Hello once more!
Disclaimer: I have no-idea what I'm on about. I just mooch around with my eyes closed, banging off walls. Well, pretty much.
Oh, and in light of previous and future chapters, I think you should all know that my Spanish is pretty terrible. Really. My friend Jen is trying to teach me, and its like me just going to my her and being all: "Ok, we need to revise insults today Jen." And she's like; "How many times have we been through this?"
And Missy Mee; Jen was the one who taught me how to say 'bite me.' Your Story is awesome by the way.
Ok. I have a huge thanks to give out for Raven'smylife and Sing-to-the-stars. I love you guys, you're awesome, for that last chapter; I got something like 60 hits, and 4 reviews. That tells me I suck. But the show will go on; no matter how much people hate it, I've become way too attached for my own good. I know. Im a silly, flighty thing.
Raven'smylife, Sing-to-the-stars, YNT Gabriela, and Sarah (), THANK YOU SO MUCH. You ladies reviewed the fourth chappie.
Im updating for you here.
Raven'smylife and Sarah (), thank you for the Gilmore girls info. Really, Dean vs. Jess ? (Or Jesse. However you write it. Y'all know whom I mean.) Really, umm, slim pickings much? What was wrong with Tristen?
(My apologies to all the Dean or Jess/Jesse lovers. Don't mind me. Im just way too opinionated for my own good.)
Anyway, Readers—yeah, like I have readers—beware, major fluffiness ahead.
THE DANCE.
"Tell me again why I'm doing this?" I asked Arabia as we walked along the sand on our way to the so called 'beach party of the year'.
"Because you need to go out." She replied for the third time.
I didn't want to go. Well, then when I got ready, I decided it would be fun, a ghost free evening. So Arabia was right. But I wasn't going to let her know that. My hair looked good so I was happy enough. I had it in this loose Chicagoan thing. And I had on my red top, the one with the straps that go around my arm, and then my black gypsy skirt. So I was OK really.
Alannah nodded her head in agreement. "Yeah, that whole Stacy thing—"
Then it had to go and be ruined.
"Don't Alannah. This doesn't affect Stacy anymore. Im calling the shots, and I call; we forget it ever happened."
"But Stacy wanted—"
"Stacy is dead. Dead people don't get what they want. It doesn't work that way."
"Refusing to accept it isn't going to change any thing."
"Im not refusing anything. Im ignoring it. It's my ass here. I have every right to do with it as I please."
"Melinda, stop talking about our relationship. It's supposed to be a secret." Said Nick, coming around a corner and smiling blatantly at me. "Carry on." He commanded his posse, and they kept walking.
Really, who COMMANDS their friends to keep walking? That's just— Alannah then stoped walking to lean over and inspect a pretty shell. "Keep walking Alannah!" I said irritably.
Damn. Just a slip up. Don't read into it or anything ladies . . .
"Hey Arabia," I said wickedly, "if you have anymore ghost questions, direct them to Nicky here."
I was pleased to see him look panicked. "Melinda," he said uncertainly, "what did you mean?"
"Haven't you heard? I said pleasantly, "They know."
That look of panic started to rise. "As in knows knows?"
"Yep."
"Shit."
"Yep."
"Did you, er, tell them never to mention anything?"
"Oh you'll have to bring that up with Stacy. Apparently she wanted them to know, so she started wreaking ghostly havoc in my room."
"I never should have let dad teach her that." He muttered.
"What?"
"Dad, um, helped her discover how to use her powers."
"Oh brilliant!"
"Don't Worry Nick," said Alannah calmly, "we've all ready promised Melinda we wont say anything to anyone."
"We wont call all the papers either." chimed in Arabia.
"Er, Good. I think."
"But," I added, "seeing as Nick has been doing this for a lot longer than I have, feel free to bombard him with ANY questions you might have! Isn't that right Nick?"
"Yes of course," he said, regaining his composure, "I would be happy to. But of course, you may want to keep Melinda in mind yet! We all know how important a woman's perspective is!"
I should have known. Really. People as manipulative and cunning as Nick always have a few Aces up their sleeves. Speaking of Sleeves, the polo Nick had on at the moment was looking pretty darn—BAD MELINDA! A faint flush started to colour my cheeks causing Nick to look sideways at me, like he KNEW what I was thinking about his shirt, and the emphasised tan beneath it.
"OK, We have to go. C'mon girls, say goodbye to Nicky."
"Bye Nicky." Said Alannah Obediently. "Oh, sorry I mean, uh, bye!" and she looked at the ground.
"Ditto." Said Arabia Glumly.
(A/N: I love the movie Ghost. It is so COOL! And I still think Patrick Swayze is hot. DIRTY DANCING is one of my all time favourite Movies. "No-Body puts Baby in a corner.")
And they let me drag them away. "You two are so STUPID." Burst out Arabia. "You are PERFECT for each other, but NO! You're just too damn stubborn for your own good! He likes you Melinda, ok? He likes you! And you like him too! So—"
"Me? Like him? Arabia what have you had to drink this evening, I'm starting to get a little worried."
