Disclaimer: All the characters belong to Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy, and Anne Fortier's Juliet has been used as a bit of guidance. This particular story, however, is mine.
2013
Janine Hathaway strolled down the long carpeted hall of her neat and tastefully decorated home, in that purposeful, yet elegant way of hers – a combination that was easy to keep in balance for one with such a petite frame as her. Stopping directly in front of her daughter's bedroom, she quickly rapped on the door, knowing full well that a teenager, like her Rosemarie, wished for warning before someone as intrusive and inquisitive, such as her mother, was to enter.
After hearing the mumbled sounds of someone stating to "come in already", Janine found herself standing adjacent to her daughter; who was reading The Da Vinci Code whilst spread across her King-size bed. The very bed that Rose had pleaded with her mother to buy at the age of fifteen, because she, as she put it; "was basically an adult now and had the right to be treated like one, and that meant getting a larger bed". The memory made the hint of a smile play on her lips. Janine may have been mostly about 'tough love', but deep down she could never deny her only daughter anything. Which is why it pained her so to watch such a beautiful, budding young adult continue on alone in her room on a Saturday evening, reading a book that she had spent the last year trying to finish. A clear sign of how desperate Rose was to avoid social contact with anyone. However, Janine wasn't fooled by such an act. Rose wasn't the only one with an ulterior motive.
"You aren't going out tonight?" Janine asked, putting a large amount of effort into appearing inconspicuous about her daughter's social activities. However, Rose wasn't buying it. She knew that her mother was trying, in a much-too-subtle way, to gather what tidbits of information she could muster about her daughter's much withheld personal life, "With Lissa or something?"
"Maybe", Rose replied, in a stand-offish sort of way, "But it isn't any of your business, is it?" Rose did, indeed, have plans to accompany her best friend Lissa, and their small group of friends, to a party that was being held at her best-guy-friend, Mason's, house.
"As your mother, it is my business to ensure that I know where you are at all times", Janine stated, her tone and the pressing down of her lips being a clear indication to the animosity that seemed to emanate between the two of them. "And anyway, we have family plans tonight", said Janine, and as cruel as it seemed, she took much delight in seeing her daughter turn from smug to defeated in a matter of seconds. "Your father", she made sure to say that with as much emphasis as humanly possible, "was invited to a ball. A sort of masquerade costume party, by a man he wishes to partner with. We were also invited to join, so make sure you are pleasant and polite, as we all know how much the impression of a whole family goes a long way, especially in business related situations. So get that grimace off your face and start getting ready. We leave at seven o'clock, sharp."
With those final words, ones which she did not expect to hear any talk-back from, Janine swiftly turned and left the room, closing the door with a small thud. Once she was outside, she leaned against the door and let out a harsh sigh of exasperation, pulling her hands through her short, auburn hair. Conversing with a defiant teenager was hard work, she mused. Her last thoughts before walking back down the hall, were in hopes that her daughter did not wear anything too short or showy, as that would very well compromise their family's stark reputation.
Rose stared at the mirror in her bathroom, the one that was situated across the hall from her spacious bedroom. Two large, brown orbs started bleakly back at her. She, among other things, was thinking about what to wear to the atrocious festivity being held tonight. The one that had been thrust upon her at the last minute, she recalled bitterly.
"A ba-a-a-all", she scoffed, dragging out her words in purposeful way, giving off the impression of a pretentious old lady, with a bad British accent. "We have been invited to a ball, Rosemarie. Dress appropriately, Rosemarie. Be courteous of other people, Rosemarie. Move the house a little to the left, Rosemarie", Rose mimicked in her mother's – albeit quite exaggerated– high-pitched voice.
She contemplated, for a moment, wearing something that would be considered a bit risqué, such as a tight, revealing dress, or one that would show too much leg and not enough naivety, but decided against it at the last minute. She might revel in the giddiness that can only come from teenage rebellion, but she did not feel like facing the wrath of her mother and step-father. Not tonight, at least. And most definitely not in public.
