Frozen Feelings - NEW Version

Chapter 1 - Updated

UPDATED: 5/30/16

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An obsidian sky colors above the castle-like home with many stars above it. Following the stone path, the limo door opens to let me out with my ravishing red and gold sleeveless Victorian dress. Stone steps lay before me as I walk up to the tall oak doors that open slowly to reveal an inviting red carpet.

One step at a time, I remind myself how confident I need to appear. With these tall gold stilettos and my deep mahogany lips, everything will go as I have played back in my mind: having the guests all stare at me in awe, wishing they could be me. Although, I know this was only something I could fathom.

I find myself halfway inside the corridor, stopping at the sight of a handsome man who stands at the top of the stairs. He wears a white suit with a gold tie and has golden brown hair that feather over his arched eyebrows. I follow his empty gaze that stares blankly at a big portrait of red roses, which sits on the wall next to the entrance of the ballroom.

Slowly, his piercing blue gaze averts to my caramel brown eyes that are emphasized with long fake lashes. No words are exchanged, but a bolt of electricity sends throughout my body. I stare back at the man with an apathetic look before looking at the painting he stares at. 'June Summers' is signed boldly and beautifully at the bottom of the velvety petals.

Before I could look back at the man, two gentlemen in black suits open the double doors to the ballroom. I walk in slowly with my chin held high and wait by the entrance, pretending to look around for someone to meet me, but I was really just hoping for someone to call out to me. Five, four, three, two...

Just when I count to one, I hear my name, "Miss Snow!" I tilt my head towards the left to see Jamason, my step-father's personal driver. Dressed to perfection in his silky blood red tie and black suit, he holds out his pale hand and bows. "The Swans are in a meeting right now and they have asked me to watch over you until it is time."

I nod and smile with a reply, "Thank you, Jamason." Following his lead to an empty table in the corner, by the tall glass windows, I look out into the beautiful large lake. The stars shine down to sprinkle glitter over the water, making it look enchanted. Jamason quickly seats me before tending to other priorities that Elijah, my step-father, has instructed.

My ears perk up as I hear my name being discreetly hushed as couples walk past me. I sigh as I continue to look out into the scenery, partly wishing that I was someone else tonight. No matter how beautiful I look with my long chocolate brown hair pinned up in beautiful curls and stunning outfit, my appearance will never disguise my dirty reputation.

"Miss Snow," a server bows slightly as he holds out a tray of sparkling wine. I grab one while sending a nod his way, assuming that he didn't want to have idle chat with me. I sip on the drink as I occupy myself by counting the stars. Enjoying a view like this was something that I never find myself doing with all the tasks that demand my attention at home.

"You're doing it again," my mother's stern voice slithers from behind me as she grabs my arm and squeezes it tightly. Looking at our reflection in the window, she wore a skin-tight black dress with her dark brown hair in loose curls, but her thin face is full of disappointment. "You need to stop this and socialize with others or else you'll always have this reputation haunting you."

I look down to my lap, tracing the gold outline of the flowers on my dress with my eyes. There is never a moment where mom would praise me, but I knew better than to back talk to her. She's conditioned me well to obey her and her peculiar wishes.

"Elijah has the other girls with him right now," she whispers in my ear, "and just like expected the president is waiting for your arrival at midnight. Don't you dare be late." Her bony fingers release from my arm, leaving a red mark, to rest upon my shoulders and massage me slightly in hopes to relax my flustered thoughts.