X-periment 5

The Party

     “Now over there is the Southern Rebia Colony Representative and his wife- Draco and Lucia. Quite a large scandal that occurred years ago, but you would have been much too young to remember.” Chancellor Vox whispers in my ear as we continue to dance. I told him, I never danced before(until that morning where Dr. Sky had me learn all of a traditional dances of the aristocrats of the New World, which I clearly hadn’t told him) but Vox insisted and for the past two hours we swayed around in a dance named by our ancestors called the waltz. I had gotten dizzy from the constant footwork but after awhile,I decided it was best to ignore and I focused on the mindless conversation Vox was trying to have with me.

     “Oh, I’m sure it was, but I’m not one for such gossip” I smile back. There’s a twinkle in his eyes but I couldn’t quite place it as to what he felt about my response.

     “A woman who refuses to gossip! Aren’t you quite the specialty I must say.” he says before turning me around once more. I frowned at his comment but didn’t respond. Then I felt a light tap on my shoulder. It was Pandora, smiling brightly at me as she clapped her hands together excitedly.      “Juniper! Your aunt has just arrived and insisted on talking with you for a moment! I’m sure your partner won’t mind” she nodded to Vox who simply raised his eyebrows. What aunt was she-

“My aunt... Oh! You must mean Adele?” I say almost forgetting the alias Dr. Sky had taken. Hopefully I hadn’t made it obvious I had no clue as to who she was referring to a minute ago.

“Yes, now come sweet. Er-Vox please the men want you back at the table to discuss...matters.” Pandora said her voice suddenly having an edge to it.

“Why of course.” Vox said as he let go of my hand and walked back to the main table. He took confident strides back to the table where each man seated glared. President Callias seemed suddenly irritated at the chancellor as he took a sip of his drink, his eyes blazing.

“Very well then, where is my aunt?” I ask returning my attention to Pandora as I watch Vox sit back in his seat. I wonder what they are discussing at the table...

Pandora points, “Over there right by the two guards stationed at the north stairway.”

I follow her finger and my eyes lock with Dr. Sky from across the room. Suddenly she gives me a bright smile and before I know i,  I’m engulfed in her tight hug. What is wrong with this woman?

“Oh my niece its such a sweet coincidence I would be seeing you at this event!” she sighs, releasing me from her tight hug. Yes, a coincidence I’m sure.

“Why, it sure is Aunt.” I say through gritted teeth. Dr. Sky smile doesn’t make an effort to make it to any other part of her face but Pandora doesn’t seem to notice as she chats with passing guests. She turns her attention back to us when she notices we haven’t spoken a word to one another.

“Adele! Your dress is lavishing. Good taste must run in the genes.”

“Thank you Pandora.” Dr. Sky says as she flashes a quick smile towards the President’s wife.

There is another moment of silence before Dr. Sky turns to Pandora and whispers in her ear, “Pandora darling, I need to speak with my niece about something of the utmost urgency. A private, family matter.”

Pandora nods in understanding, “Of course, Well, I’ll be at the table. Return when you two are finished”.

           As soon as Pandora is out of earshot, Dr. Sky turns to me and narrows her eyes. “Follow me.” she whispers as she takes my arm in a deathgrip and weaves us through the crowd of party-goers. She takes me into the hall where I had entered the party and stops. Looking back at me she continues to speak in a hushed tone, “Its now or never Rye. Everyone’s waiting...but when you get the chance, run.”