A week later, I was in my own universe staring longingly at the silk and satin dresses in the town shopping centre windows. My parents and grandparents were holding a special joint anniversary party in a week's time and I still had not been able to find an adequate dress; the length of the skirts were too long, the bodices too loose or too tight. I was at a loss. It seemed like I would never find a dress for the celebration. Rebecca and Miles were going and they had already got their outfits. Heck, it's the first week of the summer holidays and I'm already depressed, I reflected sourly, sighing. How am I going to get a dress when none fit me? I was not the only one feeling down. I overheard the conversation between my mum and dad about people coming to the party.
"I can't believe how many have turned down the invitations," Mum was saying crossly to my father. "There was supposed to be over a hundred people going but now we're down to just half!"
Dad exhaled deeply. "I know but there's nothing we can do about it," he stated. "It's not long until the party so we'll have to make the most of what we've got and - "
"We've got to have more people," Mum interposed determinedly. "There'll be lots of empty seats otherwise."
My dad was sceptical. "How are we going to get the number coming up to a hundred in a week? It's impossible!"
"No it's not," argued back my mother stubbornly.
Dad sighed again. "This is going to be a long week…" he muttered.
"At least Katy's bringing a boyfriend. Alana needs to invite one more person though," Mum continued.
"Katy's got a boyfriend?" I repeated, surprised. She was Sammy's older sister and had just finished her first year in college. I could not believe she had got a boyfriend already.
"She's older than you," answered Mum simply, as if that explained it.
What's that supposed to mean? I pouted. Is she saying I have to be seventeen or eighteen before I can get a boyfriend? The nerve! I'm fourteen and I already have one. He's coming whether she likes it or not!
My eyes widened slightly as an idea struck me. What if I did not invite just Kai? What about my friends from the Beyblade world? Why didn't I think of this earlier? The Beyblade teams would more than make up for the people missing from our party.
I smiled to myself. In coming up with that solution, I had also found a way to get a dress that would fit me perfectly. I secretly took out a mobile phone that Mr. Dickenson had kindly given me, since my parents would not let me have one. Because it was from the Beyblade universe, I could contact my friends. I dialled a number. "Hi Tyson. Can I speak to Hilary please? Thanks." I waited briefly as the phone was passed over. "Hey Hil. Yeah…could you meet me at the park? There's something I need your help with…"
"Yay! We're going shopping!" squealed Julia as she, me, Hilary and the rest of the Bey-girls walked into the mall.
I smiled at the pink-haired Mathilda and Mariah, who looked as excited as Raul's sister was. Hilary, Salima and Emily were as kind and enthusiastic as ever, beaming encouragingly at me as we reached the first dress shop. Mariam briskly led me inside by the hand and the other girls were hot on our heels.
We all had great fun trying on different dresses and were now headed to the last shop. All the girls except me had found their perfect outfit.
Hilary saw my crest-fallen face and put a hand on my shoulder comfortingly. "Don't be so down, Alana. We'll get a dress that's just right for you."
"Yeah," agreed Emily. "There's got to be something out there..."
"We'll just have to find it," Mariam declared.
"Cheer up, Alana. It'll be fine," Salima assured me kindly.
"You'll see. We'll get this dress for you and you'll be able to wear it at the party, okay?" added Mathilda.
"Okay," I replied gratefully, returning their smiles.
"Now that's the kind of attitude we wanna see," laughed Julia. "Let's go!"
"Yeah!" everyone cheered, following her and me as we sprinted through the shop doors.
I emerged from the changing rooms and stood before the Bey-girls wearing the last of the dresses I was trying on. The other female Bladers were awestruck for a moment, then burst out in delighted cheers.
"It's perfect!" exclaimed Mariah happily, clasping her hands together with glee.
"Looks great on you," Hilary smiled.
"Oh my gosh - you're so pretty!" Mathilda and Julia squealed excitedly.
"More like beautiful," corrected Emily matter-of-factly.
"Yeah," concurred Mariam. "The boys are sure gonna be in for a surprise when they see you."
