“...Tomorrow, I’ll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day.” (Gone with the wind by Margaret Mitchell)
*yawn*
“What time is it?” I mumbled to myself as another yawn escaped from my lips. I took my phone from my bedside table and gasped in surprise as I saw that it was already 4 o’clock in the morning.
Oh my god! I didn’t realize I’ve been reading for almost eight hours.
At least, I have no classes tomorrow, or shall I say ‘today’. Which means, I can just cuddle my soft, comfy pillow, sleep all day on my bed and hide from the real world. That looks like a very nice plan.
Idle, idle Scarlet.
More like having an alone time for myself
I closed the book I was reading and placed it on my bedside table. With my thoughts about my very appealing plan, I closed my eyes and easily drifted off to sleep.
“Scarlet” A voice whispered near my ear.
“Scarlet” The voice repeated then I felt a hand poking my cheek
“Scarlet, wake up!” The voice hissed, sounding a bit alarmed
No. I will not open my eyes. I’m so dog tired and painfully sleepy.
It’s your fault reading until dawn
Wow, my annoying voice in my head is still alive and kicking even in my sleepy state.
I stirred for a bit and hugged my pillow tightly, trying to get my sleep once again.
Hmm, I can’t hear any voice anymore. Maybe the person already gave up waking me up which of course is good on my part—
“AaaaahhhhhhhHHh!!!!—oomph!” I yelped in surprise as I staggered on my feet and stumbled on the cold floor
“So water really wakes you up” Elina spoke with an amused tone
I tried to sit upright and then realized that my hair was dripping wet. With my eyes turned into slits, I gazed up to show my face to Elina that clearly shows how angry I was.
“I’m just trying to wake you up dear roommate” Elina explained with hands raised in surrender, “He’s the one to blame” I followed Elina’s gaze and I clearly know shock was written all over my face when I saw Liam standing near the door, smiling widely watching us.
“You two look cute” He said huskily, still smiling
Elina snort breaking my gaze on Liam, “I am cute but this girl looks like a killer”
I would be a killer if Elina will not shut up!
With narrowed eyes directed at her I grumbled, “I’ll be dealing with you later” Then looked at Liam again, “Why are you here?”
“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed” He joked
I glanced at the wall clock and saw that it was just seven in the morning. Aww, I just slept for less than three hours. No one can blame me if I’m all grumpy.
I heaved a sigh, “Just answer my question, why are you here this early?” I repeated
His smile never faltered as he spoke, “We're going somewhere where girls love”
Is it a room with a big, fluffy bed? If no, then I’ll pass. I’m sleepy!
“Where?” I asked with knitted eyebrows
“It’s a surprise. For now, you need to change so we can do things as scheduled” He commanded but grinned ear to ear
As scheduled? This guy always confuses me.
“You heard him Scar” El chirped with a knowing smile
“I’m not talking to you” I snapped at her but El doesn’t seem fazed since my voice sounded lame and sleepy
El giggled, “Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy”
“You’re the reason why I’m like this you annoying, craz—” I haven’t got the chance to continue as a yawn interrupted my rant
Elina cackled hysterically while Liam chuckled. I felt my cheeks burning with humiliation. I told you I’m sleepy!
To regain my composure, I just stood up and went to change ignoring the two laugh their heart out.
I don’t even have the chance to decline on Liam’s offer. I should just say no to him since that’s what I’ve been doing in the past weeks as he started pursuing me. But my mind says I should at least give him a chance.
So here I am, in deep thought of what will I wear. I don’t know where will Liam take me so I think I should choose something safe to wear in case we will be going in an elegant place.
What place where girls love?
Is it in the Park? Swimming pool? Zoo? Restaurant?
Oh-oh! Ice-cream parlor?!
Since I’m a very different girl... I have no idea. I just hope, he’ll take me somewhere I will not feel sleepy.
I got out of the bathroom still in my drowsy state and saw Elina and Liam having a serious conversation. They didn’t even noticed that I’m already watching them. But to my dismay, I can’t hear a word they were saying. Then Elina had her beaming smile and looks really excited of something Liam said.
What are they talking about?
“Are you two done talking?” I grumbled with my arms crossed over my chest
They both snapped their heads to look at me and strangely have the same expression on their faces. Ooh, that’s creepy.
“Why are you two smiling like that?” I snapped
“Still cranky beautiful?” Liam asked
I am cranky!
I faked a wide smile, “No, I’m not. I’m actually excited for this day, where are we going?”
Elina rolled her eyes, obviously sensed the sarcasm on my words but Liam apparently didn’t as he smiled, “That’s good to hear babe and it’s still a surprise”
Oh c’mon!
