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 Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 8:50 am
Snorting in a decidedly unladylike manner, Gabbie smiled up at Cordy and shook her head.
"The day hospital gowns are fashionable will be the day Hell wins the All Pro Hockey League," she quipped, then seeing the momentary flicker on Cordelia's face, decided to smoothly segue to a slightly safer topic.
"It is. Though my aunt just bought this for me and brought it home tonight. Said that my prom dress wouldn't do as dinosaur print wasn't the thing in these circles. Can't imagine why not. There're so many predators assembled here tonight, I hardly think predator print fabric would cause much sensation."
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Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 9:06 am
"Don't be silly!" Eve said cheerfully, unfazed by Seth's clear annoyance of the girl. It was something she had pushed to the back of the mind, seeing that he seemed quite close to her, and that she had earlier on determined that she would not let him sulk in a corner. At all. If she left him alone, he would probably just sit down and frown all night, and that wasn't nice at all!
"He seems more rooted in reality than in fantasy." She told Serah with a laugh. "If he does kick fairies though, then maybe I would have to consider even being acquainted with him." Eve was one of those girls that liked a good joke or in this case, light-heartedly poking fun at a friend.
"Thank you; I like your hair too!" It was always polite to return compliments after all, and the pink shade of hair was really just adorable and fitting for the younger girl.
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Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 9:28 pm
The music had ended, and Audrey was getting impatient. She'd seen him tangled up with Jada's annoyingly perfect stereotype sister and had tried very hard to not roll her eyes. The Chamberlyns, all of them, were incredibly forceful people and would not be denied under almost any circumstances. So it was surprising to see the elder Xanis walk away from the blond when the music ended, it hadn't seemed as if Kayley would ever release her tight grip.
Really, she had a few options. She could play aloof and icy, just sit there and wait yet again for Elzo to man up and make his way over, or she could simply stand up and hope he saw her. She was petite, so this wasn't a great option, but how many of them had blazing blue hair? Not many. The final option was the most direct, and probably the one that was least likely. Audrey was not about to go over there herself, not after the night before. It made her look too eager, and already she was being too damn obvious about this ridiculous, unexplained crush! But she really wanted to see him again...augh.
Mind made up, resting almost all of her weight on her uninjured leg and the rest of it on the back of her chair for support, the Meadowview girl slowly rose from her chair and walked around the table to lean on the back of another, occupied chair and tried to join the conversation there. Her sea green, silk-covered back was to the room so that even if he didn't bother to come over, she could return with dignity to her chair in a few minutes with no one the wiser to what she was really doing. Fallon would probably piece it together, but then Fallon was too smart for her own good. Audrey loved Fallon.
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Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 9:58 pm
Jada was sipping her drink, watching the interaction, and had found her target. Mr. Wilson, a kind enough older man, if she remembered. She grinned at Audrey, set her glass down on the table and moved away from the Rescue Rangers. She'd been with them far too long tonight, it was time to get to business.
She moved across the floor, angling for her goal, and was intercepted by two suited figures at once. The first was an older man, in his fifties. She'd been on an arranged evening out with him before. "Mr. Carson." She nodded to him, face bland, blank. His eyes swept her head to toe, like one would eye a horse on the track. The other man was one of the help. He was looking at her like he wanted to say something, dancing from one foot to the next. He looked familiar. The similarity to him made her stomach clench. But no, his hair was the wrong color, and those eyes she would never forget weren't what was looking at her from the familiar face. "Did you need something?" she asked the server.
He looked at Douglas, opened his mouth. Closed it and shook his head, backing away. The older man watched him go with a sneer for the 'servant' and reached out without permission to take her arm. "I'm dancing with my dear Miss Chamberlyn." he said, and smiled. Jada's face froze. When Mr. Carson smiled, one remembered that you should Never Smile at a Crocodile. He was just as toothy, and just as reptilian in his own way.
"I'm flattered." she lied. But she allowed him to sweep her onto the floor and into the crowd of moving bodies. "So, you decided to attend my debut, I suppose I should thank you for coming."
"Don't waste your breath." he told her cheerfully. "I didn't come for you. I came to make some arrangements with your mother."
"Oh?" her question was vague, disinterested.
"I told you I'd be marrying you."
"I vaguely recall assuring you there was a snowball's chance in Hell." her voice dropped to something intimate, between them alone. Her lips stopped moving, keeping what may turn into a bit of a tiff something private.
"Your mother assured me you'd be out of this willful stage." he clucked. Jada beamed at him, as though he had said something truly amusing, nodding to Mr. Wilson as she and her partner gracefully brushed past.
