It was now 7pm on Erakleon and the plane had landed on Erakleon soil. On the flight Musa had managed to write 2 songs for the evening's festivities. The girls walked off the plan with their luggage and made their way to another limo that was waiting for them just by the tarmac. The trip only took 20mins and the girls had finally arrived at the Erakleon royal palace. The girls walked through the palace then out the back doors to the garden. There were fairy lights hanging everywhere as the sun went down with tables every filled with settings and decorations. There were caterers and barmen too. A stage was set up in front of the tables and several instruments were set up, including a drum set, two electric guitars, and an acoustic guitar.
"Wow, now this is a party" Stella said walking down the stairs ahead of the girls.
"This doesn't look like a wedding" Bloom said surprised.
"I told you sweetie, there was nothing to worry about" Flora said giving Bloom a hug.
Bloom smiled and continued to walk around the gardens. Ellie went inside the palace to find the party planner and get the rundown of the performance. Flora was looking around when she noticed some people that they knew.
"Girls" Flora began
"So what is wrong with Bloom coming to this?" Musa asked as they walked down the stairs.
"Girls" Flora repeated a little louder and not moving.
"Maybe it was a guy only event or something" Tecna suggested.
"Girls!" Flora repeated more sternly and louder.
The girls immediately turned their heads back and realised that Flora didn't move and they walked back up the stairs towards Flora.
"Flora, what's wrong?" Bloom asked.
"Sky isn't the only one who has been keeping things from us" Flora said pointing to the boys' table.
The other girls turned around and saw the boys sitting at the table laughing.
"Oh….my…..god!" Layla gasped in disbelief.
"They told us that they had a survival mission for the next two days!" Musa said.
"They lied to us?" Flora said astonished that Helia would lie to her.
"Oh, they are in for a world of pain" Stella said angrily.
Stella was about to storm up to them when Bloom grabbed her arm.
"Don't Stella" Bloom said.
"Why? They lied to us" Stella said.
"Girls, I've got an idea" Musa said sneakily.
"What is it?" Tecna asked interested.
Musa smirked as she began explaining her big plan.
After a few minutes of discussing the plan, the stage lit up with lights and a person walked on stage. It was Sky. Ellie walked out to get the girls. She was leading them inside the castle to get them ready for their performance as the girls watched Sky on stage.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen" Sky said as he walked up on stage and a spotlight hit him. "Welcome to the wedding anniversary of King Erendor and Queen Samera."
The crowd applauded Sky's introduction.
"And now let's welcome the couple of the hour" Sky added as all the guests stood up and applauded as King Erendor and Queen Samera walked out of the doors waving and smiling at the guests.
The King and Queen made their way to a rectangular shaped table specifically reserved for them and Sky. They sat down and were served a glass of champagne. Sky walked off stage and sat down next to them.
One of the royal advisors walked up on stage and took Sky's place.
"Your majesties, ambassadors from every realms, ladies, and gentlemen" the advisor began. "Thank you for attending this tremendous occasion where Erakleon celebrates the King and Queen's 30th Wedding Anniversary."
The crowd applauded as the girls were back inside the palace in one of the guest bedrooms getting dressed for their performance.
"A wedding anniversary? A wedding anniversary!" Stella yelled once they went inside their dressing room. "All of this secrecy for a lousy wedding anniversary!" Stella picked up a glass of water and threw it at the wall.
"Stella! Calm down!" Bloom said grabbing Stella's arm.
"Stay calm! Sky had you believing that he was getting married to Diaspro, or cheating on you, while all along it was a party for his parents! He had the guys lying to all of us because of an anniversary celebration!" Stella yelled.
"Look, if we follow the plan, we might get some fun from their reactions" Musa said. She looked up the clock panicked. "Girls hurry" Musa rushed the girls as she placed her earrings in. "The advisor is already on stage ready to announce us."
Musa wore a sexy red v-cut halter knee length dress. It had embroidery on the hem of the dress and a cute small red bow under the bust. She wore diamond earrings with white high heels and her hair was the same.
"Alright, alright" Layla replied walking out clipping a bracelet on her wrist.
Layla wore a brown knee length dress with a flower detailed strap over the right side. There was some gathered material to the left side held together with a small brown rose made out of the dress' material. She wore brown open toe high heels with brown dangly earrings and a brown bracelet on her left wrist. Her hair was the same.
"Girls!" Musa called checking her make-up in the mirror.
"I'm sorry, I had trouble putting my shoes on" Flora said walking out ready to fix her hair.
Flora wore a strapless knee length dress. The skirt was pink, with a thick black ribbon under the bust, which was tied up at the back, and the bust was white sequined. Her hair was the same and she wore pink and silver dangly earrings with a black and white bracelet on her left wrist.
"Stella, Bloom, Tecna, let's go!" Musa yelled again.
"One second!" Stella yelled angrily and she, Bloom, and Tecna walked out ready to go.
Stella wore a yellow knee length strapless dress with a sequin bust with a small bow at the front underneath the bust. She wore silver strappy high hells with orange dangly earrings and her hair was spelled so that it was slightly curled as it was worn down.
Bloom wore a royal blue strapless dress with the hem gathered so that there are 3 layers and held together with a silver gem on the left side. She wore black strappy high hells, silver earrings and her hair was the same.
