"Mom, I'm home!" I shouted the moment I closed the front door.

She came out of the kitchen looking bewildered, "And you had to announce that why?"

She arched her brow and I felt my face flush bright red. I knew she would have answers and if not, I needed the comfort one of mom's no-nonsense pep talks provided. Whatever I was thinking must have been written on my face because my mom did a double take. 

"You can't make a big deal out of this," I said and folded my arms across my chest.

To my further dismay and embarrassment, my mom's eyes went wide and an evil grin spread across her face. I knew this look all too well and this one terrified me even more than the 'You're in trouble' look. 

"This is about Noah, isn't it?"

"Remember, I said don't make a big deal! Or I'm not telling you."

She pulled back her smile and pursed her lips, with her hand she motioned for me to continue.

"Okay, so things have changed between us," I said hoping my mother could read between the lines.

"Changed how? Oh lord please tell me you're being safe?"

Clearly not.

Again my face exploded in a furious heat and I couldn't get the words out fast enough, "No! Mom, no... Where did that even come from? We almost kissed that's all!"

Too late, I realized the words tumbled out of my mouth and there was nothing I could do to take them back. I wished for a miracle at that point, actually, I wished the floor would open up and swallow me whole.

"Oh thank goodness," my mom said placing her hand over her heart before a smile danced on her lips, "so you guys almost kissed, how does almost even work?"

"Mom, not the point!"

"Okay, I'm sorry, but let's get some coffee before you tell me."

I followed my mom into the kitchen, grateful for some liquid courage, and sat down while she prepared two cups. She sat down and pushed a cup in front of me.

"Okay, now I think we're ready for this conversation, please continue," my mom said taking a sip of her coffee.

"As I said, things have changed and I don't know what to do about it."

"Well, do you want to do anything about it?"

"I don't know! That's why I'm asking you."

Mom laughed, "Honey, as much I wanted to, I can't make all your choices for you. You're gonna have to do this one on your own."

I sighed and put my head into my hands, "This is all just so complicated."

"Does that mean you like him?"

I thought about it. Noah and I were friends, good friends and probably the only person I trusted completely at that point. He was funny and smart but he also had a big heart and he was kind to everyone. The more I thought about him the more I could feel a smile spread across my face.

Looking up I saw mom smile, "I'll take that as a yes."

"Mom what if doesn't work? It's just to complicate and I don't want to add to that." I sighed and put my face in my hands again. 

"I'm not going to lie to you and say that's not a possibility because the reality is that it could happen. But you never know how beautiful something could be unless you try," Mom took a deep breath the tucked one of my loose strands behind my ear.

"You are going to love more than once in your life but being able to experience that with your best friend first is truly special."

"So do you think I should tell him?"

She sighed and crossed her arms, "I think you already know."

I smiled and took another sip of coffee. In a way she was right but she only had half the story. It wouldn't be fair to Noah or me for that matter to start something now with the future so unclear. And yet, I found myself inexplicably drawn to the idea. Noah was like a magnet and the more time I spent around him, the more I felt him pulling me closer. I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if we were to collide. 

"Now let's talk about those safety concerns."

I choked on my coffee, "No! We are not talking about that, bye!"

I jumped up and rushed out of the kitchen with her laughter following me upstairs. Even with Simon being at the dance and even with Peter breaking into Leah's house, I finally let myself feel some excitement for the dance.

All to quickly the week flew by and I found myself standing in front of the full-length mirror in mom's room. My hair was curled in ringlets falling just underneath my shoulders. Mom helped me with my makeup. She had lightly dusted my lids the same color as my dress making my blue eyes stand out in contrast.

My lips were also much darker than my usual shade which in turn just made my skin seem paler. For the first time since I changed, I felt beautiful. It brought on a sudden wave of grief. I didn't even realize how much I missed my old life because of Noah, he made it easier for me to accept it. But here in this moment alone staring at my reflection, I started to wonder.

What if this wasn't reversible? What did the future hold in store for me? And who would protect my family if and when I turned into the same thing as Dr. Benette? Doubt slowly crept in. I didn't want to die but I would much rather than hurt someone I cared about. 

I made my way downstairs to find mom sitting at the kitchen table. She looked up when I came in and her eyes turned misty.

When she smiled, I could see she was close to tears and I wanted to join right in with her. When did things become so complicated that I couldn't even tell my mother how much I had changed?

"Honey you look beautiful," she said breathlessly, getting up from her seat and pulling me in for a tight hug.

