Let It Burn

Chapter 5

Valeria Mendez's POV

The chiropractor was leaving the room. She twisted my ankle in multiple ways until I couldn't feel the pain anymore. It truly felt like magic. Thank God it wasn't too serious, because I'll need all my strength for the battle we are about to lead.

"You're lucky she was able to fix that quickly, a bandage would've looked awful with heels," Lionel said, closing the door behind him.

I was still on the medical examination table trying to get myself back together. Even in moments like these, my little brother always found a way to make me smile.

"It would've given me an excuse to not attend this stupid party" I laugh.

"Well this stupid party may be our only way to get them back" he argues.

"It's just not the right timing."

"Speaking of timing, you don't have much left... and you look umm-". He pauses for a moment and looks at me up and down. "Yeah you need a lot of cleaning," he continues .

I get up and hit his chest.

"No need to be rude, of course I need to clean up" I assert.

"Your dress is already in your room by the way" he winks. "I got a matching suit with the same colour of your gown."

"Powerful siblings move, I like it" I giggle.

I walk out of the medical area in the direction of my room. Passing a few hallways and taking some turns, I finally see my chamber. I get in and close the door behind me. I push my back against it. My dad's words kept repeating in my head.

"Elena needs you to be strong"

It's easy to say. But I'd like to see them in my position. It's not only about losing her, it's about what can happen to her.

I put that smile on my face and people believed me. But no one knows how deep it hits once they're not around. Maybe I can't blame them, they truly believe I am okay because it's the impression I give. No one is too worried about me because I don't give them a reason to be.

No one notices your tears. No one notices your pain. No one notices your sadness. But they all notice your mistakes. That's how it is like to hide your emotions.

I take a look at the clock: I have one hour and a half to get ready.

I notice the dress in the corner of my room. It was a beautiful shiny red frock that was getting tighter on the waist. Elena would've loved it.

I start by hoping in the shower. The feeling of the warm water stroking my face was relieving. I felt all the tension falling with the drops.

I lathered my rose shampoo in my hair and massaged my scalp by the same move.

I quickly washed myself from the shampoo and the soap and wrapped a towel around my body.

I stared at myself in the mirror. I hope the lipstick will cover my lip cut.

I get out of the bathroom attached to my bedchamber.

It's only then that I notice the loads of gifts next to my bed. Every year, the guests would send their present beforehand and we would open it with Elena and laugh at the extravagant things we would find in the boxes.

We were always intrigued by one gift that was never signed. Every year, since I was 18, I would receive an anonymous gift that, surprisingly, always had a little personal touch.

One time I received a music box that played my favourite childhood melody. An other time I received a knife set : it was Karambits. Again, my favourites. I was always a bit creeped out by these but Elena would reassure me saying I must have a secret admirer.

I kept looking through the tons of offerings untill I found it. The person always attached a specific card to the present.

"To help you shine tonight" is all the letter said. I searched through the bag to find a jewelry box. I opened it and admired the beautiful necklace and earring set. It was red, just like my dress.

Whoever that anonymous person was, they knew me very well and must be close enough to know these little details about my life.

I was conflicted on wether or not to wear the jewelry set...

I decided it could be a great idea since I wasn't feeling like taking out my own jewelry collection and finding matching ones. Doing my makeup was already going to take long enough.

I quickly get up from the floor and place the set on my bed.

I take a seat on the chair in front of my dressing table. I turn on my more lights and start the makeover.

I did the basics first, meaning the foundation, concealer, blush, highlighter and a bit of contouring. I continued by applying some red glittering eyeshadow that looked simple but classy and that made my hazel eyes pop, in my opinion. I glued on my fake lashes and added the final touch: the red lipstick.

I took a look at myself in the mirror and thought I looked great. The cut on my lips was barely visible now.

Most of the people I'll have to make an alliance with tonight are men. With time, I realized that they weren't as smart as they want us to believe. All you need is a pretty face and they are ready to give it all.

I learned to use it to my advantage.

A/N : How do y'all like it so far? Any questions/comments/suggestions?

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