Emma
"Emma." Sasha's quiet tone peacefully wakes me from my light resting.
Ugh. My throat felt dry and rusty from disuse.
"Hmnnfgh?" I snuggle deeper into my warm covers with a smile despite my sore chords.
"Wow, you sound terrible."
I rasp out a sarcastic, breathy, "Thanks."
"Today is the day."
"Christmas?" I giggle at her frustrated chuckle.
"Emma."
I groan and flip over, "Don't remind me or I'll lose my nerve."
"Too late. You sound pathetic by the way," I startle when Ava leans over me with a smile.
"You scared the crap out of me! Ava? Phoebe? What are you guys doing here?" I rack my sleep-addled brain for a time we were supposed to get together.
They each had two boxes, Ava holds them up with barely contained glee, "We have the dresses."
"Really? Let me see!" I squeak in excitement.
Phoebe is as excited as Ava, she only hides it better, "Not until we all get ready later today."
"Aw, come on."
Understandingly, Ava frowns, "Sorry kid."
"So why are you guys here? To tease me with my own brain children?"
Phoebe lightly smacks the back of my head, "No smartass. We're here to study, talk, whatever, and later, to get ready for tonight."
I pretend being injured from her disapproving pat and rub it with a frown, "So I can't even take a peek? She hit me Ava! I'm a sick, injured child!"
"Sorry." Ava apologizes insincerely, simply watching our encounter with a sly smile.
"Well, Emma may not get her dress but I need mine right now for my cousin's wedding tomorrow. I'm heading out in thirty minutes for my ride so I can get there tonight."
"I'm sorry that you're going to be out of town for the ball Sasha."
"Yeah, that sucks." Ava echoes my sentiment.
My totally relaxed roomie hold up her hands in nonchalant surrender, "Dude, it's all good. Make sure to get plenty of pictures, I don't want to miss out on the decorations or any one's dresses."
"Before you leave, you have to show us what it looks like on!"
"An audience? I don't know…"She raises her eyebrows and Phoebe hands her the box, "Put it on Sasha."
We stare at Phoebe.
"Please." She fists her hands by her sides and painstakingly mumbles.
Now we direct our attention to Sasha.
"Alright, alright." Throwing her hands up in the air, we cheer at her compliance.
"Emma, you are a designing genius," Sasha's calls through the bathroom door.
"Why?"
"Ladies, may I present myself looking totally sexy." Sasha's strides out of the bathroom, whipping a pink scarf to the side. She spins in front of us and finishes with jazz hands, "Ta da!"
Quite simply, she was stunning against the color choice just like I guessed she would be. Her mocha skin was warmer against the smoky orange tinted with hints of red. Those long legs that constantly peeked out underneath pajama booty shorts were fantastic with the short skirt, emphasized by those gold stilettos. Her ears had large, thin hoops, her arms decorated with bangles, and her neck with a large pendent, all of which were gold to match her shoes.
"Wait until my ex Frankie gets a load of me." Sasha's primps in front of the mirror, turning this way and that, while she pooches her lips and fluffs her hair. And a realization strikes me.
She felt powerful in that dress. More than that, she felt comfortable and good in that dress like she could take on the world and her shitty ex-boyfriend who she found making out with another girl at a party in some sorority house. Trust me, thins walls and loud talker, it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that those two don't mix. All I wanted to say was TMI.
"Oh no! I'm gonna be late! Thanks for the dress, here's the cash. Bye, have fun everyone!" She changes in a whirlwind of frenzied movement and trots out the door in record time just as a honk beeps outside.
I eat breakfast while Ava and Phoebe sift through their own homework on the ground.
"Hey Emma?"
I hide my smirk in to my coffee mug, answering, "Hmm?"
I knew the peace wouldn't last with these two. And for all the complaining that I do, I really loved it, I really loved them (platonically, even if they were hot. I don't have anything against that but we all grew up together). There was never quiet moment with my Grey best friends.
"Guess what?"
I crunch on a cough drop, "What? On an unrelated note anyone want anything? I have hot chocolate and coffee."
"Coffee for me please. Did you know that our own Ava is going to be singing at the event?"
