The Problem
I chose a dark red backless long gown designed by Flare Corona. This is a very formal event so a decent and formal attire is a must.
Daddy also gave me the cheque before he went overseas. I texted Sting and he said that he's still preparing. Cana and Levy stayed in my condo while I'm waiting for Sting. Cancer, the one who did my hair and make-up, already left so Cana took over in retouching blush on to bring the colour back to life.
I requested for a light make up but when Cana told Cancer that there'll be media and the event might be published in newspapers and magazine, he decided to darkened my eye shadow.
When Sting picked me up in my condo unit, I saw Cana and Levy's reactions. They loved Sting way back in college. But ever since his infidelity, like me, they now feel nothing but hatred towards him.
"Later, Lu!" Levy shouted at me.
Our plan is to go to the bar where Cana and Levy would stay to wait for me after the event. It's been so long since we last went clubbing because we got busy with work.
"You're going out tonight?" Sting asked when we got inside his car.
"Yes, with Cana and Levy…" I said.
"Can I join you?" he asked.
I gritted my teeth, "I don't know, Sting. Don't you have any other plans for this night?"
Perhaps a girl in your bed for tonight? Is there none so he's hoping I could fill that part right there?
"No. Can I join you then?"
I didn't answer. I don't want him around me. I don't want to even go to this event with him. In fact, I don't have any feelings left for him. I don't need feelings and emotions. Not with anyone else.
"Lucy?" he asked when he noticed my silence.
"Let's see, Sting. I told you, it's my plan with the girls."
He violently slammed the steering wheel of his car, "Even accompanying you is not allowed?" he shouted.
I didn't answer. I don't want to ruin this night. I'll attend ConFAP for the money that daddy is going to donate and to help the children abused by their parents. His anger won't ruin this night.
A valet fetched his car. He turned to me to get my hands which I placed in his arm.
"There are medias. If you want your dad and my dad to feel secured, let's act," he said.
"I know what to do, Sting. I've been doing this for a year now. You don't have to tell me!"
I tighten my hold to his arm. True enough, seconds after we went in, we were flooded by the medias.
The flashes of the cameras are blinding. The videographers are focusing on us. There are those who are even asking about whose gown I am wearing and who did my hair and make up. I answered the questions like a pro.
I even held tight to Sting who's now smiling to the camera now. We posed in front of the black watermarked walls.
I saw the displayed painting of the kids last year as we made our way inside. I couldn't stop myself from pausing at each and every painting.
One particular painting caught my attention. It's a painting of a rose. In that painting, five children served as thorns while the people around then are wounded because of them. It made my heart hurt.
"I want to buy that painting…" I said to Sting unconsciously.
"Buy that later. The media is all over us, Lu. Smile…" he replied.
I was forced to tear my eyes from the painting. Another wave of blinding lights greeted me as we neared the huge double doors of the venue which is open for the businessmen and famous showbiz personalities invited.
The inside is extravagant. I even saw familiar faces, be it sons and daughters of famous businessmen down to some of dad's relatives.
"Where's Jude? Minstrel?" Dad's brother asked.
"Yes, Uncle."
"Why didn't Loke represent him?" Uncle asked before letting out a huge Santa Claus laugh. I don't know what's funny but I smiled.
"Loke's busy… He went to Enca so I'm the one who represented dad."
"Oh well…" he nodded and turned to Sting," And you… Where's your dad?"
"Come on, uncle. I should just represent the company. I'm the inheritor, after all…"
While Sting and my uncle talked, I let my eyes roam around the venues. I saw some showbiz personality friends. We bumped each other's cheeks and murmured some greetings.
I don't know if anyone cares about the real reason of the foundation. In this event, it just shows the capabilities of the people invited. That they can donate a huge sum of money, spend some more for the clothes, and throw money just for this event.
"Lucy! Hmmm!" Mommy's sister kissed my cheeks.
"Auntie!" I smiled sweetly at her.
"You mom didn't donate?" Auntie grimaced at me.
"I think she's busy, auntie. Ashley's exhibit is near so they're preparing for it."
"Is that so?" Auntie Leandra fixed her hair while glancing at the passersby. She turned to me, "You look stunning, darling. Who are you with?"
"I'm with Sting…" I pointed at him who's still with my uncle.
