Crystal Heart

Chapter 3 ~ Ball of Hope

Chapter 3

        After rushing back to my room and calming down, I rang for tea to be brought to my room. That would help restore my piece of mind completely so that I could think logically about what course of action to take. What do I do?!?! Will had no idea what he was getting into. Lilith walked in with the tea tray muttering to herself about how snobby all the other maids were and how they didn't appreciate her talent. 

        I couldn't help but smile to myself because I knew how ridiculous my mother's help could be and how cruel they were sometimes to Lilith. She always beat them at the baking competition at the village. They never could understand how she could do it. Especially since she was blind and all. I shook myself out of these thoughts when Lilith said, 

"Those no good people. Thinking just because I'm blind that I don't know my way around this godforsaken place."

        I tried to chuckle but as always, she saw right through me. 

"What's wrong, Aradia? And don't you lie now because you know that it never works with me."

        I sighed and raised my eyes to the ceiling, trying to find the right words. I didn't want to admit that I ran away from Will when she knew how I felt about him. I could never truly lie to her and simply learned to tell her the truth right away. After taking a deep breath, I started, 

"After leaving the room, well, fleeing is more like it, I heard him come after me and he pulled me behind a curtain. He wanted to know why I wouldn't speak to him and he took off my mask. He kissed my s-scars. I couldn't take it. I ran. I'm so scared. What do I do?!?! He loves me but I just don't have the time to fall in love with him."

        Lilith looked thoughtful before saying, 

"Technically, dear, you do. There are four months until you turn eighteen, and therefore, four months for you to break the spell. Aradia, why do you always have to run from him. That boy has been chasing after you for years and yet, you always run. For once in your life, stop running! Take a stand! Let him love you, or do you feel unworthy of such a love. Is that it?!?!? Oh Aradia, my sweet Aradia, please remember that you control the curse, not the other way around."

        I could only stare at her as her unnerving white eyes found mine with astonishing accuracy and her words pierced through my muddy thoughts. She was right, she was always right, and I—Wait. Is she still talking about Will or is she speaking of...No, of course not. Lilith knows I don't want to think about the other one. Taking in a deep breath, I nodded and she smiled as if she knew what I did. As if she could see me. 

"Now come and have your tea. You need to be refreshed for the ball tonight. I'm going to go grab and fluff it."

        I chuckled as she swept away briskly, walking with the confidence you wouldn't expect to see in a blind person. I quickly gulped down my tea and sandwiches and had finished cleaning up just as Lilith swept in again, carrying the most beautiful gown I had ever seen. It was a sparkling gold gown that twinkled in the gathering dusk. The top was an elaborate corset that seemed heavy with jewels and embroidery. The bottom was covered with drapes and jewels and there was a slit down the middle that allowed a glimpse at the red underlayers.