"What!? That's so exciting!" I plop down onto my couch where Theo snuggled with me a few weeks ago and those hands had- whoa, no can't think about that right now, must focus on my friend.
"Guys, I've performed before. It's really not going to be that exciting." Ava rolls her eyes though I can tell she's secretly thrilled.
"Yeah, but you've never performed here. What happened? Tell me everything. Tell me, tell me, tell me," I jab her arm until she gives up the info.
"Fine! Just stop poking me. A friend was going to sing for it but she got strep throat at the last minute and recommended me to the event coordinator. I auditioned and got it."
"That's great! Well, bad for your friend but great for you. What are you going to sing?"
"If I told you I would have to kill you kind of thing."
"I don't care that you won't tell me, it's still awesome!"
"It's not a big deal Em. Besides, I'm not the only one showcased. Your brother is going to be performing as well because of his dancing and manning the bar. I've heard he has some serious skill in both areas."
"Yep."
Phoebe awkwardly sips from her mug and stares off to the side and Ava and I study her.
Phoebe clears her throat and defends herself against our pointed expressions, "What? Oh, uh right, how is he? Is her still seeing that… um, what's-her-face?"
I snort, taking another drink, "I don't know why you have such a problem with Cori. You were the ones that set them up. In fact, if I remember correctly, you two were close friends long before they got together."
"You didn't answer the question." Phoebe stares at me intently with her trademark blue Grey family eyes, as if she would resort to torture to get what she wants.
So she did still have feelings for my brother. Ava raises her eyebrows at me over her hot coco.
"Right now they're on a break. I don't-"
"Why?-"
"really know why. My brother's love life is his own. The less I know the better off I am." I calmly finish my original thought, only slightly irked she interrupted me.
"Hey Phoebe?" Ava nudges Phoebe's calf with her toe.
"Hmm?"
"You are so bad at faking disinterest if I ever saw it."
"Yeah, Phoebe what happened between the two of you? You guys were really close." Setting down my mug on the floor, I gaze at her knowing my grass green eyes didn't really have the same intimidation as hers did.
"I plead the Third Amendment."
I snigger, "I believe that's the Fifth Amendment if you're aiming for the right to remain silent."
"Whatever dork face." Phoebe shoves me jokingly.
"C'mon, tell us." Ava nudges her arm with her toe.
Sighing, she scrubs her face with her hand, "Guys, I promise. Someday both of you will know everything about me. Right now… well, that's a whole 'nother piece of cake. These-"
"That's not even a saying…" I trail off when Ava pinches me and tilts her head at Phoebes with a scary face.
"-problems that I'm having will take some time to work through and I need you guys to be patient. I'm sorry, I wish I could tell you more. Everett and I had a falling out because of some complicated stuff."
"It's alright. I'm sorry. We won't press you anymore." I sigh discontentedly and Ava nods back understandingly. This would all be so much easier to help Phoebe if she would give us a clue.
"I'm going to turn the spotlight on to you now Ava. How are things going with Robby?" Phoebe munches on potato chips.
"Old news." Ava waves as if she was flicking an imaginary Robby off her hand in annoyance.
"I take that as not well."
Ava stretches, miming a pretend watch, and shakes Phoebe and I, "Oh, look at the time. We should get ready. I can't believe that you're sick on your first formal event Emma."
"I know, maybe I shouldn't go," I squeak out jokingly on my sandy pipes. This would be my first real debut since the make-over.
"Not even a tornado could stop us. So what are we waiting for?"
…
I stare back at myself in the mirror, almost unrecognizable. The matching white mask made of some kind of light weight plaster or stone I wore covered a good portion of my face. It sat comfortably, coolly on my skin with its intricate swirls and the string that tied it was interwoven with my hair. It was lightweight and in the shape of a flying butterfly. A few wisps of hair hanging down to frame my face. The top half of my black hair was pinned up, the other left down, so that it fell down my back in rounded curls thanks to Marcelo. Amy made my make-up simple and natural. Although the waxing-enter shudders of horror here-… was not natural or light.
