The Key To Her Heart

Chapter 5

Alex looked that her reflection in the mirror. The midi, beige dress with red flowers and simple earrings she wore made her look stunning. Alex shifted uncomfortably in front of the mirror. Just then, Marie passed by and said, "You look beautiful. Don't look in the mirror too much." With one of her kind smiles, she left, probably to perfect some last-minute details.

Alex heard her mother call her downstairs. Mrs. Marshall wanted Alex to be there when they greeted the guests in. The guests were supposed to be here any minute. She looked at herself one last time before gliding down the staircase.

"Oh honey, you look gorgeous!" her dad smiled at her as she entered the dining hall. She smiled back. The dining hall was really big. Big wooden doors with intricate carvings separated the dining hall and the main hall. A long mahogany dining table stood at the center of the room under a glamorous chandelier. Silver plates and spoons were placed neatly on luxurious-looking dining mats.

She heard the doorbell ring. Her stomach turned into a knot and her face fell. Seeing this, Mrs. Marshall squeezed her hand firmly and led her towards the front door.

"Deep breaths," Mrs. Marshall murmured under her breath and opened the door wide. Three unfamiliar faces greeted her.

"Charlotte! Jim! You made it," Mrs. Marshall plastered a big grin on her face. She gave Mrs. Sylvester and her daughter, Stella Sylvester a hug. Stella was stunning. Her brown locks cascaded naturally down her back and her face had a classic, sultry appeal. Her light green eyes stood out strongly against her tanned skin. Her slightly crooked lips opened to speak, "We bought you some cider," handing a well-wrapped bottle of cider to Mrs. Marshall.

"Oh, Stella, how kind of you!" Mrs. Marshall exclaimed, "I presume you have already met my daughter, Alexandra, since you both attend Redwood."

"Well, actually, I haven't had the chance yet. You know, since I'm the President of the Redwood Dance Club and the Leader of the Event-Organizing team, I don't have a lot of free time," Stella forced a grin.

"Oh, yes. Charlotte's mentioned your extracurricular activities. That's marvelous!" Mrs. Marshall said, "I can imagine your busy schedule but at least you kids can catch up now! Alexandria will show you to her room, won't you dear?" Alex gestured Stella to follow her up the stairs.

"You guys have a cute little house," Stella said.

"Oh, thanks. It's not that great but its home," Alex shrugged, leading Stella into her room. A big, fluffy-looking canopy bed hung across a floor-to-ceiling window with mesh white curtains. A fully stocked vanity was tucked in the corner and a big white desk was pushed to one wall, filled with neatly organized books and copies.

"Hasn't Isabella come yet?" Stella asked.

"Who?" Alex asked. Before Stella could answer, the doorbell rang again. Alex motioned for Stella to join her as the two made way to the front door. Isabella had arrived with her own parents. She stood a few inches taller than Stella and carried a big grin on her face, contrasting to Stella's bored expression. The parents exchanged welcomes and moved to the living area.

"Let's go to my room," Alex said, whisking away the girls from the mingling adults.

"Nice room," Isabella said sitting down on the canopy bed, "Oh, and we're sorry we haven't talked to you in school yet. You know..."

Alex interrupted, "No, it's fine. I get it." An awkward atmosphere hung around the room as Stella walked to check the photographs displayed on Alex's dresser.

Desperate to break the silence, Alex said, "Hey, I know you probably didn't want to come to this dinner party. I mean, there are probably better things for you guys to do on a Saturday night than, you know, come to this lousy dinner-"