Disastrous dinner party
Author's note: Thanks to all for adding my story to your favourite story list or story alert. Thanks again. – Aisha
I took one last look in the mirror. There stood before me was a beautiful young lady dressed in a sapphire blue dress. Precious jewels adored her neck and ears. I opted to fill my wrists with various bangles of shades of blue, silver and black. A gentle eyeliner and mascara was more than enough to make my stunning blue eyes look even more startling. I quickly prayed again that Mother does not realize my missing bracelet.
I found Mother downstairs in the dining room busy with the few bits and pieces that she still had left to do. Sokka walked towards me. He complimented me- wow that's a first! I'm guessing he calmed down a bit. He approached Mother.
"Would you like some help, Mother?" asked Sokka.
"No dear, just stand at the door and greet our guests," said Mother with a smile.
I was about to ask the same but stopped when Sokka narrowed his eyes. It was clear that he did not want me to be noticed.
"Katara, you should accompany him and make our guest feel welcome," said Mother.
"Yes Mother," I said monotonously.
Sokka and I stood by the door and plastered a smile on our faces. Family and friends began to fill our house. We bowed and nodded at the guests. Some asked how we were, whereas some complimented us. Mother of all was looking very happy. It hurt to think of how she would feel when she finds out about what happened.
Grandma came all dressed in her favourite red dress.
"Aww, look at you two. Don't you look adorable? Katara, those jewels makes you look even more elegant. Of course with my bracelet along with the jewels you look…Katara where is the bracelet. It doesn't seem to be on you wrist," said Grandma as she intently examined my wrists.
"Grandma…I…I…uh…thought that I would wear these for a change," I said nervously.
"You should wear that bracelet. Why do you even wear these cheap bangles?" said Grandma as she twisted her face in disgust.
My cheeks were stained red with embarrassment.
"Grandma, you know how these girls are. Send her back to her room and she won't be back for a while. Oh my make up! Oh my hair! It's fine Grandma. She'll wear it next time," said Sokka.
I gave him a grateful smile. Grandma grunted in response and joined Mother on the table. The dining room was busy with people chirping away, munching food here and there. Not long after Grandma left, Mother approached us. The look on her face was enough to tell us that boy, was she angry.
"Mother what's wrong?" said Sokka innocently. State the obvious, Sokka!
"What is wrong? What isn't wrong? Katara," she said angrily as she grabbed my hands and glanced at them. "Where is it? I thought I told you not to take it off."
"Mother, I wanted to wear these for a change," I said quietly.
"Did I or did I not tell you to keep it on at all times?" she barked.
"You did," I said meekly.
"Look at me when I am talking to you," sneered Mother.
"Mother, you are scaring her," said Sokka.
"You stay out of this," warned Mother.
"Does it amuse you to have me humiliated in front of our family? Huh? Do you take pleasure in it?" asked Mother.
"No, Mother," I said as tears threatened to spill down my cheeks.
"Go and remove these awful bangles and wear that valuable bracelet now," ordered Mother.
"I can't do that," I whispered.