My dress was remarkable. Caroline beaded the corset in exactly the way I had drawn and the petal-like skirt twirled around me every time I spun. I had never felt like a princess in my life until this very moment. Surprisingly, my translucent, glittery platform pump shoes did not pinch my feet. They had the same beading and sparkles as my bodice did. Glitter dusted my bare shoulders and especially the planes of my face like my cheekbones and forehead. Basically every available piece of skin was coated with a fine spray of silver glitter, some areas more covered to contour my shape.
The one thing that I didn't expect or design was the weightless, see-through wings that had been set into a special hidden harness that hid its origin point. They were a stroke of genius from Caroline that she had pinned a sweet note that said, 'You are magic. All you have to do is believe.'
With all the glitter and the wings, it wasn't hard to imagine myself as a fairy princess or an overly glittered angel.
"Are you done in there?"
"Coming!" I roughly call back to Phoebe. There went my voice. I quickly grab my mother's necklace as a finishing touch. A princess cut, single diamond on a silver chain. I put on the earrings as well. Oh! I almost forgot, I grab a butterfly clip handed down to me from my father's side of women, I clip it in.
Smoothing my skirt, I make my grand entrance. The girls turn to me in their own finery.
Phoebe's red hot dress stopped just below her knees, the bottom of the skirt varied in swoopy length, rippling every time she moved a fit dancer muscle. Her shiny curly black hair, blue eyes sparkling from under her dark red mask, and pale skin made all the colors stand out vividly against the other. Her matching red lips are being worried between her white teeth which I open my mouth to tell her and snap it shut when I remember I can't use my voice. Red stilettos with thin straps wrapped up around her calves and elbow-length gloves -red of course- covered her hands. She folds her arms, unconscious of her see-through shawl. Her make-up was dramatic and eye-catching. In a good way of course.
Ava gracefully turns her head towards me with a smile on her pink lips. Her dress fell in a simple column with a secondary, transparent piece of cloth over the skirt that was a tiny bit longer than the solid underskirt that ended at her toes. The bust was a simple line showcasing her ample curves and a jeweled belt gathered the fabric at her small waist. The back was the main piece, it was completely bare except for the small amount of clear fabric over the tops of her shoulders where small flowers were sown in. She had an Audrey Hepburn-esque elegance with her hair in a simple French twist. Even though I couldn't see her feet, she had on color-coordinated soft pink, slingback Christian Louboutin pumps with peep toe. How I knew? She chatted about those shoes over the phone more times than I could count. Tapping her lace pink fan against her thigh, she breaks into a grin ten times brighter than the sun.
I open my mouth to ask them what they thought but all that came out was a raspy whistle.
Ava giggles and hands me a notepad after digging through her bag.
'What do you guys think? Of the dresses?'
"I think they're a work of art. Oh! I forgot, I have something for both of you." Ava snaps to her bag in a spark of remembrance, digging out roses. They were silk and were in three groups of color. Red, white, and pink. Ava expertly clips multiple, miniature roses in Phoebe's wild hair, then pins in a large, white rose at the back of my hair, and finally clips her own medium-sized light pink rose onto her swooping bangs.
"Now everyone will be able to find everyone else in the crowd. There are going to be a lot of girls wearing these colors I'm guessing."
Clicking the pen into working order, I furiously scrawl out, 'I lost my voice. Do I still have to go?'
Snorting, Phoebe nods, "Yes. Cheer up, lover boy will be there."
'His name's Gio. Let's get this over with. Now remember, the building doors lock by midnight. Well, more like twelve thirty we have to leave by midnight.'
"Yeah, I have to get home by soon after that anyway."
Ava hooks our arms with a confident, mischievous light in her eyes, "Our carriage awaits ladies."
…
As it turned out, our carriage was an orange Dodge Challenger with black stripes things along the side. Ava had borrowed it for the night from her friend while her car was getting special care in the shop. The Challenger didn't have any leg room in the back. Although this came from Phoebe who was complaining every five minutes until Ava looked back and glared. That glare meant to respect the car and its driver.
Ava drives thoughtlessly. Not as if she had no consideration of our safety rather that she had spent more time in fast cars than in dresses. Her hand rests comfortably on the manual stick as she seamlessly shifts from gear to gear, the car whirring and thrumming under her skilled control. She siphons some gas to the engine when we pull up to a red light to hear her baby 'purr' and my chair vibrates with pure power from the engine and rock music from the stereo when the light turns green. My heart pounds with the bass of AC/DC as we pull up to another red light.