"Oh! Find your seats. The programme will start soon."
I nodded at her and kissed Aunt Leandra's cheek, she's one of the founders of this foundation.
I turned to Sting to tug him to our assigned seat.
"Sting…" I called.
But instead of turning to me, uncle and him both stared at the newcomer. I saw how some of the most prominent and richest businessman in Fiore entered. Old CEOs of huge chain of malls, airplanes, and many more. They arrived together with their partners.
The media hovered over those big people. The sounds of clicks from the camera got faster which made me look at them too.
Then I saw Natsu. His black tux overpowering all the coat and ties of the people around. His hands is in his pocket while seriously looking at the camera. His jaw clenched when he was bombarded by the questions from the reporters.
I saw a fair-skinned arm just right next to his. He's not alone. My throat dried. Who is he with? He really won't go alone, huh?
A girl as fair as me is standing on his side. Her high cheekbones were designed as she smiled for the cameras. Natsu stopped when someone interviewed him. His eyes got more intense while answering the questions. The girl beside him hooked her arms in his. I averted my eyes and tugged Sting's suit.
"Let's find our seats," I said.
"Yeah."
We quickly found our assigned seats. The media is still preoccupied with interviewing the businessmen who just arrived.
My stomach got heavy when the scene earlier sunk in. I couldn't get myself to look at Natsu's spot right now. There's something in my stomach that I can't seem to understand.
"Mr. Dragneel…"
I almost froze when I heard the usherette.
"Here's your seat…" she said while gesturing our table.
Our round table still has dour available seats. It's where the usherette guided Natsu and his date.
Sting is in an animated conversation with an old businessman. I forced myself in the conversation to avoid Natsu's eyes.
"Good that your company is donating a million. I would donate three million if my stocks were alright but one of my companies just failed," the old director said.
"Why do you want to donate three million, if that's not too much to ask?" I asked.
In the corner of my eyes, I can see how Natsu and his date are making themselves comfortable. I forced my eyes to stay at the old director. I don't want to look at him. Now that the other businessmen at our table is greeting him.
"Well, to help the children. My son died when he was still very young. He had a heart disease that time. I have no other children. I've always like foundations for children so I donate in events like these."
I nodded, "That's good. Most businessmen donate for their pride and ego. Seldom just donate for the real cause…"
"So you're saying that you're donating for the real cause then, Miss Heartfilia?"
I almost fell from my seat when Natsu started talking to me. The old director turned to Natsu. Sting, too, who quickly put his hand on the back of my chair.
"Well…" I glanced at his companion. Her nose is pretty and her eyebrows are on point, I give her that. "If I have the money, I would donate it for that cause and not for the media, pride, and ego," I said, quickly avoiding Natsu's eyes.
"And you're saying that businessmen like me donate it for media, pride, and ego?" Natsu raised an eyebrow at me.
"Well… I'm not generalizing. There are those people who don't care about their own family's business. How the hell would they care for other people?" I said before staring the at old director.
"I guess you're right, Miss Heartfilia. When talking about the business and the game of stock market, some forget about the value of relationships. Money, greed, and ego would eat them up. Instead of caring and nurturing relationships, they opt to nurture their business instead… you have a point!" the director said.
I turned to Natsu. I'm just suddenly proud that someone share the same thoughts with me.
Even if I don't know the real reason why he wanted their family business to fail, for me, it's a manifestation that he doesn't care about his late father and brother's feelings. I feel sorry for them. He only cares for his money. That he should breakeven his investment before it fails. It's sad.
"People do things for a reason. Some people can benefit because of that reason. Isn't that what's important? That there would be people who would benefit from my reasons?" he raised an eyebrow.
Bastard… He's a real asshole!
"Well… That's your view…" I said.
I felt a hand on my arm. I turned to Sting who whispered something.
"Stop it… the programme's starting."
I nodded and turned to the speaker in front.
The people who donated were given spotlight in the event. Cheers and claps filled the venue in return for their goodwill. I can't help but feel good for the children. They can now get the education they deserve for free.
As a child, I consider myself lucky enough because both of my parents are well-off. In fact, I am still lucky despite the situation I'm in. To be abused by parents and to not have money for food and shelter is the worst.
