After I have taken my final exams, I focused all my time and energy on the soup kitchen. David and Laira weren't there always but when they were, we always had a good time. Even though Laira was still skittish around me for some reason. I glanced at the clock in the library, it showed half past three in the afternoon. It was time for me to get ready for the charity ball. I had only one hour and a half to get my shit together.
I pushed myself out of the armchair and made my out of the library to my bedroom. I was excited, and I was dreading it at the same time. An entire evening among the uppity people of Morston, but the thought of being with Mason for an entire night made things a little better.
I pulled the beautiful teal dress out of the wardrobe and placed it on the bed along with the undergarments that I was supposed to wear. The dress had a thigh slit. I needed hosiery. It was a charity ball, not a night in the club. I giggled at that thought and sighed. My escapade was both a failure and a success at the same time.
Out of the drawer, I pulled out my corset, garter and thigh stockings and placed them next to the bed. It was time for me to jump in the shower. I turned on the shower, and let hot water wash over me. I needed to cool my head and get my thoughts in order. I was all over the place. A million things went through my head. I was worried that after tonight, Mason would release me from the guardianship. I wanted my freedom, but I also didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay but I couldn't if he didn't want me there. I turned off the shower and walked out of it with my stomach in knots. I wanted many things, but Mason took prevalence out of all things. I frowned at the girl in the mirror. Was it because I couldn't have him? What was it about him?
I sighed, disheartened, staring at my trembling hands. The door clicked, jolting me out of my thoughts and pulled on the nearest robe, wrapped myself in it and walked into the bedroom. I looked around to see if there was anyone in there, but it was empty. I was hearing things. I was so deep inside my head, that my imagination was playing tricks on me.
Turning on my heels, I returned to the bathroom to finish my makeup. It was something simple, I wasn't very good with it. After I finished lathering mascara on my lashes and put on some lipstick on my lips. I owned only one shade, and I hardly used it, chocolate brown.
Slowly I began putting on the corset, stockings, garter and my underwear, I glanced at myself in the mirror. I loved the lovely embroidery on the corset. Once everything was in place I slipped into the dress, and sandals, and unwrapped the towel letting my hair fall on my shoulders. It was still a little bit damp, but not that much and with the nice summer heat, I knew it would dry in no time. One last glance in the mirror, and at the clock. I had five minutes to spare before we left. I made my way to the veranda to breathe in the salty breeze. I had grown to love Morston. It had its shortcomings, but it was Mason's home and I loved Mason. I felt my eyes prick and blinked my tears away as I'd done countless times. It was nothing more than just a dream. Mason and I, could never be. He didn't feel that way about me. It was one-sided.
The knock on the door brought me back to the earthly realm. It was time for us to go.
I glanced one last time over the horizon and stepped back into the room, still a ball of nerves, wondering what Mason would think of me wearing that dress.
With a shaky hand, I opened the door, and it was no surprise to see Mason at the door, holding a small box and a clutch in his hand. When we locked eyes, my world stood still and I lost myself in his icy blue eyes. I was undoubtedly, in love with the man.
" You look lovely, Miss Abernathy, " Mason crooned, and it was the first time he'd ever used that tone with me.
" Thank you. You look very handsome, yourself " My gaze strayed away from his, trying to hide the heat rushing to my cheeks. It was the first time I was aware that I was blushing in front of him.
Mason cleared his throat " This is for you," He handed me the clutch " And this is to go along with the dress" Mason opened the other box, charmingly smiling at me and my legs almost gave in at the sight of a very expensive, emerald necklace.
I was speechless, staring at him, doe-eyed, I raised my hand brushing it over the glistening expensive-looking gems.
" May I? " Mason took the necklace out of the box and frowned when he touched my hair.
" Your hair is still wet," Mason added running his finger through my hair.
I furrowed my brows, confused at his tone and attitude towards me " It will dry," I mumbled, and turned around for him to place the necklace around my neck.
He didn't have anything to add to that and handed me the box to hold while he placed the necklace around my neck, his finger brushing on my skin ignited the fire within me, aching for his touch. I swallowed the tears, I couldn't have him.
I closed my eyes trying to pull myself together and turned around to look at him, barely mustering a smile. It was torture, I was torturing myself. A slave of my feelings.
" Thank you," I breathed the words when he ran his thumb over my collarbone. I wanted to say more, but my brain had stopped forming any rational thoughts. Like it always had whenever he was near me.
" Always," The corner of his mouth quirked and lowered his hand to the side. If didn't know any better, he seemed sorrowful. There was a certain sadness behind those eyes that I would recognise anywhere.
" We should go. We are the guests of honour. We don't want to be too late," Mason offered me his arm to take, leaning in to close the door. My breath caught in my throat at the sudden closeness, my heart galloped, and all of my senses were invaded with all that Mason was.
The door shutting knocked some sense into me, and I sort of grounded myself.
We strolled down the corridor and we reached the foyer, Enid was waiting for us with a camera. It was the first time Mason and I were taking pictures together. I squealed, feeling the dazed state that I was in an earlier, shift into bubbling excitement.
Enid gasped " You two," She dropped the camera, bringing her hands to her mouth, looking at us with adoring eyes " Look perfect together," She finished her thoughts and picked up her camera.
Mason unhooked his arm, and placed it on the small of my back, gently pulling me closer to him while I held on to my clutch for dear life trying to keep it together.
When the flash went off, the paper slipped at the end and Enid pulled it out, waving it in the air waiting for it to develop. By the time we reached her, it was already done, and Mason took the picture out of Enid's hand before we even had a chance either of us to see it.
I pouted " May I see it?" I asked as politely as I could and reached my hand, hoping he would agree.
" Later. Now we have to go," Mason added, taking his hand off the small of my back and offering his arm for me to take.