According to Ava's information, a Subaru Impreza WRX STI rolls up next to us and three guys stare over at the sick ride next to them.
The surprise is evident on their faces when they see a lovely, blonde Ava in her pink dress with a rose in her hair meeting their gazes. They start to smirk until Ava lifts up her key chain with '55' on one of the keys. One of them swallows and the other two nod in respect.
They smile as if having cool cars is some kind of secret club. The next light up, they turn in defeat after trying to keep up with Ava and we finally reach our destination. Early even thanks to Ava's speedy driving skills.
With much sadness on her part, Ava bids adieu to the car after we drag her away from checking for scratches and nicks. We make our way across the perfectly maintained grounds to the entrance because Ava didn't trust the valets to touch her friend's car. Walking, we chat and encounter other groups walking to get to the same destination judging by the pricy, couture dresses they were wearing and the boys in tuxedos. The night had magic in the air, maybe because that was only me, the architecture nerd, since my mouth watered at the gorgeous stone, gothic building. It had massive stained glass windows and it was made of stone that had probably been white but it aged to a dark grey. Yet… something seemed off and it wasn't the building or the meticulously groomed grounds.
It finally clicked when we were a few feet away from the strong columns standing guard to the entryway of the building. Which, might I add, was intricately detailed, every inch of available space on the building wall that didn't have a window, was used to showcase decorations and adornments that were carved in.
"Guys," I try to hiss then grab the notebook.
'Why is everyone wearing neutral colors?'' I smack Ava on the arm with my message a fraction too late when we reach the door and a gigantic man with the nametag of 'Earl' holds his hand in front of us when we try to enter alongside other party goers.
"Excuse us, we're here for the dance and we have our tickets out." Phoebe grits out, pinching his jacket sleeve and setting it aside.
"I'm sorry ladies, but I can't let you in."
Phoebe shoves his shoulders, "What the hell 'Earl'?"
Ava immediately grabs Phoebe's shoulders and tugs her backwards under her protective arm and apologizes profusely. Others who are going in watch the scene taking place.
"Sorry about my friend here, she prepared all night sir," Ava's plastic smile fails to melt even when she whispers in Phoebes ear, "What the heck were you doing you idiot? This guy is at least ten times bigger than both of us. I promised your mom I would take care of you!"
Earl's feelings were obviously ruffled yet he takes the high road and responds with a miffed, "Again, I'm truly sorry ladies. Black and grey ball. Can't let anyone in who isn't with this year's theme."
Ava thoughtfully studies my dress, "Isn't white a shade of black or something?"
"Yeah, so is grey. In fact, people say they aren't even colors. Emma should be able to get in," Phoebe agrees much to my outraged face.
"Honestly, if there was some way I could let you three in, I would. I'm doing my job. You could go home and change?" The bouncer suggests.
I sigh. I knew this was too good to be true.
'Why did you guys think I would go in without you?! One for all and all for one idiots.'
Dejectedly, we all do the walk of shame back to the car and when we're out of sight, Phoebe surprises us by whispering, "Come on."
Confused, Ava and I exchange worried glances and jog after her, hoisting our skirts high while on the toes of our heels.
We reach a sturdy wooden, double door and Phoebe crouches down in front of the door knob.
"Phoebe, are you picking that lock?!"
"Yeah, give me a second, I haven't done this in a while."
"What are you picking it with?!"
"Tools, and if you don't be quiet, someone will hear us and come running."
She grumbles occasionally while Ava and I maintain an uneasy watch. The lock clicks and Phoebe smirks triumphantly. I grab her arm.
"This is a black and grey ball. None of us are wearing black or gray." All of us stand frozen on the threshold of the grand building where another door awaits us.
"Oh chill Emma. Break the rules once and a while. Besides, our last name is Grey." She gestures back and forth between Ava and herself.
Ava edges backwards uneasily, "Phoebes… I agree with Emma on this one."
"Everyone was talking about my return anyway Ava. They want a spectacle? They'll get one." With that, Phoebe shoulders out of my grip to stride up to the second door and fling it open right when we catch up.
