getting through. When she finally broke free, however, the song was half over. She was a little disappointed but decided there would be other slow songs and grabbed a drink to cool her off. She stood there, looking out on the dance floor, and saw Tom, dancing with a girl, who had dark brown hair and red highlights. Holidee’s mouth fell and she almost dropped her glass of punch. She smiled as Tom winked at her from the dance floor. Holidee smiled, imagining them going on double dates with her and Zeke, spending the holidays together, and growing together. Holidee walked to the hallway to get out of the crowded room, a smile still spread on her fac
e. Then she saw two people kissing. She couldn’t see the boy, but the girl was Olivia. She was all over her date. Disgusting. You’d think they could do that somewhere more private. Then they unlocked and Holidee saw the guy. “Oh My God!” His green eyes widened in fear. Tears stung her eyes. “How could you…?”
“Holid-” She ran. That’s the only thing that she could think to do. She ran. She ran into the night and then ran down the street. She didn’t want to go home. So she ran past her house. She ran past the town. She ran, feeling blisters forming on her heels. Then she stopped. Rain droplets started to fall. She lifted her head toward the sky and felt the cool rain start to pour on her, soaking her dress and skin in minutes. And then, she teleported. She teleported to the only place where her mind could think clearly.
Zeke pushed Olivia off of him.
“Stop. I said stop it!” She smiled at him.
“Looks like that little girlfriend of yours ran off. You don’t need her anyway.” Zeke glared at Olivia, loathing her for what she was. He hadn’t kissed her. She made it look as if he had, to try and break him and Holidee up. He was refusing a dance with her when Holidee came into view and then she threw herself onto him. Zeke wiped his mouth of anything that belonged to her. Then he turned. He had to find Holidee. He had to explain everything to her. He had to tell her that it was her he loved. No one else. He ran out of the school, cool rain hitting his face. He undid his tie and threw it on the ground.
“Holidee!” A crack of thunder roared above him. He ran down the street and stopped at the corner. “Holidee!” Lightning streaked across the sky, lighting it up. He knew of only one place she would be crazy enough to go on a night like this.
The sand was wet from the storm. She threw off her shoes and fell onto the beach. She was soaked to the bone and freezing. She crawled closer to the ocean, trying to drag warmth from it. She sat close to the water but didn’t touch it. Her dress was a mess now. Sand and rain had made her dress wilt. She brought her knees up to her chest and cradled herself against the roaring wind. Her hair was whipped around behind her as a clap of thunder made her bones rattle. She rested her head on her knees and cried. She cried until no more tears would come out. Then she touched the Irish necklace around her neck and cried some more. She was becoming sadder as the storm was becoming angrier.
The car skidded to a halt. Zeke jumped out of the car and ran up to the house, banging on the door.
“Holidee!” No answer. He went around to the back and banged another door and then another. “Holidee!” He turned around to face the storm. The rain was cold and the night was dark. Then a flash of lightning made him see a little figure huddled up on the beach. She looked helpless, like a child. He ran over the wet grass and down the stairs to the sand. His hair was plastered to his head and his shoes were heavy with water. “Holidee!” He slid to a stop and dropped down next to her. His hand gently touched her wet cheek and he took his jacket off and put it over her shoulders, to keep her warm. She was shivering. He wrapped his arms around her and rocked her against his body. “Holidee.” He closed his eyes as the rain fell harder. “Holidee, I didn’t kiss her. She saw you and threw herself onto me. I want nothing to do with her. She is a nasty being, and I hate her, but there is nothing else I can do. I’m sorry. This night was supposed to be perfect. It was perfect. I’ll make it up to you, just, please, say you’ll take me back.” Holidee turned and looked at him. What did he just say? He’s afraid I won’t take him back?
“Why would you ask me that?”
“Because I don’t deserve you. You could do so much better than me. I am so vulnerable around you. One touch from you makes my knees weak. My name coming off of your lips makes me shiver with desire. I need you Holidee. I love you.” She stared at him as another flash of lightning and crash of thunder sounded over their heads. “And if that makes me weak, then so be it. I’m weak. Here that? I’m weak! I’ve found a girl who can make my heart melt and my stomach knot! I’ve found someone who can make me cry and laugh at the same time! I’ve found her and now I can’t live without her!” Tears were mixing in with the rain that streamed down his face. His voice became almost a whisper. “I’ve found the girl I want to spend the rest of my life with and I’m not losing her. Not now. Not ever. Spend the rest of your life with me, Holidee. Take me back. Please.” Holidee lifted a hand to his face and stroked his cheek. He closed his eyes as he felt her warmth.
