TWELVE*
"A friend may be waiting behind a stranger's face."
-Maya Angelou.
"The dinner hour is sacred, happy time when everyone should be together and relaxed."
-Julia Child.
"Some souls just understand each other upon meeting."
-N.R Hart.
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Everything I tried doing gave a disastrous result. According to the instructions, the aim is to dress ladylike. Business casual to be precise and here I'm causing a fashion catastrophe. If Jess was here, she would laugh her ass out at my failed attempt of dressing up. But then, she will also be my fashion police and we style me in the perfect way mom would have wanted.
I have tons of makeup products that don't belong to me, clustered around the dressing mirror. My eyes looked like I just survived a fire incident as smudged mascara helped me achieve the dramatic effect. My face looks like it hasn't seen any atom of moisture in years, as my skin looks dry, patched, cracked and extremely white all thanks to the massive amount of powder I applied on my face.
As for my body, let me not even go there at all because I look like a freaking scaly fish thrown into a large sack. I think I deserve some accolades for my hair because I pulled off a silky magnificent and strong ponytail. The best thing I can boast off that I do right in fashion.
I'm currently taking ten deep breaths before slotting my legs in the killer heels mom strictly instructed me to wear. I opened my eyes wide, flare my nostrils, crack my knuckles, fan myself with my hands, take my last deep breath. And no! I'm not dying, I'm just taking the tenth breath before putting on the heels.
Having successfully worn the shoes, I breathe in relief and smile before doing my next task. Which is, taking ten steps. I took my first step with my feet wobbling terribly and I had to grab my mirror stand to stable myself. I took another few steps and finally landed heavily on the floor with groans and my ankles hurting badly. I really can't do this.
"You will do it because you can do it." A voice said before revealing its identity. It Mrs Bailey. Our longest staff. She used to be my nanny and she still is my Nanny. She runs the home, monitors the junior maids and all. She is the closest to the family and the most trusted worker. A stranger that became family. I see her as a grandmother. She has proven to be trustworthy, hence the reason why she commands a lot of respect. She is my granny's age mate.
"Ma'am Bailey, it hard to walk in these heels. And look at me, I look like a fashion disaster," I hollered completely frustrated as frowns marred my face and I pouted in annoyance. Ma'am Bailey found it funny and started chuckling.
"That is why I'm here to assist darling. Nothing is hard unless you made up your mind that it is hard and you can't do it," she started with a smile and touched the tip of my nose.
"But time is going fast, it will soon be time for the dinner and I'm not ready at all. I don't think I will be able to attend it," I blurted out and folded my legs beneath me on the floor.
"You can't be too sure. Never say never!" She reiterated with laughter and clapped her hands twice. Instantly, maids flocked everywhere in my room. They brought a new dress, more make up products, new shoes, and all. And they pulled me to sit before finally beginning my make overall again.
My makeover was a swift and meticulous work. I thanked everyone as they finally left me to myself in my room. I have on a black body con gown with tiny straps and three inches stiletto shoes. It was much better than the other heels. My make up is a mild and soft one that highlighted my face and made me look highly sophisticated. Just the way mother would have loved it. I have a long gold chain with pendant resting perfectly on my chest. And finally, the maids did something I have never thought of doing. They dyed my hair gold. So my dress code is black and gold.
They also straightened my hair and curled the edges and end. Making my hair fall in ringlets. In all, I look beautiful and stunning. I took another deep breath before leaving my room to meet the chauffeur.
"You look absolutely stunning tonight miss Gray," Steve. The chauffer complimented upon sighting me.
"Oh please, cut all formalities, Steve. You make me feel old," I remarked and entered the car while he closed the door.
After a twenty minutes drive around town, we arrived at the Royal 35 steak house. A huge and aristocratic restaurant in new york city landmark, the empire state building, combining the vibrant energy of new york city with an authentic steak house setting.
The waiters asked for my name and led me to our reservation. The upper private dining room that gave an elegant aura and sophistication. The restaurant has impressively high ceilings, mahogany wood walls, and dark leather tufted banquets. Behind the grand wooden door, entrance is an oak wood bar followed by a corridor lined with oversize circular banquets. Wine bottles adorn the walls all around the restaurant and an impressively large glass meat locker is on display.
My parents and another set of people are sitting on a table. Mom rushed to me and gave me a tight hug.
"You look, breathtaking honey," she started and raised my chin to look into her black eyes.
"Thanks, mother, so can we go and eat now, I'm starving?" I queried and shrugged my shoulders while a disapproving look appeared on her face.
"Remember honey, shoulders straight, head high, and be careful not to spill soups. Behave yourself." Mom forewarned and patted my shoulders. Before I nodded in response and marched towards the table.
"Welcome honey, you look beautiful Anna," dad said with a smile and gave me a hug.
"My bad, meet the Rosies family. The young charming guy over there is luke. Luke, meet Anna, my daughter." Dad introduced and we all shook hands before sitting.
"Now, let the dining begin," Mr Rosie said and instantly a waitress came to our table with the menu.
The Luke in question is a very handsome young man. The connection I felt the moment I shook his hand is inexplicable. I can't say for him, but as far as I'm concerned. We have a connection. Luke kept staring at me while I did the same till my dad cleared his throat while my mom laughed.
The menu is a long list of so many mouth-watering delicacies that I haven't even tasted, but from the images, they looked just perfect for a hungry person like me.
For the appetizers, I ordered a fresh oyster on the half-shells. For soups and salad, I ordered beefsteak tomato and onion sliced or chopped. For steaks and chops, I ordered prime new york strip steak. For plates of seafood, I ordered grilled Norwegian salmon fillet and lastly, potatoes and vegetables, I ordered sauteed onions.
Okay, it not like I'm a foodie or something. But do we all agree that hunger makes us do stupid things and then we feel like we can eat the entire world? Well, something like that is currently going on.
So according to the name, business date. As soon as we were done eating, they started business talk which is a very boring world my darlings. But it seems like I'm not the only one soaked and soiled in the boring world. The handsome lad opposite me seems to hate it here too. He offered we go to the balcony right in front of our table.
"So, what school do you attend?" He queried, sparing me a glance before finally holding the railings and staring at the bright lights outside that illuminated the darkness of the earth.
"Royal academy high school. What about you?" I equally perused staring at the beauty of the night. It felt like a thousand lights poke from different places in the darkness. The balcony provided a panoramic view exposing the beauty of the world as cool air ruffled my hair.
"Stuyvesant high school. I'm in my final year." He announced.
"This is beautiful," I blurted out. Extremely carried away by my environment.
"I can agree with that. But you are much more beautiful," he said coming closer and tucking some strand of hair behind my ears.
"Thanks. I need to go now. My parents are waiting for me," I declared and excused myself.
"We should do this some other time," he shouted making me pause since I'm almost inside.
"Without our parents of course," he added coming closer by taking little steps.
"I agree to that," I said with a nod and a smile before finally rushing inside.
My parents were ready to go, so I immediately joined them to bid the Rosies' a bye.
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