Long Time Gone

Chapter 16

I returned to the party after 15 minutes of contemplation in the seldom balcony. My face was tear streaked, and my makeup was ruined. Hence, I scurried across the ballroom in search of a bathroom.

I found one ladies toilet just beside the wine fountain. Thankfully, not one soul was visible in the stalls. I locked the door to the bathroom and hurriedly splashed water on my face. I didn't cry more though, for tears had long dried up now. I was just feeling numbed and belittled, as if I have been stomped upon repeatedly.

After washing my face, I fixed my hair, running my fingers through the long auburn curls. The mirror image of myself reflecting before me gave me a slight shock. My face was deprived of every colour, making me look ghastly and corpse-like. I had red swollen eyes, adding to the horror that my features were. I appeared as a lifeless being, and if I was being honest, I felt like one too.

Upon straightening out my dress, I walked idly out of the bathroom, holding myself as if I just didn't have the biggest meltdown in my life. With my cold and righteous posture back, I scanned the crowd for my foolish date. I found him still glued to Joan. Bob was not in sight.

Sighing, I made my way towards the lounging area of the ballroom. Resting on a plush maroon three seater, I eyed the couple next to me who ferociously made out. Rolling my eyes, I held my head as I accepted the wine offered to me. It was cold and flavorless- just like myself at the moment.

As my thoughts began to race, and the voices in my head started to scream, I concluded on the fact that Bob truly detested me. He had long moved on from me and there were no chances of reconciliation.

Pity. That's what I felt for my ridiculous self. I was a piteous sight, sitting in a corner all alone with my bland wine, while a couple kissed beside me. I felt worthless, and it seemed like my fury had diffused down to hopelessness.

With my eyes casted down on the ground, I sensed someone stir in front of me. Looking up, my tired gaze landed on Williams who was smiling down at my distraught figure. He was accompanied by Joan who hung on the dear arm of her silent boyfriend, Bob.

I didn't look at Bob though, but from the corner of my eye, I could see him staring into my soul, his dark shades back on his face to cover his own distraught look.

Suddenly, Williams exclaimed in a god awful cheerful tone, "There's my beautiful! Where have you been!? I thought Bob had taken you somewhere, but he admitted he didn't see you after that one dance! Where have you been?"

"Bathroom." I partially lied, "I fell sick."

"Oh, what a shame!" Williams laughed, sharing a humourous look with Joan.

"You must've taken the wine from the fountain." Joan unsuccessfully guessed, giggling. "It's gross, let me tell you that."

"No." I curtly replied, and then added in a meek tone, "Williams, can we go home? I'm not feeling too well."

A flabbergasted look flashed across Williams' features. "Go home so early!? Why, Joan has got a performance to deliver! You must not miss it out because it's so worth it!"

"But I'm sick." I pressed with a lump in my throat, "And I'm feeling dizzy. Call the chauffeur please. I'll go home by myself."

"By yourself!? God forbid that, Elizabeth!" Williams exclaimed, somehow offended. "That's not too gentlemanly on my part, is it!? Besides, Auntie Shirley and Mr Vanderbilt are going to be upset if you showed up at their doorstep all alone!"

"Do you think it matters to me?" I pronounced coldly, "If you're sticking around, then I'm going."

"I'm sure my performance will help you feel better." Joan croaked nervously glancing at her boyfriend and Williams for looks of approval, "I promise you, you'll enjoy it."