My therapist said my response to these minor events was a trauma response that she frequently saw in people who’d been bullied and abused. As long as I kept doing the mental exercises she recommended to me, the fear should eventually lessen. One day, it might even fade completely.
“We’re here!” a girl close to the front called out as the limo pulled to a stop. “Let’s go!”
I climbed out of the car behind Erin, smiling as I felt Jax’s hand resting on my lower back. “You seriously look perfect in that dress,” he whispered in my ear as we walked down the crimson carpet toward the dance hall.
“Thank you,” I said, feeling my cheeks flush with pride. The gown I’d bought for the dance was the prettiest thing I’d ever owned. It was red and sleeveless with a plunging sweetheart neckline and A-line silhouette, with silvery embroidery raining down from the top. It made me look and feel like a princess.
All the other girls were dressed in red or pink as well. That was the point of the Sweetheart dance—to dress in the colors of love. Apparently, the event had been a tradition since the founding of CPA. An early Valentine’s Day, essentially, designed for everyone to find themselves a ‘sweetheart’ to have by their side to keep them warm through the cold winter months.
The school usually hired out the grand ballroom at the Kingsley Hotel for events, but with George Kingsley’s name currently mired in scandal, the administration had decided to eschew the hotel and set up the dance in a large assembly hall on campus which was normally used for graduations and other end-of-year events.
The hall was just as beautiful as a real ballroom, with high ceilings, glittering diamond chandeliers, and tall picturesque windows looking out over Crown Point. Heart-shaped tables were scattered around the room, and a DJ was set up on the stage at the front, blaring pumped-up songs from the eighties.
“Want to dance?” Jax asked, holding out a hand. “Or would you rather sit down for a while?”
“Definitely dance,” I said with a grin, taking his hand. “I love eighties music.”
The dancefloor was already packed, so I tried my best to dance without stepping on Jax’s feet or banging into other people around us. The champagne from the limo was still fizzing through my veins, making my limbs feel light and buzzy, and I couldn’t stop giggling as Jax’s hands ventured closer and closer to my ass every time we moved.
Time stretched. We danced, drank fruity punch, ate delicious finger food, and hung out with our friends. Then we danced some more.
The music changed from energetic pop hits to slow and soft love songs. When ‘Take My Breath Away’ began to play, I sighed contentedly and leaned closer to Jax’s chest, tilting my chin upward so I could look into his eyes as we slowly swayed together. This was a moment I wanted to remember forever. The way Jax was staring at me made me feel so damn sexy and beautiful. Soalive.Like his energy and excitement was a live wire, crackling right into me.
When the song finally ended, I opened my eyes and spotted Erin standing on the edge of the room, looking pointedly at a giant tiered cake on a nearby table. Once I noticed it, I couldn’t help but stare at it either. The sight of the smooth white icing and little pink fondant hearts made my mouth water.
I nudged Jax and pointed at the cake table. “Did they say when they’re going to cut that thing?” I asked. “I really want some.”
“There’s a knife right next to it,” he said with a nonchalant shrug. “Why don’t you just go and cut yourself a piece? I doubt anyone will stop you.”
I nodded and headed off the dancefloor, making a beeline for Erin. “Hey!” I said, giving her a quick hug. “Want to cut the cake with me?”
“Oh my god,yes,” she said with a longing groan. “It looks so good. I can’t stop staring at it.”
I spotted Mr. Blythe standing nearby. He was watching the drinks table like a hawk. “Hey, Mr. B,” I called out over the music. “Can we cut the cake?”
He glanced at his watch and shrugged. “Hm. I suppose someone might as well get started on it,” he replied. “Just be careful with the knife, all right?"
I picked up the gleaming silver cake knife and cut into the top tier as Erin grabbed some plates and napkins. A long line of people built up next to the table as soon as everyone realized what was happening, and I found myself cutting at least thirty or forty slices before I finally managed to set the knife down and walk away with my own piece.
I handed Jax a plate, and he smirked and jokingly smushed a crumb of red velvet onto my chin. I giggled and returned the gesture, leaving a trail of crumbs across his jaw. After I’d kissed them away, I finished my slice of cake, put my plate down, and glanced over at the exit. “I need to go to the bathroom,” I said. “I’ll be back in a minute, okay?”
“Should I get us some more drinks while you’re gone?” Jax asked.
“Sure. Thanks.”
“Raspberry or strawberry punch this time?”
“Strawberry, please.” I smiled and turned away, heading for the door.
A buzzing sound emanated from my purse when I reached the hallway. I pulled out my phone and glanced at the screen, brows furrowed. An unfamiliar number had sent me a text.Hey, it’s Cerina. Could we meet up somewhere and talk?
I snorted and rolled my eyes. When I reached the nearest toilet stall and sat down, I tapped out a reply.Hell no. Why would I want to do that?
Cerina:I really need to talk to you.
Me:Don’t care. Bye.
Cerina:Please? It’s really important. I wouldn’t contact you if it wasn’t. I know you hate me.