She held me at arm's length and looked at me with so much adoration it made my chest hurt.

"Thanks, mom," I said.

I smiled but averted my gaze from my mom.

"Hey," she touched my cheek bringing my face back up to hers, "even if Noah doesn't feel the same I don't want you to ever doubt yourself. You are beautiful and any guy should consider himself lucky to have you."

My mom gave me another hug and I found myself holding her a little tighter. If there was no other way to fix me then I would have to leave my family and friends behind.

The doorbell rung and mom and I let go of each other. She wiped at her eyes to catch the tears before they fell and then did the same for me. With a small smile, she turned to open the door for Noah.

He stood in a black tux and looked completely different. I smiled when I noticed his hair was still the disheveled black mass it had always been. When his eyes met mine they went wide and his jaw slacked a bit.

"Syd, you look,wow," he shook his head slightly, "I mean, you look amazing."

My cheeks warmed and I felt my lips curve, "You don't look too bad yourself."

Noah blushed and rubbed the back of his neck.

Mom cleared her throat smiling slightly "Well I need to take a few photos before you leave so come on in Noah"

She motioned for him to come in and closed the door behind him. We stood awkwardly until mom started to direct us on how to pose for the impromptu photo shoot.

After a few uncomfortable minutes, I began to relax and enjoyed the moment with my mom and Noah. We took several photos before mom was happy.

When it was time to leave mom gave me a hug and whispered in my ear, "I love you, baby girl always."

Her words brought more tears to my eyes. I couldn't hurt my family no matter what happened next. I needed a plan to ensure their safety and knew Noah wasn't going to be happy with my new plan.

Mom stepped back then smiled at Noah. She shrugged her shoulders and then pulled him in for a hug.

"Take care of my girl, okay?"

Mom wasn't asking, she was telling him. Noah didn't hesitate to reply.

"I will, I promise."

Stepping back mom grinned, "Now about those safety issues."

My eyes went wide, "No, why are you like this?"

Mom just shrugged her shoulders, "Every now and then, I have to embarrass you just to be a good mom."

I laughed and grabbed a bewildered Noah's hand, pulling him out the door with me.

"Bye, mom!"

We reached Noah's truck and he fumbled with the door before opening it for me. I smiled and got in.

"So what was that about safety?" Noah finally asked.

"Don't worry about it, my mom was just trying to be funny."

Noah scrunched his brows, "I don't get it."

I felt the laughter rumble out of my chest. It's a good thing he didn't know what she meant. We reached the school and the parking lot was already full of cars.

Inside the school, the hall was decked out in light blue and white balloons and streamers. From the rafters, they had hung white ice shaped crystals dusted in glitter. The low light reflected off the snowflakes casting dancing light orbs across the whole area. Music pumped from the speakers as kids danced excitedly to the beat. It looked magical and before long, I grew even more excited about the night. It was a chance for me to be almost normal.

Noah took a hold of my hand and I grinned at him. I pulled him along until I spotted the girls and walked over to them.

Leah was wearing a navy blue dress with a diamond-studded waistline. Her hair cascaded in chocolate waves over her shoulders.

Shawna looked just as amazing with a bright yellow dress and her hair pulled back from her face. Even though I didn't like her, I had to admit she was beautiful.

Leah gave me a hug and I saw Shawna giving me a strange look. Mia gave me a hug next and stsrted talking about the dance.

That's when I saw Simon looming by the entrance. My stomach dropped when his eyes connected with mine. The music, lights and even my friend's laughter fell away.

Simon frowned in confusion and I swallowed the lump in my throat. Peter would be at Leah's house anytime now.

Mia snapped me out of my trance she screamed, "Let's dance, I love this song!"

Soon we were all dancing to an upbeat pop song. I tried my best to enjoy myself but Simon's gaze felt like it was drilling a hole right through the back of my skull.

I looked over to Noah to see he was also tense. His jaw was clamped shut and his movements seemed awkward. When he glanced at me I gave him a nervous smile. He danced over to me and took a hold of my hand.

"We need to keep an eye on them, as soon as they leave we have to warn Peter."

I merely nodded my head once. I was too scared to sneak a peek at Simon. It would take only one look for him to know we were up to something.

That thought alone caused a frantic rhythm to dance in my insides. I hated the fact that he was here. I hated it even more that he could instill this kind of fear in me just with his presence alone.

The song died down and a slow song started playing. Noah held out his hand for me and smiled sheepishly.

"Wanna dance? You look kind of tense."

