Chapter 12: The Rules of a Ball

I sighed walking toward the exit of my bedroom, dreading having to go talk to my mother. I was about to exit when Charles called out to me, "Hey Lady Victoria! Just know you look beautiful okay? I'm sure she'll love it."

He gave me a thumbs up, "Very Belle." He winked at me and I smiled, Charles's compliment made me feel a little better but overall I was still drained.

I smiled until Charles left my eye view that's when my smile left my face. Once,I reached the elevator I was greeted by my two usual security guards who were waiting for me like usual. I went down with them and I parted with them once I reached the bottom.

She was waiting for me of course, wearing that black veil she always wears, like she's a widow or something.

She's knows her husband is still alive, A.K.A my Dad but their relationship is complicated. Therefore, she is complicated, the whole story with her and my Dad happened so quickly...

That I honestly don't even know the whole story myself, but I will soon, once I find out where Rene is. That is the determination right now that is keeping from a breakdown, that and the upbeat attitude of Charles Dickson.

I gazed at my mother and her cold eyes, ever since the incident happened she never looked the same. I noticed that little detail and I also noticed that she takes that frustration out on me. She even dyed her beautiful red hair, blonde.

Making me feel a bit a shamed with mine, for the only other person in this house who had red hair, was my father. Is she trying to say I'm like him, that I look to much like him? Is that why she leaves me with this burden?

I never hated my unique and rare hair color; I actually enjoy it, but when I see my mother and how she looks at me. I start to question this unique hair color of mine, kinda wishing I had another hair color.

I look down at the smooth,hardwood floor and when my mother speak it sends a chill up my spine. "Victoria, you know we are having a Gathering today right? It's only about an hour away now, you know that right?" I nodded trying to keep myself calm, even the sound of her voice had me on edge.

I heard footsteps step closer and closer to me and once I looked up, my mother was in front of me, her dead eyes morphing into a Hawk Glare. Looking her in the eyes..I felt I couldn't look away,for if I did I felt she would pounce on me, yell to her lungs gave in.

So I didn't look away and I continued to stare into her eyes, playing her stare game and I asked, "Mother is there something you wan-?" She put her hand in my face, gesturing me to stop talking and she smiled widely.

"You know the Rules Victoria and I believe I don't need to remind you, do I?" My face remained neutral even though inside I wanted to scream. Those a-cursed Ballroom rules of course I know them! I was raised with them!

I nodded and respond with, "Of course Mother I never forgot, number one of course is never talk about what goes on in the Mansion. Be a good Acres Heir and smile and wave. Bring prosperity and Honor to the Acres's name."

Her smile faded and she clapped her hands together, coming closer and giving me a "hug". The hug feeling cold, dark, and lonely. Bringing no happiness to the meaning.

After she backed away from me she said, "Yes exactly remember that, especially if you want to keep your privileges. Now go back up stairs to the Main Room. Charles will be waiting. He will be the one who is escorting you to the Gathering okay?"

I nodded with a smile and walked back to the Elevator where the doors open and my two Security Guards sat on opposite sides of the Elevator.

The doors close but not before I got a last glance of my mother's evil grin. That women is truly something else, I'm just glad this time I didn't get yelled at and that I kept my calm. I have to plan my escape soon.