CHAPTER 6. LOST LIKE I DID
EMILY COOPER POV'
I wrapped my arms around Callan's neck, pulling him closer as we swayed to the music.
His arms encircled my waist, drawing me near as we danced like we were the only ones in the room.
The soft glow of twinkling lights above us added a touch of magic to the moment.
we swayed to the music, the world around us melted away.
All that was left was Callan and me, lost in the rhythm.
My heart pounded in my chest like a drum, and my skin tingled with electricity.
I felt Callan's warm breath on my skin, and my cheeks flushed with heat.
Finally, the music came to a gentle halt, and before I could even process what was happening, cheers and applause erupted around us.
I turned to see that we were the only couple left on the dance floor, and everyone was staring at us, whistling and shouting our names.
Callan's eyes sparkled with amusement as he leaned in close, his warm breath tickling my ear.
"You dance beautifully," he whispered, his voice low and husky.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as
I turned to face him, our faces inches apart, the air thick with tension.
My heart skipped a beat as his warm breath danced across my skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.
I could feel my chest pounding in my chest, my pulse racing like a drumline in my ears. My limbs wobbled like Jell-O, threatening to give way beneath me.
I opened my mouth to speak, but all that came out was a barely audible whisper.
"Y..you...too."
My body shuttered, unsure why I was reacting this way.
I know I didn't like Callan like I did before. I had convinced myself that my crush was just a silly infatuation, a fleeting feeling that would soon pass. But now, as I stood here, inches from his face, I wasn't so sure.
Maybe it was just my raging teenage hormones, I told myself.
Yes, that explained a lot. But as I looked into his eyes, I knew it was more than that.
He took my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine as he led me back to our seat.
My mom gave me knowingly glances, a sly smile spreading across her face.
"You two dance beautifully." Her voice was laced with a hint of mischief, and I could feel an underlying message in her words.
I couldn't help but give her a playful hard glare, trying to convey that I knew exactly what she was getting at.
"Yes Mrs. Cooper, we do dance beautifully," he replied, his eyes locked on mine as he sat down beside me.
His leg brushed against mine, sending sparks flying through my body.
My mom just chuckled and patted my hand.
"I'm so glad you two are getting along. You seem perfect for each other."
She said, her eyes shining with happiness.
I felt my face grow hot as I glanced at him, but he just smiled and put his arm around me.
"We do make a great team, don't we?" He said, pulling me close.
My mom just smiled knowingly and turned her attention back to the dance floor.
I, on the other hand, couldn't tear my gaze away from his.
The air was electric with tension as we sat there, our bodies almost touching.
...
The gala came to an end, the last notes of the string quartet fading away as the guests were
escorted out, their designer gowns and
tailored tuxedos disappearing into the night like a flock of exotic birds.
My dad, resplendent in his black tuxedo, took the opportunity to talk to Christopher's dad, Mr. Hollen, who was beaming with pride as he shook hands with the departing guests.
I looked around the place, my eyes widening in awe as I took in the opulence.
Christopher's parents were filthy rich, and it showed in every inch of their lavish mansion.
As I stood there, surrounded by the opulence of Christopher's new home, my mind wandered back to the night that changed everything.
I remembered how it started like any other -
my brother had invited Christopher over for a sleepover, and they'd spent the evening gaming and watching movies.
I'd gone to bed earlier than them, tired from a long day at school.
But my sleep was short-lived.
I was jolted awake by the sound of shattering glass and ear-piercing screams.
I rushed to the window and pulled back the curtains, my heart racing.
Our front lawn was swarmed with girls, all chanting Christopher's name and throwing rocks at our house.
I was horrified.
My brother and Christopher were still fast asleep on the couch downstairs, oblivious to the mayhem outside.
I quickly ran downstairs to wake them up, and we all huddled together, watching the scene unfold through the windows.
The girls were relentless, and it took the police hours to disperse the crowd.
They had shown up in droves, armed with signs and banners, all proclaiming their love for Christopher.
Some had even brought gifts - stuffed animals, flowers, and letters.
It was like they thought he was a rockstar or something.
I remembered feeling so scared that night, not just for Christopher, but for my family as well.
What if the girls got violent?
What if they hurt someone?
The thought sent chills down my spine. After that night, things changed.
Christopher's parents decided it was time for them to move away from the neighborhood.
They said it was for Christopher's safety, that they couldn't risk another incident like that. But I knew it was more than that.
Christopher had become a liability, a target for crazed fangirls who didn't know the meaning of personal space.
I barely saw Christopher after that, and when I did, he seemed...
different.
Distant.
Like he was avoiding me.
I didn't know if it was the kiss or something else, but it hurt.
Now, as I looked around his new home, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.
This house was huge, with high ceilings and sprawling rooms.
It was like a mansion, not a home. I wondered if Christopher was happy here, or if he felt as lost as I did.