Intrigue: The Night Muse Trilogy by Stacey Rychener
Chapter 13: Sway
I was not one of those girls that liked surprises—not even good surprises. It might go back to that control freak thing. Jazz, Key, and Thrace had now been huddling together after karate practice and before lunch for a week now. They thought that my lack of control over the situation built character. Unfortunately, Rafe was now participating in the scheming for the event. I started to become a little afraid towards the end of my birthday week because many of my classmates were starting to give me knowing smiles. Luckily, my school work, karate, DUA research and fundraising were keeping me busy, so I didn’t resort to stalking the co-conspirators like I had in previous years.
Rafe approached me on Friday with a cryptic, “Your birthday celebration activities go beyond what I have seen for most major galas.”
I groaned, “Don’t tell me that. I am not real good at being the center of attention. Usually, they take that into consideration when planning these escapades. Please, tell me that is still true.”
Rafe hit me with his most devious smile, “Well, that was probably true before I got involved. You think a fashion runway show with you as the only model is too much?”
I sputtered, “Hilarious, funny guy. Sooooooo, what did you get me for my birthday?”
He laughed and the sound sent sparks all the way down to my toes as usual, “You aren’t too old for Barbies, right?”
I shook my head at him, “I can see I’m wasting my time trying to get anything out of you.”
His wicked gaze captured mine as he huskily replied, “You know that I am the best of the best at keeping secrets, Calli.”
I swallowed, unable to look away from his gorgeous hazel eyes, “Who are you bringing as your date this time? You never do show up with the same girl twice.”
“I believe Jazz is my date for tomorrow, or at least that is what she told me.”
I laughed at that and commented, “You are still on her radar as her next ex-boy toy.”
Rafe smirked then remarked, “No, she made it clear that we were just going as friends. Although she warned me that she might ‘plant one on me’ for Siena’s benefit. What is that about?”
“Siena is Thrace’s ex and my general tormentor since elementary. However, more important to Jazz, Siena stole one of Jazz’s boy toys away by promising him more than Jazz was willing to deliver. Jazz has never forgiven or forgotten. It got worse when you showed up at the dance with her, and she spread it around that you guys had done two person push-ups.”
Rafe laughed again, “I really hate being exploited for my body. It is really embarrassing. I feel so used.”
“So it was true? I didn’t bother even asking because it seemed like a stupid question.” I gaped at him.
Rafe smirked, “I’m sorry, Ms. I-Don’t-Share-Personal-Details. I misspoke. I should have said I really hate girls trying to use me for my body. I always wondered why Jazz sometimes sneezed, Skankbitchho. I always thought she meant me, but apparently I was wrong.”
I shook my head, “Flock. Siena wants to get under Jazz’s skin, and every time Jazz reacts like that she is giving Siena exactly what she wants.”
Rafe looked skeptical, “She wants to be called Skankbitchho?”
I shook my head and explained, “Every time we react we just give Siena power over us. The best way to annoy people like that is to sit back and smile at them. Let them know without saying a word that you have something they don’t--in this case, it’s class.”
I hastily added, “Although what she said wasn’t true, right?”
“Correct. You have an interesting position on personal conflict,” Rafe commented.
“Hey. Bullies are bullies whether they are on the playground or online. I have seen some evil stuff posted, and it is usually girls doing the backstabbing—school has been was pretty rough for me sometimes. I have learned not to let this stuff get to me, and not to dish it out either if I can help it.”
Rafe raised one eyebrow at me, “You should write children's books.”
I laughed, “I just see it as practice for real life. There is always going to be some eyas trying to get under your skin. How you handle it is what matters.”
Rafe laughed and said, “Indeed, Siren.”
I changed the subject. “Now, about where they are going to have my birthday party….” Unfortunately, the bell rang for the end of study hall.
Journalism was next, and I had a extremely boring chess club story due, so I wouldn’t be able to turn the screws to Thrace until our date tonight. Sometimes you just had to do things to get them done, so you could move on to something far more exciting like my Mystery Date Night with Thrace. Since Thrace had not clued me in to where we were going, I had to make sure I layered my clothes with my favorite black cami and a cute short-waisted grey tweed jacket. My parents made a minimum of fuss as Thrace came and picked me up, and we were off to destination unknown.