"I can't wait to see the looks on their faces!" Salima giggled. "It'll be priceless!"
"You said it." Mariah grinned in a catlike manner.
I beamed. "Thanks a lot, girls. If it hadn't been for you I'd never have found this dress."
"No problem!" laughed Salima. "That's what we Bey-girls do - stick together!"
I stared out of the window as the car drove through the giant wrought iron gates, marvelling at the magnificent sight of the vast building that loomed at the end of the drive. Bluebird Wood hotel. It looked every bit as grand as Hiwatari mansion had been and the sheer beauty and grandeur of the place took my breath away. I could hardly wait to see what it was like inside because my family and some of the people we had invited to the party would be staying the night there once the celebration was over.
We alighted from the vehicle and were led to the pavilion in the huge back garden where the event would be held. Loads of large round tables with chairs were dotted here and there, there was a stage and microphones for the musicians and a dance-floor on which people could dance if they so wished. It was so professionally set out that all we could do was gape.
"Are the arrangements to your liking, madam?" the guide asked my mother.
"Yes!" smiled Mum, snapping out of her daze. "Thank you."
A few of the relatives and friends had come early to help with the preparation and Mum and my brothers helped arrange balloons. My dad aided some of my uncles who were bringing in the wine and other alcoholic beverages that would be served at the bar during the celebration and I blew up balloons for the children that were coming to play with.
After an hour of helping people prepare the pavilion for the party, I checked in at the hotel. The high-ceilinged room I was to share with my sister was so grand that I could not help glancing around in wonder. There was an en suite bathroom with a cool marble floor and sink, a large wardrobe built into the wall opposite and then a door which led to the bedroom. This too had a high ceiling and beautiful mahogany furniture along with a comfortable-looking single-seater chair and table by the window at the far end, which had long, heavy green velvet curtains. The double my sister and I would be sleeping in were huge with great mahogany headboards and soft pure cotton sheets.
"Too bad there's no one to share my bed with," I remarked to Mum, who had come to the hotel with me and see my room.
"Goodness!" she laughed. "What made you think of that? Who are going to share with, then?"
Kai. "Um…nobody!" I lied quickly, colouring a faint red.
"I see…" chuckled my mum.
"I'll…unpack my stuff," I changed the subject awkwardly, looking away as my blush deepened.
Mum took the hint, her knowing smile broadening. "Okay. I'll have a look at my room now - see you in an hour!" she called as she went out the door.
"Bye," I responded, before the hotel room door shut.
Suddenly, a pair of strong muscular arms wrapped around me, pulling me against a warm, solid masculine body.
"Hey," a deep voice whispered in my ear.
Warm breath tickled my skin, making me shiver slightly. Soft lips were pressed against my neck, gently sucking the skin on the side. I closed my eyes and relished his touch. A contented smile crossed my face.
"I heard you wanted to share your bed with me," Kai stated calmly, smirking at my surprised expression when I caught sight of the mark he had made on my neck in the bedroom mirror.
"Yes. What of it?"
"Just curious."
"I can't sleep in a bed that size without sharing it with somebody and besides, you let me share your bed at Hiwatari mansion so now I'm returning the favour."
"Good."
I turned around in his arms and scowled at him playfully. "It's rude to eavesdrop, you know. What's this for?" I pouted, indicating the lovebite.
"I felt like it," was his explanation.
"Typical…" I muttered, shaking my head. I hoped nobody would notice the mark he had made.
"Hn."
Looking into his eyes, I reflected, It's good to see that there are no traces of the injuries from our battle against the Black Hell Bladers. Though that day, I really thought he had died…The image of his lifeless body lying facedown in the snow flashed through my mind. Luckily it was only a cruel illusion, Damon trying to fool me. I don't know how I would have coped if he actually had been killed.
My boyfriend must have seen the sadness on my face because he pressed me against his chest, holding me close. His head rested lightly on top of mine. His wintry scent filled my lungs, his innate calm washing over me; I closed my eyes, listened to the sound of his breathing and his heartbeat. My sorrow faded to be replaced by calm, peaceful contentment.
