6. The Party

"I feel so uncomfortable in this dress." I voiced out, adjusting the neck of the navy blue dress I was putting on — the dress Rosa borrowed me, because obviously, I didn't have any decent looking dress that would suit the occasion. I felt really uncomfortable in the dress. I wasn't really used to getting all dressed up. Rosa had wanted to force me into painting my face as well, but I strongly objected. It wasn't really my thing. I felt I always looked ugly whenever I had makeup on. I was comfortable with just my nude lipgloss on.

"Don't worry, babes, you look stunning." Rosa reassured. "To be honest, you look different. Like someone else."

Of course — I mentally rolled my eyes. I wasn't blind myself. I looked like someone else indeed. The dress I was putting on was borrowed, the bag, as well as the shoes. What did she expect? I was practically a counterfeitress. "Yeah, right." I slurred.

"Do you think I'm going to meet the one for me, tonight?" She emphasised, flicking her long eyelashes.

"With that kind of face?" I jeered, suppressing my laughter from erupting. "I doubt." I was only pulling her legs, yes, but amidst my remark, there was an atom of truth in it. I doubt any man would be attracted to a woman heavily made up like that. A larger percentage of men would prefer their women with lesser make up on.

Scrunching her face up, she lightly pushed me away. "You're such a killjoy." She remarked, gutturally.

I shrugged. "I was only being honest."

Rosa let out a contemptuous snort; "whatever. I won't be saddened by what you said. I know you're only envious of me." She finished with a conceited smile tugging on her lips.

I smiled back at her. One thing I really loved about her was her exuberance. Never the despondent type.

•

After what felt like forever, we finally hailed a taxi and few minutes later, arrived at our destination. Rosa specifically instruct the cabdriver to stop few blocks away from the ballroom. She quickly alighted the car and mouthed; "come on, Nicole."

I huffed. Rosa could be overly dramatic at times. I alighted the car and paid the cabman his fare. "Why did you tell the driver to stop here?" I questioned, puzzled.

"Why are you so clueless?" She grunted and face palmed. "Do you honestly think it'd speak well of us, if those rich people see us getting out of a TAXI? Come on, babes."

I burst into laughter at her words. "It's not like we have a car." I pointed out.

"No one has to know." She winked at me and sashayed towards the ballroom. I followed right behind. At the entrance, she was asked to show her pass, which she did, elegantly.

"Can we see yours, ma'am?" The doorkeeper inquired in a professional tone.

"She's with me." Rosa interjected, raising a brow at him. "Any problem with that?"

Bravo, Rosa! Bravo!

I must admit, she sounded so sophisticated. I could get deceived by her act.

"Go ahead." He stretched out a hand towards the door, ushering us in.

"Thank you." A small smile curled up Rosa's lips as we passed through the entry.

My gaze instantly darted to the shimmering decorations all over the place. The ballroom oozed of extravagant splendor. People were standing in groups, conversing so heartily. Instinctively, I felt out of place. I wasn't supposed to be present there. I was of a different calibre from them. "I think we should leave." I muttered to Rosa, who was discreetly admiring the elegance of the ballroom and the people present in it.

"Nonsense!" Rosa narrowed her eyes at me. "We just got here. Let's — OMG!" She suddenly squeak, but in a split second, she was back to feigning elegance.

I raised a brow questionably. "What's up with you?"

"Do you see that handsome man over there?" She pointed, her voice filled with nothing, but excitement.

My gaze averted to the direction she was pointing at and true to her words, standing there, was the most handsome man I had ever seen, or thought I had ever seen. He looked so breathtakingly beautiful in a black designer tuxedo. For a moment there, I got hypnotized just taking in his features from afar — his beautiful brown orbs, his nicely shaped nose, his lips and his chiseled jaw. In a nutshell, he looked perfect. I couldn't tear my gaze away from him even for a split second. All I wanted to do at that moment, was walk up to him and introduce myself, but I had to mentally remind myself that it was not the reason I left my former life behind and moved to the city. I had to remain focused.

"He's coming over here!" She suppressed a squeal and began to adjust her hair.

Anomalously, my heart began to thud faster against my chest. I looked his direction and indeed he was coming over. My cheeks flushed and my breath caught in my throat.

His steps were deliberate. Each one bringing him closer to where we stood. I suddenly felt conscious.

Instinctively, I turned around, attempting to walk way, but Rosa was quick to grab my hand, preventing moving an inch. "What are you doing?" She whisper-yelled, a silent plea from her, urging me to compose myself and not embarrass her.

I yanked my hand from her tight grip and cleared my throat and plastered on a polite smile.

"Hello," His deep voice resonated with authority that both intrigued and made me feel uneasy.

I froze.