"You can deny it all you want, that doesn't change anything."
"Ha, yeah, whatever Arabia. Are you done? Shall we find a spot? Arabia shook her head and Alannah would do anything to deflate an argument so she agreed. Who she was agreeing with, exactly, Im not sure. However, we found a nice little spot by a bank, and up it, were some sweet little stalls.
And sat and chatted for a while. About girl stuff. Well, we're girls. What did you expect us to talk about?
As the sun started going down, more and more lights were turned on, and the spot they had cleared for dancing was getting less and less vacant, and it was a good distance from the bonfire, close enough to be warm when the sun was completely gone, and I mean, I know this is California and all, but the nights here can still get pretty damn chilly. Like, REALLY chilly. And it ain't pretty. Apparently neither is Las Vegas.
(A/N: Sorry peeps, once again you are the victims of my terrible sense of humour. Im listening to the INXS song "Pretty Vegas." I apologise for you once again having to bear the brunt of my not so funny jokes and remarks. One day I will give up, but not just yet.)
Scott, Arabia's boyfriend came over and claimed her for dancing, and Alannah's computer friends came over to chat to her about the futility of dances and how they were a 'Pointless and irrelevant hitch in our social compounds' and they didn't take it very well when I asked "If they're so ineffectual, then why are you here?" I got some high-pitched muttering for my troubles. Except for Wilfred, who sat there staring at me with his mouth wide open. It was a little unnerving to tell the truth.
I got up and walked over to a booth selling these scarf things, and started chatting to the girl behind it. What? She was nice. Her name was Lilly, and she was a gypsy. And she had a skirt like mine. And I said I brought it from the designer dude whose name is Carl; he sells stuff from off his stand made of cardboard. He's cool. He's all with the natural fibres and stuff. I like him; he doesn't believe in maiming the environment for the sake of fashion, he says the gods put him on earth to show fashion doesn't mean death. Lilly said her and Carl are friends. So I we were leaning on the counter, chatting about Wicca, nature, and fashions that don't mean slaughter. She was nice. But she still had a cell-phone and was up with the modern stuffs. See? You don't have to be a reject of technology (A/N: Or would that be a technology rejector? I don't know. Pick whichever one you like.) To be involved with nature and the environment.
There are a lot of misconceptions out there. Feminists are female cave men who don't shave their legs, witches fly on brooms and make sacrifices to throw up in the sky, and Environmentalists and vegans live on crisps, and howl at a full moon. Sorry to break it to you, but those are all lies.
Just then I got a tap on the shoulder and Lilly suddenly giggled flirtatiously. I knew who it was. Nicks favourite thing to get my attention is to tap my left shoulder and when I turn to the left, he'll go on my right. So I turned straight to my right. Only to find him on my left.
"I anticipated you." He said.
"Ha. Yes, I did notice."
Lilly nodded to herself then giggled. Again. Nick looked up and said to me, "Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"
I dearly would have liked to say no, but I didn't think that would have been a good idea. "Nick this is Lilly. Lilly this is Satan's Spawn. Im sorry, I meant to say Nick."
"I said I was sorry about that Melinda." Nick said frowning slightly.
"Yes well, I won't be going to your house anytime soon, so I think were OK." I finished sarcastically. I mean, were we ever OK? OK is not a work often used to describe Nick and myself.
Lilly's eyes widened. "Oh no!" I gasped, "No! Its not- I'm not- were not- I mean Ha! Tell her nick!"
"We're dating." Nick said gravely.
"No!" I smacked Nick in the chest "were not together. Really. We're not." It was then I realised how close we were standing, I jumped away like I'd been burnt. The scary thing was, Nick had been here for how long? And I hadn't even moved, my radar, so sharp when it came to unwanted blurring of personnel space, had like accepted Nick or something. For a moment I'd even taken comfort in his presence. Bad Melinda. Very bad Melinda.
"That's her story." Nick spoke up, finished pretending like I'd done him a horrendous injury. I hadn't hit Nick hard; really, I hadn't put anything behind the swing at all. And there's ANOTHER mystery, why? I mean, any other guy I would have knocked back a couple steps, so why not Nick? Maybe nobody else had a chest like Nick—
I think Im going insane.
"Well I think you're silly Melinda. You two belong together." Said Lilly.
"What is it with everyone today? First Arabia now you!"
"Arabia thinks you should be with me?" asked Nick disbelievingly. I don't blame him really. Arabia is a tough critic. She's very protective of me, like I don't have protective parents, why does everyone feel the urge to look out for me? I am perfectly capable of looking after myself. Well, close enough anyway.
"Yeah." I said to him, "To quote her 'Im too damn stubborn for my own good,' and we're 'perfect for each other.'"
"Well," he said, looking into my eyes "the tribe has spoken." And I was suddenly struck by how amazing Nick's eyes were. Truly. (A/N: . . . Scrumptious . . . you're truly, truly scrumptious . . . sorry. Now that I've just broken the mood, I'll carry on shall I?) I was mesmerised. He has the most piercing eyes. Vivid blue. You just stare at those eyes and you can't think of anything else but the owner of these incredible eyes. And I just stood there, in my head going 'Ummm, this isn't good. No. Not good.'