“You two should better get going. Go! Go! Go!” She chirped as she lightly pushed us out of our dorm room.
“Okay! Okay! Stop with the pushing!” I grumbled once again. Elina just giggled on my remark while Liam looks like he’s having fun watching us fight. Or more like me shouting at Elina while she’s just happy teasing me!
“I’ll see you later tonight” El winked at me then turned to Liam, “Please make her beautiful”
“I certainly will” Liam answered eagerly
Tonight? Make me beautiful? Huh?
What’s happening?
“You’ll find out really soon” Liam answered my unspoken question as we walked leading me out of the dorm
I guess my nice plan is out of the question. *sigh*
Liam helped me get-in in his luxurious sports car. What did I do to be surrounded by boys who are so rich and goddamn handsome it’s almost illegal? Ugh!
We then drove off, out of the school premises. Liam looks engrossed in his driving and have no plans in starting a conversation. Sighing, I closed my eyes for a bit. I wanted to sleep so badly but my mind has a lot questions like...
Where are we freakin’ going?!
Hoooo... calm down Scarlet.
I’m really stressing out myself for the past days. Raf and I are still okay and haven’t been in any argument since we talked at the Park. He’s almost like himself again. The big head, flirt and funny gay and even became strangely sweeter. But like he said on the Park, he’s continuing on pursuing Liam.
Everyday, he would give or do something for Liam. He gives him coffee, pastries, chocolate, and a lot more. He even volunteered on making Liam’s assignments and projects. And what pisses me more is that Liam takes advantage of it!
I wanted to tell Raf that he should stop because Liam is only using him but I don’t want to start another fight with him. I can’t bare the thought of not talking with Raf once again or hear him say things that will just hurt my feelings.
And then there’s Christina, acting like a dog. She would trail Raf wherever he goes and evidently shows her flirty acts whenever I’m around or when someone makes a move on Raf. She’s a one obsessive woman. But oddly, she doesn’t care that Raf is pursuing Liam.
I would have less stress if I have no crazy roommate and if Ruby was here trying to talk sense to me. I haven’t been talking to her ‘cause she’s busy in her cheerleading team and studies. And Rupert is missing in action for almost a week now. Raf said, he accompanied their dad to Europe for business matters.
I sighed deeply and inhaled a lungful breath to calm myself.
“That’s a third one” Liam spoke breaking my self-conversation
I opened my eyes and turned to face him, “Third one?”
He chuckled, “The third time you’ve been sighing since we got out of your room”
“Oh” I don’t have any answer to that, “Sorry?” I smiled timidly
“I should be the one saying sorry. You look really tired” He gave me an apologetic look
You are certainly right Mister! I should be on my bed snoring right now.
I sighed before answering, “It’s fine. You don’t have to apologize”
“And a fourth” He laughed lightly and I felt my cheeks burning as I realized I sighed again.
“Sorry”
Maybe this will be a great day. I should stop thinking too much for now and just let myself have fun while I’m with Liam.
“We’re here” The car came to a halt and stopped infront of an expensive-looking boutique.
I was busy thinking that I didn’t saw where Liam was heading. A lot of known brands in their own stands and boutiques were located at the street we are right now. The question is...
“Why are we here?” I asked in bewilderment
“We’re going shopping” He answered with a wide smile on his lips
Shopping? So this is where most girls love? I’m not really a girl then or maybe not a normal one.
“What for?” I asked again
Liam took something out from the inside pocket of his suit and gave me an elegant black-colored paper. I opened it and read. Still in confusion, I gazed up to look at him.
“Black ball?”
“Yup, you are going and you’re my date” He said matter-of-factly
Say what?!
“Date? Why me?”
“You don’t really have a choice beautiful. I’m the host so I have to choose my date and she should be the best date and of course, that would be you.” He explained while I was still a bit confused
“You’re the host? Why did you call it the Black Ball?”
He run a hand through his hair and chuckled, “It’s called The Black Ball since it’s a party held during Halloween. It’s the same as a Halloween party except that it’s more grand and classy”
“Oh my god! It’s already November?” I cried. Wow, I don’t even have a sense of time anymore
He laughed at my weirdness, “You’re funny. I explained the ball to you but you’re stressing out that it’s already November”
I also laughed at myself then remembered something.
“So that’s what Elina’s saying about making me beautiful?”
“Yes. And for the record, you’re already beautiful. We will just emphasize it” He complimented
Aww, this guy knows how to flatter a girl. Like I said the first time I saw him, I would easily fall for him if I’m not already in love.
“How about Raf and Rupert? Do they know about this?” I did hear from some of my classmates about a ball that will be held this Halloween but didn’t mind about it since they said it’s for the Elites. I didn’t know Liam would be the one hosting it.
