ENJOY!
Raven's POV:
When I woke up the next worning, last night's events seemed like a blury dream. Everything jumbled together. Some images standing out more than others. I glanced at the little clock sitting on the dresser. It was already two in the afternoon. I jerked out of bed and ran into the living room still clad in my silky nightdress. Aunt Libby was sitting on the couch with Ella from next door while Ella's father sat in a recliner in the corner of the room, staring intently at the tv with a far off look. Poor guy. He must be loosing it.
"Oh hey Raven. You're up. I knew you slept in late but this is the latest I've ever personally seen. It must be a new record." Aunt Libby and Ella laughed. "Ella was just telling me about this big music festival tonight. It's at the musician's park. It starts shortly before sunset."
"Speaking of that time in the evening..." I began, drawing a lie out of the deepest depths of my mind. "My friend Trevor...texted me last night...and he wants to know...if I can be his date to a corporate gathering. Trevor's dad is cutting the opening ribbon for a big corporate business and I told him I'd ask if you'd mind..." I nodded, sounding like I was trying to tell myself this rather than Aunt Libby.
"Well I think that's a wonderful idea. I heard about that grand opening. It's supposed to be called the...the...Mitchell Furguson Investor's Association. Mr. Mitchell is cutting the ribbon, huh? Mr. Furguson must be away on business because otherwise he'd be doing it. He own's the bigger half of it. There was a whole article in the paper about the opening." Aunt Libby started babbling away about the company and the article with Ella which left me free to assume I'd be going.
Before I could excuse myself from the room, Aunt Libby began talking to me again. "It's a great idea. Sure. The building is actually right next to the festival so after it's all over with, go ahead and run over to join us."
I nodded, trying to escape to find something to wear for it. It was probably a white tie and little black dress event. Ella stopped me to. "Wait Raven."
"Yes?" I asked cautiously.
"I thought you were dating Alexander."
I froze. I didn't want complete strangers, and more so, Aunt Libby thinking I was cheating on Alexander. Exspecially if I was right about Ella knowing a lot more than she let on. She very well might be able to get that sort of news back to them. "It's not really a date with Trevor. He's just a friend from school. I'm just his companion for the evening. I am with Alexander. I even called last night when I got the text from Trevor to make sure it was okay with him if I went as Trevor's companion."
She nodded and gave me a funny look before starting a conversation with Aunt Libby about how cute their personal yoga trainer was. That was close! I ran back to the room and slammed the door shut before anyone else could drag me into a conversation.
My life is seriously screwed up. Was I really going to go as the date of a boy I might just like even though I had a boyfriend? Was it even healthy to still love Alexander? He'd keep me human forever. He'd never age past eighteen since it was his physical maturity level. He had told me that once. What would happen when I was older than him? Would he want me still? Luna had made it clear that he had no wish to change me.
After I caught my breath, I opened all my drawers and looked through my nicer outfits. I didn't own anything that wouldn't make me look like the type to be kicked out if I was caught unattended by security. I'd either have to buy something or borrow an outfit from Aunt Libby. I knew that was a bad idea because Aunt Libby only wore tanktops and jeans. Her idea of something dressy was a green skirt that went to her angles that had little blue flowers on it she bought ten years ago. Rather than sneak out to shop, I decided to throw on something and ask Aunt Libby advice on what stores to shop at.
When I came back in the living room, Ella was munching on chips in a bowl and flipping through the tv channels while Aunt Libby cooked breakfast for me. "Aunt Libby?"
"Ya honey?"
"Since this corporate party is all dressy and stuff...I was just wondering if we might be able to go shopping. I brought some money with me so I have plenty."
"Eat breakfast first." She smiled and added oregano to my omlette. Aunt Libby never ate eggs but she was willing to keep them in the house for me.
I turned around to head to the table but I nearly slammed right into Ella. "Did you say you needed something to wear for this evening. I have a few dresses that might fit you."
"That's a great idea Raven. That way you can save your money."
I smiled politely. "I wouldn't want to impose." She was so much taller and curvier than me. I didn't have a clue what she owned. She might have a wardrobe just like Aunt Libby's.
