Allure

Chapter 4

The ballroom was unbelievably spectacular. It was a huge, open space with a diamond encrusted chandelier hanging from the carved ceiling. There was a dance floor in the centre of the room surrounded by round tables each with a stunning floral centrepiece. It was already very busy, most of my classmates must have arrived early. To the far of the room there was a live band playing slow, mellow songs but none of which I recognised. There was a buzz in the air and theroom was filled with chatter and laughter, although no one was brave enough to hit the dancefloor yet. I looked around for my friends, we were all at a table together but I couldn't see them so began to wander around the tables gently pulling Joshua along with me. I could see people staring at me as I walked past them, nudging the person sitting next to them and nodding in my direction. Why was everyone looking at me? I began to feel rather self conscious and forced myself to smile at anyone who made eye contact with me, but most of them were unable to return the smile as their mouths were hanging slightly open. Surely I didn't look that different.

"Everyone is looking at you Elle" Joshua whispered into my ear.

"Yeah I know" I whispered back "I thought I was being paranoid, why are they all staring?"

He gave a small chuckle "Eleanor, you really have no idea just how ravishing you look, do you?"

I had no idea what to say to that but could feel my face flame slightly again. I chose to ignore the comment.

"This place is seriously impressive" I commented hoping to change the conversation.

"Yeah" he replied absentmindedly "seriously impressive".

I'm not entirely sure his comments were in reference to the room around us but I decided not to pursue the subject.

After entwining around what felt like 100 tables I finally saw Natasha sitting with Rupert at an otherwise empty table. Rupert was Natasha's date, and the other 6 empty chairs were for Joshua and Me, Laura and her date Anthony and I wasn't sure who the final two were for. Natasha was always easy to spot with her raven black short hair and white as snow skin.

"Nat" I called once as I worked my way around the circular table towards the free seat on her left.

"Elle!" She grinned in return, jumping out of her seat to embrace me in a hug "Wow! You look hot Elle, seriously, seriously hot"

 "So do you" I replied and she really did. Nat was beautiful, her dark hair but light skin created such a dazzling contrast. She was wearing a beautiful silver dress that reached her knees, most girls wore full length dresses to prom so it wasn't a coincidence that Natasha was doing the opposite. She liked to stand out and be different, determined not to be a sheep.

She gave Joshua a quick hug and I said hello to Rupert. Rupert seemed like a nice guy, I didn't know him very well as we only had one class together but from what i did know he was quiet and more into books than sport and to be honest, I couldn't really see the appeal. He wasn't bad looking, in fact he could probably be quite handsome in a geeky sort of way but I couldn't understand what Natasha seen in him. She was loud and outspoken and fiery and compared to her, he was kind of bland.

"Me and Rupert will go and get some drinks" Joshua announced leaving the table with Rupert walking along behind him.

I felt an instant relief when Joshua left. I could finally talk to Natasha alone and get her opinion on things.

"Where is Laura?" I asked.

"She did go to the bathroom just before you arrived but she's been away for a while now" She replied, craning her neck to look around the room "Anthony was supposed to meet her here but he's not arrived yet and wont answer any of her texts"