Blackwood

Prologue

"Now that Graduation was over, I could finally enjoy the new and exciting world ahead. I had just finished my generals, and decided that my life in the beauty and modeling industry was more fun and fulfilling than having my nose in the books. To celebrate, I was going out with friends tonight. Blackwood isn't a particularly big town, but on the outskirts there's a beach that's perfect for parties. Since my graduating class was heading out to the beach at sunset, I figured I might as well enjoy a party for all my hard work."

"Saph! Did you hear about the party tonight?! Everyone is headed to the cove to watch the Eclipse and we've been invited for some much deserved partying and some night swimming!" Tessa called out to me from our bedroom, bringing me back into reality. "Heck yeah! Cristie shot me a text about an hour ago asking if we were coming." I told her as I finished curling the last few pieces of my hair. I had done a light dusting of makeup, which helped accentuate the soft silver curls that cascaded down my shoulders and back. I was wearing a loose white T-shirt and ripped short shorts over my white marble bikini. Tonight was going to be a blast, and I was looking forward to a night of fun. Tessa leaned against the doorframe and gave me a once over, her brunette hair had been styled into beach waves. "You're looking hotter than ever girl, Nate is bound to be jealous with all the hottest that will be flocking around you tonight?" She teased. I laughed and flicked water  at her from the sink. "You know he doesn't care about me, besides, with how stunning you look in your cute red bikini, Jess might take you out for some hardcore moonlight sparking." I retorted as I walked from the bathroom into the living room. "Either way, whether or not we get whisked away for an Eclipse Kiss, we're going to have the time of our lives. I'm pretty sure if I have to look at another math textbook one more time I'm going to punch someone." Tessa sighed as she collapsed on the couch in a heap. I grabbed my car keys to my Truck and my beach bag that contained my towel, purse, and everything else a body could need for night swimming. "I agree, but now that we're done for the semester, let's go out and refuse to say one more word about college okay? Tonight is our escape, and our reward for our hard work." I told Tessa as I  helped her up from the couch. "Deal, Jess is gonna meet us there so we might as well get going?" I asked her as she slipped a sweatshirt over her T-shirt. Jesse McLain had been Tessa's steady boyfriend for about four months. They were so cute together, that I knew they would be a perfect couple. Those two were my best friends, and after I broke things off with Nate (the loser who had cheated on me three other times) they had been there to catch me after my rude wakeup call. Now that they had really been together for awhile, I couldn't help but feel like a third wheel. Tessa said she didn't care but I knew otherwise. I silently promised myself that I would make a point of meeting some new guys tonight, rather than mope and stay in the shadows of my two friends. "
                    ☆☆☆☆
The drive to the cove was breathtaking to say the least. You had to wind through the canyon to get to Crystal Lake. As we followed the winding road, we talked about life and how beautiful the drive was. The rays of the setting sun danced on the canyon walls, painting a masterpiece that couldn't be be recreated or replicated by the human hand. When we finally got out of the canyon and near the cove, we managed to watch the sun sink right above the horizon, painting the sky with pinks and golds that took my breath away. Me and Tess had a common love for the wonders of nature. So we both marveled at the sky until we came to a stop in the makeshift parking lot by the entrance to the Cove Trail. About 30 cars were parked half hazardly, and groups of twenty somethings milled about greeting each other and walking towards the trail head. We grabbed our bags and met up with Jesse. "You're both looking quite ravishing tonight." He teased as we started walking the trail. "I managed to convince Saph to lighten up and dress more outgoing for today." Tessa beamed as she and Jesse laced their hands together and walked in front of me. "I'm impressed! Nate hasn't been spotted either so you'll be the Belle of the beach without worrying about any haters." Jesse told me. I smiled and shrugged. The fact that Nate wasn't around meant I was free from his pitiful insults and sleazy remarks. I could enjoy the party worry free and try to really flirt it up with the guys. We emerged from the tree line onto the beach and the party was in full swing. Beach Volleyball had been set up on one side, while an inflatable movie screen was set up on the other, with plenty of inflatable swimming pools filled with blankets. There were two tables filled with food, and the tide was low, allowing everyone to go out towards the edge of the sandbar to find seashells and swim.
                       ☆☆☆
I glanced around to see if I saw a familiar face, and noticed a guy looking in my direction. I'd never seen him before, and he was probably the hottest guy I had seen in my life. He was tall, and sculpted as though he was Adonis himself. Faintly tan, had dark hair, and a very handsome face. I found myself smiling and turned away blushing. He was somebody I would have to say Hi to, and maybe flirt if I felt daring enough. The moon had begun to eclipse, and Tessa dragged me over to the waters edge so we could get an unobscure view. The guy walked to the edge with his friends, and I saw Jesse approach the group as they welcomed him. Keeping my eyes on the Eclipse, I tried focusing so hard on something other than the butterflies I felt that when I heard a deep sultry voice from behind me, I startled slightly. "Apparently this eclipse won't happen again for another 75 years." The guy said as he moved to stand beside me. I smiled up at him and nodded. "That's the beauty of the universe, time passes, eras fade and new generations rise to see all the same things we saw decades before." I managed to say. He looked at me with an approving smile, and I blushed under his gaze. His eyes were a stormy blue that seemed to pierce my very soul. "Would you allow me the privilege to know the name of the such a poetic and stunning young lady such as yourself?" He asked me in a low sultry tone. "I'm Saphyre, and may I know the name of the charming and dangerously handsome young man that I have been acquainted with?" I flirted back. By now we were left standing at the waters edge as everyone else had meandered off to the other activities being offered. Being alone with him made me feel both elated and slightly anxious at the same time. However, he laughed and smiled at me with approval to my rather forward question, and my nerves began to be swept away. "My name is Caspian but my friends tend to call me Cas for short, and it seems fitting that a stunning young woman like you would have a name just as beautiful."
He complimented. There was something about his demeanor and personality that drew me in the more I spoke with him, and I couldn't help but notice that my once unfeeling and broken heart beat just as strong as the days before it became shattered and cold. Now it seemed to pull itself together, healing itself just enough to feel again. We continued to make small talk until his friends called him away, and he bade me goodnight. I was left feeling slightly anxious but overall pleased with how the night had gone. Throughout the night, I tried to see if Cas would catch my gaze, or rejoin me. Sadly, he seemed as though he avoided me, and eventually dissapeared. The party continued into the late hours of the night, and Tessa ended up joining me for the rest of the evening until we drove back to the city and back into reality.