"Nonsense. We'll be right back Libby. I'll just take her over and let her look through stuff. If you don't find anything you like, feel free to shop still. It won't hurt my feelings." She smiled at me and led me out the front door. I felt nervous going to her house. What if it was all cryptic? She was from Romania. I really need to stop assuming things. Aunt Libby is right.
Ella opened her door and led me into a bright, open appartment that had a similar floor plan to Aunt Libby's. She took me to her room and threw open the doors to a walk-in closet. Her wardrobe was massive. She pulled open an extra door within the closet and showed me some tasteful dresses I'd only seen rich women wear at the Dullsville Country Club. She pulled out a black one and held it up to me. The dress went past my knees and it had long sleeves.
I made a face and she smiled in apoligy. "You're right. It's too warm for sleeves."
She pulled out a red dress with thick straps that fell gracefully off the shoulders. It was made out of a soft silk. The waist of the dress bunched up in a stylish way and the skirt of it fell gracefully to a length that looked like it would barely reach my knees. At the very botton of the dress, there was lace trim. I gasped. Perfect...Perfect. Perfect!
"That one. Definately that one."
"I like that one too." She smiled. "The bathroom is across from the bedroom. Go ahead and try it on."
I took the dress and walked shyly to her bathroom. There was pink everywhere. I tried to avery my eyes away from the painting of a naked man. I assumed it was an artist's version of the statue of David. I wandered if Ella had painted it herself. She was an artist after all. The dress slid on with ease and fit snugly. When I faced the mirror, I didn't even recognize myself. This girl in the mirror had too much life in her blue eyes for someone that went through as much as she had these past few days. Her cheaks were too rosie. Her smile was too real.
I knew what had brough this change on but I tried not to think of him that way. It made me cringe in confusion to know I thought of Trevor that way at all. I stepped out of the bathroom. Ella was shifting through a few dozen boxes of shoes until she held up a pair of gold, strappy heals. She smiled when she saw me. "You look amazing." She handed me the heals. "I thought we could accessorize. That necklace you're wearing is pretty."
I touched Alexander's locket and smiled sadly. I took it off and put it on my purse before setting it on her bed along with my clothes. "It's okay. I think it's best I don't wear it."
She looked like she wanted to ask me about my reaction but thought better of it while she helped me slip on the delicate shoes that had to be tied on with golden ribbons. She picked up a jewelry box and allowed me to sort through it. She picked up a smaller box within the jewelry box and handed it to me. I was thinking you could wear these. In it, there was a diamond necklace with a golden chain with matching earings and a matching bracelet. The bracelet had diamonds all around it that went back and forth between clear and gold gems and the earings were simple diamonds.
After she helped me put on the jewelry, she spent at least two hours on my hair and makeup. If mom could see me now, she'd cry. I knew she'd eat me alive later if she didn't get a picture so I pulled my cellphone out and asked Ella to take a picture. My hair was pulled back into an elligent wrap with a golden comb with diamonds placed in it. My bangs were to the side and a little flip was at the end of them. I had on red lipstick and my cheaks and eyes were a pale red. I definately did not recognize myself. Whoever was staring back at me through Ella's vanity mirror was not me.
After Ella took a full body picture, I sent it to my mom. It would be blown up and placed on the mantle by tomarrow morning no doubt. Dad would put a copy of it in his office at work as would mom and it would be their brag picture when they went to school reunions. Not even a minute later, I got a text.
You look so beautiful! Who are you? This can't be the Raven that I know! What have you done with my daughter? I'm kidding. Aunt Libby told me all about Trevor's invitation. Have fun. I love you. -Mom
After a quick thank you reply, I checked the clock on Ella's dresser. I had to be at that party in 30 minutes. It really took forever when Ella fixed you up but the result was amazing. After a torrent of thank you's from my part, I walked back over to Aunt Libby's with my old clothes and threw them in the guest room. Aunt Libby brought out her digital camera and took pictures of me from every pose and angle.
I texted Trevor my aunt's address and before I knew it, I was hyperventilating. What would he do when he saw me? Would he like it? Would he pretend I was still my ugly old self. I felt like there was something wedged in my throat that wouldn't leave. I fought back the urge to scream when he arrived. He knocked quietly on Aunt Libby's door and she motioned for me to stand in the middle of the living room while she went to get Trevor. It felt like prom all over again.