Then I heard a loud squeal from a girl down the beach and I tore my gaze away from Nicks to see a girl shrieking with mirth over something her male partner had just said. Then I recognised the hyena laugh of Cindy. "Oh NEIL! You are just TOO funny!" Really. It was a hyena laugh. High and false sounding. Then I realised how dangerously close I had come to doing something incredibly stupid. With Nick no less.
He didn't look too pleased at the interruption. And I wasn't very pleased with myself for what had almost happened. Although I don't know what that would have been. And Lilly didn't look too pleased that I hadn't done whatever this thing was.
Then Lilly said to me; "I agree with that Arabia girl. You are two ARE perfect for each other."
"You don't even know much about us!"
"I know you both speak to the dead."
Wait. What did she just--? "Oh my god!" I couldn't believe this, Nick was looking Alarmed again, add that to a little anger, and you have his expression. "Is it public knowledge now? Who told you?" I demanded urgently.
"I possess enough of the gift to see that."
"You're psychic?" Nick asked, his tone implying that Lilly choose her answer very carefully.
"I prefer to call it the gift, and sort of. I see auras and little things like that. And you two are nicely compatible. Perfect in fact."
"Oh yeah, Like a cat and a Mouse we are!" I aid angrily.
"Im the Cat." Said Nick.
"I want to be the cat."
"But you're the one running away."
"Mice are smart to run from cats like you."
"You're still the mouse."
"As long as im a cute mouse."
"You're the hottest mouse I've ever seen."
"Oh I'm so glad." I said, my voice layered with sarcasm. "Now, what did you want?"
"Well actually, I was trying to ask you to dance." Nick said, with minor irritation.
"Fine. Ask away."
"Melinda, may I have the honour of this dance?" he said, with a teasing smirk on his face.
"No."
That wiped the smirk right off.
He just stood there, gazing at me, and then suddenly I began to find myself beginning to cave. Maybe it was the twilight hour. Maybe it was those damn eyes again. And the fact that Nick looked hot, like, really hot. Like he was Satan's spawn or something. Oh wait. Silly me. He is. I opened my mouth to say god know what, knowing me under the mesmerising effects such as extreme male sex appeal, it was probably going to be a marriage proposal.
"Nick—" I began, but was cut off by a tap on my shoulder.
"Excuse me Miss," said a man I didn't know. He would have been about twenty? Perfectly nice-sounding though. And so handsome! "I've been watching you from over there," he said, gesturing to a blanket down the beach, "and I was wondering if you would allow me the pleasure of this dance?"
Oh ok, you've twisted my arm. Not.
"Why of course!" I said gratifyingly, flashing him my most dazzling smile.
He looked kind of dazzled himself, and then he smiled back and offered me his hand. When I placed my hand into his, he kissed it, and as Lilly started to giggle, (Again! what is with this girl and giggling?) he said to her and Nick; "Excuse us," and tucking my arm into his, he escorted me to the HUGE clearing that was there solely for dancing.
I didn't look back at Nick. I couldn't. In my present condition I had no idea what I might do.
Which was alarming in itself really.
This guy was sweet. Older, maturer, more solid and charming, he was a real gentleman. HARDLY the sort to bomb me with barley concealed innuendos. Like SOME OTHER guys I know. No names Nick. How do you get a hot mouse anyway? Im so confused. Then I remember im suppose to be giving my attention to the guy im DANCING with.
Duh, I knew that.
He swung me out then back around, my left hand going on his shoulder, and my right clasping his. And we began to dance to the pounding, swishy rhythm.
I was in my element. I love to dance. The music filled me, snaring my every sense. AND I had on my gypsy skirt. It just accentuated the picture, you know?
Tall, dark handsome man, solid mahogany eyes (not unnerving blue like Nicks) the epitome of Mr Right, attractive girl, long Black hair, emerald green eyes, pretty figure fitting red top, enhancing cleavage without making said girl look whorish, and black swishy skirt.
I could even been mistaken for normal. A rare thing for me. He was a decent dancer too. He kept up.
"I didn't catch your name," I whispered, tilting my head slightly upward, I'm tall, but he was taller. My chin just rested at his shoulder level. Nice shoulder level that it was.
"Daniel." He said smiling at me. "And you?"
"Melinda. Melinda de Silva."
"Melinda. I like it. Beautiful. Classy. Without being too commonplace. Unlike my own."
"It could be worse," I said with a laugh, "it could be Bernard."
His grimace told me all I needed to know.
"You're kidding." I said disbelievingly.
"I wish. Bernardo is my middle name. Daniel Bernardo Hilliard."
"Ouch. How were the school years?"
"A barrel of monkeys." He said with a smile.
"Still. It's a classic English name. You are English?"
"Indeed. Im a Londoner by blood. Good deduction skills. And yourself? Allow me one guess. Spanish?"
"Close! So close! Half. My father is a Spaniard. My mother is from Brooklyn. Although she's been in California for awhile now."
