ODDILY (14 page)

The one thing consistent throughout the rooms was the multi-screened wall monitors displaying the Stafford grounds; and, the large windows had been designed and angled to create fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.

“
Nexa,”
Maxim spoke out loud this time and still no answer. The only sound touching his senses were the soft symphonies of Beethoven playing throughout the rooms.

His frustration continued while climbing the stairs to his room—another simplistic space with nothing but a bed in the center of spacious flooring. He sauntered over to the massive window and stared out onto the lush greenery of the woods as the sun began to set. This was his world—this hauntingly beautiful place he and his sister had grown up in was their secret home.

I can’t be shut out forever, sis!
He smiled to himself as he began to take off his clothes to jump into the shower—if it could be called a shower. It was more similar to a large communal room with natural rain pouring down from the heavens, only this water came from the ceiling, and at just the right temperature.

Maxim turned his face up and held out his arms, letting the warm water pelt his body like a message. He took a deep breath to take in the fresh scent of the soothing mist that filled his space. Through the skylight, he could barely view the last rays of sunlight as it dipped from his view and watched the room light up brighter than the soft glow throughout the house.

Revitalized, Maxim dressed himself in a pristine white dress shirt, tan pants and beige tennis shoes. He slicked his hair back knowing full well it wouldn’t stay in place, but refused to apply hair product loaded with unhealthy chemicals. It was just one of many things he learned from his father concerning dangerous manufactured goods in this timeline.

Well, don’t you look charming!

Maxim saw Nexa standing by his bed. She was all dressed up in a beautiful beige party dress with a black bodice and matching high-heeled sandals.

Where are you going?
He raised his eyebrows in surprise.

I’m going out.

You’re going out.
Maxim mimicked her while staring at her suspiciously, knowing she still blocked him from reading her mind.
All right, what are you up to?

Nothing,
she smiled at him innocently.
You’re going out tonight, so I thought I would too. After all, what’s appropriate in your eyes must be acceptable for me also, right?

Maxim scowled at her.
So this is my punishment for not listening to you?!

She crossed her graceful arms over her perfect chest and said, y
es.

Fine!
He started to leave the room.

Maxim,
she dropped her facade and rushed over to him. He ignored her until she hurried around him and blocked the doorway.

Get out of my way, sis. I don’t have time for your games.

I’m not kidding, Maxim. I’m going out.

No, you're not;
not without me.

Don’t yell at me!

I’m not yelling, but if you don’t stop this insane conversation and get out of my way, I will! 
His voice involuntarily got a little louder in her head as he spoke.

With one stunned sweeping movement, Nexa stepped out of his way.
You're attracted to her, aren’t you?!

Maxim closed his eyes and stood in silence for a long moment before responding.
Yes, but I don’t understand why. All I know for sure is I’m protective of her. Those damn glasses caused Oddily to be in the mess she’s in, and I need to return her life to its rightful order.

Where are you, Mr. Genius? You know that’s impossible.

After eavesdropping on his deepest thoughts, Nexa gasped.
You’re falling in love!

No, I’m not! I hardly know her.

Nexa could tell Maxim attempted to block her from his mind, but he was unsuccessful, and she started to laugh despite knowing the situation would undoubtedly have serious consequences.

Thanks to you, I’m late!
Maxim disappeared out the door.

20

“
Oddily, wait up!” Oddily was in route to her locker to meet up with Maxim when Starla’s best friend and sidekick came up to her.

“
I’m so glad I found you.” Kendall stared at Oddily’s haircut and newly exposed face. She hated to admit it, but she couldn’t take her eyes off of the redhead’s unusual, and yet, appealing features. She almost slipped and gave her a compliment but caught herself in time. “Starla says you are coming to the dance tonight and asked if I would lend you a dress—seeing how hers would be too large. Anyway, I brought you one of my favorite black, strapless dresses with a matching flowered headband.”

Oddily was stunned. “Thank you, Kendall, but…”

“
But…? Don’t tell me you’re going to wear that,” she wrinkled her nose at Oddily’s modest jumper and old brown boots.”

“
No, of course I’m not. My date said he…” Oddily’s sweet voice trailed off when she noticed Kendall becoming anxious, acting almost desperate for her to wear the garment.

“
OK, I’ll wear the dress and thank you so much.”

Kendall seemed pleased with herself while handing Oddily the balled up dress and headpiece. “Great, I’ll catch up with you later.”

Oddily stared at Kendall’s backside as she walked away and swore the girl sighed with relief. Then her attention went back to the black dress. She unfolded the garment and held the slinky dress up, discovering it was one of those dresses that only looked attractive on curvy figures. She shook her head knowing full well she would resemble a beanpole if she wore it.

The time was six forty-five when Oddily arrived at her locker. This was the spot where she and Maxim agreed to meet, so this was where she remained and waited.

She was both giddy with excitement and had a serious case of the nerves wondering if he would show up. She had a tad bit of hope because he bought the tickets and gave them to her for safe keeping—but what would he do about the dress? She had no idea what he planned to do for her and yet, he said not to worry. She worried a lot! He didn’t even ask what size she wore, and the consequences could be a disaster if the dress had darts at the bust line.

The time was now six-fifty, then six fifty-five and still no date. Seven o’clock came and went. The auditorium began to buzz with music and excitement while Oddily’s heart started to sink with the possibility he wasn’t coming.

No, s
he chastised herself. She tried to bring some hope back by telling herself that there must have been a misunderstanding. What if they had planned to meet somewhere else or he searched for her locker and became lost.

