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 Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:50 am
[[This is my OOC post! Yay!
The way that this is going to work is fairly basically structured.
ICly, the ball will last from approximately 8:00 in the evening until 1:00 in the morning, on Saturday the 17th of April. I know that is next Saturday, OOC; I'm sure why you can guess why I am starting it early.
Every 48 hours OOC will equal 1 hour ICly. This means that 9:00, when Jada will be 'presented' would be on Wednesday. 10:00 starts on Friday, 11:00 is Sunday, 12:00 is Tuesday, and 1:00, when the ball will be wrapped, is Thursday April 22nd.
If you want to do something that will disturb the ball on a major level, please let me know via PM before you do so! If you chose to crash the ball rather than attend it properly, please let me know so I can help you figure out the best way to do it!
This is a formal occasion, and Szelem is a mega!snot, so I'm going to ask everyone to be reasonable, but I would love to see everyone have some fun, so I'll really be toning down her snottitude.
Above all, keep in mind that this is a charity ball, so if anyone has any great ideas for ways they can raise money beyond the silent auctions going on behind the scenes and the pimping for donations, let me know! ]]
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:50 am
It was 8:05 P.M. on Saturday the 17th of April when the first guests arrived at the Chamberlyn home, which rested on almost a full mile of stone-enclosed land. The limousine pulled up the quarter-mile tree-lined driveway, the guests inside the black stretch idly admiring the firefly-like lights that were strung from tree to tree, twining around little statuettes, illuminating the way to the Chamberlyn home. Outside, gentlemen in black tuxedos waited patiently, one moving up to the door of the limo and opening it, handing out the ladies as they stepped out of the vehicle. The fountain around which the driveway was built was blowing neatly into the air, the lights that illuminated the water a pale violet. The home was lit brightly, the front doors opened by a white-gloved gentleman to admit the guests. Climbing the ornate outside steps, the first woman stepped in the door and into the home, handing off her coat to one of the maids. The chandelier was brightly lit, and the guests were guided by a line of help through the wide main rooms, through the marble and gilt halls to the ballroom. Not that there was much guiding necessary; it was a fairly straight shot through the halls, the home split almost into two wings, staircases on each side towards the entrance. The guests were essentially released into the ballroom as they passed the last smiling male-female pairing and entered the open ballroom. The ballroom was lit, crystal chandelier spinning and twinkling as it hung from the tall ceiling. Music was playing softly from the garden, and the French doors that lined the ballroom were thrown open to admit the night air and the sound of the orchestra, playing off to the side of the terrace in a location where people both indoors and outdoors could hear them. Lining the wall was a buffet, more men and women in black and white uniforms holding silver trays. There was an open bar set up for those guests who wished alcoholic beverages. Chairs and a few tables were in a part of the ballroom as a sort of dining area for the guests, and there was a raised little platform with several chairs on it, presumably for the débutante and her family, as well as her small court. There were a few people already in the ballroom, mostly guests of the débutantes father who had come early to discuss business with him. There were a few people speaking in the corner, their voices a low murmur. Anyone who was anyone in the lives of the Chamberlyn's had been invited. Naturally Destiny City politicians and their connections had been pried out of their offices for the event, not only for the fact that the financial backing of the family was a considerable benefit to anyone they supported, but also because of the fact that this ball was not just to present another eligible young woman to the crème de la crème. The ball was also a charity, on the young débutante's request, the purpose of which was to enhance the Destiny City hospitals. Heavens knew the press agents were just waiting to pounce on anyone who made a good impression, and slash up anyone of worth who flubbed up. Business partners of the Chamberlyn Patriarch had attended, and the young heiress who was sole heir to Lucian Montgomery's estate was under review, though not formally, by some of the people who were attending- members of the board of directors for the company that had formerly belonged to her grandfather. Family friends of Szelem's parents were attending, dripping diamonds and elegance. Invited had been all employees of the Destiny City hospitals, and their entire families. All students who attended Crystal Academy, even the scholarship students, and their families had been invited. Any family with eligible young men had received invitations, and Szelem had allowed a surprisingly free hand with some of the other invitations. The guest list was considerable, in the end, and that was why the back doors were opened, and outside was a small sea of tents. Not all of the anticipated guests would be able to fit inside the ballroom; goodness knew not everyone would want to stay inside all evening. The tents were white, gauzy, surrounding the small pond in the backyard. The pond was filled with lotus flowers and white water lilies, with a few lanterns interspersed to light the pond and give it a glow. The gazebo over the pond was twined with delicate white gauze. Facing out from the French doors, there