"My mother hasn't fully understood some things about me. And has apparently accidentally mislead you into thinking you have some sort of claim on me." Jada, Mistress of Understatements. "This is my debut, Mr. Carson. Not my engagement party." his fingers dug into her back, into the painful marks on her lower back, until she almost screamed, stars flashing through her vision.
"Apparently your mother hasn't educated you on some things, sweetheart." he told her sweetly, hands supporting her, keeping her knees from buckling from the pain of his grip. If he knew he was hurting her, it was well-hidden. "It looks like it will be something I'll have to do at some point."
"This isn't the 19th century, Douglas." she hissed it through gritted teeth. The smile was plastered to her face, and though this was just the moment that Audrey and Fallon were here for, Jada did not lift her hand to tug on her earring. She kept her fingers on his arm and shoulder, regaining her balance in smiling silence.
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Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 10:15 pm
Adira had seen the older man moving to intercept the debutant on the dance floor. Inwardly, she cringed. She knew from previous functions that Mr. Carson was absolute filth, and her family had made it well known their distaste for the man. She felt for Jada, she really did. And if the girl could put a perfectly manicured finger on it, she also knew that Szelem had absolutely everything to do with it.
Even though she didn't know Jada's secret signals, the girl felt enough emotion to move her to action. She knew it was rude to leave before finishing a conversation with someone, but she turned to Fallon and muttered quickly. "I'm terribly sorry, I'll be right back." She left quickly, her sapphire dress whispering against the floor. Adira didn't run, that wouldn't be polite, but she made it as quickly as she could through the various couples sweeping their way through the dance floor. She reached the debutant in time to see the predatory look on Carson's face, which only confirmed her previous thoughts.
"Mr. Carson, a pleasure to see you again." It was curt, short and in a formal business tone. "But I really must steal Jada away from you. There is a pressing matter that we simply must discuss immediately." The girl reached out, attempting to sweep Jada away as quickly and professionally as possible. Whatever this man was involved in, was absolutely no good. She knew Jada's friends would take care of the girl, but it really was better that Szelem saw her interrupting. Adira knew that her social standing was impeccable, and that Mrs. Chamberlyn wouldn't dare say anything directly. Hopefully, Adira's rescue would work.
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Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 10:30 pm
If Jada were a cat, she may have accidentally-on-purpose ripped off her- was he seriously her fiancee?!- dance partner's smug face. It was at the sound of a female voice, unanticipated, that caused her to turn her head. Douglas stilled them, and released her enough to give the other young woman a polite bow. Adira wasn't being thrown at him by a desperate, greedy mother. She was also from a strong family, and was obviously meaning business. He could hold on to Jada, and keep his dance, continuing to bait her, or he could give in gracefully. "I suppose I'll have to let you go for now, sweetheart." he lifted Jada's hand to his lips. He let it go, and it fell limp and dead to the debutante's side.
"Our talk was enlightening, Mr. Carson. I'll make sure to talk to my mother about your proposal." Jada gave him a bland, courteous smile, and remained in place, firmly rooted to the dance floor as people swirled around the three of them in their odd little triangle of professional courtesy.
His lips twitched. "You do that, my dear." he told her, and gave them both another bow before leaving them alone on the floor. Jada reached out, taking Adira by the arm as if the two of them were the best of friends. The young woman never would suspect Adira of any duplicity, but her tone was a hundred degrees warmer when she spoke to the other heiress than it was when she'd spoken to Douglas.
"Now, something we need to discuss? I do apologize that I didn't stay near the table longer, but I've been neglecting so many donors this evening." Adira knew how it was, she was sure. "I am, however, all ears for as long as you need me." The least she could do as thanks for the other woman's timely rescue.
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Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 11:57 pm
Adira smiled at Mr. Carson's reaction. It had been just about what she had planned it to be. There was only so much one could do in retaliation while still being formal and proper. Regardless, the girl was glad to see him take his leave, and by the sounds of it Jada was as well. She dipped her head in response to Mr. Carson's bow, but it was clipped and defiant. The man was truly no good. Adira moved off to the side of the dance floor a few steps, getting out of the way of the couples who were still waltzing. "Um..." To be honest, the girl hadn't quite thought about this part. It was a shame really, everything had gone well until she realized that she had never made up any business to discuss with Jada. "You really look lovely tonight. Your dress is stunning, you should really give me the designer information when you have the time." It was a lie. Badly veiled and very obvious to the both of them, the cover story said all that the girl could not. Adira knew that Jada knew what was going on, she just was gracious enough to not bring it up directly. "Anyways, you've probably had enough of my interfering for tonight dear. Plus I'm afraid I've left Miss Fallon in the middle of a conversation which I feel terrible about." She reached out a hand and set it on Jada's shoulder, giving her a look that said more than words really could. Be careful. A small, warm smile, and then the girl disappeared back to the table from whence she had come, almost as quickly as she had arrived. Adira fidgeted slightly, still unsure about her actions. As Father had said though, sometimes gut feelings were the best remedy for sudden and unusual situations. She hoped in the least that she had helped.
