Lily looked through the mirror and brushed her hair neatly. She had very short hair, so she had no idea how to style it properly and appropriately. She usually loved to tie her hair to one side and let some strands of hair escape freely on the other. It made her look a little messy, but she preferred it that way. But with this exceptionally beautiful dress on her body, the usual style seemed awkward on her head.
“You look very pretty, Lily.” Daisy’s voice came from behind. It made Lily jump, and she immediately turned around. Her sister was standing by the door of her room, bedazzled by her appearance. Daisy had always loved to enter her room without knocking or asking her first. It was kind of irritating at some circumstances, even just now, but seeing the smile on her face, Lily made up her mind to save the naggings for later. By the way she really needed help with her hair.
“Is this okay? I think my hair looks awful with this dress.” She said meekly.
“Here, I’ll help you do your hair. Sit down.” Daisy replied. The offer was willingly accepted by Lily. She knew Daisy was used to this. Daisy was the type of girl who loved reading fashion magazines and wearing nail polish and making herself look pretty. Even though they couldn’t afford expensive clothes, Daisy, however, still managed to make herself appear presentable in front of other people.
After a few minutes, her hair was already set in a cute little bun at the back of her head. Lily seemed more elegant now, far from the messy and casual Lily that she had always been. She could not believe that she was actually looking at her own reflection in the mirror.
“Thank you Daisy. I look… different.” She muttered. Daisy smiled, admitting her sister’s words as true. “I wonder what Alex will say about this,” she managed to add. Lily’s face immediately changed. What will Alex say? She wasn’t trying to give him an impression, but he rented this dress for her just because of the party. Of course, she knew, Alex didn’t want to be seen with a sloppy girl as his partner in front of all his friends. Doing all this seemed like she was losing to him and giving in to all his terms. Going to this party wasn’t her choice in the first place.
Lily frowned and walked to the window. The sky was already darkening. She finally decided that she wasn’t really giving in or anything. She was just trying to prove that he was wrong. Even if he felt threatened by her, it was none of her business. Even if she appeared as a sloppy girl in front of everybody, it was not in his hands to decide. That is how she was going to play the game.
Alex arrived on time, just as he had promised. This time, Lily felt even nervous than the day before. It was due to the fact that she was going alone this time, and that she didn’t know how to confront him in a situation like this. Lily planned in her head to try avoiding eye contact with him. She descended the stairs slowly, trying to calm herself as she advanced each step downwards
Alex was waiting beside his car in a very smart formal outfit. He was busy playing with the car keys in his hands. It felt like dejavu to Lily. As she reached the peak of the steps by the entrance, Alex looked up. His eyes fixed on her like an officer scanning a criminal. Lily couldn’t help but froze on her spot, trying hard to contain herself. Her plan on avoiding his eyes had utterly failed. Those blue coloured bead-like circles shifted upwards and downwards, probably amazed by the sight in front of him. Lily quickly lowered her gaze.
“You’re five minutes late,” he spoke after a moment of silence. Lily felt her blood collecting in her cheeks. She hoped she didn’t look too red. Well what did he expect? Of course she wouldn’t be running down gaily with an I-can’t-wait-for-this-party face. She felt the urge to snap back at him, but thought it better to be otherwise. Alex opened the door of the passenger seat next to the driver for her, and she entered without a single word.
About half an hour later, Alex parked his car in front of a very classical-looking bungalow. There was a nice big pond in the garden, and a wooden gazebo overlooking the view. Slightly raised planks arranged closely together in a continuous manner formed a path from the patio towards the gazebo. From the gazebo, the raised planks continued over the pond, forming some kind of a bridge, and away towards the back yard. Plants of many types decorated the view along the way. It was definitely a wonderful sight, something Lily had once imagined having when she was a child.
The two made their away across the patio towards the front door. A few other people were doing the same, except that some were not really with their partners. A couple of girls walked passed them with their heads towards Alex. They were whispering something between each other, and obviously eyeing Lily with envy. It made Lily feel quite uncomfortable, but Alex did not seem to take notice. He must have lived with all those irritating stares.
As soon as they entered the front door of the bungalow, Lily’s jaw dropped open. The interior was remarkably beautiful, with antiques decorating a long cabinet at one side of the hall and draping curtains from the huge window overlooking the garden. All of a sudden Lily felt alienated from the world. It was as if she had just stepped into an unknown territory. The people occupying the huge living room were all very poised and composed. They spoke in a clipped tone, and wore elegant clothes. They were just like the people she saw in dramas and movies.
*
To Be Continued...
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