obigem

[obigem]

The time for the graduation dance drew near, and as a result Bella made her way to the podium to do sound check.

With Cassandra performing, the duty would fall on her to do all the announcing of the children as she had done many of balls in the past.

As she got everything situated, Alexander approached her.

"Oh, you've come back in. Good! We're about to start the dance and I wouldn't have wanted you to miss it."

"Perhaps, but it was a good thing I went out to take up door duties."

"Why is that? Did something happen?"

"There was a young boy loitering out there."

"A vagrant?"

"No. It seems he's familiar with one of the ladies from the court, but he wasn't dressed properly enough to enter."

"Oh, Alex, you know it's been my desire to loosen up the guidelines when it comes to those things." Bella waved him off.

"Isn't it enough that we've allowed less distinguished families to attend this year?" Alex searched the room in vain for those Lotharios his sister was too good natured to turn away.

"It's a start, but I desire for this event to not be so shrouded in pretension. It's a party. It should be fun!".

"But our family name is upon it. I think there should still be some level of standard of who comes, how everyone's dressed. You know the way it used to be when—"

"Your father was still with us?"

The question left a somber accent.

"Alexander, new traditions won't erase his memory, my love."

In the few years since Mortimer's passing, Alexander had grown more rigid in his manner. His willingness to hold firm to the old as a way to not lose all he had lost in other ways, he had trouble resisting it.

"He wouldn't be happy seeing you be so severe. He lives in your heart, love, you needn't hold on so tightly."

"I'm not." Alex huffed.

"You are. Now unclench. That boy, invite him in and offer him some refreshments. I'll be cross if all those treats spoil because our guests are too stuffy to eat them."

"I cannot."

"Alexander, I did not raise you to be so judgmental. Let that boy in."

"You misunderstand, I cannot because he's no longer there."

"You chased him off?"

"I simply turned my chin but a moment and he vanished. I've no idea where he might have run off to, but he's nowhere I can see."

"Well if you see him again, let him in."

"He was wearing a uniform from one of those fast food establishments, what was it? Burger Clown? You're alright with a Burger Clown attire?"

"The more the merrier."

"If you say so, mother."

"I do. Now go pep up your sister in preparation for her performance."

"Performance? Cassandra isn't playing tonight is she?"

"Well of course she is. She's a brilliant pianist. It's what the children deserve."

"But mother, you know Cassie's nerves—"

"Can be overcome. Especially if her adoring younger brother shows her some encouragement ahead of her big moment."

Alexander sighed, "Where is she? I'm sure she's already working herself up."

"She should be making her way to the piano soon. If not there, I'm sure you'll find her in the practice room."

"Of course."

"And Alex. Do be kind to her. Sweet like I know you to be not this severe facade."

"I could never be cruel to Cassie." Alexander softened. "You know that."

"I do." Bella's smile warmed. "Now, after you've properly cheered her up, I expect to see you put an effort into mingling. There are an awful lot of unattended girls here tonight."

"Mother, don't."

"Elsa asked about you. Why not ask her to dance later? I'm sure she'd enjoy your company."

"You're pushing your luck."

"Is it so wrong I might want one of my children to start working on some grandchildren for me soon?"

"Is that a piano I hear? I should take my leave." Alex scurried off.

[obigem]

As Jai approached, Alexander scrutinized him by giving him a look over up and down. His attire was too casual to be catering and he certainly wasn't dressed as a guest for the event.

"State your business, boy. If you're intent is to loiter, I should make it clear now that I will not allow that."

"Loiter? No, I think there's been a misunderstanding."

"Has there? Then set me straight, if you're so willing."

The man before him was domineering in a way Jai had never experienced before.

"I was just a bit confused. You see, my girlfriend is in there, and I was considering how best to find her."

"Your girlfriend is a member of the cotillion court?" Alexander looked at him skeptically.

"Umm, maybe? I don't really know all the proper terminology for this thing, but she's supposed to be dancing for a ball or something."

"Impossible." Alex sneered.

"Seriously. What if I described her to you?"

Alexander made no motion of agreeing or disagreeing with Jai's suggestion, his eyes continuing to pick him apart, but Jai decided to provide a description anyway."

"She's maybe a shade or two lighter than me, petite, really curly brown hair, the cutest of freckles all over her face, and her eyes—"

"She has these big, beautiful, green, doe eyes, the color of the forest, and when she smiles it's like it lights up the room, and when she laughs—"

"OK, OK, enough already! Ugh, teenagers." Alex scoffed.

"So, have you seen her in there?"

"Doesn't ring a bell." Alex shrugged.

"Maybe it would be easier if we went in and I showed you—" Jai motioned toward the door, but Alexander stood firm.

"Where exactly do you think you're going?"

"Inside? I can't point her out to you if I don't go in and find her."

"And you really think I'm letting you in looking like that?"

Jai looked down over himself and then back at Alexander, "I've got a shirt and shoes so that means I get service, right?" He joked.

"This isn't a chain restaurant." Alexander turned his nose up at his fast food uniform, "The barrier for entry is a lot higher for a Goth Cotillion Ball."

"The uniform is new if that helps." Jai gave a weak smile that didn't appear to budge Alexander one bit. "OK then, so what is the barrier for entry then?"

"At the bare minimum a suit of 3-pieces. If you mean to make a statement you could add to that a jacket, some gloves, a hat, a cane perhaps."

