Chapter 16: Roses are Red, Violets are blue…

While September approaches, rain began to fall on the villa. Yet, Enrique had found his old cheerfulness. He came down the cellar where Hilary was having lunch with the other maids.

"Hilary! Guess what I'm going to tell you?" Enrique asked, pulling Hilary up from the chair and started dancing with her.

"Whoa, Enrique! What is it?"

He let go of her.

"Be my date for the Youth Disco Opening party."

Hilary stopped laughing immediately.

"Your date? But what about Prim-."

Enrique waved an impatient hand.

"Can't you see? Prima's packing. To wherever my father told her. God, a week without Prima! Paradise!" he said dreamily.

"So is it a yes or a no?" he added hopefully.

Hilary looked side-wards to Mariam who just shrugged. Thank God Tyson isn't here, Hilary thought to herself before accepting.


"What? You're taking a servant to an opening?" Giovanni slammed his glass on the desk.

His only son was standing in front of his desk, surprise replacing by defiance.

"She's not just a servant," Enrique countered. "If she was, then why would you let her become a ninja?"

The father held his head in his hands.

"Look, I let you go out with half of Manhattan even though you're engaged and you're still ungrateful for that?"

"Hilary is part of that Manhattan so, what's wrong about going out with her?"

"You and she are not of same category!"

"What about Salima? I went out with her and you didn't say anything."

"That's because…" he drank in the air. "Hilary Brown's father is…"

"What? What has Hilary's father got to do with all this?"

"Never mind," his father waved an impatient hand. "Just do what you want. Leave me be."


Hilary went up to Prima's room to help the latter pack her clothes.

"Where are you going again?" Hilary asked the girl.

"Wind Storm resort. You know, the one on an island not too far away?"

Wind Storm? Why is this name familiar?

"Hey, I've heard that Rique's taking you to an opening. Do you have a dress?"

Hilary shook her head, coming out of her reverie.

"What about going to the mall together? It might be fun."

Hilary thought that they would let Hiro take them but instead Prima led her to her motorcycle.

"I present to you, Il Demonio, my motorcycle," Prima said before jumping on it.

"Take this," she handed her a helmet.

They sped across the villa. Hilary was breath-taken by the speed. All she could see were green blurs passing them in the speed of light. They took the highway and Prima doubled many cars. September was still hot and people had their windows down so music drifted around the air.

"Are we there yet?" Hilary yelled.

"Scared of speed?" Prima yelled back.

"A little bit."

So Prima slowed down a little but Hilary could still feel that they were going too fast. When at last they arrived at the mall's parking, Hilary's legs were trembling.

"First motorcycle ride, I see," Prima grinned.

Hilary gave a weak nod.

Only when they entered the mall did Hilary cheer up. The clothes in the window seemed to be shining, urging them to enter. Hilary wanted to try the shops one by one but Prima dragged her directly to a shop on thefifth floor. Hilary understood why. It was covered with gowns and ball room outfits.

"Don't expect Enrique to take you somewhere public," Prima said. "This youth club is opened for rich kids only."

A middle-aged woman greeted them and seemed to know Prima because she took them to the back where the gowns were even more dazzling. But when Hilary saw the price, she grimaced. Prima seeing this said, "Don't worry, I'll pay."

"What? No! I-"

"You've already done a lot by keeping my room tidy," prima shrugged. "It's my turn now to pay you in return."

Hilary grew silent and started fumbling the dress beside her. Is it wrong to use other people's money? Well, Prima did insist…

"If it bothers you so much, you can repay me by being a beautiful date for Rique," Prima said.

Hilary stared at her and suddenly it occurred her that in fact, Prima really feel something for Enrique. Why would she keep talking about him to Hilary, then?

"Alright," Hilary said brightly and the last two hours were spent on trying outfits.

Prima acted like a man, sitting in the armchair in front of the changing room, waiting for Hilary to come out so she could judge. Hilary tried about twenty costumes before she/ and Prima were satisfied.

"I really don't know how I'm going to repay you," Hilary kept saying as they went out to pay.

"Forget it," Prima answered shortly.

The dress Hilary had picked was midnight blue with stars spread over the hem, climbing up the gown. The back was completely bare except for a lace that crisscrossed over it.

"Now, accessories," Prima said, putting her purse in the back of her trousers.

They visited nearly all the shoe shops in the mall and finally picked up a pair of silver sandals with navy straps that matched the dress. Prima also bought her long transparent navy gloves with discreet glitters. Hilary saw silver bangles and fell for them so she bought them but with her own money.

In the end the two girls sat at the Soda Fountain, sipping milkshakes. Prima only bought a first aid kit.

"You never know what'll happen," Prima had said after seeing the look on Hilary's face.

"Thanks for such a nice day," Hilary said, fishing out the cherry from her glass.

"You're welcome. I enjoyed myself too," Prima answered and leaned on her chair, resting her head in her hands, rocking herself.

"It's not like I'm trying to be nosey but… why do you act like a boy?"

Prima let the chair tilt back in place.

"What do you mean?"

