All This (ON HOLD)

1

Victoria stood in front of the mirror and examined herself. Her midnight black hair had been pulled up into an elegant up-do and a small tiara was placed in her hair. Her full, but small lips were painted a nude color and her cheeks were gently brushed with a faint pink blush. Her beautiful long lashes brought out her green eyes. Her maids had been working on her dress for months now and the results were wonderful.

It was a bronze like color with many small crystals sewn into the fabric from the waist and above. But as the dress flowed down there were little strips of the crystals on the fabric. There was also a cape, flowing down from her shoulders, covered in the crystals, in the same fashion.

She let out a sigh of content and walked toward the door. Just as she was about to open it there was a knock. She opened the door and saw her uncle James standing there.

"Uncle James!" She cried out and threw her arms around his neck. She was quite tall for her age and easily reached his neck. He returned the gesture and held her tight.

"Happy birthday, my dear." He said.

She let go of him to face him. "Thank you so much, but I thought you wouldn't be coming until tomorrow. That's what wrote in your letter."

His eyes gleamed with happiness. He was so proud of her. She had grown so much and she had become a beautiful, smart, and independent woman. "I wanted to surprise you."

She grinned. "I thought so. Are you going to escort me down stairs?"

He nodded. "Of course." He offered her his arm and she latched on. Together they walked to the main stair case that lead directly to the ball room.

"You must tell me about your trip." She whispered as they waited to be announced.

"I will. After the party, though." He promised.

The butler came running down the stairs and informed them that they are being announced. Which meant in a few moments, every important person will know her name. It meant that she would be old enough to attend certain occasions. It also meant, she was suitable for marriage. That's what she dreaded the most.

Before she could think to much about it, the enormous double doors swung open, and everyone's eyes were on her. She held on tighter to James' arm and tensed. James noticed her unease and whispered, "Relax, these people don't defy who you are."

Victoria looked up at him and smiled gratefully. Her shoulders relaxed and she looked around for any familiar faces. She knew many other girls from certain ceremonies, but wasn't very close with anyone. The crowd had died down now and people resumed doing whatever they were doing.

James led her to where her grandmother was standing. Genevieve's face lit up when she saw her granddaughter. "Happy birthday, Victoria." She said her name so proudly.

"Thank you, grandmama." She bowed and released her arm from James' then reached out to hug her grandmother. Genevieve unwrapped her arms from around her, looked at James and dipped her head in greeting. "James."

"Mother." James slightly bowed and turned to Victoria. There was obvious tension between mother and son. "I'm going to go find a few people. Will you be alright?"

Victoria rolled her eyes. "Of course I will. I'll stick with grandmama until I find an...acquaintance." She smiled up at him and he looked at her with a worried expression.

Acquaintance? Really? The poor girl had to make some friends not acquaintances. James sighed and reluctantly turned to leave. He wouldn't have lasted another second with that witch, anyway.

Genevieve dismissed her guests and turned to speak to Victoria. "You know, Victoria, I was thinking. There are many eligible suitors here. I think it would be wonderful-"