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Gnomeo stood in front of the mirror in the drawing room, trying to fix his sky blue tie. Honestly, he could care less about his appearance these days, but since he was sole heir to the whole Bluebury family fortune, he had to be presentable. As if to sour his mood even worse, Charles Sowden's face appeared over his shoulder.

Charles Sowden was his mother's business partner, managing all his father had when he was alive. Technically, Gnomeo was supposed in inherit all of that when he turned eighteen, but now he was nearing twenty, and nothing had changed despite his begging. Every time he tried to talk to his mother, Sowden butted in, and managed to persuade her that Gnomeo wasn't ready, needed more schooling, was too young, there was always some excuse of sorts. Sowden despised Gnomeo almost as much, since after all, Gnomeo would get the family fortune one day, unless Sowden were to steal it first. Gnomeo was almost certain that's what he was doing, but he hardly had any proof, and he knew his mother would never believe him.

"Ready to go?"

Sowden's voice stopped his thoughts and Gnomeo turned around to face him. Sowden's dark brown hair was slicked back, with a few sculpted curls in the center of his forehead. He wore a black suit with a deep blue tie, the only real pop of color on his whole body. His face reminded Gnomeo of a rat's. Gnomeo nodded, and followed Sowden out to where the carriage was waiting. His mother was already inside, her large blue dress, with all it's ruffles and glittering stones practically needing it's own carriage altogether. Luckily, he did not have to sit with either of them, ending up with his smaller cousin Benny in the carriage behind him. As, they drove through the city, Benny chattered on and on about how the Redbricks were coming and whom he hoped to dance with, etcetera. Gnomeo rested his head on his cheek and watched everything fly by.

Juliet was trying not be very nervous, but it was hard not to be. Nanette had spent every minute it seemed, teaching Juliet etiquette, manners, and dancing. Juliet was bored by it all, however. Yet, she still had hope that tonight would be magical and special. She'd had to spend the entire day getting ready. She'd cleaned up with a warm bath and Nanette had done her makeup, highlighting her green eyes, rosy cheeks, and red lips. Then, she had been sewed into a deep red dress, complete with roses made of fabric on the skirts, shiny jewels and beads. The wide skirt was so heavy she could only really glide along the floor, not run or climb. Nanette had pulled her corset very tight and Juliet was a whole mess of uncomfortableness.

"I think I'm ready" She told Nanette as she stepped off the stool, where Nanette was making some finishing touches on the skirts. Nanette smiled and stood up, brushing her hands on her skirts,

"Not quite. I have one more thing for you."

Juliet watched with interest, as Nanette pulled out a large box. Juliet reverently opened the worn clasp, and pushed open the lid. Inside each piece still shining and perfectly placed, was her mother's jewelry collection.

Juliet gasped a little. "Nanette! I..Oh My Gosh, I don't know what to say! Thank you!"

She reached over and hugged Nanette, and then turned back to the sparkling jewels. She hardly knew what to say or do, she could only stare at them in awe.

"There's this, also" said Nanette quietly handing Juliet a folded note. Juliet unfolded it, and her eyes scanned the piece of stationary. Written in her mother's loopy scrawl, was, For My Sweet Juliet, on the night of her debut. Lots of Love, Mum.

Juliet felt her throat tighten as Nanette began to select jewelry to match the outfit. Impatiently, she brushed at the tears that were on the corners of her eyes. I wish you were here now, Mom.

As she turned to inspect herself one last time in the mirror, she was surprised at how radiant she looked, and as she glided slowly down the staircase, even the sight of her father and Tybalt, and the thought of having to attend a party with them, couldn't dampen her spirits.

Gnomeo watched as colorful skirts seemed to fly by, in tune with the lively music. Benny had left him a half hour ago, and he was avoiding Tybalt as much as he could. He wanted to be anywhere else but here. As if sensing his thoughts, his mother came over to where he was sitting and moved her wide fan in front of her face, so no one could see her lips.

"Gnomeo, ever since we've arrived you've just sat there, looking like you're in prison, not at a party. You are a young bachelor, go out there,and enjoy it while you can!"

"Sorry. I'm probably catching something."

His mother looked at him incredulously. "MmHmm"

She prodded him and Gnomeo groaned inwardly, and considered ignoring her, but knowing better, he went down to where the dancers were. Suddenly, he heard a voice behind him.

"Gnomeo! I didn't know you were going to be here tonight!"

He turned around, and saw it was Rosalie. Her blonde hair was done up on her head, and ringlets framed her face. Rosalie had been his neighbor last summer at the beach. They had talked and even flirted a bit, but nothing real ever rose up between them. Gnomeo considered her an old acquaintance and friend. They spoke occasionally if they happened to meet, but that really was all.

