Surviving my Scholarship

Angel Face

                I took his hand and he helped me gracefully get out of the car. My foot caught on my train and I stumbled forward. He rolled his eyes and lifted me bridal style walking down the carpet. He ignored my protests and the people's wailing to get his attention. The bag tapped against my behind as he walked forward.

                "Who is this you have brought with you today," yelled one.

                "Does she want to keep her identity a secret, why the glasses," yelled another.

                "Is this your newest fling or a potential girlfriend," yelled a high pitched reporter in front of us. He chuckled at that as he climbed the stairs into the party.

                "There were reports of an incident at The Watering Hole," called one following him beside the red rope. "Is it true you were planning on staying there instead of coming to your own mother's birthday party? What kind of son does that?" Pierce froze in place at the question just long enough for others to notice. As soon as one dared to ask more started pouring in until they were screaming questions just to be heard.

        I didn't even think about that before, but could it be true? Why would he miss his mother's party to see some girls dance?

        "Is this the girl your father beat up an entire gang to save? Does your father have to save all your dates," one caught my attention. Pierce's grip tightened on me until it started to hurt. His face hardened instantly and his eyes were cold. It made me shiver just looking at his expression.  The rest of the stairs were taken quickly and the doors slammed closed behind us.

                 I slapped his arm repeatedly as he put me down. Of all the embarrassing things to do, he had to bring attention to me.

           "Next time, I will just let you fall," he barked before waving to someone and pulling me forward.

        We were stopped at a "checkpoint" where we had to check his Comm's and my bag. Apparently, they strived for keeping the photographers outside and allowing people to be themselves, without worrying about photos being leaked. At least, that was what the security guard explained as he patted me down to my embarrassment and forced me to take the visor down. Pierce chuckled at this. I glared at him after passing through and it made him laugh louder. At least there was warmth in his eyes again.

           We were announced old school with a man yelling out our names at the top of ankle breaking stairs.  With all this technology who builds stairs?! Why did they put me in these shoes?! As I stepped forward my hand gently on his arm as he insisted it should be, I let out a small whimper. I was going to fall on my face and Pierce was going to let me do it this time. Why did I punch him?

        Pierce laughed again at my discomfort and started down the first step. I went to step after him secretly praying to any god that would hear me. He slid a hand around my waist and easily lifted me up a few inches above the stair. He gracefully carried me the entire way, my dress covering the evidence from anyone watching below. When I reached the bottom, I turned to thank him and he was gone. The loser left me here alone in a giant unfamiliar event.

        "Some escort," I huffed under my breath before deciding which way to go. I turned left thinking the last right I had made led me to this event. I didn't want anything else to go wrong tonight. Sadly, my future was to be tortured by ill-timed events.  I bumped into a woman around my age as she obviously formed a barrier in front of me.

        Her short green dress and wild red hair reminded me of something the dancers would wear. In fact, I would have to suggest it for Saint Patrick's Day next year. It was the universe's excuse to drink while wearing green holiday. No one really knew the reason behind it anymore but any excuse to drink was a good excuse to most.