Ch-2 ★Surprises

[Aulaura]

Grey Mansion, London

“In the latest gossip, the twenty-four year old singer was last seen at the Princeton boarding school for girls,” The women with thick chunks of makeup spoke. Then to her side flashed a picture of Jay holding hands of seven or eight year old girl, She had curly brown hair, ringlets of her hair fell to the side of her face framing her heart-shaped face.

She had the brightest pair blue of eyes that I have ever seen,-mischief glinted in those eyes. Wearing an orange colored frock, she stood next to Jay smiling brightly at him. That tender look on Jay Walter’s face was something I’ve never seen before. The cresses of his wavering smile showed hidden patches of sorrow.  He looked at the girl as though his life depend on her; the fear of losing her in his brown eyes couldn’t be ignored. Maybe I was imagining all of this.  I tend to overthink situations sometimes looking for things that aren’t there.

“Unnamed sources say this girl has been adopted by the rock-star who has no intentions of getting married and starting his own family.” What! I wanted to punch that reporters face for saying that. Jay Walter was going to get married to me in fact, yah I know I sound like a star-struck girl but come on a girl can dream. I scooped another spoonful of chocolate ice-cream and stuffed it in my mouth. I have two words for you chocolate ice-cream +T.V. = heaven.

“She is currently attending the Princeton boarding school for girls which one of the finest schools in the country.”  Then flashed a picture of this posh school building with perfectly trimmed grass, it looked more like office building than a school, no sign of color.  “All I can say is that this girl, Beatrice is sure one lucky girl for having a guardian like Jay Walter. Till the next time stay tuned to Hollywood Hot Gossip, your host Melissa,” After that came some random recap of a recent football match in which Netherlands won over Germany.

 I stayed rooted to my comfortable, pink sofa, stuffing scoop after scoop of ice-cream in my mouth. I wonder if Jay really did adopt a girl named Beatrice. The thing that was puzzling me the most was why wouldn’t he want to start a family? He had everything money, fame, a crowd of screaming fans or did he have everything? What was that one he was missing? There is always some sort of sorrow in every human’s life maybe he hadn’t recovered from that sorrow or something and that look in his eyes, the way he looked Beatrice. This strange fear of losing her haunted his eyes.  That intense look he gave her, even though he smiled with his lips his eyes told an entirely different story, a story of loss.

I let out an exhausted sigh as I leaned back into my sofa, closing my eyes for a moment. My moment of peace was interrupted by the one and only, Samantha. She stepped into the movie room wearing a glamorous, silver dress that fell till her ankles enclosing them in silver. Her blonde hair was tied up in a tight ponytail showing off her dangling earrings.  She turned on the lights, burning my eyes to ashes.

“Ouch, Sam why would you torture your poor friend like that?” I placed my hands in front of my eyes, shielding them from the blazing light of the light bulb.

She crossed her arms over her chest and looked at me with a face that screamed ‘I so annoyed with you that it isn’t even funny’

“Aren’t you forgetting something my dear friend?’

What did I forget now? I tried pressuring my brain trying to think of the answer. Okay so Sam is dressed up in this really fancy outfit. That could only mean two things either she is going to a date or she’s going clubbing. She isn’t the clubbing type, she more of a staying at home and baking cookies type. So clubbing is a big no, no so that means only one thing she’s going on a date.

Instantly my lips were lit up with a smile, Sam was going on her first date. How could have I been so careless? She needed my guidance in this whole dating business.

I got up from the sofa and fell to my knees. Sam looked at me as though I had gone crazy. “I’m so sorry,” I let out dramatic sobs. “You’re going on your very first date and I wasn’t there to help you get ready for it,” Standing up from the ground, I placed my hand above my chest.  “How will you ever forgive your forgetful friend?” 

Sam raised her eyebrow, giving me a funny look. “Okay I know you’re a bit forgetful but this is too much for me to handle,” She placed one her hand on her forehead massaging it.

“I know, I know and I’m really sorry,”  This is all Jay’s fault he tends to make forget thing, I’m never listening to his music again, okay maybe not never I’ll just not listen to his music for one tiny day.