I left out the part about my mother being a shaman descendant, my father being a mediator, once a rancher in the 1850's, and a ghost.
Im such an honest person aren't I?
"Melinda, im going to ask you a question. As crass as it may seem, I want to know this first—"
Oh god! He just wanted s—
"—Are you and that young man currently involved?" he questioned, swinging us in the stage direction.
"Who?" I said, not comprehending. Then my gaze focused on Nick—no longer at the scarf stand, but now just to the left of the stage, chatting up—and feeling up, now that I look closer—Cindy. "Hahaha." I said uncomfortably, "No. Absolutely not. Do you even know who that is? It's Nick. Nick Slater. I am not involved with Nick Slater." He could probably tell I was a little offended, my voice was cold to cover up my discomfort, and icy. And I'd stepped about 3 feet away from him to emphasise my point. That was a bit of a giveaway. I don't know what my line of reasoning was there. It was important to for me that Daniel understand that there was nothing between us. However, had he asked me to dance a little later, I don't even want to think about where I'd be. But that was something I was keeping to myself.
"Im sorry senorita, I meant no offence."
Aww shucks. He called me "miss" in my own tongue. What a honey.
"Im sorry," I said, putting my arms around him once more. "I really am. I have feelings for him all right, Feelings of intense dislike. The Sinvergüenza"
"I don't know the meaning of that word, but I take from your tone, its nothing flattering."
"I am really sorry for flying off the handle like that."
"Not a problem. I see now your offence." He said, motioning his head towards them, where Nick now had his tongue in her mouth, and she had her hands all over her. It felt a jolt in my stomach. And im sure that had everything to do with my disgust. I mean what else--? Yeah, it was disgust all right.
I think. And hope.
"Forgiven am I?" I said yo Daniel flirtingly. Turn up the smile wattage, flutter the eyelashes, and flash the green eyes . . .
He smiled revealing perfectly even teeth, and said "Of course. Shall we be on our way?" he said charmingly, reacting to my tone just the way I though he would.
We headed the direction of my towel, and as we were going along the bank, Daniel suddenly pulled to a halt at one of the stalls, and brought me a flower!
I know! A Rose! A yellow rose! I love roses!
I was gob smacked and didn't protest when I was lead back to the towels.
He pulled me back over to my towel, and as we sat I said, "A rose? Why have I got a rose in my hands?"
"I thought it would be the sort of flower you'd like."
"Yes it is, they're my favourites, but you didn't have to get me one!"
"Why not?"
"Thank you!" I squealed, and kissed him. On the lips.
I know.
Well no, I don't actually.
I didn't know it only took a ROSE to make me kiss someone.
I didn't even kiss BRIAN. I mean, we weren't dating for very long, and I just couldn't bring myself to do it. And yes, I did employ the old, turn of the head; he gets a mouthful of hair, tactic. I told myself I just wasn't ready, but now I know the truth. I just didn't want to kiss him.
But I just found myself kissing Daniel. God, I'm so weird, why cant I be a normal teenage girl, fretting and planing for weeks about kissing a boy. Instead, I just do it. Randomly and completely out of the blue. Im so retarded.
Daniel's kiss was . . . nice.
Daniels kiss was sweet and . . . yeah. Nice. 'Nice' is the only word for it. It was none of the fire works that you read about in books, but it was . . . nice. I need a new adverb.
I pulled away and said, "Um . . . thank you for the rose?"
He laughed. 'You're welcome Melinda." He said, tucking my rose behind my ear, "Thank you."
A slight flush started to creep up my cheeks.
And I turned to hide it, and leaned over and got us drink, mentioning he would have to do with Tab, as I don't drink. At all.
"Im not a heavy drinker either. Although I will occasionally smoke. But no drugs I assure you."
"So that just leaves s—" I broke off blushing even MORE deeply as I realise what I just suggested.
"I assure you Melinda," he said with a rouge grin, "I will not take advantage of you."
"Good. You ARE a little older than me. How much?"
"Twenty. And yourself?"
"Seventeen. Any problem?"
"Not at all."
"Flattering."
Just then Arabia wandered over, dragging her boyfriend Scott along with her, and she plonked herself down next to us, and sticking her hand with its bright orange nails out at Daniel, she said, "Arabia. Melinda's Friend, Pleased to meet you. This is my boyfriend Scott. SCOTT!" she chided affectionately, "Say hello! Where ARE you manners!"
"Hey." Grunted Scott.
"Pleased to meet you." Said Daniel.
Aww! He reacted to the attack of the friends with composure and dignity.
A height to which a rare few have ever been able to leap.
Kudos to the man.
"So. Melinda likes you. Score for you. But it's not over until the fat lady sings. Any skeletons in your closet that we should know about? Murder? Theft? Rape? Past or present wives?"
Daniels face got more and more bewildered with every word Arabia spoke.
And I know the feeling. Arabia can sometimes be a little scary.
Then as she reached her final accusation, his facial expression changed to one of guilt.
"You ARE kidding me." I said, daring him to deny it.
