TWENTY-FIVE: MID-PARTY.

After a week of drama, the party finally came, it was Saturday.

All through the day, we spent time at the mall shopping for our outfits.

"I have a feeling this is going to be the best night ever!" Summer whooped in the changing room as she tried on some of the clothes she selected to pick out the perfect one.

When she came out, she was wearing a big red ball gown with lots of sparkling designs. Then she turned around to give us a better view of the dress on her.

"So, guys, what do you think?"

I smirked.

"Looks like too much to me."

"I'm with Terra," Eska sided with me.

Summer was now having second thoughts about the gown before Pink stepped up.

"Now, Summer, don't mind them, it's perfect. Right, Clary?"

Clary smiled, putting up a satisfied face with her thumb and index finger in a circle, symbolizing it was okay.

"Perfecto!"

She giggled and went in to change and pack up the dress.

After spending almost the whole day shopping, we met up at a small café beside the mall where we filled our stomachs before heading back to our place.

That night, at exactly 9 p.m., the party kicked off. The school hall was well decorated; it almost looked like a prom party.

"Wow, this is nice," Eska commented, awed by the place.

"You really outdone yourself this time, Pink," I said, and she giggled with excitement before the guys came to pick us up to dance.

On the dance floor, hot hip-hop songs were played as the students rocked the dance floor. Later, the music changed to a slow, melodious song, and we were all dancing in pairs.

The atmosphere was just perfect, the music was perfect, and we danced slowly on the dance floor, one hand on his shoulder and the other on his chest while he held my waist.

We stared at each other, smiling for a few minutes before he broke the silence with a compliment.

"You look beautiful."

I smiled. "Thanks, you're not too bad yourself."

"I tried my best," he said, and we chuckled.

We had a little talk, then I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, placing my head on his chest, still dancing slowly.

I took that time to look around. I saw Pink with Jesse dancing; she looked at me smiling, and I returned the smile. I scanned the room and saw Summer with a very handsome guy, who I guessed was Daniel Martinez. Clary was with a guy I'd never seen; I think he's not in this school.

As I scanned the room, I saw Rejoice in one corner chatting with Mr. Ray, Eska just standing by the wine table chatting with some girls, Jennie and Sofie were making out in one corner, and Charles was with a group of girls at a food table talking and laughing.

This is the life. For once, in all these stressful times, a chance and time to be free and at peace.

Soon after, the music died down, and the sound of a spoon clinking on a glass was heard. It was Mrs. Adams. She came out to address everyone, tapping the glass cup in her hand as a means to get their attention.

"Good evening, everyone. I believe the night is going quite well."

We all chorused in agreement.

"Good! I want us all to celebrate..." She began giving a speech.

I looked at Zack, who seemed to be focused on what she was saying, then I pulled his hand, getting his attention.

"Why do we get a speech at a party?"

"It's her normal routine. Let's hope it won't take the whole night," he said, and we both giggled. "Erm... Do you wanna get outta here?"

"Yeah, sure," I agreed, but as we were about to leave, I heard a sharp noise, so I forcefully let go of his hand and covered my ears in pain.

Out of concern, he rushed to my aid, holding me up.

"Terra, are you okay?"

I just covered my ears. After a while, the sound stopped, and I slowly took my hands off my ears.

When I looked up, I saw Zack standing still. He wasn't moving, and neither was the rest of the crowd.

I stepped back immediately, trying to figure out what happened. Then I saw a figure a few meters behind Zack. It was the same woman I had encountered in the woods during the search.

She wore a big brown t-shirt and black jeans. Then she waved at me.

She was pale as usual, her brown skin glowing. When our eyes locked, she smiled and began moving round the crowd.

I followed her every move with my eyes so as not to lose sight of her, but she was moving too fast. I couldn't keep up and lost sight.

Then I heard a whisper in my ear from an unfamiliar but sweet voice that said,

"Find me!"

I quickly turned back to see if she were behind me, but she was gone.

I was lost, staring into the emptiness before someone grabbed me from behind.

It was Zack. Everything was back to normal again.

"Terra, are you okay?" he asked, holding my shoulders with both hands, and I nodded.

"I am."

Then I saw her exiting the hall. I removed his hands from my shoulders and, without saying a word to him, I ran after her.

"Terra!" he called, but I was gone.

Outside, at the car park, I could not see her again.

Fuck! Am I going crazy?

I was panting heavily as I paced about, trying to get my thoughts together before I felt a cold hand on my shoulder.

I quickly jerked back and turned to see who it was. It was Jesse. He had a worried look on his face as he approached me.

"Hey, you okay?"

"Gosh, you scared me," I said, holding my chest, breathing heavily. "What do you want?"

"I saw how you took off earlier. Is everything alright?"

I snarled. Why did he care?

I folded my arms, looking away.

"It's nothing. I'd better head back."

I was about to leave when he held me back.

"Something is wrong. I can feel it. Come on, two heads are better than one."

"And why do you care?" I snapped, facing him forcefully and letting go of his hands.

"I'm just worried."

"Worried?" I scoffed. "That's new to me."

Sensing my repulsion, he blurted out,

"I thought we were starting over."

"Yeah, because that's so easy to do."

"Terra..."

"Look, I don't know what's happening to me, okay? Just back off."

"Why not just spill it? I may have the solution."

"I think I'm going crazy, okay? I mean, ever since my encounter with Nemus, I keep seeing things. All this... it's overwhelming. How do I survive this madness?"

He sighed slowly, coming closer to me.

"I don't think you're crazy. Just stressed out."

"Says the expert."

He finally made it close and took my hands in his.

"Well, one thing's for sure, you're not the only one going crazy."

"What do you mean? Who else do you think is as crazy as I am?"

"Me," my eyes widened at the mention of this. "Ever since the basketball incident, I find it hard to concentrate. That game is everything to me, and now it's on hold with no hope of resolution." His eyes met mine, and he drew near to the point that I could feel his heartbeat. "And I think I'm crazy in love with you."

I gasped. I could not believe my ears. I hadn't even processed my thoughts before he drew near and took my lips on his.