|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 4:54 am
"Punch, would be delightful," she murmured. Then, giving him an appraising glance when he mentioned a broken ankle, she had to smile and shake her head.
"Well, you don't move like someone just out of a cast. Mine should be coming off in a month and I cannot wait. It's itchy, it's annoying and I just want to take a normal bath," her voice ended on a plainitive note and she looked wistful at the thought of a bath that didn't involve duct tape, saran wrap and trashbags. But before she could say more, The adult Chamberlyns started to speak and Jada had appeared along with two other girls. As Gabbie watched, she privately thought that the bluenette was the prettiest of the three in her saree and diamonds. Then Jada bowed and it seemed that the party was back underway.
Looking around, she saw the bluenette sit at a nearby table, and she caught a glimpse of someone she thought might be Elzo too. Well, maybe this party wouldn't be so bad after all.
"Jaimie, can I ask you a favor?" she began in an almost apologetic voice. "I honestly don't want to intrude on your good nature, but could you help me get over there?" she asked, pointing to the table where Audrey sat talking to another girl with two tone hair. Gabbie was already on her feet and reaching for her crutches.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 6:44 am
-When the time came Aurora had offered a final curtsy to her most recent partner, turning to view the debut in polite silence and interest. She recognized Fallon, fellow club member, which drew forth a smile. The other girl she was not familiar with.
And then Jada appeared in a glimmering sparkle. The dress was a little boring.. plain in cut and design with few accents to please the eyes, but then, that tended to be the norm with debutante dresses, tradition outweighing creativity or visual pleasure. But what it lacked in excitement it made up in shimmering. The crystal reflected the lights of the chandieliers making the girl shimmer so brightly that you almost had to turn away. Her pose, her hair, she really did look like a lady that evening, no longer a girl. It was quite lovely, everything Aurora imagined it should have been.
She watched as the first dance unfolded, feeling a swell of fairytale magic in her chest that was all to young for her to want to admit. When it had finished, she clapped politely. Already people were beginning to make their way towards Jada, to met with the belle of the ball. Aurora would have to do so too at some point, but better to attempt a little later tonight, after the initial rush.-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 8:25 am
"I thought she would dance with her escort." Eve commented, trying to hold back an amused grin as Seth voiced her thoughts on Mr Vickerson being old. Really, at least Jada's escort was about her age; wasn't that more decent? Szelem would probably be horrified to know someone was questioning the decency of her daughter; but whoring her out to older men? (The word whore was probably not an appropriate word to mention in front of the hostess either.) The thing about being rich, Eve thought, was that you probably had to marry rich, within the same social circles and what not.
Poor Jada. Perhaps, when she had some free time, she could grab her for a chat and save her from those older men? It would probably be hard for her to decline an invitation to dance though.
"Of course." She told Seth, giving Adira a small nod (Perhaps they would see each other again later?) as he led her out to the dance floor.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 8:49 am
Elke was rather gratified when her Princess finally came over--it wasn't that she shouldn't dance, or couldn't dance, it was that she worried, you know? Every moment away was a moment when the Princess could get hurt, and Elke hadn't been paying as much attention to Serenade lately as she should have been.
"You look so pretty, Serenade," said Elke cheerfully, slipping one arm through Serenade's; she was about to continue talking, maybe about their classes. First, though, she had to fall respectfully silent for Jada's introduction. Her friend, thought Elke, was very pretty. The man who had her first dance? Not so much. Still, she did her best not to frown, because Maman was watching.
When it was over, she turned back to the Princess, a smile on her lips once more. "Did you see? Hero is here, too!" And, smiling, she led Serenade away from the dance floor, towards a table off to the side.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 10:18 am
Mr. Vickerson was a kindly old man widower of almost 70. As he and Jada danced, it wasn't anything graceful- he couldn't manage graceful too much anymore. He'd been a friend of her grandfather's, and had been the first dance at Szelem's debut as well- a fact which had him chuckling as he guided Jada to the floor. "You came down those stairs just like your mother." he told her, hand squeezing hers as they limped along. Jada beamed at the gray-haired, dim-eyed old man. "Both of you were such pretty women. Goodness, her mama had her trussed up like a little lamb for the slaughter, and I see she did much the same by you." his laugh was loud. He was old. No one could fault him for it.
"I'm so happy you could make it." She said it as though she were confiding in an old friend, and the man squeezed her hand. "Well, if you hadn't come, what would I have done?"