"All that, huh?" Jai rubbed his chin. "Is there a place where I could maybe rent some of those things, maybe for an hour?"

"Rent?"

"Yeah, I mean on credit probably, but I'm good for it, I swear!"

"Young man, this isn't a golf club. We do not rent attire to guests."

"Well, if not here, somewhere else?"

"At this hour? I should think not."

"Not anywhere? But I need to get in there. My girlfriend, she's counting on me. I can't let her down. What if I just went in for a few minutes?"

"Out of the question."

"Mr, please! What else am I supposed to do?"

"Not my problem." Alexander stood steadfastly his eyes averted away, deeming Jairo no longer worth his attention.

Stonewalled, Jai wracked his brain. This man was barring him entry. He couldn't be there for Cordie like she wanted. But he had to do something so she knew he cared.

But what?

[obigem]

As the graduation dance drew near, Alexander used the lull between now and then to get a moment of fresh air.

He was used to being a bit of a wallflower at his mother's balls, but the older he got the less the other women allowed him to fade into the decor.

The very second he passed the threshold of 30, it was like all the women of means smelled blood in water and swarmed to the source.

He had never been popular with women in his youth, but that didn't seem to matter to these women. They wanted a respectable husband, and Alex, well…

He wasn't quite ready for all that, not just yet.

When his mother noted that the doorman had been absent, he used this stroke of luck to his advantage to get as far away from the eye of the storm as possible

The cool air was already doing him some good as he relaxed. But then he noticed something.

Ordinarily, it wouldn't have been something to take note of. There's pretty heavy foot traffic in downtown Del Sol, by the ballroom is no different. But it was the fact that this boy wasn't moving at all.

He stopped in front of the building, just staring. It was suspicious behavior.

Little did Alexander Goth know, it wasn't Jairo Reynold's intention to come off as suspicious at all. He was simply considering how best to make his entrance.

He'd have been there sooner, but on his way out from work the paparazzi swarmed the restaurant asking him all sorts of questions.

They were convinced he was a part of Wendy's McBurger Queen's new SDI initiative and wanted to know his opinion on the restaurant's new effort to be diverse and inclusive. Before he could correct them on his employment status, Mrs. McBurger swarmed in to let them know how happy they were to have him.

The next thing he knew she was telling him in a harsh whisper that if he put on the new uniform and took some photos with her in front of the paparazzi he could keep his job. It took an extra §3 added to that raise to get him to agree and avoid any possible negative headlines of a firing.

Through all of that, he barely had a spare moment to think about what he would do or say once he got to the ballroom.

He knew, for starters, he'd have to find Cordie and talk with her just the two of them. But this ballroom, it was bigger than he anticipated. How would he even find her in there?

"You there, boy!" A voice startled him.

He couldn't have been talking to him, could he?

When the silence prolonged longer than Alexander would've liked, he spoke again. "Are you hard of hearing?"

"Who, me?" Jai ventured to guess

"Is there any other boy out on this street? Come here, would you?"

[obigem]

"Sandra?" Cordelia spun around in shock to be greeted by the face of her new friend. "I'm so sorry, I thought you were—"

"A prince?" A sly grin crossed Sandra's face as how easy Cordelia was to read continued to amuse her.

"Please." Cordie scoffed. "Like he's anything short of one."

"When the harpies scattered and I didn't see you anywhere in sight, I worried that one of them might have clandestinely strung you up somewhere. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, I was just…leaving?"

"This isn't an exit."

"I know that now." Cordie's cheeks hued from picking the wrong door.

"In any case, the ball hasn't truly begun, you're leaving now?"

"Well, the person I'm supposed to be here with doesn't want me here, so does it make any sense to stay?"

"I must say, President, I misjudged you. I didn't think you were the type to let others win so easily. I regret my vote now."

"What do you mean? This isn't anything like my presidential race. I was fighting on a platform I believed in. Of course I put my all into that. This is hardly the same."

"Isn't it? There's a half a dozen girls in there who'd love to see you leave and prove to them that you don't belong here."

"Well…maybe they're right." Cordie continued to play with her fingers. "Maybe I don't belong here. My family isn't super wealthy or well connected. I'm not here to hob knob or social climb. I don't care about any of those things like they do."

"Then why are you here at all?" Sandra challenged her.

It was the same question she asked Matthew earlier. The one that inspired him to completely turn her away. But with it levied at her instead, the only answer she could come up with was—

"I don't know."

"I don't believe that. The president I voted for wouldn't have turned up here half-heartedly."

"That person had a real passion about herself. So if she was going to subject herself to all of this, it would have to be for a reason that meant something to her alone."

"Well, what if she didn't? What if this really was just all for someone else?"

"Then leave. Because that's not good enough."

"Especially if it's true that the person you came here for was the one who told you to leave. Assuming I believe he meant it any way. But that aside, you shouldn't be doing this for anyone else but yourself. You think I'd be here just because my mother is petty and my father is shameless?"

A part of her was curious to know what Sandra meant by that in her own reasons for being here, but instead she asked, "OK, then, so what reason do I have to stay?"

"That's for you to figure out. If you're here, then there has to be a reason and that's what you should stay for."

"I'll be disappointed if you leave, Cordelia. It would be that more amusing to see those girls faces with you dancing with their prized diamond, but more importantly, I believe you have something to prove too. I hope you prove it on the dance floor."

