Once At Midnight | Book 1

Chapter 12

Candy meticulously curated a lineup of exhilarating activities for their enjoyment, her anticipation palpable. Midnight's revelation about Tulip and her impending departure had cast a shadow over their plans.

"I know this is a lot to process..." Midnight's voice was a hushed murmur, tinged with concern as she tried not to unsettle Candy, "But yes, I'll be leaving once I fulfill my destiny. The starlight comet is hurtling towards us, set to grace us this Sunday, with only Saturday remaining..." Her glance at Candy held a hint of worry.

"Everything will be alright as long as I'm here... You're not alone in this. I may not wield otherworldly powers like you, but I'll find a way to assist," Candy reassured, her words met with Midnight's gentle laughter, her eyes now aglow with a luminous yellow, mirroring her pendant's hue. "For now, let's make the most of the time we have before your departure."

Midnight excused herself to freshen up, wrapping a black towel around her frame as she entered the bathroom, only to find Tulip awaiting her. "It's about time. Are you prepared?" Tulip's tone bore an urgency, reminding Midnight of the impending comet's arrival by Sunday.

"Yes," Midnight affirmed, "I'm ready for the momentous day. But remind me, what's our plan to thwart her?"

"Oh, I've crafted a plan for our confrontation. The comet will descend upon Snowbell Springs by Sunday, yet Queen Luna will precede its arrival. We strike when she's distracted, seize the opportunity to neutralize her power, claim the crown, and vanquish her once and for all!" Tulip outlined, a sly grin playing on her lips.

Midnight pondered, "But what of the crown and the Starlight comet? We must ensure they remain concealed and unusable..."

"Fret not. I have a solution for that!" Tulip reassured, a cunning smirk adorning her features, "Leave that aspect to me..."

"Midnight! Dylan's Here!" Candy's voice echoed, prompting Midnight to hasten her preparations.

Meanwhile, in the downstairs living room, tension hung heavy as Candy and Dylan awaited Midnight's descent. "Greetings..." Dylan's tone carried a strained edge, "Where's Midnight?"

"She's freshening up..." Candy's response matched his somber tone.

"Also, don't think I haven't noticed your actions..." Dylan's voice held a hint of accusation, "I've been aware all along..."

"Aware of what?"

"Your jealousy towards Midnight and me... Your relentless efforts to maintain our friendship and nothing more..." Dylan's voice lowered, "But now, your efforts are in vain. Surprise, we shared a moment the other night..."

"Firstly, it wasn't jealousy, it was protectiveness. And even if there was a hint of jealousy, it's because you're flaunting your bond with my sister in my face! And no, you and Midnight never shared a moment; she would have confided in me if that were the case! Besides, your actions are futile. She's departing this Sunday, and there's no altering that..."

Dylan was taken aback until Midnight descended, radiating freshness and vitality. "Ready for a day of adventure!"

Dylan approached her, taking her hand, "Let's cherish this fleeting moment before it slips away..." His words carried a tender, romantic undertone, causing Midnight to blush faintly, her eyes aglow with a mesmerizing blue hue.

They boarded the bus, embarking on their journey, with Candy leading the way to the pizza place. "Okay, okay, first up we're going to get a taste of pizza," Candy declared, excitement bubbling in her voice.

Midnight, lost in thought, mused, "From my knowledge, I think pizza is white bread with tomatoes and cheese." As they savored the slices, Midnight's eyes lit up, "Stars! This is absolutely divine!"

Their adventure continued with visits to the arcade, Dylan's house, and the water park, each moment filled with laughter and joy. Finally, they returned to Candy's house for a sleepover. While Candy and Dylan settled inside, Midnight opted to sit outside, gazing at the stars, her mind consumed by thoughts of a life untouched by tragedy.

"Midnight!" Dylan's voice broke the silence as he found her, settling beside her, "I was wondering where you disappeared to..." He edged closer, curiosity glinting in his eyes. "What's capturing your attention?" He inched even closer, their hands almost touching.

"Constellations. It's fascinating," Midnight replied softly. Dylan's hand found hers, intertwining their fingers. "You know, I'm really going to miss you when you return to New Jersey..."

A smile tugged at Midnight's lips. "I'll miss you too. Both you and Candy have been incredibly kind to me..."

The two of them sat together for some time, chatting and laughing until the atmosphere shifted from friendly banter to something more intimate. Dylan's grip on her hand tightened, his other hand gently caressing the side of Midnight's face as they locked eyes, drawing closer with each passing moment—an undeniable connection, an inseparable moment.

"Midnight... I..." Dylan's voice trailed off as he closed his eyes and leaned in to kiss her.

She reciprocated, their lips meeting in a tender embrace. But even in that fleeting moment of passion, a torrent of conflicting emotions surged within Midnight. 'I can't... No matter how much I want to... In the end, he might find my non-human nature too strange. I can't fit in, no matter how much I try... No matter how much I love him... I can't be human...'

With that realization weighing heavily on her heart, Midnight pulled away abruptly, speechless. Tears streamed down her flushed cheeks as she recoiled, her sobs breaking the silence. "What's... What's wrong?" Dylan rose to his feet, reaching out to comfort her, his concern palpable. "Midnight, I love you..."

Meeting his gaze through tear-filled eyes, Midnight's own eyes glowed with a purple hue, leaving Dylan bewildered. "Since the day I met you, there was something about your spirit I couldn't resist... You're compassionate and steadfast, no matter the circumstance. You even saved me when I was drowning, deepening my admiration for you... I also find you..." Dylan's cheeks flushed as he looked away, "Cute?"

Her tears continued to flow unabated. "Stop! Just stop it! You don't know what you're saying! If only you knew..."

"You mean so much to me..." Dylan leaned in again, but Midnight silenced him with a finger on his lips, her expression a mix of frustration and sorrow. "If only you knew the truth about me... I love you too..." She wiped her tears away, her voice trembling. "I don't want to break your heart any further, I never meant to..."

Dylan stepped back, his confusion evident. "Whatever it is, we can figure it out—"

"No! You still don't understand! I'm not Candy's sister, I'm not from New Jersey! I don't even know what that is! I'm not even human!" Midnight's cries filled the air, her anguish pouring forth. "I truly love you, but I'll only bring you more pain than I already have..." With that, she ascended into the sky, her heart heavy with sorrow. "Tell me, who could love someone as strange and different as me? A girl whose family is a mess... How am I even special?"

Dylan's emotions churned within him—confusion, unease, sorrow, heartbreak. With tear-streaked eyes and a shattered heart, he departed, wordless, leaving Midnight alone with her sorrow and the weight of her secrets.