Down End Road

Several coats of Mascara, one wrestling match with a dress, and two spillages of nail polish later, and I was ready.

My dress was nothing short of extravagant, all thanks to Madame Celiné. It was a dark Saphire blue that shimmered in certain lights. It had a cowl neckline that led down to a fitted top that gathered just above my waist and flared into a trumpet skirt.

I loved it. A diamond choker encompassed my neck, with diamond drop earrings pinned to my earlobes. I had lent Ally some jewellery as well, to match with her gorgeous purple dress.

Her bodice was made of a dark purple tulle that wrapped around her in a crisscross fashion. Her purple skirt was then flared out into a tea length skirt. Her brunette hair had been curled and had been half pinned up with a diamond clip that went wonderfully with her dress.

I had a full face of make-up with red lip and eyeshadow with a blue tint that was blended into the black eyeliner. I looked at us in the mirror, and made a few touch ups to my unruly hair that I had put into a top knot, half-up half down.

"You ready for this," Ally whispered into the nervous air. I felt a hum of excitement buzz through my stomach, an electricity sparked in my eyes. I smiled, quirking up my painted lips.

"You have no idea." I said, a hint of mischief in my tone. A sudden knock on the door brought me out of my reverie. I adjusted the strap of my dress so that it fully covered my stitches that had already full healed thanks to the Medela concentrate.

"Ready to go girls," came Mavericks muffled reply. I ran over to the door in my navy blue heels, decorated with a few diamonds on the heel.

"So eager to see us Mavy." I teased, using Alex's pet name for him. His eyes widened when he saw Ally walk out of the room in all her glory. I smiled.

"Ladies and gentlemen the fantabulous, brilliant and witty Ally Ann Anderson." I announced she blushed bright red but covered it up with a scowl and barely hidden smile. "Clad in a gorgeous purple dress she has make-up done by moi and jewellery picked from the extensive collection of Madame Celiné." I commented.

"My middle name isn't even Ann." She muttered. I rolled my eyes.

"Really, I use big words for the first time in ages and thats what you focus on." I scoffed playfully. She bumped her shoulder with mine and we stumbled back.

"Okay new rule, no bumping shoulders in heels." She instructed, glancing every so often at a stunned Maverick covered in a rusted orange suit. I bit my lip.

"Two hours work and silence is all you give us." I laughed, Ally laughed along with me.

"You look gorgeous, same goes for you Myra... I guess." Maverick joked. I rolled my eyes and watched as Ally's signature beet red blush bloomed on her cheeks and Mavericks statement smile tipped his lips.

Slowed footsteps made me turn my head to Alex who stood twenty or so paces away. I smiled warmly at him. His muscled arms were hugged by his navy satin suit with his dark blue dress pants and a white shirt . He wore no tie. Which I appreciated very much.

I took a minute to appreciate his gorgeousness before composing myself and striding over to him. "You look great." I complimented with a smile, his eyes had widened and his mouth was open. I smiled wider. I put my hand underneath his chin, my hands lingering on his jaw.

"You'll catch flies," I joked weakly. He stood still for a few more moments before replying.

"You look... nice." He said weakly. I nodded hesitantly, and swallowed the hurt that built in my throat. Nice! Two hours of diligent work getting ready, and nice is all I get! My mind ranted, outraged and fuming.

"Ally lets go, we have an award to receive." I forced out. Lacing our arms together and striding toward the ballroom.

"Nice, really English?" I heard Maverick whisper shame.

"What? I got tongue tied?" Alex admitted sheepishly.

"Whipped." Maverick teased. A loud thwack sounded behind us, alerting me to Alex's retaliation. I smiled to myself. This was going to be a great evening.

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My gown swished with me, as I weaved through the mass of Ball gowns and tuxes. A glass of champagne in my grasp I took a small sip of the bubbly golden liquid. I touched the back of my head, fiddling with a loose coil.

A small tap on my shoulder interrupted my assessing stare, analysing the murals. "Wanna' dance." Henry asked. He was dressed in a grey linen suit with a grey tie. I smiled warmly at him, accepting his outstretched hand. I glanced back briefly at Alex, noticing his back was to me.

I sighed and stepped onto the dance floor with Henry. He twirled me into his arms, as the quartet began to play a quick song. Swaying and spinning and dipping, we laughed and talked and enjoyed each others company.

"So, the games?" Henry began, I sighed.

"What about them?" I answered, mentally preparing myself for an interrogation.

"The Grimers they-" Henry immediately stopped, and glared at something behind me. I turned out of his grasp. Coming face to... chest really, with Alex. He wore a menacing grin that told me something was wrong.

"Mind if I cut in," he asked. A victorious twinkle in his eye. I scowled at him, but he didn't notice because his attention was focused on Henry.

"I do mind, I was having a Nice time with Henry." I emphasised informing him I hadn't completely forgiven him for that little comment. He winced and looked down at me. An apologetic look on his face. I huffed and turned to Henry. "I'll catch up with you later, okay?" I promised. He reluctantly nodded and stalked off.

I turned around and suddenly felt hyper-aware of how close we were standing. He grabbed my hand in his and I placed my palm on his shoulder as we began to Waltz around the room. My pulse was erratic and jumpy, his hand placed gently on the small of my back.

He was a predictably a good dancer. His feet didn't step on mine, although I have to admit I stepped on his, and his eyes surveyed me with a startling intensity. I stared down at our feet, eyes subconsciously examining where my feet moved.

Adrenaline built in my throat. My legs shook with nerves. His hands started drawing lazy, soothing circles on my covered back. I let out a shaky breathed.

"I can't do this," I murmured under my breath. He stiffened and let out a small chuckle. I swallowed thickly.

"Do what?" I glared at him. He acted oblivious to our proximity. To his sporadic heartbeat, that thrummed with life beneath my fingertips. To the tension between us, inches away from snapping. It was infuriating!

"You are infuriating!" I voiced. He smiled gleefully at me.