Page 58 of First Kiss with a Mothman

I squeeze his hand as we sway. “You, Arie Baker, deserve all the romantic, cheesy moments from movies that you desire.”

We share a laugh, and it’s like everyone else disappears. We’re the only two monsters on Earth right now.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Always.”

“Why does it seem like…you don’t want a boyfriend. I mean, not not want but…feel like you don’t deserve?”

My wings stop moving, and I know he can feel it. However, I continue to sway as I contemplate confessing my sins. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, Mort.”

I gulp and nod. “I know…but it’s a lot.”

“You can tell me when you have time.”

“I just don’t want to ruin our date.”

“Nothing you say will make me want you less.”

My heart aches a little more. “You don’t know that, Arie.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Can we just…table it? For tomorrow or something?”

“That’s fine, Mort. You don’t have to tell me anything. This is our first date after all.”

“And a fine one it is.” As the romantic music continues, I stop moving and lean in. I gently kiss Arie, and my soul feels like it’s soaring through the sky. The desire I feel for him is so palpable, and based on how he kisses me, I can tell the feeling is mutual.

Pulling back, I murmur against his mouth, “Make love to me tonight.”

The words leave my lips before I can think better. I should apologize and keep it in my pants. Arie might not be ready, and we’re still at the dance. I shouldn’t be so forthcoming, especially here in public.

“Okay,” he says quietly, smiling brighter than I’ve ever seen.

“Really?”

“Yeah.” We both giggle as mirth bubbles out from our lips. I kiss him again just as the music changes. The bodies around us begin to jostle as the song quickly changes to a popular upbeat rap song.

I start to lead Mort back to the table until we’re stopped by a familiar face. “Arie, what happened to you?!”

“Selena?” he asks.

His cousin seems shocked and offended. She’s wearing plain clothes, juxtaposed by everyone else wearing gothic formal wear. And she looks between us like we committed a crime.

“What’s that on your face?”

I don’t want her to draw attention―nor do I appreciate her tone―so I lead Arie to the entrance. We’re done dancing anyway. “It’s my face,” Arie replies, just as irritated as I feel.

“But I didn’t think you were going to the dance since it’s, like, celebrating…monsters.”

Again, her words laced with derision. Monster isn’t a slur, but she says it like it is.

“I am a monster. Mom didn’t tell you?”

“She did, but I didn’t believe it.” Selena looks at me with unfiltered annoyance. “How come whenever he’s with you, mothboy, he gets messed up? First the frat party, and now you’ve turned him into one of you people.”

We make it outside, and I spin around. Before I can tell her off, Arie steps forward. “Okay, cool it with the racism.” I squeeze his shoulder in support. Arie continues, “No one turned me into anything. The Halloween Wave affected millions. This is me now, and I suggest you walk away before you say something you’ll deeply regret.”