The Invited

Chapter 6 - The Gala

I ascended the staircase with as much delicacy as a baby giraffe.  Much to my dismay, the other girls were waiting at the bottom, watching my graceful decent.  I looked at the faces below me and was thankful to see some of my closest friends.  Lucia and Bella were smiling so intensely I was certain their lips would fall off.  The other girl was Talia and while I had grown up with her, we were never close.  I did know that she was secretly engaged to be wed so I knew she would do anything in her power to be eliminated as quickly as possible.  

I wasn't so sure about Lucia and Bella, though.  While I knew both of them were boy crazy, I also knew any girl in the village would do anything to be part of this family.  I personally found that very demeaning, but I also knew I was drawn to Luca in a way I couldn't explain.  

Lucia and Bella both reached for my hands as I made it to the bottom step and helped me down.  

"Evie, I can't believe this!  We are here together, how much fun!"  Lucia was doing her best to whisper but she was so excited it was more like a quiet shout.  

Bella rolled her eyes and laughed.  "I can't believe Luca gave away an invitation and hand-picked someone from the crowd.  That has never been done before." 

I lowered my head with guilt.  I felt awful for my dear friend, Capri, but knew that I had to run with the opportunity as it would make Papa happy.  "Oh, don't fret, I didn't mean anything by it.  This just means you are special, that is all!"  Bella squeezed my hand reassuringly with a small smile.  

"Thank you, truly.  I feel terrible about it, but I know it was out of my control.  I just want to make Papa and Mamma proud."  They both nodded knowingly as we waited for further instruction from Ana.  

I took the time to look at each of my friends, noting how they were dressed.  Bella had a long velvet gown on that was ruby red in color.  It complimented her icy blonde hair very well.  Lucia had a lavender ball-gown on with the lightest amount of tulle under her skirt.  The light color made her beautifully tanned skin really shine.  Lastly, Talia.  When I noticed what she was wearing, I nearly choked.  Talia was covered in neon yellow snakeskin dress that quite frankly was several sizes too big for her.  I winked at her, knowing all too well this was her form of defiance.  

Ana cleared her throat and we all turned to look at her.  

"Bambine, if you are through gossiping, it is time."  We all lowered our heads and allowed Ana to lead us into the banquet hall.  As we entered the room, we all let out a small gasp.  The grand room was decorated with precision, that was clear.  Gorgeous white draping covered ceiling while crystal tapestries covered the walls.  To one side of the room were several tables draped with elegant organza and candelabras with white rose petals sprinkled around the chargers.  The other side of the room held at least a hundred chairs, all full of people.  

I swallowed heavily until my eyes came across my father.  He was seated in the front row next to Lucia, Bella and Talia's parents, tears filling his eyes.  I smiled at him and turned my attention to the front of the room.  Two large thrones sat directly in the center, with Mr. and Mrs. Rossi seated in them.  Their children sat behind them in smaller thrones, with their spouses and children.  Luca was nowhere in sight, but I didn't allow that to surprise me.  

The Rossi's stood as Ana approached them with a microphone.  Mrs. Rossi gingerly accepted the device in her hands before lightly clearing her throat.  

"Thank you for joining us at our first gala to find our newest addition to our family and to our daughter, Luca."  With those words, Luca stepped from the shadows, joining her mother's side.  Her eyes found mine and I caught my cheeks burning as she did a slow glance down my body.  I instantly forgot my shy demeanor as I noticed a small bruise forming on her jawline.  What could have possibly happened in the last hour? I made a mental note to ask her if we had a moment alone.