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Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 12:11 am
"Well, Seth is likely to murder me soon so I'll escape while I can. He doesn't really kick fairies-- at least, not that hard." She assured Eve with a light smile, giving the blond girl a quick hug and a grip on her hand before leaving. She was skipping away, on a mission. People were staring in her direction, disapproval for being so blatantly silly but Serah paid no heed.
Serah really needed to find the host.
Ah. There she was. With the long black hair. Serah approached her, Jada was with another girl, the other girl making her exit. She had seen the other's stunning form from a distance but something up close felt.. dreadfully familiar. It was only when Serah had skipped behind Jada and tapped her on the back did the familiar memory conveniently made it's way in her mind.
s**t. This was the girl that Ophelia had rescued. This was the girl Serah had tried to steal a starseed from. This was Audrey's friend. She couldnt even have imagined Audrey's reaction if she had succeeded. Her face paled under her makeup, her smile fading away at sight of Jada's face.
Uh. Um.
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Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 1:27 am
"Thank you so much, Adira." Jada squeezed the other woman on the arm. "I owe you one. We'll meet up at some point, and I'll definitely get you the name of the designer." She let the other girl's arm go easily, and smiled at her. "Be nice to Fallon." She gave Adira a look from under her lashes, a mischievous look. "She is a very dear friend." The debutante responded to the warning look with a wry one of her own and a light nod, watching the other girl move back to the Rescue Rangers table.
So far, the Rangers were doing fantastic. Spider senses tingling.
There came a tap on her shoulder, and Jada turned to face a short, pink-haired girl. Her dress was white, something that gave the older woman only a slight pause before she smiled. "Hello." She'd seen the girl dancing with Lucas, hadn't she? She was slender and cute- it wasn't a surprise her little brother had asked her to dance.
"Hello!" She beamed at the other woman, reaching out with a white-gloved hand. "How can I help you?" It was safe enough to assume that the woman wanted something considering that almost the moment Adira had walked away, the next girl was there. It was almost a relief that the smaller girl had appeared, preventing Douglas from returning and claiming the rest of the dance.
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Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 5:11 am
Magenta eyes passed to the newcomers. She smiled politely at all of them, but Gabbie glossed over the introductions. She didn't even remember Fallon's name despite the introduction they'd had a short while ago. The brought a flicker of annoyance to her features, and another when she noted Oddy's vest. It was horrendous. It made her want to throw up in her mouth a little.
Swallowing down the bubble of frustration that rose in her throat, Fallon turned to direct her attention squarely on Adira. It was a much prettier picture than the Mardi Gras vest.
The more Adira spoke, the more Fallon liked her. A CEO father? You don't say. A vineyard in France? How incredible. An international family? My, my. "The inventions fascinate my father, certainly," she said, hiding her smile behind the crystal glass. "He would only discuss work if my mother didn't force him to socialize. She's over there." Iva Novette-Naim had taken to the dance floor with an unfamiliar teenager. She bobbed around, clearly leading him, leaning forward to correct his form every so often. When she spotted Fallon watching, she gave her daughter an overly enthusiastic wave. Fallon responded with a nearly imperceptible head nod. In that moment, she didn't quite want to claim Iva as her mother openly, not so long as she was dancing.
With Jada and Audrey beside her, Fallon felt considerably more at ease. It showed in the slight slackening of her rigid posture. She smiled back at Jada, quirking an eyebrow. "I don't think your mother cares that they see you, just that they stick around to offer money for you." It wasn't terribly polite to whisper in front of others so Fallon pulled away from the secrecy to sip at her glass. Jada must have sensed the same thing because she moved right along to Gabbie.
Howl stepped in to shower her in politeness, always did, and Fallon accepted it with a smile and a, "Yes, you have to save me a dance and an introduction to your mother." The long teal hair disappeared off into the crowd, and Fallon watched him go long enough to spot Szelem making her way into the mix.
Uh oh. Shark in the water.
In a way, Fallon admired Szelem. She was so composed, so put-together, so in control. The only animosity she held toward her was on Jada's behalf. Otherwise, she considered her a wonderfully interesting person, definitely someone worth getting to know. Judging by the way others reacted to her sudden presence, Fallon wasn't alone in that.
