Three Years Later
(Nobody's POV)
Stella was pacing back and forth in her room of Solaria. Trying not to chew her fingernails off, but failing, knowing the party was soon. Brandon watches from her bed, getting just as distressed as she is by looking at her.
"It won't be that bad Stella" Brandon says as he gets up from the bed and walks over to Stella stoping her in her tracks.
"Yes it will, I feel it in my gut, it's too soon" She predicts, furrowing her eyebrows in annoyance.
"It's been three years, they will have moved on by now" Brandon reasons as he stops Stella again by lightly placing is hands on her shoulders.
"Yeah… this wouldn't have happened if you didn't invite him…" she mummers in frustration under her breath.
"He's my best friend, he's part of the reason I am who I am today. They are both our close friends and they will just have to deal with each other." Brandon says as Stella looks up and nods slowly.
"I never thought I would be afraid of gong to my own engagement party" she sighs and sits on the side of the bed. It's a bit tight though because of her floor length yellow lace dress, and she frantically adjusts it. Brandon joins her on the bed.
"It's going to be fine, this is our day remember" Brandon says softly and planting a kiss on Stella's temple and fiddling with her golden locks. She smiles at his touch, but it soon fades.
"No-ones really heard from Bloom in a year, she wrote back saying she was coming …. What has she been doing for all this time?" Stella asks to no one in particular.
"I guess Bloom's just had it tough, last people had seen of her, she was at Hypoid, doing something. Heilia told me she dropped by at Flora's for a while in Linfea before that though she has to be doing something, and I guess we already know what it's about." Brandon answers.
"I know …Sparks… Do you know if Sky is bringing... you know who?" Stella questions, feeling that anxiety again.
"Yep, but stop thinking about it, Stella you are driving me crazy" Brandon says in a huff and gets up from the bed ad stands in front of his future wife. "Now my Princess will you please escort me to the ballroom." He says with a bow.
Stella laughs before taking his hand and getting up. She never really got to see Brandon wearing his royal attire. A red dress coat and white tie, his buttons were as shining as the sun. He was the now future king of Solaria, even if it did take a couple of years to persuade Stella's father. But Brandon was always a leader, and it must have shone out in him eventually.
It was night and nearly all the guests have arrived at Solaria. People were gathered in groups discussing things of their delight with a drink in their hands. There were many greetings of long time no sees and complements being passed around.
Stella and Brandon waited at the entrance of the castle welcoming there guests. Musa, Riven, Flora, Heilia, Tecna and Timmy had already arrived and were mingling in the ballroom. Stella fidgeted uncontrollably, knowing one of her guests was in side that she was anxious about and another who was becoming late.
Before Brandon could comfort her or tell her to stop worrying, Layla arrives on the front step of the castle smiling in her lush green dress.
"Hey you two, congratulations" she beams and gives them both a hug.
"It's so good to see you again how's Tides." Stella asks.
"Fine, I'm sorry my parents couldn't make it my father has a superstition about something happening there" Layla apologizes.
"It's fine Layla, it's very nice for you to be able to make it though." Brandon says politely, and bowing.
"I think Brandon was cut out for royal life after all" Layla teases.
"Well, I shall take that as a compliment then Princess" Brandon says back, and Layla gives her impressed look and laughs. The laughter soon fades in to the night.
"Are they hear yet" Layla says softly.
"Sky is in there already, were just waiting on Bloom… if she shows up" Stella mumbles the last part. Layla gives a sad smile to the couple.
"Look, it's getting late and It's your party so you should be in there…don't wait too long okay" Layla advises before rubbing Brandon's arm and holding her drees , with her hand not holding her clutch and goes into the castle.
It's been about ten minutes after they were supposed to be inside at their party before Brandon speaks up.
"Stella, I know you wanted her to come…" he trails off. Taking Stella's hand her starts to guide her back to the castle and she nods.
"I just hoped…" Stella's voice fades through her disappointing thoughts of her best friend not showing up. But then as their backs were turned they could hear the slight clack of heels on the stairs getting louder as they listened. Stella spun around and looked down the long flight of pale yellow stairs and her eyes lit up.
Bloom was making her way up the stairs effortlessly as she holds her fiery orange drees in front of her as well as her navy clutch. She smiles as she sees Stella's face and quickens her pace up there stairs to hug her best friend.
Bloom looked beautiful. She wore a fiery orange dress made of thin layers of flowing fabric that reaches her waist. Her bodice was orange to, but from her bust line reaching all-round her neck and long sleeves were tropical flowers of navy, light magenta, greens, red and oranges. She had grown up from the year they had lost. She was turning into more of a woman.
