The Year 3000

Chapter 15: Royal Birthday

[A.N. Yes I added the picture of the dress again because just look at it. Wow. You're welcome. Plus, for reference later in the story. Love you, enjoy]

Scarlett's POV

Previously:

"Do you expect me to thank you?"

Harry chuckled, "Of course not, I know you better than that, but I do expect you to accompany me tonight for Liam's birthday and be on your best behavior."

I knew I didn't have a choice.

"Okay."

*************************************

A couple hours after my conversation with Harry, it was time for the party. I was hiding out in the gardens, hoping to let the evening pass without being noticed, blissfully alone, aside from the guards Harry had following me, when Callie and Bridget came bustling towards me.

"Come now, Miss, we barely have any time to get you ready. It took quite some time to find you." Bridget huffed, shaking her head as they dragged me back to mine and Harry's room. I thanked my stars Harry was absent.

"You won't tell Harry, will you?" I asked, suddenly panicked. Bridget gave me a look, and I quickly apologized for even asking. Callie wasted no time in stripping me down. I didn't protest as they began slipping on the dress and, not-surprisingly, it was a perfect fit. I didn't get the privilege of a glance in the mirror before they both sat me down in the dresser chair. Bridget began doing my hair and Callie started on my makeup.

"Stay still!" Callie scolded as she delicately smudged my eyeliner for effect, though I was already trying my best with Bridget pinning pieces of my hair to my head. Half-an-hour later, they were both done and I was more than ready to pop my back or slit my throat. Maybe pop my back and then slit my throat . . . First, they made me put on my heels and close my eyes as they led me over to the floor-length mirror. I wanted to scoff at their theatrics but I played along.

"Ok . . . and . . . open!"

My eyes flew open, and I froze at my reflection. My hair fell down in loose curls, the light-chocolate standing out in stark contrast to the white of the dress. Several pieces were pinned back away from my face with diamond-studded clips, making my hair sparkle at every angle to compliment the sparkles in the dress. Callie had done light makeup, with foundation to smooth out my skin, making it appear flawless and airbrushed. A small amount of blush made my cheeks look defined and rosy, with a subtle nude pink lipgloss to match. My hazel eyes gleamed out against the silvery, smokey eyeshadow and the minimal amount of eyeliner and layer of mascara she had applied.

Altogether with my translucent dress, I looked like a moon goddess from a fairytale.

I immediately wanted to shred the dress into a million tiny pieces. Harry was going to love it on me. The thought made me suddenly and violently ill. I pictured his eyes dragging over my figure, and then it was all I could do not to burst out crying. I turned back to Bridget and Callie with tears in my eyes, forcing a smile onto my face. They didn't deserve to know how wretched I felt.

"I really can't thank you enough—you both are absolutely stunning," I spoke honestly, giving them both a hug so they couldn't see my expression.

"Oh, don't start crying, you'll ruin all of my hard work!" Callie laughed, even though I knew she was serious. I sniffed and nodded, stepping back on legs that threatened to give out at any moment. I needed to pull myself together.

"Now, go find Harry. He'll be waiting in the ballroom for you," Bridget said, reminding all of us what this was for. My heart sank down to my toes. Just hearing Harry's name left me silently gasping for breath, feeling as if a giant hole had been plunged through my chest. It was a wonder I was still standing. With another forced smile, I stepped into the hallway, shutting the door quietly behind me and leaning on the nearest wall for support. I couldn't seem to get enough air into my lungs. The thought of seeing Harry again made me want to tear my own hair out. But I had to. If I didn't go meet him, he would come find me. At least this way, I could face him on my own terms, sort of. I slowly pushed myself off the wall, standing up straight, trying to brighten up my features.