"You would have had your first dance with some strapping young lad. Like your escort." he gave her a sly look, to which she shook her head. "Ah, so the boy isn't yours then? Don't tell me it is generosity. I've been to enough in these things to know how they work. No love is needed for a good marriage." In his arms the young woman shuddered, and he smiled. "Well. You're already a better woman for even thinking it, darling."
"Love might not be needed," she murmured as the song came to an end, "But liking them would help a great deal." his laugh was loud, and he passed her off to the next man who had come to claim a dance.
Poor Mr. Vickerson. His wife had loved to dance. Forty years a widower, and he still loved the wife he'd lost enough to never remarry.
*
Lucas had jumped off the dais as soon as he could, bright purple eyes looking over the crowd. "I can't go upstairs yet," he told his parents. "I have to dance with some Cinderellas!" Like the pretty girl, or the other pretty girl, or-" his eyes lit on a pink girl near Audrey. Mentally noted her down as a Person of- oh, hell. She looked about his sister's age! He almost danced over to the small crowd gathering around Audrey. "Hi!" he said cheerfully, butting into the conversation with the social finesse of a boy his age- that was to say, a ten-year old. "Pretty lady with the butterflies, may I have this dance?"
It was obvious that Lucas was either completely disregarding propriety, or didn't care.
*
Kayley had been positively charmed by Elzo Xanis. Not that she knew his name. But when he'd mussed up his hair, all rugged and suave, and so improper, she simply knew she had to monopolize him as much as she could. Hers, hers, hers. For at least one dance. A Lady simply wouldn't dance every dance with him (even if he could get her to!). But by George, she was getting one. And Zora would dance with- where was Zora?
She wiggled her way neatly through the crowd, looking for (poor, poor, poor) Mr. Xanis, keeping a quarter of an eye out for her sister.
*
Zora was hightailing it after the first of the girls who had caught her eye. A pretty girl, greenish- ah! Ohh, and she was dancing with one of Mother's targets. Poor boy. Well, he wouldn't match Jada all that well anyways. His hair was too yellow, he would make her look sallow. It didn't mean it would stop Szelem for trying.
Gabbie was almost assaulted by the vibrant redhead, who only gave a quick little dip to Mr. Leontyne before her eyes were on the girl in the white dress. "So who beat you up?"
*
Up on the platform, Szelem and Michael took their seats and smiled. Michael had a few men almost lining up with him to talk business. He was relaxed, laid back, and Szelem's eyes were watching her children like a hawk. Jada was easy to spot, and one of only four or five girls in the room wearing a white or cream color. Luckily for them, none of the other girls in white had Jada's distinctive dark curls.
"Relax." Michael told his wife, reaching out for her hand. "It will be fine." People were already sidling away, from courtesy. The microphones on them were turned off, thank goodness.
"This is the most important ball we've ever given." Szelem's lips weren't moving. "And you're up here discussing business and the workplace, not even caring that this was supposed to be the most important night of our daughter's life, not even caring that she turned her own debut into a ******** charity ball." Cursing was not socially acceptable. Szelem was infuriated. "Her debut, Michael, where she finds herself a rich husband, not where she goldmines for the poor."
"You sound like Elisabeta." Michael told her, finally.
"My mother had the right idea. My mother had the right idea. She told me not to fall in love with a pauper." She almost spat it through unmoving lips. "'You are of different classes, darling, he won't understand.'" she quoted. "She was right. You have no con- Hello, Mr. Carson. Oh, you wanted a dance?" He had escorted Jada to an opera before. He'd also called her daughter a strumpet. He'd also been the cause of Jada's temporary little rebellion. Apparently he'd inadvertently-on-purpose let slip that Szelem was already discussing details of their wedding.
And been amused by her responses to his goading.
Szelem looked over the crowd, guessing the number of new prospects for her daughter in the crowd, comparing it to the benefit of allowing Douglas to dance with her again. "Well, I'll make sure it is arranged." she said finally, and beamed at him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 11:26 am
Emmy had slightly spaced out during the girls actual debut, which she felt slightly bad about. However it was too late now. She returned her attention to her little group, and curtsied to the older woman. "Nice to meet you Mrs. Saylor, I hope you are enjoying yourself this night."
Emmy looked around the room to see someone looking back at her. The smile on her face now became different, in a good way. "I'll find you guys in a bit, there is someone I have to go see."
