It was two days before the ball when Mallory and Noelle stepped into Mallory's home. "You two made it" Antoinette said as she walked to the foyer to greet them.
"We're so happy to have you" Antoinette said to Noelle. "Can you make sure her father isn't allowed at the ball, it's just her personal preference, thank you" Mallory said before asking Noelle to follow her to her room.
"Be in my studio in thirty for fittings" Antoinette said as Mallory and Noelle walked up the stairs.
Mallory helped Noelle set in before they walked back down stairs. "Has grandmother arrived yet?" Mallory asked her mother.
"I'm glad to hear you ask about me" Eleanor said as she stepped into the studio with them.
Mallory smiled and hugged her grandmother then Noelle hugged her too. "Any idea on what color or design you two would like to wear?" Antoinettes assistant asked.
"I want something puffy, almost like the dress I wore two years ago except I want a pastel color or anything as long as it's a soft color" Mallory said.
The assistant asked Mallory to follow her near a rack where she had four dresses hanged. Noelle was being helped by another assistant and her grandmother Eleanor who wanted to interact more with her for all the time she didn't spend with her.
Mallory chose two dresses and began trying them on. "You look like a princess with this one" Antoinette smiled as she watched Mallory.
"Stop, are you going to cry?" Mallory widened her eyes as she watched her mother's eyes get watery. "I just can't help but imagine you the day you get married" Antoinette smiled. "Is Bellami coming?" Mallory changed the conversation.
"I'm not sure, I asked your father not to allow Dimitri or his family attend so I don't know if Bellami will come" Antoinette said.
"You should prohibit my father's entry as well" Mallory said as she moved her hair aside then grabbed it and picked it up to see what hair style would look better.
"Do you like?" Noelle asked making Mallory and Antoinette turn to see her. "You look absolutely stunning" Antoinette said.
"The dress was made for you, it's beautiful. Although they can have it tightened just a little bit more in your waist" Mallory said.
"Do you like it?" Eleanor asked Noelle. "I love it" she smiled.
"Great, have you chosen a dress?" Eleanor turned to look at Mallory. "This one" Mallory pointed.
"We've chosen the dresses than, get changed and come with me to the pool" Eleanor said before leaving the studio.
"What for?" Mallory frowned as she asked her mother. "Just meet her out there" Antoinette said.
Once they removed the dresses they met with their grandmother who was accompanied by a couple.
"I'd like you to meet my granddaughters, these are close friends of mine who will teach you the steps to a waltz I have arranged for the ball" Eleanor said.
"A waltz?" Mallory asked. "We're changing things up just a little" Eleanor smiled. "Who are we dancing with?" Mallory asked. "People who will be attending, those people are rehearsing as well" Eleanor said.
~
"I'm sorry I brought you for a waltz" Mallory said to Noelle. "It's fine, it doesn't sound as bad. It actually sounds fun" Noelle smiled. "Have you found a ball room?" Mallory asked her grandmother who smiled, "it'll be here, we have more space than a ball room. Trust me" Eleanor said before she left them to rehearse.
The choreographer put on music and Mallory asked if it was the music her grandmother had chosen. "The song is a surprise but this one has a similar rhythm" one of the choreographer answered.
"So let's begin, we wait two seconds before stepping towards our first partner who we'll only do one twirl with before we switch to the left"
"So we'll have more than one partner?" Mallory raised her brow. "The second person you end up with will be your official partner" the choreographer nodded. "Grandma is really out of her mind" Mallory said before Noelle gave her a smile.
~
Mallory and Noelle stepped into the restaurant where they would be having dinner with Mallory's parents and her grandmother. Just as they were stepping in they came across Hailey and Ezekiel. It was the first time Noelle saw Ezekiel in person but she knew who he was because Mallory had shown her pictures of him.
"Excuse us" Hailey said and moved aside grabbing Ezekiel's hand to have him follow her. Ezekiel looked at Mallory as he walked by.
"Are you okay?" Noelle asked Mallory who had no face expression. "It was a twist of knife on my chest but I'll survive as long as it isn't pulled out" Mallory said and tried her best to smile. They walked towards a private room where their family was waiting.
"Shall we do a toast in honor of having our Oxford girls home?" Eleanor smiled.
Mallory sat in silence replaying the image of Ezekiel walking by her. All she could think of was how he held onto Haileys hand. They had their food but Mallory barely touched hers or was hardly listening to the conversation. Noelle would glimpse at her but didn't want to say anything, she knew exactly how hurt Mallory felt.
"Excuse me" Mallory pushed her seat back before setting her napkin on the table. Mallory left the table and stepped out of the restaurant. Noelle followed her and stepped outside with her. Mallory turned to look at Noelle, "I'm fine" she smiled. Noelle took a step closer to hug her before Mallory let herself cry.
"It's okay to let out your emotions" Noelle said. "I know I just don't like ruining my makeup" Mallory said as she gathered herself. She wiped her tears away before smiling.
"I'll be okay. I actually invited Colton to the ball, I'm not sure he'll be able to fly here but he said he'll see what he can do" Mallory said. "Colton, Calum's friend?" Noelle asked.
"Yeah I only invited him which I'm sure he won't come but it would be nice to see him soon" Mallory nodded. "Him being three years older than you doesn't bother you?" Noelle asked.
"No, it actually attracts me. We should probably go back inside so we can finish up and head back home for some rest, tomorrow is a big day" Mallory smiled referring to the ball