On the dance floor, the Xanis brothers were suddenly set free. At almost the same time, Audrey made a move to turn. Fallon smirked. For all her claims otherwise, Audrey did have a knack for dealing with boys. Magenta eyes darted to Jada on the dance floor. Her posture seemed rigid, but her face was impassive. Fallon stared for a few minutes. Jada did not tug her earring so it surprised her to see Adira make off to break up the dance. It appeared totally benign. Odd.
Fallon sipped on the edge of her glass. She wasn't talking to anyone, but she had no problem with that. Her eyes moved over to the silent auction. There were a few items she wanted to bid on, but Adira said she would be right back and so Fallon would wait. It was polite, and Adira was pretty. The decision was not difficult.
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Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 9:22 am
Adira swept back to the table not more than 2 minutes after she had left. She smiled at Fallon. "I'm terribly sorry for that." She didn't offer an explanation, which was a little odd, but the girl figured she didn't need to. If Fallon wanted to know, then she would ask and Adira would give some vague answer simple as that. "So I assume then that you've lived in France? Have you ever visited or lived elsewhere in the world?" The girl slid back into the previous conversation almost as if it had never stopped. She was interested in Fallon as a person, and a potential friend. Adira didn't have many people she could count as friends in Destiny City, or much at all in her life. 'Acquaintances', 'business associates', 'contacts', and 'networks' she had to many off. It would be nice to add 'friends' to her list.
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Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 9:37 am
Natasha Ivanovich was a formidable looking woman. THough only an inch or two taller than her niece, she exuded authority and a no-nonsense approach to life. Granted, part of this was necessary to deal with squabbling professors and experts whenever she lectured. However, she'd also learned early that money counted for less than personality and the willingness to work hard. Natasha Ivanovitch had worked hard, ignoring the wishes of her more traditional parents, followed in her adored brother's footsteps and had gone out and worked at becoming an expert in her field.
As the older Ms Ivanovitch stalked through the crowd in her elegant suit (no dresses for her, thank you!), close-cropped salt and pepper hair spiked fashionably, she considered the peopel around her and felt a momentary wave of disgust. As far as she was concerned, their hostess was little better than a slaver or a pimp, expending all her effort into selling off the flesh of her child to get some favor, some gain for herself. It was sickening. And thankfully, something that Gabbie would never be put through.
If Mariel hadn't left her with me... Natasha shook her head and snorted. Gabbie's mother had been like these people. RIch, beautiful and utterly childish. When Gregori had died, Natasha had been afraid for Gabbie. Mariel had been useless, vapid and spoiled. Her act of abandoning her daughter had simply proven this. Oh Mariel wrote now and again of some new conquest, new riches gained through court settlements, new clothes, new jewels. Gabbie never read those letters. Natasha made sure the girl knew they were there, but the child would never look at them. And they would sit and gather dust until Natasha threw them out.
If Mariel had kept Gabbie, the girl would have been forced to go through something like this. As it was, the only reason the Ladies Ivanovitch were here was because Natasha thought the charity worthwhile and she wanted Gabbie to see this life. And to see it its most distilled form. She'd been afraid that Gabbie would like this, would want to have this life. But a few stealthy checks on her niece laid those fears to rest. Not only was the girl being unapologetically herself, she'd even chased away several would be suitors. Natasha had never been more proud. Gabbie would not be like Mariel.
Smiling softly as she approached the table that held her darling niece and the friends she'd found, she cleared her throat gently, bowing a little as she intruded on their talk.
"My apologies, young ones, but I'm afraid I must steal Gabrielle from you. It;s late and we both need sleep."
----------------------------
When her aunt came up and started talking, Gabbie felt a small stab of regret before smiling agreeably and moving to get her crutches.
"Is it that late already, Auntie? I hadn't noticed. May I have a few moments to make my goodbyes?"
At the older woman's nod, Gabbie smiled again and waited for her aunt to turn and walk off a little before standing and grinning.
"Well, it's been a blast meeting you guys. I'd ask about keeping in touch, but I wouldn't want to risk you being expelled from polite society for mingling with a Meadowview girl."
She laughed softly, not really meaning any harm with her words. She just felt that if this was 'the good life' she'd rather not deal with it.
"Cordy, Oddy, could I impose on you both to walk with me to the car?"
There was something secretive in her eyes that as only for those two. She had a little idea that she wanted to run by them...
