The Matching

3: At Least The Food Is Good

Saige

As Harper and I walk into the dining hall, all eyes turn toward us. I practically glow with the knowledge that I look amazing. I steal a glance at my twin, and she looks like she might puke. "Harper," I whisper so only she can hear. "You look spectacular. No worrying allowed."

She cracks a small smile, and I know she'll be okay. My gaze turns toward the sea of faces seated along the huge rectangular table that takes up the entire huge room. My parents are at the head, of course, because they are hosting this year's Matching. As always, my mom is glaring in such a way that only I can tell she is anything but poised. My father is amused, but trying not to show it. Phillipe and Carmen, my older brothers, are seated with their wives on the left and right of the head of the table, respectively. And all down the rest we have our visitors, eligible males on the left and females on the right. The families sit near their eldest participating child. There are two empty chairs on the right, close to the head. They've been set aside for Harper and me. I notice with disgust that across from us are the two Westborough boys, William-stuck-up and Luke-no-manners. Oh well. They'll hopefully have gotten the hint from my performance earlier and leave us alone. Then Harper and I can talk through the meal and it won't be so bad.

As soon as my sister and I sit down, my father stands to give the customary speech. Wonderful tradition--blah, blah, blah--We welcome you all--ugh I just want to eat--The opening ball will be after dinner--we already knew that--First pairs will be announced tomorrow morning--I was hoping he'd forget that part. Finally, the speech is over and we can eat!

I dig in right away. Our cooks have prepared some of my favorite foods. I eat heaping piles of roast potatoes and vegetables. Bread and butter, meat pies, drumsticks--mmm. When I finally look up from my meal, I see that I'm getting a lot of stares. Either they're shocked at how much I can eat (possible...) or I have something gross on my face (also a possibility). I turn to Harper. "Do I have food on me?" I whisper. She shakes her head. I notice she's barely eaten a bite of her food. "Harper, you need to eat something. The roast veggies are your favorite!"

My sister takes a half-hearted bite. She's looking across the table at William, who's staring at her. I instantly bristle. "Excuse me, Prince... William, was it? Why are you staring at my sister? Surely you've learned manners?"

He blushes, but not as much as Harper. "My apologies if I offended. I could not look away from Princess Harper's noteworthy beauty." That makes my twin blush even more. If I blushed that much, I'd look like a tomato, but on Harper, it looks delicate and sweet. Though William's answer to my pointed insult was masterful, I'm now afraid he'll fool my naive sister into falling in love with him.

Looking pointedly away from William, I catch the eye of his younger brother. "Hello, Princess Saige," Luke says in a softer voice than I would've expected for all his muscle and height.

I mentally cringe at all the formality. I hate these dinners! "Hi," I respond flatly.

He doesn't get the hint. "What are your interests, Princess?"

I really want to respond with 'avoiding you' but don't think that would go over well. I've pushed my mom's limits too much already today. "I like dancing, Prince Luke," I answer him. Then I realize, too late, that he might interpret that as an invitation to--

"Then will you do me the honor of the first dance at the ball tonight?"

--do that. Great. I don't think there is any way to refuse. "Of course, Prince."

His smile makes him look a little less intimidating. "Do call me Luke, Princess."

Well, I do hate formalities, but this guy is moving fast. "Alright, then. Call me Saige. After all, if you call each Princess and Prince here by title you'll be talking twice as much."

He laughs, even though my joke wasn't very funny. My sister is still picking at her food in silence, and William hasn't stopped staring. What is with that guy?

The rest of the dinner is filled with silence. Mostly awkward silence. Oh well, I have food to distract me. Luke eats almost as much as I do, but William barely eats anything. Harper picks at her potatoes and veggies. I feel a little guilt for not saying anything... but not enough to stop inhaling all the food in front of me.

After chocolate mousse is served for dessert we adjourn to the ballroom. Harper and I walk arm in arm toward the edge of the domed ballroom. Stars shine through the skylights and the lighting is provided by candle sconces. The atmosphere is probably meant to be romantic, but I don't really care. The balls are the only good thing about the Matching; I love to dance!

Luke follows Harper and me. I'm confused for a second before I remember that I accepted the first dance with him. Looking around the room, everyone else is pairing up. The only ones left are my twin and William-stuck-up.

"Are you ready to dance, Saige?" says Luke.

I smile, with dubious sincerity. The dancing, I'm ready for. Unfortunately, dancing the first dance with him will make people think we're considering each other as our Match. I really don't think this guy is my best option. "Of course," I reply.

He takes my arm and leads me onto the floor.

Thank you so much to anyone who read to this point! I really appreciate you! Thoughts on this chapter? What do you think of Luke and William? Have they grown on you?

Hope you get the wonderful day/night you deserve!

<3 Riqui