Chapter 9

(Alexandria P.O.V)

Dancing, I was dancing and being twirled around by my mysterious man who had come to visit yet again as he had every night for the last three months. He was ever so sweet and polite a complete gentleman and the reason I still managed to paint a smile on my face daily knowing I would get to him in my dreams as soon as night came. He was my addictive escape, making me forget all about my sorrows and woes of my daily life. For in my dreams of him I felt safe and complete, as if I was untouchable. We would take turns talking and he would watch me and listen occasionally imputing his thoughts or asking questions.

Most times than not he would take me to exotic locations and he would teach me new had been special he had said. He took me to New Orleans and showed me the town explaining how he had considered it his home. It was the night he talked the most and I had felt so content listening to him speak. He had a smooth velvet voice that had me wanting to listen to it forever with a beautiful English accent. He had told me to not be sad that upon waking up I was to be a year older that surely new and happy things were coming my way. He had said it in such a way that left no room for argument and had me believing his every that we had danced the night away and ended it with him giving me a beautiful red rose and place a small delicate kiss on my lips that left me craving more, Then I woke up and the dream was over the nightmare taking place.

Upon waking all the happy feelings and thought left me instead leaving a hollow behind as I realized that despite his promises today was the worst day of my life... my birthday today I turned 16 and officially became eligible for marriage a thing wish most girl dream of but not me. Rumor had it my father had invited every eligible man to the ball he was throwing me and I could not be more miserable knowing there was no way out of today. All thoughts had rushed to my head anything from illness to going as far as pulling a Juliet and faking my own death till I could find a way to run away and marry only when I was ready and out of love not for profit. Now you would think how dramatic, but you have no idea how horrible the thought of being married of to a man I did not know was. knowing I would belong to him and he could do with me as he please be it good or bad. I would have to kiss him and be a dutiful wife, bare children for him and pretend to be happy among anyone who would know us. Trying hard to keep my sad thoughts at bay I summoned the memory of last nights dream and got up once again painting a smile on my face just as someone knocked on my door.

"enter" I called out

My maids entered greeting me with a curtsy as they moved around my room opening the curtains and coming forth to help me get dressed. One of the maids caught my eye when she let out a small gasp. Turning to look at her I noticed a ruby red rose in her hand with a blue ribbon attacked at the stem holding a card.

"who is is from?" I asked curiously as I moved towards her holding my hand out for her to place the rose in my hand.

"It does not say from whom my lady but it is addressed to you"

How curious I thought observing the beautiful flower, smiling at the beautiful gesture she looked at the card and almost dropped it as she read the card

Happy birthday my little A remember what I said last night do not be sad for good things are coming you way. I will see you tonight at the ball

Could it truly be that her mystery man was letting her know he was real. A feeling of pure joy overtook her as she realized she would truly see him in person. Suddenly the worried she held for today faded and she found herself elated and anxious for the ball. Her maids seemed to notice her mood change as they smiled at her but did not pry further wish she was thankful for. If they had asked she was not sure she would have a good enough answer that would not leave her looking like a mental patient. Her thoughts were interrupted as her maids continued dressing her and brought her breakfast.

After finally being ready an hour later she emerged from her room a genuine smile painted on her face and a happy feeling of hope filling her chest. She hummed to herself as she walked and was so distracted she did not notice when she ran into her father who was on her way to go see her.

"Well don't you look radiant" he complimented her as he steadied her

She smiled and apologized curtsying to her father

"Sorry father I was so distracted I did not pay attention to what was in my path"

"its alright you looked very deep in your thoughts, that smile has not left you since i spotted you"

"Yes I am very happy and very much looking forward to tonight" I told him smiling

He seemed surprise at my response but smiled and nodded "well I'm glad you are you deserve to be happy, it is your birthday after all, you are growing up and becoming a woman"

I nodded my head politely as internally I thought of how happy I was only because she would finally meet her mystery man.

"Yes father" she responded dutifully

Her father smiled and caressed her cheek placing a small kiss on her forehead in an uncharacteristic display of affection. Her father was not the affectionate type but she happily accepted his affections whenever he would give them to her. With one last look in her direction he bid her goodbye and moved on no doubt to finalize tonight's preparations. She too moved on heading towards the library to pick up a book and head to her spot in the garden to help her spend the time till she had to go and get ready for the ball.

As she was walking towards the garden a book safely talked away in her hand she spotted Katherine running through the maze her brothers chasing after her. She paused and observed as both Stefan and Damon caught her and seemed to talk to he. Katherine seemed to notice her staring because she fixed her with a harsh cold glare that went unnoticed by her siblings. She simply rolled her eyes back and moved to continue her walk to the gardens when her brothers calling out her name made her look up. Her brothers waved her over and she bit her lip torn between going there and ignoring them as they had done to her many times before.

Frowning she decided to continue her walk and simply pretend she has not seen them. As she continued walking she was suddenly grabbed at the wrist and spun around. Startled she looked at who had grabbed her to meet the shining blue orbs of Damon. He was sporting a frown and his eyes held hurt no doubt at her ignoring his call. Behind him she saw Stefan flanked by Katherine approaching her. She bit back a groan as her plan on avoiding Katherine backfired on her and now she was forced to be civil to her for her brothers sake. The only kick she got out of it was the she knew she would be as equally irked if not more at also having to be civil.

"Yes Damon?" she asked looking at her brother ]

"We were calling you over but you ignored us"

"I must not have heard you forgive me brother" I responded looking into his eyes. His frown went away as he moved to embrace me causing me to hug him back. She was hit with a wave of nostalgia as she realized this was the first hug she had received from her adored older brother in a while. She pulled back after several seconds. Stefan also moved forward to hug her

"Happy birthday little Lex"

Smiling she thanked him settling her eyes on a scowling Katherine who quickly smiled as her brothers followed her line on sight

"Yes happy birthday little Alexandria" Chorused Katherine with a sickly sweet voice that made me want to chuck my book at her seemingly innocent face.

"Thank you" I spat out through gritted teeth forcing a polite smile wish she mirrored.

"Are you excited for you ball little sister?" Damon asked snapping me out of my staring contest I had stated with Katherine

"Yes very much so brother" I responded looking at them once again making a point to ignore the smirking Katherine behind them

"Good were very please and cant wait to see you tonight"

I nodded politely

"Yes I cant wait either but if you will excuse me I'm headed towards the garden" I told them signaling to my book i still held in my hands

They nodded and let me go with one last hug and some parting words of congratulation as well as promises of dancing with me later on in the night wish I agreed to but held no real trust in their words. Finally free she went to the garden where she lost herself in the tragic story of Othello till she was called to get ready.

(I know I'm terrible for going MIA but I'm back please R&R il update soon again, tell me what you guys think. Next time up the ball)