Bex

Chapter 29:

I stared at myself in the mirror with astonished awe. I looked... beautiful. For the first time in my life, I looked beautiful. I never thought I was ugly, but I never thought I was all that pretty either; right now, however, I'd never looked better.

  The dress my mother had made for me was a lovely peach color that complimented my skin tone. The top was strapless, reminding me of a corset; pearl buttons ran down my back, and the skirt of the dress wasn't puffy but flowed gracefully down from my waist. Christin did my makeup light and flirty, and she was currently putting pearl pins in my hair that she masterly put in an updo.

  After she put the last pin in, she grabbed me by my shoulders from behind. She looked at my reflection and gave me a smile. "You'll be the prettiest girl at the party."

  "Thank you, Christin." I blushed, but then frowned. "I wish you could enjoy the party instead of working it."

  "People like me don't come to parties like these; I'm just happy to be near one." She smiled sadly.

  I wanted to tell her that one day she could come to a party like this- hell, I'd throw one specifically just for her- because ever girl should feel how I felt right now, to feel like a princess. But my mother walked in before I could.

  "Christin, thank you for your help, but you're needed downstairs." My mother barely glanced at her, she was typing furiously on her phone.

  Christin gave her a curt nod. She met my eyes, and I gave her an apologetic smile before she exited my room. My mother finally looked up from her phone to meet the stare of my reflection. Her face showed lines of anxiousness, but otherwise she looked flawless. Her blond hair was styled up like mine, and she looked absolutely elegant in her long black dress.

"I knew this color would look good on you." She murmured, touching the fabric.

I guess that's the best compliment I'm gonna get from her tonight.

Her eyes suddenly squinted at something on my back. Her lips twisted in distaste. "What is this?"

She twisted my shoulder so I could see what she was talking about in my mirror. I stared at the tiny wings on my skin, not even bothering to try and hide my smile.

"My tattoo- it's cute, don't you think?" I batted my eyelashes.

  She let out an angry sigh, rubbing at her temples. "Make sure you cover up that monstrosity with some makeup before you leave this room."

She stalked out of my room, muttering to herself about what people would think if they saw her daughter with a tattoo- how scandalous it would be.

  I rolled my eyes at her after she closed my door. I lightly touched the wings, admiring how pretty they were. No way am I covering them up; I already wasted enough of my foundation, trying to hide a couple of bruises that popped up on my arms and chest.

  I took one last look at myself with a sigh. I started to walk into the hallway and stopped to rub at my temple when I felt a sharp pain shoot through my head. Looks like that conversation gave me a head ache, too.

If the night keeps going like this, I'm going to need a drink.

I shook away my thoughts, gathered the skirt of my dress in both hands, and started the descent down the stairs. My heels clicked on the marble steps, grabbing a few people's attention. I smiled politely at my parents investors, employees, and wealthy clients. The party had just started to begin, and the house was already filled with people.

I watched as women in fancy dresses gossiped with one another, and as men sipped on champagne, laughing with each other. The house really did look magnificent for the occasion; mom had decorators and party planners buzzing around our house for a week leading up to tonight. The living room had been converted into an area where people could mingle and dance. I watched the light sparkle off of the crystal chandelier.