Degrees of Desire (gxg, txs)

chapter forty one

-Diana

18+

I've been keeping my eye on Isabella. Her and Kate seem to be having a lot of fun. Too much fun, I may add. They are already a few champagne glasses in each and they are laughing at almost everything.

Every time I try to get Isabella to take it easy or even drink a bottle of water, she tells me she's fine. I don't know but she sort of seems upset.

We sat in the living room on the couches. Sonia, my mother, and I on one while Kate and Isabella sat across from us.

Guest had already been slowly leaving so there weren't that many people left.

Overall, the party was great. There was live music, relatives I hadn't seen in forever, and a few of my family members that I actually enjoy seeing.

Every year for my father's birthday is usually the time where I get to see everyone from back home. My dad offers to fly everyone out, which doesn't make any sense when they are more than capable enough of doing it themselves.

Anyways, I'm glad to see how happy this made him considering the amount of stress I know he has been under.

I've taken it upon myself to stick by my mother's side all evening. I could tell she is exhausted from socializing with everyone so I made sure to keep her entertained.

I watch Isabella stand up from the couch and begin walking away.

"Where are you going?" I called out.

She turns around and says, "I'm going to the bathroom."

I was going to go with her but I didn't want my poor mother to imagine we'd be doing anything other than using the toilet.

I shamelessly stared at her. The way she looked in that dress had me feel weak in my knees. Red complemented her complexion extremely well. It's the color that suits her so perfectly. Her red dress looked stunning on her, making her look even more perfect than she already is.

As she was turning the corner to walk down the hallway where the toilet was, I watch as Madeleine follow behind her.

"Excuse me, mother. I'll be back." I turn and say before getting up and following after them.

I tried to make my way through the small crowd that was still left. I was just about there before someone stops me.

"Darling! I was just talking about you!" My father says pulling me towards him.

I awkwardly laughed but kept my eyes on Madeline. I could see her walk down the hall, still following Isabella.

"Actually there's something I have to do-."

"Go on, tell them about your teaching sweetheart." My dad smiles. I remember a time when he wasn't very supportive on my decision to become a teacher but he's changed so much since then. He claims that no matter what, I'll always be his "little girl".

We've always had a strong relationship.

"Erm. Yeah I do teach at a high school. I'm teaching English and Advanced English." I told my dad's 2 friends. They smiled and began to talk but when I turned around I couldn't see Madeline or Isabella.

"Will you excuse me? I'll be right back." I quickly slipped away and began walking down the hall.

It's not that I don't trust Isabella, it's Madeline who I don't trust. Ever since I was younger, she always wanted what was mine.

The clicks of my high heels echoed through the empty hall. I turn and find Madeline waiting outside the bathroom door. Isabella was opening the door and looked surprised to see Madeline.