One More Day (H.S.) #wattys2016

Thirtieth Day

Harry

Whilst gazing outside the ghostly lands of our mansion, the setting sun was surrounded by dark clouds casting shadows all over the area, I heave a sigh remembering what had transpired this week.

All this talking and planning this whole week drained my entire energy. It is given that I am getting more and more distressed, but it will all be worth it. After all, like Dolly once said, "however bad the situation you may be going through, something good will come out of it".

"Mr. Styles," a maid lets herself in my room after knocking, "some of the guests have arrived."

I gave a curt nod to the maid and she leaves. I look at my reflection in the mirror and sigh, "This'll be over soon. And then it will only be her I have to deal with."

As I descend the stairs that leads down to the center of the house, Samuel greets me, looking stricken.

"Sir, I've just come from the... the dinner hall," he pants pointing his thumb over his shoulder. I've never seen Samuel this out of poise.

"Speak up, Sam." I said, resuming taking the final steps.

"Miss Dolly's here." He finally say after recovering from his delirium. I gave Samuel a quizzical look and he added, "She's with the ladies."

I stride fast, Samuel hot on my heels. "What the devil is she doing here?"

Though a little enthused of the fact that she's here, I cannot deny that I am more alarmed and worried of what might or might not happen. This is not part of the plan.

"I'm not quite sure, sir. I thought perhaps you invited her."

Samuel's response was understandable. Securities tightened since we are to have a few influential and very important guests, Dolly excluded of course. This only means she's not allowed to enter our premise unless someone from the Styles let her in.

"Sir, if you didn't invite her, who do you think did?"

"I don't know, but I have a hunch."

We turn a corner and then, as if a radio's volume was turned higher, a sound reaches my ears making me walk with a bit of a slower pace. The temporary walls divide us from the other side of the hall which I am sure where Gemma, Lea and Dolly are.

"--lack in so many ways. I'm a commoner and I have no wealth or strengths to speak of either."

That's Dolly, alright.

Abruptly, I stopped like I just hit an invisible wall.

"I'm well aware that my feelings for Harry are out of line. But that won't stop me from seeing him. Because he's the first person outside of my family to accept me for what I am."

"You dare speak so cheekily in my presence." Gemma's cold voice reverberates with such ringing force. "We hospitably offered you a seat on our table when you are not even welcomed here and let it pass that you've gatecrashed this exclusive dinner. You should be grateful and cease babbling so callously--"

"Like I said," Dolly, as though my sister didn't quite understand her point, speaks up again, adamant against her audience. I can imagine her bushy hair becoming bushier. "I am a commoner and, unlike some, I wasn't taught to sugarcoat my words. They are bold yet true. I'm sorry if I sound callous. And for the record, Miss Lea Schopenhauer here know full well that I didn't just barge in. She invited me."

"I admire Miss Dolly's tenacity, sir."

I shushed Samuel. It was hard enough to listen with my heart racing like it was inside my head, deafening me. I do not wish to resort to creeping up against the wall just so I can eavesdrop.