Tecna wore a purple strapless dress with a thin black ribbon under the bust with a purple flower made out of the same material attached to the ribbon. She wore black high heels and her hair was the same.
"You girls, look stunning" Flora said about to cry.
"Darling" Stella said giving Flora a hug. "Don't cry, you'll ruin your make-up."
Flora just laughed.
"Ladies, you're on" Ellie said poking her head in.
The girls laughed and made their way outside towards the garden doors. Ellie quietly led them outside and behind all the tables as the advisor was making his speech.
"Now ladies and gentlemen, for tonight's entertainment, we have the hottest band hitting the charts as number 1...ladies and gentlemen, all the way from Magix...please welcome...The Winx!"
The boys' faces went pale, Sky chocked on his drink, as one by one the winx girls walked on stage wearing the most elegant and yet cutest outfits to perform in front of Bloom's potential in-laws.
Musa walked up to the microphone almost laughing as she saw Riven's face. She slightly turned her head and saw that the other girls were about to burst from laughter seeing their boyfriend's faces. But the most priceless look was the look on Sky's face.
All the girls were laughing at Sky's face. Musa's plan worked like a charm, it almost made the boys lying to them, almost forgivable with their little game. Sky was just gob smacked. He was paler than a ghost and looked like he was sweating. Bloom looked like she was going to burst from laughter.
Musa and Bloom were standing in the centre, and for the first time, the girls didn't play instruments, they had a back-up band since it was an elegant event. The other girls went in this order; Layla, Flora, Musa, Bloom, Stella, and Tecna, each wearing their stunning cocktail dresses.
Musa looked out into the crowd and smiled like the girls were dying from laughter. It was time to impress the highest authority in the realm and members of the Magix council.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen" Musa greeted with a smile. "We would just like to say, huge congratulations your majesties on 30 years of marriage and we are so honoured to be playing for your wedding anniversary. We like to dedicate this song to you. Happy wedding anniversary" Musa added and the music began.
The whole stage went black. A faint piano sounded coming from behind Musa. A single spotlight appeared on Musa as she began leading the song.
"Heaven" by DJ Sammy
(Verse)
Musa: Baby you're all that I want.
When you're lying here in my arms
I'm finding it hard to believe
We're in heaven.
All of a sudden, the techno party came in and the stage flashed white revealing the rest of the girls and started flashing different coloured lights. During the techno sections between versus, and choruses, there were male back-up dancers to the girls' surprise, and also the boys', but the game just got more interesting.
Flora: We're in heaven
During the verse after the lights flashed, Stella conjured a spell so whenever someone sung a verse, their hair will be blown like a photo shoot style, just another game for the boys.
[Techno section]
(Verse)
Bloom: Oh, thinking about all our younger years,
There was only you and me,
We were young and wild and free.
Layla: Now nothing can take you away from me.
We've been down that road before,
But that's over now.
You keep me coming back for more.
(Chorus)
Everyone: Baby you're all that I want.
When you're lying here in my arms
I'm finding it hard to believe
We're in heaven.
Flora: And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart.
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven.
Musa: We're in Heaven
[Techno section]
(Verse)
Stella: Now, nothing could change what you mean to me.
There's a lot that I could say
But just hold me now,
Cause our love will light the way.
(Chorus)
Everyone: Baby you're all that I want.
When you're lying here in my arms
I'm finding it hard to believe
We're in heaven.
Tecna: And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart.
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven.
(Bridge)
Musa: Now our dreams are coming true.
Through the good times and the bad
I'll be standing there by you.
Stella: We're in heaven
[Techno section]
(Chorus)
Everyone: And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart.
It isn't too hard to see
Bloom: We're in heaven.
[Techno section]
Everyone: We're in heaven
And with that last phrase, the stage went completely dark. The whole crowd enjoyed the performance and were applauding as the stage lights came back on.
"Thank you ladies and gentlemen, your majesties" Flora said. "We will take a short break as dinner will be served."
The girls smiled as they watched waiters walk around with dishes in their hands. The girls got off the stage and headed down the stage steps. The girls were laughing and giggling at the boys' faces as they walked off. They walked around to the back of the stage and continued laughing.
The girls were laughing so much that they didn't notice the boys, excluding Sky, walk up to them. They turned their heads and saw the boys next to them and they immediately went silent.
"Hey" The boys all said.
"Hi" The girls replied.
There was an awkward silence between them.
"Look, you girls are probably expecting an explanation" Brandon began.
"Expecting...more like deserving" Stella replied spitefully with her arms crossed.
"How long have you boys known about coming to Erakleon?" Tecna asked angrily.
"About a week" Timmy answered.
"A week!" The girls yelled.
"I can't believe you did this. You guys lied to us!" Stella yelled.
"We wanted to tell you and invite you along but we weren't allowed" Helia explained.
"Why not?" Flora asked calmly.
"Because I told them to" a voice answered.
The group turned around to see Sky standing behind the boys.
"I guess we will take our own arguments and leave these two with their battle" Musa suggested as the girls grabbed their guys by the ear and dragged them away.
BBBBBBBBBB
There was an even more awkward silence in the air as Bloom death stared Sky.
"First, let me just say that your performance was amazing, and you look stunning" Sky began.