Trevor was dressed in an armani suit that probably cost more than I spent on clothes in my entire life. I felt a surge of satisfaction watching his eyes nearly bug out of his head for a moment. I held onto the little golden purse Ella lent me with all my might and tried to remember how to walk or even speak. Being the entertainer she is, Aunt Libby was the one to make a joke about us staring at eachother and break the ice.
We both smiled and became animated at that point. Before we could get safely out the door, Aunt Libby made us pose for about a dozen photos together. Like I said, prom all over again. When we were safely out the door, he held out his arm like they did in old fashioned movies. I took and and nearly collapsed when I saw the limo. He opened the door for me and I sat across from his mother and father who looked even more rich than Trevor. Mr. Mitchell was wearing a gold tie instead of the red one Trevor wore that matched my dress and Mrs. Mitchell wore the most beautiful gold cocktail dress I had ever seen. It looked like it might have been made of real gold for all I knew.
"I'm so glad you could make it Raven. You look beautiful."
"Thanks. So do you." She smiled and laughed politely. She started fiddling with a pearl necklace that matched her earings. How did people handle being rich? It looked like so much work to be as made up as I was every single day. It took no time at all the get to the building. As Aunt Libby had told me, it was right next to the musician's park. People were setting up carnival rides and booths as we drove by.
People were all crowded around the door of the building when we pulled up. The driver let us all out and went to find a parking spot. I felt so out of place with all these socialites. My dress, plain next to Mrs. Mitchell's, looked like something out of a thrift store with all these other people to compare it to. It wasn't hard to locate all the younger people mine and Trevor's age. I hope I was enough to make Trevor's friends approve. I didn't want them bagging on him in front of me. It would crush Trevor's ego. I quietly laughed to think how much more I liked an arrogant Trevor than I liked a humble Trevor.
I felt Trevor shift his weight back and forth a few times in nervous anticipation. The ribbon cutting was very quick. I stood on the podium with Trevor and his family while Mr. Mitchell cut the red ribbon with a pair of golden scissors. After a few minutes of applause and Mr. Mitchell answering some questions from the press, we all made our way inside for refreshments. The main lobby was lavishly decorated in every shade of beige and red. There was a set of double doors that opened up into a ballroom where several couples began to dance and socialize. A little ways in the room, to the left side, long lines of buffet tables were loaded with every finger food imaginable.
I glanced at Trevor who was currently sweating bullets. His eyes were locked on the teenage children of the business investors here who were coming right for us. There was three boys. Each of them had a date. The two to the left and right of the one in the middle weren't much to look at. The real threat was the beautiful blond in the middle wearing at strapless black dress and a string of pearls. What is it with everyone here and pearls? I should have brought the ones my parents gave me for my sixteenth birthday. I held onto Trevor's arm tightly (mostly to make sure he didn't collapse on me) and put on the brightest smile I had ever worn.
"Hey Trevor." The date of the blond said. He was extremely burly unlike Trevor's modest muscles. Obviously a football player. I started to take an extreme apreciation for soccer. I don't think Trevor would be as popular as he is if he was a football player. His looks are all wrong to pull of the bogus muscle look. "This your date or did you pick her up off a street corner on your way here?"
"Nice to see you too Jason." Trevor mumbled.
I finally understood why Trevor was nervous. These were the type of people who were skilled in the art of cornering you during conversation. Unfortunately for them, so was I. I pulled out the only weapon I had that was powerful enough to make them back off. "Actually I'm his girlfriend. My name is Raven. Nice to meet you. Oh, and thanks so much for making me sound like a streetwalker Jason. I'll be sure to return the favor real soon."
I drug Trevor away from their shocked faces to the buffet tables and popped a grape in my mouth. I almost laughed when I saw how confused Trevor looked. "Why'd you do that?"
"You know me. I can't stand people like them. I would've done anything to get them off our backs." I felt myself blushing after a second. "Is it okay that I did that?"
He shook his head to clear his mind. "Well, ya it's okay...I just thought you hated what I did at school. This is the same thing I did if you don't realize."
