The Way You Look Tonight

Part 4: The Gala of Whispers

Standing in front of her full length mirror, Helen turns slightly from side to side and stares at her long crimson glittery strapless mermaid gown with sweat heart neckline- and wonders if this is too little or not enough. She looks amazing in it- according to Lauren, who went with her dress shopping. She doesn't know if she's a fan of the low cut back that exposes her Persian tattoo that says "Bravery is Selfless". A fitting statement considering all the brave things she has done with her life. Her body shakes slightly at the thousand of thoughts flooding her mind about going tonight. Should she even go? Why is she? Can she bail on Max and claim she's sick or something?

No. She can't. Just like the elevator, she has to face her fears. She must be brave, for Max.

Just as she is coming down the stairs, her doorbell rings and she opens it. On the other side, glancing back at the street is Max. He looks dashing as ever in his black black tux pants, slim white and black contrast shawl jacket and a white dress shirt underneath and a black bow tie. He's looks like he stepped straight out of the 1950's and is completely handsome. When he turns around and faces her fully, his eyes widen and then soften.

"You look amazing. I...I...truly you are gorgeous." He stutters, his speech is leaving him with no words.

"You don't look so bad yourself. Very dashing." She blushes and he keeps glancing at her up and down. The dress hugs her features and accentuates all her curves and nice arse.

"Ready to go?" He asks and she looks at him curiously.

"Where's Luna?"

"With a sitter. I thought it would be nice for you to actually enjoy your time tonight, Dr. Sharpe." She wishes he would have brought her. A distraction is what she wanted tonight. He extends his arm out for her and she hesitantly takes it after flicking off her light and locking her door. "No jacket?"

"No, it's not like it's a long walk."

"Oh we're not walking." He says and they walk down her steps and just as they get to a the curb, a horse drawn carriage pulls up and stops. "Voila."

"Are you serious right now?" She can't believe he went this far. Horse rides are expensive and for the short distance they are going, it would be a waste of money. However, it is very thoughtful and a wonderful gesture.

"Lucky for us, Harold here was in the neighborhood for a suture removal and had no problem in giving us a ride to look passed his copay." Max winks at the driver who is also suited up with a top hat and looks just as dashing. "After you?"

He helps her up and into the carriage and she sits facing forward on the comfy leather seats, but now wishes she had a shawl or cover up for her shoulders. Getting in next to her, Max pulls a soft animal fur blanket over them and removes his jacket, placing it on her shoulders. The carriage takes off and Helen's heart thumps loudly against her rib cage. If this is all just for show, she believes it. It's like a Hallmark movie. Snow starts falling and the street is quiet, besides the clacking of the horseshoes on the pavement and the turning of the wheels. Under the blanket, she can feel his body heat radiating into her side.

"I love the way your hair is done. You should wear it like that more often." He sweetly says. She has the front of her hair up in a french braid across the top that is then braided down the back over the rest of her lose hair, a nod to a Viking style she found in a magazine. She didn't think it would work, but after an hour of attempts, she finally got it.

"Thank you." She's quite nervous, now isn't she. This whole night reeks of bad decisions. The biggest is her going to the Gala. Arriving at the Dam, Max gets out and helps Helen down. She gives him back his jacket and they head inside as he buttons it back up. He holds the door for her and the whole atrium is buzzing with noise, nothing new for a Friday night. They head to the ballroom and as they approach the doors, the whispers begin.