Blood Blossoms

10

Iris stared at herself as she stood in the full length mirror in her closet. She took a deep breath. She hardly recognized herself. The dress hugged her body like a latex glove, sleek violet satin was caressing the flesh of her body and grazed the floor and she felt like she was in a bed with silk sheets.

The yellow pumps stood out but they didn't look out of place with the outfit. Her hair was in an elegant updo with a few bone straight pieces framing her face. Her neck was graced with a borrowed long diamond pendant chained courtesy of the witch/ new best friend Rose, with the matching dangling earrings. Her makeup more caked on than she'd liked. But it was breathable.

She turned her body from side to side inspecting every inch of herself. She was surprised Jareth had really sent a dress, shoes and matching clutch just waiting on her bed with a note attached to it.

Dear Beautiful Miss Iris,
Wear every item you see here. Nothing more.

Jareth

She didn't know if not having undergarments laid out was intentional, but when she'd asked the girls when they helped dress her like bridesmaids, they all said 'no' to wearing any underwear. Like hell she was going bare. Walking around with out a bra and panties wasn't her forte no matter how she survived showering in juvie.

She took one more look before there was a knock at her door. She grabbed her clutch and walked to the door taking one final deep breath before she opened the door to find Emilio standing before her in a crisp all black suit with a purple violet tie, and shiny oiled loafers. His curly hair was freshly cut on the sides, his curly top was gelled back, and his septum piercing was present and glistening. He had a faint scent of cologne.

"Are you ready?" He asked with a smile, doing his own look of approval of her. "You look ravishing."

Iris' mouth was too dry to even move her tongue. She blinked rapidly when he placed his hand to her forehead. "S-sorry. T-thank you." She croaked out.

"All's well." He nodded holding a hand out for her to take.

"You're coming to dinner too?" She asked placing her clammy one in his.

"Last minute, spur of the moment shindig if you will." He shrugged escorting her down the stairs. "Everyone's eating dinner downstairs, we're a tad bit late, but Jareth will understand."

Iris nodded as she watched her step going down the stairs.

"Jareth has a sense of humor. Dressing you up in the colors of an iris flower." He chuckled opening the big palace front door.

Iris thought for a second. Honestly she'd never seen an iris before, but it was quite clever if what Emilio said was true. She gulped at the sight of the stretch Escalade limousine as the young blonde driver in a black and white suit opened the door and bowed as they both approached.

"Good evening. My name is Derek Blaine and I will be your chauffeur," He said politely.

"Good evening, Mr. Blaine. This lovely lady is Iris, and I am Emilio." Emilio said helping Iris into the car after she greeted him.

She was more interested to see where they were going. It was the first night she was out in freedom as herself. It was her second official time being out. Twice in one day.

When they finally came to a stop, Iris looked confused. It was a tall building in the heart the city downtown. It didn't look like much, and it confused her immensely.

"He would." Emilio muttered under his breath.

"Would what?" Iris asked confusedly.

Emilio chose not to answer her as he opened the door not waiting for Derek. He held his hand out for Iris and she took it. They thanked Derek and approached the entrance. Emilio opened the door for her, and Jareth stood there waiting. The place was an  extravagant restaurant.