I smiled and hugged him back. Whatever happened, we would face it together.
An hour later, I was hurrying down the pathway to the pavilion, my silver high-heeled sandals clattering on the paving stones. The party had started and there was no way that I wanted to miss the look on everyone's faces when my friends from the Beyblade universe arrived. I met Sammy at the pavilion entrance and caught sight of Rebecca waiting beside a table piled high with anniversary gifts through a gap in the bustling crowd of relatives and family friends as well as Miles, who was loitering nearby.
"Hi!" I beamed and they both glanced up.
"Hi," they responded.
"Sammy, I'd like you to meet Miles and Rebecca," I continued, my smile broadening. "Rebecca, meet Miles…and Miles meet Rebecca."
My friends exchanged introductions amongst themselves and soon we were talking eagerly about the night ahead. Miles was looking unusually smart, wearing a collared white shirt and black trousers and his normally messy brown hair had been combed and smoothed down. Rebecca wore a pretty turquoise dress and her loose blonde hair fell past her shoulders in a shiny, wavy golden sweep. Sammy had a beautiful blue dress on, her dark brown hair tied back into a curly, glossy ponytail.
I grinned as I looked around. Everyone had dressed up tonight and looked their best. I felt someone tap my shoulder and turned around.
My hazel eyes met dark brown ones that danced mischievously beneath a navy fringe.
"Can we join the party?"
"Tyson!" I gasped happily, hugging him. "You came!"
The navy-haired teen returned the hug, laughing. "You bet - we wouldn't miss this for anything. Right, guys?"
"You said it, Ty," chuckled Max.
Ray grinned, baring his curved catlike canines.
I gave both the American and Chinese boys a friendly hug and did the same with Kenny, Hilary and Daichi before turning to my bemused friends.
"Miles and Sammy, let me introduce the Bladebreakers, Olympic Beyblade champions and the team that Rebecca and I belong to," I told them excitedly. The team had decided before the summer holidays to have the old team name back and to return the role of team captain to Kai.
I introduced my team-mates one by one. Once Daichi had met Miles and Sammy, I glanced about for my boyfriend. There was no sign of him.
"Sorry about this," I began ruefully. "It looks like my last team-mate hasn't - "
A few sharp intakes of breath from my friends interrupted me.
I looked up and right on cue, the tall figure of Kai Hiwatari approached us. He was dressed head to foot in a black suit and trousers with a white shirt and dark purple tie beneath. His silver and dark hair as scruffy as always and his violet eyes held the same calmness as his presence. Even without the battle insignia he was as handsome as ever.
His gaze swept over my outfit, a ruby-red evening gown with thin straps that crossed at the back, fitting my petite form like a glove and defining my hourglass figure. A silver diamond necklace hung from my neck and a ruby ring and bracelet complimented my dress. My long brown hair had been brought up high on my head in a shignel and was secured with silver combs. Purple eye shadow and red lipstick adorned my face and a hint of blusher gave my cheeks colour. The subtle addition of eyeliner made my eyes seem larger and emphasised them perfectly.
Finally I found my voice. "This is Kai, the team captain."
Sammy seemed as in awe of him as I was because she only just managed to say a polite hello without staring openly at the boy.
Miles was shy and unsure so he merely mumbled his greeting.
My boyfriend inclined his head in acknowledgement to them before switching his gaze back to me.
He looked deep into my eyes with those penetrating, serious violet pools.
"Ti oichin krasnaya," Kai whispered, before turning on his heel and walking away silently. I think you look beautiful.
I gasped, my eyes widening as his almost inaudible words sank in. My cheeks coloured a bright red.
I stared after his retreating figure. Kai…
"What did he say, Alana?" Tyson wanted to know.
I shook my head, smiling dreamily. "You wouldn't understand."
"But we would," replied a voice. Tala stood before me, smirking, with Ian, Spencer and Bryan beside him. "Kai told you something in Russian, didn't he?"