was a considerable swimming pool to the left, fenced in and with a few people guarding the entrance to the pool area, preventing guests from getting in. The gardens were opened to the public, including the lovely hedge maze, where people could get lost if they were not careful. The gardens would not be available until after the débutante had been presented, which was going to be after the last presumed guest had arrived. It was already floating that the young miss would be presented at 9:00 P.M. almost on the dot. Szelem Montgomery-Chamberlyn and her husband stood overlooking the ballroom as the wealthy and influential arrived, the older woman stone-faced, eyes almost triumphant as she watched the people moving around the ballroom. Next to her, Michael Chamberlyn looked tired, but gave any who approached a bow or a handclasp, Szelem giving the gentlemen the back of her hand to kiss and a shark's smile to the women. The older woman was an exotic portrait of elegance, Tiffany diamonds strung around her neck and wrists, wrapped in a black and teal saree. Michael was simply dressed, in a black Armani tuxedo with a boutonnière. Next to them were Thirteen year-olds Zora and Kayley, Kayley next to Szelem and Zora next to her father, and Lucas stood between them. Blonde Kayley was in a bright green ball gown that matched her eyes, gloved and with a small pearl necklace; the redheaded Zora was in a dramatic black dress that she somehow managed to make look punkish with her laid back style and unadorned features. Ten year old Lucas was there in a black suit, looking mildly uncomfortable but wide-eyed. He would be excused after Jada was presented; he was mostly here for appearances at the moment and greeting purposes. Zora's smile was bared teeth, and Kayley's was as porcelain as that of her mother. All attendees had received an invitation between four and six weeks previously that was edged in a vibrant purple, with golden trim surrounding a white border on which the invitation was written in elegant, glittering black script. "Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Chamberlyn request the pleasure of your company at a small dance in compliment to their daughter Jada Marie. For Benefit of Destiny City Hospitals. Saturday, the seventeenth of April Two thousand and ten at eight o'clock in the evening. Black tie preferred” the invitation had read. It had been delicately scented of sandalwood, and enclosed with an addressed and stamped RSVP envelope and card, as well as a small secondary card that advertised that for benefit of charity there were going to be several silent auctions, and that the débutante had agreed to go on a date for the evening with the winner as one of the auctions. (In fact, the débutante had agreed to no such thing, but like everything else Szelem decided for her daughter, Jada would obey.) From upstairs, Jada Chamberlyn watched guests arrive from her hidey hole, white-gloved hands twisting anxiously. No one would be able to see her yet, not until 9:00, when she would be escorted down to the ballroom, and be presented. She recognized a few of the faces, but it was her mother who had memorized most of the faces of the people walking in the doors.
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 2:07 am
There were a few people on the hitlist of Audrey Collins. Usually she reserved such vile thoughts for when she was Linarite, and able to indulge in petty grudges to all her dark heart's delight. However, there were a few people that she openly hated as a human, and currently Szelem was one of them. How the b***h had managed to procure an outfit remarkably similar to the teen's own in less than twenty-four hours was an absolute mystery. Apparently, money could buy you anything you wanted, including a stolen sense of style. The snob had wandered into the room while the trio had been getting the finishing touches on hair and makeup, garbed in the elegant saree. Later, Fallon would swear that her naturally gold eyes had gone bright red with fury. Behind Jada and her nervously twisting hands, already seated on a plush settee, she could almost hear the pithy comments. 'Oh, that's one of Jada's little friends, nobody really. She goes to Meadowview, we treat her a bit like a charity case. I would discourage the friendship, but I would never quash my daughter's generous spirit like that.' Charity case! Hah! Alright, so the diamonds in her ears and around her neck belonged to Jada, but they were a strict loan until Audrey could find something better, and around her wrist, beneath the sea-green of her own saree was the double-looped chain holding her Thor's Hammer and Pasha's friendship potion. It was a relief to everyone, however, that she was able to totter along even in her silver heels without any aid. Standing for too long was still painful, but sitting gracefully was something Audrey'd learned as a toddler. Nervously, fingers reached up to tangle into the blue curls that had been slung in an elegant side twist over her bare shoulder, resisting barely the urge to chew the cherry gloss off her lips. Why was she here? She didn't belong here! Taking a deep breath, the bluenette focused again on Jada's mother and huffed. "I could kill her, isn't that petty of me?" It was a murmur, but clearly heard in the small room. Briefly, she'd entertained changing into one of Jada's many, many gowns. But almost all of them showed her arms to the world, let alone the gaping place where her bust would be. She hadn't thought to bring undergarments suitable for under such a thing, and no one in the Chamberlyn household was the same build as the scrawny teen. So she was forced to look like the charity case, the fashion faux paus. After all, Szelem certainly wasn't about to claim that role!