"Phoebe!" My noiseless yell was too late as she shoves me in front.
Ava stands on my right and Phoebe on my left as we overlook the scene. The glorious room had high ceiling with pointed transverse arches. The skylights above were surrounded by lights on the roof. It seemed to be the length of a football field and it seemed that all the football team was here, including most of the school. Strobe lights flash and the crowd below the magnificent, grand staircase pulsates with the heavy beat.
The song ends and the lights dim until they are muted and romantic. A golden spotlight flashes down upon us. Ava and Phoebe grin as they step aside to let me bask in the center. Thankfully, the music starts up again as we descend the stairs to join the crowd where the entertainment is happening. Now at the end, the spotlights return to their darkness.
I recognize 'Cosmic Love' by Florence + the Machine playing as we join the masses. Waiters/dancers fluidly weave by balancing delicate champagne glasses on trays, the men looking sharp in all black suits with black fedoras and the women in comfortable, movable black dresses.
Huddling close to my familiar friends, I take my phone so they can see it in the darkness and type out, 'What now? '
"Now we integrate and socialize." Phoebe's eyes dart around and I realize she's keeping an eye out for my brother as well though; it wasn't like either of us would be successful because that is the point of a masquerade ball. To be unrecognizable.
"No, you dorks. We're here to have fun," Ava shakes her head and laughs at us. She takes our arms and drags us into the writhing mass of bodies.
Soon enough I find myself enjoying the loud music and lights.
Gasping for air, I pluck a champagne glass off one of the trays and happen to glance up at a handsome man in a dark, charcoal tuxedo with a white shirt and a weirdly familiar silvery-blueish, grey tie. His striking blue eyes seek something in my own green eyes. Amused, his lips quirk into a small smirk underneath his silver-grey half face mask and his copper hair glints like a new penny from where it's slicked back off his forehead. His dark, right eyebrow arches at my blush.
I gasp nervously and quickly avert my gaze from his searing, seductive stare; I shakily lift my glass of bubbly and swallow the expensive, cold champagne.
"If I flip a coin what are my chances of getting head? Kidding, kidding, it's a joke," A drunken, harsh male voice accompanied by hot alcoholic breath on my neck shocks me out of my intense attraction to the mysterious stranger. Rough hands clench my biceps, yanking my back uncomfortably into his front.
I struggle which he mistakes for enjoyment.
"You like that don't you?" His arm encircles my waist and arms to pin me down, to keep me from struggling as his hand creeps down my stomach to my lap. Panicking, I try to scream out, only air escaping through my mouth. How could this asshole be getting away with this in a room full of sweaty, unfamiliar people?
His other hand settles on my heavily corseted breast and I search wildly for someone to help me, frantically hoping to see the mysterious stranger.
Abruptly, his body is ripped from me and the cold air assaults my prickling skin, only this time, the attack is welcome. I swiftly leap away to catch my breath and grab the nearest object- a candle stick- and prepare myself.
I am met with the Mysterious Stranger as my savior. He's holding his hands up in surrender as he slowly approaches me while my groper is lying on the ground behind him, curled up in pain.
"Are you okay?" A deep, smooth voice rumbles out of him. I unsteadily register that it's a sexy, slightly scratchy voice like he had just woken. Calmly, he hooks his fingers under my chin to search my eyes. A memory flickers in the back of my head and I frown when it vanishes until he softly brushes back a loose strand with his pointer finger so as not to startle me.
"What the hell man? We were having a good time!" We snap out of our trance that was sparking with an invisible energy current between the two of us. Snapping away, I brush my hair back when my white knight warns off the drunken kid back with an intimidating glare. I gather my countenance and try to rub some warmth and comfort back into my arms. It was a stupid frat boy.
"Did she know that? Because it didn't look that way to me."
"Leave us alone man-"
My savior notices my discontent and the frenetic shaking my head when Frat boy goes for me. Blue eyes effortlessly shoves Frat guy on the chest and he stumbles backwards onto some of the shrieking partiers.
"Whatever dude." Frat boy stumbles away and I release a breath of relief.
"Are you alright?" Those incredible blue eyes fringed with spiky, think brown lashes flick back to me.
