Knowing You're There

Chapter 27

“Text Kurt and tell him I’m here,” I said.  It pinged in response. 

I leaned back on the outside wall and waited.  At least it wasn’t that cold out.  Finally, I heard someone panting and rushing over.  My lips formed into a grin. 

“I’m so sorry I’m late,” Kurt said.  “I got al distracted while I was playing my guitar and…I’m sorry.” 

“It’s okay,” I said. 

 He moved in closer and brought me into a hug.  “You look absolutely amazing.  I love your dress, and your hair, and are those new sunglasses?” 

I readjusted them on my face.  “They are.  Sarah suggested I buy red ones to match my dress.” 

“Wow.  You’re just…so stunning!” he said. 

I leaned into the fabric of his suit jacket.  Something smelled different about him.  “Are you wearing cologne?” 

“I am.  It’s called ‘Essence of Cupid.’” 

I laughed.  “I’m not even going to question where you got that.  Are you ready to go?  You know, get our groove on?” 

“Not yet,” he said.  “I have to give you something first.  Just turn around.” 

My smile widened and I turned the other way.  I heard him slide something out of his pants pocket.  He then lifted my hair and carefully fastened the cool chair around my neck.  I turned around, feeling the charm at the bottom.  My face changed.  I held the object between my thumb and pointer finger, feeling it over and over again. 

“What’s wrong?” Kurt asked.  “Do you like it?” 

“Oh, of course I like it,” I said.  “I just don’t know what this is.” 

“Sweetheart, it’s a music not.” 

My jaw dropped at the realization.  I felt the object again.  Thin at the top and round at the bottom.  I’d never even pictured music notes, let alone felt them.  Now I could.  I tiled my head upwards and kissed his lips, which were feeling chap again. 

“It’s perfect.  Thank you,” I said. 

“You’re welcome.  I figured you’d like it,” he said. 

“So, it’s cold out.  Can we go inside and dance now?”

I could feel his smile.  “Yes.  Let’s do this.” 

Hand in hand, Kurt and I ran inside.  The twins and Sarah found is right away, and all eight of us moved into a circle, jumping around and moving to the fast-paced music with each other.  After about ten minutes, all of us girls were in pain and tossed our heels of to the side, dancing barefoot on the covered gym floor. 

Around nine, we all gathered to the front of the room to wait for Dr. Decford, the principal, who would be announcing the winners of the cutest couple contest.  Behind me, I heard Nathan slip his phone out of his back pocket.

“Sarah, I need to go to the bathroom,” he whispered. 

“But what about the contest?” she said. 

"Look, I had a burrito for lunch that’s not sitting right.  I really have to go.” 

I heard Sarah try to grab him, but he ran off.  Kurt held my hand. The crowd started cheering.  Footsteps moved onto the makeshift platform in the front of the room.

“Is everyone having a good time tonight?” Dr. Decford said into the microphone.  We all clapped and cheered.  “That’s good!  Now, we can move on to everyone’s favorite part of the night, our East Mountain High Cutest Couple Award!” 

“This is it,” I whispered to Kurt.  “We’ve totally got this.” 

He held my hand tighter.  Other couples whispered back and forth to each other.  Next to me, Maxi grabbed my other hand.  We were all rooting for each other, or at least said we were. 

“I have the results right here.  Can I get a drumroll please?” Dr. Decford asked.  We all bent over, slapping our hands on our thighs.  “The winners of this year’s cutest couple award are…Sarah O’Connor and Nathan Banks!” 

Before I even had time to react, Sarah was spazzing out and screaming behind me.  I plugged my ears as she ran up to the platform, still screaming.  Kurt put his arm around me.  Did that really just happen?  How could a couple as adorable as Kurt and I lose to Sarah and Nathan, of all people? 

“Thank you guys so much!” Sarah said into the mic.  “I’m so happy to be receiving this award!  Nathan is really going to have a big surprise when he gets out of the restroom!”