With that, Sandra left her on her own again.

Sandra was convinced she had something to prove, something to say, something to accomplish just for herself by being here. But just what was that?

She'd have to dig deep to shake loose what that was and prove it to herself. Did she really not know, or was it something she was too afraid to admit it?

[obigem]

Just outside the ballroom, a very flustered Cordelia Fletcher paced.

So many emotions surged through her as she traipsed back and forth, the Last 40 minutes playing back to her at such an accelerated speed it gave her whiplash. And then Matthew telling her to leave like he didn't care about her at all

"Jerk." She whispered under her breath when she thought of it, while at the same time begging herself not to cry.

Why should she cry? If it didn't matter to him at all if she stayed, why should it matter to her? She was the one who thought they were friends, he never once used the word himself.

And then the part of her that was too weak to pretend she didn't care broke through.

Why didn't he want to be friends with her? Sure, they hit a rough spot as kids where their friendship fractured, but they were older now, more mature. Whatever it was before shouldn't matter now, right?

Was she really that unlikable to him? Did he find her annoying? Whatever it was, she wished he'd just say, so it wouldn't bug her so much.

Because it did bug her. Why did it matter to her that they be friends? In those moments between them where it felt like that's what they were—

It felt…nice.

No. It was more than that. Right after Matthew told her to leave, her initial feeling was disappointment that she had come to rely on him in some way. Was that it?

Her hand brushed her bracelet. With Jai being so busy, did being around Matthew become her comfort?

Between all her extracurriculars, she used to think about Jai endlessly and wonder about the next time they'd get to see each other, how much they'd have to spend with one another, but with that downtime being filled with dance practices with Matthew, it took her mind off it.

Their new normal had become him being very gentle and patient with her as he directed her through moves. He was tempered, almost sweet even—well, for him.

She seemed to matter to him then. Her own anger started to surge. So what changed? What he said to her, she didn't deserve that.

From behind her, she could hear the french doors creak.

Was that him coming now to apologize? Well, he would have to do a lot more than that after what he said. Cordie balled her fists tighter.

"You're the worst, ya know!" She spat. "So you can keep your sorries and shove them up your plumhole!"

"If you don't wanna be friends, then fine! If you hate me so much, then say that! But you don't get to make me feel disposable. Even if I don't mean a thing to you, you did to me, so, so—"

"President, if I insulted you, I do apologize, but I'm thinking this tirade was meant for someone else, yes?"

[obigem]

After Don placed his phone back into his pocket, Cassandra ventured to ask, "Is everything OK?"

"Oh, um, yeah. There was just a thing where our sitter was sick so Dina opted to stay home because of it."

"Sitter? I wouldn't think you'd need one with Sandra being here tonight."

"It wouldn't have been for Sandra," Don paused his face contorting in such a way that he knew he'd have to speak on something he wasn't prepared for. "Nine months ago, Dina and I, we had a son. Donello. With the sitter being sick it made sense for Dina to stay in tonight with him."

"But it seems her sister offered to watch him for her, so she'll be coming to the ball after all." His tone was very different than the joyous facade she had heard him use on the phone.

"I see." There were no heights for Cassandra's heart to fall as she'd never let it lift to start with.

"We have a son, but that doesn't mean—" Don tried to explain. But the explanation didn't matter.

"I'm happy for you." Cassie said with a smile. "You always wanted a son, right? Congratulations."

Don gave a weak smile in return. "I did. He's a good boy. Eats like a champ."

"I know how this looks." He shot straight to the point. "But, is there any way you'd be willing to save me a dance tonight?"

Cassandra moved passed him. "I don't think that's wise, Don. Dina wouldn't like it, and if I was in her shoes, I wouldn't much like it either."

"I get it." Don relented. "But I'd still very much like to see you again. As friends—or as anything. I'd just like to keep you in my life somehow. Is that possible?"

Cassandra ruminated. "I don't know. But….maybe that's something I could think about."

"Think about while I cash in on that one dance, or is that still a no?"

"That's still a no."

"Well, beans. You know, I had to try."

"Yeah. Goodbye, Don." She couldn't let this reunion carry her away. This moment wasn't hers to keep.

"Rather than goodbye, I prefer see you later. I like those better."

"Well…then, see you later."

"See you later." Don said once more, softer with a hint of hopefulness.

Against her better judgement she left the room that night leaving the door only half closed.

Maybe she hoped for this all along.

[obigem]

"You…don't have to…." She trailed off again, the unspoken words clear as day to the both of them.

In response to what was never said, Don picked up from their voided words. "I'm sorry. Things got really messed up. It was never you. It was because of me. I had appetites that couldn't…."

"….and then Dina thought she was—we both thought—if I had known…"

Over a decades worth of words struggled to connect all of Don's regrets and feelings about their broken engagement. Things he wished he could've done differently, what he wished he knew. An engagement he wanted to keep.

A pregnancy scare that sealed his fate.

"What I want to say is—"

"It's good to see you, Don." More than a weak smile. A genuine one. Because when she approved Kassandra's entry into the court, this is what she hoped for. To see him again in good spirit.

"It's good to see you too, Cassie," Don returned her smile. "You know, I wasn't sure how it would feel once I was finally here, but the feeling hasn't changed."

"Feeling?"

