Epilogue
Rebecca was just putting the finishing touches on her makeup when the blaring horn announced the arrival of her friends. She glanced once more at her reflection to make sure everything was just right. The deeply outlined eyes that stared back at her from the mirror hardly seemed to be her own at all. In fact, she might have been looking at a total stranger. Her choice of wardrobe for the evening was a far cry from her normal style. However, different didn’t necessarily equal bad. It was a lesson that had been hard to learn, but in the end was extremely rewarding. And she had to admit that she was very impressed with the final results of her outfit. She just hoped Justyn would be. After all, she had done this for him.
“Rebecca! Rebecca, he’s here!”
Her mother’s shrill voice broke through the silence of her reverie. It was a voice filled with excitement, but tinged with the sadness of knowing her little girl was just about grown up. Rebecca had to wonder if her mother would still be excited when she saw her daughter’s choice of attire.
She tore her eyes away from the mirror and looked towards her open bedroom door, feeling her heart start to race with familiar expectation. She always felt that way when she knew she was going to see Justyn. Her heart still thumped uncontrollably every time she saw him, even though months had passed. Every date left her with the same tingly sensation as their first. She hoped that feeling would never go away, not even when they were eighty.
Rebecca took one last, deep breath before stepping away from her dresser, and making her way down the hallway. As soon as she reached the foot of the stairs, she could see the small party who waited patiently in the foyer for her to make her grand entrance. Her parents were there, chatting pleasantly with the more eccentric Darlene as though they had all been friends for years. Thus proving that it was impossible for Justyn and his family to fail to win over anyone once they set their minds to it.
Then there was Justyn, so unbelievable handsome, so perfect in every possible way—at least in her eyes. He was standing off in the corner, shifting his weight nervously from one foot to the other, and looking up the stairwell in anticipation as he waited for her to appear. She was glad to see the magic of their relationship hadn’t worn off for him anymore than it had for her.
He would have looked perfect to her in anything, but she never expected Justyn to be dressed the way he was. It was shocking. It was so unlike him. And it made her wonder if she had made a huge mistake. Justyn was wearing a completely modern, traditional black tux. From the red cummerbund to the black tie, it was as average and as commonplace as could be. No black eyeliner. No silver chains or metal tipped boots. No facial piercings, either. Who was this divinely handsome but normal boy, and what had he done with her Gothic boyfriend?
“Rebecca, stop lingering in the doorway!” Her father urged her forward as he lifted his video camera to the best possible angle. “The anticipation is killing us.”
Now that she had been spotted, there was no putting it off any longer. Rebecca held her breath and started her slow catwalk down the stairs. As she turned the corner, she heard four people gasp in almost perfect unison, though she was pretty sure each gasp was for a different reason. Her dress swished at her feet with each step, and she hoped she wouldn’t trip, especially since her father had the camcorder ready to capture every embarrassing moment.
“Isn’t she beautiful?” Darlene gushed to her mother.
Mrs. Hope nodded, but Rebecca knew her mother well enough to know that of all the adjectives running through her head at that moment, beautiful probably wasn’t one of them. Strange, bizarre, freaky, ethereal maybe, but beautiful—
“Beautiful doesn’t begin to describe her.” Justyn’s voice was filled with such pure, honest emotion, it didn’t even matter anymore what anyone else thought. “You did this for me?”
Rebecca shrugged her shoulders, and noted again just what Justyn was referring to as she glanced at her reflection in the living room mirror. The black make up, the black tight fitting gown with a long black train. Black spider web lace trailed the length of her arms and ended in a pointed tip at her wrists. Her face was pale as snow, making her dark eyes stand out in amazing contrast. The entire outfit seemed only fitting when she had chosen it. After all, Justyn was going against his very grain by attending the cliché senior prom at all. The least she could do was accompany him dressed as his Gothic queen.
“Unbelievable,” he whispered as he slipped a corsage of blood red roses on her wrist.
“You really like it?”
