Voilà

Expect the Unexpected

MICHAEL’S PERSPECTIVE

         “Michelle’s coming to the ball?” I asked June, aghast. We were on our way to the Fashion de Castlé. All I know is that it is a castle built exclusively for the Annual Ball. The name seems inappropriate though. I was driving and the rock music playing in the stereo was dominated by Aryan and Rhea’s bickering.

          “Yup. She’s definitely coming. You saw her dress, right?” June asked. “Will you two shut up? For heaven’s sake, you both are unbearable!”

          “Change the music.” I said, to change the topic.

          “I want Pink Floyd.” Rhea said.

          “Backstreet Boys.”Aryan said simultaneously. Perfect timing. In the rearview mirror, I saw both of them glaring at each other.

          “Okay. Turn off the stereo. Best thing.” I suggested.

          “Einstein.” June said and patted my shoulder. I switched off the stereo.

          “June, where’s the wine I left in the car yesterday?” Rhea asked.

          “Behind your seat. In the storage box. Why?” June asked. Then realization dawning upon her, “Rhea, are you on the crack? You are seriously not getting drunk, are you?”

           “Are you kidding me? Of course not. Just a little.” Rhea assured June, who just rolled her eyes.

           “You’ll get into trouble with Michelle.” Aryan said, in a tone that suggested Rhea was a moron not to realize this.

           “Can you mind your own freaking business?” Rhea gave him a sarcastic smile.

           “Your funeral,” he said. Apparently, Aryan was not immune to sarcasm, as I knew him to be.   

          In fifteen minutes, Rhea finished the arm length, 1968 Flair Rose at an alarming speed. She acted like a true drunkard and fell asleep after some time, on Aryan’s shoulder, much to his annoyance. June and I chatted casually while Aryan looked out of the window, bored. Since the last five days I never felt as close to anybody as I felt to June. After Nathan, she was the one and only person who liked me for the way I was. And she understood me well. Tonight she was wearing a floor length lavender gown, which was lacy. She wore a purple hair band and her soft, brown curls ended just above her waist. Her perfect make- up went well with her dress. An Eternal Heart necklace made her look like a princess. You know, like the princess in Princess Diaries? I did not watch the movie, I assure you. I just know, as a matter of fact. She carried a white clutch. It felt pleasant to talk to her. I was telling her about my family when he car suddenly lurched forward and stopped. The petrol machine’s LED lights turned red and it started beeping. Rhea woke up with a start and looked around her.

          “I hear birds. They are singing.” She said, eyes drooping.

          “Uh oh. Rhea, you forgot to fill in the gas! What are we going to do now?” June exclaimed.

          “We are in the middle of nowhere. Great.” Aryan sighed and sat back. The road was lonely and there were trees all around us.

          “Who in the name of God are YOU?!” Rhea shrieked, poking her finger in Aryan’s chest.

          “Bradley Cooper.” Aryan answered. Rhea looked at him with a blonde’s expression.

          “I saw a gas station before. I think we are a mile away from it.” I told June.