I open my mouth to speak and forget that I can't.
"What? What's the matter?"
I pat my throat and mime slashing gestures.
"Did he hurt you?" His voice is deadly soft, an odd combination, when he searches the crowd for the Frat Boy. I'm touched by his concern until he turns away to presumably hurt him. I grab his hand with my gloved one and almost slip out of the glove in shock. A miniscule zap of static electricity had zipped through my body.
I quickly shake my head again so he won't leave me and inflict possible damage to Frat guy throat.
I pat my throat again and open my mouth, gesturing back and forth with a thumbs-down.
"You're mute?" he's confused but doesn't sound any less intrigued or even disgusted with me and I want to kiss him just for that. I blush again and he smiles, his eyes flicking down to my lips.
He reaches toward me as if he might brush his knuckle against my cheek but unfortunately thinks against it and his right arm instead nabs a few hors d'oeuvres from a tray, "You're blushing. Do you do that a lot?"
I shake my head with a small smile at his crinkled, confused brow. I take out the tiny handheld notebook and write, 'I lost my voice. And I'm not blushing!"
Only I was and it was so much worse and not getting any better. He nods with a crooked smile that stops my heart momentarily and tilts his head towards the well-lit grounds outside, "Do you want to go someplace quieter?"
At first, it doesn't register that a guy this gorgeous would still want to talk to me after he rescued me from my pathetic assailant. I'm not the kind of girl that has insanely gorgeous guys around and gets to keep them. He takes my silence the wrong way as he scans the room, missing how I immediately nod eagerly.
To my disappointment, he gingerly avoids contact when he hands me a little object, "Here. This is my sister's rape whistle. If it will make you feel more comfortable to be around me. I would never do anything but if we get separated and that guy finds you again…" He trails off threateningly and I am appreciative of his implication and wary of what he would do, I didn't want him to get hurt or in trouble on my behalf.
It takes me a second until I'm struck with my own stupidity at his gift. Here I was, jumping at the chance to go anywhere with this guy (heck, I'd be open to anything with this guy), forgetting my slimy assault for a moment. But an instinctual part of me buried deep knew that White Knight wouldn't, couldn't hurt me. Kindness and empathy resided in the depths of those baby blues and I felt better with him than I had the whole night. Call it a gut feeling, but there was no cruelty in him.
We reach the balcony outside and I shiver thankfully in the cold air. Anything was better right now then the muggy, overwhelming humid air that choked me when that guy tried to take me.
"Cold? Here," My personal prince charming shrugs out of his suit jacket and delicately sets it on my bare shoulders.
'Thank you.' Discreetly when he's rolling up his black sleeves, I bury my nose into his warm collar, smelling the laundry and his second hand warmth.
"What's your name?"
Teasingly, I grin and scribble, 'What's yours?'
"Not fair. I asked you first." We walk in step together on the light lit path even though he's a foot or so taller than me.
'Why do you want to know?''
"I've never met anyone like you."
I hesitate mid-thought. We fit together too well, like we had known each other in a previous life. The only logical thought I could come up with was that we had a class together. What if he knew me and didn't like me? It wasn't like a guy this amazing would remember me tomorrow. I didn't want this memory to be tarnished if he decided to ditch me in disgust.
Instead of revealing myself, I write, 'If I told you I'd have to kill you type of thing.'
He laughs contagiously, musically and carefree, "I'll find out tonight at midnight when we all unmask. Patience is a virtue."
'One that I sense you have misplaced.' I can't help the shy smile that breaks out on my face when he laughs in surprise at my boldness.
"Are you sure we just met tonight? You seem to know me awfully well."
'I'm a good judge of character.'
"Oh really? What do you get from me?"
'You'll help out people in need at your own risk. You're brave. The kind of person who is strong willed but only means well. Kind too.' I blush as he reads, afraid that I've revealed too much and scared him away.
"I take back my doubts. I sincerely apologize."
'I accept your apology.'
I hold my head for a minute, a blood rush overtaking me.
"You okay?"
'Blood rush.'
"Have you eaten today?"
I nod defiantly, it's not like I was helpless, 'Yes.'
"Ah, alright. When?" I try to dislike the entertained tilt of his lips and fail miserably.
