Emilia ✔️ NOW PUBLISHED!

52

♥️

Workers in pressed black suits and black dresses have been scrambling around the property all day, preparing for the charity masquerade ball. Me and Ash have spent hours getting ready, a hairstylist pins my hair once more with another bobby pin as the make-up artist finishes Ashley's look.

"Now you girls have to be extra careful getting into your dresses." Erin, the hairdresser, tells us. "You don't want to ruin all the work we've done." They both smile appreciatively as we twirl in front of the mirror. Erin walks away for a moment, presumably getting our dresses for us.

Ashley's hair is down, with long ringlets sweeping across her shoulders, she looks like a princess. I decided to have my hair curled and pinned up to go with my gown. Aiden requested it, and I was happy to have my hair out of my face for the night.

I place my promise ring on my finger, Aidens locket necklace around my neck, and my mom and dad's charm bracelet on my wrist.

I squeal when Erin returns, carrying Ashley's gorgeous dress, it's off white and has the slightest hint of pink to it and it looks amazing against her freshly tanned skin. The winter blues got to her, so she's been going to the tanning bed. For me, I stay somewhat tan all year round, so I skipped that adventure.

"You are going to look so stunning tonight," I tell her, running my hands along the soft fabric of her dress. I stand, helping her get into it, she does a little twirl with the brightest smile I've ever seen.

"Do you think it's too much?" Her smile fades as she looks in the mirror, "I mean it's a lot, right?"

I have to laugh, "No, it's perfect. I promise! I asked the same thing when Aiden brought home my dress but from what he told me, this event is extremely posh and it happens once a year so getting dressed up can be fun. Plus, we're donating our dresses to girls who needed one for prom!"

She relaxes, smiling again at her reflection. "That's so sweet! Okay, I feel better now because I've never worn anything like this." I nod in agreement. "So, the charity is raising money for underprivileged kids?"

"Yup!" I say excitedly, I thought it was a perfect charity to choose. The money raised from the event will go towards housing, food, and extracurriculars for kids. I really loved the idea because not only does it help parents but it will help children who want to be in extra programs like art classes and sports and now they will have that opportunity. Plus, with the high executive people coming tonight, they're bringing extra security in so it's good all around.

I've been involved in the planning of a few key points of the night. Mostly choosing the food, but I'm extra excited about the endless waltz. After Aiden told me he knew how, he learned from his mom, he spent time teaching me just for tonight. In the one we planned you switch partners every thirty seconds and the dance lasts for an hour. When someone stops, they have to donate which is a fun twist and will help raise more money for the cause.

Ashley brings her black mask to her face; I help her to tie it and step back. "I love the detail on it!" I tell her, skimming my fingers along the material. Leaning in to whisper I tell her, "Also, it's to keep us safe since we're still on semi-high alert but security will be amped up for the event."

"Now it's your turn!" Ashley clasps her hands together, looking past me. I admire the glittery blue dress as Erin hands it to me.

I step in while the women circle around and zip me up, my fingers run along the material. Hundreds of rhinestones sparkle on the fabric, while a rich navy blue compliments my skin tone. I let out a deep breath, looking back at myself in astonishment. I look so... grown.