Toxic Lips [l.h]

s i x t y n i n e

'I could look into your eyes until the sun comes up, 

And we're wrapped in light, in life, in love.'

-----

The ballroom is just as beautiful as I had dreamed it.

Large, crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and the floor is a shiny black marble. Banquet tables line the sides with arrangements of food on them, ranging from crème puffs to steak. Circular tables are positioned throughout with a few people sitting and talking at each one. A classical jazz band plays mildly in front of a large open area, no doubt the dance floor. The place is quite busy, with women in large jewels and silky dresses and men in posh suits. They fill the room with chatter and laughter.

If I wasn't terrified of this party, I would definitely enjoy it.

"Nice, huh?"

I look up at Luke who has caught me marvelling at the extravagancy of the place. I nod, looking back at the ballroom. 

"They're all like this," he tells me. "It get's boring after a while."

"Snob," Emma snorts from next to me. "This is incredible!"

Luke just shrugs at her comment.

I look up and sure enough, an upper level looks over the greater ballroom. Just like in my dream. 

I swallow nervously.

"Let's sit," Luke says, noticing my shift in mood and removing his hand from mine, pressing it to my lower back to guide me instead. 

Emma follows us as Luke gestures for me to sit at a table in the corner, out of the spotlight. I'm glad he chose this spot, it will help us stay hidden and slightly out of sight if we are being sought after.

"You two stay here, I'm going to try and find Cal and Jamie," Luke says to Emma and I. 

Luke turns and disappears into the crowd, leaving Emma and I to ourselves.

"What do you make of all of this?" I ask her, leaning back in my seat as we each recieve a glass of white wine from a waiter.

"It's a show, that's what this is," she replies, setting her glass down on the white tablecloth. "It's obviously covering up the fact that Drew is scheming."

I nod. "I agree."

"As do I."

I snap up to see Isabel standing above me, in the same red dress from my dream. She looks incredible, her hair curled to perfection and her lips a cherry red. She holds a glass on wine poised in her hand as she sits beside me, smiling slightly. 

I nod to her. "Isabel."

"Evening, Alaska," she says. She looks past me at Emma. "And....?"

"Emma," she introduces herself. "Luke's--"

"Sister," Isabel finishes. "I've heard about you."

I shift uncomfortably and Emma furrows her brows.

She looks between Isabel and I before realization leaks into her green eyes. I'm greatful that Emma is observant enough that I don't have to explain things. 

"What do you want?" I ask Isabel.

"Still don't trust me, eh?"

"Well, you haven't given me a reason to."

"I haven't given you a reason not to."

I swallow the rest of my wine. Isabel watches me carefully as I set the now empty glass on the table.