Chapter 45
"You're not wearing make-up?"
I scowled at Nate's question and looked at myself again. "I am! I've put on powder and some chapstick," I defended. I crossed my arms in annoyance since this was all I could do.
"I don't even think that's considered make-up."
"Then what is?"
He shrugged nonchalantly. "You know..stuff like eyeliner, eyelashes, mascara, lipstick, and whatever."
My stomach churned at what he just said. I clenched my fists and pursed my lips in embarrassment. "Yeah but.. I don't know how to do them," I confessed, whispering the last sentence.
I kept my head down, avoiding eye contact with Nate. Expecting him to laugh at any minute.
But then it was silent. Great, is he holding himself back now? Is he trying to hold his laughter?
"You're so adorable, Erin."
I raised my head and met his grey eyes. He was smiling from ear to ear.
"Are you teasing me again?"
"No, I just thought that it's so adorable you don't know how to put make-up on. I mean, really. What kind of teenage girl doesn't know how to put make-up on? You're really like a kid."
My face burned in embarrassment. "Yeah now you're just insulting me."
He laughed in the hologram. "Haha, okay, okay. Shouldn't you get going now? What time does that Ball start anyway?"
"They said it would start.."
I looked at the clock on the wall and saw it was a quarter to seven.
"Seven! Shoot!"
"Oh, you better hurry then."
"Y-yeah. Bye, Nate!"
I quickly pressed the pendant twice to close the hologram. I then grabbed the necklace and placed it around my neck.
Okay, I have everything I need in this black pouch. All I have to do now is get to the Ball. I stood up and scanned myself in the mirror for what seemed like the 790th time.
I just couldn't believe who I was seeing in the mirror. I mean, I'm not wearing make-up but I just can't believe I'm wearing such a fancy dress. I'm not used to it at all! Wearing such a thing..makes me feel..fuzzy.
This dress may not seem fancy or prestigious-looking to most people but to me, a former beggar and thief, it was definitely something I would have never found myself wearing.
Nate sent the dress I asked for: A pea-green dress that went down till it touched the floor. It had completely covered my legs. It was also a one shoulder dress with a bit of some silver designs. (Author's note: YES, I AM COMPLETELY HORRIBLE AT DESCRIPTION. That's why I've posted the picture of the dress on the right c; )
I tied my hair into a French braid as well. I don't know, I just like the way I look when it's in a French braid. Nate also sent me a tiny chained headpiece to which I placed on my hair.
I felt a bit scared though. I'm not used to showing off my shoulders. And it's winter too.
I quickly made my way downstairs and tried to remember what Sana told me. She said that we just have to show up by the pool of the school.
It was pretty difficult walking to the pool since I was wearing heels. Imagine, walking on grass. I can tell you right now that I'm not the type to wear heels. But luckily, they were only one inch heels. And they're wedged too.
I found the pool glittering and wondered what Sana was talking about. She said there'd be something prepared.. where is it?
I then found large tubes that any person could fit themselves into. They were probably made out of glass since it was transparent. And on it, you could see names placed on them.
The one I was looking at had the name "Jodie of Garnet."
Oh, okay. So I just have to find the tube that held my name and kingdom. I then started to find my name. It wasn't difficult though since there were only a few tubes left. Ah, so once we get inside, it probably vanishes.
I finally found my tube that held the name "Erin of Diamond."
I lifted my hand and touched the freezing tube. It then made an opening for me to enter. I awkwardly entered the tube, pulling up my long dress. I was now completely inside and waited for whatever was supposed to happen.
The glass closed and I felt my heart beating rapidly within me. Before I could think, everything blurred around me. It was as if I was falling into space and couldn't see what was going on around me.
My ears popped and I felt like my heart was misplaced somewhere.
I closed my eyes to lessen the terror. Relax, Erin. Just wait. Just wait.
I suddenly felt everything calm around me. It was as if everything stopped spinning. I squinted my eyes open and found myself in a totally different environment. The pool was no longer there and instead, a dashing fountain was there.
It sparkled beautifully as different colours of light streaked in the water. And behind that was a huge marbled staircase, covered by a red carpet. You could see that once you get up those stairs, you'll see the Ball itself since bring yellow lights came from the top of the staircase.
And around the fountain was just clean cut grass. It was getting dark but luckily there were lights at the bottom and top of the staircase.
I tried to hurry and make my way there since it was five minutes till seven. I didn't see a soul out here in the dark since probably everybody was already inside.
Once I finally reached the top, I was breathing heavily. But nevertheless, the view was absolutely stunning. There was a giant chandelier in the middle of the ceiling, glowing golden lights. The room itself was in a golden colour. A variety of delicious food were at the far right corner of the room.
There were also huge french doors on the left and right, showcasing the gardens. I couldn't help but feel my lips curl at the sight. Chattering filled the room and the atmosphere felt welcoming.
But then something was off..
Although you could see so many people wearing a variety of colours and dresses, something was totally off. It was the boys. Not only were they wearing their tuxedos and formal attires, they had masks on. As if the Ball was a masquerade themed one.
I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. Well, the girls aren't wearing masks..