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 2:17 am
Jada fretted around Audrey. "I told you she'd be absolutely green-eyed when she saw your gown." she murmured to her friend. "I really didn't think she'd do that though. I'm so sorry." It wasn't Jada's fault, not really. Was it? She was desperate, trying to think of everything she had told her mother last night. Had she let it slip about the Saree? Anyway, who but her mother would think to pair Tiffany diamonds and a Saree? The comments her mother was making drifted lightly up to her ears and she visibly winced, reaching out to slide a white-gloved arm around her friend. "My mother is just a rancid woman." she muttered. She tugged lightly on the diamond earrings she'd "loaned" Audrey (they looked better on her blue-haired friend anyways, she'd probably end up giving them to her, they weren't anything obscene) as she adjusted them fretfully.
"You look better than her anyways." Jada said faithfully, resting her intricately coiffed head on Audrey's shoulder for just a moment. Pearls gleamed at her own neck, and she adjusted them as though someone could see her. "And you're not a charity case." She glared at her mother through the screen from above as though her eyes could strike the older woman down. "But Lucas and Zora look adorable, don't they?"
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 4:58 am
While Jada fretted and Audrey fumed, Fallon smiled. She loved balls: the formality, the black tie, the manners. Everyone was on their best behavior and looking their best, a standard that the cinnamon-haired girl thought should be followed everyday. Alas, not everyone was as meticulous about their appearance and self-presentation as she was. Dressed in a vintage lace gown that bounced around at her knee, Fallon looked a little like she might be on her way to prom in Grease, designer-style. She might have liked to wear something floor-length, but with a few inches of gauze padding her healing ribs, Fallon had to make due with what could hide that the best, not what she might have chosen otherwise. The dress was Betsey Johnson, the heels were Givenchy, the gloves vintage, and the jewelry was vintage liberated from Szelem's own stash: an amazing cameo with a strand of cloudy pink pearls. It would be hard to give them back. The lovely dressers who handled Jada's hair were kind enough to do hers too, and it was more intricate than anything she could have ever done, accented by a pearl comb pushed into the updo. Sweeping over to Jada, Fallon gave the shorter girl a quick squeeze on the shoulders. "Don't stress, everything is going to be great. And Audrey, you made Szelem Chamberlyn jealous. Jealous. I think this is a momentous day in history." A grin cracked her lips, growing wider with each passing moment. "Tonight is going to be fun!" Fallon was in high spirits and getting higher. She wouldn't even let the presence of her mother bring her down. Downstairs, Fallon's mother was in rare form, flitting around like some event manager, always rushing back to Szelem with a smile and asking if she could do anything else. Iva had arrived two hours before the event to "check on her daughter" and quickly manipulated herself into a helping position. She hadn't expected to go to a fancy ball while rushing to America to be by her daughter during the hospital stay, but Iva managed to come up with an entire look in no time. The only addition she made to the gown was a fitted black bolero jacket that could be removed or worn at will. As the girls watched, Iva swooped back over to Szelem, her mouth lit with a smile and said, "Szelem, this event is so wonderful. Your Jada is very lucky to have a mother who would do so much for her." Frosted nails dipped into her black clutch and produced a piece of paper covered in roses. Fallon recognized her mother's checks from their little hiding place and elbowed Jada with a laugh. She'd told both girls that her mother would insist on making the first donation to look good, and so she was. Iva slipped the check over to Szelem. "I thought I would start you off with your first donation. It really is such a good cause, after all they did for my Fallon." In looping pink pen, the check was written out for $50,000. Apparently, Iva Novette-Naim was trying to make a good impression. A very expensive one. "I think I'll try my hand at your silent auction too, and -- who knows? -- perhaps another contribution in Jada's name for dessert!" She laughed, loud and echoing, the laugh that a seal might make. For a moment, Fallon was worried for her mother. It was obvious that she was trying too hard, and it made the teenager sour to think that Szelem might think less of her mother. Contribution or not, Iva was simply not as put together as the green-eyed woman, not as confident. She was a worrier, a helper, a fidgeter. These were things that made Fallon love her mom, and it scared her to think that Szelem might take advantage of it.