With that she made her way effortlessly across the floor to Trevor, whom she promptly kissed on the cheek. "Hey, I didn't know you were coming!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 12:08 pm
Though Serah's company was not at all displeasing or a chore, it was still a bit relieving to see that Fallon had decided to escape to the predetermined corner as well. It was a bit like picking sides during a battle, and if she'd chosen those stupid cliche brats and the dragon Audrey wouldn't have been entirely sure what to think. Certainly it wouldn't have been very nice thoughts! Beaming up at her friend, another chair was lightly nudged out from under the table and imperiously pointed to.
"Sit. Keep me company, I'm going to have to direct this whole venture since I can't exactly hop up and save the damsel when she's in distress. I really wish we'd been able to get those earpieces..." Oh well, nothing was perfect - in fact things were rarely perfect, if ever in a person's lifetime. Lucas interjected in soon, attentions all on Serah which the bluenette encouraged with a wide grin. "Oooh, you should definitely take advantage of this offer. It's a prime offer, let me tell you." Her voice was lightly teasing, but only in the direction of Jada's brother. Just because she was disdainful and miserable didn't mean everyone else had to sacrifice a good time!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 12:20 pm
Howl did not wave back or call out to her, but his polite smile was enough to placate Vanessa. She had forgotten that he could not recognize her, but was not bothered when he didn't come over to chat. Because she could go to him.
Mr. Rae was surprised that his daughter seemed to know at least one of the young men in attendance here and watched her with a curious expression on his handsome face. "Vanessa, who is that?"
"Howl," the auburn-haired girl informed him with a smile, "I saved him the other day."
John Jr choked on a strawberry. Mr. Rae cocked an eyebrow at his daughter, but watched his son until the strawberry had been returned to safer territory.
"You saved him?"
Panic had found a home inside her belly. Vanessa knew that she had slipped up, but could also see that it was easy to cover her mistake. "Yeah, from a dog. It was hungry and eating his pants, so I gave it some of my pizza instead."
"I see," Mr. Rae sounded satisfied. Vanessa thought that he should be. It was a believable enough story, after all, and almost all of the truth.
"Smooth," John Jr murmured at his sister out of the corner of his mouth with a roll of his eyes. Vanessa stuck her tongue out at him.
Generally, she had no problems making friends (trying to, at least) or venturing out into a sea of people to socialize. She was an expressive, extroverted girl who had many acquaintances. She didn't discriminate and, temper tantrums aside, was a veritable smile factory. Customers at Big Willy's always received the best care she could provide; other boarders at the skatepark were given her utmost respect (with the exception of Steven, of course); students and teachers at school accepted for who they were, because Vanessa would have hated herself for being mean without provocation.
This place was not high school, and about as different from Big Willy's and the skatepark as it was possible to get. Vanessa felt like a fish out of water.
And it was AWESOME.
She had never danced before, but was beyond ecstatic when an older, reasonably attractive gentleman approached her with his hand held out. Mr. Rae, ever the father bear, had bristled and then, after a forced exhale, relaxed. Vanessa may not have been the brightest bulb in the package, but he trusted his daughter to make the right decisions. Besides, the pained looks that contorted the other man's face as Vanessa accidentally and continuously stomped on his feet were more than worth it.
"This is my first time at a ball, you know," Vanessa chattered away in the gentleman's ear as he led her around the dance floor. "We bought this dress just for tonight, and dad says that its for charity. The ball, I mean. Not my dress. I'm very happy to be here, you know. I have never danced like this before, but I think I REALLY like it. I feel a little like a princes-
Crunch.
"OOPS." Giggle. "I'm sorry about that."
Crunch.
"My bad." This time, a blush.
"Miss, if I may, this is a waltz. You're not supposed to stomp your feet like that."
CRUNCH.
"OH MY GOSH. I'm so sorry!" It was a heartfelt apology, tanned cheeks flaming red with embarrassment, but her dancing partner left anyways. She watched his back as it disappeared into the throng of people, and there was a terrifying, heart-stopping moment wherein she felt completely and utterly alone; vulnerable, insecure.
And then Mr. Rae, who'd been watching the man and his daughter like a hawk, swooped in and continued the waltz in his place. She beamed at him, relieved. "Where's John Jr?"
"Still eating."
And then Szelem addressed the crowd, and Mr. Rae paused; forcing his daughter, who was trying to get the hang of the steps and had not noticed that the music stopped, to still with a gentle squeeze of an elbow. Vanessa looked up and watched, mouth in the shape of an 'O', as Jada's court filed into the room. She recognized Fallon, but did not feel compelled to wave at the other girl. Last time they'd met, Fallon had accused her of being a stalker. And that was a label Vanessa really didn't feel like owning- Super Van could, but she didn't feel like fighting with anyone tonight.
