The annual Knight Family Halloween Ball. For those lucky enough to attend, it was the social event of the year. It had been nearly eighteen years since Autumns heart was smashed into pieces. Halloween didn't phase her, her failed prom night was what haunted her dreams - not monsters or witches. As she approached the lavish venue, she rearranged her costume slightly. She was wearing a flowing black dress and veil, with a sparkling silver necklace to accessorise. The pendant was a jagged piece of a broken mirror as her costume was Bloody Mary themed. Autumn thought that was fitting - people were scared of Autumn and her cold, unloving heart. Nobody was calling her name.
Once she'd made it inside and got herself a drink, Autumn wandered for a while. She explored the grounds outside before sitting on a bench in a quiet little corner. Year after year, she wondered why she bothered attending, she couldn't stand most of her so called family members. For over thirty minutes, Autumn observed as people socialised under the marquee. Eventually, she spotted Mia and Reece and immediately, even from afar she could tell that they were bickering. Mia was dressed in a tight fitting red dress and cape, a hood draped loosely over her burgundy locks. She was clearly dressed as Little Red Riding Hood, which momentarily made Autumn laugh. Just like Little Red Riding Hood, Mia was neither a villain nor a victim, but she always ended up amongst the big bad wolves in the end. Autumn had finally started to see her for what she truly was - a neglected little girl in a woman's body. She still hated her guts nonetheless.
Reece was wearing a blue shirt, a red jacket and faded blue jeans. Autumn knew straight away that he was dressed as Marty from Back To The Future, he'd always loved that film. They both had, actually. Watching them argue made Autumn feel sad, so she moved from her hiding place and wandered inside. She sighed when she saw Roger making a beeline for her. "There you are Mutton Chops." Autumn hated that nickname, it sounded so stupid and she knew it was his dismal attempt to sound loving to others. "You need to mingle and chat to people, don't embarrass me Autumn. It's not difficult, I don't want to see that smile fall for a second." As he hurried away, Autumn rolled her eyes and muttered "it's all about appearances" before wondering what it would feel like to have a father that loved her. A father that would do anything to make sure her smile was genuine, not sickly and fake.
As she turned around, she crashed into a fellow a guest and immediately began to apologise. Her heart stopped for a moment when she realised that she'd bumped into Reece. He gently placed his hand on her arm and asked "Aut, are you alright? I wasn't looking where I was going, I'm sorry." She wanted to snap at him and call him an idiot, but the genuine concern in his eyes made her choke on her words. Snatching her arm from his reach she muttered "I'm fine" before staring at him defiantly. Reece frowned before asking "Aut. You don't have to treat me like a monster forever. I know I've said it before, but I'm sorry that I hurt you. Can't we try, even just for tonight?" When his voice cracked, Autumn saw a glimpse of the brother she missed so dearly. The one whose arms had held her so tightly, protecting her and keeping her safe.
Just as Autumn was about to respond, Mia stormed up to Reece looking furious. She glanced briefly at Autumn before narrowing her eyes and snapping at Reece "how dare you leave me outside on my own like that." Grabbing his arm, she began to forcefully drag him away and as always, he let her. Reece and Autumn didn't break their eye contact for several more seconds, until Mia had dragged him out of the room. Sometimes, Autumn wondered what she was missing - the Reece she'd adored really did still exist, didn't he? Mia didn't seem angry at her, she seemed scared to acknowledge her properly.
It didn't matter anyway, their bonds had been broken beyond repair. Autumn shook her head as she sat down at an empty table and sipped her drink. Recently, she'd taken some time off to do some travelling, but she was bored and frustrated. Her father had advised her that in the new year, he'd find a role for her at one of the nurseries if she so wished and she'd agreed. She wasn't sure when it would happen, but she was looking forward to a fresh start. It wasn't about making friends or being liked, truthfully she needed an outlet and a way to calm her constant self doubt. When she looked in the mirror each morning, the heartless monster she'd become made her turn her head to the side in shame.
Roger had already told her that nobody would take to her, further advising her that he gave it three months maximum until she quit.
But Autumn was determined to prove him wrong, even though deep down, she wondered if he was right.
After all, nobody likes monsters.
Monsters never change. Right?
YOU ARE READING
THE LAST LEAVES OF AUTUMN - (TNN - PROM NIGHT- AUTUMN/REECE/MIA)
Fanfiction**WORK IN PROGRESS** What really happened before, during and after prom night? How did Roger's treatment and manipulations affect Autumn, Reece and Mia?
