Love, Helena

Chapter 24

Of all the beautiful halls with big crystal chandeliers and bustling fancy crowds, Xavier found this particular one to be his favourite. He couldn't help it, having seen the work done leading to this very moment was quite impressive- not to mention that it would draw Wren even closer to her dream. She was stressed enough during the week that he couldn't see much of her except late at night though they were both exhausted from work, and now waiting right by the door of the venue, he took a deep breath and relaxed his shoulders, telling himself that it would all go according to plan.

Helena spent the entire ride to the venue trying to assure herself and her anxieties. This was her first step towards something she'd been wanting to do for ages.  She had looked at Amber and Jessica earlier getting ready for the event and remembered when she was also their age, full of laughter, bright, and thought she had everything she wanted in life. Now, she truly felt like she could be that girl again but much older, wiser.

"Are you excited Mum?" Amber asked, watching her carefully. Helena stopped playing with the bracelet on her wrist, an act of nervousness that her family undoubtedly picked up on. She gave her a genuine smile, "Yes, a little anxious naturally, but all good."

"Oh it will be incredible! You've worked so hard for this. I'm sure people will get behind it." Jessica, ever the optimistic, chimed in with enthusiasm. "Just think about all the children this will help, and all the doors it opens for everyone involved!"

Helena nodded with an appreciative smile, "I wouldn't have done it without all of you."

"And, Xavier, obviously." Amber finished teasingly satisfied as her mum turned her face to the window, undoubtedly blushing. Helena had tried not to think too much about this day, appearing by Xavier's side so publicly is definitely making a bold statement to all present. She tried not to think about the talk that would ensue and instead focused on finally getting the chance to properly be with him. She felt as though she hadn't seen him in so long due to all the preparations, and she missed him dearly. 

"How are you two girls not bringing any dates to this event?" She decided to question them instead. She knew Amber had gone through some hard times lately, and that she'd been slowly getting out of her bubble of darkness thanks to the help of Jessica. She was glad they seemed to get along and have become great friends over the past few weeks. 

"We decided boys are trouble and we're going to have as much fun tonight as we can as single ladies." Amber answered and Jessica nodded along in agreement.

"Good for you, I guess." Helena commented, and before she could ask about Alessandro, the car had rolled into the venue and they had to step out. This was it. She thought to herself as the door opened. The flash of cameras and shouts and questions flew everywhere as she stepped outside and adjusted an escapee hair looking back to see the girls already walking inside. She brought her attention to where she stood and in front of her was Xavier, clad in an all black tux that made the salt in his hair stand out and his dark eyes glow in the lights. Helena must have momentarily lost her breath for she stood unmoved, gaze locked with his- that is until he closed the distance between the two of them and leaned impossibly close to her. She could feel his breath caress the top of her ear as he whispered just for the two of them.

"You look bewitching tonight, my love." His deep voice resonated within her, making her break into a slight tremor. His hand found hers and enclosed it in the warmth of his own, as she felt the tips of his fingers tuck in the strand of hair that stubbornly insisted on not staying in place. 

"So do you." She replied breathlessly. She couldn't help but lay her free hand on his chest, afraid she might not have the courage to stand in his intense presence, forget the rest of the world looking at the two of them. "Xavier-