He smiled at her insecurity. “There aren’t words in any language that could express to you exactly how much I like it. Becca, my love, you are beyond stunning.”
She felt herself blush at the sincere compliment and hoped it didn’t ruin the effect.
“If you two love birds don’t hurry up, you’re going to miss your ride.” Her father informed them.
Even as he said it, an almost musical honk emitted from the driveway. Rebecca peeked out the window and saw Carmen and Tom both hanging out the sunroof of the waiting limo, waving excitedly and gesturing them to come out and join them. They had gotten together not long after the play. It was true what they said about tragedy bringing people together.
“Your carriage awaits.” Justyn offered her his arm, which she accepted gratefully. Not as much chance of her falling when he was at her side.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Darlene called as they went out the door.
“That leaves us open for a broad spectrum of possibilities.”
Justyn turned around to give his mother a conspirative wink, and Rebecca pulled him through the door before her father could ponder that comment long enough to have an angina attack. Tom threw open the door of the limo, and Justyn, in pure old-world fashion, took hold of her hand as she stepped inside. It was a good thing, too. For Rebecca, walking in high heels was a precarious endeavor.
“Wow, Becca. You do realize its prom and not Halloween, right?” Carmen asked as she gave Rebecca’s dress a once-over. Her own light pink fitted gown looked spectacular, especially with the billowing black curls that cascaded down her back.
Tom grinned, as boyishly handsome as ever, especially in his tux. “Oh, leave her alone, Carmen. I think you look great, Bec. But of course, not as beautiful as you.” He kissed Carmen’s nose and the pout that was just beginning to form instantly vanished.
The four of them were a strange quartet. Yet, a quartet they had been for the last seven months, practically inseparable. That wasn’t so odd for Carmen and Rebecca, who had been best friends since grade school. But a real comradeship had grown between Tom and Justyn as well. Rebecca wouldn’t have believed it was possible if she hadn’t experienced it firsthand. The surfer and the Goth, once bitter enemies, were now best friends and confidants.
Rebecca wondered what they were all going to do without each other the next year. With graduation looming threateningly, she realized they only had a few months left with their friends. Then Tom would be off to his ideal endless summer in California, and Carmen would be packing up for Rutgers University to study physiology. Rebecca and Justyn would both be attending the New York School of Performing Arts, thanks to the talent scout who had given them full scholarships. Darlene was already helping them look for a little studio apartment off campus. It was something Rebecca was dreading having to share with her parents.
“Why the serious face?” Justyn asked. “This is supposed to be a fun night.”
“I was just thinking about how much I’m going to miss nights like this once we’re all off in the real world.”
“We’ll keep in touch,” Carmen said. “Thanksgiving comes pretty quick.”
Rebecca didn’t miss the quick sidelong glance she gave Tom. Her boyfriend was going to school on the other side of the country. At least Rebecca would get to be with Justyn. Of course, not being with Justyn wasn’t really an option. She gave him a small smile, and gingerly touched the scar on his forehead. It wasn’t nearly as awful as the hole in his shoulder, but it was still a lasting memento of the opening night of the play. It was barely noticeable to anyone who didn’t know it was there, but for Rebecca it was a constant reminder of everything she almost lost. And everything she had to be grateful for.
It didn’t take long for them to get to the restaurant where the prom was being held. They piled out of the limo and joined the other seniors in the elaborate ballroom. Red and white balloons and streamers, the school colors, decorated the hall. And every table setting offered a picture frame with the memorable words, “These are the days to remember.” And that prom night was certainly a night Rebecca would never forget. Filled with fun, romance and even a few surprises—at least for Justyn.
Justyn didn’t think much of it when Miss King, who was working as a chaperone, walked up onto the stage, and borrowed a microphone from the band. But the rest of the party at their table exchanged secretive smiles. Luckily, Justyn was too busy doing origami with his napkin to notice.