“God will you stop apologizing?” She laughed. “I’m not going on a date dumbo; I’m going to your birthday party. Does that ring a bell? It’s your birthday today remember,”

“Oh!” was all I could utter.  All the memories from today morning came rushing back. Mom and dad wished me happy birthday at the breakfast table. Mom was busy with some pending party arrangements. Dad had some important meetings lined up. Bailey, our cook had made me some of my favorite dishes for breakfast and then Sam had gifted me a hand-made woolen hat which smelled like cinnamon.

I was so caught up in Hollywood gossip thingy that I had forgotten everything.

“I don’t want to go,” I mumbled, falling back down on the sofa. “What’s the point of all this? Dad will probably busy himself with his clients while mom will start socializing with all the women in the party completely ignoring me,”

“Don’t say that,” Sam spoke sitting next to me. “Mrs. Grey worked so hard for the party arrangement and Mr. Grey I don’t know since when he has been planning your birthday party putting all his work aside. They love you very much Aulaura,”

“Then why don’t they show it. I don’t want parties, clothes, and expensive presents. All I want is them to spend some time with me, listen to me when I’m sad, guide me when I’m confused but they don’t,” Tears stung in my eyes.

“Look at me Aulaura,” Sam turned my shoulders so that I was facing her.   “Just look at me. I lost both of my parents, I can never bring them back even if I wanted to but you can.  Don’t let this time slip out of your hands, talk to them, make them listen to you, tell them how you feel. They don’t know what you are going through, how will they if you never tell them? I’ve lost my parents and I don’t want you lose yours as well it’s a painful thing to go through,” 

I wanted to talk to them but I couldn’t. I was scared of making things worse; everything was on the brink of falling apart. I didn’t want to give it the extra push it needed before shattering.   I just nodded my head, not finding the words to say.

Sam smiled at me, “Now come on let’s get you ready. I’m going to make you look like the doll you are,” 

~*~*~

A crimson red dress had been hanging from my short, lean figure. It stopped just above my knees fluttering out at the bottom. Blood, red ruby studs had been pushed into my ear-lobes. I just didn’t feel like getting ready today. I quickly curled up my hair into a bun clipping it with a large clip. Sam had spent so much time straightening my hair and doing my make-up for some reason I wasn’t in the mood for all this.

I felt strangely unattached from everything. Taking a wet towel, I removed all the make-up from my face. Sam was going to get really mad at me when she sees me at the party.

I stared at my reflection in the bathroom’s mirror. The incandescent light’s pointing out each every flaw of face. My uneven, brown bangs covered half of my forehead.  The blue eyes that I gotten from my father looked dull and lifeless. Picking up an orange eyeliner, I applied it around my eyes but still nothing. My eyes still looked hauntingly dull.

With my arm, I knocked off all the cosmetic products I had on the bathroom’s shelf. They landed on the floor with a loud clash. Some of perfumes bottles shattered causing all their scents to mix. The nail polish liquids were pouring quickly out of the bottles.

What was the point of all this make-up? I couldn’t cover up the things I wanted to cover. What was the point of looking beautiful when I wasn’t happy inside?

There was faint knock on my bedrooms door. With the back of my hand, I wiped the tears which had found a way out of my eyes.

I stepped out the bathroom, carefully avoiding the broken pieces of glass. I walked up to the door. The hinges of the door creaked as I opened the door. There stood my mother dressed in a formal black dress with a diamond necklace around her neck. She had her brown hair tied up in a sophisticated bun. I wonder what she’s doing here. She rarely ever paid me a visit.

I stepped aside, allowing her to step inside my room. She looked at me with a critical eye as a frown covered her lips.

“Honey, don’t you think you’re a bit underdressed,” she spoke stepping into the room as her black heels clinked on the wooden floorboards. 

I let out a sigh. She was here to make sure I wouldn’t embarrass her in front of her so-called friends.

“I know,” I groaned.

“Oh well,” she smiled, changing the topic. I knew she wasn’t going to bother me on my birthday. “I brought you something,” She pulled out a white cardboard box from her back.