"The one where I've missed you. I have. You've barely changed a day. Almost like no time has passed at all."

"That's not true," Cassandra quickly got embarrassed. "Some wrinkles are starting to sprout, I don't look as young as I once was."

"Not in my eyes. You're still so beautiful."

Within his eyes was an honesty she always knew him to have but grew to distrust. In her eyes Don hadn't changed much either.

"Listen," Don's voice got softer, "I have to be honest. It isn't fully a coincidence that I sought you out tonight. I wanted to see you so we could talk."

"About what?" Cassie tensed.

"There's never been a day since we broke our engagement that I haven't thought about you."

"Moreso now than ever. Things between Dina and me, they've been….challenging. I've been toying with the idea of walking away."

"But…what about Sandra?"

"I'll always be there for my Kassie. But 𝘮𝘺 Cassie," He paused, "What I'm saying is, I still—" a buzzing sound vibrated from his pocket.

The insistence of the buzzing seemed to get more and more pronounced the longer Don went on without answering it, so he grabbed it from his pocket and answered its call.

"Hey!" His charm was so easy to ignite. "Is everything alright?"

Cassandra couldn't hear what the voice was saying but it was a woman.

"What are you saying? She's sick isn't she?"

He paused and then his jovial manner dissipated.

"No, it's not that, I just thought a night in would be good—good for you both. To bond just the two of you."

Another pause.

"No. No of course I do. I do."

One more pause.

"Then, I'll see you soon."

[obigem]

When she heard the clapping, she almost jumped out of her skin. Did she lose herself in her memories?

No, the claps echoed in her ear. She stood only to be greeted by an old flame.

"Don?" She said in a hush.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you, but your playing, I've always found it magical"

"I'm….surprised you could hear it at all above the bustle of the ball."

Don.

It had been a long time. When the list of young ladies in needing of approval to join the cotillion court came past her mother's desk and she saw the name "Kassandra Lothario," she wondered if it was coincidence.

But when her introduction read "in consideration at the behest of Mr. and Mrs. Don and Dina Lothario," all claims of coincidence went out the window.

Her mother allowed her to have the final say. She would've understood if she'd said no, but Cassandra said yes. Perhaps a part of her hoped for this.

"You know you have the kind of talent behind the piano that could cut through the monotonous bustle of a ball. When I heard it, I suspected it might be you. I guess a part of me even hoped it would be."

She quieted the flutters in her heart. "I'm sorry the conversation downstairs was so boring."

"Is that why you're up here? You were bored down there?" Don arched a brow.

"No, I figured I'd practiced. My mother wants me to play for the children for their graduation dance. I'm so nervous about it. I don't want to make a mistake."

"You couldn't. You're a brilliant pianist."

"I've never once heard you err." Don attempted to reassure her, but the attempt wasn't successful.

"It's been years since you've last heard me play. I'm not anywhere near that consistent anymore."

"Did you fall out of practice?"

"No, I just…" There was no proper way to explain it.

How could she say she fell out of love with the piano around the same time he fell out of love with her without drudging up the past?

Sensing her uneasiness, he read her mind. "Tell me you didn't stop playing because of us?"

Cassandra shrugged. "Perhaps it was coincidence."

She stopped to correct herself, "It's not that I don't play at all, it's just harder now for it to feel the same way."

"But you love it."

Cassandra shrugged again. "Sometimes love isn't enough." The frankness of her words left them both cold.

"Maybe it isn't, but your talent speaks for itself."

"You have a real gift, Cassie."

"Now you sound like my mother." She gave a weak smile.

"I'm serious. What you have is special and unmatched. It's beyond talent. It's beauty. I've never known anyone more vibrant than you when you play. Even now, seeing you play, you're breathtaking."

[obigem]

While brooding was Matthew's default state when he was feeling anxious, hyperfixation was Cassandra's.

After her mother's insistence she play the final dance song, her nerves had dialed up so much the only option was to escape to the practice room where she could focus.

Valse Romantique was one of her favorites to play. So much, that she had played it countless times before. Enough to have it memorized. Even still, that didn't mean she trusted herself to play it perfectly now.

It was as Edwina intimated. When it counted, she had the propensity to choke.

Which is why her mother's request worried her. She couldn't afford to choke tonight. Not for the childrens' big moment. It would be so embarrassing if she flubbed the melody or a chord. What if it tripped them up as they dance? It would ruin the night—ruin the legacy of the Goth Cotillion Ball.

The thought of it made her fingers slip over the keys as she caught herself from making an error.

She took a breath.

Playing when it counted wasn't what made her happy. It was only when she played for herself. She remembered the first time she played through a whole concerto on her own.

She wanted to hop up from the bench and do a dance, but then she remembered when playing competition you have to stay composed, so she didn't.

But then her father surprised her by giving her an applause.

"Beautiful, Cassie." He smiled. "Play another for me, will you?"

The memory warmed her.

There were only two audiences she felt perfectly comfortable in front of—in which she could play her best.

The first being her late father. Who's bright glances and shining praises always made her feel like she could play anything.

The second—well, the second always made her feel like a star.

In moments like these, she had only her memories to draw from to recreate that confidence that helped guide her through perfectly playing a piece.

As both audiences were lost to her now, in different ways that amounted to the same thing. Men in her life who were lost to her, never to return.