"You look beautiful Stella, oh and congrats." Bloom said as she was pulling away looking at Stella.
"Thanks Bloom… I almost thought you weren't going to make it." Stella says a bit unsure.
"I'm sorry I was late, I just lost track of time… as usal" Bloom says with a nervous laugh. But Stella doesn't press the issue, as long as she was here, she thought. Bloom steps aside to go hug Brandon.
"Ah God, don't you look dashing in your new attire" Bloom compliments and patting him on the chest.
"Well, at least some one noticed, this stuff is more uncomfortable then a three hour lecture from Codatorta" he says while pulling on his collar.
"Don't do that you will get it all messed up." Stella whacks away his hand before adjusting his tie and sweetly kissing him on the cheek. There have a moment before Bloom clears her throat and they turn around to see her.
"Well should the couple of honour proceed to the ballroom." Bloom says with a hand gesturing out, they awkwardly look at each other, take a deep breath and go into the castle Bloom not far behind.
(Bloom POV)
You would think stepping into the castle wold be familiar feeling. But now I feel foreign and unsure about myself. Stella and Brandon, who I couldn't be happier for, guide me to the Ballroom. It's been awhile since I have been to a party or in a room with more than 10 people in it. I guess that's what being on the move and look out does.
I miss working at Alfea; I was only there for 2 semesters before I found a good lead on Sparks. Ever since then I have been travelling around the Universe finding information to help me find my parents and restore Sparks.
I hear the buzz of the party ahead and take a deep breathe. I think for a second of turning back or hiding in a secluded room but force one foot in front of the others. I walk up a few more stairs before the atmosphere hits me like a ton of bricks. The air I breathe feels like electricity coursing through me. Many royals and recognizable faces are spread around the ballroom, in groups enjoying themselves.
I look straight ahead and feel myself calm when I see my friends. Flora in her pink ball gown spots me first and calmly but quickly races over.
"Bloom, sweetie, you made it" Flora says happily and I smile. She pulls away and we are greeted by the rest of the guys and girls.
"Bloom where did you get that dress" Stella asks her passion for fashion kicking in.
"Oh! Mya made it for me" I reply and greet Tecna and Timmy in the process.
"Isn't she from Pyros?" Stella asks as we walk further into the room.
"Yep…" I reply simply back" So, whens the big day for you two."
Stella looks like she wants to ask more but holds back and grins.
"Next Spring, It's going to be nice, not to hot" Stella replies. Our group forms in a scattered mess and I look across the rest of the Ballroom.
"So Bloom where have you been, I don't know, for the last year…." Brandon asks, a bit unsure of him.
"I've' gotten around, you know here and –"I stop short. Emerging from a group conversation is someone I was hoping wasn't here tonight. I pushed it into the back of my mind, denying it or just tricking myself to come tonight. He's slightly taller and broader, and his hair is at the length of when I first met him. I feel myself stay still, frozen as if time has only stoped for me… for us.
Sky laughs as he walks away from a group, a girl about my age by his side with caramel brown hair in a high messy bun and a grey gown. Something must have court Sky's attention because he looks this way and his worry free smile disappears and I find myself staring right in his eyes across the room. It feels like forever, us just looking at each other but soon his escort tugs him and ask what's wrong but he stays fixed on me.
I am the first to look away and turn to my group who all have pity, cringed or awaked faces but I force a smile.
"Hey Stel, did you say it was an open bar." I question, as I turn to see Stella confused.
"Yeah but-"She tries to finish.
"Great, I'll see you guys around" I reply rushed and walk out of there quickly to the bar across the way. It's been three years since I have seen that face but it still is just as painful, and it probably always will be.
The bar tender takes my order and I wait patting my hands on the counter and looking around. To my left is that same girl I saw with Sky ordering. She smiles at me politely and I pray she doesn't talk to me. But un like most of my prayers these days, it isn't answered.
"Excuse me, are you Princess Bloom" She asks, with a slight quiver in her voice.
"Yes" I reply back shortly, hoping she would drop it.
"I thought so…" she mummers" I'm Princess Camila of Bentonon, Prince-"I cut her off.
"Oh I know who you are" it might have come off a bit rude and self-centred but at this point I don't' care. I saw her on television a year ago when Erendor was announcing her at Sky's engagement to the universe. The bar tender finally gives me my drink of Pink Champagne and I lift up my glass.
"Well, nice to meet you princess and best of luck." I bring the glass to my lips and take a big sip, smile and walk away.
Hey guys, hope you enjoyed, I love your heart touching reviews.
I'm so sorry I skipped a day, with school looming now my posts might be a bit infrequent but I will ty my best for you guys
Love you