The Dance of the Keepers

Chapter 28 Family Matters

"Blue, there's a matter I would like to discuss with you."
Jasper informed me as we strolled lazily towards the restaurant after practice.

"Well do share, Brainiac."

"The Hayes family has extended an invitation to me, for myself and a second competitor of my choosing to attend an evening party thrown at the manor house. I'm contemplating whether I should attend or not."

"Of course you should go! They're your family!"
I exclaimed.

He didn't exactly look thrilled.

"Not by choice. Jasmine's the only one who I remotely care about. The others I'd prefer to be strangers in my life."

"Well I can understand family trouble, my father and I don't see eye to eye either."

"Why not?"
Jasper questioned.

"It's a long story."
I replied evasively.

"The point is, they reached out to you. And if what I've heard about becoming a Keeper is correct, soon none of us will have contact with our families anymore. Better not waste the time you have."

"You make a convincing point."
Jasper scratched his chin thoughtfully.

"Would you come with me?"

I should have seen that coming. But if Jasmine was supposed to be the nice one, there was no way in heck I wanted to be anywhere near the rest of Jasper's relatives. How could I turn him down though? Especially when he was looking at me with those puppy dog eyes.

"Um, sure. When is it exactly?"

"Tonight."
He replied in a casual tone.

"What?!"
I choked, stopping dead in my track.

"When? Where? What time? What am I supposed to wear?"
I sputtered.

Jasper glanced at his watch.

"We have an hour before we have to leave, plenty of time. You can wear whatever you like as far as I'm concerned, but past experience has taught me most women like to dress up for events like this, though not nearly as fancy as something like the gala."

"I gotta go change!"
I exclaimed, looking down at my sweaty tank top and dirty jeans.

"What about dinner?"
Jasper questioned.

"No time!"
I replied taking off running.

****

I never thought I'd be one of those girls who spent a ridiculous amount of time fussing over what they look like. However, I was going into a lion's den, as far as I was concerned, and apparently, fashion was my only weapon. I was doomed.

I almost would have rathered to have been put in the arena again, then try to figure out what in the heck I was supposed to wear. Luckily, Nina had stocked my closet well with not only the comfortable clothes I preferred but also some pantsuits and a dress or two. While special occasions called for servants and custom outfits, events like this evening I was expected to get ready myself.

I probably could have gotten some help if Jasper had given me a bit more heads up, but it was too late for that now. I found a lavender pantsuit and a pair of flats to match it that seemed presentable enough. I popped a pair of teardrop shaped earrings into my lobes and adjusted my shard necklace just so.

Attempting to do my own makeup with what had been left in the bathroom cabinets turned out to be disastrous and after wiping my face clean twice, I decided just to throw on a little powder and eyeshadow, keeping it simple.