The Baker Boys

Chapter 10

Heads snap towards my direction as the little boy waves like a mad man. I quickly lowered myself behind the railing, sheltering myself from prying eyes. I smile sheepishly at the people entering behind me throwing me strange looks. My dress is sprawled all over the floor, so I reach my arms out to gather the ends to hide it from the many feet walking around. 

Once I have it all gathered, I freeze as a pair of white heels stop in front of me. Slowly bringing my vision higher, I take note of the lilac dress complimenting her olive skin tone. My eyes travel higher and meet a white mask-covered face, with feathers shooting out the sides.

Glancing back down to her now outstretched hand, I accept it and allow her to pull me up.

She reaches over and brushes off a dust spot on my dress, grimacing in the process, "What were you doing down there, honey?"

I cough uncomfortably and grimace, "Oh! I was, uh-" I glanced around to make sure there were no more prying eyes, then looked back at her and smiled ashamedly.

She lets out a small laugh and shakes her head, "Too much attention?" She tilts her head and smiles.

I smile back brightly and nod, "Yeah, actually. I don't do so great when everyone's looking at me," she gives a face of understanding and leads me to the wall so we're out of the way.

"Trust me, honey, I know what you mean," she smiles and holds out a hand, "Jennifer Patterson, but please call me Jenny."

I shake her hand in a firm grasp, "Whitney Jones," As soon as I let go, the music starts playing, signaling the start of the ball. I smile politely, "I should get going, my families probably wondering where I am. It was a pleasure to meet you!" (music is the above if wanted)

She smiles once again, "Oh, please. The pleasure was all mine," She pauses, "and good luck, Whitney." She turns and walks away, a mischievous look on her face. I stood there for a moment, trying to figure out what that meant.  

After a minute or so, I head back to the railing once again and look over it. People are beginning to fill the dance floor and enjoy themselves.

I make my way down the elegant staircase made out of marble with bits of gold added to it. The gold railings felt cool underneath my soft hand. Once I near the bottom my eyesight is drawn toward the two Princes and Queen sitting in their gold thrones.

They looked out upon their people that were dancing or staying off to the sides. The Queen was fanning herself as the heat was getting to her. I can't blame her, it feels like a sauna here. The older Prince was checking his watch repeatedly every five seconds like he was waiting for something to happen. The younger version of him was fidgeting in his seat, looking everywhere.

Once I reach the end of the stairs I spot my mom and sister. They were, unsurprisingly, at the buffet table. Lo was shoving some sort of fancy sweet in her mouth, while my mother just laughed at her. I shake my head and move my way towards them.

 My mom smiles at me when she notices my arrival, "There you are, sweetie! We thought you got lost!"

Lo nods at me, "Yeah, where were you?" She speaks with her mouth full, little bits of food flying out. My mother smacks her shoulder and she solemnly apologizes.

"I saw a friend," I shrug innocently, I wasn't lying.

"Right, well come on let's go find a seat." Mom leads us to an empty round table, which luckily wasn't too far from the buffet. Checking the time, I notice it's only half-past six. This was going to be a long night.