Free Falling

Chapter four~ Almost Perfect Day

Quinn

••••••••••••••••

I wake much later than usual, without having to look at the clock I already know it just past noon. I throw on a silvery white, three quarter sleeved dress that falls just below the knee. To go with to dress I slip on some wedges and curl my hair so it loosly flows down my back. After I take several breaths and remind myself to act happy and untouched by last evenings events I walk downstairs and out to the flower garden. There sitting in MY bench (where I do my reading and play my guitar) is none other than Jacob, Eliot's big brother. Ya know the one who tried to make a move on me, hardly knowing who I am.

I push aside my discomfort and offer a smile. "Good afternoon, when is Eliot's birthday dinner and celebration?"

Jacob looks and my briefly, "what celebration? Servants just get the day off, no big party"

"Well, I say that that's going to change, rally everyone and meet in the ballroom in an hour" I smile and walk off, proud that I'm making changes around here.

Eliot

••••••••••••••

I spend the whole morning just walking around town and the house gardens, all the while thinking about Quinn. Why is she stuck on my mind? Ugh, I'm going mad. Absolutely mad. At around the time of 12:40 my oh so stubborn brother comes up to me with a confused look on his face.

"Hey, um Quinn wants the staff and everyone to meet in the ballroom within the next twenty minutes. I've told everyone else so we should get going"

"Why is she calling a meeting?" I ask

"I don't know, something about changing the way birthdays work" he shrugs.

Jacob and I make our way through the grand hall and into the massive ballroom. Really it's beautiful, huge crystal chandelier, a domed ceiling with fine art on it, and a glass door leading to the center of all the gardens with a huge fountain smack dab in the middle. Soon everyone files in and Quinn walks to the front and gets everyone's attention. Wow, she looks wonderful in that dress. Anyway once everyone is paying attention she starts to speak.

"I have become aware that in the past you guys didn't throw parties or whatever for 'servants' , I just wanted to let you know I plan on changing that. Today is Eliot's birthday and I would like to throw a party...or ball" she paused to smile. "The theme is masquerade, I choose this because, well, I strongly believe it doesn't matter what 'rank' you are in this house. We are all friends and who doesn't enjoy a little mystery?" She scans the crowd and I swear her eyes lingered on me for a moment longer than the others. "The ball starts at six, I would love it if everyone would attend."

After that we were dismissed and I, for one, was really happy. I ball for me..well who wouldn't feel honored? The first birthday party that wasn't for the family of the house.

*******************6 pm*******

Quinn

••••••••••••

I show up later than everyone else because I wanted to set up the food and everything in the dining hall so nobody had to work. As I walk into the room I am overjoyed to see that everyone is here in glamorous clothes and masks. I am in a purple dress that hugs my figure but flows out at the bottom. My mask is black with purple jewels.

As the night goes on I try to steer clear of dancing, I still haven't gotten over last night. Out of nowhere I feel a tap on my shoulder' "excuse me miss, but may I have this dance?"

I was just about to reject but when I turned around I was met by those beautiful blue grey eyes. Even though Eliot was wearing a white mask, there was no mistake it was him. I smile and curtsy before taking his hand so he can lead me onto the dance floor. We waltz and I can't help but feel happy and safe. "So, what's it like being twenty?" I ask.

"Oh ya know, pretty much the same only I don't get called a child" he laughs but then looks at me seriously. "Can we talk?" I nod.

"Let's go outside" we walk out the back and towards the fountain. I sit on the edge and remove my mask.

" I kind of was wondering about last night, I have a lot of questions and I have to ask them before they eat at me anymore" he sits and looks me in the eyes.

"Eliot I...I don't know" I stammer. He takes my hand and wraps it in both of his.

"Quinn, please, you can trust me" then he gives me that smile that makes my heart melt and I nod my head.

This was going to be a long night.