He gives in after about 20 seconds and I hear him swear and trundle inside. Creeping back into the garden I look up at my window. With a stroke of genius I scramble up the tree and with a quick leap I’m back in my room. Swinging open my door I make sure my mum sees me storm by to quickly stuff down tea then I run back to my room. Jamming the door again I start to look on my calendar to see what’s going on. Ew maths test in two weeks. Scanning the calendar my gaze falls on today. Oh – my – gosh. The vampire ball for the fully turned is all night tonight. I could so go there? I mean, sure, I’m not fully turned by why not? You only live once right?
Pushing aside all my skirts and shirts I delve into my wardrobe. Stretching a hand out I snatch up my only posh dress. I think it’s the one I bought it for the ball last year but I wasn’t allowed to go. It better damn fit! Yanking the black material up over my legs I tug hard as it sticks over my hips. I must have put on weight? Fab. I poke my arms through the straps and turn to see my reflection. Oh. I must say I’m rather pleased with it.
It’s all black and silky, dropping to the floor and pooling round my feet. Edged with lace at the hem and on the wide sleeves it looks all delicate. There’s a slash down the front of the chest so it’s rather revealing, but hey, I won’t know anyone there or see them again so what does it matter? The back is completely open, from my shoulders to the small of my back and it’s criss crossed with black laces so it stays on. It shows off my pale skin but makes it look good for a change. Walking forward to examine my face I realize that there is long split up the leg, up to my thigh. Blooming heck! This is not the dress I bought. It must be one of mums.
Piling my hair up on my head and pinning it straight I attack it with hair spray. My hair is practically solid. Brushing on eye shadow my eyes look smoky and sweeping on pale foundation I’m finished. I’m about to jump (carefully so I don’t rip my dress) when I realize I might look a bit weird. Dragging on my black winter coat I catch sight of myself in the mirror. I look... hot? With a wicked smile my eyes fall on my red lipstick. I sweep it on and nod to myself. With a delicate chain round my neck and the finishing touch high heels I look way older than 18. My dad would go mental if he saw me. Whipping out my camera I take a picture in my mirror and get ready to print it for my wall. Brilliant.
I open my door quietly and sneak down the hall. We’ve always had creaky floor boards but this is damned ridiculous! With every step a loud creak echoes through the house. Groaning a sigh I just run down the stairs. Grabbing mum invitation to the ball from the side and then taking her black lacy mask for the occasion I run out the house. All set for action.
Strutting over to the town hall I stare at all the grandness; light up with soft lighting and with men in suits waiting outside to check your invite it looks every bit the grand ball. Ducking under my mask I waltz over to the door. With my head held high I walk by the men in suits.
“Excuse me madam.” A voice says behind me. Whipping round I cast him an inferior glare.
“Yes?” I say.
“Your invite please.” He says politely. I pull it out my pocket with flourish I hand it over.
“Oh good evening Mrs Howards.” He says, handing back my invite, “How is your husband? Does he not accompany you here?” Oh bugger.
“Um, no. I’m afraid not. My, um, daughter is ill and he wanted me to attend so he could look after her. I’m representing the Howards household tonight. So for one night only I’ll be Miss Howards.” I say smoothly with a wink and the man beams at me.
“Well have a lovely evening Miss Howards.” And with a smile he turns away.
Raising my head a little higher I stalk away. Slipping the invite in my pocket I hand my coat to a man with a suit and walk away. I am simply amazing! Music drifts through the air and I feel so posh and in. Everyone is doing some complicated waltz so I hand around the sides. I take champagne from a nearby server and sip it demurely. A smile spreads across my face; I can’t believe I made it in.
