Dimension Travelers

Chapter 49

It would be better if I was dancing with Seth, but this is nice too. Once the song is over, I dip down and Jared catches me. Everyone starts clapping immensely. Then people start to say:

"Finale! Finale! Finale!"

What does that mean? Do they think we're together or something? We don't move. Time freezes all together. My heart pounds in my chest, threatening to explode.

Jared leans down and whispers in my ear, "This doesn't mean anything, ok?"

What does he mean by that? "Ok."

He smiles and kisses me on the mouth.

Everyone goes berserk. There is clapping, crying, and more dancing. Jared helps me stand up and we walk over, unnoticed, back to Jay and Gaile. Jay is giving me the and-you-said-you-weren't-interested-in-him-and-yet-you-kiss-him look. We all sit down and watch people dance.

"Wow. I didn't expect that." Jay says and eyes me.

I'm sure you didn't, I think sarcastically.

"I did!" Gaile says excitedly.

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, well, it was just for show."

"You're just saying that because you know you like each other! It's so damn cute!" Gaile says.

"You're such a romance fanatic, Gaile!What I'd give for you to not talk about it."

"You're just a stiff, old Nebat who hasn't found the right person yet. Good night everyone." She gets up and flies away.

"One kiss has this effect on you guys?" Jared asks.

Jay grunts. "You have no idea."

Another Nebat comes over. "Wow, Jay. I didn't know that you knew these humans! They're amazing!"

Jay grunts again. "You of all Nebats would think so, Shawn."

Shawn continues waddling until he reaches us. "Humans will never cease to amaze me."

"Flying will never cease to amaze you." Jay says sarcastically.

Shawn ignores him. "Everyone's talking about you--humans rarely come these days, so..." he pauses. "But you'd make pretty good actors."

"Were you in the band?" Jared asks Shawn, as if he's trying to distract him.

"Yes, I was. Where's Gaile? Wasn't she here a few minutes ago?"

"She left." Jay says stiffly.

"Oh, I see." He turns to us. "Aren't you going to dance some more? Everyone just loves you."

"No, we're really tired." Jared says.

"Ah, I see. Well, we're gonna have another small party tomorrow. You should join us before you leave."

"We'll consider that." I say with a smile.

(It's nighttime by now.)

Shawn leaves shortly after talking.

"Jay, how old are you?" I ask him, hoping to lighten the mood.

"Older than I'd care to admit." Jay says.

"Was there something between you and Gaile before?" Jared asks.

Well, there goes my attempt at lightening the mood.

"Yes...at one point. But that was when we were young and foolish." Jay says sadly.

"Why so sad, Jay?" I ask gently.