“Good evening, seniors. I hope you’re all enjoying your night!” There were lots of hoots and hollers from the crowd on the dance floor. “That’s wonderful! Well, we have one more little surprise for you—one more thing to make this a night to remember. The graduating seniors of the drama club would like to give one last farewell performance.”
Lots of clapping erupted around them, and finally Justyn’s head snapped up. On his face was a look of wide-eyed confusion. Rebecca had to cover her mouth to stifle a giddy giggle. Beside her, Carmen and Tom were smirking too. They were all pretty proud of themselves. It wasn’t easy to take Justyn by surprise.
“What are you three stooges up to?”
“One last hooray,” Tom told him.
Justyn narrowed his eyes. “And why wasn’t I let in on this little secret?”
Miss King answered that question for them. “Without further ado, let me introduce Justyn, Tom, Carmen, and Becca. They’ll be performing their own special rendition of “Love Shack.”
Justyn’s mouth fell open in dumb shock.
Rebecca smiled. “It’s not that bad.”
“You don’t actually except me to sing that nineties retro nonsense, do you?”
“Blame it on me, Justyn,” Carmen offered. “It’s the only song with multiple parts that was anywhere in my voice range.”
“Come on, dude, be a good sport,” Tom said, and clapped Justyn on the back.
Justyn glared at him. “You’re pushing it, dude.”
“Do it for me.”
Rebecca fluttered her eyelashes in what she hoped was a provocative way. They were so heavy with thick, black mascara, she couldn’t really be sure. But when she saw Justyn’s frown relax into that sweet smile she knew and loved, she realized that victory was hers.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
“Come on, Lord Justyn—your fans await!”
Rebecca took his hand, and the two of them followed Carmen and Tom onto the stage. With the four-piece band as their back up, they sang—loud and clear and strong. The entire class joined in for the final chorus, and laughed at the silly, exaggerated expressions they wore as they got into character. Rebecca noted that Justyn didn’t need the cheat sheet of lyrics she had pulled from her handbag. Apparently, he was a little more familiar with “that nineties retro nonsense” than he wanted to let on.
It all went very smoothly. Rebecca wasn’t even nervous about performing at all. The song actually ended way too soon, as did the rest of the night. Before long they were lost in the crowd on the dance floor as the last slow song of the night began to play.
“This is it,” Rebecca whispered as Justyn pulled her close. “Sure there’s a few more exams to take, but this is really the last big night of high school.”
“Any regrets?”
“Only the weeks that I wasted that I should have spent with you.” Rebecca smiled, but then grew a little more serious. “And of course Debbie.”
“What Debbie did wasn’t your fault.”
How many times had she heard that? More than she could count. But it didn’t really change anything. She still felt guilty, and at least partially responsible for everything Debbie had done. But she couldn’t tell Justyn that. He would spend the rest of the night trying to change her mind.
Rebecca sighed. “At least she’s getting the help she needs.”
Justyn pulled her closer. “I wish you wouldn’t torture yourself.”
She should have known she couldn’t hide her feelings from him. He practically read her mind most of the time. “I think it will be easier when we leave for New York. There are just too many reminders here. Of Debbie. Of Jay. Even of Wendy.”
Justyn nodded. “I know how hard this has been for you. But Becca, I swear to you, if I can help it, no one will ever hurt you again.”
Rebecca smiled. “Oh really, Lord Justyn. Are you going to be my hero? Are you going to ride in on your black horse and save me?”
She had only been kidding, but his eyes grew serious, and he actually stopped dancing as he raised a hand to stroke her cheek. “How about we save each other.” He leaned down to kiss her. “Every day for the rest of our lives.”
She had to swallow past a large lump in her throat before she could speak again. “Sounds good to me.”
Rebecca sighed as he pulled her back into his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder, feeling the kind of bliss she didn’t even realize existed before she had met him. Finally they had gotten it right. The final curtain had fallen. The show was over. And in the midst of art coming to life, Justyn and Rebecca had found true love.
