The Curse

Part 2 - The Reception

The reception was just as grand as the ceremony. My parents hired a caterer and all the food was native to this area: fish, shrimp, lobster, and anything else you can imagine. There was an ice sculpture of me as a mermaid, clutching onto Viktor Darke. I had not been able to speak with Viktor alone, only to thank the guests as they congratulated us on our engagement. He had scarcely let go of my hand, and I was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed.

"Excuse me, I have to use the ladies room," I excused myself as an old woman approached Viktor and I.

I pulled free of Viktor and the old woman gave me a smile, telling me to hurry back so she could give me a big hug. I could feel Viktor watching me as I retreated to the bathroom. I moved quicker.

My mother must have noticed me leaving, because when I got to the bathroom, she was right on my heels. She ushered me into the bathroom and into the stall. When I was done she fretted about my makeup, insisting that she fix anything that had smeared or looked caked on. After deciding she was satisfied with my makeup, she moved onto my hair, putting stray hairs back in place, and shaking her head. She always said I never acted like a proper lady, never being able to keep my hair and makeup in the correct place. Finally she stepped back and observed her handiwork. She made a few adjustments to my dress, then finally allowed me to leave.

I returned to the party, feeling just as horrible as when I had left. I have not had a moment to myself since I woke up this morning. I managed to get ahold of a glass of champagne on the way back, and though my mother gave me a disapproving look, she allowed me to sip from the glass.

Viktor Darke was standing exactly where I left him, still greeting people, some familiar, and some I had never met. As I approached, he introduced me to a group of woman around my age. The blonde was named Analia, she introduced herself. The she proceeded to introduce me to a tall, thin brunette named Fleur, a short woman named Gianna, and another blonde named Emerson. I smiled politely to them, shaking each of their hands and thanking them for coming.

They moved on, allowing me to meet a few other people and thank them all for attending, before my father stood up on our makeshift stage and cleared his throat, tapping a spoon to his glass of champagne. The waiters were all making their way through the crowd, making sure that every guest had a glass.

"I'd like to thank everyone for attending this rite of passage today. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. Now, I'd like to propose a toast, to my daughter, Fiona, and her fiance, Viktor Darke! May they live a long and happy life together."

With that, he raised his glass, and the audience followed, some letting out cheers and others tapping their own glasses. Next my mother came to the stage, saying something similar to my father, thanking everyone and wishing me well on my journey into adulthood.

A few other people that I vaguely recognized from meeting them earlier came up, including Viktor Darke's parents and his aunt. A few of my family members made their way onto the stage to make a toast, but what caught my attention was when Emerson walked onto the stage, giggling.

"Fiona, I've only met you once, earlier today actually, but I know we're going to be great friends."

The was a twinkle in her eye as she raised her glass, still giggling, and rushed off the stage, back to her group of friends. I vaguely wondered where she came from and who she really was, but I wasn't able to dwell on it, as I had to look interested in the rest of the toasts.

When the toasts were finally finished, Viktor and I were led to the dance floor, and we waltzed. Viktor was an amazing dancer, as well as a great dance partner, so much so, that when I stepped on his foot, he continued on as if nothing had happened. After what felt like an eternity, the song ended and the orchestra began playing a new song, in which everyone else joined in. I danced with my father, while Viktor danced with his mother. After a couple dances, I excused myself, and was thankfully able to slip away without my mother noticing.

I made my way to the bathroom, only to find it was crowded with four girls. Analia, Fleur, Gianna, and Emerson were giggling in the bathroom, but immediately became silent when I entered, before bursting out in laughter again.

"Do I have something on my face?" I asked, which only made them laugh harder.

After quickly looking in the mirror, I concluded that I did not have anything on my face, and my hair had stayed in place. They finally stopped laughing, but still did not offer an explanation. I excused myself so I could use the restroom. When I came out, the girls shared a look, before Emerson nodded. She looped her arm through mine and looked at me expectantly.

"I'm sure you're very tired. Do you want to get away from everyone for a while?"

I breathed a sigh of relief, immediately agreeing and thanking her. Her sly smile grew, causing my nerves and excitement to grow. We snuck out the bathroom and around the back of the reception area, going back to where the ceremony was held earlier today. We walked up the aisle, but didn't stop at the altar as I had done earlier. Instead, Emerson pulled me forward, toward the lake. I inhaled sharply at the foreboding waters.

"Wait. This is probably dangerous. And my dress will be ruined."

I tried to pull away, but Emerson held me tightly. Gianna and Fleur giggled, while Analia simply followed behind. We reached the water, and Emerson stopped, right at the edge of the black water.