The Reincarnated

Chapter 9: Cinderella in Disguise

Cheshire's POV :

I refrained myself from the urge of screaming, so I tried to muffle a shriek that escaped from my mouth by covering it with my hands. The roses... it couldn't be. I swear I left it near the coastline. There was no way Damien could have gotten it back that fast. No one else was there but me and him. Maybe it could be any identical bouquet coming from someone else. It was my birthday after all. It's not like I wasn't expecting gifts. It could be a coincidence that someone could have bought the bouquet, the same place Damien purchased his. I approached the pinkish-white roses slowly. I was moving like I'm trying to tame a dangerous cobra. It was ridiculous, really. I recovered from my fear and grabbed the bouquet, examining every inch and every detail. I swear I could have looked like Sherlock Holmes. All that's missing is my magnifying glass.

To my dismay, it looked exactly like it: the blue ribbon, the wrap, and the quantity of the beautiful pink roses. It was exactly the same as my bouquet. I could never forget every part of it. How the hell can a bouquet of roses teleport itself specifically on my bed? I tried to look for a note, or anything that can lead me to whoever was responsible for it. Sadly, there was nothing. What is it with roses and my bed? It was incredibly and horrifyingly the second time I got roses in my bedroom. I'm probably going to the mental institution by morning if another disturbing thing bugs me tonight or I might just consider jumping off the balcony. That's probably it, I'm going crazy. What could be better than losing my mind on my 18th birthday? I was still exhausted from my unsettling marine experience and realized my clothes (Damien's shirt) got dry already from my 'interesting' swim on the shore. I quickly stripped off of my clothes and took a bubble bath on the bathtub. What else could I do? I can't tell my parents, they would probably be busy entertaining guests by now. Relax Cheshire... there could be a rational reason for the roses. You'll find it out soon enough. Worry about it when the party's over. Everyone expects you to be happy tonight and that's exactly how you'll be: Blissful without any sign of apprehension. Damien will come over tonight, and you can talk to him about it. Chill out.

I breathed in and out thrice, before I stood up, wrapped myself with the towel and headed towards the closet door. I opened up the humongous closet with a loud creak and saw a large box with a silver ribbon wrapped on its edges. There was a note left on top of it. Now that's how you leave stuff behind, you leave a hint...

I took the box and noticed that it was incredibly heavy as I quickly put it on top of the bed. I pushed the roses away grudgingly and read the note. I regarded the nice cursive handwriting and instantly knew that they were from my mother.

The note read:

Happy 18th birthday my dearest Cheshire! No matter how old you get, you will always be my little baby girl. I will never be wary of taking care of you and I want to let you know that your father and I are so proud of what you've become. Hope you love what I picked for you...

Love,

Mom

An emotive smile crept on my face, and I can't help but feel candidly grateful to have very loving parents. I quickly unsheathed the ribbon and had a feeling that it will be the dress I will be wearing tonight. It certainly was my dress, and it was also undoubtedly, the most beautiful ball gown I've ever seen and touched in reality. I've seen supermodels and fashion gowns, but this was remarkably perfect for my liking. It was a gorgeous silky gown with a touch of Victorian style fashion and it was in one of my favored color: electric blue. There were pink laces traced on the edges, silvery glitters highlighting the curves of the dress. It was also decent with a one-sided sleeve and it would reach all the way down, longer than my short legs can reach. I might be having trouble walking with it. Oh well, time to find out...