Blue Flower

Chapter 47

-Naomi-

            Reluctantly, I took Robert’s hand and allowed him to lead me upstage. I put a poker-faced expression as the people around us clapped, matched with their fake yet almost genuine smiles. It totally irritated me. This whole engagement thing devastated the beautiful life ahead of me.

            I craned my neck to search for Chester. Where the hell was he? I wanted him to save me from this misery I’m in. I needed him now, but of course, how could I demand that? We were both living at the opposite ends of the pole. He was upset at me and I haven’t talked to him clearly.

            For a moment, I prayed to God that time would stop, like the events this evening didn’t happen, and would never happen again. I just thought of this as a practical joke, that Noah was trying to cripple Chester down.

            Freeze, my mind said. Freeze.

            But it didn’t. Instead, it ran into an unlikeable sequence of events. Robert slipped in the ring in my finger, and before I knew it, cameras swarmed all over us, capturing photos that I bet would show hesitation and withdrawal.

            The claps became more distinct and audible. The smiles got even faker. I gritted my teeth in anger. I marched down the stage, and then I felt Noah’s hand pull my arm.

            “Now tell me, where’s your heroic best friend?”

            “You don’t have to know.” I answered bitterly and went back to my table. Almost everyone was there except Chester, and their faces were lingered with confusion. Neither of them uttered a word. All I saw was just these two actions- checking their phones or drinking the champagne given to them.

            “I’m back.” Chester said and filled in his empty seat. Reese smiled and called the waiter to give him a glass of champagne. The waiter immediately put a good glass of it in front of him.

            “Thanks.” He took a sip of the drink and maintained a calm face.

            “Chester, Naomi and Robert are officially engaged.” Andrew broke in.

            He took a glance of the ring worn on my finger. I expected him to say ‘no’ or something that showed disapproval would make me feel better. But instead, he gave him a deadly glare.

            “I know. And do I look like I care?” he said.

            My heart nearly split open. His answer was equally sarcastic and insulting. It’s okay with me if he didn’t answer, or just looked down. Hearing this from him, I felt like I got the greatest insult in my whole life. I fought back my answers. I tried so hard to keep quiet.

            “Do you want to relax? Let’s go inside.” Hera offered.                      

            In the corners of my eyes, I saw Robert smirk as if he wanted him out of the picture.

            “Yeah, sure.” he agreed. They stood up and went inside the house. I balled my hand into a tight fist as I felt my heart undergo a surge of emotions, all ranging from anger, hate and sorrow. My brother was getting meaner these days, and I swore to myself I’ll make him pay for this.

            I decided to go to my room to rest. This party sucked so much. I couldn’t bear what I truly feel, and when I closed the door, I let the tears fall freely down my face. For a moment, I sat on the floor, knees tucked closer to my chest while I wrapped my arms around them. The searing pain killed me softly... softly that it’s getting me nowhere.