Quiet Little French Girl. [h.s.]

Swan Origami; Nothing At All.

As predicted, the venue for tonight's dinner is one of spectacular decor and peculiarity, something I'd expect to see during a masquerade ball of some sort of charity function for the rich and famous - completely out of my depth of course, but somehow Odette seems to fit in perfectly; Her dress cascades so beautifully around her, the white train trailing perfectly behind her as she walks elegantly in front of me, how she manages to walk so well in that thing is beyond me, and with heels! I don't envy her at all.

A host greets us in front of the building, shades of gold ricochet from the extravagant mirrors that surround what would normally be the ballroom's dance floor. My head cranes upwards towards the ceiling and examines the intricate details carved into the glass drops swinging from the seven tiered chandelier that hangs above us, the more I stare at it the more it starts to play tricks on me. A sharp pain bites at my right bicep and my attention whips towards the source, Odette stands there looking at me with her eyebrows raised her eyes discreetly trying to signal towards the host. "My apologies, I was just admiring the decor. Beautiful chandelier, I have one similar at home."

The host smiles and remains completely oblivious to my obvious lie, perhaps I fit in more than I first thought. He leads Odette and I towards a table and we immediately notice several people already seated, William and Ethan have two empty seats between them which is where I am assuming we have been placed; the circular table seats a maximum of ten, however only nine chairs will be used tonight, cutlery is placed so perfectly in its position around the table, origami napkins recreate a swan that sits upon each place setting - the pristine white material not having one crease where it shouldn't, and wine glasses washed spotlessly to perfection. The whole table looks like something the royal family would dine at, never mind a branch manager from the south West of England. Odette smiles politely at the host as he heads back to his station, most likely directing another couple to their table whilst enduring a pathetic joke, or a mind numbing minute of casual chit-chat; the men on the table all clad in their tuxedos paired with a high-end bow tie, and all of the women sat in beautiful ball gowns, although of course none of them compare to Odette.

The whole table stand as we approach, "Harry my boy! Thank you for coming. I see you've brought a guest, who looks absolutely stunning by the way!" My outstretched hand meets William's straight away, using my other to clasp on top in a respectful manner, all of this apology dinner is due to the actions and organisation of William, without him I'd still be at home moping as we speak. Odette shares a coy smile, obviously not used to the male attention but also glad that she is not the only female attending the dinner too, I notice William, Ethan and Stanley have all brought their wives along.

"Thank you William. I would like to introduce my girlfriend Odette." Motioning towards her and smiling around the table at the other guests as we all exchange our introductions. I notice that Wesley sits there in complete befuddlement at Odette before I finally am able to introduce her to him and his father, but before I can Odette walks straight over to Stanley Miller and gives him a warm embrace, as if they were old friends, then seconds later does the exact same with Wesley. My brows furrow and my mind drifts, she is supposed to be annoyed and angry with Wesley on my behalf - after everything he has put me through, but my eyes continue to deceive me.

"Ahh Odette! What a long time it has been my dear friend, are you doing well?" Stanley smiles, embracing her once again before Odette signs back a reply.

'Very well sir, and how are you?'

"We're doing a lot better Odette thank you, I'm thoroughly glad you met young Harry here, has he been taking care of you? I'm certain he has." I smile at his words, still confused at how the pair, or more like trio, are so familiar with each other.

As Odette seats herself next to me, I finally take the opportunity to ask. My nimble fingers tickle her side resulting in a light jump, although it was never my intention I still find a way to crack a smile, "how do you know Stanley and Wesley?" Their names almost alien to me as I'm used to referring to them as either 'Mr Miller' or 'Mr Miller Sr.' Odette's yes widen and quickly flick to the two men sitting opposite to both of us, I understand her perfectly, knowing that she is uncomfortable signing considering they could understand what she would be saying. I nod and remind myself to ask her the question again later in private.