Spring Feelings

Chapter 7 - Spring ball

Delia

I sit silently next to my father.

"Dad?"

He shows no emotion, so I just keep talking: "I'm sorry about the things I said yesterday. I...I just didn't think about it."

"It's okay."

"No, it's not. I knew how important this all is to you."

"It's okay. Really. I'm the world's worst father - you opened my eyes, Delia."

"You're not..."

"Delia...I'm the one who should apologize. Ever since your mother's death, this huge piece of me has been missing. And I always prendeded...to happy, to be cool and the worst: to be complete. You were so young when it happened...and I thought if I just predend nothing's missing, you'll think nothing's missing. But the pain...it didn't stop. And I thought the best may be to distance myself from you. You should never see me cry."

"I still loved you ,dad, I missed you. I thought...you didn't love me anymore."

He hugs me...I can feel the tears running all over his cheeks. "I love you, Delia. You're the best thing that's happened to me."

I let go of him. "Dad...I think there's something I need to tell you."

But suddenly we stup. The chauffeur opens the doors. Dad blinks a few times and wipes the tears from his cheeks, leaving me completly alone in this car. And I ask myself...was it all acted?

"Delia, are you coming?", dad asks.

I nod and put on a smile. They guests applaud when they see us, walking across the sea of flowers. A microphone is provided at the pavillon - he seizses it, I stand next to him, with my eyes fixed on the ground. Shaw Graham's little clumsy daughter. I have never been more, I will never be more.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, my dear guests. This is a big event, maybe the biggest of the year. First of all: Thank you all for coming. Colleagues, friends the ones who might become some. And I've got to say: You all look stunning tonight! Let's raise a glass to none other than ourselves." He raises his glass and all the others do the some. Lots of clinking and laughter.

"And I'd also like to introduce my beautiful daughter. Delia." I look up.

"She's the greatest gift, I've ever been given. Let's also remember the legends that've passed from us. Marlon Brando, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Gloria Foster...the list is endless. I would like to particularly emphasize my wife here. Nailah Graham. She was the strongest, most caring person, I'd ever met. But above all, she was my great love, which i sady lost far too early."

Everyone applauds.

"I hearby declare this year's spring ball open." He opens the door to the pavillon, where a pianist is already playing blues.

"Your speech was great, dad", I say, but dad's already buzzing around the hall, greeting his famous guests.

Suddenly I feel a hand on my shoulder. I hope it's Gemma because I'm not ready for confronting Tia, yet. I turn around as I see it's none other than Raj Ames. He's changed over the years. His black hair's medium length, slicked back, his cheekbones are more pronounced and he wears an ear piercing.

"Delia, hey. You look stunning!"

"I do?"

"You know, I think we should leave that kid stuff behind us...we're almost adults. And I really think you're the most beautiful girl in the room."

"I don't want anything from you, Raj."

"I'm really sorry for what I did back then."

I look him in the eyes. "Raj...why are you doing this?"

"I have a suggestion, Delia."

"I don't want to hear it."

"Give me a chance, Delia."

"Fine. You have one minute."

I go on, he follows me. "An allience. You know my reputation isn't that great...and you're like Hollywood's most innocent girl. My plan is: We pretend to be dating. I can clear my reputation and your dad'll get promotion for his new movie."

"Forget about it!"

"Delia, I'm begging you. I even get on my knees in front of you, look." He's actually starting to get down on his knees. I pull him up.

"How much?"

"How much what?"

"How much money does it give me?"

"Uhm, ten-thousand?"

"Well, I'll think about it."

"Supply drops by two thousand every minute."

"Okay, I'll do it."

"Really? You're kidding me, aren't you."

"Okay, but if you don't leave right now, I'll reconsider."

He dances away...yeah, he really dances.

Guys, I can justify this decision. My new plan: I use Raj as a means to an end. I date Raj for a while and after our break-up I'll tell my dad that I've never been really attracted to him (obviously) and that I think I'm a lesbian. Okay, that's a terrible plan, I know. But I have to admit that it's ready for Hollywood.

I'm looking out for Gemma. Damn, she stands by Tia and Alan. Okay, just act normal, Delia. I approach them.

"Hey, guys", I say.

"Hey, Dede", Tia says.

"Dede...you won't believe who I just saw!"

"Brad Pitt?"

"No...even better. His and Angelina's son Pax. What should I do with Brad Pitt when he's going to inherit a fortune...I mean Brad Pitt as a father and Angelina Jolie as a mother... there has to be something in it."

"And he's also age-appropriate. Good job, Gem! And let me guess...you'll have something with his father on a family party."

"Oh, good idea. I wouldn't have thought of it myself."

"Uhm, Tia...can you come with me for a moment?", I know turn to Tia.

"Sure", shey says.

We go outside. "Tia...is there something you'd like to tell me?"

She looks confused. "Uhm...no?"

I take a deep breath. "Are you sure? I'm your best friend...you can tell my everything."

"Delia, what's this supposed to be?"

"You don't want me near to you, do you?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You're afraid I might kiss you, aren't you."

"Okay, cut the bullshit."

"I know about it. You don't have to pretend."

"That's enough. What's wrong with you?"

"I'm just wondering why you've been acting so supportive."

"Delia, I really don't have the slightest clue what you're talking about."

"So you don't have a problem with me being a lesbian?"

"Goddamn, no! Why should..."

Suddenly she freezes and nods behind me. I slowly turn around.