Chapter Two

"A MidWinter's Dream"

On the day of the gala, Dormé took the day off to go shopping. I had warned her not to procrastinate and wait until the last possible minute to purchase a gown, but she did exactly just that. I had offered to go with her, but she had refused, telling me it would get done much faster if she were alone. I was too much fun to hang around with, she had said, and a good time would only slow her down.

I went into the office early that morning and took care of a few things, but called it a day right after lunch. Most of the Senate building had emptied long before then. This was the second biggest social event in Galactic City, and most senators would be there, as well as their families. Even the majority of the Jedi on-planet would show up. The evening wouldn't be complete without enjoying the sight of Masters Yoda and Yaddle cutting up the dance floor. Mace Windu was a surprisingly good dancer, as were a lot of the Jedi I had had the opportunity to stand up with. However, nothing compared to the grace of Obi-Wan, and the way it felt when he held me. It was as if we were floating far above the crowd, performing a private dance of our very own.

After grabbing a bite to eat at the corner deli, I made my way home and began preparing my makeup and hair. Dormé had promised to help me with that, but she hadn't shown up yet, and I was getting a little concerned. The gala began at 1700 with the recognition of key civic leaders, followed by dinner at 1800 and then dancing and drinks at 1900. Depending upon the success of the event, the following morning's sunrise would occur before everyone had gone home, although I remembered a few times the carpet was rolled up before midnight.

I personally hoped for a successful gala, to see friends I hadn't had time to speak with in a while, and to get to spend some time with Obi-Wan, of course. Hopefully, he would ask me to dance again, and that memory alone would carry me happily to the following year's event.

It was a ridiculous thought, just as Dormé had told me, and I needed to do something to change the outcome. But what? What could I do differently other than be friendly and be myself? Isn't that what you were supposed to do to attract someone? Be yourself?

Once I'd finished applying my make-up, I checked the chrono. It was 1530 hours and there was no sign of Dormé. Now, I was getting concerned and would be forced to contact her soon. I would wait ten more minutes and then call. Within eight, she burst through the door with very little to show for her efforts.

"Where's your dress?" I asked as she dropped a couple of small bags onto the bed.

"You were right. The pickings were slim. I'll just wear the same one I wore last year."

I couldn't believe it! Dormé cared as much for her appearance as I did. She had never considered anything like that before!

"Here. Let me fix your hair and put on your dress. Then, I'll get ready and we can leave."

I watched curiously as the young woman hustled around my room, gathered the needed supplies, and then hurriedly sat me down on the vanity seat. She then ran the brush gently through my dark locks before arranging the curls attractively. From out of one of the bags, she withdrew a few hairpins that sparkled silver and matched my dress perfectly.

"Dormé, those are lovely!"

"Just a little token of friendship. They didn't cost much, so don't worry about it. My treat."

She had really outdone herself, and when I stood and looked at my reflection, I saw a lovely snow princess standing there, not an exhausted and lonely politician.

The dress she had worn last year was lovely as well. The fabric was a gradient of yellow, blue, and lilac. Typically not an attractive combination, but the way the designer had cut and sewn the fabric, made her look like a Coruscant sunset. The satin mesh at the top of the bodice wrapped around her head like a cloud. She was truly radiant. But, it was the same old dress.

"Are you sure you want to wear that again? Don't get me wrong, you look lovely, but…"

"Mi'Lady," Dormé smiled and placed a friendly hand on my arm to stop me. "Nobody is going to notice or remember. Especially not with you close by. You look like a midwinter's dream. He's going to love it."

I had quickly looked down and noticed that even her nails weren't done. Her schedule for today had included a manicure, pedicure, a visit to the hair salon, as well as the local dress shop. It didn't appear she'd accomplished any of that.

"Seriously, what did you do all day?" I had to ask. I usually didn't pry into her private life, but curiosity was getting the best of me.

"Just ran a few errands. It took forever to find those hairpins."

And just like that, the matter was dropped, although my interest was not. Her refusal to give me details only confirmed she was hiding something.

"I'm going to contact Tanner for a lift. We'll be taking the luxury transport this evening."

This was the part of the event I didn't care much for. The dress and hair were fun. Expensive, but fun. Every little girl loved to play dress-up once in a while. But the parade of entrances into the gala was a total circus, with every attendee making a spectacle of themselves with what they arrived in and who they had on their arm. The Jedi were an exception. They usually snuck in after the event had started, through the back doors, and as discretely as possible. The street in front of the Civic Center was always littered with Holonet reporters, and the Jedi did not like publicity of that nature. I admired them for that. When it came to my career, it seemed to be a part of the job I couldn't escape.

Indeed, as soon as Dormé and I stepped out of the transport, we were faced with hundreds of holocams and reporters shouting at us, asking for private interviews and close-up shots. Security did their job well by ushering us quickly indoors, but the walk inside always stressed me a little. I never had enjoyed being in the spotlight like that.

Once inside, I was mesmerized by the décor. The committee had really gone all out this year. Even the hallway appeared as if it was frozen in ice with icicles and snowflakes floating everywhere. Even the lighting was light blue and caused my gown to sparkle.

"Wow, this is really beautiful," Dormé whispered. "So much better than the Hoth theme last year. I thought the live taun-tauns were a little much."

"Who knew how badly they smelled?" I added before the two of us broke out in giggles.

Entrance into the ballroom hushed us both. It appeared as if the floor was made of ice, but it was just a hologram – as were the snow-covered trees that surrounded it.

My dress was perfect. The scenery was perfect. I just prayed that the rest of the evening would be as well.