Ethereal Madness

Chapter 48- Three Houses

"So what the heck are we dressing up for?" Tucker asked again, still struggling to button one of his dress shirt cuffs.

Mary walked over and buttoned it for him.

"Thank you," he said meekly.

She nodded.

"As far as I know, it's just a gathering between the houses, right?" I asked while fixing my shirt collar.

"Yes," Mary responded.

"A ballroom meeting though? Ain't it a bit, idunno, dated?" Tucker asked.

"It's probably for nostalgia's sake," I pointed out.

"Still lame."

"It's one night. Not the end of the world."

"Exactly," Sophia walked in, sporting a stylish purple dress with purple flower petals on it. It was similar to Mary's, although hers was red with rose petal decorations.

"You're going too?" I asked.

She clapped her hands together. "Of course. It sounds fun."

"Why are you going though?" Tucker asked. "Isn't this a stupid nobles thing?"

"Do you not want me to go? Do you not like me Tucker?" Her face got softer and more concerned.

"T-that's not what I said!"

Sophia giggled. "Mary's going, isn't she?"

"Well, yeah, but it's as Arthur's escort."

"So couldn't I just be your escort?" She hummed.

"What do you mean by that?" Tucker stuttered.

Mary and I sighed.

"Going alone would suck. So just accompany me to the party." She got up close and held his arm.

"If I must." He sounded intense.

You're such a handful.

"You kids ready?" Miss Cecilia walked in. She wore a lavish, long blue dress. And although the make-up was apparent, it didn't deter from her mature beauty.

Next to her was my father. He was in a suit like Tucker and I, but it was less than special. Maybe if he wasn't dressed up everyday I'd see it as more.

"Looks like it," my father said. "Been awhile since I've seen you all look so professional. Reminds me of when we dressed you up as kids."

"Gideon!" Miss Cecilia snapped.

At first he looked lost, but slowly their eyes both landed on me.

"Sorry about that Arthur," he apologized.

I chuckled. "Don't worry about it."

"Still though, you guys like so nice," Miss Cecilia said. She ran over to Mary and Sophia and looked them up and down. "You both look so pretty."

"Thank you," Mary and Sophia said.

"And you guys," she ran up to Tucker and me and squished us together with a big hug. "You're so handsome."

"You're squishing my suit," Tucker cried.

She let go of us. "All of you look so wonderful."

"I agree," my father tapped his silver watch. "However, shouldn't we go? We'll be late if we don't leave soon."

"There's pops and his punctuality," Tucker groaned.

"If you can be on time, always do so. That's what I've learned and it's what I live by."