"Dad?" she whispered, eyes shining on Jada, "she isn't a real princess, is she?"
"Why don't you go ask her yourself?"
Vanessa, who wasn't sure if princesses still existed or not, but was also pretty sure that they didn't, nodded at him before slipping away. She approached Jada from behind, almost shyly, and tapped her on the shoulder.
((loooong post))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 12:36 pm
Jada was about to be handed off to yet another gentleman when she felt the tap on her shoulder and turned to see a dark-skinned young woman in a bright yellow dress standing behind her. "You must excuse me." she murmured politely, gave him a small curtsy, and returned her attention to the other girl.
Still, she reached out and took her hand, guiding her off the edge of the dance floor and towards the doors, taking a few breaths of the evening air. "How may I help you?" she asked finally, once she had filled her lungs. "I'm sorry I rather dragged you away, but you had wonderful timing."
The other young woman certainly was vibrant. Jada smiled at Vanessa, looking her over without judgment, mostly glad that her own mother had picked a gown for her that would have looked awful with a corset. If she'd had to wear a corset, like one or two of the pastel princesses in the parade in front of her, she'd just have died.
Died.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 12:40 pm
Lily gave a small giggle, "It's okay. At least it is better than my sister Rose. She would be checking out every guy on the floor, looking for her latest victim, or at least that is what I like to call them," she said as she was guided to the dance floor.
She nodded when Azzo spoke of the puppet show and smiled lightly. "Oh I simply cannot wait," she said with a bit more emphasis than she had intended.
Lily knew how to follow, she'd had a course in ballroom dancing as a part of her etiquette lessons when she was younger and two crash refreshers in the past week before the dance. "Do not worry. I'm sure it will be fine, but apology expected, just in case you do step on my feet."
Lily smiled lightly as she was lead in a waltz, feeling happy that she had come. Her eyes wandered for a second catching glimpse of people that looked familiar. She was almost certain she'd seen Trevor, before she return her attention to Azzo who was now speaking to her.
Though before she had a chance to answer, everything came to a hush and the crowd was being addressed. It seemed as though it was time for the festivities to really begin. "I'll tell you after," she whispered softly turning her attention to Mrs. Chamberlyn.
She watched silently as the girls came down from the floor above giving curtsy's in lovely pastel dresses. Then came Fallon along with another girl and Lily gave a look of surprise. She was about to wave to the girl, but thought it better not too. Oh she would appear so rude if she did.
Next came Jada and Lily was very happy to be able to put a face to the girl whom's party she had been invited to. The girl was simply stunning and Lily felt a bit envious of her for a second. Her life seemed so perfect, but Lily shook the thoughts from her head. Anyone's like could appear perfect at first glance. She made a mental note to introduce herself later and give the girl her congratulations as well as greet to Fallon and make sure she was okay after her hospital stay.
Jada was given away for a dance and Lily turned back to Azzo, "This is all very surreal," she said softly offering her hand to him. "Shall we continue?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 1:10 pm
Normally, Vanessa would have been opposed to being led around in such a manner, but as Jada grabbed her hand and showed her to the doors, the auburn-haired girl couldn't help but follow her like a little puppy. Despite the fact that Vanessa was relatively certain there were no princesses in Destiny City, a little part of her couldn't help but hope that Jada was one.
It would have been fantastically cool. Especially because she seemed so nice, and didn't appear to mind at all that Vanessa had gotten in the way of another opportunity to dance. Vanessa was about ready to explode with excitement; mind reeling with idea that she was about to make friends with a princess, and she turned to Jada with a dazzling grin.
And then promptly lost her voice.
This princess stuff was a VERY big deal. Like many little girls, Vanessa had spent a large part of her childhood daydreaming about living in a castle and wearing pretty pink dresses. Her dresses, of course, had always had a pair of shorts underneath so that she could join the knights on their adventures. In the land of make believe, Vanessa had been the sword-wielding, dragon-slaying, how-DARE-you-mess-with-my-kingdom sort of princess.
If her suspicions were true, and Jada proved to be the real thing, then it would have been a kind of half-assed confirmation of her childhood dreams come true. Minus the dragons and the swords, of course, but it was probably the closest she'd ever get, and Vanessa felt positively unworthy.
"U-u-um," she stuttered, and twisted her hands together, slightly overwhelmed by her own enthusiasm, "This might sound a little stupid. Actually, probably really stupid if it turns out I'm wrong, but uh- well, see, I don't know- that is, areyouarealprincess?"