"No, I do. I know exactly what I did. What's it matter? I'll never see those people again after tonight is over. What's the harm in pretending to be your girlfriend for a few minutes. I need to leave in half an hour by the way. I'm meeting Alexander at the musician's park at sunset." My eyes widened after I said that. No one was supposed to know he was in town except mom. I shouldn't have even told her now that I think back.
"I thought Alexander is in Romania."
"Uh..." I sighed. "His family decided to make a trip out of it so they're driving to the coast and then taking a plane overseas to Romania. He's staying at a hotel with them here in town for the weekend to visit some family and he called to ask if I'd meet him tonight..." I shut up before I could start babbling. I bit my lower lip in nervous anticipation for his answer.
He shrugged and only the slightest hint of something found his eyes. What was it? It looked like he was almost sad to hear I was meeting Alexander. "That's nice. I know he'll be excited to see you."
I smiled politely and thanked him for inviting me here tonight. After a second, I caved. "The truth is...I'm not sure what is going to happen tonight."
"What do you mean? Is everything alright?" I felt him wrap his arm lightly around my lower back when Jason and his date came to dance in here close to the table. They were out of earshot thankfully.
"I don't know. I think tonight is a breaking point. I found out a lot about the situation with Luna from Luna herself when I ran into her at the Coffin Club last night and he might plan on breaking up with me."
I expected him to look satisfied to hear this but instead, he threw me into a hug way to intimate for people who were only pretending to date. I found my self hugging him back, my face pressed into his neck that smelled faintly of Draker collogn. "I'm so sorry Raven. I'll be here at the party for a while longer. If anything happens. All you need to do is come over. If you think you need my help, just give me a call."
I couldn't help myself. His assurance made me cry. I tried to hide the fact but I knew he knew. I was thankful Ella had insisted on waterproof mascara. I blushed with embarassment when a tear landed on his neck and dripped onto his suit. I wiped it off. "Sorry." I looked up at him, expecting him to look uncomfortable with my show of feminine emotion.
There were many emotions flitting across his face, none of them being a lack of comfort. I saw depression, pity, and for a split second love. I knew we must be getting stares from everyone. We probably looked like a couple out of a soap opera, making up at a party. He ran his fingers down the length of my spine before letting go of all of me except one hand. He led me to the dance floor and pulled me into a waltz.
"Sorry for breaking down like that. Do I look horrible?"
He wiped away a stray tear. "No. You look beautiful."
I began to take an appreciation for 1940's jazz music. The live band played softly while the female singer, clad in a long sleeved green sparkley dress with a slit all the way up her leg sang just like marilyn monroe to the song At Last I remembered seeing in an older movie. I smiled as Trevor did this side to side shift and spun me around before dipping me. I laughed and smiled at the irony. He danced, he was athletic, he looked good, and (according to my own observation at that one party of Matt's long before I met Alexander) boy could he kiss! Was there anything this boy couldn't do?
He kept our hands in a waltzing potition but pulled me close so my head rested on his shoulder as we swayed side to side and spun in a circle at the same time. I found myself completely trapped in the moment. It felt like it was the 1940's as the band's tempo lifted slightly but still stayed in the same song. I smiled and completely let myself go.
Right now, it didn't matter that I had a boyfriend who would be waiting for me next door. It didn't matter that my Aunt would be expecting me at the carnival. It didn't matter that this boy had been my rival for fifteen years. It didn't matter what I had said about him not liking me or the things he had done lately to anger me. It didn't matter that I had just heard thunder in the background and the sound of rain on the roof of this building. It didn't matter that the crowd around us had made a circle around us and Trevor's parents smiled in approval as we danced in the middle of all the watchers, unaware. All that mattered was right now and who I was with.
I took my head from his shoulder and looked into his eyes. "How is this happening?" I had to ask. All of the sudden, I was still that little girl on the playground who wanted to be a vampire. Who cried inside when everyone laughed at her or called her names. I was only three inside and Trevor was still his normal self. His arrogant, strong self who now looked more man than boy now more than ever.
It was as if a sudden decision was made in both our minds at the same time. Forget rules. Forget what was expected of us. Forget who or what was waiting for me or him. Forget ourselves. As the music softly ended, I surrendered in one, deep kiss.