He sighed.
"Fiancé. Past tense, it was over before it ever began."
"Oh Yeah? What was she like?"
If he said supermodel, I was so going to flip. Like I need that sort of competition.
"She was a supermodel."
Waaaahhhhh! Once a guy's gone model, he can never go back.
"Bleugh. What a drop in standards." I muttered.
"But she wasn't a nice person. She left me because, uhhh, she turned out to be having er, sexual relations with another woman."
That got Scott's attention. He was too slow to hide the look of glee across his face, and Arabia sighed. "Men." She said. "I thought that would only better the deal?" she added to Daniel.
"I was in love with her. And she didn't return that. Only enough to marry me." He said sadly. Ouch. Join the club. We'll call it 'Played by the supermodels anonymous.'
"So listen man,' said Scott eagerly, "do you have any photos? Like of her and the other Model?"
Arabia elbowed him. Even Daniel smiled. "Afraid not. Its well and truly over now." He said. "And I happen to find this young woman," he smiled at me, "extremely appealing."
"God, if you hurt her I will SO hunt you down and break your neck!" screeched Arabia.
She wouldn't have to. I would have already done it.
And I said so.
Causing Scott to widen his eyes happily, probably at the idea of Arabia and myself as dominatrix's. Arabia smirked tauntingly at Daniel. An action that reminded me strongly of Nick. Which was NOT what I needed right now.
"I assure you Miss Arabia, Melinda will be quite safe in my presence."
"I'll hold you to that." Arabia said.
"Hold away. I would be honoured," he said.
That is exactly what the world needs more of . . . Daniels's.
Just then, Alannah walked over and said, "Hey guys. How are you all?" then seeing Daniel, she said, "oh im sorry I didn't—I mean, I—I'll see you later!"
"Alannah." I said warningly. "Get back here."
She turned reluctantly.
"Alannah this is Daniel, Daniel this is Alannah."
"How do you do?" he said courteously.
That instantly put Alannah at ease. "Well thank you. And yourself?"
Gawd. These two could pull the charming, otherworldly thing all day. Great.
Then the guy who was serving as DJ spoke into the mike, "Heeeeey hey hey, all you wonderful dancing dudes and dudettes! Lets get our freak on, ready for our supreme dancing cooooommmmmmpppppppeeeetitionnnnnn!"
(A/N: that word was competition for all those of you who don't speak radio babble.)
"We have a medley of GREEEEAAAAATTTT songs here, pop and rock, tango and more! So grab ya'llselves a partner and shimmy on up here!"
Arabia and Scott were already up, and Alannah wandered off to go talk to her computer nerd friends who were also sitting this one out. I can't think of anything to call them other than nerds. I know. It's not very nice. But I don't say that to their faces. Or even aloud.
We were just in time to hear them starting up the medley so I pulled Daniel up and we were off.
So were Nick and Cindy. Only THEY would be able to turn a medley that started out with POP, brainless, fluffy POP, into some kind of dirty dancing free for all. And they were going for it.
And Nick still looked hot. Damn him.
Even with Cindy grinding herself up against him. I don't know how he does it, I really don't. Or her for that mater of fact. That position she was currently in, didn't look all that comfortable to tell you the truth.
Since it was a medley, they'd just cut and pasted songs, never giving you a whole song, just pieces, its great fun dancing to medleys, but you have to be on top of your game ALL the time.
The first piece was Missy and Christina's Car wash! Christina's voice came warbling out in full, and we started.
Come
summer the work gets kind of hard (come on)
This ain't no
place to be if you're planning on being a star, being a star
Let
me tell you it's always cool, cool
And the boss don't mind
sometimes if you're acting like a fool
Working at the car
wash, oh, oh, yeah, yeah
At the car wash, yeah,
woo
At the car wash, ow, said, now come on and work
it with me now
Working at the car wash yeah, said, said, said,
sing
Work and work, well those cars never stop coming
Work and work, whoo, those keep rags and machines humming
Work
and work my fingers to the bone
Work and work, keep on and can't
wait until it's time to go home, uh
Hey, get your
car washed today
Fill up and you don't have to pay
Hey, get
your car washed today
Fill it up, right away
This was so much fun! Good music, good company, it was actually better then pre-ghost, pre-murder days!
Daniel wasn't doing too bad either. He was keeping up quite well. I caught a glance of Cindy and Nick and they were going strong. The judge's eyes on them, they had the whole naughty fascination thing going on.
And THEN, I began working it.
I suddenly circled Daniel, stepping high, and dragging my hand up around him, until I was standing square with him again, this time my arms wrapped around his neck, I crouched down on the ground, bringing him down with me kicked my leg high, and leaned back, throwing my head back too, my rose almost falling from my hair in the process. I could feel Daniels breath on my neck, and we held it for a beat, then we were up, my right hand clasped in his and my left once again on his shoulder, or at least we were, until Daniel started twirling me. Faster and faster, a normal person probably would have fallen by now, but I loved it.