"Yes…"
"Too bad we didn't catch it," Spencer grunted.
"Then we would have known what embarrassed you so much!" added Bryan, smirking like his team leader.
"You'll get it out of Kai later, right?" Daichi asked hopefully.
"Fat chance of that…" Ian snorted.
I turned back to Sammy and Miles. "These are the Blitzkrieg Boys."
"We're the Russian Beyblade team and I'm the captain," the red-haired teen explained. "The name's Tala."
The rest of the team members introduced themselves and I felt excitement thrill through me as I saw the PPB All-Starz, White Tiger X, F Dynasty, the Majestics, the Global Bladers, the Battalion Bladers, Team Psykick, the Saint Shields along with Zeo and Wyatt queuing up behind the Russian Beybladers. Everybody I had invited from the Beyblade universe was here!
Once I had introduced all of the teams, I looked around at what the initial reactions were to the Beybladers' presence. Many people were startled at the sudden increase in young people whilst others welcomed it. I caught sight of my parents' faces, seeing their surprise dissolving to joy. I smiled. They had got the number of people they wanted for the party.
"I still can't believe that guy you said was captain of your team is Kai," Sammy told me. "He looks even hotter in reality! I don't blame you for fancying him and the others are cool too. It's incredible having all the Bladers you thought never existed turn up in our world!"
"Yes," I agreed. "I told you I'd introduce you to Kai sometime, didn't I?"
"I'm glad you did," returned my friend gratefully. "He's amazing up close. With that handsome face, I'm sure he's got loads of girls after him - you'd be really lucky to get him as a boyfriend."
"Got that right!" I laughed.
A jovial Irish band played, lively country and folk music filling the air as friends and relatives alike danced for sheer joy on the dance-floor. Everybody had eaten a hearty meal and was eager to let off some steam. I watched Mariah and Ray whirling around hand in hand whilst Hilary and Salima practically dragged Tyson and Kane across the dance-floor, with Daichi, Zeo, Max, Goki and Jim in fits of laughter at the faces the blue-haired boys were pulling. Ming-ming danced happily with an embarrassed yet delighted Kenny and Miguel and Mathilda looked like they were really enjoying themselves. I saw Crusher and Garland talking and went over to join in the conversation, smiling knowingly upon spying a strangely shy Julia asking Brooklyn to dance with her and Max inviting a surprised, blushing Rebecca to dance too.
After a while of chatting and dancing, I stepped outside for some air. It was a clear, cool night, the dewed grass like a soft, springy green carpet beneath my feet as I strolled down the vast back lawn. I inhaled and exhaled deeply to calm my excited, fast breathing and racing heart. The sky was a rich dark blue and a single star twinkled brightly high above the hotel. I smiled, closing my eyes to silently make a wish. Something warm and strong enclosed my right hand.
I opened my eyes, glancing beside me to see Kai staring up at the star I had wished upon. My gaze flickered down to our linked hands, his holding my smaller one. Our fingers fitted together perfectly. My senses drank in everything; the velvety texture of the grass beneath our feet, leave rustling as the wind whispered the trees, the distant sounds of laughter, chatter and music from the pavilion, the damp fresh scent of the night air, the warmth of Kai's hand along with his wintry smell and calm presence.
Both of us were so lost in the quiet, peaceful atmosphere that we failed to notice someone watching us from behind a tree. Rebecca chuckled to herself as I wrapped an arm around my boyfriend and he did likewise, before creeping away with a knowing smile on her face.
I found myself leaning against Kai, subconsciously resting my head on his shoulder. The Russian smirked, laying his head gently on top of mine.
"Tired?" he whispered.
"Yes," I replied. "It's been a long evening and in answer to what you said to me earlier - spasiba." Thank you.
Kai chuckled softly. "You're welcome. Let's go to your room."
"Good idea," I concurred, yawning. It'll be nice to snuggle up with him tonight.
We walked back toward the hotel hand in hand.