Coming in 2013 from Author Laura DeLuca
Demon
Dark Musicals Trilogy, Book 2
Rebecca Hope was sitting high atop a deserted lifeguard bench, watching the waves roll in along the oceanfront, bringing with them an abundance of broken seashells and seaweed. Behind her, the sand stretched for miles. The distant screams from the roller coaster were the only sounds marring the peaceful beauty of the night. She watched as the sun dipped into the deep blue sea, turning the waters a murky gray. Looking out at the endless stretch of water made anything seem possible, but not even the spectacular beauty of the evening was enough to pull Rebecca from her sullenness.
“I can’t believe the summer is already over.” She sighed. “This is it. It’s really our last night together. Tomorrow we’re officially college students. ”
Rebecca’s boyfriend, Justyn Patko, gave her a supportive squeeze, but when she looked over at her best friend, Carmen Webber, her eyes welled with tears. They had been close since grade school. Rebecca wasn’t sure how she was going to face life without her best friend by her side. They had never been apart for more than a few days.
Carmen waved her hand in dismissal, but Rebecca heard the catch in her voice. “Please don’t talk about it. You know I don’t like letting people see me cry.” She squeezed the newly acquired teddy bear that her boyfriend, Tom Rittenhouse, had spent at least fifty dollars trying to win for her.
“Come on, guys.” Tom gave Carmen a light jab in the arm. “It’s not that bad. It’ll be Thanksgiving before we know it. Then we’ll have a big reunion. We’ll all swap stories about college life and how hard we partied.”
“Besides,” Justyn added, “this is a beginning. Not an ending.”
There was a commutative sigh as they considered that. It was the last day of summer vacation. It was bitter sweet, but they had decided to make the most of it. They drove the forty-five minutes to a little tourist town called Wildwood, a resort known for its free beaches and spectacular amusement parks. They spent the day sunbathing, exploring the boardwalk, and stopped for dinner at a little restaurant called Duffy’s on the Lake. Finally, they headed back to the beach to watch the sun set on the nearly deserted shoreline.
“At least you two will be together,” Carmen said with a wistful glance at Tom. “Tom and I are going to be on opposite ends of the country.”
Rebecca couldn’t argue. She knew how lucky she was. Tom was off to his endless summer in California while Carmen would be staying close to home and attending a state college in New Jersey. They were going to be a world apart.
Rebecca and Justyn had both been accepted to the New York School of Performing Arts. Their tuition was paid in full, thanks to the talent scout who had come in search of Justyn, but found a duo he refused to leave behind. They even arranged to rent a small apartment off campus, much to her parent’s displeasure. Still, the fact that Rebecca was going to have her boyfriend by her side didn’t mean she wasn’t nervous about leaving her hometown and everything she knew. In fact, she was downright terrified.
Justyn seemed to read her thoughts, even though he addressed everyone. “Don’t worry. After all we’ve been through his past year . . . college will be like one big vacation.”
Rebecca saw Tom nod in the darkness. They were all contemplative for a moment, remembering the nightmare they had faced. During their high school drama club’s production of Phantom, one of the students had stalked and terrorized them, even going so far as murdering two of their classmates, including Tom’s best friend, Jay. Justyn had been close to death when the crazed killer was de-masked on opening night. Luckily, the gun shot only hit his shoulder.
Rebecca noticed Justyn grimace and try to readjust his arm on the cramped bench that was only meant for two. He was lucky he was an actor and not a pitcher because his shoulder would never to be the same. Rebecca still felt responsible. After all, it was her friend Debbie who had hurt all those innocent people, including Justyn—all because she had secretly yearned for a romantic relationship with Rebecca.
“Hey, babe,” Tom said to Carmen, interrupting Rebecca’s dark reverie. “How about one last stroll along the beach?”