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 7:59 am
-When she'd received the invitation it had not dawned on Aurora just how awkward coming alone would be. While others in the area had family or other wealthy friends, Aurora had realized late on that most of the girls in her dance club already had prior arrangements to arrive. Some were part of Jada's court others obligated to family arrivals. And so for a brief moment as the limousine let out one young girl, no escort, no parents, she looked lost, her smile almost apologetic to the man who had opened the door. A delicate young girl in a delicate dress, gazing up in soft amazement at the grand house that laid out before her.
She moved to stand before the fountain, pausing to adjust her small details and make certain everything was in place. She could already feel the patter of her heart. For while this was certainly Jada's event.. and Aurora would do nothing to try and take any of it from her, it was also likely.. the closest Aurora would ever come to a debut of her own. Her family was too far away.. her home.. far too humble compared to this castle.. and her father.. though quite kind and quite wealthy was but a rancher. IF he even owned a suit she knew he'd never be comfortable in it. Nor with the notion of throwing a giant party of cultured and elegant people. No.. this was her debut to Destiny City and eligibility as well, even if she was going it alone. Her time to shine and perhaps, finally, draw the attention of suitable bachelors.
Though she'd debated long and hard Aurora had settled on a dress that was as youthful as it was elegant. Her masses of ivory hair were pulled upward in a large bun, held tightly up in an intricate pink and white flower piece and a simple but elegant tiara. Only a few strands hung loose in ringlets that brushed against her collarbone, obscuring atleast partially her bare shoulders. Around her neck a slim gold chain held a flurry of delicate gold flowers and pink diamonds while a similarly simple trickling of pink diamonds dangled beneath from her ears. She'd spent more than she even planned to spend on prom, but it seemed worth it to her. Absolutely worth it.
Taking a deep breath she slipped away from the fountain, in through the doors, smiling politely at the help as they opened doors and motioned, otherwise going about their jobs. It'd been so long since she'd seen so many in one place truth be told. She tried to hide her awe at the grandour of it all, feeling so much like a princess when she stepped into the ballroom, looking around at the people that had already arrived.
The smell of the garden and outdoors tempted her along with it's sweet lulling strings, and she imagined she'd likely find herself out there later. For now however there were things to be done. Shoulders back, posture pristine and lovely, polite smile painted to her face Aurora Namid made her way towards the welcoming family, offering a delicate bow of her shoulders when she finally arrived.- "I'm so honored to be invited to celebrate Jada's special day. This is by far the most beautiful affair I've had the pleasure of gracing, your home is just breathtaking." -She lathered the pleasantries on with well practiced ease, smiling to each member in turn, before settling lastly on Mrs Chamberlyn.- "My father regrets not being able to make the trip himself but he sends his best wishes and a small gift for the cause in his place." -Her fingers dipped to place the check into the hostesses hands. Compared to the one before it was measly, a simple $15,000. But the Namids were not accustomed to the rules of etiquette in this situation, and her father had figured it was enough to pay to get out of it himself. Aurora herself had her pocketbook for later auctions and such.