I couldn't stop myself from clapping and agreeing to the words said by the president of the foundation. These kids need our support. They needed volunteers for the painting workshop where I regularly participate in.
After the programme, foods were served. I stared at the table which is now filled with the foods.
I saw how the woman's hand rested on his thighs while they're laughing about something. I feel like drenched in cold water. Well… he still hasn't broken our rules. Unless they strip and pound each other in front of me.
I picked the utensils and started eating. Sting's talking to another businessman again. While eating, I listened to their conversation about other country's lowering values which caused the fall of many business in Fiore.
Other people were lively. Some older couple are now dancing in the dancefloor to a song fitting their age. They're laughing and smiles are huge while dancing.
I wiped my lips with a table napkin after eating. I turned again to Natsu who's still talking to the girl he's with. They can't seem to ran out of topic, huh?
I felt Sting's hand in my back. I craned my neck a little to look a lit but failed to do so. I'm wearing a backless gown so his hand is directly touching my skin there. He's stroking in a circular pattern in my back while talking to the other businessmen there.
I glanced at Natsu and saw him looking at me. He looked away. I did the same. I tried to concentrate on Sting's conversation with the businessman but my mind can't just seem to digest anything.
The song changed into something slower. Sting's strokes became lighter. He's drawing slow lazy circles at my back. Sting looked at me and grinned.
"Want to dance?" he asked.
The director beside me laughed, "Ah, young love is nostalgic!" he shook his head.
I bit my lip. If I say no… they'll think that we have a problem. I nodded and stood up with Sting.
I didn't even look at Natsu as I stood up. Don't tell me he won't dance with his date? I'm pretty sure they'd dance. And for fuck's sake, it's just a dance!
I placed my hand on Sting's neck. My other hand is holding his. Sting's smiling at me while his full attention is on me.
"You look so beautiful tonight…" he said.
If only he isn't a cheat, I'll be happy with what he said. I just shook my head and roamed my eyes.
"Lucy…" he called.
I looked at him, "Let's not fool ourselves, Sting. Let's just dance and enjoy…" I said.
His jaw clenched and places my hand in his shoulder. His other hand tightened his hold on my waist. My chest is touching his. I clenched my jaw and shook my head again.
"Let's just dance and enjoy, then…" he repeated.
In a distance, I can clearly see Natsu's stare. They're still not standing up to dance. He's just sitting there, staring at us, while the girl beside him is talking animatedly.
I couldn't bring myself to look away. His eyes were filled with unknown emotions. I couldn't name those. He's far for me to know if it's anger or irritation. I just shrugged him off. I'm sure he understands my situation.
Sting buried his face in my throat. My eyes widened, surprised. I can feel his heavy breathing while he stayed like that.
I slightly pushed him away. This is not fair!
"Sting, please…" I said.
"You said we'll enjoy, right?"
I am uneasy because of his breathing and speaking in my throat. Then, he planted a kiss in my neck. I almost pushed him hard. He looked up to me.
"What's your problem?" he asked.
I looked at him with anger, "Please respect! You know we're not in good terms. Don't make it worse than it already is!"
He shook his head and continued dancing. "Fine! Let's just dance then…"
I took a deep breath and forced myself to dance. I felt his hand on my waist. He rested his lips on the side of my head.
We were both silent while we danced. I don't have any emotions. I'm not smiling or what anymore. My expression is just blank and hollow.
His lips touched my cheek.
"Sting…" I said as warning.
I glanced at Natsu who's now frowning. He's staring intensely to the wineglass like it's the reason for his irritation. The girl beside him is talking but he doesn't pay her attention.
Sting kissed my cheeks again. Natsu's eyes went up to me and I saw how it sharpened.
My knees are shaking. His onyx orbs are now as dark as the night. Even in a distance, I clearly saw how there's no light passing through his eyes. It was as if he's pissed, big time!
"Sting…" I said when Sting tightened his hold on my waist.
Natsu's eyes didn't leave me. My heart raced. I don't know why I'm feeling this nervous just because of his stare. I slightly pushed Sting to free myself.
"What's the problem?" Sting asked, confused.
"I need to go to the bathroom. Stay at the table, please," I said without looking at him.
I quickly untangled myself from Sting's hold and walked to wherever the bathroom is.
