Chapter 29: the dinner party
For the dinner party my parents and I got an invitation as well. It was a little unusual for me though, because I haven't been in one for who knows how long.
It was a bit unfortunate knowing everyone I invited will be there and recognize me. They won't see that ring I wore before which should confuse them, but I was almost sure none will ask neither ne nor my parents about it. It was private and to ask such questions wasn't very appropriate. But some of them might still try ask my parents about me. However, I had to handle this. I could handle this.
I was surprised to see Erza and master Makarov there though. Master was in his wheelchair having Erza to accompany him. He wore a common suit like most of the men around while Erza was wearing a dark purple formal dress showing off her beautiful feminine figure, her hair in a high bun making her look even more attractive. I saw a fabulous necklace on her neck matching her guild mark which was clearly visible. She looked stunning, honestly. And it seemed she saw me that way too. I wore a long dark blue dress with black layer of fabric under it the main one and black ribbons on my chest and sleeves. The dress perfectly fit on me. Best of it was that my guild mark was invisible.
"Master Makarov-sama, Erza-sama, it's so pleasant to see you here," I smiled and welcomed them with a bow.
"Nice to see you too, Neda-chan. I was invited as a current master of the Fairy Tail. After all, the city was the one who gave the First Master the idea of the wizard guild," master explained noticing my slight surprise. "But since I was able to bring a plus one, Erza willingly accepted to help me."
"That's really nice."
"What are you doing here, though?" Erza asked.
"You know I'm a Lettercard. There're many noble families invited to this dinner party and my family is too respected to not come."
"So that's why Mira was all dreamy what hairstyle she should make for you," Erza smiled a little. "She did a great work," eventually added.
"Yeah. It feels really comfortable to walk around," I touched my my hair. Mira was quite good hairdresser as well as chief in the kitchen.
"Anyway, your parents are here too?" master asked.
"Indeed," I nod and turned their side. "And it looks they have quite a good relationship with the mayor."
Then I looked at the other people around me. There were thirty, maybe forty of them, and still not everyone were present. Some of the people were with their families and even a couple of them brought children too. Though they were yelling and running around causing trouble everywhere. I felt warmer seeing it all despite what they did. I unconsciously touched my belly. One day my little one will be as energetic as these ones, run around and play games, then come to show what they did and obviously look dirty or a bit injured. But they'd still smile and say, it's nothing mommy. We were just playing and I slipped down. But it doesn't hurt, really.
With those thoughts I couldn't handle, but allow a tear to run down my cheek. I quickly brushed it off before it managed to ruin my make up.
Suddenly one of the guests came our side and greeted us. He made me come back to reality when I heard him talking to Erza and Master Makarov about the guild, but latter he asked me to dance. I bet Erza thought he was about to ask her instead because she was really shocked when I was the chosen one. Her skin at first was pale, then turned almost as red as her hair, but soon she was calm again. Her heart was already taken anyway, though not many people knew it.
But men wanted my company not because Erza was taken. I was younger and for their eye as beautiful as Erza. Just dislike her, they expected me to bring a lot of money to their homes and rise their family status. Besides, they noticed I wasn't wearing my ring and I caught a few thoughts that I used that as a trick. The one who invited me to dance, as well. I sighed and let him lead the way.
My parents noticed that too and were pleased of my actions though I highly hated this. I'd rather be in the arms of Rufus right now.
I noticed someone invited Erza for a dance too. Poor that guy who did so, because I've never seen this kind of dancing or if I should call it dancing. Would she spin Jellal like this too?
"You know, you look really incredible today, Neda-sama," my partner interrupted my thoughts again. "You shine like a moon in the sky."
I felt I'm going to throw up. Not because I was pregnant, but because it sounded so disgusting. The way Rufus was calling me his Moon was making me feel special, but this... This was unacceptable. I hated that. I hated he was stealing the nickname Rufus gave me.
But I tried my best to stay calm though my pregnancy was making it harder than ever. "Thank you, but the moon shines only because it reflects the sunlight. The moon doesn't shine itself," I pointed out. The man was confused for some time.
"So you mean you're reflecting something too?" he asked eventually.
"The only sun you manage to see through me is the name I bring within me which rather insults me than compliments," I bit. The man stopped dancing.
It seemed my words really got him out of his way. But it intrigued him even more. He grabbed my waist tighter and pulled me closer. How I could perfectly feel his chest pressed to mine therefore hear how his heart works and how many and how deep breathes he takes.
"You know that it's extremely cold in the moon too? And your both skin and words are as cold as that, but if you let me be your sun to reflect I'd be glad to heat you up," he whispered to my ear. His face was so close. Too close. I wanted to push him off but couldn't. I stepped on my dress. I had to pull that guy away somehow...
"The dinner is ready to be served. Shall we eat before it's cold?" the mayor's wife interrupted and the man holding me released his grip. I took a deep breath. Saved.
