Piper waited anxiously next to the window. Nash was picking her up any minute and since he was always on time, she knew he would be there within the next 30 seconds. Lucy had helped her get ready for the night, but then had to leave since she was one of the teachers in charge. Okay, deep breaths. I can do this. It’s only a stupid dance. Oooh, I hope he likes the dress. I can barely breath in it; he HAS to like it. She saw his car pull up and every muscle in her body tensed. His door opened and Nash stood. Oh my Heavenly Heathcliff. Whoever invented tuxes should go straight to heaven.  Piper realized she wasn’t breathing, and took in a ragged gulp of air.

Grabbing the doorknob with a trembling hand, she opened the door and stepped out. Steeling her nerves, she walked towards the stairs. At the top of the staircase, she paused and met his eyes. He stood at the bottom, his eyes big and round, pulling her into their fathomless depths of chocolatey goodness. Slowly, she walked down, careful not to trip in the high heels she was wearing.

On the second to last step, he extended his hand, and guided her down the rest of the stairs. Piper blinked when she reached the bottom, breaking the spell. “Wow, Nash,” she said. “You look fantastic.” She cursed herself when her voice came out husky, and cleared her throat, hoping he didn’t notice.

Gently cupping her chin, he slowly lifted it up as his head descended. Just before reaching her lips, he whispered, “Beautiful.” His lips lightly caressed hers, then he straightened and guided her to the truck, lifting her in and buckling her up. She felt like she was floating the whole way to the school.

––––––––

PARKING AS CLOSE AS possible, Nash helped her down from the passenger seat and they walked inside. There were still 30 minutes until the dance started, but the place was crawling with people. Teachers,staff, and even some students scurried all over the gym, fixing last minute decorations and making things just right.

Nash directed Piper towards the refreshment table while she let her eyes wander. Wow. They really go all out. How the heck did they get those streamers all the way up there? Good grief, I hope they had a machine that blew up all those balloons. Otherwise I’ll bet a few dozen people passed out before they were done. Her thoughts made her giggle, causing Nash to glance in her direction.

“Sorry. Just a silly thought,” she explained.

He shook his head and pulled her to a stop at the table.

“Pipe!” A voice yelled from across the room.

Spinning around, Piper saw Lucy making her way across the room. Her fairy wings sparkled in the mood lighting and gave her an ethereal glow as she walked quickly in their direction.

“Ah! You’re here! Yay! Nash, you look great. Piper, you still look fantastic, a true princess and prince.”

“Thanks! Your Tinkerbell costume turned out great! Your blonde hair is perfect for it!” Piper said.

“Awww, thanks! Okay, you guys are just going to stay here. Watch the boys, they work really hard to sneak in the booze. Particularly the football boys.” She raised a single eyebrow at Nash.

He put up his arms in a surrender motion.

Piper laughed. Wrapping her arms around his middle, she said, “We will keep a close eye out.”

Nash grunted.

Two hours later, Piper wasn’t sure whether she wanted to laugh or strangle the students. “Can you believe that kid who thought we wouldn’t see his arm reaching from under the table to pour in that bottle of alcohol? Seriously? Makes me want to smack some sense into him, except it made for a great laugh. So did watching them scramble every time you looked at them and flexed your muscles.” She paused and sighed in contentment. Maybe when Principal Grimm takes over in a few minutes, Nash and I can get in a dance or two before we go home.

A strong arm slid across her waist and she looked up at his handsome face. “Thanks for coming with me,” she said.

Nash nodded.

“Alrighty folks. Looks like it’s my turn for the evening. Thanks for your help. Now go have fun.” Principal Grimm shooed them away from the table and Nash offered his arm after releasing his grip on her waist.

Piper didn’t even try to control the wide smile that took over her face. Slipping her hand onto Nash’s forearm, they headed towards the dance floor. The song ended just as they reached the edge of the floor and Piper paused, unsure. After a moment’s pause, another song started. It was slow and melodious. The kids all slowed down and started pairing up. Nash tugged, continuing to the floor. Pulling her around to face him, he put his arms up in a traditional dance stance.

