Chapter Twelve: Fights, Confessions and Dinners

Chapter Twelve: Fights, Confessions and Dinners


"Where were you?” Was the first thing my mom asked when I entered the house.


“Out.” I replied, brushing past her and heading for the stairs.


“Out?” She repeated.


“Yes mother, outside as in away from this prison.” I muttered, under my breath.


“Alice, you do realize that the dinner is today and you aren’t even close to being ready.” She yelled throwing her arms up in frustration.


I opened my mouth to speak, but the corner of my eye detected a small figure trying to see around the corner. “Thomas!” I yelled out.


He came out of the corner shyly facing me his face flushed with embarrassment. “I thought you were going to cover for me!”  I exclaimed, exasperated.


“I said, I was going to cover for you. I never said, I was going to do a good job.”


I scowled in return at my brothers smart antics. “Both of you, enough!”  My mother exclaimed rubbing her temples. “Thomas, upstairs and take a shower.” Thomas opened his mouth to complain but my mother shot her a ‘don’t mess with me face.' He let out a sigh, trudging upstairs to take the shower.


She then turned to me and pointed her finger. “You. Are coming with me we have less than three hours and you don’t even look half presentable.” She spoke grabbing my wrist and hailing me up the stairs.


*


Three hours, six minutes and God knows how many seconds but after a whole lot of arguing, screaming, snack breaks and a whole lot of hair pulling I looked completely transformed. 


“Woah.” I said, completely breathless as I stared at myself in the full length mirror. I ran my hand through my brown hair was curled and pinned to the left side of my head. “Don’t touch.” My mother said swatting my hand away from my hair.


I tilted my head to the side as I saw not a seventeen year old girl in the mirror but an eight year old me staring back. I smiled as I saw all the times I dressed up as a princess as a little girl flash before my eyes.


I then ran my hands over my strapless ball gown, it was silver and had many sparkles and when it reached my waist it flowed down to my feet a nice light blue color. “Ready to make our big entrance?” My mother whispered breaking me from my thoughts.


I nodded turning around to face her. My mom had on a strapless purple ball gown with her hair put in a neat bun, she smiled lovingly at me.


“Oh before I forget.” She said, turning around and grabbing a necklace out of a blue satin box. “I wanted to give this to you.” She said, holding out a silver necklace with a key in the middle. A big smile made its way onto my face as I started chuckling.


“What?” She asked, confused. “Don’t you like it?”


I shook my head. “Of course, I love it! But it’s so cheesy.” I said, chuckling once more. “But thank you so much.” I told her, my laughter dying out wrapping my mom in a hug.


“No problem, sweetie. Now we better get going we are already as late as it is.”


I quickly put on the necklace my mother gave me giving myself one last look in the mirror before following her outside. We walked to the stairs my mom leading as I followed her silently behind. Once we made it downstairs we went down the west hall towards the dinner room.


It was a huge room that had a lot of empty space and a room that led to the kitchen. It was usually only held for balls and dinners.


Once we entered the ball/dinner room my eyes roamed at all the couples dancing and mingling with each other. “You look beautiful sweetheart.” I heard, someone say.


I turned my head to see my dad giving my mom a quick peck. I faked gagged in my mouth as my mom started to blush. “Thanks pumpkin.” She said, giggling like a fifteen year old school girl.


I let out a fake cough trying to grab there attention. My dad’s eyes finally left my mom noticing me standing awkwardly to the side. 


“You look beautiful, Alice.” He said, looking at me for a quick second then his eyes returning to my mother.


They were acting like love-sick teenagers. I let out an inwardly groan inside my head. I was about to walk away when my father called me back. “Alice I want you too meet a few people.” He told me, finally looking at me. He gave my mom another quick peck on the lips before nodding to me, to follow him.


“Mr. President.” A few people said acknowelding my father as we walked over to them. 


“Oh President Montclair, didn’t see you there.” An old lady said, faking a laugh trying to fill in the awkward air. 


“Lucielle.” My dad said, “I would like you and everyone else to meet my daughter Alice.” 


They waved hello at me as Lucielle spoke looking directly at me in distaste. “Alice you look lovely, a little bit too much skin showing don’t you think?” She asked, cocking an eyebrow.


I was taken aback by her question. “I am jut saying Alice, boys are only after one thing and you are showing it to them.” She replied simply taking a sip of her wine.


My jaw dropped at Lucielle's attitude. My mouth opened and closed repeatedly as I held back from attacking the old woman. I turned my head over to my dad who seemed deep in conversation with an old Chinese man. I then looked back at Lucielle who seemed pleased with herself.


“Luceille?” I spoke up, gaining her attention. “I am sorry if you think I am that kind of girl, but I will most definitely take your opinion into consideration.” I said, through my gritted teeth. “It was nice meeting you but I really have to go.” I said, lying through my clenched teeth. 


“Nonsense! I want you to meet my grandson, before you leave.” I opened my mouth to protest but she already waved at a boy who looked my age making his way over to us.


