The Trial She Faces

Chapter 22

Eve had sat patiently for the last hour as Maya fussed around her, making sure her hair and light makeup were absolutely perfect. Finally, Maya announced that she was done.

Gazing at herself in the mirror, Eve was surprised at how Maya had chosen to frame her face, mainly focusing on accentuating her eyelashes and lips.

Her hair was softly pulled up into two French braids that were tucked in the back. Scattered throughout, Maya had placed delicate pearl clips that stood out against her brown hair.

'So, what do you think?' Maya asked her as she stepped into the background of the mirror, hands clasped together.

'Wow... I look... you have done an amazing job. I can't ... just wow,' Eve managed to say.

'Well, you are a beautiful canvas darlin', I just put a little sparkle on,' Maya gushed. 'Come now, I can practically feel Kirk's anxiety at being late from here. He never wants to tell me to hurry – cause ya know beauty takes time – but he hates to be late,' Maya giggled pushing Eve to the door and down the hallway.

Kirk and Curtis stood waiting by the front door for the two women.

'My love, you look stunning,' Kirk exclaimed as he took in Maya's appearance. She was wearing a black off the shoulder dress with full length sleeves.

'Oh, stop that, come on let's go,' Maya said giving Kirk a light slap and heading out the front door.

After a short moment of silence, Curtis and Eve followed the pair. Walking in the direction of the main cluster of buildings, Curtis broke the silence of the crisp night air.

'That dress really suits you. I think you look lovely,' he managed to say after clearing his throat.

'Um thanks, you like nice as well,' Eve said. A light blush spread out over her cheeks after noting that Curtis did indeed look quite nice. He was wearing a navy suit jacket over a white button-down shirt with a tan pair of trousers.

Arriving at the hall, Eve admired the atmosphere. The ceiling had large flowy sheets hanging down and the walls were covered in a variety of flowers, balloons and streamers. Emerald Eye had never even come close to hosting such an impressive event.

Maya handed Eve a flute of champagne just as a tapping came over the microphone.

'Good evening everybody, I am so glad to see you all,' Alpha Sean's booming voice rang out.

'I'd like to thank our wonderful house and kitchen staff for putting together this shindig. They have done a fantastic job. Next, a warm welcome goes out to our visitors from our neighbours – Gold Claw, Cliff's Peak, and Blind Eye. Please enjoy the booze, the food, and the company – who knows, there might be a few mates out there who find each other,' Alpha Sean finished off with a wink. He handed off the microphone and noise quickly filled the hall.

'You ladies mingle while Curtis and I go say hello to council member Dale – he has been staying with Blind Eye for the last few months. I want to check and see how he is going,' Kirk said to Eve and Maya before walking into the mass of people.

'Oh Eve! Look over there. How sweet, mates meeting for the first time,' Maya sighed out.

Eve nodded in agreement pulling a tight smile across her face, on having briefly glanced over at the couple how already looked completely enamoured with each other.

'Come on love, there are a few people I want to introduce you to,' Maya said walking toward a cluster of women.

Introductions, pleasantries, and small gossip consumed the next hour or so before Eve managed to excuse herself. She slipped through the crowd before arriving at the bar. She ordered herself a glass of water.