"Flattery won't get you anywhere, Sky" Bloom interrupted angrily. "This is your parents' wedding anniversary and you didn't even tell me that you're going. And what's even worse is that you had the nerve to lie to me. I had to find out about their anniversary because I was asked to sing for them. And judging by the look on your face when we walked on stage, you weren't the one who organised it."
"Bloom, just hear me out-" Sky asked.
"Alright. So tell me, why wasn't I invited?"
"Is it only because you weren't invited?"
"No, there it is more than that"
"How so?"
"You didn't even TELL ME about it, Sky. You kept something from me! You lied straight to my face!"
"Look, I'm sorry. I just didn't want to hurt you"
"Well, you sure did a hell of a job didn't you?" Bloom asked sarcastically. "Is it because you are ashamed to be seen with me?"
"No"
"Am I not liked in your family?"
"No! We already established that when I invited you for the weekend in sophomore year."
"Well then, am I not good enough for you and your friends and family?"
"No Bloom! I wanted you to come, but I didn't want you to get hurt"
"Stop using pathetic excuses, Sky!" Bloom yelled.
"Would you stop yelling in public!" Sky yelled.
MMMMMMMMMM
With Musa and Riven, Riven was getting an ear full and was bitting back.
"Why the hell didn't you tell me that you were coming to the party? Or that you even knew about it?" Musa demanded.
"Oh God, Musa, is that what you're so mad about?" Riven complained. "This is nuts, it's just one party. It's not like I was flirting or was going to flirt with anyone."
"I didn't even mean it that way Riven. How could you even think that that was what was going through my head?"
"Look I'm sorry but that's what most of our arguments are all about"
"Oh, I can't believe that's what you think of me? You kept something from, Riven. You lied to my Riven, me! That's our biggest problem sometimes. A relationship is based on love and honesty. If you don't tell me things, how can I trust you? If you keep lying to me, how can I trust you? The love is there but how can you think that I don't trust you when it comes to you flirting with other women? I know that you wouldn't do that. Why can't you open up to me and be honest with me?"
"Look, I'm a secretive guy. I had a tough life growing up. I have grown up not trusting anyone but myself! When someone is nice, there is always a secret agenda. When you see other people, you keep an eye on them. When you are alone with someone you don't trust, you expect others not to trust them. When something good happens in my life, I don't trust it because I know that somehow, some way it ends! My family ended, my childhood ended, my education almost ended, and I get worried that somewhere down the track that this relationship will end because I am not good enough for you and lie to you because that is how I was raised!"
Musa stood in silence looking at Riven. Riven always built up walls and he has never left a crack for Musa to see, and yet somehow after all this time, she finally managed to see a crack.
"I have been building up walls for so long that it is hard for me to bring them down, especially to you, because I worry some hot shot guy is going to come take you away from me. I am sorry that I lied to you, alright, it wasn't my choice but Sky asked me to. I wouldn't have done it if I had known that it wasn't in the duty for a friend."
Musa looked deep into Riven's eyes and she could see all the guilt and honesty in them.
"Riven" she said placing a hand on his cheek. "If you think that you are not good enough for me, then you are dumber than I thought."
"But what about your royal status and-"
"I don't care about that. If it doesn't bother me, it shouldn't bother you. I know that you have walls up, and scared of commitment, but, I need you to be honest with me, okay? I know you have had a hard life and you don't trust very easily, but I need you to trust me."
"I do trust you."
"Then be upfront and honest with me. If you told me about Sky's party and you were going but didn't want Bloom to find out, then I would've understood and kept it a secret. If you trust me, then we won't have any problems. I'm not asking you to bulldoze your brick wall to protect yourself, and I'm going to need you to listen to me carefully now" Musa said turning Riven's head to look directly into her eyes. "I am not going anywhere. You won't be losing me. Have all of the brick walls you want, have all the childhood secrets you want, but all I'm asking is for you to trust me. One crack in the brick work is all I'm asking. I am not Stella, I don't go bragging and spreading rumours left, right, and centre. If you're sworn to secrecy, than so am I."
Riven looked into Musa's eyes and smiled. Every time he looked into her eyes, he always felt a wave of peace and bliss.
"Okay, I'll try. I'm sorry for lying to you. I promise not to do it again" Riven said.
Musa smiled at Riven and pulled him into a hug.
"Thank you" she whispered into his ear before she gave him a kiss on the lips.
"You look hot by the way" Riven said against the kiss.
Musa just laughed and continued to kiss her boyfriend.
FFFFFFFFFF
"Flora" Helia called to a storming off Flora. "Flora" he called again walking faster to keep up with her.
"How could you keep something from me, Helia?" Flora said as she walked. "I mean, it us, we're the couple that tells each other everything."
"Flora, please stop" Helia said grabbing her arm and forcing her to face him. "Look, it was only a party and Sky was worried that if we told you girls, Bloom would somehow find out."
"But, why would you all of a sudden want to keep something from me?" Flora asked
"I didn't want to keep it from you, but Sky was very persistent."
"Helia, you lied to my face. You lied to me, you lied to your friends. Why did you do it?"
"Because Sky asked me to"
"So if Sky asked you to break up with me, would you do it?"
"God no! I love you more than anything in this world. It killed me to be lying to you. You are my perfect angel, my sweet wholesome angel with a heart as big as the outdoors. Even agreeing to this made me sick to the stomach. I didn't want to do it, but I did. Okay? I'm sorry, Flora. I truly am sorry."