Thrace shocked me by taking me to The Ford Drive-In Movie Theatre to see—wait for it—Jane Austen’s Book Club. I was not usually into the typical chic flicks, which this movie practically screamed, but I was into Jane Austen. She was a total rebel of her day, and Elizabeth Bennett still rocked no matter how many times I read Pride and Prejudice. Although Thrace did look like he was in physical pain watching the movie, I appreciated the sacrifice. It was a perfect crisp fall night as we snuggled up in my back seat—he insisted we bring my car because it was less cramped although he drove. We were now on Step 6, so we could actually French kiss, but not make out—which I was pretty sure was Step 7.
He whispered to me during the movie, “I’m sooooo glad your birthday comes only once a year, Calli!”
I kissed him on the cheek and replied, “So am I.”
We ate all manner of junk food. I literally thought I was going to be on a popcorn high by the time the movie had ended. There was method to his madness of taking us to a 7:00 clock movie. He drove to the next screen within the complex for the 9:00 showing of Into the Wild. Now, this movie was much more to Thrace’s liking. The whole man vs. wild, making your own way in life despite the standards that your parents set, was more up Thrace’s alley. However, he did miss part of that movie because I was much more inclined to kiss him during his movie. A good night was had by all—proving once again that compromise was important in all relationships, as is Step 6.
Thrace walked me to my door as usual and kissed me good night, which ended with a promise, “You are gonna love tomorrow night, I swear!”
I pulled him in the door and told him to stay in the entryway. I ran upstairs and came down with three balloons for him. “I’m an Eyas. I’m a Flocker. I’m Not Worthy.”
I handed him the balloons and kissed his cheek. He just shook his head at me and said, “You chose these because I have to walk home, right?”
I laughed and hugged him as I said, “I saw there was a theme going with these three, and I just love to watch you skip home with balloons in your hands.”
“I never skip!” Thrace growled.
As my parents walked in, my father deadpanned, “Nice balloons, kid, now skip on home before I get Calli to tell me why you gave them to her.”
Thrace turned white and replied, “Yes, sir,” as he bolted out of the house.
“Dad, that was just not nice,” I complained.
“Hey, at some point Thrace stopped being as afraid of me. I’m just making sure that he errs on the side of caution when it comes to you, Red.”
I shook my head at him and replied, “I appreciate you scaring Thrace into good behavior. But remember, I could be dating much, much worse than Thrace.”
Dad nodded, “That’s true. Basically, he’s a good kid that just needs reminding every once in a while.”
I laughed, “Hey, he even took me to see The Jane Austen Book Club. Now, since I am sure it will be a big day tomorrow, I am heading to bed.”
Both dad and mom looked shocked, and my dad replied, “Well, he must really love you, cause a guy wouldn’t see that mo
I went upstairs as my parents debated whether dad would ever go see one of those types of movies with mom. I was still buzzing with caffeine, so I wrote about the whole week in my journal and threw in Season 1 of Alias. I slowly drifted off to sleep somewhere in the middle of disk one.
My parents not only let me sleep in on my birthday, but my mom, Jazz, and Key took me down to Toledo to this wonderful place called Ahava Spa and Wellness Center. When my grandma was diagnosed with cancer, she went through their Special Guest Program that gives individuals battling cancer free spa services. She said she never felt so pampered in her life. She totally looked transformed at the end of the day, so I have been hooked on the place ever since. Although I’m clearly not a girly girl, Spa Day kicks karate’s eyas on your birthday and probably a lot of other days as well. We got massages, manicures, pedicures, and our hair and make-up done. We looked like the before and after shots on those makeover shows especially since mom got me this fantabulous green cocktail dress with adorable kitten heals.
By the time we got back up to Detroit, I was so relaxed that I was ready to fall asleep rather than party. I also felt like chucking my heels and pantyhose out the window. Both heels and pantyhose had to be invented by men to torture women. I only walked around in my adorable heels a couple blocks between the spa and the car, but I already had a blister. FLOCK! As soon as we hit the city limits of Detroit, a flurry of texts started between Jazz, Key, and unknown persons. I finally asked, “Where are we headed,” and got the standard response from my mom, “You’ll see.” I was thinking restaurant, club, or hotel. Instead, we pulled up to the GAR building. I looked totally confused as I commented, “What’s going on?” The whole car laughed this time and said, “You’ll see.”