So I'm safe. For a minute, I thought I was out of place.
It was really only the boys who had gone out of their way to wear masks. But, why?
I went down the stairs and towards the food table. There's no waaay I'm missing out on the food. But as I went down the stairs, I could feel a few glances thrown my way. There were a few whispers here and there and I immediately shut my ears away from it.
There's no way I'm going to find anything useful from their insults.
I felt a tap on my shoulder and instinctively, I turned to see who it was. My eyes met jet-black hair and ocean-blue eyes.
"Erin!"
"Sana!" I replied with enthusiasm. I looked at what she was wearing and immediately admired her taste. "Your dress really matches you, Sana," I nodded in approval. "It matches your eyes."
She looked absolutely gorgeous. Her black hair that was tied into a bun revealed her porcelain white neck. And I hate to say it but, I'm envious that she can use make-up skillfully.
Sana gave me a sheepish grin. "Haha. Thanks. I see you've found a dress that just looks perfect on you. I mean, it doesn't match your eyes or anything but green really suits you, huh Erin."
I gave her a mischievous grin, "Well, honestly, I thought long and hard about it."
"Students, may I please have your attention," someone called out. I tried to see where the voice was coming from and saw that it had come from the stage up at front.
"We're about to start the Ball, now. If you please, take your seats and we'll begin."
Yeah, I'll spare you all from the boring details of the opening of the Ball. All we did was do some necessary formalities, some speeches, cheers, and a few clinks of glasses.
It..was pretty boring. If it weren't for the food, I'd have left hours ago. Luckily, you get to sit wherever you want. You could sit alone or sit with a bunch of people. As for me, Sana and I decided to sit with each other.
"You may now enjoy yourselves to the food. Oh and you may dance with whomever you wish," the host smiled. She stepped out of the stage and went on her way to her own table.
The huge round tables were covered with a white tablecloth. And over the white tablecloth, a scarlet covering. In the middle of the table lay a glass vase with a rose.
"Don't you think it's weird?"
I peered over to my left and gave Sana a questioning look. "What is? Her dress?"
Sana shook her head at me. "No, I'm talking about the guys," she whispered.
Oh. Does she mean the fact that they're all wearing masks?
"You mean the masks, right?"
Sana nodded vigorously. "Yeah! All the girls were talking about it earlier. The boys are so weird! Suddenly coming into the Ball with masks.."
I laughed through my nose at the image. "So you guys didn't ask them? Why they're wearing masks all of a sudden?"
"I think a few girls asked. But I guess they weren't given exact answers. They would only smile and say 'it's a secret'. Like, really. What's with that?"
"Haha!"
"If you ask me, I bet they're doing this for their own selfish reasons," Sana offered, clicking her tongue.
I raised a brow at her. "Selfish reasons?"
"Oh you know," Sana started. "Once someone's in a mask, of course, their confidence builds up!"
"Okay.."
"And once their confidence builds up, they're able to dance with the girl they like! And anonymously too!"
My eyes widened with the sudden realization. "Ah, I didn't notice that!"
Sana smiled smugly to herself. "You see? They're probably wearing masks so they could bravely ask out the girls they like. With that, their pride won't break too. Why? Because even if they get rejected, no one would know it's them since they're wearing masks."
"Wow," I breathed. "Never knew how much guys had calculated this much. Kind of cool though how they were able to plan this all out in unity," I said with admiration.
Sana nodded in agreement. Suddenly, a scrumptious smell entered my nose. I could see people from the corner of my eye holding plates of delicious food.
"I'll go and get some food," I told Sana, standing up from my seat.
"Oh, hurry back then. I'm going to the washroom."
I nodded my head and started making my way to the food table. I crossed the dance floor, passing by couples who were dancing to the classical music that was on.
I think I saw some profiteroles. I'm definitely getting those.
But before I could take another step, someone appeared right before me. He bowed deeply as I stepped back with anxiety. His light auburn hair fell as he raised his head and smiled gently at me. What irks me was the fact that I couldn't tell who he was. His mask was white glittered with a bit of silver.
Whoever he was, I probably wouldn't even know him. I mean, I don't know anyone with auburn hair.
He offered his hand to me and asked, "May I?"
Heat rose in my face. May I?
"M-May you what?"
He chuckled through his nose as his lips curled in amusement. "May I dance with you?"
"Uh.."
I looked around, somehow hoping that someone would disturb this situation. But all I could see were some stares.
"Hm?"
I blushed slightly in embarrassment. "Ah, yeah. Sure."
He nodded his head and took my hand in his. I reluctantly placed my left hand on his shoulder, feeling embarrassed somewhat.
"Are you scared or something?" he asked.
My heart rate slowly sped at his gentle tone. I looked at him and saw his tender emerald green eyes.
"Uh, sorry. I just didn't expect someone to want to dance with me," I confessed, looking at the floor.
We slowly danced to the music, stepping here and there. I could hear him slightly chuckle.
"That's weird. You shouldn't have such low expectations, you know."
"What do you mean?"
"You're beautiful, you know that?"