I laughed out loud, "I look tense? What was that you were doing not ten seconds ago? The constipated electric slide?"

Noah doubled over laughing, "Okay, I am not a good dancer but I can hold my own in slow dancing, promise."

He held his hand out further and I rolled my eyes before taking it.

Noah pulled me close until I was flush against him. I had to remind myself to breath when he held me like that. We started swaying to the music and I realized that he was right. He was a good dancer. At least when it came to slow dancing.

I looked up to find him already looking at me.

"Why are you smiling like that?" he whispered close enough that the heat of his breath swept across my face.

I hadn't even realized I was smiling until he pointed it out. 

"Nothing, it's just you're a really good dancer."

"Was there ever a point where you doubted my mad skill."

I laughed "Says the guy who struggled to climb down my window."

Noah shook his head, "Let's agree to never speak of that again."

I chuckled and looked back at him. What I saw nearly stopped my heart. He was looking at me as if he was seeing me for the first time. The intensity of his gaze pulled me closer, like a moth to a flame. I knew, I was about to burn. With this one look, I was willing to ignite myself.

He drew closer until our noses were only inches apart. His eyes never leaving mine. My heart was pounding against my chest as everything around me fell away.  Almost painfully slow his lips touched mine. So soft, I felt my eyes shut on their own. Noah took this as an inclination to continue. His hand wound in my hair with the other one on my hip pulling me closer.

In this one moment, he stole my breath while simultaneously making me feel like I was breathing air for the first time. I never wanted it to stop. I finally kissed him back.

Pouring out months of frustration out in one kiss. I felt no fear at that moment with him and it was pure bliss. It was like we were both just waiting for this moment.

Too soon we were pulling apart breathless and flushed. I didn't feel the need to say anything our kiss didn't cover so I just rested my head on his shoulder.

We continued to gently sway to the music. Perplexed but so happy. Then I noticed something that made my blood run cold. I couldn't see Leah anymore.

My head snapped up and I looked at Noah. The fear in my eyes must have been apparent.

"What's wrong?"

"Leah is gone, I can't see her anywhere."

We both scanned the crown but saw nothing. I spotted Shawna and Mia by the punch table and rushed over to them.

"Hey, guys you haven't seen Leah anywhere have you?"

Shawna gave me a lopsided grin "She left about five minutes ago you were a bit busy but she did say to tell you goodbye."

I gave Shawna a smile but inside I was falling apart. We got so caught up we missed the one thing we should have been checking.

Noah was standing by the door waiting for me.

"Come on, I just called Peter he's about to leave the house."

"They left five minutes ago, what if they're already there?"

"Leah's house is at least a ten-minute drive but let's go there just in case."

I was a ball of nerves as we drove to her house. Noah spent no time wasting. In all the time that I have known him, he never sped once. Desperate times I guess.

As we drove, I tried calling Peter but his phone was off. This only made the dread in my stomach grow.

"He's not picking up!"

"I'm sure he got out fine, we can get him on his way home."

Even as Noah said this I couldn't hear the conviction in his voice. We reached Leah's house in less than seven minutes.

There was one car in the driveway that seemed to belong to Simon. An imposing black SUV was parked neatly in front of her house. Noah parked his car at the curb and we sat in what felt like an eternity of silence.

There was no movement in the house. Nothing to indicate that anything was wrong. It set me at ease but only slightly. I wouldn't be okay until I saw him safe. I was starting at the house so hard until it started to bleed into blackness.

A sudden bang at my window had me jumping into Noah. Our heads snapped towards the window where the sound had come from. It took my eyes a second to adjust but I nearly cried in relief when I saw Peter waving at the door.

I jumped into action opening to door for him to get in.

"Drive now."

Noah didn't hesitate, pushing his foot down on the gas pedal which sent us spending away.

"What the hell! You guys were supposed to give me an early heads up!"

Noah and I both looked away ashamed. It might have been a perfect moment for us but it put Peter in a lot of danger.

"We're sorry," I mumbled to afraid to even look at Peter.

To my surprise, Peter grinned, "Doesn't matter. They didn't see me and I think I got something."

Noah parked his truck at the side of the road and we both stared at Peter. He proceeded to pull out a card from his pocket, dangling it in front of our faces. It had Biotech's logo on with a picture of Leah's mom in the middle. Under the stoic photo written in neat black print, it read 'all access'.

Noah and I exchanged bewildered glances. It wouldn't take a genius to know what Peter planned to do with this. We were going to attempt to sneak into Biotech.