As soon as Minako opened the door to the guest room, she could see why her grandmother called Arturu a penguin. He was dressed in a tux, and had such a stance that he resembled the flightless bird greatly. Lucinda sat on an ottoman, hushedly whispering to another gentleman whom Mina didn't recognize.
"Luci!" The chatting woman stood and turned quickly, her grey eyes lighting up like a child's on Christmas morning. She looked absolutely gorgeous. Her hair head been streaked with a topaz yellow color and pulled back into a tight sushi-roll bun. Several beads hung from the bun as decoration and her bangs had been curled as well. Around her neck there was an arrow-shaped peridot which hung from a round silver chain. The necklace was surprisingly simple compared to the jewelry that Lucinda usually wore, but nevertheless, it was something Minako could never afford.
"Mina! Oh, did they have you working early again? You poor thing, come here give Luci a hug." She outstretched her arms and embraced Minako as she moved closer.
"It seems like it's been ages. I'm sorry I haven't called. What has it been, two months? Arturu and I have been so happy, I've lost track of time."
"So you've chosen then? Congratulations Luci, Arturu, you have my blessings." Minako forced a very convincing smile and pulled from the hug to get a good look at her friend.
"Why are you all dolled up? Are you two going into the city tonight?"
"Oh, no. As a matter of fact, that's exactly why I stopped in. You see my father is hosting a party tonight in honor of Arturu. He was Daddy's favorite for my hand anyway, and I came by to invite you. I wouldn't attend if I knew my sister weren't there." Luci's puce painted lips contorted into a frown and she took Minako's hands, bouncing them as if she were an excited little girl begging for a toy from her parents.
"I...well...um...Luci, I've only my mother's wedding dress to wear, and I don't have an escort, I..." Silently, she scolded herself for trying to make excuses not to go.
"Minaaa.......pleeeease? Pretty please? I'm not going if I don't see you in your dress in the next five minutes!" Luci stamped her foot stubbornly and held her chin high as if declaring a law and Minako couldn't help but laugh a little.
"Well alright, but....it would look odd for me to show up by myself with no date, Luci, you of all people-..."
"Should know, and I do. Mina, I would like you to meet one of Daddy's business associates, Mr. Jonasan Haikara." Lucinda leaned close to her friend's ear and whispered.
'I've been telling him about you for months now, and he seemed most intrigued. He was begging me to meet you by the end of the first week!' She giggled quietly and Mina flushed a bright shade of pink, hissing back into Luci's ear.
"Lucinda! What have you been telling him?!" She would never hear the answer. The man stepped up sharply upon being announced, like a soldier would in the military. He was young, but judging by the suit he was wearing, also very rich. Her reached over and took one of Mina's hands as Luci backed away. She cast an impish grin at her friend and Mina stood there almost in shock as Jonasan lifted her hand to his lips.
She could not deny that he was attractive. His hair had been slicked back and he had a generous smile. He just seemed like such a kind and genuine person, she deducted, though she hardly knew him.
"Minako Marra. You are more beautiful in person than any story Luci could ever tell. I apologize if this all seems so sudden, but your friend insisted that it be a surprise. Might I ask, dear Mina, that you accompany me to Lucinda's party?" The woman was dumbstruck. Two months and not a word, now this? Though she was flattered all the same. She couldn't hide the slight pink color in her cheeks when he released her hand and she cast a glance at Luci that seemed to say 'What did you do?'
"I.....I would be honored to join you sir. But, please allow me to dress myself properly for such an occasion." Minako could barely get the words out and she offered a slight bow of respect before heading out of the room.