The Aristocrat

They call it the penthouse party

Friday 9th. 

I loved a good party, just not ones where I was typically forced into uncomfortable formalities and awkward conversations with my mother and her conceited friends. The one thing that made this one worse was that it was my mother who was hosting the party. Our usually empty penthouse was presently buzzing with caterers and staff all setting up the drink tables and white decorative pieces around our large living area. The dining room and kitchen doors were wide open, people rushing in and out.

My mother was in amongst it all. Standing with her phone in her hand and a glass of champagne in the other. I made me way to her maneuvering around the bunches of people, hoping to avoid crashing into anyone.

"Isn't it a bit early mother?" I asked eyeing her drink. The white liquid sparkled in her champagne flute and she twisted the thin stem of the glass in her delicate fingers.

She shook her head and took a sip slowly, "It's only one to help with the stress. Have you heard from your brothers?"

"Yes, they've picked up their tuxes and are on their way over here," I informed her.

"Good, they can't be late," She said regarding my appearance before fixing her stare back on the phone "aren't you going to get ready? People are going to start arriving in less than hour."

I breathed deeply and without replying left the living room heading towards the bathroom. I stripped my clothes off and switched on the shower waiting for a second till the warm water flowed evenly out of the shower head. When it did I stood under the water and washed myself. Back in my room 20 minutes later I finished my makeup, swiping on my last coat of mascara on in the mirror. A knock on my door sounded out breaking my focused attention.

"I'm not dressed," I called out across the room whilst concentrating on thickening my lashes.

"It's me," Ivy's familiar voice spoke.

"Ok come in," I said, looking down at my underwear before slipping my silk robe over my body. I loosely tied the rope around the waist as the door opened and shut quickly. Ivy glided in as always, so confidently. She instantly moved to stand behind me watching over my shoulder as I applied the last of my makeup.

"Hey. How comes you're up here?" I asked, staring at her ready self. She was wearing a navy-blue evening dress that cascaded down her body to the floor. Her platinum hair was like always pulled back into a slick, neat ponytail and her make-up was subtle yet beautiful.

"Wanted to be make an entrance with my best friend," She said blowing a kiss at me through the mirror and I chuckled.

"Because I'm amazing," I said brushing my hair swiftly over my shoulder, standing back to assess my face.

"You know it, gorgeous," Strolling across the room, she carefully sat on the edge of my bed not wanting to crease her dress. She threw the phone that had been in her hand onto my beside cabinet and stretched back.

"Help me out," I said pointing to the white dress which hung on my wardrobe door. She got up and picked up the dress for me. I pulled my robe off and moved my legs gently into the dress which Ivy was holding. Ivy gathered the dress up my back, hooked the small button up tightening it and then tapped my shoulder. I spun around to face her and she gave me an approving grin.

"You look beautiful Andra," She said proudly.

"You too Ivy," I insisted before we both moved to stare into the mirror. I inspected my milk white dress. It fell to the floor and clung to my body charmingly. My chocolate coloured hair poured down my back, pinned back from the front of my face. I was sure that I looked good enough for my mother's approval.