Their Guy

Chapter 30

Leandrea's POV

"Remind me why I'm doing this again," I sighed as Marlene ran across her room looking for appropriate shoes for me.

"Because it's the New Year's Mascarade Ball!" She said excitedly. "And it's going to be amazing and I'm not going to let you sit at home because of me. You're going and that's it."

"It's a Masked Ball Marlene," I said flinging myself on her bed. "No one is even gonna realize if I go or not."

"Oh for heaven's sake Leah!" She huffed, hauling me up. "Be a sport and don't ruin that gown by sleeping on it. There, what about these heels?"

I eyed the black stilletos in her hand carefully. "Depends," I said. "Do you want me to come back home with a fractured foot?"

"If Sexy Prince Charming is carrying you in his arms then yeah," she added with a laugh.

"You're the world's worst sibling," I said, sounding hurt. "But this mess ain't gonna get any Sexy Prince Charming."

"Oh come on Leah!" Marlene groaned, pulling me to my feet and dragging me to the mirror. "Look at you! You're gorgeous!"

Well I had to admit, I look good.

Marlene had chosen a deep bluey purple sleeveless cocktail gown for me with a cut half way up my left thigh. The dress had flecks of silver all over, which made me look like I was wearing the sky. My newly cut hair fell to my shoulders in it's natural locks and Marlene had done something to my eyes which made them look - intimidating.

"Prince Charming still isn't coming Mar."

"Forget about that for now," she said. "Put on these heels and take your mask."

She placed a dark blue eye mask in my hands, dotted with silver flecks like my dress. I put it on with the heels and did a small twirl. "Howz it?"

"Oh my God you look like the Queen of Midnight," Marlene said wiping away a fake tear. "Come to Mommy dear, let her give you a hug."

"You're over doing it," I said rolling her eyes, but hugged her anyway, inwardly rejoicing at the fact that I was taller than her. Her figure felt thin and bony in my arms and my heart throbbed with pain.

She should be coming with me to the New Year's Eve Masked Ball. We should be walking into Town Hall together in similar gowns. Instead, she was going to be staying at home, alone while I went out there and counted down to New Year without her.

"Oh don't be so emotional," she laughed seeing the tears behind my eyes through the mask. "I'm going to have an amazing time here."

"Wait up for me okay?" I said running my hand through her hair, my hair.

"Yeah I don't have much to do anyway," she shrugged. "I'll probably catch up on Game of Thrones."

"Are you sure you will be alright alone?" I asked, clearly concerned. Dr. Stone had given us strict orders about Marlene and leaving her alone for the night wasn't one of them. "With mum and dad in New York. What about Ryden?"

"I told him to go for the ball," she said. "Don't worry Leah. I'll be fine!"

"But you call me if anything happens okay?" I said. "Even if your eye mysteriously starts twitching." This made her laugh and a small smile spread across my lips. I guided her to the mirror resting my face on her fragile shoulders.

"You're my responsibilty now Marlene," I said, my eyes meeting hers in our reflection. "I don't want anything happening to you."

"Oh don't be so depressing on New Year's Eve," she groaned. "It might be our last one together Leah! Don't ruin it with these deep emotional talks."