Chapter 20

I stared at myself in the mirror, studying my appearance for tonight.

Tonight was the Winter Ball, and I was ready, even though I didn't have a date. I was going with Jimmy and Alex, we would all just hang out together for the night.

My thoughts turned to Darren. Would he be there? I remember that he said he liked a girl, but she was taken. Did he mean me? No, I'm technically not 'taken' anymore, so wouldn't he have asked me to the Winter Ball? I was beginning to think that he liked me...he does, doesn't he? I don't know what we had.

I shook my head, I can worry about that later. I inspected my curled hair, some of it held back with a diamond-studded clip. On my neck lay a diamond necklace, shining softly with the light in my room. My gown was red, sequins on the skirt and the bottom of the skirt had beautiful white trimming. Overall, it reminded me of Christmas, which was good for a Winter Ball.

After fastening on my earrings, I grabbed my red satin clutch and walked out of my bedroom. My parents were delighted when they saw me, complimenting me on how beautiful I was. I smiled and thanked them for the praise.

A few minutes later, Jimmy and Alex arrived with their parents. While I went over to them and gushed about how pretty (yes, I told Jimmy he looked pretty. He laughed and said I looked handsome.) they were, our parents were talking about how great the other's kid looked.

Then it was time for the most painful part, pictures. When Mom announced it I started groaning in annoyance, while Alex and Jimmy rolled their eyes thinking of the coming onslaught of flashes.

It honestly felt like we were moviestars, and our parents were hyper paparazzi.

"Smile, Rose!"

"Oh, you kids look so adorable!"

"I know you hate dresses, Alex, but at least smile!"

"Jimmy, stand up straight!"

"Do not roll your eyes at me young man!"

"Beautiful, oh Jax they're so precious!"

"Are we done yet, Mom?" I asked tiredly.

"I suppose," she relented, lowering her phone. "Now have fun tonight, alright guys?"

"We will!" I smiled, glancing at my friends who were smiling in anticipation as well.

After our parents said goodbye to us, we all went outside and climbed in the limo. Yes, that's right, we had a limo. Having a dad who is a CEO has it's perks.

The ride to Juliette (where the ball was being held) took about ten minutes, the whole time anxious energy was consuming us.

When at last we did arrive, we were a bit disappointed to see that the outside didn't look too special. But when we did go inside, we were frozen with awe. The foyer was huge, with a dazzling chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The carpet had delicte weaving patterns and the inside we could see the huge ballroom with people from our school dancing with their friends.

"Let's rock this joint!" Alex shouted, grabbing my and Jimmy's hands as she dragged us inside.

We made a beeline for an unused table, dropped off our clutches, then raced back to the dance floor. I laughed as we started doing ridiculous dance moves, everyone was too engrossed in their own dancing to care.

Jimmy grinned as he took my hand, lifting it up so I could spin. I took the invitation, closing my eyes and twirling around wildly, when I felt a hand wrap around my waist and another take my hand.

I opened my eyes, shocked and beyond embarrased that I bumped into someone. "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you-" My apology silenced when I saw a pair of distinct blue eyes staring into my own.

His mouth curved into a smirk, "hey there, Red. You look beautiful tonight."

I looked away, fighting back a blush. "Thanks, Darren. You look nice too."

"Your compliment has made my night," he teased. "Will you be so kind as to dance with me?"

"S-sure," I replied shakily.

The music changed to a new song.

Much as you blame yourself, you can't be blamed for the way that you feel.

Had no example of a love that was even remotely real.

I felt like this song was hitting home with me.

How can you understand something that you never had?

Ooh baby, if you let me, I can help you out with all of that.

Darren grinned while I bit my lip with nervousness.

At the chorus we began dancing, our own little duet but with...well, dancing. We twirled around together, other couples making room for us.

Girl, let me love you, baby...

He smiled and I couldn't help but smile back, even though my heart felt like it was pounding. We slowed down along with the music.

I just wanna be the one to remind you what it is to smile.

I would like to show you what true love can really do.

Darren was staring into my eyes, it felt like he was speaking those words through his own. My lips parted slightly at this thought in awe.

By the time the song was finished, we were both panting in tiredness. Numbed by the experience, I thanked Darren for the dance then went and searched for Jimmy and Alex, but couldn't find them.

"Hello Iridium High!" A loud voice boomed from the speakers.

Everyone gathered in a small crowd around the DJ.

"Is everyone having a good time tonight?!"

All the yelling from the students confirmed his answer.

"Hey." Someone tapped me on the shoulder.

I turned around to find Darren, blue eyes twinkling. His lips were parted showcasing a bright smile. "Come with me," he said, taking my arm.

I could feel my face heat up as I bit back a smile, yet allowed him to lead me away.

He took me out of the ballroom, into the foyer.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

He turned to face me, only it wasn't Darren.

My eyes widened in sudden fear.

"Someplace where no one will be able to find you," Nick sneered before pointing a finger at my face.

The last thing I remember is a black tendril of magic hitting me.

A/N: Oh damn O.o

Song is 'Let Me Love You' by Ne-Yo

"Let's rock this joint!" is a line from the Jim Carrey movie 'The Mask'

delightisadream: I bet you hate him even more now XD

Jemmalover1: If that made you fearful before... Lol, trust me, so do I X'D

Guest: Thank you!

lostadventure: Thank you! And yes he is.

angelcreature13: Thank you! And I can just tell you that Rose didn't tell Alex and Jimmy about the confrontation with Nick, Jimmy just knows that Nick and Rose are broken up.

jisela: Darren ftw XD

lovethatignites: I slay X'D Thank you! Hmm...I just come up with a random idea and start writing. Can you teach me how to do a decent oneshot? ;) Haha, yes, I love writing Emma parts in this story :) Yeah, I could imagine she'd hate her last name too XD Gotta love Alex and her personality! Omg, Jax would destory Nick and put his ashes into a vase, then smash the vase, then take a blowtorch to the ashes, then finally pour acid on them ;D Thank you so much for liking that sentence! I honestly felt so proud when writing it! About the Mia response, thanks for agreeing with me :) Lol maybe I should ask him to.

"Hey, Danny. So you have the same name as this asshole from Every Witch Way who likes to trot. Can you trot for me?"

"...what?"

X'D

harmonizergirl1202: Things will get a bit dark next chapter. And you better believe she did ;D

tierrayaoi: LOL X'D

JemmaRoalo3: Thank you!