“Of course. I already gave them their invitations yesterday but I don’t know if Rupert will make it since I can’t contact him. I guess Raf’s also busy finding something to wear for tonight” He explained once again.
Raf didn’t tell me about this. Well, we didn’t saw each other yesterday as he was busy doing a project.
“I think we need to get out of the car now. They might think we’re doing something rated PG” He winked at me as I felt my blood move on its way on my cheeks.
Eww! That’s nasty!
We emerged out of Liam’s car and walked towards the boutique. He guided me till the entrance and a smiling woman greeted us as we entered the store.
“Good morning Sir Liam. Good morning Ma’am Scarlet. We have already prepared the dresses for you. These way sir, ma’am” She held her hand and guided us inside their impressive fitting room. Looks like Liam already planned for this, the girl even knows my name!
“You go inside, I’ll stay here. Try all the dresses and we’ll pick what suits you most” Liam ordered but with a small smile on his lips
“Okay” I answered slowly then went straight to the fitting room. The girl trailed behind me and told me that she will assist me in changing. I can’t argue with that.
The theme of the ball is black so all the guests should be in their best black ball gowns and suits.
The first dress the girl gave me is a black strapless gown that hugs your upper part until the waist with diamonds decorated all over it then balloons on the lower part covering my whole legs and feet.
With a bit of nervousness, I went out to show it to Liam. He was sitting on a blue plush couch, reading a magazine. I cleared my throat to get his attention.
He gazed up then eyed me from head to toe, hand on his chin, judging my look.
He looks really serious about this huh.
“You look like you’re going to a prom, not a ball” He suddenly spoke
My eyes widened, cheeks flaming after he said his criticism. Why am I even embarrassed? It’s not like I made the dress or I picked it! Argh.
With sagged shoulders, I went back inside the fitting room.
The next dress the girl picked was a tight fitting halter dress that cuts mid thigh with a simple silver decoration in the waist part. I went back to show it to Liam.
He looks shocked when he saw me and coughed to clear his throat, “I didn’t know you’re sexy babe. I would love that you wear that but not tonight. Too trashy”
I gasped hearing him and immediately got inside. How many more times do I have to embarrass myself infront of him?!!
The next two hours was a pain to my ass. I didn’t know picking gowns and dresses is this tiring and humiliating!
Everytime I get out of the fitting room, Liam never fails to make me blush and humiliate myself.
“You look like an old-maid”
“Too flowy”
“You look like you’re just going for a shower”
“Too much ruffles. You look like pompoms”
“You look fat on that babe”
“Too revealing”
“Too much covered. You look like a gift wrapped”
“You look like a dude!”
“What?! That’s it! I’m done with this!” I shrieked from frustration as I started to walked out on Liam
“Hey, wait up. We’re not finish yet babe. Please be patient. We will find you a dress, I promise. Please stay” He spoke softly as he gripped my arm stopping me.
I gazed up to look at him and see his eyes begging. I sighed for the nth time and nodded.
He smiled, “Thank you. And besides you won’t want to go outside of this store looking like that” He looked at the dress I’m wearing where he described me looking like a dude. I grimaced realizing what he said.
With a scarlet on my cheeks for also the nth time this day, I walked again inside of the fitting room. Trina, the girl assisting me also looked exhausted but gave me an apologetic look.
“I’m so sorry Ma’am Scarlet. I promise, I will give the most beautiful dress that will suit you” She smiled
I smiled back at her, “Don’t say sorry. Let’s find that goddamn dress!”
She giggled then started to pick a dress on the racks. Suddenly she gasped as she removed a dress from it and walked back towards me.
“This is it. This will be your dress” She beamed excitedly and surely
I tilted my head to the side as I examined the dress. It did look elegant yet simple.
It’s a black long sleeve lace dress that hugs your upper part perfectly with three simple black flowers decorated on the waist and flows freely below.
With head bent down, I walked outside to show it once again to Liam.
I waited for one of his insults on the dress again but didn’t hear anything from him after almost five minutes of waiting. Maybe he’s thinking of a great insult in this dress?
All of a sudden, I heard him stood up from his seat and slowly walked towards me. He placed a hand on my chin and tilted my head to look up at him. I looked directly on his eyes and saw him smiled.
“I’ve been waiting for you to look up so I would know if it really suits you and now I know what to say about this dress” He uttered huskily
“What is it?” I asked softly
“Perfect”
After Liam bought the dress, we thanked Trina and the other people who assisted us in the boutique. We got out then Liam decided that we go buy shoes that will match for my dress. I let Liam choose and he chose a four-inched sliver-black stilettos.
I hope I can walk that high!