“Yes Grandma?” The boy said in a polite manner.


“Jonathan, I would like you to meet the first daughter Alice.” Lucielle spoke. “I am sure she would enjoy your company.”


“It’s alright, I was actually going to-" I was cut of my Jonathan grabbing my hand and kissing it.


“It is nice too meet you Alice.” He spoke is a smooth voice. “My name is Jonathan Freda.”


“Um...” I began to stutter to the good looking boy, he had black hair that was slicked back and blue eyes that seemed to stand out. “It is nice too meet you, Jonathan.” I said, retrieving my hand from his grasp.


“Well it looks like you both are well acquainted, so it looks like I will be on my way.” Linda said walking away.


I turned to Jonathan. “Well it is really nice meeting you and all but I have to get back to my brother-" I said, Jonathan cutting me off by putting his arm around me. “Um, can you please get your hand off?” I said, trying to shrug of his arm that was draped around my shoulders.


“Aw, don’t be like that Alice.” Jonathan said, tugging me over one of the vacant tables.


“Jonathan get your hands of me.” I spoke, through my clenched teeth. My biggest pet peeve was when people touched me.


“Come on Alice loosen up.” He replied.


“I believe she said to get your arm of her. And if I was you I would before I do something that you will regret.” I heard a voice speak. We turned around to come face to face with Ben.


“Mind you own business dude, the lady was just joking around.” Jonathan replied, hugging me even closer to him.


“I am giving you five seconds to get your hands off her.” Ben spoke, menacingly. “Five… four… three… two….”


“Jonathan, just get your hands off me.” I spoke, quickly trying to refrain from a fight breaking out in less than a second.


“I am not scared of him.” Jonathan chuckled, humorously.


“One.” I heard, Ben growl, watching him as he grabbed the collar of Jonathan’s shirt and pinned him against the wall.


“Ben!” I said, letting out a shriek, as I wrapped my arms around his triceps. I pulled him away from Jonathan who seemed to be breathing heavily. “What is wrong with you?”


“Me? I was helping trying to help you!” Ben huffed, as he sent dirty looks to Jonathan.


I turned to look at Jonathan who seemed to be looking at Ben in amusement. “Maybe it would be best if you just leave.” I said, to Jonathan.


“Whatever, it’s no fun here anymore.” He muttered to himself, as he walked away disappearing into the crowd of people.


“What the heck is wrong with you?” I yelled, becoming frustrated. “This is a ball room not cage fighting arena.” 


Ben tilted his head at me, examining me. “I’m sorry.” 


I wanted to scream at him for doing something stupid but instead I just nodded casting my gaze onto the floor. “It’s okay.” I whispered, the memories of him and Holly appeared making me feel stupid and a bit queasy.


“No Alice, I am not apologizing for almost beating Jonathan to pulp.” He said, sincerity in his eyes. “But, I am apologizing for the whole thing with Holly and for not being a caring friend and for everything I’ve done. I was stupid and it has been killing me and Holly having you mad at us. “ Ben said, casting his hazel eyes to the ground. “All I am asking for is for you to forgive me.” He told me, his big hazel eyes looking at me through his bangs.


“I don’t know Ben.” I said, quietly. “I want to forgive you, I really do. B-but I can't not right now.” I told, him. “I'm sorry.” I added, quietly.


I felt caught in the middle between wanting to forgive him but at the same time something was telling me not to.


He was quiet for a few seconds probably processing my answer then nodding shoving his hands into his tuxedo pockets. “I understand if I was in your place I wouldn’t forgive myself to easily as well.”


I gave him a small smile. “Thanks Ben, now if you would excuse me I have a family to go and bore.” I said, trying to lighten up the mood.


He chuckled. “Yeah, I should get back to my parents as well.” He said, looking at the people who were now being seated at there tables. “But, Alice before can I ask you something? It’s kind of important.”


I nodded. “Sure.”


He took a deep breath. “Remember when I wanted to ask you something but then I didn’t, and you asked me if I was going to ask you out?” He rushed, out.


I nodded my head, trying to process his words. “Yeah.” I began, slowly remembering the scene. It was awkward for the rest of the week because I never actually got my answer. “Wait, why are you asking me this now?”


He took a deep breath looking me dead in the eye. “Because Alice. I like you, I like you a lot.”


I felt my breath hitch in my throat. “Ben.” I whispered. “Y-you can’t like me, just the other day you were kissing Holly! Remember her?” I spluttered, out.


“Of course I do! But I also know that I like you! Not Holly, you Alice. Why is that so hard to believe?” Ben asked, looking confused.


“Don’t bullshit me Ben.” I said, swearing. “If you liked me you would have never made out with my best friend behind my back! On my bed, and in my room!” I said, my voice rising.


“I was confused!” He said, trying to defend himself. 


I shook my head in disbelief. “Don’t give me that. If you really liked me then you would’ve told me when I asked you if you wanted to ask me out, don’t play that with me because I am too smart for that.” I spat. “And I am too smart for your lies.”