Flora was silent. She didn't want to be angry, she wasn't angry. She was just hurt. Hurt that her boyfriend would lie to her. It worried her that if he was already lying to her, could he by lying about other things? Could it be so easy for him to lie to her face and her be so easy to buy into it? She was hurt by Helia, but she was angry at herself for believing him so easily.
"Helia" Flora said sadly and hurt. "It hurts me that you would lie to me. But, it just makes me worry if you're hiding other things from me too. Could you be lying to me about where you go when I'm not around? Or you could be lying about where you're going if you cancel a date? Is it so easy for you to lie to me Helia? And also, is it that easy for me to believe you? If you start lying to me more and more Helia, and I find out that you're lying to me, it hurts."
Flora began tearing up. Helia felt bad and he walked closer to Flora and wrapped her in a hug. Flora had her head resting on his chest and he kissed the top of her head.
"Flora, I promise you that that was the first and only lie that I will ever tell you. I promise never to lie to you. Don't be angry at yourself. You won't have to worry about where I'm going. I love you and only you. I will always be honest with you. That was the only time that I will lie to you, and I promise that it will never happen again. I love you so much and it kills me to see you worried about things like this. I'm not going anywhere Flora. I'm not leaving your side. I will always be honest with you, and I'm so, so sorry for letting you believe that I was hiding something worse. I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry too" Flora said.
She looked up at Helia's face and gave him a kiss on the lips.
SSSSSSSSSS
Stella was sitting at her table with her arms crossed as Brandon was giving her an explanation.
"Stella, please don't be mad at me" Brandon said sadly. "So I kept something from you about Sky, it's not a big deal."
Stella was stunned. She almost wanted to laugh at him. Instead, she scoffed at him.
"Brandon, this hasn't been the first time you've kept something about Sky from me. I've I had a dollar for every time you've kept something from me relating to Sky or you has been an annoying little miss print in our relationship I would be richer than my father."
"I haven't done anything bad about not telling you anything" Brandon said not even getting what Stella was saying.
Stella raised an eyebrow at him and actually started laughing.
"You've got to be kidding me, Brandon" Stella said not amused.
Brandon looked at her confused.
Stella sighed annoyed. "Does my second attempt at freshman year ring a bell?"
Brandon looked at her for a second then it hit him.
"Oh" he said realising what Stella was getting at.
"You see" Stella said to him. "That little secret made everything crumble."
"Yes, but this is only a small party" Brandon said. "You are really being unreasonable."
"I am being unreasonable!" Stella cried. "Brandon, you lied to me. You lied to me!"
"Shoosh" Brandon said seeing some people staring at them. "Keep it down, Stella. Some of Erakleon's ambassadors are here."
"I know. I saw them last week at daddy's royal treaty meeting" Stella said in a huff.
"Ouch" Brandon said awkwardly.
"Look, I understand that some of these events for the Erakleon royal family is invite only which is probably why Sky didn't want us here, I don't know, but I still would like to know where you are. I do the same with you. If there is something on Solaria that requires the royal family and invite only for guests, I still tell you so that you don't worry. It's a two-way street, Brandon. I totally get the whole certain people deal and royal things, I do them too. I just want us to communicate" Stella said.
Brandon nodded his head.
"I don't want to keep having to find out that you've been lying to me Brandon. It hurts that you are always lying to me. Am I silly to think that you could ever be honest with me? You have lied to me hundreds of times Brandon, and I hate it. Our relationship cannot be based upon lies and deceit. If you want a relationship with me Brandon, then I want you to be honest with me. I'm not talking about telling me every single detail, I just don't want to be lied to on a daily basis. I don't even care if you didn't tell us about this stupid party, I just don't want you to lie to me about where you're going. I wanted to call you today and tell you about us hitting the newspaper, but I couldn't because I thought you were still on your mission."
"Okay, I get it Stella. I promise you that I will try not to lie to you" Brandon said.
"Thank you. That is all I ask."
Brandon walked over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Did I mention that you look stunning tonight?" Brandon said.
"No" Stella said with a smile. "But that does help make my mood a little better"
Brandon smiled and gave her a kiss on the lips.
"Beautiful" he kissed her again. "Gorgeous" kissed her again "Elegant"
TTTTTTTTTT
Tecna was at the control panel for the stage located back stage.
"Tec, what are you doing?" Timmy asked watching Tecna mess with buttons and levers.
"I am organising the stage for our next performance" she answered not looking at him.
"You're not mad at me?" Timmy asked after a moment of silence between them.
"Why would I be mad?" Tecna asked subtly.
"Because I didn't lie to you about the party and maybe it made you think that there might be other stuff I could be keeping from you" Timmy answered.
Tecna smirked at her brilliance about making Timmy an issue where Tecna really didn't care.
"That could've been a reason, but really Timmy, I'm not mad" Tecna said smiling.
"But...but...wait, you really don't care?" Timmy said baffled.
"Is that a problem?" Tecna asked turning to face him.
"...No...Just I was surprised. You looked kind of mad before."
"At first seeing you here without me knowing did make a little annoyed and I guess a little bit mad, but, it's so small to get mad over" Tecna said with a shrug. "And besides, I trust you, I know that there isn't anything you're keeping from me."
"Well, that's great Tecna" Timmy said happily.
