Echoes Of The Unseen

EOTU -SEIS

At exactly 8 PM, Noah pulled up in front of Reverie’s house. His heart pounded as he stepped out of his sleek, black car. The evening air was crisp, and the streetlamps illuminated the quiet neighborhood. He straightened his jacket, smoothing out the subtle wrinkles in his suit that matched the color he and Reverie had agreed upon.

Tonight, his look was different. Noah's blonde hair, swept back revealing his forehead with effortless precision added to his sharp and edgy appearance. His tall, lean figure was encased in a double-breasted black suit with gold buttons, radiating sophistication and a cool, confident aura. His usual black-framed glasses were absent, replaced by contact lenses that enhanced his sharp gaze. He felt strange without them, but also oddly confident.

The all-black ensemble matched his calm expression, a subtle smirk playing at the corner of his lips as he stood, hands casually tucked into his pockets.

Taking a deep breath, Noah knocked on the door. Moments later, it opened, and his breath caught in his throat.

Reverie stood there, looking like she’d stepped out of a dream. Her prom dress was a soft, flowing gown in black, hugging her figure perfectly. The fabric shimmered under the porch light, falling elegantly to the floor. The neckline was delicate, revealing just enough of her collarbones, and a small slit on the side showed a glimpse of her leg as she moved. Her long, wavy, silky brown hair with blonde highlights fell over her shoulders, loose and free, a few strands tucked behind her ears with shiny hairpins. Minimal jewelry adorned her, just enough to complement her look without overpowering it. A simple silver necklace, and earrings that glittered with every step. She looked like an elegant princess, completely different from the casual, laid-back girl he usually saw in hoodies and sweatpants. Yet, whether she dressed up or down, Reverie always looked effortlessly stunning.

Noah swallowed hard, trying not to look too obvious as he stared. She’s beautiful. He’d seen her dressed casually for school almost every day, and even then, she always managed to catch his attention. But tonight... tonight, she was on a whole other level.

“Wow... Erie, you look... incredible,” Noah finally managed to say, his voice almost a whisper as he stood in awe of her.

Reverie, who had been smiling, said thanks to him. She took a moment to look at him too, her eyes widening a bit. “Noah, you clean up nice,” she said with a teasing smile. “I didn’t know you had this side of you. You look... really good. I almost didn’t recognize you without your glasses.”

Noah chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, thought I’d try something different for tonight. Contacts felt weird at first, but I’ll survive,” he said, grinning. “But seriously, you... you look like a princess.”

Reverie laughed softly, shaking her head. “Oh, stop it. You’re gonna make me blush. But thanks, really.” She gave him a friendly punch on the arm, like she always did when they joked around. It was a habit of hers, but tonight, Noah couldn’t help but feel that familiar gesture held a bit more meaning.

“Shall we?” Noah asked, offering his arm to her.

Reverie nodded, slipping her hand into his. “Let’s go.”

As they walked toward the car, Noah couldn't shake the butterflies in his stomach. This was Reverie, the girl he had admired for so long, and now they were going to prom together. He opened the passenger door for her like a true gentleman, and she slid in gracefully. Once he was behind the wheel, they drove off into the city, the sleek car humming smoothly as they headed to the grand hall where the prom was being held.

The ride was comfortable, the city lights dancing across the car windows as they made their way downtown. Noah stole a few glances at Reverie, catching her smiling as she looked out the window, her hand resting casually on her lap. It was a sight he couldn’t get enough of. The night felt magical, and he could only hope it would continue that way.

Soon, they arrived at the grand hall, a luxurious building that glowed under the night sky. The exterior was modern and expensive-looking, with towering glass windows and sleek architecture that screamed class. Noah parked the car, then quickly stepped out to open the door for Reverie once again.

As they walked toward the entrance, all eyes turned to them. Conversations hushed, and a ripple of whispers spread through the crowd. Noah could feel the weight of the stares, but he didn’t mind. He was used to the attention. Being one of the school's academic achiever and a star student came with its share of admirers. Tonight, however, it wasn’t just him who had captured everyone’s gaze. It was the stunning girl beside him. Reverie, who was not only known for her top athletes but also her incredible talent in music, was no stranger to being in the spotlight. But seeing them together, an academic achievers, Noah Valerius and an all-around athletic star, Reverie Bellarose hand in hand was something that caught everyone off guard.

Noah couldn’t help but smile as he felt Reverie’s hand tighten slightly around his. He glanced at her and saw a calm, confident expression on her face, even though he could sense she was just as aware of the attention as he was. She always handled everything with grace, even in situations like this.

They continued walking, passing through the hallways filled with students, all dressed in their finest attire. Reverie’s elegance and Noah’s effortless charm were the talk of the room as they made their way to their group of friends, Danielle and Theodore who were already waiting for them near the entrance to the ballroom.

“Wow, you two really went all out, huh?” Danielle teased, her eyes flicking between Noah and Reverie with a knowing smile.

Reverie shrugged, still smiling. “Well, it is prom night. Gotta make an effort.”

“You both look amazing,” Theodore chimed in, nodding appreciatively at Noah and then at Reverie. “Especially you, Erie. Haven’t seen you like this before.”

“Thanks, Theo,” Reverie replied, still keeping it casual, but Noah could tell that the compliments were making her a little bashful.

As they stood there, chatting and laughing, Noah couldn’t help but think that this night was going to be something special. He glanced at Reverie once more, watching the way her eyes sparkled under the soft lights of the grand hall. His heart raced, but for once, it wasn’t nerves. It was excitement.

Tonight was theirs.

- 26MARCH2004