Taking the white board box from her hands, I slowly opened its lid. There lay a pair of shiny white heels with diamond studs.

“They’re beautiful. I’ll wear them to the party,” I said that just to make her happy. She already had enough to deal with my father. I didn’t want to distress her any further.

 Her smile further broadened. “I’m glad you liked them,”

“I will like anything my mother picks for me,” I sincerely meant it.

All of sudden, her joyful façade crumbled. Streaks of sorrow covered her face; her grey eyes became misty as tear after tear fell out of them. “My little girl grew up so fast. I remember her calling for me at night when she had a bad dream,” She placed her hand on my cheek. “I remember her calling for my help when she couldn’t tie her laces or when her tooth hurt and then crying in my lap when her friends would be mean at school.  It seems as though she doesn’t need me anymore”

My hand reached out her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “That’s not true mom. I will always need you no-matter how old I get,” It was true. I cannot imagine a day without her. Even if we didn’t talk, knowing that she was there was more than enough for me.

She took both of hands and held them in the cage of her hands. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me,”

“It’s okay,” I forgave her. She was my mother after all. I could never hold any grudges against her.

She encased me in her arms. A nostalgic feeling took control of me.  I hadn’t realized how dearly I missed my mother’s warms hugs. I buried my head into her shoulders not wanting to let go of her. The sweet smell of her perfume filled my nose. I smiled a genuine smile into her shoulders. No one can replace the love of a mother.

The blaring sound of her cellphone broke our embrace.

“Well looks like I have to go finish up the remaining party arrangements,” she said glancing at the screen of her cellphone.

“Okay then I’ll see you at the party mum,” guessing that she had to leave.

“I’ll see you there dear,” she replied walking out the door.

I turned my back towards the door and stared at my empty palms. I wish she could have stayed with me a bit longer. A sigh escaped my lips.

Blue Diamond Banquet Hall, London

My heart was probably beating a thousand beats per minute. I could vomit any minute I felt so nervous. My body felt like it was on fire. I looked outside the car’s tinted black windows. I could see at least hundred reporters lined up to take my picture. I dug my nails deeper into the leather seats of the car as we drew closer to the banquet hall. I had an overwhelming urge to tell the driver to take me back to the mansion. I looked at Samantha. She looked calm and composed as if she did this sort of thing every day

“Sam I can’t do this,” I watched as she smoothed out the wrinkles in her silver dress. She looked really stunning tonight.

“I can’t believe you washed off all the makeup,” She was still angry with me for ruining my makeup and hair.  I tried explaining that I didn’t want to show up at the venue looking like a pageant queen. ‘You could have told me beforehand if you didn’t feel like getting dressed. I wouldn’t have worked hard to make you look beautiful,’ she had said. I had definitely disappointed her big time. I wish I wasn’t like this; I do things on pure impulse without thinking of others and their feelings. I should have thought about Sam before destroying everything.

“I’m sorry but it just happened I couldn’t control it. I’m really sorry I promise not do anything stupid ever again,”

She turned her face to look at me; her lips were beginning to form a smile. “Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Apology accepted,” She smiled a full blown smile” Come on let’s go before the party dies out,”

“But the reporters,” I pointed to the men standing with large cameras and small notepads.

“I don’t want to go through all those reporters,” I groaned. I hated the media. They tried taking away the privacy of rich and famous people. They get paid to humiliate us in front of the world.

“Just try ignoring them. It’s your birthday party, are you going to let some reporters ruin it for you?” 

“No” I replied crossing my arms with determination on my face.

“That’s what I thought,”

The car came to a halt. Samantha placed her hand on my trembling hand. I quickly wiped my sweaty palms on my dress as some security guard opened the car’s door. The flashes from the camera instantly blinding me, I stumbled a bit before regaining my composure. I walked through the masses of reporters with Samantha trailing behind me and some security guards leading my way. A few questions were thrown in my direction.

“Aulaura, how does it feel to have your birthday party arranged in England’s most expensive banquets halls?”

