Strawberries And Crows (Canceled, For Now)

Part 5- Getting dressed + Party prep

I pull out a dress. " Hm. " I sigh. " Alice, what do you think I should wear? "

Alice scraches her head. " Maybe we should let Elizabeth decide. " she pauses, " It is a party for her after all. "

" Speaking of which, shouldn't you have been spending time with Richard today?" I say.

Elizabeth scowls, " Why would I want that? You two are perfectly fine. "

I smirk. " Are you really sure you want to marry him? "

" Of course. "

" Well if you change your mind... "

" I won't. " Elizabeth said matter of factly, as she digs through my wardrobe.
" Ooh! " she pulls out a dress. " I like this one. "

It's a lavender dress that fades down to a deep purple at the base of the dress.

I reach out and stroke it. " I haven't worn this in forever. "

Elizabeth quickly snatches it back. " Do you not like it? I can pick something else! "

" No, I like it! I just... Forgot about it. "

" Well, I'd like you to wear it then. Purple and green look good together. " she says, and I smile.

" I take it I won't be leaving your side? " I deadpan.

" Not if I have it my way. " Elizabeth winks.

I grab the dress put of her arms, my fingers stroking her arm for a mere second.

I cough, taking the dress and stepping behind the partition which I change behind.

The dress fits perfectly, and it's comfortable too. I smile, looking at my reflection.

" Silver or gold jewelry? " I ask, from behind the partition.

There is a few seconds silence as the two think.

" Silver. " They say at the same time, then all three of us burst into laughter.

I click the silver necklace around my neck, admiring it in the mirror. I slip white gloves over my hands and amerge into my room.
" Hey lovely ladies. " I say, posing to show off the dress.

" It's just as I'd imagined! " Elizabeth says, " But... " she thinks for a moment.
" Aha! " she runs out onto my balcony, plucking a purple flower off it's stem.

She approaches me, flower in hand.

She tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear, before placing the flower in my hair.

I smile, reaching up to touch it.

She gazes up into my eyes, " Your eyes, they're grey. "

I nod, " yep. "

" I like them. "

" Me too. " I respond, struggling to breath.

She coughs delicately, stepping back.

A bell rings through the house, six dings in a row. " Well, that's time for us to go. " I slip my shoes on.

" I might see you two there if I have time. " Alice grins, " Have fun! "

I grab Elizabeth's hand and we rush down the hallway. " You probably should've left earlier. " I exclaim.

" I'd wanted to go with you! " she says, puffing.

We slow from our run, separating our hands. I push open the ballrooms heavy doors and rush inside.

There aren't any guests yet, but Richard and my family have taken their seats over near the tinted window.

My seat had been moved to be next to Elizabeth, instead of my brother, which, if they were trying to keep the order oldest to youngest like normal, is technically wrong since I'm a year older than Elizabeth.

But they probably want the lovebirds to sit next to each other. I roll my eyes at the thought.

We twirl through the Tables and Butlers to get to the chairs.

Before I take my seat, I stand before my father.

" I sincerely apologise for my appaling behavior the other night. I hope you can forgive me, and I promise not to cause any trouble at this event. "

My father nods, and I fall into my seat. I roll my eyes at Elizabeth, and she giggles.

" Elizabeth dear, it's nice to see you. " Richard says, leaning toward to be Elizabeth's height.

Why is he talking like that?
Why is he smiling like that?

I scowl, but deep down I just want to laugh.

He's trying so hard, but for no reason. She's only doing this for her family.

" Hello, Richard. " Elizabeth says, smiling fakely.

The bell rings again, it's time to let the guests in.

" Welcome to our esteemed guests-- " A butler yells.

(End of part 5)