Piper held her breath and raised her arm to meet his hand and the other to sit on his bicep. Nash swayed slightly to one side and then swept her into a waltz step. Freakin’ Frederick! He can dance! Like REALLY dance!

She found herself unable to look away from his face as they swirled around the room. Everyone else ceased to exist and she felt safe in his arms. His gaze was intense, and seemed to see straight into her soul. Slowly Nash brought them to a stop, and she finally registered that the music had changed. There was a hard, fast beat thumping through the room and the reverberations finally brought her back to her senses. Blinking, she looked around to see if anyone was watching them, but everyone else was caught up in their own moments.

Nash reached out and took her hand, leading her toward the gym doors. Piper chuckled when he swiped a cupcake from the dessert table as they walked out.

Piper’s head lay contentedly on Nash’s arm as they drove back to her apartment. The peaceful silence was shattered when her cell phone rang. She sat up and turned slightly away from Nash so she could retrieve her phone from its hiding place. I hope he’s not looking. There are only so many places to put a cell phone when wearing a fancy dress. She knew she hadn’t been as discreet as she thought when he chuckled beside her.

“Oh hush.” She smacked his arm. “Hi, Dad!” she answered the phone.

“Is this Piper Belmont?” A voice she didn’t recognize was on the other line.

“Uh, yes. How did you get that phone? That is my father’s number.”

“Yes ma’am. This is Nurse Smithy from County Hospital. I’m sorry to tell you, but your father has had a heart attack and has been admitted to the cardiac ward. We used his phone to find his next of kin. Is there anyone else you would have us call? Your mother, perhaps?”

Shock hit Piper like a brick. The phone shook in her hand and her mind scrambled to catch up. She lurched sideways as the truck suddenly pulled off to the side of the road.

“Ma’am? Can you hear me?”

Nash took her face in his palms and looked her straight in the eye. “Breathe.” His deep voice penetrated her fog.

Startled to realize he was right, she took in a shuddering, shallow bit of air.

“Again,” he commanded.

She followed his instructions and got her body functioning again. Putting the phone back to her ear, she said, “Could you repeat your last question, please?” She hated how weak her voice sounded, but it was all she had.

“I wondered if there was someone else you would like us to call? Like your mother?” The nurse said.

“No. No. She died many years ago. Thank you though. Is-is my father going to be okay?”

“I’m afraid I can’t give any more over the phone, but he’s under the care of Dr. Schmidt, who would be happy to talk to you in person.”

“Okay...I’m on my way, thank you.” Piper hung up the phone and burst into tears.

Strong arms wrapped around her and she leaned into his strength. How can this happen? Why did this happen? I can’t lose him, he’s the only family I have left!

Nash rubbed comforting circles on her back, keeping her tucked safely in his embrace until she was able to get her emotions under control. “I’m okay, thanks. Can you finish taking me home? I’m going to need to grab a bag and change clothes before I rush off.”

He studied her face intensely for a moment, then nodded and put the truck back in gear. After arriving home, he unbuckled her belt and pulled her into his arms, carrying her up to her apartment,nly putting her back on her feet after getting them inside.

“Thank you,” she murmured. Hustling into her bedroom, she tore out of the dress and frantically packed an overnight bag, throwing in anything she thought she might need. After hurrying back out to the living room, she found Nash holding a box full of food and books. Tears filled her eyes again and she ran across the room, throwing her arms around him and letting the waterworks begin anew.

“I have to go,” she said after several minutes. Sniffling, she stepped back and looked up into his eyes. She had learned that his eyes were the secret to his emotions and right now they were a mix of sadness and longing. “Will you walk me to the car?”

He nodded.

After locking up, they put her stuff in the backseat and he opened the driver’s side door for her. Leaning down, he gave her a gentle kiss and helped her settle in.

“Oh! Would you mind letting Principal Grimm know what’s going on?” she asked.

He grunted his assent, then stepped back and shut her door.

Starting the car, she backed out and turned the car to head toward the street. Looking in her rearview mirror, she took one more moment to memorize the amazing and handsome man that stood in the parking lot watching her go. With one last sob, she pulled out and entered traffic.