Once At Midnight | Book 1

Chapter 8

Midnight floated about in a bubble of joy and happiness, her feet planted firmly on the ceiling as she flipped through Candy's phone, texting Dylan. "Okay. My mom said she can drop us off at the mall later when she gets back from work. So I'll be there to pick you up by 5 pm," Dylan's message popped up.

"Alright, I'll wait until then," Midnight replied, her heart aflutter. She eagerly awaited Dylan's response, which came in the form of heart and kiss emojis. Midnight blushed and smiled, "It's only a quarter past four right now. Not too long to go."

As Candy's footsteps approached, Midnight quickly dropped the phone and gracefully descended to the bed, attempting to appear nonchalant.

"I'm done showering," Candy announced, emerging in a cyan-colored robe and fuzzy pink bathroom slippers. She settled at her mirror table to paint her nails.

Midnight floated over, peering at Candy's pink and cyan manicure. "Oh! You're painting your nails in pink and cyan! Mind if I join in?" Midnight asked, her excitement palpable. "I'd love to paint mine black."

"Sure, knock yourself out," Candy responded with a hint of sarcasm, rising from her seat. "Just try not to get paint everywhere." With that, she left the room.

Midnight spread her hands, and to her surprise, the bottles of nail polish began to levitate, emitting a blue and yellow glow. Her eyes and star shimmered in response. "This is new. When did I learn to do this?" she mused aloud, experimenting with her newfound ability.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. "Dylan's here already! It's five!" Midnight exclaimed, clenching her fists in excitement. The bottles of nail polish tumbled to the ground as she rushed to get ready, slipping into one of Candy's dresses before darting out the front gate to meet Dylan. "You look nice," he complimented as she approached. "I was thinking we could go to Cozy Corner Café."

Mrs. Brownilock dropped them off at the café with a cheerful farewell, leaving them to enjoy their outing.

"What's this place?" Midnight inquired, scanning the surroundings with curiosity. "Candy's never taken me here before."

"It's Cozy Corner Café. Best spot in Snowbell Springs," Dylan replied, a smile tugging at his lips. Midnight turned away, feeling a blush creeping up her cheeks.

Together, they entered the café, Midnight marveling at the casual yet elegant décor and the array of delectable treats on display. "This place is really nice," she murmured, her eyes glowing once more.

Dylan noticed her radiant aura. "Wow, you're... glowing," he observed, his gaze filled with wonder. Midnight panicked, using her hands to shield her eyes. "Glowing? What do you mean, glowing?"

Dylan chuckled at her response. "You can be funny sometimes," he remarked, reaching for his ringing phone. "Sorry, I have to take this. It's my mom."

"Take your time," Midnight replied, finding a table near the glass wall. Glancing outside, she spotted Candy searching the sidewalk. Panicking, she grabbed a menu card to shield her face. "Candy doesn't know I left with Dylan. She's probably looking for me!"

"Oh, you found us a table!" Dylan observed upon returning. "While we're ordering, why don't you tell me more about yourself?"

"About myself?" Midnight stammered, caught off guard. "Well, as Candy mentioned before, I'm from Midnight and New Jersey. That's about it! Let's order something. The milkshake looks nice!"

Their order arrived—a single large milkshake placed between them, with two straws positioned opposite each other. "Sorry, but there are two of us?" Midnight questioned.

"No, I ordered the milkshake for two," Dylan explained with a smile, gesturing for her to drink up.

As they began to enjoy their milkshake, Midnight felt her star beginning to glow once more. Her purse floated into the air, causing her to panic. "Oops! I have to use the restroom," she lied, hastily making her exit.

Once in the restroom, Midnight sat against the wall, examining her glowing hands. "What's happening to my abilities today? This isn't normal," she murmured, shaking her hands in frustration. Suddenly, a bottle of soap began to float, causing Midnight to drop it in surprise. "If I go out there like this, Dylan will suspect something's up. I don't want to disappoint him. I have to go."

Using a hoodie to conceal her face, Midnight slipped past Dylan unnoticed and dashed out the door. However, Dylan caught her hand before she could escape. "Where are you going?"

"I'm just heading back! I have something really important to do with Candy!" Midnight fibbed, anxiety coursing through her.

"Can't I at least walk you home?" Dylan persisted, his eyes locking with hers. Blushing furiously, Midnight hesitated before agreeing.

***

Dylan escorted Midnight to Candy's front gate, their hands intertwined. "Thank you!" Midnight murmured as she prepared to go inside. However, Dylan stopped her, a determined expression on his face. "Hey, I just wanted to say, even if it was brief..." He stepped closer, the setting sun casting a romantic glow around them. "I really enjoyed our time together."

Midnight's heart raced as Dylan leaned in, inching closer to her. Just as their lips were about to meet, Candy's voice shattered the moment. "Midnight! What's going on here?" she demanded, her eyes flashing with anger.

Caught off guard, Midnight looked guiltily at Dylan before turning to face Candy's accusing glare. "It's like you don't appreciate anything I've done for you!" Candy's voice cracked with emotion as she stormed past Midnight, shoving her aside.

Feeling dejected, Midnight exchanged a worried glance with Dylan before sighing and retreating into the house.