[obigem]

If there was one thing that Diana understood about her son, it's that when it came to his most vulnerable of feelings, it was difficult for him to lead confidently with trust. It was difficult for him to let them out at all. But they were there, and they created the softness in his heart.

A softness she knew Cordelia knew was there too. It's why despite all her son's hard edges, that sweet girl always sees past them to the sweet boy that is underneath all of that.

"Fine then." Diana gave in.

"So you'll leave it?"

"For now, and only because I know this won't be how things end."

"What are you talking about?"

"I know in an hour, when it's time for the young ladies and gentlemen to gather at the grand staircase and pair up with their partners, Cordelia will be there. I don't know how it'll happen, but it will. She won't give up on you and you won't let her. Of that I'm sure"

"Can you for once stop projecting whatever ideal circumstance you see in your head? This isn't a movie." Matthew grunted.

"Sure, it is." Diana's lips curved into a knowing smile. "You just haven't realized it yet." She readied herself to return to her mingling rounds.

Once her back was turned to him, "I look forward to seeing the two of you dance together tonight." Her final words before leaving him alone to stew.

He didn't share her optimism for the night at all. It was like he said before, she didn't have a reason to stay here and do this with him.

He didn't expect her to.

Why would she want to?

As he glanced up, he could still see her in view. She was still here…

And then his mother's words echoed back to him, "You want to dance with her"

He did. Does.

But no. It wouldn't happen. It couldn't now. Not anymore.

His stew began to brood.

[obigem]

"Why am I here at all, Matthew?"

He had an answer of course. Many answers. Because this was the closest he'd ever get to being able to ask her to a proper dance. Because if he was to do this at all, he'd only ever want to do it with her. Because it was a nice excuse to be intimately close to her.

But in this moment, right now, he was too much of a coward to say even one of those.

"If you don't want to be here, no one is making you stay." He glowered in her direction.

"If that's how you feel, then fine. I'll go then."

"Fine."

"Fine!" Cordelia swiftly turned away.

She didn't want to admit it before now, but when things had become strained and complicated with Jai, she had come to depend on whatever it was she had been fostering with Matthew. Seeing him for dance lessons, warming to each other through that, she had started to rely on that support.

But Matthew didn't want to be her friend.

That was clear.

Perhaps that was the one thing they could agree on, but for entirely different reasons neither was yet ready to contend with.

She was still close enough that if he wanted to, he could apologize or ask her to stay, but what right did he have?

He had gotten better at controlling his anger, especially around her, but it was the accusation that he would intentionally put her in such a precarious situation that sent him boiling. She had to know he'd never purposely do something like that. Was it really so easy to have a poor opinion of him?

Yes, of course it was.

When around her, he always ran so hot and cold, feeling everything while at the same time trying his best not to let too much show. She drove him crazy, in the worst ways—and the best. For now, it was better to let her go, ease the pressure, and cool his temperament.

But his mother did not have the same idea.

"My hand or my heel, you tell me which one would be better suited to smack you upside the head!"

"Such crass language for a ball, Mother. Have you forgotten where you are?"

"Have 𝘺𝘰𝘶 forgotten why you're here? Tell me what I just witnessed was a mirage!"

"You witnessed nothing."

"I witnessed you saying or doing something that caused sweet little Cordelia to go storming off! And you're not going after her!"

"She wanted to leave, so I told her she could. You said to be gentlemanly toward her. A gentleman wouldn't keep a woman captive, would he?"

"Leave?! What did you say to her? Whatever it is, you must tell her immediately you didn't mean it and fix things this instant."

"It's not what I said, it's what this is. These stupid traditions where wealthy people play chess with their children for money, power, and influence."

"As long as she's here with me people will think things about her that aren't true. That we're engaged and she's vying to be part of this messed up family—and they'll target her for it. If we were actually together maybe I'd have an argument prepared to reassure her and protect her from the vitriol"

"But we're not, so she doesn't have a reason to stay, and I don't have a reason to make her, so I won't."

"You do have a reason." Diana's voice lowered and her voice softened. "You want to dance with her."

"That's not enough."

"Matthew—"

"Don't, Mother. Just leave it. Please."

[obigem]

Before forgiveness could even be a question in the matter, he would have to explain this all to her. What was the point of all this?

As her her eyes found him as he drifted onto the ballroom floor, she found the opportunity to get the answers she sought.

Matthew's eyes found hers as well.

The golden ambiance of the room shrouded her in an eminence that he would have trouble looking away from even if she didn't already carry that brightness to her that always drew his eyes toward her. Their gazes drew long enough for Matthew to be conscious that his lingered.

So he made the conscious choice to break it.

He found a glass of punch to busy his hands with, the sickly sweet taste of it would surely steady his heart and remind his head to not get carried away in moments or too easily lost in her. Both could be nothing but dangerous for him.

"Don't be foolish," he told himself, "you can't look at her like that. This is hardly the place, and it's certainly not the time time."

He needed a few moments before he could actually approach her. Once he had his composure back, then maybe he could take a moment with her.

He could address her properly, let her know that her dress was—her hair—that she……ugh.

He shook her his head. He needed a bit more time so he could say it right. But as he looked up, he could see his time was quickly running out as Cordelia descended the stairs in his direction.

The ice shifted in his glass as his heart startled in anticipation of her arrival.

"Look sharp, Landgraab." He said under his breath as his mind cycled through what the safest things he could say to her would be once she approached.