I was just lucky I'd taken off my shoes. I mean; if I'd stayed in the high, red, wrap heels I was wearing, I would have fallen on my ass long ago.
There was just one little snag. As great as my gypsy skirt is, I was having a little trouble with the layers. Or more to the point, the way they were flying up. I mean, sure they were floaty and . . . light, I knew THAT when I brought it, but I didn't think I would be in a situation where said layers would fly up too much.
Wrong. So, so wrong. Dancing would sure do the trick.
There were about three other couples that could actually DANCE, and Nick and Cindy were (unfortunately,) the best out of those three.
Then 'carwash' stoped, and the sugar babes 'push the button' started. OUTRAGE! THAT SONG IS NOT POP! It's just a dirty dancing/strip club music song disguised as Pop. But now is not the time for me to get all indignant. I have a competition to win.
Daniels twirling of me stoped, and as Push the Button started, I began to sashay forward and back, keeping in rhythm with the beat, and the people round the out side of the dancers, clapping. Daniel spun me out, then back to him, with his arms tight around my waist, holding me to him, he lifted me off the ground, and swung me around and when we landed, we really began to make Nick and Cindy look Christian, as we began to twist spin, me practically straddling Daniel's leg, which he didn't look too unhappy about,
Allow me to say, even though I was leading, you couldn't tell. He was moving quite well. It was HOT. How many ladies would have loved to be in my heels right now?
Umm, A LOT. So HA.
Now I was glad to see, we had more eyes on us. Although our moves were every bit as untamed, wild and sultry as Nick and Cindy's, we just carried ours of with more CLASS. So we DIDN'T look like strippers. There is a fine line between sexy and skanky, and I think Cindy could do with someone pointing that out to her.
Im such a perra.
Its not like she's done much to me.
She IS a Barbie though.
But she has always been quite nice to me. But not to Alannah's geek mates! Yeah. That's it. She was mean to Wilfred or whatever his name is.
Im just going to tactfully ignore the fact that he drives me crazy with the whole 'well actually, science has proven . . . ' and; 'well if we are relevant to scientific fact the our hypothesis should be directly adjacent to . . . ' and the classic; 'well if my calculations are correct . . . '
But when the kid actually SHUTS UP ABOUT HIS FRIGGING CALCULATIONS, then he can be mildly interesting! Also tactfully ignoring the fact that he only ever did this once, and that was to comment on how nice my hair smelt.
Pfft. There's a murderer right there.
What's he going to do? Push cars off cliffs? Cut my car's brake line? Get me killed by his victim's ghosts?
(A/N: I'm so funny. Not. Melinda was never told about the Michael Meducci thing. It brought back painful memories for Suze. Memories of getting beaten up by two Barbie dolls in prom dresses and corsages. I see where she's coming from, don't you?)
Push the button ended and the announcer drawled into the mike, "Wow-ee! We have some hot stuff here! Call me!" he said to Cindy, and threw her a wink. Poor girl. But that's what she gets for dressing—and dancing—like a call back girl. "Ok guys, that was HOT HOT HOT! But now we have to step it up again! Those who got a tap on the shoulder from our beeeeeeaaaaaaaaayyyyyyooooooootiful (A/N: beautiful,) judges, will please leaaave the dance floooooor!"
There were only four of us left now. Daniel and I, Nick and Cindy, and two other couples that I didn't know.
"We're in," said Daniel with a grin,
"Damn straight." I said with a wink.
Well duh! I wasn't expecting to LOSE.
I don't LOSE.
What I do, I do well.
When I'm good im very, very good, and when I'm bad, I . . . suck. A lot.
I dance salsa, I dance jazz, I dance tango, I dance the meringue, I even did ballet for a few years, I love the mambo, and my personal favourite, the Flamenco. The Spanish dance.
And . . . then 'hang 'em high' started.
By My Chemical romance.
Stacy's favourite band.
Stacy is like, their POSTER GIRL. She IDOLISED them. She would have made a perfect mascot too. With her stunning, eye-catching looks, pretty and dark, chokers and bracelets, black wardrobe, punk-ass make up and hair, she would have been a shoo-in for the actual BAND.
Not to mention she ROCKED the Drums.
I stiffened as the falsely cheerful music started, and loosened my hold on Daniel.
I saw over his shoulder Nick and Cindy were moving, Nick caught my eye and winked.
THE FERRET! HE KNOWS FULL WELL WHY IM NOT MOVING. HE KNOWS THAT IT ONLY TOOK THAT ONE SONG TO REMIND ME OF EVERYTHING!
Im going to grind him into the ground!
I—whoops, I mean we—will win this!
I started swaying to the falsely cheery music, and then as it REALLY started, drums, screaming and all, I rocked it.
I flicked my arms up and twisted, resulting in cheers from the crowd, matching the wildness of the music to my movements; I spun around quickly and stepped, in time of course. My shoulder blades were now firmly against Daniels chest I threw my arms around his neck and twisted again, so he was now standing where I was before, and I was now standing where he was. Twirled right, then abruptly changed to twirling right, stopped, and Daniel pressed himself up against me.
What happened next was hardly my fault.