"You look very masculine driving a motorcycle, taking me shopping without buying anything, paying everything for me…" Hilary enumerated. "And the way you sit a while ago was exactly like Enrique."

Prima burst out laughing at that.

"Well, I guess I do get some influence from Rique," she answered. "But actually the reason that I act like a boy is because I reject the fact that I'm a girl."

She smiled sadly as Hilary stared at her.

"I can't say that I'm a feminist but the thing is wherever I look I see weak woman and I don't want to be like them," she explained. "So I started acting like a boy to safe me from sexism, or something."

Hilary continued to stare at Prima for a long time.

"Have you ever been with a woman?" she asked.

Prima just laughed mysteriously.


Around midnight, Hilary's ninja watch beeped and so did Mariam's.

"What happened?" Mariam yawned as Hilary stopped the beeping.

"Master wants to see us," Hilary replied.

"What? Now?"

Hilary nodded.

Both girls got dressed as quickly as they could and ran to the secret headquarters. They found Tala also present at the round table (A/N: Great, it reminds me of King Arthur…). The master was standing with his back towards them but when the girls arrived he turned smiling a warm welcome.

"Good, good. I hope I didn't interrupt any sweet dreams?" the master said.

Mariam huffed. Hilary simply smiled.

"Well, to business," the master rubbed his hands. "There's been a change of plans. Not for you Tala but for you girls."

Hilary and Mariam opened their ears.

"You remember that you'll be disguised as hired maid?" they nodded. "Well, instead of registering the names of the guests, I want you to creep up the mansion and find any information, any information at all about the Chows having trades with Balkov. We want to be sure who our enemies really are," the master added, seeing their inquired looks. "But if you hear a beep from Tala, you must rejoin him. Tala, I trust these girls in your hands," he said to Tala who just grunted, not looking at anyone.

"I'll give you the necessary gadget the day before the mission. Is everything clear?"

They all nodded.

"Back to bed, then. Joy, I trust that you'll have a long night tomorrow."

Hilary stared at him. So he knew about Enrique and her? Well, of course he's his father! But isn't there a hint of bitterness in his voice. Hilary shrugged and turned away with Mariam, Tala closing in behind them.


The next day's evening, Hilary found her hair being pulled by Salima and her nails painted by Mariam.

"God, Sal that hurts!" Hilary yelled.

"Hold still! Have you ever heard? You have to suffer to be beautiful," Salima retorted, taking off the rolls that made curls in Hilary's hair.

"Yes, Sal is right, Hil. Hold still, your nails are not dry yet," Mariam said.

Hilary remained silent after that. She wished she had a mirror so she could see what horror the two girls had done to her. She felt the estranged feeling of lipstick on her lips and the mascara tickled her eyes. She normally didn't put make-up on but this time Mariam and Salima insisted on doing a whole re-do on her. They seemed to be having fun. Hilary sighed. Then her heart began to pound. Prima said that it would be one of the rich kids' clubs. How was she supposed to act? She suddenly felt that her dress might be too 'light'. What if everyone wore long sleeves and tight collars? Hilary brushed that thought away. We're still in early September! No one's going to dress like in winter!

At last Salima and Mariam finished with her and now they were looking her down, a grin on their faces.

"What?" Hilary asked, suddenly feeling upset again.

"You look a million dollars, Hil," Mariam said.

"Yeah, King Rique must fall," Salima added, laughing in her eyes.

"Don't be silly," she said, flushing then turned to the bathroom's door thatwas open, showing the mirror showing a dazzling girl in midnight blue looking back at her.

Hilary gasped. This couldn't be her! And yet it was. Mariam had applied light blue eye shadows on her, making her eyes darker and deeper. Her cheeks seemed to be blushing softly and as for her lips… They were color of plum, shiny and fresh-looking.

"God! God! God!"

"You said it, Hil."

"Well done Sal."

The two girls clapped each other's hands. Hilary turned to them. They saw that her eyes were filled with tears.

"God, no, Hilary! You'll smear your make-up!" Mariam exclaimed.

"You guys are the bestest friends I've ever got!" Hilary cried hugging them both.

"That's sweet of you to say so," Salima said beneath Hilary's clutch.

"Go now. Prince Charming's waiting," Mariam said pushing her away.

Salima gave her a handkerchief to dab her tears. Hilary smiled to them one last time before disappearing behind the dormitory's door.

"Here goes our Cinderella," Mariam said fondly to Salima who dabbed her eyes with the same handkerchief that Hilary had used.

Hilary imagined herself coming down the grand staircase into the arms of her prince. But since her dormitory was on the ground floor, she simply had to walk across the hall to meet Enrique. He was smoking at the doorway. When he heard her approaching, he threw away the cigarette and smiled charmingly at her.

"Is this the same Hilary I meant to take to the opening?" he joked.

Hilary blushed slightly and gave him a small push.

"Ouah, I think it is," he said, winking at her.

He too, was looking elegant in a tuxedo. He had a rose plucked in his chest pocket. He gave her his arm, "Shall we?"

Hilary giggled and took it. Apparently Hiro was out of service again because Enrique drove himself. Hilary sat beside him as the highway lights flickered past them.