Carmen nodded. The pretty Latina was trying so hard to maintain the tough girl façade, but Rebecca could see her eyes glistening as she climbed down the ladder that led to the sand. She watched them walk away hand-in-hand, but they hadn’t gone far before Carmen finally fell apart. Tom wrapped his arms around her and stroked her long black hair. Rebecca, feeling like an eavesdropper on the intimate moment, averted her eyes to give them some privacy.
“You know, we really are lucky.” Justyn whispered, and tilted her head to place a gentle kiss on her lips. “I’ve moved a dozen times in my life. I’ve left friends and family behind more than once, but I don’t think I could bear to leave you.”
Rebecca smiled, and studied his familiar face in the moonlight. His multiple facial piercings glistened against his pale skin and dark outlined eyes. His solid black ensemble should have made it hard to see him in the night.
When people saw Rebecca with the dramatic Goth, it took them by surprise. They made a strange pair. With her everyday jean shorts and curly brown hair, Rebecca was the poster girl for boring. Yet they made it work, and Rebecca couldn’t imagine herself with anyone else. They were completely in tune with each other, and created a sort of magical harmony, not only with their voices but in all aspects of their relationship. She had even learned a few things from him. She touched the silver pentacle that dangled around her neck. She was still in the midst of her year and a day training; she had a few more months before she could call herself a full-fledged witch. Thanks to Justyn, she had discovered her spiritual path as well as her soul mate.
“I feel the same way,” Rebecca told him, and leaned her head against his shoulder. “I couldn’t imagine beginning this adventure without you by my side.”
“Before we start this new chapter, there’s something I wanted to give you.” Justyn reached into the deep pockets of his black cargo pants and retrieved a little black box wrapped with silver ribbon.
“Really, Lord Justyn, you spoil me way too much,” she said, addressing him playfully by his nickname.
He shrugged. “You are worth spoiling, my lady.”
He kissed her fingers as he slipped the gift into her hand. She felt a warm blush rise to her cheeks and her heart fluttered. Rebecca loved the fact that even though their relationship had matured, Justyn still had the uncanny ability to make her swoon. With her heartbeat still accelerated, she examined the little box and shook it gently. Inside, she heard something rattle.
“But I didn’t get you anything.” She pouted.
“That’s okay. This is for both of us.”
She raised an eyebrow, a habit she had inherited from him. “Do you often give yourself gifts in velvet trimmed boxes?” she teased.
Justyn rolled his eyes. “Just open it and you’ll see what I mean.”
Rebecca unwound the silver ribbon that bound the box together. When she lifted the lid, she found two matching pendants, each laced to a long hemp chain. They were shaped sort of like seashells, with an endless spiral pattern that looped out from the center as the chambers grew larger. They were dark brown in color with a few hints of tan along the edges. The stones had been polished and smoothed on both sides, but when she lifted them, she could see that the two pieces fit together perfectly. She swore that the halves fought to snap together, like magnets in her hand. There was an energy pulsing and vibrating within the stones that even a novice witch like Rebecca could feel.
“They’re beautiful.” Rebecca whispered as she ran her hand along the intricate grooves.
“It’s an ammonite.” Justyn lifted one of the pendants, brushed her hair to the side, and hooked the clasp around her neck. His breath tickled her skin as his hands moved with graceful dexterity, giving her goose bumps despite the humid August night. “They’re actually fossils that are millions of years old, named after Ammon, an ancient Egyptian deity. When they’re divided in half, they’re perfect mirrors of one another. Some cultures believe that if the two halves are given to lovers, it will bind them together forever. When made in necklaces, they’re often called soul mate pendants.”
“Wo . . . wow,” Rebecca stuttered. As usual, the sentiment behind Justyn’s gift was even more beautiful than the gift itself. It left her a little flustered. “That’s amazing. How do you know all this stuff?”
“You don’t spend eighteen years living with Darlene without learning a thing or two.”
Rebecca laughed. Justyn’s mother, Darlene, was definitely something special. EMT, exotic belly dancer, and Wiccan High Priestess were only a few of the titles she claimed. Rebecca knew she was a fountain of earth-based knowledge after years of studying the Craft. As Darlene’s new apprentice, Rebecca was greedily dipping into that knowledge herself as often as possible.
