Tears Ricochet

chapt 4

Entering that entrance way was a mistake, I knew it...

But here I am right now, mouth slightly ajar by seeing the largeness and beauty of this establishment.The floor was fully stone, the walls were beautifully filled with art, the staff were in uniforms that are probably far more expensive than my outfit, and the ceilings were adorned by 3 large and shiny chandeliers cascading down above our heads-- but still so far away,
The lighting in this space makes it feel like I'm in a barbie movie palace. The inside smells like a mixture of a nut and newly vacuumed carpet and the chilly breeze outside was replaced by a comfortable cool inside.

The red carpet that I had been standing on lead to the large staircase in the center of the room.

So I guess that's where I'm headed?..

Just before taking my first few steps up the staircase, I felt pairs of eyes looking at my very direction. I must seem very out of place in a space like this, but I shrug all the feelings of doubt away.  Held my head high... I drew long heavy breaths as I feign strong confidence. I strut up the large red carpeted stairs in my old heeled boots. 

Reaching on top of the stairs I was feeling... accomplished,empowered, like I won an award.  Walking up the carpeted stairs did that and I have never imagined this feeling to be so overwhelming; but I kept myself together.

Waiting for me beside the left railing was an usher and usherette. They seemed confused, so  I was the one who initiated the conversation.

" Hello, I'm Emerald Perch and I'm here for the anniversary party.."  The usherette rushed to check the guest book while the usher stuttered.
" Y-yes- p-please wait f-for a while, while D-dina checks the gue-guestbook ." I smiled at the young worker boy.

After a few seconds, Dina, sends a thumbs up at the guys direction, and the guy starts leading me to the direction of 2 large wooden doors.

"H-here you are Miss Perch."I thanked him for his service and pushed the wooden doors open. What I saw inside took my breath away.

..................
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Being dumbfounded was an understatement. The sounds of a violin orchestra reached my ears as soon as I walked in, making the place seem like its floating on air.

I scan my eyes around the venue. The ceiling was high, not as high as the ceiling outside but still very high; hanging from it were not shiny chandeliers but rather different shades of white silk cloths decorated into beautiful drapes; and hanging from those drapes were falling lights, seemingly dancing above our heads.The place was filled with tall tables decorated with fresh and dried flowers of different kinds and a prominent dance floor in the middle.

There was a low rising stage decorated to fit the motif of flowers.  Next to it at the right is a large bar area that seemed to be also decorated with flowers. Looking around my eyes and mouth seem to follow the same rhythm of open and closing.

" Wow you really seem to like the decorations." A voice of a man spoke. I turn around to see a man in fancy formal wear looking around the place. From what I can tell he is definitely well-fixed; he smelled of a unique fragrance, his hair thick and dark, and his face free from any wrinkles . He looked kind of familiar but still new.

"Hi! I'm Adrien Craston" He said as he held his hand out at my direction. I politely took it and shook his hand with a curt nod. Then a loud feedback of a mic somewhere in the room brought me to look at where it was coming from. I looked around to see a girl wearing a shiny green gown  parade herself near the once opened wood doors of the entrance.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to tonight's event. Tonight is going to be all about fun and celebration as we all celebrate the golden wedding anniversary of today's business power couple.... Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome the lovely: Jessica and Ester Perch!"

The room bursted with loud noises of clap and cheers as soon as the MC ended. Some whistling and even others lightly bouncing from excitement to seeing the power couple...but I feel nothing but numb.

___________end of chapt 4_____________