After the dreadful shopping experience, Liam and I went to have lunch in a luxurious restaurant. I have to say, I had a lot of first time experience today and that’s all because of Liam.
We had coffee after lunch to rest for awhile. I didn’t know I can have a light conversation with Liam. I guess I misjudged him like what I did to Rupert and Mr. Cooper. I keep on doing that and I know it’s wrong.
At 4 o’clock in the afternoon, we drove to a salon for the elites as shown by the style, tools and make-up they were using.
We were greeted once again by the people who will do service to us. Liam spoke to them, saying that my eyes should be smokey. How will my eyes smoke? Gosh! I really am not a girl! I don’t even know these things while apparently Liam has a lot to say about my make-up and hair style for tonight.
“For a guy like you, you surely know what will they do for my make-up huh” I said my observation to him
He looks a bit taken aback but swiftly composed himself, “O-of course. Guys should know what’s good or beautiful for the ladies”
Hmm, well, he has a point.
After sometime, the stylists pulled me away from Liam and made me sit while Liam was just observing us, sitting at one end of the salon. They started to do whatever they do on my hair and face.
“Oh honey, you’re already beautiful when you have no make-up but I assure you you’ll be the center of attention tonight at the ball” One of the stylists said enthusiastically
Whatever they say. It’s not like I can outshine all the girls who will be going, especially Christina the Elegant-looking Witch.
After almost like days of waiting, they finally said that they were finished painting my face, nails and styling my hair.
They don’t want me to look in the mirror which is really annoying. How will I know if I look decent or they made me look like a clown?!
They led me to a door where they helped me wear my dress and shoes. I didn’t even noticed that Liam was nowhere to be found.
After a decade, for me, they let me walked out of the door and walked straight that led me to a room that filled with mirrors and there I saw my own reflection.
One word: WOW
Who is this girl? Is this really me?
My red hair was neatly tied in a bun but there were loose little wavy hairs on both sides of my face. There were sparkling gems scattered at the back of my hair.
My make-up looks simple but they accentuated my eyes showing the pale-blue color of it. So this is what they call smokey eyes. Hmm...
I didn’t know I can be this... this... presentable, neat and...
“You can just say Beautiful” Liam suggested, he was leaning at the door frame, quietly observing me
I’m saying my thoughts out loud again!
I gazed back at him and saw that he was already in his black suit. He looks dashing!
“I think there’s something missing” He spoke as he walked towards me
I raised an eyebrow at him, “What is it?”
He pulled out a little black box on his pocket and revealed a pair of exquisite diamond earrings. A gasped escaped from my lips as I placed a hand to cover it.
After recovering from shock, I shook my head, “No, I can’t take that. That’s too much Liam”
He was the one shaking his head, “But these are really for you. I want this night to be perfect for you”
Sighing I spoke with finality in my tone, “You already made it perfect. Sorry, but I can’t take it”
He sighed, as if trying to calm himself, “Okay. I won’t give you these. But at least just wear it for tonight. You can just give it back to me after the ball. Please...”
I saw his hopeful look so I just answered, “Okay. But just for the ball”
He grinned then helped me placed the earrings. He turned me so I was facing the mirror.
“Now, you’re perfect” He spoke gruffly with a smile
“Thank you Liam” I said with sincerity
“My pleasure beautiful”
At exactly seven in the evening, we arrived at entrance of the ball. My hand wrapped around Liam’s arm as we walked inside.
The hall was spacious with Halloween decorations placed in every corner. There was a large space in the center indicating for a dance to be held. A band was set-up at the side with music emanating from it. There were tables placed around the dance hall, buffet tables at the side with loads of different dishes to choose from and cocktail drinks served by the waiters.
The place already looks grand but the people makes it more classy as I saw their gowns and suits and watched how they move, refined and sophisticated. This makes me belittle myself.
“Relax Scarlet” Liam whispered beside me, sensing my uneasiness
Breathe in...
Breathe out...
I should stop stressing myself. Besides, they don’t even know me.
But I need to find someone I knew except Liam.
Where’s Elina? Or Rupert? Or...
OH. MY. GOD.
I felt my heart beating fast, cold clammy skin and almost hyperventilating.
This is like the first time I saw him and the first time he ever spoke to me...
He looks lost, trying to find someone at the flock of people around the hall. Then his eyes suddenly fixed his gaze on mine. He never removed his eye contact as he smiled the smile I’ve always loved.
“My blue-eyed with perfect smile angel..."
***
Finally, I had the time uploading this.
What do you think of the chapter? :D
The picture on the side is Scarlet's dress 'cause I think it's perfect for her.
Next chapter will be the 'Black Ball' and I promise I will upload after TWO days since I have my off from work. :D
Vote and Comment beautiful! Thank you.