𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝙻𝚒𝚏𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 ✓ (𝟷𝟾+)

The party

Arin

There's no party like an Oswald party, for the Oswald party never stopped. Or at least that's what Xavier conveyed. He was the one in-charge of organizing everything. The responsibility he reluctantly agreed upon.

"Is there  anything I can help you with?" I said to to Xavier's back, watching his head pull up from the clipboard he was holding. He turned with his usual smile, walking me away from the place.

"If I wanted your help, I would have asked for to.."

"No you wouldn't. You are too shy." I giggled. His stoic expression hardened at my hilarious take.

"And Roger said you are funny?" He taunted, the corner of his lip rising up. Her hooked eyebrow watched me in astonishment. "He must be high on something to say that. You suck at jokes Arin."

I shoved him softly. He let out a soft laugh, walking back with me. 

"Roger doesn't do drugs." It was the one information I was in possession of, thanks to Mrs. Rose. Roger was the clean guy who never required chemical alternate to be high. He was usually too mixed with work to even bother trying. Poor chap.

"Then water perhaps. Because he can't simply be liking your humor without any catalyst." Xavier gestured at me completely, shattering my perception of being a good humorist.

Taunting, we walk back to our rooms. 

Dad wanted the party to be at the mansion but it was Xavier who convinced him otherwise. So now, I had a suite with my name on it and a bunch of fairy artists whose task was to transform me into Cinderella. I still didn't get why such pomp and show was needed.

Why can't we simply print an engagement news in the papers?

By evening, I was powered and caked in layers of foundation, thick enough to form the base of a building. The ironic part, for my own fake engagement party, I had no say. Dad was thrilled to be the host, running around and shouting orders at everyone. I, for one didn't want to burst his happy bubble, hence played along.

A knock on the door startled me. Roger was quick to enter as if he was trying to evade someone. He hands bolted the double doors following which he walked in. His eyes roamed over me. I braced myself for yet another 'Ready'. But this time, Roger took me by surprise.

"You look.." He didn't match my eyes straight away. Evaluating me from top to bottom, he lend his arm, twirling me instead. "Splendid." 

Unprepared for such a reaction, I felt blood rush to my cheeks and all parts near my chest cavity. Finding it difficult to breath, I blamed it on the corseted gown. A white satin clothing which tugged hard at me waist and chest make me feel faintish from the moment I was placed inside. Beautiful array of stonework aligned over the borders near the neck. The exquisite feature of all was the slit. High enough near the leg to leave little to the imagination yet not overexposed.

Roger wore a three piece suit which fit him perfectly, highlighting his features. The navy blue blazer highlighted his ice blue pupils, a feature of his I could be adore for hours. Holding out his palm, he waited. I trembled from inside, the thought of touching him again, even though it was merely his hand was tremulous. I felt a surge of electricity run through me, fluttering my chest and stomach. 

Roger, on the other hand, walked as if he was holding a inanimate object. No expression, no emotions.

In the crowded room, murmurs hushed. People turned to adore Roger and watch the new kid, me. He gave my hand a gently squeeze before walking into the crowd of new and old money. With the exception of the queen herself, the entire London was present at this ball, which as dad re-emphasized, wasn't a ball.