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Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 10:03 am
When Jada had been called away, the auburn-haired girl had debated with herself about returning to the ballroom or exploring the rest of what the Chamberlyn's property had to offer. From her position outside the back doors, she could see what was happening inside the house as well as outside. The lights that illuminated the pond and the lotus flowers that floated on top of the water were reflected in her golden eyes. She thought that it was very good of Jada and her family to do something so wonderful for the hospital, but was a little perplexed.
It baffled Vanessa to know that, on top of raising money for charity, the purpose of all of this was to find Jada a husband. Mr. Rae was a protective father. He'd have sooner chopped off his own foot than force his daughter into something like this.
It occurred to her that Jada may have been an almost-princess in need of rescuing. Super Van's spirit flared to life, and Vanessa felt compelled to help her out, but was at a loss as to how. It amazed her that people lived like this.
Thoughtful, she pursed her lips and moved towards the collection of white tents. Beyond them lay her true goal- the pond. She paused at the water's edge, ignoring the people that milled back and forth behind her, slipped her flats off and tested the crystal-clear surface with a toe. It had been very hot inside the ballroom, and the water was wonderfully cool in contrast. If she hadn't been in a dress, Vanessa thought it would have been a very good night for a swim.
She didn't need a pool.
---
Mr. Rae was steadily slipping back into the way of things. He recalled how to behave; how to stand, how to smile, and how to move. He also recalled why it was that he'd never enjoyed himself at these sort of things before. This was not a world he'd been born into. It was not, indeed, a world that he belonged to at all anymore.
His wife had always fit in better. She'd had such an easy way with people that he'd envied, at first, and then come to admire. Even now, years after her death, John fervently desired to possess just a smidgeon of her confidence.
He watched the dancers as they moved across the floor, chocolate eyes shining on the striking form of Howl's mother. There was a ring on her finger, but Mr. Rae still thought it would have been nice to dance with her. Something about her reminded him of his wife. Maybe it was the hair. Maybe it was the way she moved.
John couldn't put his finger on it, but he wanted to.
---
John Jr had ate himself sick. His stomach churned uncomfortably as he moved, filled to the brim as it was, and he vigorously regretted that last plate of grapes. Still, despite all of that, he was having a reasonably good time. He rubbed his belly in order to sooth it, and let the pretty faces of all the ladies distract from his personal plight.
Unlike his father, John Jr had no problem striking up conversation with beautiful women.
There was a girl with lovely blue hair whom he was dying to talk to. Audrey was surrounded by people and John Jr wasn't sure if he was welcome to join them or not, but was unbothered. If they didn't want him there, it was likely that they'd let him know.
A charming smile danced on his skinny face as he approached her and piped up with a hearty; "What's cookin, good lookin?"
Never mind that he was only nine.
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Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 10:36 am
The minutes were passing swiftly and her endurance was fading. Had Audrey been any less in control of her emotions, she definitely would have been pouting, stomping her good foot, or perhaps even crying at how this plan was failing horribly. Sometimes, she wondered if Eve and her friends were right, and if Elzo was really as into her as she was into him. Boys were so confusing!
Hearing the voice chime up at her side, talking to someone who was apparently 'good lookin', the bluenette looked around to her left and right before realizing that the boy that had spoken was staring directly at her. Gold eyes blinked twice, and then she smiled widely at the kid. "At the moment I think things are on a slow simmer, what about you, handsome?" Apparently her issues with flirting only held to persons of the opposite gender who were her own age and thusly a danger. Stepping back a bit to let him into their Rescue Rangers circle, she held out her hand to the boy.
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Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 12:25 pm
Lily and Xander listen to Mrs. Crowley speak, not really having much to say, though both added a yes she was lovely. Lily did not agree about the girl's very green hair, but she kept her mouth shut. It matter not what the girl's hair color was, but what she was like instead.
When Mrs. Crowley took a turn for embarrassment, Lily looked to Xander trying to give away her giggle and wonder if Azzo like Melody. His embarrassment was amusing though Lily did not take it for what it was and it went above her head that the boy did in fact seem to like the girl.
When he and Melody suddenly disappeared, Lily blinked and looked around seeing them on the dance floor. She gave a soft smile, before turning back to Quinn who excused herself as well.
"Okay," she said, "see you around later." With that she turned to brother.
"Remember, you promised to buy mother something from the auctions," she said waving her had toward the auction and letting her brother know he should go do so.
She grinned as he walked off toward the auction and Lily scanned the room for Fallon. As soon as she spotted her she made her way quickly toward the girl, waving as soon as she was close enough to her seen by Fallon. It was then that she noticed the other girl with her, who looked a lot like the girl from her English class.
Lily stood back, not wanting interrupt, but wanting say hi to her friend and wanting to drag the girl onto the dance floor so that they could talk.
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