Hidden From The World

Blackmail and Dancing

 Blackmail and Dancing

LEXI P.O.V

Mom insisted that we ride in a limo so the next thing I know; I was being pushed inside one. I really didn’t like closed cars that was the reason I had a convertible. Mom had given a silver bracelet that matched the belt around my waist and a silver clutch. My curls casscaded down my back and I wore the same thorn patterned earings that brushed softly against my neck which was like a swan’s neck at the moment.

However, even though I can walk perfectly in them, I sooo hated heels. Silver strappy heels. Its belts had snaked up to the middle of my calf. But just for the sake of my mom’s puppy dog eyes, I wore them. Will was out in basketball practice and wouldnt be back home until late night. So it was just mom and me for the night.

The ball was on the thrid floor of some building. We entered the lobby. It looked expensive. Gold lighting and designer furniture. We were actually escorted to the ball room. It round tables covered with white runners the chairs were also covered with white sheets. In all, it looked grand. And in the middle was a huge dance floor. Mom and I sat in a table for two.

There was a big boring speech then a presentation on refugees and Somalian kids. I felt like that all this time, I was whining about my past was for nothing. When I looked at these kids, my pain and despair felt like nothing compared to them. They didnt even have a square meal a day.

Then the MC got up to speak again. “This year, all of are requested to put in about a 100 dollars. It is not compulsary but we would appreciate it. The money will be given to a school to host up a charity event that will collect money an d be given to these homeless and hungry people” the auddience applauded. People began to stand up so I did too.

As I clapped my hands, my eyes also moved around the room. For this whole time, I felt like I was being watched. And yet,I found the pair of eyes that felt like it could see through me. They dark and the colour of mist.Rafe.

I froze and my breath never made past my lips. The world around me slowed. It seemed like we were the only two people in the room. But that moment was ruined when his lips tilted into his famous devil-may-care smirk. I knew what the hell he was thinking so I tilted my head and gave him my best sarcastic smile and turned away.

The sounds of hands seemed to die down and we sat on our chairs. A few people asked mom to dance but she kindly refused to do so. It seemed like I was the one holding her back but just to be here with her felt so good.

“May I have this dance?” a deep alluring voice had made me snap out of texting Will. He was checking up on me. Always ever so protective. Sometimes, it seemed like I was his little sister and not the other way around. I looked up to see Rafe bowing to my mom and his hand poised to her’s. My mother looked at me and opened her mouth to protest. I panicked. If she did then he would ask me.

I know it seemed selfish but I don’t want to face him after last night. “It’s ok mom” I nodded and smiled at her. Her eyes widened in surprise. Rafe gently took her hand and led her to the dance floor. He threw me a wicked grin once or twice between the waltzes.

“Now what is a beautiful young lady doing alone” came a warm voice from behind. I knew it well. I turned around and met Rafe’s eyes. But they weren’t his. “Mister Merrick” I smiled and nodded to him. He extended his hand and I slipped my fingers into his. I stole one glance at my mom before letting him pull me up.  Rafe and my mom seemed to be deep in conversation.

Mr. Merrick led my to the dance floor. I placed my left hand on his shoulder and slipped my right hand onto his. His right hand went behind my shoulder and he guided me into a slow simple waltz. He seemed to be unbothered with the graceful steps but I was a little too cautious.