And then she was right by his side. He cleared his throat awkwardly.

"You…um, you look—" He tried but ultimately wasn't able to get very far before Cordelia broke in.

"Like a princess, I know." She huffed. "You can tease me about it some other time. We need to talk."

"About?" He arched a brow.

"Maybe about everything about this thing you neglected to tell me?"

"What is there to tell that you don't already know? It's a ball filled with wealthy overdressed men and women and their just as overdressed children. Oh, and there's dancing."

"Right, except the parts you left off about status, and marriage proposals, and scary girls with crosshairs!"

"What fairy tale is this that you're referencing again?"

"Don't be so flippant! You knew that this ball was a really huge deal and you told me nothing about it! Not to mention, you most certainly omitted that every girl here would've sold their right arms to go to this thing with you."

"So what? You jealous or something?"

"Don't be stupid! I thought you were in a pinch because no one wanted to be your partner all for it to be the opposite the whole time! I feel duped and completely ambushed all at once. Was that the plan all along to make a fool of me?"

"Why would I ever do something like that?"

"Like I can tell why? But think of it from my position. All those girls, they think were like an engaged couple or something and they want to rip my throat out for it and all because you misled me."

"I didn't!"

"Then why didn't you go with one of them?!"

"Like I would entertain the company of any of those silly, odious girls." Matthew clicked his tongue.

"No, I guess you'd just rather involve me, tell me nothing, and then throw me to the wolves!"

"If you can remember, I wasn't exactly the one who invited you, did I?" Matthew's temper flared.

"I don't give a llama's ass about silly fancy parties, or stupid wealthy people traditions or charades. I didn't want to attend this at all, but then my mother insisted and she got you involved without my consent."

"So when I asked you if you wanted me as partner why didn't you just say no?"

[obigem]

"Advice?" Cordie quickly became confused.

"You are far too cute and innocent for a place like this. Those girls barely unfurled their claws in there, in the ballroom they will be merciless, so you cannot be humble. What's more you cannot be oblivious of your beauty and the status of your partner."

"It may be against your nature, but for tonight, you must wear all your advantages with the utmost pride. Otherwise you'll only be inviting their wrath."

"So I guess it really is impossible to make friends with any of the girls here." Cordie sighed.

"I wouldn't say that. You managed to make one."

"Thanks, Sandra." Cordie smiled. "If nothing else, I'm glad I met you. You really saved me tonight."

"Don't thank me yet, the ball has yet to begin. But I can wear a cape just a bit longer for you. I'll head back and keep the harpies at bay. You should take your time if you return at all."

"You may be right about going back there being a mistake, but I don't really have anywhere else to be."

"I'm sure you'll find something to occupy your time. I'd stay with you, but two commoners gone astray may pull at least one of them to go looking for us, and that would be problematic."

"You're right. I guess I'll find something to keep me busy. Maybe I can find Auntie Di or grab a snack or something?"

"A snack sounds heavenly. Steer clear of the seafood, there's no telling how long its been out, and if it's turned, you don't want to be the girl who puked at one of these things."

"Oh, one more thing." Sandra's voice cooled. "Regardless of if you return to the powder room again or not, stay clear of Otillie."

"Was that the dark haired girl or the blonde with the freckles?"

"Neither. She's the ice queen with the crown." The description was keen enough for Cordie to follow.

"Tabitha is timid, she can be a little thoughtless and she'll parrot anything Edwina says. Winnie has a big pedigree and a big ego, but her bark is much larger than her bite. But Otillie is cunning. If she feels slighted she has it in her to go for the throat, but she'll do it with clean hands."

"I'm not telling you this off hand. Tillie's cross hairs are on you. I can tell as much."

"On me? You're sure?"

"Positive. Stay swift and away from her and you'll be fine. If you can find your aunty, stay close to her for the time being. I'll do my best to keep her in eye and ear shot."

"You'll be fine, President. What kind of friend would I be if I let a harpie ruin such a cute face? Chin up. Smile. Carry yourself with grace. That's what my mother always says anyway."

"Right." Cordelia tried to smile but failed. As Sandra headed away from her, she couldn't shake her parting words

Somehow the ballroom felt all at once larger, colder, and her more alone after her aside with Sandra.

This night wasn't what she had bargained for at all. In an attempt to return a kindness to Matthew, she had stepped in a hornet's nest and now she felt trapped.

Perhaps she could forgive him for some of tonight's follies if he was not well aware of all the girls' intentions, but there was so much about this event he had to have known about. And one thing in particular he was certain to be aware of was that he didn't need her to volunteer as his partner.

She had read things wrong.

It was her impression that he was simply too embarrassed to admit that he wanted to go to this but had no one to attend with. But in reality he had many options and led her to believe otherwise.

Her blood burned. She didn't tolerate being lied to.

[obigem]

Outside the powder room, Cordie could truly unclench. She collapsed back onto the french doors that led out to a balcony, the coolness of the glass was heaven on her skin.

To her surprise her new ally did some unclenching of her own.

"Goodness, those harpies sure can suck the air out of a room!"

"I'll say," Cordie let out a sigh, "was it supposed to be that intense? I entered that room with the intention of making a friend or two, but I guess all I made were enemies."

"This is not a place you come to in order to find friends, president." The girl shrugged.