“It’s beautiful,” Rebecca repeated, too overcome with emotion to think of anything more eloquent to say. “You certainly know how to make things interesting.”
“Like I told you on our first date, I try not to be boring.” He winked at her. “So . . . are you going to put mine on for me?”
“Oh yeah . . . sorry.”
Rebecca giggled as she lifted the hemp chain. She wasn’t nearly as graceful as Justyn was. She almost dropped the necklace in the sand three times before she finally managed to get the clasp locked. When she finally had it secured, he placed his hand over her heart where the ammonite lay. He did the same with her hands, lifting them to his chest. His dark eyes had lost all glimmer of humor. He met her gaze with a stare filled with genuine emotion. Beneath her fingers, she could feel the gentle, steady rhythm of his heart beating in perfect tune with her own.
“Our love will span both space and time
In this life and the next you shall be mine.
All eternity I will be by your side.
For a love so strong cannot be denied.
Spirit and flesh merged into one.
So mote it be, for all days to come.”
When he was done with the recitation, he kissed her. Not just a gentle brush this time, but a deep passionate embrace that left her throat tight and her heart pounding with familiar yearning.
“I’ve never heard that poem before,” she said, once she had caught her breath. “Who are you quoting?”
Even in the moonlight, she could see him blush. “I guess I was quoting myself. It was really more of an incantation than a poem, though. These necklaces are meant to be a symbol of our love, and it seemed a little spell work could only add to the power of the stones. There is power in words, Becca. Just like in there is power in nature.”
“You mean, you wrote that?”
He nodded, but his eyes twinkled and the playfulness was back in his voice. “Well, actually, I just made it up as I was going along.”
“Wow. Actor, singer, and now an improv poet slash chant writer. Is there anything you can’t do, Lord Justyn?”
He smiled, and tilted her chin so he could look into her eyes. “I can’t stop loving you.”
This time when they kissed, they stayed wrapped in each other’s arms. They embraced not only each other, but the silence that surrounded them. The cool ocean breeze stroked her skin in time with his hands. The moon’s silver rays were reflected on the water, and the stars glittered like diamonds above them. It was a perfect night, and Rebecca wished it would never end. Before too long, a hand thumped against the wooden bench and Tom’s cheerful face popped up from one corner.
“Hey, love birds. I hate to break up a tender moment, but Carmen and I really have to get going. I’m leaving for California at four a.m.”
Rebecca sighed, but she knew Tom was right. They all had a big day ahead of them. They needed to get some rest. Justyn jumped down from the look-out, and ever the gentlemen, offered her his hand so she wouldn’t fall on her face in the sand. Once she was securely on the ground, Rebecca noticed that Carmen’s eyes were red-rimmed. She would never embarrass her friend by mentioning it, but seeing her that way finally broke Rebecca’s thin grasp on her emotions. She threw her arms around Carmen and burst into tears.
“I’m going to miss you so much.” She sobbed.
“You too, girl.” Carmen couldn’t hold back any longer either, and wept on her shoulder. “You better tell your parents to expect a big cell phone bill. And you two best not forget us when you’re famous on Broadway. I want free front row tickets to every single performance.”
Rebecca rolled her eyes and sniffed. “Like that’s ever going to happen.”
“With you two, it just might,” Tom agreed. Justyn reached out to shake his hand, but Tom pulled him into a hug. “I’m glad we got to know each other, vampire,” Tom teased. “You’re not nearly as wacked as I first thought you were.”
“You’re not so bad either, dude,” Justyn replied. “I might even miss having you around.”
“‘Til Thanksgiving?” Carmen asked.
“Until Thanksgiving.” They all repeated. With one final exchange of hugs, the four high school friends parted ways to start their new adventures as college co-eds.
About the Author
Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. Visit her website at www.authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com for more information.