Borderlines

Chapter Sixteen

Violet shook her head at Fawn.
"I don't understand why you picked this dress." Fawn smiled at her reflection. The dress was simple, comfortable. It reminded her of home, of her house in the country. They were required to dress in something decent tonight so Fawn chose the plain brown dress.
"I like it." She said to her servant. Violet wasn't too happy about her choice or the fact that Fawn had only accepted minimal make-up and only allowed her hair to be curled.
"At least it brings out your eyes." The servant huffed as she put away the vanilla perfume Fawn had grown to love. Fawn's stomach growled, reminding her that she had missed supper, but she knew there would be food outside, along with the waiting camera crews. It was pitch black outside without any clouds, the perfect night for fireworks. There was even a warm breeze drifting through the air. Fawn slipped on dress shoes while she exited her room, heading down the marble staircase. When she exited the palace, walking into the garden, she was greeted by the smell of food and laughter. Camera crews were scattered around various areas of the garden, interviewing anyone that would talk to them. Fawn spotted Garth, Willow, Emma, and Garrett all talking together and walked over to them. Willow's face lit up when she saw Fawn.
"Fawn, I thought you weren't going to be here."
"Why wouldn't I?" Fawn asked in confusion. Willow gestured to all the camera crews.
"Rumor has it you don't like cameras." Fawn noticed the subtle smile that appeared on Garth's face beside her.
"No, I just don't like the people running them." Fawn said with a good natured wink. Garrett shook his head.
"They are a bit pushy." Fawn couldn't help but do a double-take. Garrett didn't just talk out of the blue, especially in groups. She glanced at Willow. Maybe she was bringing him out of his shell a little. Fawn's heart sank at the thought of them not being together. Of course, he didn't seem too intent on talking to anyone else. Fawn cringed as her stomach rumbled embarrassingly loud. Garth grabbed her arm.
"Well we know who's getting food right away." He pulled her away from the group. Fawn didn't offer much resistance, she felt like she was starving. Her arm intertwined with Garth's as they walked. He had dressed up tonight, but like Fawn he hadn't gone over the top to look nice. That relieved Fawn a little, at least she didn't look untidy next to him. On the way over to where the tables were lined with food Fawn and Garth were intercepted by camera crew, it was the same women who had interviewed them before.
"And look here, we have Fawn and Garth taking a leisurely stroll together." She remarked to the camera.
"How are you two enjoying the evening?" Garth smiled politely to the crew.
"I am enjoying it. How about you, Fawn?" He asked, looking down at her. Cameras pointed at her.
"Oh, I am definitely enjoying it." She said, plastering a smile to her face. Garth began moving.
"If you will excuse us." Garth pushed the cameras aside, pulling Fawn with him.
"But I'm not done!" The woman shouted behind them. Garth rolled his eyes, which made Fawn laugh. Fawn tried to keep herself from piling her plate full of the rich foods provided for them. Garth must have noticed because he added a small desert to her plate.
"I don't need that." She scoffed playfully.
"Yes, but now you want it." Garth said with a wink, which made Fawn laugh even more. He seemed to be in a spry mood tonight. Garth vanished for a moment and Fawn saw Travis for the first time tonight. He was walking towards her too. Fawn cringed, hoping no camera crews decided they needed to start filming her again. Travis stopped in front of her.
"So do you have someone to watch the fireworks with?" Travis asked.
"Yes, Garth." Fawn said smoothly and looked up to see his reaction. She stiffened when she saw he actually looked angry.
"Of course." He growled. Fawn dropped the ladle she was holding.
"Travis, are you okay?" He rubbed his forehead, which didn't make Fawn feel any better.
"Yes, I'm fine." He said through ground teeth.
"Travis are you-" Fawn was cut-off when Ruth came to Travis's side.
"This chick bothering you baby?" She asked Travis. Fawn frowned, who even used those words anymore? Ruth was showing a dangerous amount of thigh in her tight dress she wore. Fawn couldn't believe she was even allowed to wear it. Ruth put a hand on Travis's chest when he didn't answer her.
"Let's go get some peace and quiet away from the vermin." Ruth said, glaring at Fawn. Fawn could feel the hate coming off Ruth in waves. She led Travis away, who had finally seemed to come to his senses, although his hand was around her waist. Fawn watched them go, a little shocked.
"You okay there, Fawn." Garth's said beside her. Fawn looked at him, blinking.
"Yes, yes, I'm fine." Garth looked in Ruth and Travis's direction.
"Were they bothering you?" He set his drink down.
"Not exactly." Fawn answered him without elaborating. Fawn snapped to attention when she noticed everyone growing quiet. A giant screen had been lowered that projected a news report. Fawn realized they were releasing the popularity polls. She felt an impending doom sink in her stomach and she instinctively grabbed Garth's hand. He squeezed it without looking at her.
"And now we will show the polls for the male Overseers." The news reporter began. Fawn watched as everyone's names lined the screen. Sean was in first, no surprise there. Garth was in second, which seemed to please him. Garrett was in third and Travis held fourth. Applauds began around the garden for them.
"Wow, they must really like you." Fawn said to Garth.
"Apparently." He said modestly, but Fawn could see he was hiding a smile.
"Now the girls." Fawn's stared at the screen, not knowing what to expect, or really what she wanted to see. Willow was in first, which automatically brought cheers from everyone, Willow was an amazing person. Fawn felt her jaw drop when she read the next name. Her name flashed in the second place spot. She couldn't believe it! That many people liked her? They agreed with her opinions? Garth squeezed her hand as Fawn blinked in realization.
"You're quite the popular girl yourself." He smiled at her. Fawn wasn't sure whether she liked the idea of being that favored or not. Being ready to take a throne is not something she thought she was capable of. She glanced at the screen and felt the warmth of pleasure seeing Ruth's name at the bottom, dead last. Ruth was not happy about that in the least, she glared at the screen.

