Chapter One Colored lights pulsed erratically in the dark gymnasium, creating odd reflections on the squirming mass of people on the dance floor. I squinted into the heat of the spotlight and gripped the microphone tightly as I scanned the room for the most important face. And I found him, as beautiful as anything I’d ever seen, laughing at a joke that I couldn’t hear as he leaned against the doorway. His bright, white smile was a beacon from across the room and I found myself wanting to drop the mic and run off the stage, straight to him. I imagined the way his arms would fold around me, holding me tightly to his chest and I fought the urge to act on my impulse. My need for him was almost palpable because any time that wasn’t spent in his arms was just wasted. Our time was always so limited. I exhaled slowly as I felt the bass beat in my chest and I concentrated on the pounding rhythm to keep myself in the moment. I wasn’t nervous and I wasn’t afraid. My life was what it was. And I was okay with that. My issue now was a petty one. I was just second guessing our band’s decision to play for Homecoming tonight. I would rather be dancing with Gavin right now rather than entertaining the student body. My best friend Jessa picked up the