Silent

Chapter 7

It all went well, I just did my own thing, the maids were so nice and would suggest ways they might help like running a bath, curling my hair, they even gave me a facial and did my makeup, and it was awesome but also made it even harder to keep from falling asleep. It seemed a bit much for dinner but they told me it would be very formal because the guests are very important people and potential investors.

The dress we picked is absolutely gorgeous. I definitely couldn't choose just one out of the tons all by myself, it would have been especially hard because I'm not used to choosing my own clothes but luckily the maids where a huge help and we selected one in no time.

They are putting the finishing touches on my outfit just as the alarm goes off. I had set it right after I got out of the tub, worrying that I would lose track of time and be late or rushing as 8:30 got closer, I guess we didn't need it after all though. They tell me I'm beautiful for the one millionth time, although by now I don't take them too seriously, I'm pretty sure it's just routine but I definitely still thank them.

They now lead me to the mirror to look at the final outcome and I get really excited. I've never really got to fancy up like this before; it was so fun and completely worth the wait. The dress is strapless, formal and elegant, it is a little shorter than knee length, high wasted, and the base is a simple dress of blue material embossed in shiny metallic designs. The second layer is a blue v-cut, silk bodice, revealing the base dress underneath, with an elegant blue silk tie and bow around the waist bordering the top from the bottom half of the skirt that is made up of layers and layers of sheer blue fabric with a slit straight down the middle revealing the base dress again. I adore it!

I thank them both and they seem happy, they follow side by side behind me very conventionally as I walk out the door and head to the stairs. I'm so nervous that I'm going to mess something up and these people won't want anything to do with my parents because of me. It's really too much stress for one day. I take a deep breath and let out a sigh, I might as well get it over with.

I slowly walk down the stairs very conscious that a bunch of strangers will probably come into sight at any moment. I am halfway down the stairs when I suddenly see two gentlemen in suits chatting on the other side of the foyer; they look about my age, although I really have no idea. They suddenly look up at me so I quickly stop inspecting them and turn my face forward, which probably seemed really suspicious. I know they are still staring at me and it's taking every inch of willpower I've got to keep from looking like I notice.

Finally I reach the bottom of the steps turning to the right, I watch as they come promptly to a stand. The maids seem to suppress giggles and bid me "Good luck." Everything seems so odd and it's happening at an unusually fast pace. I turn for an instant too see them walking away toward a door leading to the kitchen, talking and giggling. I've been abandoned.

I'm really lost, not knowing what else to do, I panic, of course. Looking from left to right wishing someone I knew would just appear, but that doesn't happen, so I run over to the farthest seat I can find and become suddenly captivated with a splinter in the wood on the arm of the chair I'm seated in.

My heart is pounding and I want to slap myself in the face, I looked so stupid. Gazing longingly at the stairs I really wish I could run away, but that would only make things worse. There's almost nothing I'd rather not have happened at that moment then what seemed was about to, I feel really nauseous and just know I'm going to throw up.

I hear footsteps and feel swallowed by anxiety. They appear into my view and look really concerned, like startled concerned. I try to smile and wave the best I can, but the attempt is truly pitiful. "Are you okay?" The shortest one asks and I nod, not convincing anyone. "You must be Desiree?" he says and I nod again. "My name is Tyler Morris and this is my brother Shane Morris." He says pointing to the dark haired boy beside him. "It's nice to meet you." He says smiling; I smile back a little more genuinely this time and nod once, as if curtseying with my head.

"You don't talk very much." Tyler observes and I look away for a moment trying to think of a way to tell them I can't talk. Then unexpectedly from the corner of my eye I see Shane jab him with his elbow. "You're being rude; she can't help it if she's shy." He whispers almost inaudibly, but I still hear. I almost laugh when they get into a small whisper fight as I stare at the blue material on my dress; I can't control slightly smiling in amusement, although I try not to listen in. They probably have no idea I know what's going on, but I've always had very good hearing. Finally one of them clears their throat and I look up again. Tyler shooting an evil glance at Shane speaks. "I'm sorry if I offended you Miss. Soto" he stands there as if waiting for a response that I can't give him. Out of habit I grab for the identification tags around my neck but instead of the familiar metal plates I find a small locket in its place and remember setting them by the tub. The awkward silence goes on for about a minute, the longest minute in my life.

"Please forgive my little brother; his manners are not the best-" Shane says and I look over to Tyler who's ego seems to have been injured, I feel so bad, and Shane continues on. "-If you'll allow me to do the honors of escorting you to the dining hall, I believe the others should be finished with their business soon and will come in from the study at any moment."

This is the only opening I'll get, quickly I try to give them a little sign language saying *I can't speak* and even lip talk it but they begin to look concerned again so I sigh in defeat, nod, force a smile, and take the hand being offered to me. I guess all rich kids from Aiken are really old fashioned or it's just a huge coincidence that that's the only kind I've ever met.

We arrive just as the others do, besides my parents, Brant, and Muriel there are just two other couples, people take their seats and I get squished in between the brothers, one obviously avoiding me and the other won't let go of my hand, we're really off to a great start. 

--- Desiree's Dress (Sorry it's so blurry.)