“I need you, too.” She leaned forward and was close to him. He felt her warm breath on his face. “I want to share with you something that I’ve been keeping a secret from you for a long time.” She stood up and as the jacket fell off of her shoulders, she helped Zeke up. She led him to the water and they walked into the belly of the beast together. When they were waist deep, she stopped and linked her hands with his. They started to glow blue. Zeke stared at her hands, confused, astonished, mesmerized. Then she let go of his hands and held them over her head. The rain clouds parted and the storm faded away before his eyes. The sun shone down on their wet faces as he stared at her, afraid and amazed. Then she let her arms fall to her sides and she looked at Zeke, her eyes glowing blue and looking like the ocean waves. He stepped back and she saw him retreat a little, so she grabbed his hand and didn’t let him. Her hands were warm. Warmer than any hands he had ever felt. The warmth spread through him like a wild fire and he closed his eyes as his body soaked it up. He kept his eyes closed as she led him back to the beach. When his feet hit the dry sand, he opened them. He looked down at himself and saw that he was dry. Then he looked at her and saw that she looked just like she had when he picked her up. He smiled and kissed her, while staring into her bright, wild eyes. Then he stepped back, waiting for an explanation. She smiled back at him, as her eyes slowly faded back to their original form.
“Zeke. I’m of a different race. We call ourselves Oceains. We are people of the sea. We have powers to help and heal the ocean. I have powers.” She explained everything from what an Oceain was to where they came from and where they are now. “But that’s not all. I’m the last true Oceain. I’m the last Pureblood. It’s my responsibility to build up our race again.” They sat on the beach and talked for hours about Oceains and their powers. She showed him everything she could do and more. She told him who Oceains were and how you could tell. They sat up for hours, talking under the stars, and completely lost track of time.
Holidee opened her eyes slowly. Her dress was still on her, with Zeke’s jacket over her shoulders. Her head was resting on Zeke’s chest and his arm was around her. They had fallen asleep on the beach. She sat up.
“Zeke.” He grumbled. “Zeke, wake up.” He opened his eyes and smiled. “We fell asleep on the beach last night.” The sun was shining down on them. Zeke sat up.
“Oh, crap!” He stood up and they ran to his car. “Your da-I mean Crix is gonna kill me!” They got into the car. He started the engine and drove off while Holidee tried to get the wrinkles out of her dress. She looked over at Zeke, whose tux was wrinkled and worn. It didn’t look good. How was she going to explain this? Crix wasn’t going to believe the truth. “I am so dead.” Zeke was staring off into space as he pulled into Holidee’s driveway.
“Where have you been?” Oh, no. “It’s nearly noon.” Crix and Mer ran out of the house and to the car. Holidee got out, but Zeke stayed in the car. Crix and Mer looked at them and saw their clothes and hair all messed up. Mer grabbed Crix’ hand to keep him from committing murder. Zeke slowly got out of the car. He walked up to Crix, but stayed far enough away so that he was out of hitting distance.
“Uh, sir, I’m really sorry. You see, we kinda fell asleep on the beach and…” His voice trailed off. Nothing was going to sound right. Holidee stepped in between Zeke and Crix.
“Nothing happened, Crix. We were talking and then we lost track of time and fell asleep.” Crix eyed Zeke and then looked at Holidee.
“The beach?” Holidee nodded.
“I told him I’m an Oceain and everything.??
? Crix wasn’t convinced.
“That’s why you went to the ocean?”
“Yeah, uh, and also because I felt an animal in trouble so I ran to the beach. Zeke followed me, afraid he did something wrong, and he caught me healing the little animal. So I had to tell him. I wanted to anyway.” Crix stared at Holidee and Zeke for a few minutes. Then his gaze softened as he unclenched his fists.
“Okay. You had better come on inside to clean up. You too, Zeke.” They all walked into the house. “I’ll call your dad. No doubt he’s worried sick too.” Crix walked into the kitchen while Holidee headed to the bathroom. Zeke sat down on the couch. Mer sat next to him.
“So, what really happened?” Zeke looked at her.
“Uh, what do you mean?” She smiled.
“Holidee can lie, but not that good.” Zeke looked down at the floor and told Mer the whole story.
“Then we woke up and all that I could think of was not seeing my eighteenth birthday. I was so afraid you guys wouldn’t let me be with Holidee again.” Mer smiled.
“Now all you have to do is tell Crix.” Zeke swallowed.
“Yeah.”
“No he doesn’t. I heard the whole thing.” Crix walked into the living room and sat down in a chair. “Thanks for tellin’ the truth.” Zeke nodded.
“You’re not mad?”
“Well, I’m just glad you brought Holidee back, still innocent, and faced us. I hate cowards.” Crix smiled reassuringly. Holidee walked into the room and Zeke went to take a shower next. “Zeke told us the truth.”
“He did? Oh. I didn’t think you’d believe the truth. It’s kinda chaotic.”
“Yeah, but I could see it in his eyes. He really cares about you, Holidee.”
“Yeah, I know. He’s a good guy. I think I’ll keep him.” Mer and Crix smiled.