She would linger only as long as the hostess seemed to want her there, already ready to escape and attempt to mingle. She only had one night to meet prince charming after all.-
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 10:31 am
"I really hate this," Gabbie muttered under her breath as her aunt directed her to the door and the family waiting within. Huh, she thought sourly, more like waiting to pass judgement. Growling a little as an elegantly careless leg nearly caught at one of her crutches, Gabbie half turned to the lean, grim woman beside her and reiterated, "I hate this, Auntie. Why'd we have to come?"
She gave vent to a long suffering sigh as Natasha Ivanovitch pulled her to the side and began fussing over her hair and dress. Now, to be fair the shimmering white fabric did look amazing when paired with her golden skin. And the simple hairstyle matched with the thin band of yellow diamond was certainly in keeping with the "innocent and elegant" look her aunt had selected for her. Hell, Natasha had even managed to find a dress where Gabbie wouldn't trip over the fabric as she stumped along. Even the delicate golden sandal on her un-casted foot looked good. But still. Gabbie wasn't Money. She didn't want to be Money. And she sure as s**t didn't want to be here among these preening assholes.
Finally, Natasha must've been satisfied with her niece, because her roughened voice held a note of grim glee.
"I know you hate it, darling. These sorts of things are uncomfortable at the best of times. Add a politely dressed up meat market to the mix and well. At least Mrs. Chamberlyn looks satisfied. Ridiculous woman! Now dear," Gabbie's aunt forced her niece's amber eyes to meet her own stormy grey. "Please do try to behave. If not for my sake, then your father's. After all it's due to his name and money that you recieved an invitation. Not that these people have half the intellect and brains he did. Still. Be a good girl. Once we are finished mouthing pleasantries, I'll find you a nice quiet spot to sit and rest. I see some people I want to talk to."
With that, she gave Gabbie's hair one last gloss-over with her hand and the dress a final tweak to help hide the cast. Not that it would help to hide the crutches. G
Grimacing slightly at the mention of her father, Gabbie nodded with closed eyes and took what was obviously a bracing breath. Then, plastering her best vacant smile on her face, she whispered in a soft voice that was pitched so only her aunt would hear as they approached the Chamberlyns.
"If she tries to make an example out of me of how wonderful the hospital is, I will hit her with a crutch. Repeatedly."
Her aunt's only response to that was a choked and smothered snicker and wickedly dancing eyes.
Each knew the other would behave, however reluctantly. All of this nonsense, was of course, all for a good cause. And then, it was their turn to say hello and present their check.
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 10:44 am
"Please, Iva dear," It was Michael who spoke before Szelem, "Relax. Enjoy yourself." Someone had to. He gave Fallon's mother a smile, a little bow, a kiss to the back of her hand. "And remember to save me a dance." He found her an adorable counterpoint to his wife, Iva's vivaciousness something Szelem had been drained of since their marriage. Szelem had allowed the other woman to help within reason, mostly leaving her in charge of directing the food. Everything else, Szelem lorded over with an iron hand.
The dark-haired woman accepted Iva's check, agreeing with her husband. Szelem gave a cursory glance at the amount, leaning in to kiss at the air and granting Iva a smile. The kind of smile that said, 'I am well pleased.' "My husband is right, darling." she assured Mrs. Novette-Naim. The check disappeared. Where? Had Szelem practiced sleight-of-hand tricks to manage this? Apparently. Probably. "Please, go enjoy yourself. There are so many gentlemen here who will be so eager to dance with you." A glance sideways at her husband, eyes narrowing. "Including my husband. As he said, save him a dance." Michael was still a handsome man.
Upstairs, Jada grinned at Fallon. "You and Audrey go have fun if you like. Just remember you need to be back here by 8:45 please. Otherwise I'll run away like a nervous pony, I swear." She shuddered. "Look at all those people." She was making more of her nerves than she should have been, but she could tell Audrey was nervous; Fallon, on the other hand, looked composed.
*
Attention moved from the older woman to the girl behind her, and Aurora was pinned under Szelem's judging gaze before the check was presented. Michael gave the girl a bow, leaning out and pressing a polite kiss to her hand. The girl received a nod from the lovely woman, before finally, "We're pleased to have you." The check vanished again. "It is a shame your father was unable to attend. I do hope that your evening is enjoyable."