"No it's great Timmy" Tecna snapped facing him. "Of course I'm mad Timmy!"
"But you just said-"
"I wanted you to figure out why I'm mad, Timmy. You lied to me. You deceived me. I wanted to tell you all about our first show, our new penthouse, a new program that I created for Magix Industries, but I couldn't because you were on a 'mission'. Am I not trustworthy Timmy?"
"No, you are. But Sky asked us not too"
"Fine, but why lie about where you were? You could have just said 'we are busy' or 'we will tell you later'. Just something to let us know that we will be in the loop with you guys. I love you Timmy and I want to know what you are doing when I'm not around. I just want to know my boyfriend. Is that so hard to ask for? I want us to communicate with each other. That has been hard with us, but if we work on that then we can get past it."
Tecna was now looking at the ground finished with her outburst.
"I'm sorry Tecna"
Tecna sighed. "It's okay." Tecna continued to look at the ground.
Timmy walked up to Tecna and lifted her chin to meet his gaze.
"If us communicating better is what you want, then that's what I'll do. I'll try to work on that with you."
"Thank you, Timmy" Tecna said with a smile and she circled her arms around Timmy's neck. "I love you."
"I love you too" and he gave Tecna a kiss on the lips.
"Now, do you need any help?" Timmy asked looking at the machines.
"You have been waiting all night to try these out haven't you?"
"Yes"
Tecna laughed as she let Timmy walk over to the panel to help her work the lighting.
LLLLLLLLLL
Layla and Nabu sat opposite Stella and Brandon at the table.
"Don't hate me" Nabu said breaking the silence.
"Then don't talk to me"
"I have to talk to you"
"I have to hate you"
Stella laughed quietly hearing Layla's rebuttals.
"Look, this was invitation only. All us guys wanted to tell you girls, but Sky didn't want us to" Nabu said.
Layla didn't respond.
"You're still hating me"
"You're still talking to me" Layla responded still not looking at Nabu.
Stella laughed quietly again causing Nabu to death stare her.
"Ok, yes, maybe I could've spoken about it to you in private. I realise that, and I know that I have messed up" Nabu said.
"Oh good, and here I thought I would have to tell you myself" Layla said sarcastically.
"Layla, please. This is so small and insignificant, why do you have to cause a fight about it?"
"What?" Layla said angrily whipping her head around to face Nabu.
Stella and Brandon widened their eyes as they watched the arguing couple in front of them. Nabu realised his mistake.
"All I'm saying is that I messed up, and maybe I shouldn't have lied to you, but this is so small, so why we can't build a bridge and just have fun at the party?"
Layla turned her head the other way thinking about Nabu's words.
"It's only a small secret, it's not like he cheated on me or anything" Layla thought. "But what if he lies again? He's lied to me before."
"I don't know if I can, Ophier" Layla said looking away from him.
"Now you decided to bring that up?" Nabu whined. "Okay, yes, I have lied to you before. But that time was because I wanted to see who this 'Layla' was that my parents wanted me to marry. I had to hide my identity so that you could get to know me better. And this lie was in the duty for a friend. Surely, who you have lied to us to help the girls before."
"Yes, maybe, but you lied to us about coming to see our first performance because you were playing party planners with Sky. Do you know how much that hurts, Nabu? Because of Sky, and your loyalty to your friend, you chose to help plan a party then to come and see your girlfriend and your other friends perform for the first time to a live audience of strangers. I wanted you there, but I understood since it was a mission, but you were here the whole time. I wanted you there, I needed you there. How am I supposed to know that you won't do that again? What about the other guys? How do I know that they won't lie about where they really are when we need their support?"
"Fair point. Look, Layla, I am sorry. I wanted to see you, I truly did, there is no real excuse for us to lie. All I can say that Sky needed our confidence in this matter, and I wouldn't have done it if I hadn't known that it was a good idea. I felt that Sky had a reasonable excuse not to tell Bloom, and as his friends, we had to respect that and help him out, regardless if we thought that he may be pushing the limits."
Layla looked around seeing the smiling faces of the guests eating, dancing and enjoying the evening. Maybe she could put the fight on hold for the evening. They are representing the royal family of Tides, Solaria, and Melody here. Maybe Nabu isn't truly at fault. Layla should be furious that Nabu chose to lie to her, but she did admire his loyalty to his friends, and that's one of the things that she loved most about him. Maybe this wasn't the type of thing to get mad over. And looking closely at the crowd, Layla noticed Timmy and Tecna laughing as they messed with the stage's control panel, she saw Musa and Riven dancing to the DJ intermission, Stella and Brandon were eating and giggling right in front of her, and Flora and Helia walking in the royal gardens. She did want to have as much fun as the other girls were having. Even Layla could see Riven getting into the dancing, even though he can't dance.
Layla smiled and realised that Nabu was right. It is something small, and she should just build a bridge and get over it. She wanted to have fun tonight. Not the kind where she has to tease her boyfriend, the real fun that she could see her friends having.
So she made up her mind and turned her head back to face Nabu who looked worried to hear her answer.
"Maybe you're right" she whispered as she laughed to herself.
"What?" Nabu sighed thinking that she was going to hit him.
"You're right" Layla repeated. "It was in the duty of a friend, and you're right. Maybe it was the stress seeing Bloom being lied to by her boyfriend, or the fact that you missed our first performance, I don't know, but you're right. I would have done the same thing for the girls. Your loyalty to your friends is one of the things I love most about you. I just hope that you won't make lying to me a daily thing."