"It's so good to see you!" she exclaimed.

Gnomeo nodded in response, and Rosalie continued, "You looked so lonely, I was going to come and talk to you, but you came down here first-"
As, she prattled on, Gnomeo's eyes flew to the dancers, and then suddenly, something caught his eye.

It was quick, just a flash of her really, but he swore he had seen the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. Was his mind playing tricks on him? There she was again!

"Rosalie." He grabbed her arm gently and she stopped talking.

"Yes?" She replied breathlessly .

"Who is that girl over there?"

"Which one?"

"That one! Over there! In the red dress."

Rosalie craned her neck,

"That one?" She pointed gently to Gnomeo's mystery girl.

"Yes! Who is she?"

He watched as Rosalie think for a minute. "Hmmm, Gnomeo, I honestly don't know, I've never seen her before in my life. Maybe I could ask someone else?"

"No. I've got to talk to her now"

"What? Why?" Gnomeo grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor, weaving through the pairs in time to the music, moving quickly, closer and closer, until finally, he was a partner switch away from her. The song ended, and he handed Rosalie off to Benny, and turned around, took her right hand in his and there she was.

He swore everything around him just froze and melted away, and the world was just him and this girl. She was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. Her hair was brown and nicely done up. Her eyes were deep and green, and he couldn't stop looking into them. He couldn't stop looking at her, period. Finally, as if waking from a daze, he remembered where they were, and his manners. He dropped her hand and awkwardly, he cleared his throat.

" you like to, um, dance with me?"

Her red lips parted to form a smile, "Oh! O-Of course, I would!"

They re-entered the dance floor, his hands on her waist, her hands around his neck.

"Have I seen you somewhere before?" He asked her.

"Probably not, I'm rather..rather new here." She told him, still looking into his eyes.

"What's your name then?"

"Juliet. What's yours?"

"Gnomeo"

That was all the conversation they needed. They continued to dance, seemingly flying across the floor, Gnomeo hoped that the song would never end, but it began to, and he realized he would have to give Juliet up, to some other partner.

"Juliet! Did you know that this place, has one of the loveliest gardens in all of the state of New York?"

She smiled, "I didn't, but I would love to see it sometime. I would hate to have to enjoy it by myself, however."

"You don't, I mean you won't, because I can take you."

Her eyes lit up, "I would love to see it with you"

"Come on then!" He grinned and she returned it, taking his hand as he led them through a hallway and out into the night.

The air was warm and a little breezy, as they walked along the flowers, all illuminated to a surreal glow by the light from the party. The garden was extiquiste and moonlit, and Gnomeo felt so light and different then he had ever felt with any other girl.

"So, how come I haven't ever seen you around before?" He asked, as they strolled arm in arm.

Juliet sighed. "It's mostly my father. He thinks the real world is too dangerous for a girl like me."
"He sounds.."

"Awful? I do love him, and he is my father and all, but he can be really..awful."

"Who is your father anyway?"

"Redbrick? You've probably met him. And yours?"

"He died when I was young, but my mother is Lady….Bluebury." Finished Gnomeo, suddenly realizing what she had said. Judging by the look on her face, so had Juliet. It was an awkward moment of shocked silence, and Juliet slowly took a step away from him.

"You.." She stammered

"You're a." He stuttered.

"Um, it was lovely to meet you, sir, but ah, I must be going now! Goodbye!" Juliet sputtered quickly before turning her heel, and breaking into the closest to a run her dress would allow.

"Wait!" Cried Gnomeo. He knew who this girl was, and his mind was screaming NONONONONONONONO, his heart was telling him, run after this girl.

Suddenly, he heard a noise, like a shout, and he saw Benny coming twoards them. Great, now I have to stop everything, and go help Benny out of whatever mess he's gotten into this time.

Benny approached Gnomeo, "Gnomeo, you won't believe it, it's like a war zone in there, you've got to come quick."

"Later Benny" He told him as he rolled up his sleeves.

"I have to find someone. Catch you later"

Juliet watched as the party got farther and farther away, until she couldn't see it anymore. Even though she was tucked away in her carriage, she felt exposed. She didn't know how or what she felt, or what to do, or why she'd left, damn, she didn't know much of anything at the moment. She brushed her hair out of her face, and rubbed her eyes with her gloves angrily. Who did that man, Gnomeo, think he was back there? Will I ever see him again?

Hope you liked it! THANKS again! See you soon! xoxoxoxo-lorelibelle54