As Long as Somebody Loves You

Chapter Fourteen

The banquet was getting closer and closer, only two days away to be exact. I knew I was going, but I also knew how boring it would probably be. But like that preposterous anniversary party I attended, I knew Demetri would want me beside him. I was extremely happy from the idea of going, of maintaining my role as his angel, his guardian, but then... then I got a little message that changed everything. I was lounging in the lobby, looking for unsuspecting, dim-witted children to dispose of. I gave two little boys a chocolate bar that would later transform them into mice, then after that I curse this one little girl that was particularly smelly. When the little brat would wake up the next morning, she'd be a nasty little toad with warts and webbed fingers. When I got bored with that, I simply waltzed back to my room with a proud smile on my face. The elevator opened and I stepped out onto my floor. I looked towards my door, only to pause. There, stood a plump, middle-aged man with a balding head and a clipboard. In his other hand, trapped underneath his arm, he held a rather large package that looked like it was addressed to me.

"Can I help you?" I asked him, standing with both hands on my hips. My voice steered through the air like an earthquake, causing him to whirl his head around as if startled by my presence. Typical, he smelled like cigarette smoke and cheap cologne. Awkwardly, he recomposed himself and answered, "Ms. Ernst, I presume?" I nodded and replied, "Obviously." His old fingers handed me the clipboard, "This is a delivery from Mr. Dahl. He wanted to be sure you had it by today." That sparked my interest. "Just sign there, if you please." He handed me a pin. I practically ripped it out of his hands, signing my name in cursive dark blue letters. He scratched the back of his head as I did so, even though I was quick with my gloved claw. I handed him back the clipboard and took the box out of his grasp. 

"Have a good day, madam." He tipped his head to me slightly with a relaxed, wrinkled smile. I wrinkled my nose and smiled back sarcastically, "I think I will." 

With that, I hurriedly walked back inside my penthouse and placed the box on the bed. Afterwards, I ripped my gloves off my fingers and tore through the tape and cardboard with my claws in a means to get it open quicker. Granted, I was careful. I didn't want to break its contents since I didn't know what it was. Inside it I was met with a pile of white tissue paper along with an envelope that had my name written on the back. I tossed the little "gift wrappings" aside. Liebchen, whom was resting on the floor, decided it would be entertaining to catch the pieces of thin paper between his paws.

Using my claw, I sliced open the envelope and unfolded the letter delicately. I unfolded the piece of parchment where I read what I had to say:

Dear Ms. Ernst,

We are pleased to inform you that you've been invited to a banquet sponsored by Dahl Inc. This formal event will be hosted on the twenty seventh, at 8:45 p.m. this Friday evening, at the Plaza Hotel on 64th street at 10065. Food will be provided. We do, however, request that only adults attend this event. The invitation which will grant you entry is attached in the form of a ticket at the bottom of this letter. We hope to see you soon, and will be pleased with your arrival.

It was signed Teresa McCarthy at the bottom, but then I read some additional words that filled me with delight.

P.S. I hope you love the dress, Eva. My aunt Flora helped me pick it out for you. She was grateful you helped her out with Liam, after all. I look forward to seeing you again, especially since we couldn't have booked this event without the help of your finances. Sorry for the dull letter above, we have to send those to everybody. For what it's worth, I think you'll look gorgeous as always. But please, I don't want you to hide who you are. I want you to come to this banquet as yourself. Don't feel you have to please me or anybody else. I'm sure that they'll adore you just as much as I do. Until then, I love you, angel. XOXO