A Not-So-Muggle Life

Midsummer Eve

5. Midsummer's Eve

Finally, Sunday arrived.

Though I would not admit it to myself, I had been secretly looking forward to it, not only because of a much needed break from my daily routine, but also due to Midsummer's Eve. Believe it or not, I was quite excited about it.

Despite my excitement, I overslept. I quickly fought my grogginess by taking a shower and raced down to the hall to find dad on the phone.

"Yeah. Sure, she'll be there.........No, I'm sure she'll love to be a part of it. Okay, I'll talk to her." He hung up. "Flora, there you are. I was just talking to Frank Powell. He is the head of the decoration committee. I told him you'll be volunteering in my place this year. Is that okay?"

"Yeah. I'll love to help with the decorations. I'll leave for town hall right away." I said, already walking towards the garage.

When I reached there, I saw that nothing had been done. The town hall looked like the town hall, not a place hosting a party that evening. I figured dad was the only one who took Midsummer Eve seriously and got everything done here.

I found out, Frank Powell, the so-called head of decoration committee, had left me in charge, as there was an 'emergency' at his house.

Okay. I sighed heavily. This was my chance. I was going to make this the best Midsummer Eve celebration this town had ever seen; the best decorated at least. I was really tempted to make it look like the Hogwarts Great Hall, but that would probably be too much.

After six hours of meticulous planning, bossing volunteers around, and a lot of hard work, along with resisting the urge to use magic, the work was finally done. And it looked awesome! I hoped the other arrangements were at par.

I quickly drove home, put on a blue gown and curled my shoulder length black hair. I was just in time to find dad in the hall, waiting for me, wearing a tuxedo. Together, we drove to the town hall, which looked gorgeous. Dad was impressed.

I found Jessica standing near the entrance along with a group people I seen at school. I approached to join them, and they ogled at me. I was reminded of Yule Ball at Hogwarts.

"Hi Flora. Looking good." She tried to say indifferently, but the hint of jealousy was evident.

"Thanks. You're looking really pretty too." She really was. The baby pink evening dress she was wearing really suited her. It was maybe a bit too revealing, I observed.

Just then, someone tapped me on my shoulder. I turned back to see Jacob smiling at me, dressed in a white shirt and black pants. He was looking really in the sea of tuxedos. I hadn't expected to see him here.

"Want to dance?" he asked, still smiling. I was slightly taken aback. Still, I took the hand he offered and went to the dance floor with him. The rhythm was slow so there wasn't much to be done except glide around the floor. His hands were on my waist, mine were on his shoulders. I actually felt good, dancing like that.

Then I saw him. He was standing on the other side of the hall, looking at us. I had almost forgotten about Edward Cullen during this week and had convinced myself he wouldn't be coming back.

But here he was again. This time wasn't glaring, though. There was no hatred in his stare. He looked curious and... irritated. It was the same expression he had on the plane, before it turned into that murderous glare.

It seemed that my vision had zoomed in on his face. I could see every detail, every expression, every perfection...... Then I noticed something. His eyes. They were golden-brown today, not black like they had been on the plane. Even the dark circles seemed to have vanished.

I didn't know why it piqued my interest so much. It could mean nothing more that contact lenses and fulfillment of required sleep.

"You know him?" Jacob asked, following my gaze.

Did I know him?

"No." I told him, unsure of the right answer.

I was still looking at him, registering every detail. As I answered Jacob, his lips pulled down a bit, as if he had somehow heard my answer and it displeased him. But his amber gaze was fixed on me., never leaving my face.

The bubble of contentment I had built had popped. I couldn't stand dancing there any longer. It somehow felt bogus.

I removed my hands from Jacob's shoulder and backed off. "I'm sorry. I need to go." I told him and walked away.