The Way I Loved You ✓

27. Night Changes

“Night Changes” is the seventh song and second single from One Direction's fourth studio album, Four.  The song is a poignant reflection on the swift passage of time and the transformative experiences of youth. With its gentle melody and introspective lyrics, it captures the bittersweet nature of growing up and the ephemeral quality of life's moments. [Source: Lyrics Layers]

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Fun Fact: Emily can't dance.

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Chapter Twenty Seven: Night Changes

I woke up remembering the brush of Nathan Callahan’s lips on my forehead and my cheek. I smiled to myself as I turned over and screamed into my pillow. The smile remained on my face the entire day. Anytime I remembered his hand on my thighs, I shuddered and cleared my throat. Mom gave me a look now and then, but I ignored her.

The whole day was spent in nervousness, giddiness, and anticipation for the prom night. Then it was evening. I was sitting in front of my mirror, in my prom dress, with my makeup done. My hair was up in a messy updo, a few strands curled in waves around my face, framing it. My lipstick was crimson, which went well with my dark green dress. I took a deep breath and smoothed down the skirt as the calling bell rang through the house.

Nathan Callahan was here.

I heard Mom open the door as I stood up and checked my reflection for the last time. There were conversations downstairs. I breathed through my mouth. I held up the skirt of my dress as I climbed down the stairs.

Nathan Callahan was talking to my mother, a slight smile on his face as he charmed the hell out of her, I could just tell. He was a smooth talker when he needed to be. My mother was already smiling.

This sight was so surreal. Two of my favorite people in the same room, meeting each other and having a conversation.

My eyes were drawn back to Nathan. I had seen the photos of his brother’s wedding, him wearing a tux. I had expected to see him like that.

But nothing could have prepared me for the effect Nathan Callahan had on me, wearing a white dress shirt, a thin dark green tie, his crisp black tuxedo jacket and dress pants, a pair of shiny black shoes. He had a dark green pocket square too and a small red rose pinned to the front of his tux as well.

His hair was messy, but it looked like he had styled it to stay that way. The jet-black strands looked soft, ready for my fingers to run through them.

I swallowed thickly when my gaze landed on his hands. Nathan was holding a bouquet of red roses.

This had to be a dream. If it was, I never wanted to wake up. So, I stayed on the stairs, holding my dress, stared, stared, and stared at him some more.

Nathan finally realized someone was looking at him. He glanced around, and his eyes met mine.

I forgot to breathe. It was one thing to see him from where I was hiding, it was quite another to stare into his green eyes, half a smile on his face, as he looked at me.

I had read hundreds of romance books about banters, kisses, dancing in the rain, fights, groveling, lovemaking, confessions, and heartbreaks. But nothing had prepared me for this moment, right here. Nothing could have made me ready for the moment Nathan Callahan stared at me, forgot whatever he was saying, and held my gaze in his.

My eyes watered.

I thought it was something in the air.

I looked down and breathed in. I was okay.