Voilà

The Annual Fashion Ball

This chapter is dedicated to my friend Kayla, since she does so much for me. Sorry I couldn't wait :D

D-Day

RHEA’S PERSPECTIVE

          The day of the Annual Ball had finally arrived. It was a cool evening with a slight breeze. Michelle was standing at the entrance of Voilá. She was glancing up at the clock now and then, waiting impatiently for the others. Tall and willowy, Michelle had the picture perfect posture and a proud chin pronounced forward. Her hands were feminine with the long graceful fingers of a pianist. Her jet black, silky hair was pulled back in a chic knot, deliberately loose enough to look casual but still supremely neat. A smile never dared to flicker on her face. Never.

          After an unbearable wait of twenty minutes, Michelle saw the first glimpse of the first car coming through the gateway. June and I saw the suave but extremely angry face of Michelle through the windshield. Both of us recited our prayers before getting out of the car. Michelle continued to silently glare at us as we approached her, frightened.

          Michael and Nathan arrived within a few seconds cruising in with tremendous speed as if they had smelt Michelle’s anger within miles. Michael was straightening his tuxedo while Nathan looked shaken from the rash driving. By the time all the others had arrived, Michelle and Judy were really pissed. Each and every person before them had their fingers crossed. Were we going to be fired just before the Annual Ball? 

          “Where are the limos?” Ashley asked me, looking around her with a quizzical expression on her face.

          “The limos have been booked only for the executives, Ms. Sinclair. Does that bother you?” Michelle questioned Ashley without looking up from her clipboard. Ashley turned away, embarrassed. All of us were standing in front of the sliding doors. I wished we could go inside and warm ourselves while Michelle and Judy discussed their damn “strategy”. I am still convincing myself that we are indeed going to a ball. That is if we don’t die due to pneumonia here. The girls were all shivering and rubbing their arms to remain warm. My teeth were a step away from chattering.

          “If the fact that chivalry is dead isn’t true, you men can prove how chivalrous you are.” Judy pointed out. She was in formals indicating that she wasn’t coming to the ball, thankfully. It took a minute for all of us to understand what she said. Judy is never direct. She talks in these weird riddles and expects us to understand.

           “She means that you guys can lend your tuxedos to the girls if your dignity allows it.” Michelle said. “They’re feeling cold. I can hear their teeth chattering. Have you gone deaf or something?” Sarcasm was another thing that Michelle was good at. Couldn’t we just go into the lobby? I looked around hoping my partner had not heard what she just said. Unfortunately, he did. He was already walking towards me when I caught his eye. Michael had already handed over his tux to June. June gave me a glare warning me not to act smart. But old habits die hard.

          “I don’t need it. I’m fine.” I said as he approached me. He pouted and shrugged off his tuxedo.

          “I’m not doing it for you, alright? I don’t like the idea of getting fired.” Without another word, he covered my bare shoulders with his tux and left.

ARYAN’S PERSPECTIVE

          Her ego will get the better of her one day, I assure you. I could feel her eyes on my back when I walked away from her. She looked pretty except that scowl which appeared on her face whenever she saw me. She wore a strapless, peach, Victorian gown which would have raised many eyebrows in my family back in India. The human brain is amazing for the way it connects one thing to another. A pure pearl necklace hung around her neck delicately. Her straight black hair fell lightly on her bare shoulders. She carried a white clutch which went well with her dress. She adjusted the tux so that it covered her shoulders properly. And somebody was saying she didn’t need it. I knew I would be blamed if she froze to death and I would be booked for negligent homicide for sure. That was the only way her soul would rest in peace.

         “Attention everybody!” Michelle said loudly. All of turned to where she was standing. “I’d like everyone to pair up. Right now! We are running out of time.” Like I had a choice, I walked up to Rhea and stood beside her.

         “We will be taking limited vehicles as we have adopted an eco- friendly life style.” Judy said. “Now we’ll let you know who’s going in whose car.” Everybody exchanged absurd looks but we had no say. Did anybody ever tell Judy that limos weren’t exactly eco- friendly? I just hoped we wouldn’t have to travel according to our pairs. Sixty miles with Ms. Mittal wasn’t my cup of tea.

         “You will be travelling with your partner.” Michelle announced. Great. Just great. “Four of you will be accommodated in one car.” Beside me, my partner rolled her eyes.

         “Yeah, yeah. Keep rolling your eyes. Let’s see if you can find a brain back there.” I whispered to her.

         “Just shut up. God knows what sin I have committed in my previous birth to be stuck with you.” She whispered back to me, fiercely.

          “Typical Indian, aren’t you?” I asked her, smirking. She turned away, pouting.

          “Only a few cars shall be used. Mr. VanHalen and Mr. Rai shall use Ms. Collins’ SUV. Mr. Acre and Mr. Mintz will use Mr.VanHalen’s Porsche.” Michelle announced. After everybody had been allotted with their cars, I had a feeling everybody felt like they were going to a field trip.

          “What’s the delay now? All of you get into your cars. Now! Boys, do not forget to take your white roses before you leave.” Judy ordered.

         These are one of those times when I wonder whether I am a man or a boy. Confusion about this fact definitely sucks.

BLAKE’S PERSPECTIVE

          Why do conceited girls have to look so cute? It breaks my heart. Ashley looked breathtakingly beautiful. For a minute I was in Robert Pattinson’s place in Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight. Though, I don’t look as psycho as he was in the movie. But I had mutual feelings for the girl I loved. She was wearing a royal blue dress with spaghetti sleeves. Her pale skin glowed in contrast to her dress. The dress clung to her slender figure, at the right places. She had done something with her hair so that it was all on one side and it ended in perfect curls. God knows what they call it. She had a gorgeous moon stone necklace around her neck. I wish I could have gifted it to her. The only thing that spoilt her perfect appearance was a stupid, ugly Tom Ford tuxedo. Okay! Don’t point it out. I admit I’m wearing the same thing. The “males”, according to Michelle, had to look uniform and wear Tom Ford tuxedos. I look sexy in it. Period. Everyone does. Except McKellar. Bad thing he forgot to leave his stupid grin at home. His grin had an extra hint of naughtiness in it today. Or was it just my imagination? My mind came back to reality when Miranda dragged me to Michael’s car, with the usual irritating chatter.

          Was Roy up to something?