'Nine.' I guiltily add to it at his sarcastic look, 'A.M.'
"That's what I thought. Here, I grabbed some food before we left in case I- oh, I mean you," he voices dramatically and I giggle at his theatrics, "got hungry."
'Please tell me you didn't grab the caviar, right?'
He laughs, "No, I have dumplings. The international languages kids were in charge of dinner, be glad I snagged them."
'Thank God.' Even slightly cooled, they were heaven. The perfect consistency of dough and meat, slightly spicy. I feast upon them then offer him an apologetic grimace once I'm finished.
"You can call me that if you like." He teasingly preens his hair and I jab his arm.
'Thanks for the dumplings. Sorry I ate them all.'
He shrugs, "Don't worry about it."
'Thanks for earlier too, if I haven't said it before.'
"Seriously, don't sweat it," completely off topic, he spins and faces me, "Do you want to play twenty questions?"
'Why?' I eye him suspiciously.
"Honestly? My reasons are completely selfish because I want to know the girl beneath the mask," He absently loosens his tie at his Adam's apple and unbuttons the top button of his shirt. Mesmerized, I stare at the newly exposed skin at his tan, strong throat and watch his lean fingers deftly work at his collar.
'I suppose…'
"I didn't think it was possible to write hesitantly and yet you've proved so many of the things I once knew upside down." Chuckling, he slips his hands into his pockets and kicks a pebble aside with his shoe.
'Care to expand?''
"Care to share your identity mystery girl?"
'Touché. So why don't you tell me who you are?''
"Hey, not fair. If you refuse to tell me who you are, I have the same right."
'Whatever floats your boat.' I notice him staring at me as if I was some kind of puzzle to piece together.
'What?'
Princely shakes his head, "Nothing. First question: what is your favorite color?"
'Really? That's your question?'
"Yes."
'Blue. My turn, what is your favorite color?''
"I was fond of grey until I saw your green eyes."
'Charmer.'
"Guilty as charged. Doesn't mean it's not the truth."
Blushing, I stumble in my high heels, 'Next question?''
"Pizza or salad?"
'Pizza. Duh. Why would you even ask?'
"You just eliminated about 75% of the female student body. You are female, right?"
I gently elbow his granite side, 'Of course! Was that one of your questions?'
"No!"
'What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?'
"Oh, foul. I call foul. That question is below the belt." Yelling, he raises his arms like a referee, pretending to blow his whistle.
I laughingly accuse him, 'You were the one who wanted to play!'
"Alright, alright. One time, I had practice and nothing else was clean except for my pink with red heart boxers. I was taking a shower afterwards and the guys took my clothes, only leaving, you guessed it. The boxers. I had to chase the car they were in through the other side of town. Now, when you learn who I am, you cannot divulge that secret to anyone. Anyone. Especially my friends and family."
I hold my hand over my mouth to keep myself from laughing too hard.
He rubs the back of his neck abashedly, "yeah, yeah.
'Sorry.'
Unexpectedly, he pivots and offers his hand, "Will you dance with me?"
'There's no music.' I'm constantly being surprised by him, his words, his actions. It's the first time I can't predict someone's thoughts.
I watch in embarrassed glee as he taps away on his phone. Snatching it playfully away from him, slowly so that he has time to stop me which he doesn't, I tap on a song.
Lifehouse's 'You and Me' starts up and he groans.
"Really? Really?"
I hold out my hands, 'What? They're classic.'
"Figures."
'I'm a terrible dancer.'
"I doubt that."
'You're going to regret this.' I take his hand in my own and settle carefully against him.
His baby blue eyes glint truthfully and I am caught in them, "On the contrary, I think that this is the best choice I've ever made."
A/N: Everyone, welcome! To those of you still with me, thanks. Anyways, this chapter took so long to write! Augh! I had to get it just right so it took a few days later than I thought it would. I am now planning to review every other Saturday for this story.
I'll have pics for you guys to see when I have everyone written up and review because it keeps me motivated and that way I know that someone is reading this, which is great.
Questions? Love it? Hate it? Want to throttle my neck? Let me know in the comments! (Even you guest reviewers!)
Thanks everyone, have a great day/night!
