Chapter XVIII: Pre-events
Momo and Sakura had picked out their outfits for the dance the night before. Sakura had chosen a red dress with a white jacket over it. Momo wore something similar, except the dress was pink. They accessorized with silver necklaces and bracelets. The sisters thought it would be cute if they dressed like twins.
The Yuriev siblings wore black tuxedos (except for Albedo who opted on white) and held their roses in a bouquet. Jr. even stole cologne from Dmitri's quarters. He sprayed it evenly all over himself. And convinced Gaignun and Albedo to have some too. The boys scrunched their noses at the masculine scent but Jr. insisted the girls would be impressed.
The occasion wasn't until 5:00 p.m that Friday evening. So they still had to attend school. Though nobody really paid attention to the teachers. Their mind was focused on the festival. And how should they 'propose' to their sweethearts.
A few hours later lunch came. While the kids chatted excitedly about the upcoming event. Traditionally the boys and girls sat separately to discuss their plans.
"Ooh who are you going to ask, Sakura?" Mary asked mischievously.
"Isn't it obvious?" Sakura replied.
The group of girls burst into giggles since they all knew the answer. The suave Rubedo Yuriev.
"What about you Mary?" Sakura asked curiously. The other girls listened closely.
"Um…that's for me to know and you to find out." She responded playfully.
The response was a collection of knowing "Oooh." Truthfully she didn't want anybody to find out. At least not yet. The only one who possible knew was Shelley. She was her sister after all. Shelley also had a way of knowing things without needed to be told. That was the mysterious side of her. Then again, Mary had a hunch who she…
"Momo still hasn't told us, has she?" Mary said bringing attention over to the shy realian. "Spill the beans. We know there's someone special." Please don't say Gaignun…
"Err…it's hard to say…" Momo answered honestly.
"C'mon you can tell us." She persisted.
"Um…it's Albedo."
"EEEIIIEEE!" exclaimed the group in cuteness.
"Isn't that adorable?" Shelley said.
"I'm glad you decided between the two." Sakura whispered to Momo.
"Actually—I didn't." Momo confessed.
Just as Sakura was about to reply, the group stared at Momo inquiringly. "Who's the other one?" Someone asked.
Momo really didn't want to tell them because of Gaignun's secrecy but she decided to anyway, "But you can't tell anyone else." The girls nodded in agreement. "Okay…"
"Gaignun told me he loved me last night."
"Ohmigosh, how romantic." The group sighed. Only Mary didn't respond. Her eyes held surprise and envy. Shelley seemed to notice this too and tried to change the subject.
"We should tell Momo and Sakura how the ceremony goes, right?"
"Yeah, here's how it is. The rose festival is held at the courtyard. You can play games, eat, or do whatever you want. If there's someone you like, you're supposed give them a red rose signifying your love for them. If they like you back, they'll give you a white rose. If they don't, they'll give you a yellow rose." Mary informed.
"Gotcha." The Mizrahi sisters said.
"I was wondering Shelley," Momo said. "Who are you going to ask for the dance?"
She looked over to Mary who smiled knowingly. "That's for me to know and you to find out." Replied Shelley.
xXx
After what seemed like an eternity, school ended for the day. Everyone was thrilled about the weekend and upcoming festival. Finally the long awaited event was about to commence. Although an hour or two was left until then. Time for the students to dress up and look good for the dance.
"I'm so excited Momo and a bit nervous too. This is our first time going to an occasion this big. I bet we're going to have lots of fun, aren't we?" Sakura enthused.
"Yeah…" Momo said with plenty less zest then her counterpart.
"Momo, what wrong? You're upset about something." Her sister stated.
"I'm just a bit nervous that's all." Momo insisted.
"Is it about this Nigredo/Albedo conflict that's been going on?" Sakura questioned.
Momo gave in. "Alright, yes."
"Momo," Sakura looked at her in the eyes. "I know it must be hard for you with this love quarrel. But you have to end it. Only you have the power to do so."
"Why me?"
"Because you're the center of the conflict. They're fighting over you."
"Did I do something wrong?"
"No, Momo." Sakura sighed; making her inexperienced sister understand wasn't easy.
"Nigredo and Albedo both have affections toward you. This…tension, lack of a better word, will continue if you don't choose between the two."
"But I like them both equally. I don't value one higher than the other."
"You don't have to then. Just tell them you're not interested in a romantic relationship."
"Won't that hurt them?"
"Perhaps a little. But it will harm them more in the end if this goes on."
"How?"
"Their love for you may increase over time. Then they might even start fighting for you."
"Really that's strange? I'm not that special."
"Yes you are, Momo. Everyone is special in their own way. You just don't know it."
"This is all so confusing."
"I know Momo. First love is the hardest, but I'm always there for you when you need advice. Okay?"
"It won't bother you?" Momo said skeptically.
"Of course not! I love you as a friend and a sister. No matter what things you do—good or bad—"
"Oh Sakura you don't have to be so mushy." The realian laughed.
"Well it was your fault." Sakura joked. And the two sisters laughed the anxiety and worry away.
xXx
Mary was looking at her reflection in the mirror. She wore a knee-high blue dress that brought out her eyes. Her blonde hair was curled into ringlets. She was stunning.
Shelley looked approvingly at her sister's reflection as well as her own. She wore a long lavender dress that accented her hair and eyes. Along with high-heel, black stilettos.
"Are you going to tell him?" The mysterious one asked.
"Tell who, what?" The seemingly clueless girl said.
"You know what Mary." Shelley said, sounding annoyed.
"But what if he doesn't feel the same way." The blonde said discouraged.
