The Tame (ON HOLD)

Of dragons and battlefields

What are they doing here?, Phina asked no one in particular.

Lorraine whisked her away from the balcony and said, "Let's go meet them and see what trash they have for us."

Phina though wasn't convinced if they had trash for her. Well... maybe machine guns and bombs. But mere trash? She wasn't sure. She hadn't expected the response of Diana Chessford so soon. And when did Evalore Tiers and Diana Chessford develop friendship ties? Even if they were partners in crime, what business had E. Tiers with her?

Rather breathless and tired, she slipped into some flip-flops and tugged the sleeves of her blazer to her elbows. She'd almost made it to the door when she felt Lorraine's arm on her shoulders. "You look like you've seen a seven-footed bear," Lorraine said humorously. "Please don't tell me you're scared of those petty houseflies?"

Phina gave her a synthetic tight-lipped smile. On the verge of lying to Lorraine she paused, thinking how ridiculous it would be to lie to her best friend about being scared of two of West London's most sought after women. Also Lorraine could see through her every lie no matter how inconspicuous it was.

"Yes I'm a bit put off. I mean why go through all this trouble just for some lace?"

Lorraine burst out in torrents of laughter. Phina looked perplexed at her, wondering what was funny considering that Diana Chessford was just about to hack her to pieces.

"Okay." Lorraine halted after seeing Phina's murderous look. "So let me explain. One, you're being ridiculous in fearing a woman as yourself."

Phina harrumphed, thinking, You're so right. Go on, tell me how childish and stupid and clowny I am. Oh and you can also add that I'm a dollop-head  with cucumbers for eyes and I'm...

"Two," Lorraine continued, interrupting Phina's pessimistic thoughts, "they can't hurt you. If it came to a fight I know you'll use Tiers as a rod to whip Chessford; it's not as if you haven't whipped Tiers' bum before. Third, your life is so boring! I thought you needed a bit of whacking and fun," she ended, waving her hands off.

Phina's breath caught in her throat. Slowly realization sunk in. "So you mean to say that you bought the gown just so I could land into trouble? So that we would quarrel?"

Lorraine blinked her eyes. "Well...," she said as if it almost pained her to say the words. The stress  on Almost. "Not exactly to quarrel. You three could do it like gladiators in an arena while I relax in the stands and watch with my arms folded."

"You...you...you," Phina stuttered, then seeing she was too furious to continue, strode to her dressing closet. She rummaged through her gown collections and drew out the much talked about gown, its sequined lace glimmering in the muted lighting. "I'm going to give it back. I'm not greedy so much so that I'm going to make enemies for it," she muttered, her hands dangling the dress on its hanger. Lorraine yelled in horror and dashed for the dress. Phina having seen her motive, turned back on her so her grappling hands could not snatch it. After three futile attempts of being unable to snatch the number, Lorraine laid her stubborn hands at her behind and said, "Now everyone will know you are a coward."

Phina pursed her lips. "Why?"

"Because you're conceding when the fight has not yet began. You think if you hand the gown back this squabble will end? Your name is already printed in the black files of Diana Chessford and she will make sure that you won't roam anywhere in London without her imperious goons at your back! You've already been branded as one of her contenders," Lorraine advised, her legs sneaking closer to the unsuspecting Phina. "And besides what makes you think that Diana Chessford in all her pride would accept the gown back?"