I watched as Ben’s face fall. “Alice I swear-"


I raised my head cutting him off. “Please Ben, don’t. You had your chance and you blew it, so if you can please excuse me I have to go.” I said, giving him one last look not before hiking up my dress and walking towards where my family was sitting.


“Alice! Where were you?” My mother asked, as I took a seat next to her.


“I was talking to Ben.” I spoke, hoping that they wouldn’t hear the sadness in my voice.


“Oh Ben’s here? Why don’t we invite him to sit with us? He’s been showing me this-"


“No!” I exclaimed, a little too loudly, cutting Thomas off. “I mean no, because he is sitting with his parents.” I said, trying to play it off cool.


“Um, okay?” Thomas said, dropping the subject, but looking at me with a confused expression. 


For the next few minutes it was quiet with only the chatter of the other tables nearby. My gaze went over to Thomas who was quietly eating his mashed potatoes on his plate looking around the room in silence. My gaze then wandered to my mother who was chatting with the ladies next to her. I didn’t bother looking at my dad’s seat because he was too busy at other tables greeting others, instead of with us.


I looked back at my mashed potatoes, feeling complete sadness about Ben and how he liked me. He can’t like me. Can he?


I lifted my eyes from my food, my gaze wandering the area of the ballroom, looking for Ben. When I finally located him, he must have noticed my gaze, because in a matter of seconds he was staring back at me with a sad expression. 


I continued to stare back when I heard a glass clicking gaining my attention. “Excuse me!” A voice called, out. Trying to gain everybody's attention. “Can we have your attention ladies and gentlemen?” I heard, the same voice call once more as I saw my father standing in the middle of the room with a smile on his face.  


“I would just like to thank everyone for being here on such a memorable occasion.” My dad said, smiling. “I still can't believe, seven years ago. I would be elected for President, twice. However, this being my last year in office, I would like to thank you all for being here for me. You have all supported me through this journey and I cannot thank you, enough for believing in me and helping me with my campaign. Thank you and enjoy the rest of your dinner!" My dad said, finishing off with a smile as he walked over to us. 


The crowd clapped at my dad’s short speech as the chatter resumed. “Great speech, honey.” My mother said. to my dad as he sat down next to me.


“Thank you.” He said, rolling up the sleeves to his tuxedo just a bit, as he dug into his mashed potatoes. 


My eyes wandered off to Ben who was sitting at a table not to far from me talking to two adults who looked to be his parents.


I stared at his mom who had her hair in curls and was wearing a long plain black gown. I then looked over to his father,  he was basically just an older version of Ben but with less hair. He was also seemed more built and you could tell because of how his tuxedo fit him prefectly. 


Ben must've noticed my gaze because he started looking at me. He then got up from his chair, saying something quick to his parents, probably excusing himself. As he began to walk over here, I began to panic, as I looked around the room frantically looking for somewhere to go. I just didn’t want to face him again.


“What’s wrong Alice?” My mother said, directing her attention at me, in concern.


“Um.” I said, trying to come up with something as I saw that Ben had been stopped by someone and was now talking to the person but it clearly showed he is coming this way. “I am not feeling so well.” I blurted. “I think I am just going to call it a night.” 


“Do you want me to come with you maybe get your some Tylenol?” My mother asked, growing concerned at my fake illness.


“No.” I said, loudly. “I just need to lie down.” I told her, getting up from the table and mumbling quick goodbye, before rushing out the room.


Truth be told I just didn’t want to face Ben, not right now anyways. Walking down the hall to the stairs that led to my bedroom. I felt a pang of guilt as I saw flashes of myself rejecting Ben and refusing his apology then running out on him.


I stripped out of my dress, hanging it in the closet, and pulling on some pajamas, before walking into the bathroom and removing all the makeup, I had on my face. Letting my hair out, from it's curls I ran my hands through my short hair. 


“One can only hope that tomorrow, will be better than the rest.” I mumbled, to myself before falling into deep sleep. 


*****


Hello Lovelies,


UN EDITED. It was a day early update I was originally going to update tomorrow. What do you think of The dinner and the whole fiasco with Ben how many saw that coming? TEAM BEN OR TEAM GAVIN! Thoughts on Ben's confession and the whole chapter? 


IMPORTANT: ALSO WHICH COVER DO YOU GUYS LIKE BETTER CAUSE I LIKE THE NEW ONE THANK YOU GRACE ONCE AGAIN! COMMENT AND DON’T BE A SILENT READER CAUSE I HATE THAT AND I LOVE THE COMMENTS. AND THANKS MADE #75 FOR HUMOR CLOSEST SO FAR! THANKS LOVELIES 


To win a dedication biggest pet peeve and why?


Dedicated to @Awkward_Weirdo because her book is absolutely amazing and she is so awesome! I suggest you read her books, trust me you wont regret it.  Shout to @blooming_flower for her correct guess that I did win award for English on awards night… 


Please remember: Vote, Comment, Fan and Share


Thanks,


Xoxo_mysteriousgirl


 


 



Comment