What's Important?
by Marshi
Chapter One, Beauty
"Rosalie, I have forgotten to send father his lunch, mind you get it to him?" My mother asked me politely. She was oddly polite today, not that she was not polite every other day, but especially so with me.
"Yes, mother," I responded her, spotting the wrapped lunch that she packed in multiple containers. I picked up two containers and a mug of Earl Grey Tea and made my way to the door.
My mother cleared her throat behind me, "Will you be a dear and change into the white summer dress that you own and would you please tie up your hair?" I stared at her, questioning her motive for a second before ignoring any suspicion and placing the items to the table carelessly.
When I got to my room I changed quickly, applying some cover up and tied my hair up with a white lace ribbon to match the dress mother picked out.
As I passed my mirror I couldn't help but look at my reflection. I was beautiful, far more beautiful than any other of the ladies I had seen. The hair on my head was a gleaming golden color and the gentlemen got lost in the wide, dark blue eyes I possessed. Full lips made the gentlemen swoon after me and my curvy figure enhanced my features. I knew I was vain, but how could I help it? God was the one who gave me the look, there had to be a reason for it.
"Mother, I will be back soon."
Sun blazed hotly in the clear blue sky, I placed a prim hat on the tip of my head. The edges of my hat blared out in flowing waves.
The bank father worked at was close by. It was only to be a mile there and I could easily walk it. When the gentlemen on the streets followed my steps from where they stand I would smile to them and give them a little wave. The ladies that scowled at me received nothing else but a blank stare.
Familiar, clear doors with metal rims greeted me as I pushed through them. I sighed in relief to feel the cool gust attack me as soon as I had taken a step into the room. I wanted to take a seat; I had worked up a sweat with the hot whether beating down on me.
With my hand, I fanned myself lightly, catching the attention of many of the gentlemen in the room. Being accommodated to the staring and feeling smug I spotted my father eyeing the lunch I held with appreciation. A smile lit my face as I walked across the room, happy that it was cool in the room.
"Hello, father," I greeted politely as I had with mother. "I brought you the lunch that mother made for you."
He nodded to me in acknowledgement and took the lunch. He simply went back to work without sparing a word for me. It would have been nice to see my parents care for me, converse with me, but I knew that wouldn't happen. Would it?
Seeing nothing else for me to do in this room I strode across again, shivering. Someone was looking at me, someone special. I inclined my head toward the right to see a tall, handsome man. He was six foot tall, if not more, with blond hair a shade lighter than mine and pale blue eyes; eyes that gleamed. He wore a black suit like it was the most natural thing to be wearing. I shot him a small smile and pushed open the doors, I had to face the blistering heat once again.