"President, you said that in there too. Do we know each other from Oasis Springs High?"

"Oh right, we likely don't run in the same circles at school, do we? Kassandra Lothario." She tipped her chin. "My friends call me Sandra. Don't 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 call me Kassie."

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't recognize you."

"Don't be. Like I said we don't run in the same circle, and I don't exactly look ready to attend a debutante ball at school. I am surprised to see you here though. And as Matthew Landgraab's date no less. You managed to make this event interesting for me."

"He's not my date!" Cordie let out a huff.

"The way those girls would tell it, you'd think we were marrying or something!"

"It's honestly not just what they think, but what most of them suspect."

"What?"

"You have to understand this realm. The partner a lady chooses to accompany her as she enters society cannot be arbitrary."

"I find it all rather silly, but to them I'm not but a notch above you in terms of status. For them it's different. At an event like this an engagement can very easily be forged. Thus why you being Matthew's date is such a shock for them. They think you're intended for him."

"Intended for what?"

"Intended for marriage."

"We're 15! When did everyone end up in such a rush about love and marriage and families? I don't even know what I'm having for breakfast tomorrow morning!"

"High society likes the security of knowing exactly where it's going. It's normal for them."

"To think it was like this! I only agreed to go with him because I thought he was having trouble securing a partner for this."

"Him, trouble?" Sandra scoffed. "Let's just say none of those girls could shut up about their hinting around. He'd have to be dumb not to know he had pick of the litter."

"Well, if that's the case, why am I here? I don't know anything about this world, but he definitely does. So he'd have to have known how it would look to come to this with me—what all those girls would assume. Not to mention, why not just go with one of them if he wanted to go at all?"

"Well…he never seemed like he was interested in being a part of any of this, so if he asked you then maybe that's it."

"He didn't ask me. I offered—his mom kind of—it's a whole complicated thing, you had to be there."

"Regardless, you asked, he said yes. Could it be that maybe he likes you?"

"No, that can't be it." Cordelia rejected the notion completely out of hand. "It has to be something else I'm not seeing right now."

"You sure? I find the simplest answer is normally the right one."

"Not when it comes to him. He makes it so difficult to figure him out sometimes."

"Sometimes I know exactly what he's thinking or how he's feeling because it isn't much different than how he used to be when were kids, but other times," Cordie paused, "it's like he's deliberately stopping short of what he really wants to say or shielding how he really feels. It's frustrating."

"Frustrating, huh?" A small smile broke on Sandra's face. "I'm sure that's likely how he would describe the feeling too."

"Huh?"

"You're very cute, president. I can see how easy it would be for someone to fall for you."

"Me? No way!" Cordie blushed.

"Can I give some advice?"

[obigem]

"Both of you are getting too excited." Otillie finally stood.

"Tillie, we were simply ensuring this girl knew her position." Tabitha tried to regain composure. "After all if Matthew were to have chosen any partner why wouldn't it have been you?"

Tabitha had no idea how her simple words wounded.

"As members of the cotillion court, our job is not to ponder why one partnered with one or another, but to simply find suitable partners by which to enter society. I have a suitable partner, as do you, I trust, as does Edwina, so I have no ill feelings toward this girl. Nor should any of you."

"Well of course we do, Tillie. It was just quite a shock to see someone outside of society luck into such an eviable position."

"You keep saying that," Cordie shrugged, "but I promise you that isn't how it is at all. Matthew just happens to be a friend of mine, and I'm doing this as a favor to him."

"Maybe you should all be more like your friend and realize that my presence here isn't to bring you any harm." Cordie's plea for peace unexpectedly struck a chord.

"Don't misunderstand." Tillie's tone became icy cold. "Your choice in partner is one that holds high currency from within the court."

"You shouldn't trivialize it like it's a simple thing or make light of your connection. To do so is a hideous affront to every official lady of this court. You should understand very well your position and be grateful that it has brought you this far."

Of all the girls tonight, Cordelia had thought she had stumbled upon the most reasonable one, but somehow she had manage to set her off the most.

"No, I never met to insult anyone! Please don't misunderstand. I guess I just don't understand how any of this works." Her words were frazzled.

All the while there appeared to be one person in the room who wasn't on pins and needles.

Quite the contrary. She had been eating up every bit of the drama.

"Well, this has been so much fun, ladies!" She finally announced herself. But I think I need some air. Cordelia, care to join me?"

"Wha—what?" Cordelia's head felt like it had gone through a spin cycle. All this talk about positions and enviable partners and pedigrees that she just didn't understand at all. Weren't they all just there to wear fancy dresses, dance, and have fun? But now a girl was asking her something.

"It's stuffy in here, is it not? It would be bad form for the president to pass out from heat exhaustion, yes?"

"The president?"

Cordelia finally looked to see the girl all in black. She didn't think she recognized her, but she obviously must go to her school to know she's class president.

"Yes, maybe it is a little hot." Cordie began to fan herself as all at once she rightly felt the warmness in the room.

"I knew I couldn't be the only one to feel it. You ladies will have to excuse us. Cordelia and I will take a moment."

In unison the others turned a nod in acknowledgement.

While Cordie was glad to have been offered an escape door by anyone in the room, she was just the same suspicious. So far, none of the other girls had proven to be friendly allies—all wolves in sheeps' clothing—so what reason did she have to trust this girl? Maybe it was a trap, but an out was an out.