Oddily rushed down the hallway searching in every direction, hoping to find him, but the halls remained empty. Could he possibly be waiting for her inside the dance? Her runaway thoughts were getting the best of her, so she headed for the social event with what she wore.

While waited in line, Oddily eyed the crowd of students that lingered in front of the gymnasium and scanned the parking lot for any sign of Maxim or his car. When she got to the front entrance, she hesitated before handing her ticket to the kid in charge and entered the building.

The first thing that caught Oddily’s attention was the decorations. The gym appeared to be even more beautiful and festive at night. All the posts twinkled with lights and the empty tables were now filled with all kinds of mouthwatering edibles. A gasp of surprise caught in her throat when she spotted Pepper walking away from the buffet, snacking on a piece of fruit. Her entire head of curls had been cut short just like her own. She wasn’t kidding when she said she loved Oddily’s hair, and she looked adorable, especially with those large hoop earrings.

Oddily crept along the side wall to the food table and snatched a brownie. She shoved a piece in her mouth, hardly giving herself time to chew while she continued to survey the room. There was still no sign of Maxim; but, she noticed the place had come alive with color like a beautiful flower garden with all the different hued dresses flitting around. She spotted Starla standing next to Paul pushing her long golden tresses away from her pretty face. Kip joined them while staring fiendishly around the room, and…the wonder of the spell ended when Kendall appeared out of the crowd of students. She wore a black and white print lantern dress with bright blue heels and bangle bracelets on one wrist.

“
Where’s your date?” she gave Oddily the once-over and appeared frustrated.

Caught without wearing the black dress, Oddily’s heart began to pound when she realized how ridiculous she must look wearing her school clothes from earlier that day. She could tell that other students were staring at her with curious, surprised expressions on their face. Or maybe it was her new haircut and exposed face causing the attention, and in that moment, she wished she had her mane of hair back to hide under.

“
Why aren’t you wearing the dress?” Kendall’s questioning voice addressed her again. “After all the time spent picking it out, this is the thanks I get?”

Oddily’s shoulders drooped in dismay and glanced over at the beautiful Starla with her perfectly shaped nose and dark blue eyes. She looked lovely in her powder blue strapless dress. It had a tight-fitting bodice full of sparkly rhinestones and a skirt of layered tulle. Of course, the silver high heels were a perfect match with the dress and Oddily experienced a pang of jealousy. Why couldn’t Kendall have picked her out a dress like that one?!?

“
The dress didn’t fit." Oddily lied guiltily, and turned when she heard a commotion stirring in the doorway. Maxim had entered the gymnasium.

After placing a hand to her chest, Oddily thought her heart skipped a beat. He showed up for her, but why would he want to stay by her side all evening with so many beautiful girls around? Of course he wouldn’t, not with Starla in the room, so pretty in her blue dress. Maybe she could hope for one hour of his company. Was that possible, or would Starla capture his attention too soon and steal him from her? Oddily glanced up again, and her heart skipped another beat when Maxim edged his way in her direction.

Kendall squirmed with pleasure when Maxim’s eyes met hers. However, when he reached the swooning girl, acknowledging her presence with a slight nod, Oddily was the one his light blue eyes rested upon.

Oddily gulped. Maxim’s straight white teeth caught her attention when his lips parted over them in a half smirk, half smile way.

“
I’m sorry I’m late,” he greeted her in this kind, melodic voice. His smile brightened when he caught her demure, questioning look. He mused over her shyness as a pale shade of pink spread across her cheeks.

“
It’s okay,” she coyly glanced up at him despite Kendall’s glare.

“
Do you know each other?” Kendall couldn’t conceal her surprise.

“
We’re friends,” Maxim answered for them both.

Looking first at the mysterious boy, then at Oddily, who had the beginnings of a deeper flush spreading across her face, Kendall searched around the room and excused herself.

“
Thank you anyway,” Oddily called out knowing Kendall planned to spread some gossip to Starla.

Maxim gazed at Oddily after Kendall left and she was thrilled with his attention. Standing next to him, he appeared to be much taller than she remembered.

“
Thanks for what?” Maxim asked.

“
Kendall wanted to let me wear one of her dresses tonight.”  Then Oddily’s eyes widened. “Should I have taken her up on her offer?”

“
I told you not to worry.” Then he bent down and whispered in her ear. “I think you’ll be pleased.”

Maxim took hold of Oddily’s hand, as if doing so was the most natural thing in the world to do, and guided her to the front door. Her quick hazel eyes missed nothing as she sensed every girl in sight wishing they were the one by his side. Oddily spotted Starla ditching Paul and Kendall to go off and huddle with Kip. Who were they talking about? What were they up to? A cold chill crept up her spine when Kip glanced over at her. He had his usual awful expression on his face—a grimace now burned into her memory.

Outside in the parking lot, where Maxim had parked his black BMW, Oddily waited for him to open the trunk. He pulled out a pretty pink garment bag along with another smaller sack and asked her to take him to the girl's room. To her surprise, he walked right into the lavatory with her.

“
Oh no, you shouldn’t be in here,” her eyes conveyed surprise. “You’ll have to wait out in the hallway.”

“
I understand; but before I do, I want to see your reaction to the dress.”

His statement puzzled her but Oddily went ahead and opened the garment bag. She pulled out a spaghetti strap dress made of green chiffon, and a solid beige underlining peeked out from under the chiffon. The style was suitable for her flat chest.

“
It’s so beautiful, but how did you know my size?”