"I promise. And I promise I won't miss another performance of yours. You have my 100% support. If you want to be a star, then you have my support."
"Thank you" Layla said.
Nabu then looked into Layla's eyes. He lifted her chin so that their eyes could meet and he gently pulled her into a kiss.
"Oh guys, come on" Stella complained across the round table. "We're trying to eat here."
Layla ignored her knowing that she was joking, well, maybe half joking. The only thing that was on Layla's mind now is where are Bloom and Sky?
BBBBBBBBBB
Bloom and Sky had taken their argument inside the castle in Sky's chambers. Bloom would have taken the time to admire the room, but she was too mad at Sky to think about it. Maybe she would do it later when she's invited back, if she will be invited back that is.
"I didn't invite you here, because I didn't want you to feel out of place here, Bloom!" Sky yelled.
"Out of place?" Bloom yelled back, "Who are you really talking about, Sky, me or you?"
"You, Bloom! All I ever think about is you. I do what's best for you."
"Well, do you see me feeling out of place, Sky? Because I'm not! Who are you to decide how I feel?"
"I've been in these situations many times before, Bloom and furthermore; I didn't think you would've gotten on so well here. There are so many important people here tonight, most of whom I will have to speak with several times a year. It's important I make a good impression."
"Oh I get it! Having me here embarrasses you and I don't make a good first impression!" Bloom bellowed
"I didn't mean it like that. I was only saying that having you feel out of place and awkward here would make me look neglectful. That would make the guests feel really awkward and it would reflect badly on me and my family."
"There!" Bloom yelled getting to hear the real reason, "Now we finally get somewhere!"
"No, Bloom-" Sky said, calming down once he realised the words that he slipped out.
"No." Bloom interrupted
"Bloom-"
"No!" Bloom screamed
Sky just stared at her gob smacked. He didn't intend on Bloom's little outburst, and to be honest, neither did Bloom. Thank god they had taken their conversation inside otherwise Bloom would have made Sky look bad, which was not what he wanted, right?
"Bloom" Sky began sternly, "This is not the time or place to get into this right now! Nor is it the time to have you screaming at me like I'm the enemy."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to come out like that." Bloom said angrily, looking out the window seeing her friends sitting at their table with their guys.
Why couldn't Sky get over his insecurity with Bloom and just do what's best in his heart?
Sky took a deep breath preparing for what he was about to say.
"We will deal with this later, Bloom. I've got to get back out there and attend to my parents." Sky concluded and was heading towards the door.
"Oh yes, just leave me hang and dry like you always do, Sky!" Bloom called out to him as he left.
Sky stopped dead in his tracks and whipped his head around to face Bloom.
"I am a human being Sky, and I do NOT embarrass you, not even for a second in public. And I'm sorry that you think that. That is your loss. And to be CRYSTAL clear, this is not about you and how you look. In this relationship, it is about us. On Erakleon, at this moment, it is about your parents, and if they wanted me here, you should've let them invite me, not deny me the pleasure of coming here because you're worried about yourself."
"You are out of line, Bloom." Sky warned taking a couple of steps toward Bloom.
"No, you are out of line." Bloom corrected, "Your parents wanted me here, didn't they? Do you see them feeling awkward because I'm here? Do you see anyone else here feeling embarrassed or awkward? Your father wanted 'The Winx' to perform tonight, thinking that it would be fun if my friends were here with me. I even spoke to your cousin, The Duke of Kent, one of Erakleon's great cities. He loved me and told me he would love to see me more often. Your parents greeted me with hugs, treated me like a daughter. It seems that the only person here that seems to have a problem is YOU!"
Sky couldn't look at Bloom in the eye. Bloom started to tear up as she continued.
"And you said so yourself; you are worried about being embarrassed. Well don't worry because everyone here has LOVED ME, Sky. You are the one with the problem. Not me. And you need to figure what is more important, Sky; your image or the problems you have with me. However, I can see right now that you are leaning towards your image."
Bloom started walking and brushed passed Sky as he continued to stare at the floor with his arms crossed. She opened the door, and found Princess Diaspro in a tight red dress and white fur jacket about to knock on the door. Bloom's eyes widened seeing the ex-fiancé right before her.
"Diaspro" Bloom said gob smacked.
Sky whipped his head around and saw his ex-fiancé standing in front of Bloom. Now he thought that his life couldn't get much worse.
"Bloom" Diaspro huffed with displeasure. "What are you doing here?"
"Haven't you been watching the show? My band is playing at the request of the king and queen" Bloom replied.
"Oh, so you are doing what you do best, being the hired help. I tend not to pay attention to any hired help, servants or entertainment unless chosen by me" Diaspro said.
Bloom stood looking at Diaspro waiting for Sky to help defend her, but nothing. He just stood behind her.
"Oh, there you are, Sky" Diaspro said smiling and she pushed passed Bloom to greet Sky.
Bloom laughed to herself.
"Now it makes sense to me Sky" Bloom said looking at the ground.
"Bloom, listen-"
"I embarrass you so badly that you get Diaspro to accompany you to these functions. The perfect image, just what you wanted. You didn't want me here because people would find out that you and Diaspro aren't a couple, and that he hate having the media to find out that you're dating the wholesome girl from Earth" Bloom said.
