“You have that fucking right. But it’s yours to take back to Louisiana. You don’t even have to go to the dance with me if you don’t want to.”
I cleared my throat, gripping the guitar to my body. I thought it would bring me closer to my birth mom, not be the reason I wanted to die.
“I keep my word, Skip, and I said I’d go, so I will.”
“Good, then let’s go.”
As soon as we arrived at the dance, all eyes were on us. It was probably the frown that seemed to be a permanent fixture on my face.
“Dance with me?” Skip held his hand out, leading me to the empty dance floor.
“Why not?” I took his hand, and he brought our bodies together, his other hand resting on the small of my back. I breathed in his cologne and memorized how his body felt against me. Forcing myself to move along with him and not awkwardly stand still and ball my eyes out.
“My pretty little monster,” he mused, running his nose along my jawline, and I held my breath in fear that if I didn’t, I would hyperventilate. I couldn’t keep my word. Not this time. Not when he held me so sweetly only to send me on my way after tonight. I yanked my hand from his and turned to run, but he wrapped his arms around my waist.
“Stay for just a few minutes?” he pleaded with sadness behind his irises. He was taking pity on me by being here with me. I knew I should say no, at least then I would be able to leave with my dignity, but I couldn’t bring myself to say the words. I loved him and would do anything to make this moment last for an eternity.
The familiar tune played over the loudspeaker, and he hummed it into my ear as he sang:
My pretty little monster
From heaven she fell
To rescue the devil
And pull him from hell
I don’t want your kisses
We don’t have a life
But if that’s the truth then tell all lies
Whisper to you want me
Look in my eyes
Promise this isn’t over
You won’t say goodbye
My pretty little monster
From heaven she fell
To capture the devil and condemn him to hell
I want your kisses
You are my life
So, deceive me
Abuse me
And tell me your love lies
Tell me you’ll stay