As we walked to the front of the GAR building, there was a red carpet and velvet ropes making a pathway to the door. We went inside and there stood my father, Dr. A, Thrace, Tre, and Rafe, all in suits. We all admired each other for several moments before I asked again, “What the flock is going on?” They all laughed and shook their heads at me. Dr. A stepped forward and explained, “Calli, we know all the hard work you have already put in to raise money to renovate the Grande Ballroom. So, we decided to help you out. It was really Rafe’s idea, so I will let him explain.”
Rafe stepped forward, and I was blown away by how handsome he was. “In June, we had a Casino Night fundraiser here for donors. It was a big hit and raised a lot of money for one of our renovation projects, so we decided to combine your birthday with a Casino Night fundraiser. We sent out information to all DAI parents. We’re charging a cover at the front door. Then, the students get to come to the party in the Assembly Room upstairs while parents get to do their Casino Event on the floor below. Parents have to pay another $20 to gamble, plus their chips. All proceeds go to the renovation fund. In the Assembly Room, we have a dance floor, Guitar Hero, and some Wii and Play Stations set up for the students. Key, Jazz, your parents, Thrace, your volunteer group, Dr. A, and the DUA have put in about a thousand hours, so they deserve the credit.
I was a little choked up, “I don’t know what to say. This is the most wonderful birthday surprise anyone could ask for! I’m not a hugger, but I definitely owe each one of you a big hug.” After that, a lot of hugging ensued, but I did not do the Miss America fake crying thing —I swear. Dr. A led the way upstairs to the festivities. The rest of us followed in pairs with each gentleman offering his date his arm to hold as we climbed the stairs in our flockin heels.
Thrace leaned toward me and whispered, “You look totally hot.” I laughed with amusement and replied, “You clean up very fine as well.”
We checked out the casino area but were quickly sent on our way up to the Assembly Room. It had been transformed into a dark and magical cave with several branches leading to Wii, Guitar Hero, and Play Station booths. However, the stage of the Assembly Room was still a dance floor. As we walked in, the DJ announced my presence and made everyone sing Happy Birthday. Thrace leaned down, kissed me, and dragged me onto to the dance floor for the first slow song. I looked up into his gentle blue eyes and said, “You own birthdays, Thrace. I am just not worthy.”
He laughed and asked, “So, how many balloons do I get back for this?”
I thought about it for a second and said, “I think for each thousand dollars we raise you get one balloon back. However, I don’t know exactly how probation has limited your actions or behavior in any way.”
“Hey, I haven’t drank much since I have been on probation.”
I laughed and said, “Please. You haven’t drank too often around me, which is probably why we are getting along so well and haven’t had any major fights.”
“Probably true, but since I spend so much time with you it feels like I have given up drinking—how about that?”
“I don’t know if that was a compliment or an insult. We’ll just call it a complisult and move on.” I leaned on his chest to enjoy the rest of the dance.
Shortly after that, we got separated. Jazz and Key wanted to kick my eyas in Wii tennis. Thrace headed to the Guitar Hero. I promptly chucked my shoes to take on Jazz first. Both Jazz and Key whooped me, which they loved because they never beat me in sparring. I was parched, so I headed to the back of the Assembly Room where food and drink stations were set up. As I drank my water, I surveyed the room. It was packed. There were over 100 students in the hall. I could no longer see Thrace, Key, or Jazz over the throng of crazy classmates. Just as I finished my water, Rafe appeared at my side. He gave me his typical mischievous grin, “I never knew you had this many friends.”
I laughed and remarked, “I don’t, but the kids at our school can’t resist a good party.”
Sway came on by The Perishers and Rafe said, “I requested this song for us.” With a flourish, he extended his hand to me with a slight bow. As if in a dream, I put my hand in his and he led me to the packed dance floor. The other couples seemed to engulf us, but strangely it was also like we were in our own little bubble. He solemnly whispered, “I always think of you when I hear this song. When I lost Cora, I never thought I would want anyone again.” As the lead singer crooned about picking up the pieces and starting again, I looked away and tried to figure out what the flock I was doing.