"It doesn't matter if he feels the same way. The point is you get your feelings across." Shelley said.
"He even told us a few days ago…he liked Momo. When he asked us for advice."
"None of that matter Mary. What matters is—"
"—I tell him I like him, I know." Mary interrupted.
"You're doing this for your own good, not his." Shelley told her. "Once you let go of these feelings for him, you'll be free."
"How will I be free?" Mary asked, as if the concept sounded stupid.
"You won't constantly be caught up with thoughts of him. And maybe your grades will improve too." Shelley said matter-of-factly.
"You're probably right about that."
"Yes, I see all the hearts drawn in your notebook with your and his name in it."
"So you noticed?" Mary said giggling.
"Well duh. It's everywhere." Shelley stated bluntly. Though inside she was happy Mary's mood was improving.
"I like him lots, Shelley. I really do…but you already know that."
"As much as I know how to read and write." Shelley said causing Mary to chuckle once more. "Besides even if he 'rejects' you. There's always be more fish in the sea."
"Except chaos?" Mary said with a hint of mock expectation in her voice.
"Except chaos. He's reserved for a certain someone." Shelley added with a knowing glint in her eye.
"Now come on. We'll show them prep wannabes how to put on a show!" Mary enthused.
xXx
Before attending the festival, Mary had to make a confession to Gaignun. As did Shelley with chaos. Her blue heels clicked as she walked up the doorsteps to the Yuriev Institute.
Hmm…maybe I should knock on his dormitory. I don't think his pops will be too thrilled seeing a gal dressed up like me asking for a guy. Mary thought laughing softly. She turned the opposite direction and snuck past the scientists toward the boys' dorms.
xXx
Gaignun was currently fixing his tie when quick rapping came on the windows.
"Hold your horses, I'm coming in a—Mary!" He said surprised. Gaignun opened up the lock at once. "What are you doing here?"
"May I come in?" She asked. Without waiting for an answer she jumped right in. Gaignun gawked at her for a moment before speaking. "Where are you going wearing that?"
"Whaddaya think? The festival, you goof."
"Oh yeah…" He scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "Anyway, why are you here?"
Mary was silent for a minute before saying. "I wanted to tell you something."
"Well, what is it?"
Mary looked at him intently even though her palms were sweaty and she was trembling from nervousness. He looked quite handsome in his tuxedo. His hypnotizing green eyes made her dizzy. "I…I—"
"Sometime today. Or we'll be late for the festival, you know."
If I can't tell him I might as well show 'em. Here goes nothing…
And she kissed him.
When she broke away shock and confusion was written on Gaignun's face. "Mary…w-why did you…do that?"
She faced the ground. Every nerve in her body was screaming for her to run away. She wished her could just disappear. I've come this far…I can't freak out now.
"I love you Gaignun!"
Neither of the two moved. He had an unreadable expression on his face. The quiet was eerie. Mary was on the verge of tears but she continued.
"I have for a long time. Even though we fight and I call you a jerk or Gaignun the geek," She smiled watery at that. "I've loved you. I actually thought it was cute that you're quiet and a bit nerdy. But, you were the most mature one of your brothers. Always straightforward and smart everything I'm not."
"But it's too late for anything now, isn't it?" She sniffed. "I partly blame myself for that since I've always been mean to you. But I never meant it Gaignun. I was just too shy to tell you. Now, you love Momo so it doesn't matter anymore. However, just hear me out okay? I hope this won't ruin out friendship. I'll always be your friend no matter what."
"Goodbye." Was her last word as she climbed up the window and ran down the lawn. The tears that threatened to fall broke loose. She heard someone calling for her but she didn't care. Mary just wanted someone to comfort her now. She just hoped Shelley was having better luck than her.
xXx
Shelley's heart was pounding as she knocked on chaos's door. Moments later the door opened to reveal a very attractive chaos. He wore a white tuxedo which emphasized his silver tresses. Along with a violet corsage whom he was planning on giving his date.
"Shelley, what a pleasant surprise." He greeted his eyes sparkling with kindness.
"Same with you, chaos." She replied.
"What brings you here?" He asked.
"I wanted to tell you something."
"Go ahead."
"Um…I—"
"You would like me to accompany you to the dance?" chaos said finishing the sentence.
That wasn't what I was going to tell him but this is even better, Shelley thought taking the hand he offered.
Just as Shelley walked hand-in-hand with chaos down the doorsteps, an exquisite white limo pulled over to his house. "Is that your limo?" She asked. When he nodded she said incredulously, "You did all this for me?"
"Now a beautiful girl, such as yourself, has to travel in style doesn't she?"
She blushed furiously as he offered to help her into the vehicle. When they sat down on rather comfortable seats, Shelley noticed his hand was still holding hers. chaos noticed her staring at him and flashed her a smile. She flushed red and turned her head away. Wow, he must really like me. I wonder how Mary is doing…
A/N: Gah! I just keep delaying the rose festival, don't I? Blames school. Anyway just two or so more chapters till the end of this story. I might write a sequel if I have the time but not certain. Next chapter will be the dance…hopefully.
Review Replies
Leoth: You're going to have to wait till the next chapter to find out. Though it's kind of obvious now isn't it?
Devilman666: You probably know who the couples are. All you have to do is cross-elimination basically.
Ariennye: This chapter might have made it clearer who the couples will be. Though I was too lazy to include Albedo's or Rubedo's thoughts.
xchaosx: Gaignun and Mary is likely the new couple. There is another I made evident in this chapter. I would make the chapters longer if I had the time. Maybe in the sequel.