She wasn't used to feeling so awkward, and hurried on to explain herself.
"See, I didn't know if you were or not and everything with all of those other girls and the whole coming down the stairs thing- well, it just looks so- magical, I guess. I don't know. I asked dad, but he told me to talk to you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 1:13 pm
A smile which almost mirrored that of her son's managed to find a place upon Anastasia's lips. Had it not been the call for attention by Szelem, she might have commented on the girl's lovely manners. Yet, when the hostess requests your attention, you do not ignore it. That would be terribly rude.
As the heads turned to face the debut of Jada Chamberlyn, Howl's arm naturally laced itself with his mother's again. He remained quiet, yet attentive. This was obviously not the first debut he had ever witnessed, for he knew what was expected of him. You observed yet another elegant young lady make the entrance in the limelight. Even in her first dance, he remained gazing, watching the girl spin on the dance floor, not daring to make a move towards the floor until the song finally ended.
"Well, if that does not put anyone in the mood to dance, I do not know what will!" Cutting through the silence of his small gathering, the effeminate lad laughed.
His mother nodded, laughing in only the politest of manners. "I suppose you are absolutely correct, son."
He glanced down to his mother's eyes, which happened to match his own in color. "Now Mother, I know you promised me your first dance, but Miss Johnson here has made me no such promise. I think I must steal this chance as it presents itself." His mother's head dipped into a gentle nod as her son's arm loosened itself from her arm again. Being a good son, he leaned in and kissed his mother on the cheek before extending his hand in Calintha's direction.
"If I may, Miss Johnson?" There he went, addressing her by last name. Yet, it was completely due to his mother's presence that he had reverted to such formalities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 1:18 pm
It was only due tot hat fact that Jaimie had been behind her that she wasn't knocked over by the arrival of Zora. Eyeing the little redhead with bemusement. She didn't want to lie, but couldn't exactly tell the truth. So she decided to be selectively truthful.
"I don't know their name. But it was a tall lady. Much taller than me. I didn't see her very clearly."
Still eying the kid, she came to a quick mental decision.
"I don't really like talking about it to be honest. It wasn't fun and it hurt a lot. I am also fairly certain that your mother would want to skin me alive if I went into gory details."
She continued to head for the table holding the bluenette.
"Well, Miss Chamberlyn," she twinkled down at the girl. "I propose a compromise. Help me to that table and I will do my best to answer your questions. Provided you do not ask for details I cannot remember."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 1:31 pm
Was she a real princess?
What a question. Jada paused, considering the question. "Not technically." she said finally. But looking around her house, at this party ,at all the things she had that so few would, how could she say she wasn't? "I'm about as spoiled as a princess." she laughed. "But no, I can't claim to be a princess." She relaxed, some of the small veneer of propriety chipping away as she leaned towards the other young woman, confidentially. "Besides, who would want to be trapped in a tower?"
It was a good question, she thought, in response to a good question. She held out her hand, one woman to another. "Jada Chamberlyn. You are?"
*
Zora looked disappointed. "If she's not as beat up as you are, that's sucky fighting." she said frankly. If only Zora knew that not everything out there was able to be fought one-on-one. "You should take some self-defense courses. My sister is." She nodded to the bridal-white figure, talking to another girl in a white dress. "As for what my mother would do..." Purple eyes glanced towards her mother, now surrounded by wealthy old ladies on the platform. "What she doesn't know won't hurt her, now will it?"
She followed the girl to the table, waving at Audrey and sneering at her little brother. "No one wants to dance with you." she told him. "Go back to your playpen."
Lucas' small lower lip jutted out, his manly pride insulted. "Of course people want to dance with me. Right, Audrey?" he looked to the older girl for help.
Zora helped Gabbie into a seat at the table, beaming. "Well, this table is for the rescue rangers and friends. Not you."
He could dance with whoever he wanted to! Purple eyes narrowed at his sister.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 1:45 pm
"I'll give you a hand" Jaimie promised, once he recovered from he and Gabbie nearly being run down by the energetic steam train called Zora, though it seemed Zora had her own ideas on the matter anyway.
Unwilling to entirely loose his 'shield' as it were, he followed anyway to offer a hand, just in case, raising an eyebrow in amusement at the banter between the siblings.
"How do you know she was a sucky fighter?" He challenged. "Maybe the other girl was just stronger. I mean it could have been like..." he searched for a ridiculous example. "Chuck Norris versus a Tyrannosaurus."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