When no answer came, I turned back to look into his gorgeous hazel eyes. For the first time, I saw a vulnerability that was always just behind his devilish demeanor. It seemed like the song was over before it barely began, and I had to move out of his arms before it got awkward. As I moved away, his hand entwined in mine, and I could feel something cool and metal enclose around my fingers. As the next song blasted through the Assembly Room, I looked down and saw a copper necklace in my hand. The necklace was a series of circles. They started small and got bigger with each circle. I gave him a puzzled look, so he took it from my hand and wrapped it around my neck. He took the smaller circle side and pulled it through one of the large circles. The necklace became a choker with a trailing line of small circles going down to the bottom point of the V-neck on my dress. He leaned down and huskily whispered, “Happy Birthday, Siren.”
Jazz was passing by and grabbed my hand and whisked me off before I did something stupid. “Girl, you two are asking for trouble. What were you thinking? Luckily, Thrace is tanked and oblivious right now. Otherwise, you would have been busted!”
I attempted to clear my head as she took me back to the refreshment table and got us both Mt. Dew. I tried to apologize to Jazz for scamming on someone she was interested in, but she admitted, “I knew which way his bat swung, but I at least had to throw the pitch after Siena. I never thought you would. He has always liked you from the get go. Now, it is up to you what your next move is. I don’t envy you that decision.”
I tried to act like she was making too much of what she saw, but what I really wanted was to escape Jazz’s scrutiny. I told Jazz I was gonna head to the bathroom just as a hottie soccer player came and asked her to
I headed downstairs to check on the Casino Night for the adults. The fourth floor was even more packed than the Assembly Room, and the adults seemed to be having as good a time as their kids. I found my parents and asked how the event was going. Mom was killing at poker as usual, and dad was breaking even at Black Jack. They hugged me but scolded me for leaving my party. I assured them that nobody would miss me for five minutes. I asked when this shindig was over, and they said at the stroke of midnight it was no longer my birthday. I thanked them again and headed back upstairs.
When I found Thrace, I suggested we go sit up in the balcony and watch the party below. We sat in the middle front row. Thrace sat me in his lap and told me his escapades in planning and coordinating the whole event. I was so impressed that I let him move to Step # 7, which was making out. When his legs started to go numb, I got up and said we should head down and play some Wii. He thought he needed a couple minutes to compose himself and for the feeling to come back into his legs. I stepped away from him and started sending him mental images that would distract him--like our 90-year old librarian in a bathing suit. He yelled for me to stop because he didn’t have his mental block up. I laughed, took his hand, and escorted him down the stairs. We ended the night back on the dance floor with our friends in the mosh pit they had created.
All my friends stuck around to help clean up and get the final total for the event. My ‘birthday bash’ ended up raising over $15,000 dollars. In addition, we had even sold 100 more Sports and Spa Giveaway tickets. As I was cleaning up, I saw Rafe introduce Delian to my parents. I only overheard a little of the conversation as I shot Rafe a look that indicated retribution would be in order. He smiled back at me as both he and Delian sang my praises. Delian still gave me a wide berth as he took his tux jacket and tie off so he could better help with taking down the casino tables. Jazz, Key, and I sighed watching him.
As Jazz whispered, “Disturbing never looked so good!”
I smiled and replied, “Are you sure you don’t have more time to volunteer now? You won’t get tired of the view.”
Key laughed, “I see why you love volunteering so much. Even Rafe can’t hold a candle to that boy.”
I nodded in agreement, “Delian. His name is Delian.”
As if he heard me say his name across the room, he looked over at us with a smile and a raised eyebrow. Key and I looked away, but Jazz sent him a challenging stare right back. I think he might have blushed. Tre, Rafe, and Thrace helped finish the last of the tear down. I was literally the walking dead when we finally left the GAR at about 2am. I thanked all my friends and family for the best birthday ever as we all headed home with our parents.
Hermes Field Log: September 2007
I have not informed Apollo that I am aware that Calliope is a Muse. I feel that as long as I do not enlighten him then I am not truly betraying him. Of course, it must be the same for him because not informing other Olympians that a Muse is in the vicinity is also a betrayal. I now can no longer delude myself that he has no interest in Calliope. His pursuit of her is now constant. He wants to be advised of her movements at all times. I have been attempting to try to distance myself from her, but her beauty and our connection overwhelmed me tonight. I needed to hold her and give her something that would mark her as mine in some small way. I have a year before I might be destined to give her up, and I plan on guarding our time well. But Ares is getting suspicious, Apollo is moving in, and I am getting reckless. Not a scenario that sounds like it is going to end well for love.