They weren't going to play much more of the song, and it was time for a grand finale. And I didn't have one. Seriously, I was ok, standing there for few minutes; it gathered tension for our big finale, but what if we didn't have a finale . . .?
Daniel must have known the song too. He looked me in the eyes and saw what I was thinking.
Then he just did it. I had no idea. Suddenly Daniel dipped me backwards, leaned down towards me and was kissing me. Furiously and hard, Just as these words were screamed out:
The angels just cut out her tongue
And called her Black Maria,
Would I lie to you?
That girl's not right in the brain!
Then the music stopped. And Daniel kind of . . . didn't. It was when we heard the whooping and cheering and the 'go get her tiger!' that we stopped.
I couldn't show any embarrassment either. I mean, it would totally DEFEAT THE PURPOSE.
And even though that kiss was supposed to be fiery and all, it wasn't really. It was supposed to be hot and all, but it still just felt sweet, and . . . boring?
OK OK! SORRY LADIES! Sheesh. Delicate suggestion, don't bite my head off. God. Mention one word against the hot man and you lot go all Jekell and Hyde on me.
And I'm pretty sure that time; Daniel was trying to give me the fireworks.
Sucky.
But when Daniel helped me to my feet, and I saw Nick's gob-smacked, and maybe a little hurt, expression, I felt the satisfaction all right.
I smirked at him.
Looks like the tables have been turned hmm? Too bad.
I know for me, the kiss may not have FELT passionate and hot, but I know it had definitely LOOKED it.
So HA. HA HA HA HA HA.
"Well after THAT little finale what hope have the rest of us huh, ladies and gentle worms?" burbled the announcer.
What a loser.
"loooooookkkksss like we have ourselves two finalist couples!'
It was just Nick and I left. I mean, US, and nick left. Oh and Cindy. Mustn't forget dear Cindy.
"But now we throw in the Special twist!" warbled the pathetic announcer.
Uh oh.
"Our dancers swap!"
Uh oh.
"That's right little dancing cherubs! Our partners swap! If were going to pick the best male and female dancer, we need to see these talented youngsters with other partners!"
Im am so screwed.
You see; as it was only Daniel, Cindy, Nick and Myself left, guess with whom I was going to be dancing with?
Cindy!
No.
Nick. I would be dancing with Nick.
Soy así que cogido.
"So. Madams . . ." the announcer paused, as someone told him our names, "Cindy and Melinda, would you please trade partners."
That would happen wouldn't it? These people must have had a tip off as to the . . . CIRCUMSTANCES between Nick and myself.
I AM GOING TO KILL – "
Wait. Calm Down Melinda. It's just a dance. You will live. You can handle a simple dance. And if you killed the bastard you'd have yet ANOTHER ghost on your hands. That is NOT what you want right now.
Nick walked over to me and smiled coldly at me. "So. Melinda. Apparently your choice in dance partners has been pre-ordained."
I said nothing.
Well what was there to say?
Just dance Melinda. You CAN dance.
I wonder what the song was going to be? They'd done pop . . . and rock . . . now what?
And then the song started.
And I swear to god I almost walked up to the DJ's turntables and popped him one in the face.
Shakira's Objection.
A T-A-N-G-O.
"Shall we?" Nick said, his trademark smirk in place.
Umm how about NO!
"Whatever." I said with cool indifference.
Yeah. Cool indifference my big toe
I reluctantly grabbed my skirt with my left hand, his arm going through my locked arm and around my waist on that side, pulling me closer that was ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, and my other hand was clasped in HIS other hand.
So . . .yeah.
Nick stepped me around the room, me stepping high, and he stepping smoothly, for the first slow beats.
I was a good dancer. I knew that.
What I didn't know was that Nick was equally talented. If anyone in here could give me a run for my money, it would be him. I mean, the guy was GOOD.
We circled the perimeter Then the Music slowed, then got heavier, more instruments were added, including a little Harmonica and a lot more percussion, and as the sound became more and more polyphonic, Nick Dipped me, Right, then left, I was totally not expecting that, and scowled when I realised he'd successfully claimed the lead.
Well I hope for his sake that he can handle it.
We circled each other, His arm around my waist STILL holding me ridiculously too close for my comfort, I was staring into Nicks blue eye's giving him my best death glare, you know the ' I hope you DIE' one, him staring into MY green eyes giving me a look which I could neither analyse nor read, which only served to infuriate me even moreBut whatever it was, it was intense.
Suddenly he released my waist, spinning me out, and twirling me, and I wasn't ready for THAT either, but much to my chagrin, it came out looking beautiful and rehearsed. Nick Pulled me back into him, holding my leg high at his hip when I put my hand on the side of his face and hissed at him, "two can play that game."
And Shakira agrees with me. Chirruping on about how tango was only for two not three.
I hear 'ya Sister.
Besides, wasn't it about time this song ended? If it was just a medley . . .
OH MY GOD!
THE WEASELS!
The only song they play in full, it HAS to be a tango, and it HAS to be when im dancing with Nick.