“Aulaura are you single or taken?” a young handsome reporter asked

“Single,” I replied throwing a suggestive wink in his direction. The expression on his face was priceless. His eyes looked like they were going to bulge out of his socket any minute. I laughed quietly to myself.

“Is it true that you are the future CEO of the innovation?” A cringe escaped my body at that question, I quickly suppressed it.

Several other questions were asked but I didn’t hear them properly. There was one word that caught my attention divorce. I didn’t hear the entire sentence the reporter was yelling but I caught onto the word divorce. I wonder what the word divorce had to do with my life.

One of the security guards opened the door for me. I thanked them before entering the lavishly decorated the hall. My parents seriously had spent ton of cash on this party. The entire hall was decorated with silver drapes and small fragment candles. There was an enormous silver chandelier that hung from the center of the hall.

There were small tables and chairs that were placed in groups.  Large crystals bowls filled rose were placed on the tables. There was also a large, center stage with its curtains pulled over. Calmmusic filled the entire hall. I caught onto some delicious smells; probably some of the food that had been catered. I recognized some people from my college who also had been invited.

As soon as I entered the hall, everyone was hushed into silence. People were looking at me with admiration on their face. I realized why, I stood out in the crowd of overly dressed women. My simplicity stood out like a pearl in an ocean of gems. I turned look at Sam who was smiling a proud smile at me. Underdressing for an occasion had the opposite effect than I had predicated.

Mom and Dad approached me. My mother was wearing a tight-fitted cream, colored dress. She had her hair down as a forced smile was perched on her lips. She walked through the crowd with grace and confidence after all she was the world’s richest man’s wife. My father on the other hand was wearing crisp, black suit. His hair had been neatly combed as few white strands sprouted out of his blonde hair.  He wore a neutral face. He carried himself with authority and dignity. Underneath the thick framed specks he wore over his blue eyes, I could see that he was crumbling minute by minute because of the pressure ‘Innovation’ was placing on his shoulders.

To be honest, I was scared of my own father. I don’t why. He has never spoken to me in a loud tone. I think it’s because we’re like strangers. Unknown of each other, I never really understood him. He placed money above everything. It’s not right that he did that, it was the sole reason why our family was breaking apart. My father never really tried understanding importance of love, care, and affection. The principle he worked on was that ‘money can buy everything’.

“Happy birthday once again, my dear,” my mother spoke giving me a hug. A camera was flashed in our direction. I inwardly groaned. Great! my parents had hired a photographer to showcase this party in the newspaper. I should have known they wouldn’t throw such lavish party without a reason. I pulled out of our embrace feeling slightly annoyed.

“Thanks mum,” I muttered.

My father greeted me in what I think he thought a cheerful tone, it sounded more like the bored tone he used to talk with his secretary. “Happy birthday Aulaura, the future CEO of the ‘Innovation’,” What a strange way of greeting your only daughter by reminding her duties and future plans. He gave me an awkward hug as the camera was flashed again in our direction.

“Thank you mom, dad for arranging an amazing party,” I spoke through gritted teeth.

I tired smiling but I think it looked more like a grimace.

“That’s not all we have a surprise for you,” my father as he gestured someone near the stage.

Suddenly all the light went out and the hall was wrapped in darkness. A spotlight was pointed in my direction and then in the directions of the stage. The stage’s curtains were parted with a big, bang as sparkly confetti was released into the air. On the stage appeared the Jay Walter in his full glory, black leather jacket, worn out jeans, and his ever so dear electric guitar. This couldn’t be happening; Jay Walter’s was in my party performing a song for me.

Holy shit.

Present

I was so naïve back then. A foolish girl who would let people easily into her life, those people would shatter me when they’d leave. Fill me with joy, when they stayed.

I was drawn into darkness, a world which had no light.

I gripped the steering tightly till my knuckles turned white.

Jay, why did you enter my life if  you had to leave? Why did you give me hope when you yourself had lost it?

Author’s Note:Suggestions? Criticism? Questions?

Hall of Reader Fame:

@HARTWI

@1Dfan2

you guys rock, thanks for your support .

Banner to the side by: vampirebait