evermore || sebastian sallow

chapter 6 - Part 1: the birthday ball

part 1

The dreadful day has finally arrived.

My birthday.

Quite often, I enjoyed every year I celebrated it. But the fact that this day was more of a business proposal instead of an actual day of celebrating my seventeenth birthday, well, it wasn't very fun.

I stared at the vanity mirror in front of me. Amelia braided my hair back, pinning all of it up in a low bun, some waves left out to frame my face. She accessorized it with an elegant golden wire with matching leaves sprinkled along the thin chains.

My royal blue gown was floor-length, the corset swirling with gold intricate designs with chiffon short sleeves that waved in the air with the slightest movement. Stars seemed to twinkled in every seam and ribbon. I opted for a simpler gold necklace to match my dainty bracelet.

I looked ethereal; I won't lie. I just wasn't sure if I felt the same.

Anxiety filled my veins. I had to take off my white gloves because my palms wouldn't stop sweating. I don't know how many times I've wiped them on my skirts.

I fidgeted with my gold bracelet, letting my fingers play with the strawberry charm Sebastian gave me. I felt a little better with it on. It was small enough that the red charm didn't clash with my blue and gold theme going on.

After Ominis and Sebastian sent me early birthday presents, I knew I had to send them back something too as a thank you. I took a quick trip into the city that day, hoping to find them the perfect presents.

Eventually, I found the perfect wand handle for Ominis. He used to complain about how slippery his wand could get in duel so I got him a black, matte handle. I remember he dropped his wand once or twice when we were in the catacomb, but he handled it excellently. He was a fierce duellist if only people observed enough.

I got a copy of my favourite novel for Sebastian since he loved reading so much. I recalled how he mentioned never having read A Tale of Two Cities, very much offending me when he said that. Now, I won't give him a choice. He must read it. I also put one of my personal bookmarks in it, with a silver charm because it reminded me of him.

Last year, I found his head always buried in books when we weren't together, ignoring the fact it was to study the Dark Arts to help his sister, Anne. I knew he loved reading as much I did so I figured why not. Whether he liked the novel I picked out or not, it wouldn't bother me. I only wanted to share it with him.

I really wished they were here. They (just Sebastian actually) gave me headaches last year but now I think they'd be the only ones who could cure it as I live through this dreadful party later.

"You're all ready, Miss Gray," said Amelia, pinning one last braid behind my head. "You look beautiful, miss. I'm sure you will stun everyone at the party today." She smiled at me through the vanity mirror.

I smiled back, trying to be genuine. "Thank you, Amelia."

Amelia offered me the white gloves I took off because I was so anxious. I still was, but I took off my bracelet then put them on anyway, sliding them until they reached my elbows.

After I put my bracelet back on, I stood up from the vanity stool and held onto my dress so I wouldn't trip. I strolled over to my floor length mirror and observed my dress, making sure everything looked okay.

I looked at my wide eye stare in the mirror and took a deep breath, then exhaled. I softened my gaze, straightening my posture.

"It's going to be fine. Whoever you meet down those stairs will probably be just as innocent as you in this situation. It's fine. Completely fine," I whispered to my reflection.