My heart fluttered in my chest as I couldn't comprehend what just came out of his lips. No, Erin. Stay on guard, remember? Stay on guard, stay on guard, stay on guard.
"Wh-what?" I choked out, looking at him as if he had three heads.
He flashed his pearly white teeth at me. "You're beautiful. Need I say it again?"
"A-Ah.. no need," I told him, my voice slightly shaking.
This isn't good for the heart. I'm not use to these kinds of compliments. And a direct one at that. This guy..
"Oh and thank you," I smiled, flattered. I cursed myself as I almost forgot my manners.
"Oh it's no problem at all. I'm only speaking the truth."
Ah, I think I can really understand why these guys chose to wear masks. Saying such embarrassing things can really be..embarrassing.
"So," he started, making eye contact with me. "How do you like the Ball so far?"
Bad. Well, at least right now it is since I haven't gotten my hands on those profiteroles.
"I can say it's definitely something," I replied, nodding my head slowly at him. Just how long do these dances last? A minute? Five minutes?
"I know it's weird but may I know your name?"
I widened my eyes and looked at him. Oh so he's just a random stranger. I'm getting too ahead of myself thinking that he knows me.. Now I feel so ashamed.
"It's Erin."
"Mm, Erin," he repeated.
"And you?" I asked. Honestly, this would be the last thing I'd want to know. I'm really just asking out of pure courtesy.
"It's a secret," he smirked, his eyes glittering with mischief.
I squinted my eyes at him in irritation. "Really? Why won't you tell me?"
"I told you," he shrugged. "It's a secret."
Like I care anyway. I want to eat.
"Um, are you hungry?" I asked him, changing the topic. He was taken aback with my sudden question.
"Me? No. Are you?"
"Yes," I said firmly and without hesitation. "I'm very hungry. In fact, the food table is just a few steps away from here."
He laughed and smiled at me. "Wow, why do I feel like this is your indirect way of trying to get rid of me?"
I couldn't help but feel the corners of my lips curl at that. Bull's eye. He's a smart lad. Keen, I can say.
I shrugged at him and looked elsewhere, a mischievous smile placed on my lips. Jeez dude, if you can already see the signs then go!
"Excuse me, may I?" a new voice interjected. What?
I shifted my attention to where the voice was coming from and found another masked individual with light golden blonde hair. I pursed my lips in irritation. The fact that I have no idea who I'm talking to or who I'm dancing with really ticks me off.
"Oh, yeah. Sure," I smiled in approval. I then led my current partner to the guy who just interrupted us. I shifted his hands to the next guy and ignored the appalled expression the auburn-haired guy had.
"Here you go," I nodded and went on my way to the food table. Okay, maybe if I had a few plates on my hand, no one would bother talking to me. That would be great.
"Hey, wait! He isn't who I meant!"
I tried to suppress the smirk that tried to creep in. Quick, feet! Go faster!
As I finally reached the food table, I felt like a runner who had just reached the finishing line. I then ogled the food set before me. I swallowed hard as I found almost everything appetizing.
They even had my favourite—fresh lumpia. You could see that there was a huge bowl of peanut butter right next to it!
I stopped myself from drooling and tried to find the plates. Once I found a plate, I took almost one out of everything I found in sight. I didn't feel embarrassed at all since no one has made their way to the food table.
Almost everyone was still back at their table, chatting. Or even out on the dance floor.
"Well don't you have a huge appetite."
I stiffened at the sudden comment and turned to see who just said that. Yes, of course, another masked hoodlum.
This one had dark mahogany hair with a green mask. I ignored his remark and continued picking out the food that I'd want a taste of.
There's no way I'm letting some small remark get in the way of me trying out the unique cuisine.
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-Lucas' POV-
"Er, are you sure it's all right?"
Laurren turned to me with a raised brow. She flipped her blonde hair to the back and returned her attention the mirror, fixing her make-up.
"This again?"
"Yes, this again," I answered with frustration. "I just don't find it fit for a knight to join a Ball."
I could see Laurren roll her eyes at me in the mirror. "What? It's like killing two birds with one stone. Firstly, he gets to enjoy himself. And secondly, he watches over my prey at the same time. Where's the wrong in that?"
I clicked my tongue at her in irritation. "I'm starting to think you don't trust me."
"Trust you with what, dear brother?" she asked, batting her thick eyelashes. I puked mentally at that.
"The mission," I answered, annoyance dripping from my words.
"Oh it isn't that I don't trust you," she shook her head. "It's just.."
I waited for her to finish her sentence. She continued to apply whatever on her eyes, lengthening the length of her eyelashes.
"Any day now, Laurren," I told her, breaking the silence.
"For selfish reasons," she smirked.
Selfish reasons? What is she talking about? To gain prosperity for our Kingdom herself?
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Authors NOTE: OKAY, I'm sort of sad to say this but... please don't expect this story to end so happily. I mean, I'm already thinking up of some stuff for this story and it's sort of making me upset.. so I don't think this will end as you'd expect? I don't know, maybeee. Maybe you'd already know what's going to happen in the end ^^ Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy the story til the end ^^
Anyway, thank you to those still reading Hidden Gem ;__; you guys are so nice.