| Chapter Four The room at the Convention Center they had rented for the reunion was decortated like it had been for the prom. White, silver and navy streamers hung from the ceiling, snow white table clothes covered the tables and a dj was set up in the corner of the room. There was also a long buffet table along the side wall. Kat laughed as the memories of prom flooded back to her. "Man the memories" she murmured. "I know its like we stepped back in time" Kel agreed as they stepped to the sign in table and signed in, receiving their name tags. "Let's find a table and then mingle" Kel suggested. They chose a table towards the front of the room, but off to the right side. "Kelley, Katherine how are you?" a female voice asked from behind them. Kat stiffened slightly and pasted a smile on her lips. They turned to find Melody Simons standing there. Kat didn't need to look to know who it was. That voice had been her bane all throughout high school. Melody had teased and tormented her mercilessly. Kat had never done anything to her, but for some reason she was Melody's chosen one. "Melody" Kat said as politely as she possibly could. Melody's eyes narrowed, and she sneered. "I didn't think you would show up" she said directing the comment to Kat. "Believe it or not Melody, you don't rule my world" Kat said and she turned and walked off. "What are you looking at?" Melody snapped at Kelley. "You. I just wanted to make sure I had your expression commited to memory. I think that's the first time anyone has ever put you in your place. Now if you'll excuse me, I have more important people to see." With that Kel turned on her heel and moved into the crowd, leaving Melody fumming. ~~***~~ Kat was standing with a group of her friends from the drama club chatting when a sexy male voice whispered in her ear, "Hello beautiful." Kat smiled and turned around to greet Howie. "Hi" she said somewhat shyly. "Care to dance?" he asked as The First Time by Surface came on. "I'd love to" she answered as she placed her hand in his and followed him out to the dance floor. Howie settled his hands on her hips and Kat rested her head on his chest. It felt so right being there in his arms. And if she was truly honest with herself, it was exactly what she had always wanted, to be held within his arms, the world fading away, leaving just the two of them. But it was also better than she had ever imagined it to be. She felt like there were a million butterflies loose in her stomach, her skin under his hands felt like it was on fire and she was quickly becoming intoxicated by his scent. "Kat?" he questioned softly. She raised her head from his chest and cleared her thoughts as she looked up into his eyes. He lowered his head and brushed his lips across hers. Her eyes slid shut as her hands moved to encircle his neck. There on the dance floor for their whole class to see, he kissed her passionately. His tongue invaded her mouth, probing the farthest corners. Tasting the very essence that was Kat. Feeling braver by the minute, Kat stroked her tongue along his, reveling in the experience. When they pulled away, the crowd broke into applause, causing them both to blush. Kat giggled and hid her face in his chest. Howie laid his chin on top of her head and smiled. All his dreams seemed to be coming true. Later that evening they were sitting with Kel and some of their friends, listening to the class president Matt Campenalla reminding everyone of the class awards and giving out new ones. "This is a new one. The best kiss goes to....." Matt paused for affect, "Howie Dorough and Kat Warner." The crowd laughed and clapped, and Kat could feel the stain of a blush working up her neck and onto her face. Howie held out his hand to her and then led them up to the podium to accept their award. "Speech, speech" they heard Kel yelling from their table. Kat groaned softly and Howie chuckled. "Thank you" he said, and then led Kat back to the table. After Kat sat down, she leaned over and smacked Kel on the arm. "Ow! What was that for?" Kel cried. "Speech! Ha! I'll give you a speech" she said trying to stiffle her laughter. The people at their table errupted into laughter and then turned their attention back to the podium. The reunion was winding down. It was after one in the morning and people were slowly starting to leave. "Are you tired?" Howie asked, after they said good bye to some of their friends. "Not really. I'm kinda hungry" she admitted. "Me too. Why don't we go to the All Night Cafe and grab a bite?" "Sounds like a plan. Just let me tell Kel and I'll be right back." "Kat" he called and waited as she turned around and walked the three steps back to him, "Why don't you see if she and anyone else wants to come with us?" "Okay, I'll be back in a few." In the end, Kel, Matt, and two others decided it would be fun to hang out like the old days. They piled into cars and head for the ANC (all night cafe). "Table for six please" Kat requested as the hostess approached them. "Right this way" she said as she led them to a table in the back. She handed them menus and left them to decide. After they had placed their orders Matt asked, "So how's life on the road Howie?" "Its not to bad, just very hectic. Sometimes I forget what city I'm in and I really miss just being able to sleep in when I want to" he said with a smile. "You're in Cincinnati now aren't you?" Matt asked Kat. "Yes. I've been there going on four years now. Not a bad place to live if you like unpredictable weather" she joked. "I really miss the warm weather we have down here. Snows a pain, but its bearable." The conversation flowed from topic to topic as they ate. "Well everyone, it was really nice seeing you all again, but I better get going. Take care" Matt said as he stood and left to pay his bill. Kel and the other two said their good-byes and left as well. "Kat see you when I see you" Kel called as she left the cafe. "Alone at last" Howie said with a beautiful smile gracing his full lips. "What would you like to do now?" he asked. Kat glanced at the clock on the cafe's wall and noticed it was after three in the morning. "You up for a drive?" she asked. "Sure! Where to?" "The beach. I haven't had the chance to go since I got back." Howie laughed and replied, "Its dark out, no sun, but yeah I'm game." He paid the bill and then they drove an hour to the beach. He pulled out a blanket from the trunk and they walked hand in hand to the sand. "Do you need some help?" she asked as he struggled with the blanket. Everytime he'd snap it out and try to get it to lay straight, the wind would roll it back on its self. "Thanks" he said as Kat grabbed the other end and helped place it on the ground. "The sun will be up soon" she whispered. "I haven't done anything like this since prom." "I haven't either. I usually don't have time to relax and enjoy myself" he stated sadly. Kat turned to look at him and touched his hand. "It just makes the times you can much more special." Howie looked up at her as she spoke and felt the urge to taste her lips sweep over him. He leaned towards her slowly and was surprised when she met him half way. Their hands tangled in each others hair, removing the pins and elastic band that held it captive. Howie shoved his hands deep within the mass of her dark silky hair and tilted her head to the side so he could have better access to her mouth. Kat's hands weaved in and out of his long curly locks, lost in the feel of their softness. A comfortable silence fell over them when they broke apart. Kat turned her back to him and leaned back against him. Howie wrapped his arms around her and held her as they watched the sun break across the water. When the sun was resting above the water Howie turned to Kat and asked, "Are you going to Disney today?" "Yeah! But not til later. I need some sleep first." Howie chuckled and replied, "Why don't I pick you up around three and we'll go together?" "That sounds like a plan" she said as he pulled her to her feet. They folded the blanket up and headed for the car. Howie pulled up to Kel's and got out to walk her to the door. "I'll see you later" he whispered as he gently kissed her good bye. Kat unlocked the door and went in, daydreaming about the night before. |