*
On to the next person in line. A young woman on crutches and her older companion. Lime green eyes almost gleamed as Michael bent to kiss the back of the older woman's hand, and Lucas beamed up at the pretty ladies with the guilelessness only a child could manage. "What did you do to get banged up?" Zora faux-whispered to Gabbie, a moment before Michael pinched her arm.
"Thank you for attending." Szelem beamed at the two women, and Kayley gave a neat, childish curtsey.
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:01 am
Before her aunt could stop her, Gabbie knelt as much as she was able with the crutches and smiled at the little girl. Trust a kid to be curious. Still, she could tweak their hostess' nose a little and not get in trouble. After all, it was only polite to answer!
In a rough whisper, she replied with a hint of solemnity, "I got beat up and pounded into a wall during a fight." Then, with a sweet smile for the girl's parents, she straightened and allowed her aunt to rush her away before she could answer any more questions. Then, as quickly as she could wish, she was tucked away in a corner, away from Mrs. Chamberlyn's eyes while her aunt went out to mingle.
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:09 am
Zora's purple eyes gleamed. Oh, this Miss would get sought out when Szelem released the leash on her family. She opened her mouth, to answer, but was quelled into silence before she could make her comment. Behind their parents backs, Zora made a small gesture, one Kayley noticed and grinned. Ahhh, communication.
The young Chamberlyn woman only hoped that the opponent looked as beaten up as the pretty green-haired woman. Szelem was still tsking that the girl had worn white, almost as soon as they were out of earshot, until the next person in line came up to her with a small check. Then the shark-beam was back, and the Chamberlyn's went back to picture-perfect.
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:38 am
Liliana moved from the limo guided by a male helping her to her feet and was quickly followed by her brother, who immediately glared at the male wanting him to back away from his little sister.
Lily watched as the male moved away and turned to look at Xander giving him a very confused look. Xander simply smiled reaching out to take his sisters hand and lead her forward. Lily gave him a soft smile before allowing him to lead her, as he was lead forward.
She walked along slowly her green lacy dress fluttering about her legs. She looked down for a moment watching her heel clad feet and hoping not to trip. It was not often that she wore heels and it often took her a bit to get use to walking in them. She could feel her brother's eyes on her and she looked about at him giving a nervous smile.
"I feel very out of place," she said softly pushing the lone curl, that hung off to the side of her face, behind her ear. Her sister had works for quite some time on Lily's hair, after she had managed to corner the girl. Lily had given many protests to the process and Rose had scolded her relentlessly, but in the end it was beautiful with small jewels placed decorative in the front and a larger one to hold the hair in place in the back.
Xander gave a small chuckle before shaking his head lightly, his braid bouncing against his face. "You shouldn't. You look lovely and you will be fine, trust me. Charity balls are something you will get use to."
Lily gave a small giggle, "Is that why you did not protest to the rose in your ponytail or the jeweled clasp around your braid." Lily could see her brother blush slightly.
"Yes, I must admit your accessories are much better, we should trade," he brother joked lightly trying to make his sister feel better.
Lily shook her head, her curls bouncing about. "I still cannot believe father gave me diamond earrings and a diamond necklace. We most certainly will not be trading. I will treasure them always."
Xander said nothing as they were approaching the Chamberlyns and there idol chit chat did not seem appropriate in the moment.
Stopping before them Xander gave a small bow and Lily a gentle curtsy. "Good evening," they both said in unison showing their impeccable manners.
"Our father send he deepest regards for being unable to attend, fore he had a last minute business trip. He sends a donation in our family's name," said Xander holding out a check for 50 thousand dollars.
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:51 am
Picture-perfect. They certainly seemed so, thought a lone Esen, a few more people down the line of check-giving. It was a decent amount (though not as much as that of others in attendance), despite being hastily written by a sloppy hand belonging to her absentee mother - well, partially absentee. Rica had inventory to fill out before she could do anything else, so Esen was sent off ahead by an employee driving her mother's car (this was a formal occasion, and buses might not run this late, so her mother stressed, much to Esen's chagrin) with the check. As for father, he was back on the road. Esen likely wouldn't have went if it weren't for the CHARITY stamp on the invitation.
