Song of a Sophomore

CHAPTER 28 - I Could Fall in Love

After the brawl breaks out, the DJ's comes to his senses and cuts the music. "Time to slow things down."

A dreamy pop ballad washes over us, and the Spanish guitar riffs and romantic female vocals soothe the ruckus crowd. The gentle melody nudges me toward Zach as he stands motionless on the dance floor bathed in sparkling indigo light, like he is walking right out of one of my daydreams. My feet are unconsciously gliding toward him and there is nothing the shy, scared girl can do to stop it. An unstoppable force is pushing me forward. Fate. 

I come face to face with Zach and hold my breath. The trembling crescendo of the music and crashing symbols are a sign from the heavens. When his gaze meets mine from behind the formidable mask, the skin on my forearms breaks out under the chill of goosebumps. 

It's now or never. 

I open my mouth--ready to give a comforting word or confess my love--I don't know which, but Zach holds his hand out for me before I can even move my lips to speak. As I slide my eager palm into his, a warm, tingling sensation spreads through my arm, into my chest and floods my heart with endorphins. Zach hands press onto the small of my back, pulling me closer. I wrap my arms around his shoulders and rest my head gently on his shoulder. Breathing in the sweet smell of sandalwood, I whisper thank you to God, Cupid or whatever divine being conjured up this perfectly serene moment.

My eyes close and the delicate lyrics seem to spill from my soul. I can't imagine a more perfect song playing at this moment because I really could fall in love tonight. What was once a hopeless wish could manifest right here on the dance floor. Sure, Zach and Katelyn just broke up, but I can plant the seed for our future together.

Should I tell him how I feel?

If I take the chance and confess my feelings, will he say that he wants me, too? The small, still voice inside speaks loudly.

Take the chance. Tell him everything. Tell him how you felt the first time you saw him gazing at you over his sunglasses at the pool. Tell him how your heart broke into pieces when you learned he was with Katelyn. Tell him you lay awake at night remembering that ride home after the first football game., how your mind cannot let go of the memory of his hands on the steering wheel, the warm scent of his skin, the soft fall of his hair, or the swirl of smoke escaping from the corner of his mouth. Tell him how you can't forget the way he touched your neck, guided you to the podium and carried you to safety when you fell. Tell him.

Confessing my love is not an option, at least not right now. Katelyn broke up with him minutes ago. I will have to wait for the perfect moment. For now, I am content to sway in step to the music with my body sweetly resting against his, desperately hoping this moment will last for an eternity. 

The song plays out to the final chorus, but I am frozen in time in pure bliss. Except for one thing: a sharp tap on my shoulder.

"You mind if I cut in?" Leo Goodwin asks.

He puffs his chest and flexes his arms at his sides like a bird challenging another male for a mate. Leo is the smaller, weaker of the species. I am hoping for a battle of beaks and talons thrashing as Zach defends me against the invader, but with a simple nod, Zach hands me off to Leo.

The warmth of Zach's body and his enthralling scent disappears into the crowd. Disappointment stabs at my heart. My perfect moment is ruined. I want to reverse time, but Leo drops his hands onto my waist and anchors me to the present. I search for his eyes through the slits on his silver wolf mask, which looks more like a Halloween costume than a masquerade accessory. Sharp fangs cover the perfect bow in his upper lip. The menacing features of snarling teeth and an angry snout culminated in two pointy ears.