Hollingwood University

Chapter 5

Erica and I went into the city bright and early that Saturday morning. She took me to all of the best boutiques she knew, and we got a whole new wardrobe for me And what's even more amazing, she paid (well, for most of it anyway, I won some battles there). I guess there were some perks to being rich, not that I would know.

These boys weren't expecting us until six, and I still couldn't believe I was actually going to some posh dinner party. Not like I actually dressed real posh like for them, I put on a coral top, a pair of skinny jeans and heels. I'm only eighteen, I got another maybe sixty years to dress how I want to.

"Lucy! Are you almost ready? We have to go in five minutes!" Erica called.

"Yeah, yeah I'm coming," I replied and walked out of the bathroom. Erica was standing by the door wearing a blue cut-out dress and black heels. She looked even better than I did (no surprise there).

"Listen, do we have to go? I mean we can just get into sweats and order a pizza or something?" I asked. Erica rolled her eyes.

"No, come on these boys want to meet you," she replied.

"I already met one, I don't need to meet the rest, case closed," I said. She shook her head, then stopped and walked over to the closet. She pulled out a headband made completely out of flowers. She then placed it on my head.

"There, you look beautiful. Now come on, I promise it will be fun," she said. Reluctantly, I agreed. Erica took my wrist (she really likes doing that) and led me out of the building and to the street. A slick, black limo was waiting for us, with a drver smiling happily at his with a tip of his cap.

"Oh look, right on time," Erica said and strode over. I just stared at the car like it was an extra-terrestrial hover craft.

"Oh no. No, no, no, no, no. Not going to happen," I said. Erica stopped and turned towards me.

"What's the problem?" she asked.

"Never in my eighteen years have I rode in a limo, and I sure as hell am not going to start now," I replied and started down the street. Erica chased after me.

"Lucy, are you actually going to walk all the way there...in heels?" she asked.

"Alright then," I pulled off my heels, "I'll walk bare foot," I replied.

"Nope! Come on Lucy you cannot walk there in heels or barefoot. A limo is just like a giant car. Besides you're making us late," she said. I huffed.

"I don't have much of a choice, do I?" I asked. Erica shook her head.

"Nope!" she replied. Oh boy, I guess I had no choice. So, not wanting to argue, I followed her into the limo.

"I can't believe this," I mumbled as we slid in.

"Just relax, it's a five minute car ride," Erica whispered. The ride was dead silent, the only noise you could hear was the car engine.

The ride (unfortunately) ended very quickly and we pulled up in front of a house. It was painted white, with a grey shingled roof and a brick roof. Over the porch was a banner hanging with the letter TRC in fancy writing. I'll admit, it was a really nice house.

"You see, it's beautiful," Erica said.

"Yeah, outside, how about inside?" I asked.

"Come on, thank you Denis," Erica thanked the driver and led me out of the limo. I followed her up the steps and to the front door. Erica pressed the white button next to the door frame, and a grand chiming sound ran through the threshold. Ten seconds later, the door opened. A boy with black hair stood there, with scruff on his chin, and he wore a really fancy tuxedo.

"Hi Vincent, wonderful to see you again!" Erica went up to him and gave him a hug. I just stood on the stoop with my arms held behind my back.

"Erica my darling you look magnificent. And you must be Ms. Evereux," the boy said to me. I went in for the handshake, but instead he took my hand and kissed my knuckles.

"Um...okay, nice to meet you too Mr uh...?"

"Vincent, Vincent Dormer. A pleasure to meet you Ms. Evereux," he said. I looked at Erica and took back my hand.

"Right back at you, and just call me Lucy," I replied.

"Of course, this way ladies," he led us into the house. The inside was all royal and posh like. Red carpets rolling from the door to the stairs, marble pillars holding up the ceiling, and all of these oil painting portraits lining the walls. I felt so out of place in this house.

Vincent led me and Erica up the staircase and into a lounge. There were two couches and an arm chair, with a fireplace crackling against the wall. Six other people were in the lounge, four boys and two young girls.

"The rest of our party has arrived," Vincent said, taking a seat on pne of the couches. Erica's boyfriend, Harry, stood up and embraced her.

"Erica my dear, you look exquisite, as usual," he said.

"Thank you darling," Erica beamed and kissed his cheek. Then Harry turned to me.

"Lucy, pleasure to meet you...properly I mean. I apologize for the other night," he said and took my hand.

"Pleasure's all mine," I replied. Harry then leaned down about to kiss my hand, but I pulled away quickly.

"Um, I'm not really used to the whole kissing-the hand thing, let's just stick to handshakes," I said.

"Very well, boys don't be rude for our guest. Come along," he said. The other three boys stood up and got in a line.

"Lucy, may I introduce you to Lawrence Cutler, Franklin Currído, and-"

"Lucy Evereux, that's your name," the last boy said. I don't think I need to remind you of who this is.

"Nice to see you again Ethan; you going to spill another drink on me tonight? Don't feel bad about it because I'm not wearing Erica's dress this time," I replied.

"Oh no," Erica muttered.

Couldn't agree more.