However, what piece of clothing she wore seemed much too trivial compared to her other thoughts. Well, maybe only a bit less trivial, because what occupied her thoughts was really not at all important, not to anyone but herself, at least. What about the party? What will I say to Lissa and the boys? And most importantly; how can I sneak away from this wretched gathering of rich snobs and Champagne, to go to one that promises a good time and plenty of vodka? However, she pushed those thoughts aside. For now, she must worry about selecting the right outfit and leaving the house on time, before the Doberman that insists on Rose calling her 'Mum', chews her head right off. On second thought, Rose giggled as she imagined that her mother resembled more of a squirrel than anything, especially with that dark chestnut hair and the way she always hurriedly scampered to and fro.
In the end, she opted for a long, chiffon dress. It was simple; a sweetheart neckline, sleeveless, and flowy from the waist down. But, most importantly it was red – Rose's signature colour. The beautiful blood-red crimson accented her perfectly tanned, flawless skin, and long dark mahogany-coloured hair – which she left out, styled neatly and elegantly – perfectly. Her beige suede heels and clutch added that touch of elegance needed at a party like this, along with the thin gold chain that she always wore – the one whose pendant bore a simple gold love-heart. However, the final, most beautiful touch was the mask which adorned her pretty face. It was a Venetian style mask – one which only covered the portion of face which held her deep, large brown eyes. The mask was decorated in golden glitter, which surprising did not look one bit tacky, and was ornamented with various faux gemstones, but predominantly red garnets which were the same hue as her dress.
At quarter-to-seven, she descended down the stairs to the awaiting limousine that would deliver them to an unknown address that would most likely boast grandness, elegance, and the promise of absolute fineness in every little detail. Sighing, she grudgingly walked across the gravel which covered the front driveway of her house, her shoes crunching on the hard, uneven ground. Why were her parents taking so long to get ready, when they were always the ones bagging on her for taking her sweet, precious time? Hypocrites, she thought.
In her moment of boredom, she looked up at the sky, something which she always took pleasure out of doing. She could look up there for all of eternity if she had to. She loved the beautiful and mysterious darkness, the feeling of pure tranquility which came with being wrapped up in that dark, velvet-like blue. Her imagination could run wilder than a mustang that had been released from chains, running a muck with the joy that only freedom could offer. However, Rose's chains were not of the physical type. One thing she always had a hard time comprehending was how far the stars really were from earth. How much space was in between her and those billions of burning lights? And that thought, while ever awe-inspiring to someone who felt so trapped, made her feel even smaller than she already did.
PLEASE READ!
Hello lovelies! Firstly, may I say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has subscribed! This is my first FanFiction, and I never expected people to actually, you know, read it. So yay! And thank you for the cute reviews as well, they are much appreciated.
Annnndd, on to the apology: I am so so so so sorry this took so long to upload. I became the slack author I always disliked on FanFiction (just kidding; I love you all). Hopefully it was worth the wait.
As always, constructive criticism is welcome, however flames are not appreciated, so try and keep the comments mild. Also, there are a few things I want to mention:
First; When I said that this story was inspired by Juliet by Anna Fortier, I meant only the switching between dates (you will see what I mean when the story progresses) and the few references to possible Romeo and Juliet type situations, nothing more. This story, its words and situations are all mine, and the characters, as you know, are Richelle Mead's.
Second; this will not be a 'fast-paced' story. Personally I dislike stories where people fall in love within the first chapter or two, and suddenly become all chummy with each other until the end. This will not, I repeat not, be like anything that. In fact, it will be quite slow. I like a nice build-up.
Third; this story may make references to very M-rated things; sexual stuff, alcohol and even possible drug use. If you are not into that, I suggest moving on, because I would feel terrible if I didn't warn someone and they freaked out.
So...anyway...WHO IS EXCITED FOR THE VA MOVIE? I KNOW I AM!
