The rest of the afternoon went by in a whirl. I was in a daze the whole day, utterly distracted. I couldn't concentrate on anything, every time I saw a guy with dark hair or wearing a black t-shirt I silently hoped it was him. I just wanted to have another look at him. I would have given anything for another glimpse of his face. After collecting my dress and getting my nails done I drove back home, barely watching the road. My eyes constantly alert for any sign of the boy as I drove back up the country road towards my house. But there was nothing. Just a memory of him scorched into my mind. I even started to think that maybe I had imagined the whole thing but I knew that not even my imagination could conjure up someone so beautiful.
Now, back at home I made a conscious effort to forget about the boy who kept invading my thoughts and focus on the problem at hand. Prom. I had several hours to get ready and then Joshua was collecting me and we were driving to the Grand Hotel together which was the venue for the evening. Our school had rented the hotels grandest ballroom for the prom. I wasn't very good at doing hair and make up but once again my Mum pulled it out the bag and arranged for a hairdresser/make up artist to fix me up for the evening. Initially I wasn't impressed with this turn of events but eventually I conceded that it was probably a good thing as I was utterly useless with those 'girly' things. It was my Dads fault I didn't know how to do all the things which came so naturally to other girls, as an only child he wanted me to be just as adventurous and bold as any son he may have had which meant when most girls were playing with dolls, I was out climbing trees. And instead of trying out my Mums make up and practicing to walk in high heels, I learned about cars and football. As much as I loved my mum, I had always been a Daddy's girl which was another reason tonight was probably so special for her as for once she could be the one there to help me instead of my Dad. When the wondrous Kelly arrived with an army of brushes and appliances I was a little cautious about exactly what she was planning to do to me, but she was surprisingly friendly and talked me through everything she was doing. She managed to tame my naturally wavy hair so that for once the dark curls fell in an elegant way as opposed to looking tangled. She applied just the right amount of make up so that it only enhanced my features instead of covering them. The golden eye shadow she daubed to my lids matched my dress perfectly and made my brown eyes seem even larger than usual underneath my dark lashes. I was lucky to take after my Dad and have quite sallow skin which meant I didn't need to bother with fake tan. I was almost ready, the only thing left to do was slide into my dress. I have never been one for dresses or shopping and even the thought of buying a prom dress stressed me out as I had no idea where to start but as soon as I saw this gown I completely fell in love with it. It was a strapless, golden coloured dress that fell to the floor.The material was so soft against my skin and it hugged me in all the right places. It was simple and understated, kind of like me. I knew I could never pull off any other those over-the-top dresses that were puffy or covered in fake diamonds, usually coloured a violent pink or bright purple, unless you had the face and body to make even the ugliest things look good you just ended up looking like a gooseberry. I was finally ready, the make over was complete and it was time to see the finished product in the floor length mirror be in my parents room.
Wow. I started into the mirror and couldn't help but feel shocked at the girl looking back at me. I still looked like me, but I didn't at the same time. I knew that naturally I was okay, I definitely wasn't supermodel material but thanks to good genes I was alright. Plus because i was so active I always managed to stay slim. I had even heard some people refer to me as 'pretty' but I never felt overly comfortable with that description. But tonight, for the first time in my life, I felt confident about how I looked. Kelly had worked absolute wonders on me, my eyes popped, my dark hair looked glossy and effortless, I could see the cheekbones I never thought I had. I smiled at my reflection and felt happy for the first time today. I collected my handbag and headed downstairs into the living room, because my dress reached the floor I didn't need to bother with high heels as no one would be able to see which was an absolute bonus as there was no way I could walk in those, i'd end up looking like a clown in stilts. So instead I opted for a pair of comfortable, flat pumps. At least there was one part of me tonight that still felt like me.
I walked into the living room where my parents and Joshua had been sitting patiently, making small talk I assume. I instantly felt all their eyes on me as soon as I entered and a gentle silence fell over the room. Joshua jumped to his feet and his eyes ravished me. He looked flabbergasted, his mouth hanging slightly open.
"Elle.." He stuttered "You look.. I mean, you look.." He couldn't finish his sentence, his eyes still trying to take me all in.
"I think the word your looking for is 'nice', Joshua" I laughed.
He gave me a little grin "No, the word i'm looking for is 'stunning'"
I felt myself blush at his compliment. And he definitely didn't look too bad either. His blonde hair was swept back from his handsome face, his blue eyes twinkling. His boyish grin revealed the most adorable set of dimples. He was wearing a charcoal grey suit and a gold tie that matched my dress. Joshua always looked gorgeous, even in his school uniform but tonight he really was stop and stare hot. He always reminded of a surfer kind of guy that you see on television shows although im pretty sure he has never been surfing in his life as it was just too cold here. I made a mental note to ask him if he had ever tried it.
"Oh sweetheart" My mum swooned, walking towards me with tears in her eyes "You look radiant Eleanor. Absolutely beautiful" She engulfed me in a massive cuddle.
"Aw Mum, c'mon, get off me" I teased and she eventually let go.
Next it was my Dads turn, although he didn't seem his usual jokey self. He walked towards me slowly and wrapped his big arms around me. "My little girl is all grown up" He whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
"I will never be too old for a cuddle from my Dad" I whispered back, blinking back tears. My Dad was always so happy and strong, he never cried at movies nor flinched when he hurt himself. He was the most amazing man I knew and it really moved me to see him so full of emotion for me.
"Alright" He barked up after letting me go, trying to hide his feelings behind his big grin "Lets get this show on the road! The photographer is outside so just a few snaps and then you two can be on your way"
Once again the time spent with the photographer was a lot more painless than I imagined. There were no cheesy poses, just literally a few snaps around the garden as the sun was setting and that was it. Then I slid into Joshua's jet black sports car and drove in the direction of the Grand Hotel. Both of Joshua's parents were Doctors and they owned their own Doctor's practice which meant his family were super rich, hence the car. I had been with Joshua for about 6 months and we got on so well. Constantly laughed whenever we were together, out relationship had always been effortless and comfortable but tonight for the first time it was awkward between us. Tension filled the car and now we were alone I didnt know what to say to him. I hadn't spoken to him since.. well, since he brought up his idea for tonight. I told him I needed some time to think and all I had done for the past 5 days is replay the conversation over and over in my mind but I still didnt have an answer for him.
"Elle" He started "Have you thought anymore about tonight?" I could hear the nerves in his voice.
"Aw Josh, not now, please" I begged. I really wasn't ready to have this conversation yet "Can we please just enjoy tonight and talk about this later?"
He was silent for a moment and I felt a little guilty, I didn't meant to reject him, I just really hadn't made up my mind. I still had to speak to Laura and Natasha about it all.
"Sure" he replied and squeezed my hand "No rush"
Finally we arrived at the hotel and pulled up outside the main doors where a man came and parked the car for us. I had only ever seen people do that in movies. This really was a fancy place. I linked my arm through Joshua's .
"Ready?" He grinned.
"Born ready" I grinned back and we walked through the entrance to the hotel and made our way into the ballroom. It was show time.
YOU ARE READING
Allure
Roman d'amour"Its strange how someone can walk into your life and until you've met them, you wonder how you ever lived without them. I often wonder how I survived without him. But that's exactly what it was, surviving. Simply existing. For the first time I feel...
