Paradise

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-three

"How did you get that?" I asked, breathless. "Surely Ms. Albert didn't--"

"Nonsense!" Daphne laughed. "I stole it before the dance."

"S-She didn't see you?" I cried, stunned by the thought.

"Of course not," Daphne said. "This dimension may cripple my abilities, but it doesn't take them away."

And with that, Ms. Albert's satchel opened of its own accord and the crystal floated out, followed by the sheet-music to open the portal. They floated to me and I timidly took them out of the air. My hands were trembling.

"What the--" Robert breathed.

I looked at him, and his face was completely blanched. He looked like he might pass out. I controlled the urge to grab his arm and gently lead him to one of the chairs, though I doubted he'd accept my help after what he'd just seen, anyway. I wondered if he thought I was in on-- whatever this was-- too? I wanted to tell him I wasn't. I wanted so badly to convince him that I was the same girl he'd complimented in the hall, the same girl he'd shared a dance with in the gymnasium-- the one who secretly adored him.

"Well?" Daphne asked me. "What are you waiting for? Open the portal."

I fidgeted, uncomfortable.

"What's the matter?" she asked, walking over to me. "Am I not allowed to go home?" she asked.

"I'll send you home," I said softly, hoping only she would hear, "but not in front of him."

"It's alright," she said. "He is going with us."

I looked into Kendall's dark eyes and found them unrecognizable; Daphne completely shined through. "Why?" I asked.

"It's too much to get into now," she said. "We will discuss everything once we're there."

"Oh, like how we'd discuss everything after one dance?" I asked, feeling bold.

Her gaze darkened. Apparently she'd not found my retaliation humorous ... or even brave. She looked pretty angry, and just seeing her expression killed what little boldness I'd managed to find. "Just do what I ask," she said.

I looked down at the sheet-music, my heart pounding in my temples. "I don't think I can," I said.

"You have to. You can either do it of your own accord or I will force you."

I looked up at her, my eyes narrowing. "Force me?" I cried. "How?"

She just smiled. "I don't think you want to know."

"Tell me," I gritted.

"Very well," Daphne said.

Robert suddenly lurched back with a strangled cry. His hands flew to his throat, clawing at something invisible. His eyes bulged ... his blanched face quickly turning red.

"Stop it!" I cried.

"Sing," she demanded.

"Fine! Just please let him go!" My voice emerged so shrilly I immediately felt embarrassed.

Released, Robert tumbled to the floor in a gasping heap. I watched him for a moment, breathing hard. Daphne's hand touched the top of my arm and I jumped.

"Sing," she said.

"B-But the room," I said. "The portal will destroy--"

"It doesn't matter," Daphne said. "We won't be coming back."

My heartbeat quickened. "We ... won't?" I looked at her in surprise.

She shook her head. "No more questions, Penelope. If you won't sing then you will watch Robert die. Is that something you're prepared to do?"