Reaction || Malum ||

19

A/N: super cheesy chapter I'm seriously just warning you now

It took me three times attempting to tie my tie before I gave up and decided to go ask Rose for help. I groaned and let my feet carry my body down the stairs in search of Rose. The kitchen counters were filled with finger foods and bottles of champagne along with classy decorations. I rolled my eyes at the extravagance my parents go to for these stupid parties and finally spotted Rose placing champagne glasses on a large table. I slid my sock clad feet across the tile playfully as I made my way over to the white haired lady. I tapped on her shoulder smirking down at the small lady and she turned around looking frazzled.

"What do you need my dear?" She asked kindly.

"I can't tie this stupid thing." I whined gesturing to my tie and she nodded.

"Ah, now hold still." She ordered and her hands worked diligently against the silky material of the tie until she was satisfied.

"Have I ever told you that you are the best?" I smirked and leaned down to peck her cheek.

"Yeah, yeah. Now hurry up and finish getting dressed, you know your parents like you to meet all the guests as they arrive." She shooed me away and returned to her work. I laughed softly before sprinting back up to my room to put the finishing touches on my attire.

With such a busy day I haven't seen Calum since we fought over who got the bathroom first. He of course won because everyone knows I take the longest in the shower and he used that to his advantage. I'm sure he was more nervous than I was about this party but if I had my way we'd be sneaking away before we got too involved in the festivities. After I tied up my uncomfortable dress shoes I moved towards my dresser to grab my mask. With precision I tied the mask behind my head and adjusted it on my face until it was comfortable.

My reflection in the mirror was something out of a novel. I'm not getting a big head about it I'm just speaking from the truth of fiction. A misunderstood son of wealthy parents who has become undeniably infatuated with an innocent orphan. Now both are attending a ball with full of rich people where neither of them belong. Such a sick fairy tale unfolding before my eyes only the difference is, Calum and I aren't in love or torn apart by family differences.

"Stop reading so many romance novels Mikey." I told my reflection, shaking my head. With one last deep breath I turned for the door.

"Michael, Calum! Get down here please!" I heard my mother call just as I entered the hallway. I groaned and turned to walk away but heard Calum's door click open revealing a nearly unrecognizable figure. I've never seen Calum in anything but skinny jeans and his sweatshirt so to see him in a suit made my chest flutter.

He smiled at me nervously before following me down the stairs and to my mother. We stood side by side for my mothers inspection of our attire and posture. Once we passed my father read us the rules they've made up for us tonight.

"Okay lads, we have important collegues coming tonight and I expect you both to be on your best behavior." My dad scolded and I glanced sideways towards Calum with a smirk and he smiled at me briefly.

"We will dad." I assured him and he nodded proudly before leaving Calum and I alone. I smiled at Calum again who was adjusting his mask nervously so I squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. I ushered him to follow me into the kitchen as we awaited my parents guests to arrive.

Within thirty minutes our house was crawling with snobby rich prudes drinking champagne and making irrelevant chatter. Calum had completely disappeared after my father had introduced us to a huge group of people and I've spent most of my time looking for him and dodging glares from these snobs. Money may be able to buy some people happiness but these people needed to spend some money on a personality. Just when I spotted Calum's mask in the crowd the music started to play. Calum and I were making our way towards each other and towards the exit when I was tugged back by an unfamiliar girl.