Diaspro huffed and placed a hand on Sky's shoulder. Sky couldn't say anything that would jeopardise the treaty with Quartz.
"I love you, Sky. Your family and friends love me, and I am wondering right now, if you love me just as much to be seen in public with me. You seem to be embarrassed to be seen with me. I guess I'm the girl in one of those movies who's dating someone that's too good for her. The guy loves the girl, but he can't stand to be seen with her with others like him, but luckily he has another girl to show off with at these types of events! You can either have the wholesome girl from Earth, or you can choose Diaspro because it looks good. You can't have both, Sky. You need to sort this out, and when you do, come find me." With that, Bloom left and closed the door behind her.
Sky just stood in the centre of his chambers looking at the floor. A tear suddenly rolled down his cheek and landed on the carpet.
"Well, she's a downer" Diaspro said and walked over to Sky's bed and sat down.
Bloom was on the other side of the door leaning up against it ever so quietly and a tear rolled down her cheek. She stood up straight and started moving away from the door. She turned back and took one last look at the door and tears started streaming down her face. She looked away and started walking back outside.
Bloom walked down the grand staircase and ran into Sky's mother, Queen Samera.
"Bloom dear, there you are" Queen Samera said with a smile.
"Oh I'm sorry, your majesty. Were you looking for me?" Bloom asked trying to hide her sadness.
"Oh please Bloom, enough of the whole majesty, please just call me Samera. I just wanted to introduce you to some dear friends of mine before you go back on stage. Which I might add, your performance has been fabulous, the best surprise you could have organised."
"Oh thank you, Samera. That means a lot to me" Bloom said with a smile.
"Come now dear" Samera said linking arms with Bloom. "Where have you been?"
Bloom sniffed and whipped the remaining tear stains from her face. Queen Samera noticed this and stopped walking with Bloom.
"Bloom, are you alright?" Samera asked concerned.
"I'm fine, Samera" Bloom said putting a smile on her face.
"Were you with that son of mine?" she asked.
Bloom looked away. "Please Samera, it's nothing really, I don't want to spoil your evening."
"Bloom, you are family to me. What did Sky do?" Queen Samera said sternly.
Bloom hesitated for a moment then thought that if anyone would understand Sky, it would be his mother.
In Sky's chambers, Sky stood in front of the giant glass window watching the party going on outside. Diaspro was walking around the chambers.
"Sky, I still don't understand what you see in that girl" Diaspro said holding a picture of Sky and Bloom.
"It's none of you concern, Diaspro. Why are you even here? Are you here to sabotage my relationship with Bloom again?"
"Don't flatter yourself Sky. I am with Michael, the Duke of Solaria. Seeing Bloom mess everything up all her own, was an added bonus. I'm here to show good faith in the treaty. And I wanted to say hi and thank the host for the invite. Now that has been said, I will go" Diaspro said and headed for the door.
Sky still looking through the window and saw Bloom walk out through the doors and joined their friends at their table enjoying their dinner. He could hear Diaspro open to door to leave and freeze.
"Your majesty" Diaspro said and left.
Sky got confused and turned around to see his mother, Queen Samera had barged into the room.
"Sky!" Samera yelled storming up to her son. "Did you notify Bloom that your father and I invited her tonight, or did she find out because her band was organised to play?"
"Well…I-I…uh…" Sky stuttered.
"Sky!" his mother yelled again.
"She found out because of the band" Sky answered sadly looking away from her death glare.
Queen Samera shook her head in disappointment.
"I knew it, I just wanted to hear it come from you" Samera said.
"I can't believe Bloom told you" Sky muttered to himself.
"I made her tell me. And she didn't have to tell me that it was about you" Samera said angrily. "I can't believe you didn't tell her, and then you tell her it was because you were worried that she would embarrass you. I would be proud to see a girl like that to be with you and rule Sparx and possibly Erakleon, if given the chance by you. In fact, I was going to introduce her to more friends of mine, I have spoken to everyone, and they have all said that they adore Bloom and wished they had met her earlier. They wondered why you didn't introduce her to them tonight, and why I had to do it."
Sky still didn't say anything.
"You really have to realise your priorities Sky. I am really disappointed in you. The only person who should be embarrassed is me for your behaviour tonight. She is a gorgeous girl and she doesn't deserve to be treated like this" Samera said and she stormed towards the door but before she did, she took out something and placed it on the side table before she opened the door and slammed it behind her.
Sky looked at the door that Samera just slammed behind her and saw something on the side table by his door. He walked over to it and realised what it was. Even in her rage, Samera still subtly kept her word to have a daughter and love Bloom like a daughter. This is the chance he's been waiting for, he just couldn't find the perfect time.
Outside in the party, the girls were finishing their meals when Queen Samera walked up on stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen" she greeted warmly. "I like to thank everyone for coming to help celebrate King Erendor and I's anniversary. I would also like to thank my son, Prince Sky, for organising this for us. As well as his girlfriend, Princess Bloom of Sparx, for performing tonight with her band, The Winx. Could we please applaud their performance tonight?"
The whole place roared and echoed with applause and cheers as the girls waved to the crowd. Bloom gracefully and graciously waved and smiled and felt a little odd when Queen Samera announced Bloom as a Princess of Sparx, she actually loved it.
