Love Story

The auditorium was transformed into a floral dream with warm romantic lighting. The music choice was naturally the Top 100 hits…remixed for dancing. Cora took a seat next to Jacob, she was feeling a little overwhelmed by the amount of people and the loud music. He grabbed her hand under the table and smiled.
“It’s going to be okay, we can leave whenever you want.” She nodded and scooted her chair closer to his to put her head on his shoulder. He put his arm around her, pulling her closer to him. Cora looked around at her fellow students: There were students from all grades here. She noticed Madeline and Cassandra in the corner, slow dancing and talking to each other. Seeing her friends so happy with each other made her smile. She pulled away from Jacob and looked at him,
“Want to go dance? I like this song.” A slower indie song started and a lot of couple were now breaking from the crowd to go dance. Jacob nodded and stood, helping her up as he did. He kissed her hand before escorting her to the dance floor.
She closed her eyes as they swayed to the music. Everything was perfect. “Jake…” She murmured, her head on his shoulder. “Thank you for asking me to come. I’m having fun.” His chest rumbled as he chuckled.
“Who else would I have asked. It wouldn’t have been fun without you.” She pressed her lips to his neck for a brief moment. Every time she begins to doubt their future, he gives her all the reassurances that they could endure anything that happens. She lifted her head and looked into his eyes. “Everything okay?” She nodded.
“I just really love you Jacob, and nothing is going to change that.” He tightened his arms around and and brought her in for an embrace. He placed his lips on the top of her head before resting his head on hers.
“I love you too.” There was a sadness in his voice that made her feel uneasy. “Hey Cor?” He pulled away but still kept her in his arms.
“Yeah?” He sounded serious.
“I’ve been thinking a lot of the future, and what I want. You inspired me to do that and you inspire me every day, you’re my reason for a lot of things. I guess what I’m trying to ask is: Cora, marry me? In the future.” Cora’s body stiffened. Where did this fit in her future? How long would he want to wait? She started to hyperventilate and the room started to spin. She closed her eyes and willed herself to calm down. When she opened her eyes, he was staring at her with worry. She opened her mouth to give an answer, but she was interrupted by the principal going to the stage to make announcements.
“This year’s Fall Dance Royal is Wolfgang Munch…?” Even she was surprised, Wolfgang was a notorious bully and always in detention or her office. The crowd was stunned, and there were some soft claps among the confused murmurs. “And the Fall Dance Jester is Dudley Landgraab.” Cora looked at Sofia Bjergsen, who was standing next to her. She would know if this was a Carrie situation since she and Dudley were unofficially dating.
“Please tell me this isn’t a prank on Wolfgang?” Sofia shook her head, she looked just as shocked by this situation as the rest of the students.
“If it is, it’s not from Dudley or his friends.” Cora looked back to the stage where Wolfgang was smirking with his crown. He was going to lord over them because of this, at least until the next dance.
“There’s no way he legitimately won. That should’ve been you up there.” Jacob finally managed to stop looking angrily at the bully and turned his attention to Cora.
“It should’ve been anyone except him.” She sighed and shook her head, “It doesn’t matter now, all we can do is move forward and just not give him any attention. I think I want to go home…” The perfect evening was ruined, even before her bully was made Dance Royalty. Did she want to marry Jacob? The impromptu proposal was not what she expected so soon. She didn’t even know if marriage was something she was interested in, especially at this age. They were silent as they walked to the dock, for that she was thankful. As soon as Jacob dropped her off at her house, she called Madeline to see if she wanted to spend the night.

Heavy wooden doors flew open and a woman walked into the study, heels clacking against the hard wood. A man sat behind the desk did not look up from his book but knew who his visitor was, thanks to the butler’s warning. “What do you want Lilith?” He leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs and arms. “I told Remy to tell you I wasn’t home.” She stopped at his desk and leaned over, palms flat against the top.
“And pray tell dear brother, where else would you be?” She whispered. She stood and cleared her throat. “Besides, this is news you’ve been waiting for.” Caleb’s face was expressionless as he watched his sister’s movements. “I’ve found her fragment. She’s alive and well.”
“What’s her name?” He waited to hear the name of this fragment. The last one was Lucine.
“Cora.”