~

After about another fifteen minutes, everyone settled down on a blanket in the grass. Fawn laid on one with Garth, they were both on their sides, facing each other. They were processing the new results, not really talking much.
"Let the show begin!" Clay shouted in a clear voice. Garth shifted to his back and so did Fawn. Their fingers were interlocked together while they stared at the sky. Loud bangs echoed and soon the fireworks flashed before their eyes. Beautiful shades of color danced before Fawn's eyes. Scooting closer to Garth, Fawn laid her head on his shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her. The heat from earlier that day was fading, and Garth's body heat warmed Fawn's chilled body. She heard him sigh in contentment as the display continued. Fawn smiled when a firework in the shape of a rose went off.
"I sent in a request for that one." Garth whispered to Fawn. Fawn tilted her head to look at him.
"You did?" She asked, genuinely touched by his thoughtfulness. Garth nodded, looking down at her. Fawn locked eyes with him.
"What?" She asked. Garth shifted his position so he was on his elbow, looking down at her.
"I want to kiss you so badly right now." He said as he stroked her cheek. Fawn leaned closer to him.
"It would make the camera crew happy." Garth smiled and brought his lips down to her. Fawn shut her eyes, savoring his affection. She put a hand on his chest. She saw light flashing through her eyelids and knew the camera crews had finally caught sight of them. Garth pulled back.
"You were right about that." He looked around. Fawn smiled back and leaned forward, finding the warmth of his lips once again. Shivers went down her spine. Was there possibly anyone more perfect for her?

~

When the fireworks were over, Garth helped Fawn off the blanket, offering to escort her back to her room. Of course, she accepted. When she passed Emma, Willow, and Garrett, Willow reached out and grabbed her arm. She nodded her head to the right. Fawn followed her gaze, her sight landing on Travis. He was standing up, but the fact that he was wobbling was hard to miss. Ruth was practically supporting him, and when he talked his speech was slurred.
"Someone's had a bit too much." Emma said quietly. Fawn's eyes widened in surprise. Garth pulled her arm, taking her away from the indecent sight. Following him, Fawn only glanced back at Travis once, he had almost fallen over a chair. She looked away angrily. The sight disgusted her. Garth led her upstairs to her room, pausing at her doorway,
"I'm sorry you had to see that." He said apologetically, as if it was his fault. Fawn tried to wave off his comment.
"It's alright, drunkenness definitely isn't in my tastes." Garth nodded. Fawn leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him. Garth's arms wound around her back. Fawn pressed her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. It was actually a little faster than normal. It made Fawn smile, the fact that he was nervous. A noise at the end of the hallway made Fawn turn her head. Travis and Ruth were there, they must have taken the elevator with Travis's demented state. That wasn't what rocked Fawn though. She watched while the pair stumbled down the hallway. Ruth's hands were all over him and it wasn't in a supportive way. Somehow Travis still knew what kissing was as he pushed her against the wall of the hallway, kissing her aggressively. Ruth was fumbling for her doorknob since her bedroom door was shut for the time being. Fawn couldn't tear her eyes away from the two for some unknown reason. She watched as Travis's lips trailed down Ruth's neck. The girl smirked at the staring Fawn and Garth before pushing open her bedroom door and dragging Travis into the room. The door slammed shut. She felt Garth move to try to block her sight, but it was too late, Fawn had already seen enough. She squeezed her eyes shut.
"Goodnight Garth." She whispered and before he could respond, she fled to her room and shut the door. Pressing her spine against the door, she put a hand over her mouth.
"Fawn?" Garth's voice drifted through the door. Fawn didn't answer him as hot tears of anger flowed down her cheeks. A sigh and then retreating footsteps told Fawn, Garth had left. Fawn tasted the salty water that flowed in between her lips and let out an angry scream. She glanced at a flower vase on her desk and soon it flew across the room, shattering against the wall.
"Liar!" She screamed at no one. Fawn let her emotions take control of her and she sunk to the floor with her back against the wall. She should have never trusted him. He was just like everyone said and she had fallen for the trick. Fawn felt her hate lessen as an ache seemed to grow in her chest.
"Liar...."