[obigem]

"That's a funny joke." Edwina stifled a laugh. "Cordelia, you truly are a riot! Pretending to know the Landgraabs. Who knew you were so wild!"

"A joke? Oh, you almost had me!" Tabitha giggled along too. But Cordelia couldn't join in the laughter.

"Sorry, but it's not a joke."

"The Landgraabs, they're actually kind of sort of like family friends. I've known Matthew for as long as I can remember, and we do live right across the street from them. So yeah, it's not a joke. I do know them. I guess the only half truth is that Matthew asked me, I guess in a way I asked him."

"So…you?" Tabitha stammered over her words.

"No way. She has to be joking! Matthew Landgraab just agreed to go with 𝘩𝘦𝘳? Umprompted? Why it's—it's—"

"Ridiculous."

The word ushered everyone into silence their eyes veered toward the once stoic Ottilie Alto-DeBateau and her first words of the night.

When the other girls held their tongues in response to the blonde girl at the vanity, it prompted Cordie to take notice as well.

She hadn't even realized anyone was sitting there till now. She had pale, milk white skin, rosy cheeks, and ice blue eyes. She was beautiful in a haunting way.

Haunting because her very presence somehow made Cordie feel very uneasy.

"Tillie is right," Tabitha finally broke the uncomfortable silence. "You seem very nice Cordelia, but to go to the cotillion ball with a Landgraab on a whim, it sounds farfetched."

"Is Matthew really that unapproachable?"

It never occurred to Cordie that Matthew could be surly even at events like these.

"Unapproachable? I'd say he's more elusive and aloof. It's been a mystery for so long who might be lucky enough to be asked by him."

"Lucky? Matthew? Matthew Landgraab?" Cordie couldn't hide her confusion.

"Why of course. Do you know what that would've meant for any of us to be chosen by him?" Tabitha's voice was starting to go up an octave.

"I guess not? I don't think I've ever thought of Matthew as a dream partner for this kind of thing. He's always so gruff with me, is he not with all of you?"

"You mean to say he holds conversation with you?" Tabitha's voice began to squeak even higher. "He hardly has uttered a word to anyone here but Ottilie which is why we all thought that she—"

"Tabitha, calm yourself." Tillie broke in.

"She's right, Tabbie," Winnie added, "this girl is quite smug."

[obigem]

Suppose she should've expected it, but Cordelia didn't plan on finding so many girls about in the powder room. Adorned in fancy dresses and jewelry and they all seemed to know each other.

And then there was her.

An interloper among the masses. Perhaps coming here was a mistake.

But there was no turning back as somehow her feet were moving her forward and that inner confidence she for some reason had was pushing her to make an introduction.

"Hi!" Her voice squeakier than she would've liked, and it didn't go unnoticed.

"Winnie? Another country cousin of yours?" Tabitha asked.

"And what would give you that idea?"

"She has flowers in her hair. Don't they do that on farms?"

"Perhaps, but the only country cousin we've invited is Theodora, and this one she's a fair bit warmer in tone than dear Theo. The poor thing is so pale."

"Umm," Cordie broke in, "we're not related."

"I should think not." Winnie scrunched her nose. "So, how are we to address you?"

"You mean my name? Oh, it's Cordelia. Cordelia Fletcher."

"Fletcher? New money maybe?" Winnie pondered. "What does your family manage?"

"Manage? Umm, well, my dad works in robotics and my mom works in medicine."

"Wow," Tabitha gaspsed, "both your mother and father's sides deal in businesses? And tech and pharmeceuticals no less. For new money you must be very wealthy!"

"Hmph." Winnie pursed her lips hating to be outdone.

"I mean, I wouldn't say we're wealthy. We do OK."

"Your family comandeers two giant industry sectors, you can't claim modesty in the face of that." Winnie huffed.

"But, I think you might be confusing things. My parents don't comandeer any industries—I don't think anyway. My dad runs his own robotics shop and my mom has a private practice is all."

"Wait, robotics shop? So like a chain or something? And private practice?" Tabitha arched an eyebrown.

"Tabitha dear, you're just making yourself more confused. It seems our little farm girl is far from new money after all. Her parents are white collar."

"You mean they 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 for a living?"

"Sadly." Winnie smirked.

"Oh, I'm so sorry I thought—"

"Don't be," Cordelia unclenched. "There's nothing wrong with making one's living through honest work."

"Oh, absolutely! And look, your folks found those bootstraps we always hear about and pulled them up to get you here!" Tabitha gushed.

"Speaking of which, you didn't attend the cotillion practices, so I would have to assume you were invited by one of the official court members. Who was it that invited you?"

"Tabitha, don't!" Winnied waved. "If she's working class, then it was likely that Ronald Burger McSomething."

"Not only is he new money, but his family owns that tacky fastfood chain, how embarassing!"

"Winnie, I thought I told you Ronald had asked me to be his partner." Tabitha's voice dropped. "It is the top fast food chain in the nation after all. It's not that tacky."

"Fine." Winnie conceded.

"Well if not Ronald, then who?" Winnie narrowed her eyes at Cordelia.

"Well, I don't know a Ronald. About the only people here I do know are my Aunty Di and Aunty Bette and Malcolm and—"

Winnie scoffed. "Those sound like the names of the Landgraabs."

"Because they are. Matthew invited me."