The fair-haired individual wasn't stunning by any stretch of the imagination, though she acted like it. Granted Theodore had never tried dating, but he knew what he was into. Girls that appeared too much like... That woman from his dream... Not really.
Today Marion dressed in fancy satin; which would have been perfect for said occasion if not for DIY rips and netting- actually the entirety of her gown consisted of cheap fishnets. Has she always preferred to be so edgy?
Without waiting for any type of confirmation the alledged stalker enveloped him in a hug.
"Oh my God. Teddy. I haven't seen you in so long... You never leave home!"
Wasn't a lie. If he could help it, he dined in and sent his parents' staff to do various outings. Some called it spoiled mentality. He opted for dangerous public stress.
So... How long had it been since Marion intervened in important festivities?
"No, I don't. But it's essential I support my family with such openings."
Right? Did that sound too condescending?
"Omg. My giving Ted. Always thinking of others. You know this is why half of our peers thought we'd end up married."
What the-? The chick said some off-handed things but owning up to pre-meditated betrothal...
"Um...?"
"Ah. Don't you remember that silly yearbook column? 'Most likely to skip to the alter rather than graduate?' Funny."
No. He most definitely didn't recall things that way. In fact, now memory served, he remembered some rumor that Marion Hayes had threatened to stick her influential parents on the committee if the column wasn't squeezed in. Hmmm.
"What's funny?"
Like the Grim Reaper himself being summoned, Pheobe appeared amidst a throng of over excited passerby. She'd come prepared in appropriate black gossamer drawing immediate attention to perfectly curled brown strands.
"Ugh."
Marion eyed Teddy's younger sibling with disdain, as Pheobe also stared with malice.
"Grey."
"Hayes."
Theodore assessed the situation; back in their school days both women simply sent nasty expressions each other's way. Now, however, it seemed they were taking different tactics. Breaking the ice, Marion scoffed.
"Thought this would be a nice occassion. Seems I was mistaken."
Phoebe ignored the retort, nodding professionally.
"Glad you could join us."
"Trust me. The feeling isn't mutual. Would you mind leaving?"
Teddy tried to send his sister a silent plead with his eyes though luckily she was fast acting.
"Unfortunately I cannot. My brother and I have important business to attend to. Plus. He isn't interested in courting you especially. Men like him are just too kind to say so."
As both siblings made for the doors among chattering people, Marion screeched, drawing some attention.
"Don't walk away like a coward, Pheobe! Just like grade school, huh?"
Instead of buying into needless drama, the poised brunette sighed.
"Articulate women that deem themselves able to rise above commonplace, do not find the need to take part in incessant squabbles. Word of advice? My brother may have been interested if you treated his blood with more dignity... But don't bother apologizing now."
Without so much as another word Phoebe guided them along, whispering:
"Come on, Teddy. There's a surprise waiting."