"The first time I saw you I told you that you were a real treasure but tonight I guess I must say that you're the glittering star that gazes upon me."

Hilary didn't know what to answer so she looked out of the window.

"Hilary, I think Cupid's flying low this season."

From somewhere, his hand found hers.

"Accept this from me."

She opened her hands, her hear banging. When she held it up to the light she could see a delicate silver necklace on which hung a pendant of a diamond star (See: Arwen's necklace but less elaborated).

"Oh Enrique…" Hilary was breathless.

The fire was red so Enrique left the steering wheel and help her put on the necklace (A/N: Classic love scene…).

"Now you're a real shining star," he said, kissing lightly her hand before returning to drive.

Hilary's heart was pounding so hard she was surprised it didn't burst. She really didn't know what to do. She wished Enrique hadn't gone serious but continued joking again. Only when they reached the Club, did he wore a smiling mask. He opened the door for Hilary and abandoned the car to a valet. Millions of people were standing outside, waiting for the overture. When they saw Enrique and Hilary they all clapped. Hilary could hardly see because of the flash lights.

Shit! There are newsagents around here?

A man in a suit shook Enrique's hands and gave him a pair of golden scissors. Enrique took it and showed it to the crowds. They all cheered. Enrique took Hilary's hands so that she was holding the scissors too and they cut the ribbon sealing the entrance together.

"Come on, you, young ones! The Party has begun!" Enrique yelled in a country accent.

Laughing with joy, the people pushed their way into the club including Hilary and Enrique. The music fired. Colored lights turned the place in one magical garden. A bar stood in the center of the room. It was the kind of bar that was opened on the four-sides. A stage stood at the end of the room next to a glass door leading to the swimming pool now empty except for balls of foams. Comfy chairs scattered around the place but it was clear that the people who came here was to dance.

When the room was really packed, the music changed and the curtains on the stage were drawn opening to a group of singers.

"Ming Ming! Ming Ming!" the crowd of teenagers yelled.

"Ready everyone? 1…2…3… Go!" the turquoise-haired girl started singing and the club was officially opened.

Enrique smiled at Hilary and leaned to whisper in hr ears, "I've scanned the place. You're the most seductive girl here."

Hilary laughed nervously.

"Including the singer?" she fended asking.

Enrique got along with the game and thought hard.

"I think… let's leave her out of the whole thing."

She slapped his arm.

He laughed and took her gently by the arms. But suddenly someone tapped him on the shoulder. Apparently a certain Mr. Whatsits wanted to see him. Enrique signed.

"Do you mind?" he asked Hilary.

"Of course not. Go ahead."

She went to sit at the bar, eyeing the dancers. The music was good.

In the end she spent the rest of the evening alone. There was only one girl who came and talked to her but then someone came and asked her to dance so she left and never returned. Hilary began to wonder if the whole fuss Mariam, Salima and Enrique made about how beautiful she was, was just a play, a comedy so not to hurt her feelings.

As the crowds ebbed away, Enrique turned up, looking apologetic.

"Hilary, I'm sorry but I've got to meet so many people…"

She put her finger on his lips.

"Let's go home," she whispered.

Enrique grinned and they went out of the club. Enrique got the car back but instead of heading to the villa, he drove them to Long Island.

"What are we doing here?" Hilary asked when Enrique parked the car right on the beach.

Without answering immediately, Enrique opened the car's roof and put his feet on the steering wheel after leaning his seat. He carefully light a cigarette and handed the packet to Hilary who refused.

After taking a puff did he speak, "To profit of the view."

Indeed, as Hilary gazed upwards, she saw how brightly the full Moon shone. The rolling sea beneath them created a perfect melody with the humming of the wind. Stars were winking down at them as if they knew a secret that they didn't.

"So you've found the packet of cigarettes," Hilary remarked, eyeing the Marlboro in Enrique's hands.

The boy laughed.

"Yes, but not in Prima's room though. I had Hiro bought them for me.' He paused. "Hilary?" He was looking straight into her eyes now.

She couldn't bear the coolness of his gaze, yet it was so enticing.

"Yes?" she ventured.

"Thank you. Thank you for being there for me when I have no one."

Hilary looked at him in surprise. Then the scene of Enrique's outburst came back to her.

"I… I didn't do anything," she said.

"That's why I'm grateful. If it was Prima, she'd probably say that I deserved it. If it was Mother then she'd try to insult Maria, saying she's just a hooker even though it's not true. And if it was Father, he'd shake his head and ask me where all my charms are gone."

Hilary couldn't help giggling at how Enrique put things. But deep down, she knew that he was pained.

"But you, Hilary, you gave me what I wanted," he went on, "You gave me time to reflect upon myself without outside judgments. Yet you showed, by your presence that you support me. And I must thank you for that."

Hilary remained silent, lost in those crystal blue eyes. All of a sudden he tore them away and gazed up the constellation instead. Moments later he said, "Do you believe in moon strikes, Hilary?"

She turned to answer but found her mouth dispossessed of all sound, locked it was, in his.