"Talk to you afterwards," he said with a wink checking me out from head to toe. I saw him lick his lips and I immediately knew what his intentions were. Then he turned to go sit with everyone to enjoy the meal.
"Afterwards..." I murmured to myself glaring at him. His thoughts of me. His actions. His touch, scent, voice... Everything was making me so sick. I was angry. I didn't want to hear a word anymore. And therefore barely controlled myself to not go and punch him into face. But I couldn't allow myself to give up to that rage. If I did, I wouldn't be able to restrain myself anymore and the secret my family tried to keep this carefully from public would go to waste. But somehow instead of fully rejecting this idea of punching him, I found myself enjoying while making him trip over his own leg and fall. I wanted to give him one joke after another making him look like an idiot around all the guests, however, he dropped on the table breaking a few glasses with water and plate with snacks. He tried to grab the corner of the table, but took the chair and fell on the ground instead.
Everyone was shocked. Some gasped, some ran towards the young man, and others stood like a statues. I hid my mouth with my palms. I didn't expect him to fell so dramatically hurting himself so badly, but I smiled. He got what he deserved just with one little innocent trick before I could even do anything else. This ia what happens if you cross the lines. This is what I do when people do what I don't want them to. This is my power. So innocent, but at the same time unforgivable.
Erza dug my back with her nail a little. I looked at her and my smile disappeared. They both with the Master Makarov knew it was my doing and wasn't pleased I ruined the dinner party.
But afterwards we still got our meal. The young man, who got injured was brought to human hospital, while I vanished any magic which could prove my fault.
However, the dinner itself wasn't pleasant either. I had to overcome myself of being stable and don't react suspiciously of anything the people said. Also, try to keep calm and not show how sick I was getting whenever I felt so.
But it was hard because I got a lot of attention. Also, since the party was to honor the events of X687, people took their time to talk about Fairy Tail. It seemed there were rumors around I didn't know myself.
"Excuse me, Master Makarov-sama, I heard rumors there's a new member in your guild," somebody said.
I almost started coughing at that moment. I was sure he was talking about me. Well, almost sure.
"A rumor?" Master asked calmly while eating his meal.
"Yes. Though nobody actually knows who this is," as the person talked, I felt a bit better, but still the blush was trying to change the color of my skin, they really heard rumors about me.
"Interesting," master played not very interested. Like there was nothing to talk about at all.
"So is it true?" someone else asked.
"Fairy Tail has many members and each year we're joined by the new ones. I can't tell you if it is true without knowing who are you talking about," Makarov said. I could breath again. What a relief. Master was standing up for me. He was rescuing me by shutting everyone up like a pro.
"So the rumors are fake? You don't hide any new members?" someone else asked.
"Master is too old to remember, obviously. Maybe Erza-sama knows?" one of the guests turned to Erza. She blushed and shook her head agreeing with the master.
"I heard that was their weapon," people got louder.
"Really? I heard it was a little child."
"Don't be ridiculous. Everyone talks that it's a former member of other guild."
"Nah, it'd make more sense if it was a runner from the prison. Otherwise there wouldn't be anything to hide."
"Queen gave amnesty to a few serious criminals though. Since not everyone agree with their escape from punishment, it could be one of them."
"You mean, that new member could be Jellal Fernandez?"
Erza started to burn. She hardly was able so look normal. I wanted to smile. The only thing she had to hear was his name.
Don't pay attention to them. They don't know what they're talking about themselves, I sent her a telepathic message.
I know, but it's weird to hear them talking about him like that, she answered.
Never mind. Let them be. Try not to think much about it, I gave my sensei a little smile. She smiled back and tried to do as I offered. But since she heard the name of her love, it become really hard. She truly missed him.
And then my eyes caught with my mother's she was gazing at me and analyzing every expression I made. I shivered. Was I screwed?
Wow, it's been a whole year since my first chapter of this story. It is a real shame I didn't get many reviews during this time. I do understand this story isn't the best, but I work hard trying to make this story unique and enjoyable. I really hope you do like reading it and whenever you feel ready, please leave a review or give it a favorite/follow.
I've decided to continue the story, since I have written some more chapters I don't want to waste, but I'll post them whenever I feel like it.
Also, I thought why not introduce Neda properly? In manga we get each of characters introduction page, so I've decided to introduce all known and future OC's too, so you could know them better. Here we go!
Name: Neda Lettercard
Age: 19 years old
Magic: (several types of) mind magic
Likes: sweets, nature
Dislikes: being ordered around, her illness
Remarks: Neda is a second daughter of her family. She has several cousins and other relatives living not only in Fiore Kingdom, but also Boscco and other countries of Ishgar, only her parents are the ones having the most influence among businesses and politics. From the very young age Neda was taught various of things not only as a noble, but the one to be next head of the house. Therefore she and her sister received countless of punishments and tortures while growing which ended up with Neda being mentally ill. As a result, she grew up hating her own life yet being arrogant to others, especially those she didn't know. But in the heart she is really kind and sensitive girl.