While alone, she at least made an effort to look presentable, pleased that the dress she worn covered her scars, at least from first glance. Being a short girl to begin with, the shoes, while not easy to see, bumped her up an inch or two (it was worth noting that some practice was involved). Her hair was in the style she usually worn, though on each side, a hair comb was carefully placed around the bottom of the bun, shown on each side of the head. All her piercings were gold studs tonight. On one arm was a purse hung by its cord in the crook of her elbow, the other, with a vinelike bracelet hung around her wrist, a grip on the check.
Esen's face was in its usual mode of indifference; though her bracelet did annoy her a little, she figured she'd deal. She knew she would have to wait before she could rummage in her purse for that damn tube of lipstick in her favorite neon shade (a high-ranking family, likely the host family, was coming down the line), so her face was left bare, save for her usual black-and-green glasses.
The face was in neutral, but Esen was getting irritated behind it. Her mind rehearsed her words as she waited: 'My name is Quinn Saylor. Please accept this on behalf of my mother, Miss Fredrica Saylor; she will be late, but in attendance.' Waiting was not her favorite thing to do, but what else could be done?
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:54 am
Linh-Nguyet Klein was a woman who enjoyed the fact she had money. Growing up she hadn't always had money (until her father hit it big no long before he passed on) and in order to make lots money had gone into law. She was one hell of a feisty lawyer who won most of her cases and spent all her remaining time doting on her one and only daughter. But more then enjoying the fact she had money, Linh was a woman who enjoyed showing off her money. A fact that annoyed Melody to no end. Most people who showed off their money, who flaunted their good fortunes, were snooty (often horrible) people who she couldn't stand to be around. Her mother, in her eagerness to show it off, always came off as snooty herself and it showed in how she attempted to raise her daughter. She liked to think it was all unintentional but Melody was never really sure. Being such a well known lawyer it was common for Linh to show up to charity parties and such and tonight was no different. So really it was only because this ball was to help the hospital that Mrs. Klein even bothered to attend along with her daughter, as opposed to just tossing Melody to the waters herself. At the moment the blonde Vietnamese girl couldn't tell which was the worst of ideas. As the limo pulled up to the Chamberlyn household, Linh murmuring to herself about how maybe it was time to move into a larger house, the door opened as one of the men smiling and offered a hand out to help the women inside out. Melody could only groan at her mother pitifully, hoping the nice man hadn't heard her mother's words, watching as the older woman happily took his hand and stepped out. Brown eyes watched her mother a moment, smiling despite her mother's unintentional snootiness at how wonderful she looked. If there was one thing she did adore about her mother it was how well dressed she could become at even the most casual of parties. Though she knew this event was nothing but casual. Linh's silvering black hair was pulled back into a mess of well done curls that were piled in a lovely overlapping pile that went well the mermaid styled dress of black and white. Her shoes even matched perfectly in both color and style! And to finish off the outfit, and go with her beautiful diamond bracelets, she wore a necklace made of diamonds and sapphires, her pride and joy. She wondered what her father would have looked like next to her had he come, though sadly he was sick and had to work through a deadline all at once. Then it was Melody's turn to exit, torn from watching her mother's beauty, and she took the nice man's hand to help herself out. Her mother turned as the limo's door was shut, smiling at how beautiful and grown up her daughter looked. Especially since she wasn't wearing that god awful make-up! Her heels clacked as she made her way over to the smaller girl (Linh was rather tall for her ethnicity), gentle hands moving to smooth her daughter's hair just a bit. "You look lovely, con gái tôi. So grown up. I'm sure you'll attract a lot of attention." With a kiss to her daughter's cheek, Linh moved to head for the line knowing her daughter would soon catch up. Melody watched her mother go and then sighed, tan hands moving to toy with the odd feeling curls her hair had been put into. Of course the jewels adorned within didn't help. Before she dared move though, the tan girl was quick to fix her bracelet and necklace before lifting up the skirt of her dark blue and silver dress, which showed off the matching silver heels she had chosen to wear. Then, with a resigned sigh, she moved to join her mother who was writing a check while they waited in line.
