Page 61 of The Last Special Thing

Amelia could picture her plump PE teacher telling her health class that every time you take a pill of ecstasy, you’re taking an ice cream-sized scoop out of your brain. Just in case, Amelia took a heavy gulp of the Gatorade bottle, convinced the electrolytes could cancel out the ice cream scoop chunks she’d carved out of her brain.

Art put his hand on her cheek. “Release.”

She hadn’t realized her jaw had been clenched until then. She obeyed with a yawning motion. Her teeth throbbed.

“Keep reminding yourself to relax,” Art instructed.

The blue of his eyes started to disappear as his pupils dilated.

She rolled her shoulders back and wiggled her toes. Lifting her hand to his chin, she rubbed her thumb across his cheek. He was naturally beautiful. Tonight, the ecstasy further accentuated it. She’d never known anyone more perfect. Black, soulless eyes and all.

Time slipped by, and Art extended his hand to her. As she stood, he took both her hands in his. They faced each other like a couple standing under a flowered arch, ready to exchange vows.

“Amelia, I love you so much. I know it’s too soon to say that. I know it is. But I can’t help myself. You’re unlike anyone I have ever met. From the first time we were alone, we planned our future–you will always be my Kourtney. I know we’re going to be together. You’re not judgmental. You don’t care that I prefer a drum set over a bed or that I’m washing other people’s dishes for a job, or all my family bullshit. You believe in me more than anyone else ever has. I want all of you. God, I love everything about you.”

He paused.

When he spoke again, the words were slow, heavy. “I love you.”

She didn’t consider that she was on drugs when she responded, “I love you, too.”

The words encased her heart in pure, elated happiness. Nothing could have been truer.

“Let’s adventure.” His grin was wide and infectious.

Art snaked through the crowded grounds. At one point, he let go of her hand for a sip of Gatorade, but she never lost sight of him, her love.

They made their way into another stage room. According to the map, there were three stages surrounding the central lake.

They passed go-go dancers in nothing but tutus and matching bras with friendship bracelets around their wrists, necks, and stomachs. Amelia considered it divine intervention when she spotted Madisson. Her petite best friend stood next to three angels, all a different version of blonde. Madisson, with her jet-black hair and zombie bride makeup, was a stark contrast.

“I thought you were gone forever.” Madisson’s voice was sad, and her eyes wide.

She looked half-crazed, but Amelia was sure she didn’t look any more put together after hours of damp air and sweat.

“I’m here,” Amelia responded.

The words were a well of depth. She was with Madisson, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She would always be with Madisson. The girls held each other while the world around them danced and shifted.

Art headed to Max, then to Reyna. She forgot that she had the man with the pills. This would help Madisson feel better.

She grabbed Madisson’s hand and led her to Art. “Her turn, please.”

He discreetly brushed his hand against Madisson’s, then handed her the Gatorade.

“Thank you, thank you so much,” Madisson said as if it were the nicest gesture someone could make.

The rave pounded on.

Art checked his phone, then instructed Amelia. “Open.”

He placed another pill on her tongue. Three. She needed to know how much was the right amount.

Her hips swung with the music as she chewed. Max was locked in a deep conversation with Ninja Turtles. Madisson and Reyna giggled, trading bracelets with a group of forest animals. Everyone was reminiscent of a drunk girl in the bathroom line–complimentary and overly touchy.

Max grinned as Madisson and Reyna danced together, then Reyna pulled Madisson toward her, pressing a kiss to her lips. In the regular world, the kiss might have raised eyebrows or lasted too long. But here, under the glow of strobe lights and thudding bass, everything was right. Max stepped closer, wrapping his arms around them, and they swayed.

When they parted, Reyna drifted toward a nearby pirate who’d been watching them.