And my hair was coming out of its Chicagoan thing. I could feel wisps of it around my face.
As I twirled my self out of his grasp, feeling a small tug in my hair. I ignored it and flounced, spinning with a neat trick I learned in ballet, to the other side of the clearing, I twirled down onto one knee, flicked my hands out to my sides in a triumphant gesture, then I stood and placed my hands on my hips, trapping my foot in time to the music, giving nick a teasing, 'HA! I beat you again! Hurry up and get over here wont you?' Look to which he answered, and as he came towards me I saw what he was twirling in his hands. MY ROSE! My ROSE!
I walked back up to him, he grabbed me, and just as I was furiously about to demand my rose back and that I be allowed to forfeit, I found myself looking into his eye's and breathing in his cologne, And just meekly stood there in his grasp. AGAIN! Only this time his arms were around me so it was WORSE. Much, much worse. And yet I STILL just stood there. Waiting. Waiting for HIM to move. I was completely surrendering. That is NOT like me. He just held the rose in his right hand, his left holding me close to him.
And I started to feel a bit dizzy, Nick must have just shaved or something, because I found myself getting light-headed with the overwhelming scent of his aftershave. Was that how he did it? Made the girls go FAINT from the overwhelming—but not unpleasant—smell of cologne?
Well that's just—
Then Nick dipped me. He dipped me backwards, and he followed me down, trailing my rose along my neck, his mouth grazing my collarbone then he stopped, as his mouth was parallel with my lower neck. And he dropped a kiss there. It was so quick and light, I doubt anyone saw it. But I did! And damn! I know I was in a similar position a few moments ago with Daniel, but it felt NOTHING like this. My Neck felt like it was on fire, and considering whom I was dancing with, I was entering the danger zone all right.
A small part of me was telling me this was a very bad thing, and I should run away right now.
But every other part of me argued I should just dance, and to let myself go, just to enjoy the music, let it claim me once more, dancing with a brilliant partner.
And you know what? Majority rules.
So I danced.
I felt myself being carried away, just . . . just, moving with Nick. It was CRAZY. And I didn't even care. All in all, it was turning out to be a very weird evening.
Nick threw my rose away, out in to the sand over in the distance, where it lay forgotten, and I span around and ducked down on one knee, my arms down beside me as Nick put his arms up in the air, then we Alternated, me being the one with my arms outstretched and Nick on the ground, we did it once more before we stood up a little way away from each other, back to back, then span until we were face to face—extremely close might I add—and clasped both hands, throwing up our arms together and then both leaning back, hands still firmly entwined until my hands made their own way to the sides of his face and I held it, his own hand supporting my leg once more, higher than last time, until I released throwing one hand up and spun down to the ground, going down into the splits, throwing my torso, head and one arm back, until Nick picked me up by my waist and spun both of us around, my legs still split, I heard the applause get heavier, and I smiled slightly.
Funny how this Dance, which was supposed to be a tango, had really turned into the Flamenco.
I didn't know Nick knew how to Flamenco. But apparently he did. And well too.
Turns out that there's a fair bit I don't know about this guy. He surprises me all the time.
And then the Music stopped.
And I panicked.
I curtsied slightly and went to lave the clearing. Fast. I got halfway through the crowd, and the announcer called me back again. Of course, I couldn't move an inch more, as the crowd WOULDN'T move. I was forced to turn and go back.
Thanks a lot guys. You're ALL off my Christmas list.
Someone pushed me up to the DJ's podium, and as I walked past the person in charge of song choices, I hissed at him (the DJ), "Me and you? We have a score to settle. I owe you a good few broken bones, so—"
I was dragged away to exchange pleasantries with the guy who held a microphone before I could finish my little threat. It wasn't empty either. I could, and would, break every bone in his body.
Lucky for him I didn't get to punch him then and there. The guy looked like he was going to run away, he looked surprised that the pretty girl who smilingly shook hands with the DJ could, and wouldn't hesitate to break his nose.
Looks like someone didn't listen to mommy when she said 'LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING'.
SHE WASN'T LYING.
I accepted the corny, ugly certificate I was handed, as did Nick, but as soon as that was over, I stepped off the podium and walked away, the crowd flinched and moved, allowing me space to leave. It wasn't until afterwards that I realised the Engineers mike was on and caught every word of my threat.
But I didn't really care.
I walked past a trodden yellow thing, squashed thing lying in the sand, and it wasn't until I bent down to investigate that I realised that it was my rose that Nick had thrown away.
Oh god.
I saw Daniel coming up behind me and I quickly veered to the right, stepping on the rose so he wouldn't be able to see it.
"Hey!" he said brightly, "Are you set up for a ride home?"
"Yeah, Im good, I'll see you later!" I said as I walked off. I just had to hope he wouldn't look down.
"Bye!" he said after me.
Poor, poor fellow. He had no idea what he'd managed to get himself into when he asked me to dance.
You really had to pity him.
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TA DAH!
I know that chapter was comprised completely of fluff, but meh, what's a little fluff?
Love and kisses;
Mariah
XXX000XXX