The sun was setting over the acorn shell of a community. Denvile. It was a new community named after its funder, William Denver, some duke from up state. It was nothing short of fancy. Each house with it's own delicate gate and neatly cut hedgings . The roads swept clean by morning sweepers and once more by a cool delightful breeze, that sent leaves scattering. The eve was quiet save the occasional chirping of crickets and the soft whistling of the wind and was that conspiring whispers?
Three girls adorned in ball gowns ambled along the street. The first two, in similar balloon dresses that sparkled with numerous sequins and matching ballet shoes, then the third a little way behind, dressed snuggly in a knee length white, with a two colored shawl. They walked in this fashion, most likely on their way to Denvile High's annual spring dance. A yearly celebration held on a full moon to chaperone the new school year. Occasionally the two ahead, would lean closer whispering and tittering to themselves and the one behind would sigh. She wore a black studded wedge and perhaps the skin fit dress also restricted her. So even though she was very much intrigued by her companions conversation, they stayed clearly out of earshot.
"I hope you guys are not planning anything funny, Some of us would rather stay out of the spotlight!" She suddenly called.
"If you are so worried, go back home we don't need a worrywart". The one in scarlet pink shouted over her shoulders before returning to her giggling and whispering. At this time, the one behind was immensely troubled and one could see it in the way she shuffled her feet and breathed through her nostrils, trying to calculate the distance back home.
The lights of the party were shimmering and already, the beat of music was pounding in her heart and she could not turn back now even if she wanted to, plus who would keep an eye on those two bumble heads.
Alia wasn't the eldest of the three no, it was the opposite, she was infact, two months younger than Rwen, the youngest of the two and she was only half related. They shared the same father but different mothers, a complicated story that might be best told separately. This, however made the two closer and made her all the more different. But different was sometimes good.
Alia's hair was rich and thick, twisting and curling in tight curls on top of her head. Her skin, fine almond and her eyes sharp hazels. Not like Rwen and Candy's loose curls and blue eyes. It said a lot about her. Uptight and disciplined, words which suited her as much as bold and free spirited described her siblings.
They had arrived at the venue and before Alia could catch up, Candy and Rwen bolted for the entrance and disappeared in the crowd. Alia was left to herself wringing her wrists.
"Wow! look it's Alia!" A voice separated itself from the din. Chloe, a well known gossip girl from her class. "Hey we should take a photo together".
No she had rather not. But it stayed a though in her head as she grinned at the camera, nodded her graces and made for the entrance of the auditorium. The vast drab meeting area had been completely transformed. There were streamers and balloons and tables stretching from end to end piled high with savory delicacies. There was your standard punch, non alcoholic champagne and all sorts of dishes and donuts. Tempted, she reached out a delicate hand to take a sample when a hand smacked hers lightly but sharply.
"There you are!" Her head snapped around to face her attacker. It was non other than Aiden, head of the planning committee. "We need all our performers backstage, plus a piece of advice no snacking until your performance. I've seen it happen before..." he was steering her towards the curtains and thought it the perfect time to recount last years episode. She grimaced at the mention of vomit and if she hadn't been nervous before, she was now! And then there was those two to worry about. Candy in particular, she was the ringleader, the unofficial Dutchess of detention.
"Okay so you are up right after Kelly, just breathe you'll do great. I believe in you".
She nodded not so concerned with his words but with her performance, a million of what if's were barging her mind and there was a mental image of her tripping over a cord right before taking the microphone. She could almost hear them laughing and she would not live it down! What was she thinking? She should get out of here! She stared around at the other performers. Kelly was a born drama queen and Davis could dance like no other! how could she compete. With every step she took, Alia was nearing the exit, hopefully no one would notice her absence until it was too late.
She ducked out the darkened room, hurrying along the wall to escape to the corridors. Finding the ladies room, she slammed the door behind her, placing her back against the door only to meet a shocking sight. There were her lost sisters and an hefty amount of paint buckets!
They looked just as shocked to see her and stood tongue tied.
"What are you doing, no let me guess, the classic, duck the paint on the prom Queen's head". She was advancing slowly.
"Oh no it's so much better than that..." She was about to continue, eyes glittering with enthusiasm. But Rwen, the wiser, justled her sharply.
"Shut it," Then to Alia, "Fine you caught us, pranks off, I hope you're happy fun spoiler!". They filed out with a poor impression of disappointment. Surely their words were a hoax. Alia lifted the lid of the nearest paint can. Interestingly it was close to empty!
"Candy?"
Bang! the door slammed shut in response followed by the sound of jingling keys.
"Candy!" she ran for the door, but it was already to late. "CANDY!" She was frantic and not for herself. The show! Maybe she was doubting herself before, still she had not been serious about flaking. The others were depending on her and Alia Natasha Lently never broke a promise.
"I'm sorry but its my last year I've got to make it count!" Candy tittered. from the other side of the door
"Candy!"
Their laughter along with their footsteps receded and she was left to contemplate her next move.
Every passing minute felt like a hour and she had nearly given up when she heard approaching feet and the jingling of keys. Then the door swung inwards, and her rescuers, a group of girls and a janitor were left to eye her questioningly, though she had no time to explain. Dashing pass them she raced for the auditorium. And heard Kelly's clear voice as she recited her practiced lines. It was not too late! Relief like a fresh gale, washed over her as she slipped backstage.
"Alia!" Aiden was storming towards her and she had an idea why. "where have you been?" As he neared his expression softened and there was a look of concern in his silver eyes. Aiden had been like this from the moment she had met him. He was a born director with heart. He treated everyone fairly and most importantly, he believed in her. Though at times he was far too strict. "Is everything okay?" He reached out his hands to grasp her by the shoulders and instantly she felt warm all over and weak in the knees. He had that effect on people, what with being drop dead gorgeous and a musical genius! But Alia had better things to busy herself with than crushes. And even if she did have one she would never admit it.
"I'm fine, it's Candy, she's up to something!"
"Ah" he nodded in understanding "Don't worry about them, just get out there and wow that audience, you got this!" He shouted as he hurried away.
"Great!" She muttered to herself "more pressure".