Symphonies in E Minor

Chapter Twelve: The Trip

"Are you all packed, dear?" Uncle Adonis says, knocking on her door. "The carriage is here."

Aaliyah fixes a golden cuff into one of her braids before smoothing her hands down the front of her dress. She takes a deep breath and then opens the door. "Aye. I'm ready."

Uncle Adonis smiles. "And you're sure you'd like to go without a chaperone? I understand Lord Ahman has been very gracious about keeping you company."

"Aye. I shall be all right. I've been to the Opera House with them. And plus, I've told Ruhina about certain things."

He nods, holding the door so Aaliyah can remove her trunk full of clothes and jewelry from the door. He takes it from her and begins hauling it down the stairs. The ball has a theme and she's never been more excited. She has to admit that she doesn't know much about Greek culture, but she knows enough about mythology. She's learned Roman and Latin mythology so she hopes that will suffice and fill in the blanks where she's missing Greek facts.

Aaliyah hasn't brought that many fancy dresses to England with her, only 3, and she hopes this pink off the shoulder one will work for the ball. She's unsure how fancy this event is supposed to be. As long as she has fun, she thinks to herself, all will be well.

She descends the stairs after her uncle, tugging on her winter coat. In the foyer area, it isn't only Faiz that's standing there respectfully with his hands behind his back, but Harry as well. The men talk amongst themselves quietly, only looking up when her uncle puts the trunk down with a heavy thud. She catches Harry's eyes sliding down the length of her dress and suddenly she cannot breathe.

Aaliyah hesitates on the final step and misses half of it. Both Harry and Faiz step forward but it's ultimately Harry that steadies Aaliyah with a grab of her elbow, safely putting her back on two feet. "Careful," he sighs, frowning. "Why are you always missing a step?"

He's here. Harry is here in her house. Uncle Adonis is looking at Harry thoughtfully.

Faiz, who is grinning, is leaning back on his cane that she sees he's switched to a light brown one. He bends down in a bow once she's on both feet. "Miss Aaliyah. Mr. Kincaid. Pleasure to see you again. Are we ready?"

"We are," Aaliyah says, quickly buttoning her coat. She's trying her best not to look at Harry or she'll start stuttering. Why is his appearance always spontaneous and unannounced? It's not good for her heart.

She steps forward and kisses her uncle's cheek. "Tell auntie goodbye from me."

"I will," he says, handing her off to Faiz who now has an arm out. "Have fun, Liya. I beg you to."

Faiz chuckles and pats her hand once she puts it in the crook of his elbow. "We shall have fun because Aaliyah will be with us."

Uncle Adonis's eyebrows raise and he smiles at Harry, who meets his eyes and bows slightly. "Mr. Styles. I don't believe we've ever met."

"Mr. Kincaid," he says, standing back up straight. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for trusting your niece with Faiz, Ruhina, and I for this event."

Once Aaliyah looks at him, she can't look away. He's dressed in all black today, which shouldn't be a surprise to her, but it attracts her immediately. He's even wearing black gloves. He has the faintest hint of a polite smile on his face.

"I wouldn't trust her with anyone else in all of England," Uncle Adonis says, making Aaliyah blow out hair in relief. He's much like her father in that they're both friendly and amusing. "From what I hear about all three of you, you've been very welcoming and warm towards my niece and I couldn't be happier about it."