"Thank you girls. Could we all welcome them back to the stage as they commence their second show?" Queen Samera said and the girls started making their way towards the stage.
As the girls walked on stage, Bloom walked up to Queen Samera and gave her a hug and kissed her cheek. Queen Samera kissed Bloom's cheek and smiled at her.
"You have made me proud, Bloom" Samera whispered to Bloom and gave her the microphone.
As Queen Samera walked off stage she noticed her son walk out through the doors to re-join the party. She subtly shook her head knowing that her son was too late and made her way to Sky.
"You're too late" she said. "She's back on stage."
"When will she be done?" Sky asked.
"I don't know, but I know she is really hurt, Sky" Samera said then she turned and walked back to her table to sit next to her husband.
Sky looked at the girls on stage ready to perform and smiled at Bloom who did not notice him. He walked towards the boys sitting at their table and sat down.
"Where have you been?" Helia asked.
"Yeah, we've been looking for you for ages" Riven added.
"I was, just inside" Sky answered refusing to tell the guys about his argument with Bloom.
The girls started whispering to Bloom on stage and nodded. Musa walked up to her microphone.
"Alright, for our next song, it is going to be song by our girl Bloom" Musa announced as the crowd applauded as Bloom walked up to the microphone.
Layla sat at her drum set as Tecna conjured a large piano and sat down on the stool. Stella and Flora conjured a large orchestra of violins and left Flora to conduct. Stella took an acoustic guitar as Musa picked up an electric guitar.
Bloom looked at the girls as they nodded ready to perform. She took a deep breath.
"I wrote this song just recently for this special occasion. It's from the heart and I would like to dedicate this song to someone very close to me. It's called 'Haunted'" Bloom said and the drums and violins started.
"Haunted" By Taylor Swift
You and I walk a fragile line
I have known it all this time
But I never thought I'd live to see it break
It's getting dark
And it's all too quiet
And I can't trust anything now
And it's coming over you
Like it's all a big mistake
Oh holding my breath
Won't lose you again
Something's made your
Eyes go cold
Come on, come on
Don't leave me like this
I thought I had you figured out
Something's gone terribly wrong
You're all I wanted
Come on, come on
Don't leave me like this
I thought I had you figured out
Can't breathe whenever you're gone
Can't turn back
Now I'm haunted
A violin solo came in between the chorus and verse.
Stood there and watched you walk away
From everything we had
But I still mean every word I said
To you
He will try to take away my pain
And he just might make me smile
But the whole time I'm wishing he was you
Instead
Oh, holding my breath
Won't see you again
Something keeps me
Holding onto nothing
All of a sudden, Bloom began tearing up as she sung the chorus again.
Come on, come on
Don't leave me like this
I thought I had you figured out
Something's gone terribly wrong
You're all I wanted
Come on, come on
Don't leave me like this
I thought I had you figured out
Can't breathe whenever you're gone
Can't turn back
Now I'm haunted
Bloom stood out of the spot light as Musa walked up to the front and performed an electric guitar solo.
A single spotlight appeared on Bloom when Musa's solo ended.
I know
I know
I just know
You're not gone
You can't be gone
No
The music suddenly stopped leaving the violins and electric guitar without the drums. With the silent chorus, the lights started flashing different colours.
Come on, come on
Don't leave me like this
I thought I had you figured out
Something's gone terribly wrong
Won't finish what you started
Come on, come on
Don't leave me like this
I thought I had you figured out
Can't breathe whenever you're gone
Can't go back
I'm haunted
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
You and I walk a fragile line
I have known it all this time
Never ever thought I'd see it break
Never thought I'd see it
The crowd cheered and applauded when the song ended. At the end of the song, Bloom actually began crying. She placed the microphone back on the stand and ran off stage. The girls watched as Bloom ran off and headed inside the castle ignoring all the stares from the guys, the girls on stage, and others in the crowd. Queen Samera stood up as she saw Bloom run off stage. She looked at her husband, who nodded at her, and she ran after Bloom.
Musa leaned back and whispered to Flora.
"Flora, go check on Bloom" Musa whispered and picked up the microphone.
Flora nodded and followed the Queen as Musa reassured the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen our next song is our first song we've written and it's called Love is all Around" Musa announced and the girls began playing.
Secretly, the girls as they played laughed at the irony of it seeing Bloom and Sky hit another rough patch in their relationship.
Musa picked a song of theirs that she knew only needed four girls to play and sing knowing that Bloom won't be coming back for a while. The music started as soon as Musa announced the song.
Inside the castle, Flora caught up to the Queen as they began searching for Bloom.
"You're majesty, what is wrong with Bloom?" Flora asked the Queen.
"Bloom had an argument with Sky just before" Queen Samera answered.
"Would you mind if I search for her while you return to your party? Don't worry, I can take care of Bloom" Flora offered.
"Thank you dear, but I would like to check on Bloom. Do you know where she might have gone?" Samera asked looking at Flora.
Flora thought for a moment. Bloom doesn't know the palace well so she would go to someplace she has been many times within the evening.
"I've got it" Flora said and she ran down the hallway as Queen Samera followed in pursuit.
Bloom sat in the girls' designated dressing room in one of the guest bedrooms in a corner crying. She could hear some voices becoming louder heading for the room and footsteps. The door slowly opened revealing Sky standing in the doorway.