The Princess and the Greek God

1 The Tiara

*UNEDITED

1 THE TIARA

“Do I look ready?”

I asked myself for the third time as I looked at my reflection in the mirror.

You are overdressed. Go and change your clothes.

Ha! There goes my conscience again, telling me to take off the little, black dress I have on, as well as the stilettos that I am so uncomfortable wearing. That voice of reason wanted me to just wear a pair of jeans, a shirt and ballet flats.

“You are overdressed.” I said out loud; besides, all my friends will probably be wearing something to this level…then my feet automatically slipped out of the killer shoes.

I looked at the time and it was almost rush hour. I needed to go out of the house now to avoid traffic. I stared at the shoes again and told myself to just go with the flow. At least when my friends see me looking ‘HOT’ they will know that I am not miserable even without a ‘special someone’ on Valentine’s day.

Whoever said that I am miserable? It’s been four years since I broke up with Victor – heck, my friends call him names, but there’s one that cracks me up and hurts me at the same time. But I tried my best to go back to being normal. I have lived my life without him before, why wouldn’t I be able to handle things without him now?

I am not miserable. Four years without a boyfriend is okay for me. I AM FREE. I can do all the things I want; I can go wherever I want. You know, I’m single and I am happy because I can do anything I want…but my friends don’t think so. They say I smile on the outside but I’m dying little by little inside. Excuse me! It’s already been four years and if I had been dying little by little like they say I was, I would have had a nervous breakdown episode or something. I will prove to them otherwise. I will show up and let them see how ‘okay’ I am without Victor.

I threw my stilettos on the passenger seat and wore the ballet flats. It will be pure talent and courage and more of stupidity if I drive with killer heels on.

After I checked everything, I started the ignition and drove. I hated driving. I hated traffic. I hated everything about this day. There, I said it. I hated Valentine’s day, because to me, it seemed so sensationalized nowadays. Would it be the end if you don’t give your special someone a bouquet of flowers? Roses specifically? Or chocolates? Or go out to dinner? No, but it seemed to be a requirement these days.

I snapped out of myself reflection after a car cut in front of me and I had to step on the brakes suddenly. I hated driving. I hated those irresponsible drivers who seemed to be taught by seven years old. I hated stupid pedestrians who cross the street even when the light is green, I hate –

I stopped mid thought when my cell phone rang. I didn’t bother checking it as I knew it was Tracey calling to ask me where I am already.

“I am stuck in traffic; I’ll be there in about half an hour.” I said, hoping Tracey would hear my voice in her head as my phone continued to ring like crazy.

Almost an hour later, I managed to reach the restaurant and luckily, found a good parking spot. For the last time, I checked my reflection on the rear view mirror and yes, I still look ‘date worthy’. Then I reached for my stilettos on the passenger seat and wore them. I checked my wristwatch and I was fifteen minutes late. The hell I care, I’ll just have to make a grand entrance.

I walked confidently to the restaurant entrance and a waiter opened the door for me. He immediately asked me if I had reservations and I gave him Tracey’s name, then he told me to follow him.