Time Is The Key To Everything

Chapter 8: Christmas Eve (Part 1)

Author's note: Still in Cassidy's POV.

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I stood and gasped at the mirror in front of me. The reflection of the girl I saw looked nothing like the usual me. I couldn't believe what a simple dress and makeup could change my appearance so drastically.

Just hours ago, I was chatting with Paul. I was telling him how excited I was about Christmas Eve. I sat on his elegant white couch with the simple green dress I usually wore. Now, I looked like a completely different person.

I wore a medium pink dress, with ruffles, that fell to the floor. My entire face was covered with a thin layer of makeup. My eyelids were stained with pink eye shadow to match my dress.

Earlier in the day, Kathleen dragged me to the salon and insisted I get my hair done. As a result, it was now curled in large locks that fell over my back and shoulders.

On my feet were two inch heels. I hoped that I wouldn't fall with them because I was not used to such high shoes. Finally, my outfit was topped off with my usual pink flower, tucked behind my ear, and my locket.

I took a deep breath and walked out of Paul's bathroom. I hoped that both he and James would like my outfit.

I proceeded down the stairs and frowned when I didn't see Paul. He wasn't in the living room or the kitchen. I made my way towards the piano room, figuring that was probably the only other place he would be.

I smiled when I noticed I was right. He was sitting on his piano bench and sipping a cup of tea. I saw a small pistol on top of the piano alongside the pocket watch I had given him for his birthday and the blue folder I had found in the bathroom nearly three weeks ago.

I figured he was just planning on going on a hunting trip while I was gone with Angelo and Nue. As for the folder it was dated for today so I was almost sure he was planning on giving it to me later today due to the date of his letter.

I pushed open the two glass doors of the piano room as Paul turned to look at me. He put his tea cup down and stood up. His jaw dropped ever so slightly. He walked over towards me and examined my dress.

"Wow, Cassidy, you look absolutely stunning." Paul exclaimed.

"Thank you." I blushed slightly.

"I'm sure James will be very happy to dance with such a beautiful lady like you." He continued.

I felt guilty, suddenly, for agreeing to go the ball. I wished that I was going with Paul instead. But tonight, I was going to surprise Paul. I had to tell him how much I loved him when I bolted back into his house an hour earlier than he would be expecting.

I wrapped my arms around Paul's waist and gave him a big hug as I heard a knock coming from the front door.

"Are you sure you'll be alright alone for a few hours?" I said into his shoulder.

"I'll be fine. Like I told you this morning, Angelo and Nue are coming over to talk." He replied.

I pulled away and he smiled at me. I saw a slight hint of sadness flash through his black eyes as his smile dropped. He must have heard James knock again. I smiled back to try to cheer him back up.

He followed me as I went to answer the door. James stepped in and bowed. He was wearing a black tuxedo with a red tie.

"The awesome me is here to court your young lady to the ball." James said to Paul.

"I'm not young." I complained as James chuckled.

Paul raised an eyebrow and walked over to James, placing his hands on James' shoulders.