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 12:00 pm
Mr. Rae was a doting father who did the best that he could for his children. He was a startlingly tall man; broad shouldered with long legs, pearly white teeth and a voice that rumbled. Women had always loved him for his good-looks and quiet charm, but Mr. Rae's heart had only ever belonged to one woman. Before Martha's death, their family had lived less modestly than they did now. Mrs. Rae had been a sought after and professional dancer. John himself had demonstrated a lot of promise when it came to baseball, and he'd almost made it to the pros, but an old knee injury had stolen that particular dream away from him. Their respective careers had lifted the veil of intrigue and mystery that surrounded the world of the rich and famous, and Martha and John Rae had enjoyed their brief stint inside of it. He more so than she. The little wealth they had enjoyed he'd squandered away by indulging in personal demons. Depression, mourning, gambling, drinking- the works. It wasn't until they threatened to take his children away that Mr. Rae had snapped back into himself and stepped up to the plate again. John Jr had been only a baby at the time. Vanessa was eight years his senior, but if she remembered anything about her father's transgression, she wasn't telling. Still, his fall from grace was relatively public knowledge. It was a part of why he generally avoided these kinds of events. Well, that, and the fact that he didn't usually have any reason to be there. But he did tonight. John wanted to give his children, particularly his daughter, a little taste of what they could have had. Not because he wanted to tease them. Not because he was unhappy with the life he led now. But because he wanted them to know they had options if they were willing to strive for them. Martha had always hoped her children would have big dreams, and John hated himself for taking away the futures they might have had. Vanessa and John Jr were both a little confused at being forced to dress so formally, but all Mr. Rae had to do was remind them that it was for charity and then they would smile at him and nod. Even though neither of them were sure how spending money on a dress for Vanessa and renting tuxedos helped other people. "Dad," John Jr whined under his breath and pulled on his tie as the little family eased their way into the ballroom, "its too tight." Vanessa stooped to adjust it for him, slapping his fingers out of the way. She was not used to being so dressed up and was very aware of how naked her legs felt, but was otherwise comfortable. The dress she'd chosen was not very flashy or eye-catching, but it matched the pair of yellow flats her father had insisted they buy. Over all, she looked sweet. Mr. Rae tried to look like he belonged there.
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 12:17 pm
The red-headed Lily was given the gentle kiss on the hand by the older male, as his wife performed her magic trick with the check that Xander held out. "It is a shame your father isn't able to make it, but so glad that you two were able to attend." Szelem's face was stuck in her social smile. "Please, enjoy yourselves." The amount of the check had been noted in Szelem's mental tally, and her smile to the duo was towards the high end of socially acceptable. It was a good thing Szelem's eyes were naturally green. Like money.
However, the line must go on.
"Please enjoy yourselves." she told an older couple, kissing at the air around the woman's cheeks while the man clasped hands with Michael. The older woman tittered like a girl when Michael kissed her hand, tapping him lightly, playfully, on the shoulder.
Then it was the turn of Quinn Saylor. As the vibrant-haired girl reached them, following the line of people greeting the Chamberlyn's, Szelem's eyes immediately stamped her as More Money. Which she was. "So lovely to have you darling." Szelem said, smiling. Kayley and Zora both gave the other girl polite little nods, and ten-year-old Lucas took Quinn's hand to kiss the back of it in a gesture he'd been watching his father perform. Szelem accepted the check, performing her unobtrusive disappearing act with the funds. "I'm sure you'll have a lovely time. Many handsome young men in the crowd this evening. And I cannot wait to meet your mother."
Then the line was still moving, and Szelem's attention was on the next person in the line. Slow but steady, people were filling the ballroom. A waltz was already being played, and a few people were spinning around the floor.
The Klein's were greeted in their place, Kayley nodding appreciatively at Melody's dress, Szelem at Mrs. Klein's taste in jewels. "Tiffany." she smiled at the other woman. "Always lovely, aren't they?"
On and on down the line, to Mr. Rae and his children. Lucas beamed at the other young man, and Zora grinned at Vanessa's bright yellow dress, giving her a thumbs up. Michael's hand clasped Mr. Rae's, and Szelem held out her hand to him. Whether they looked like they belonged there or not, they were guests, and they would be the recipient of every luxury the Chamberlyn family could offer this evening.
As would everyone in the line. Servers were already drifting among the guests, offering small cups of a light drink; the champagne would not be offered around until after the presentation.
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