My Wonderful Second Life

Chapter 25- Choosing Friendships

I saw a vein pop up on Lady Tate's forehead and I had to control a laugh threatening to come to light. It would have been way too funny, but I didn't want to ruin Jenni's night with their offended crocodile tears.

"I must felicitate you, my lady, on your efforts in preparing this party. With such luxury and beauty, it will be the ball of the season." She said, pushing for a soft green fan that complemented her gown.

She lifted her chin and looked over the room as she fanned herself. Her way of showing her point to me.

I nodded. "I appreciate your words, however, I believe them misplaced. You must extend them instead to my sister, Lady Jennifer. This has been all her doing. I merely helped a little."

With this, I tilted my head slightly down, expecting to end this boring conversation once and for all.

Lady Tate, however, had a different thought. She turned her head to me, her chin still up and her eyes looking down at me. The short stare she gave me screamed, "Of course she did, you rat." It was impossible to conceal, or probably not something she wanted to conceal. My blood boiled.

Her lips curved sweetly, way too much, and I had to clutch my hands to avoid showing my distaste. She leaned in, glancing at the room as if to see if anyone was looking at us, and she whispered softly at me. "Pity such a disgusting guest has dirtied this wonderful party."

I got confused and her smile became vile as she said, "Amelia Castello."

Her hands moved as if she was discussing a terrible thing, an inconvenience of sorts. My stomach leapt as I watched them sneer with contempt.

"Such an ugly and strange girl. And no one knows where she comes from. I imagine from some dirty slumps. Poor Lord Castello, he is too honourable! Now he is stuck with such a disgrace for a daughter."

My whole body shook with anger. I had heard those words before, if not the same, very similar. They had been used to describe me, and while I gave zero fucks, Amelia was still a child. She couldn't understand the jealousy riddled insults thrown at her behind her back and whispered in ballrooms.

Lady Tate leaned closer, her fan covering her face. "You, my lady, must be wise when choosing your friendships. Or you may end with your name dirtied."

I understood two things then. Where I knew that voice. She was the girl spewing those cruel words about Amelia in the dressing room. And that I was almost as horrid as her because I went along with this bullying, believing in lady Tate's shameful words.

My hunger left me, and my anger stayed in full control of my body.

"Never. EVER. Talk to me again." I said, staring up and down.

Ready to leave, I turned away, peering over my shoulder. "I was under the impression that a lady of good upbringing does not talk down on another lady with hateful jealousy. Shame on you lady Tate. I believe you must pray to the Goddess for forgiveness. Maybe after she may also concede you a third of lady Amelia's beauty. Until then, please avoid coming to my presence as I don't wish to taint the good name of the Mountnero's family."

There were some loud gasps from the ladies behind me, but I continued with my walk, crossed with the waste of time (and hunger!!) they caused. To think two idiots would make me lose my appetite.

Yet, even fed up with them, at least I was sure they wouldn't bother me or lady Amelia. When I could find Jenni, I would warn her about them, just to be sure they didn't spew nonsense to her, not that she would believe them, but I didn't want them to go around with their bullying at our house.

Calmer, I walked around the room, unsure where to go next. Until I caught the green eyes of a fool. Lord Joshua, who was now coming to my side in assured steps.

Fuck no.

I saw him, and I turned away, moving past curious onlookers as I advanced with speed. Not another one... I still didn't recover completely from the last two!!

My body moved through the guests with enough elegance that I wouldn't be called improper. I smiled and gave out polite nods until I finally saw the open window to the outside patio, where the party extended.

I passed through it, letting the fresh air flood through me and cool me down. While soft torches illuminated the patio, few people were about, making it the perfect place for a secret affair. I looked at the flowers and the couples that gazed upon them and retired myself to a secluded corner, hoping no daring couple would decide that night was the night to be wild.

With my back on the wall, I watched the night, taking a deep and long breath. The quiet and solitude kept me calm until that awful feeling began to spread again. It was as if I was being watched, like a prey about to be slaughtered. I looked around, seeing no one at the beginning. I left the wall and stepped closer to the rail, watching the couples sneak around.

Then a step, soft, almost too quiet, caught my ears. And I saw her. By the torch, near the wall. Amelia Castello. Her clear and intense eyes took a breath out of my chest and made my feet move me away from the rail and closer to a way out.

Amelia was tall and elegant, moving her body at the same time as mine. She said nothing, like before, she just stared at me. With no way to leave, as she was covering the path to the ballroom, I finally called. "Lady Amelia, is there anything I can help you with?"

That woke her up and her eyes grew big, as if she hadn't expected me to say anything. I closed my eyes for a moment to gather my thoughts, since I wasn't sure on how to proceed. However, when I opened them, she was right there. An inch from me, startling me and causing my hand to go to my leg, as a reflex.

She stared at me and then at the ground. Then again, at me and then back at the ground. She repeated twice more until she glued her eyes on the floor. During these perplexing head movements, I finally noticed the pink spots on her cheeks. Very soft, just like her cute freckles. She also began to mumble something, but I couldn't understand it even when I reached closer.

"I am sorry?" I tried.

She took my arms and lifted her head up. Her face was as red as a tomato. There was a moment of hard silence before she shut her eyes and said. "Could you be my friend?"

My mouth opened and my brain was no longer capable of processing coherent thoughts.

The Bloody Dame had rendered me speechless.

Amelia is a cutttttieee!! An intense cutie, yet still a cutie!

I thought it was obvious (though I hope not too obvious) that she was actually nice.

But what did you think? Did you like the chapter?

And what do you think is happening next???

Lets say not all guests have arrived XD