Party

We finally managed to come down after 5 minutes while Elaine was half-dragging me. I'm already glad that I was donned in decent attire outside with all the nagging she was doing earlier to hurry me up. Since she said that she already prepared everything, I didn't bring anything at all but my essential stuff.

I was about to enter her car when I realized something.

"Wait, are you going to drive?"

"Yes, who else would drive?" She answered, throwing an impatient look at my direction.

No way.

I told her, going to the driver's side where she's still standing, "I'll drive instead."

"No way! We'll be late," she refused, vigorously shaking her head.

"Will we even reach our destination if you're the one who will drive?" I shot back, pointing at the scratches and bumps on her car.

"If we got lost, I'll make sure your wallet bleeds," she replied, finally conceding.

Strapping my seat belt in, I started the car while saying, "I will drive while you tell me the way."

It was all going well until she suddenly yelled, "Wrong turn!"

I looked at her incredulously, "You were supposed to tell me the way."

She was so busy with her phone that she barely looked at the road when she should have been showing me the way. I felt myself getting old by the minute because of Elaine.

"Sorry, I didn't know you were this bad. Take the next turn after you get back," she clasped her hands in front of her apologetically then went back to texting with her phone.

But then her phone rang loudly before she managed to pick it up immediately, "We're almost there! Yeah! We'll head there directly so Miranda can change first," and hung up the call just as fast.

"Quinn's getting antsy. Drive faster," she urged.

With Elaine's insistence and me wanting to get out of this car to escape her, I had enough motivation to hit the max speed limit so we finally arrived at the club before I burst a blood vessel from keeping my temper in check.

It certainly wasn't how I imagined my day off going by.

I parked the car in one of the few spaces available in front of the suites. There were more people milling about at the moment because it was Saturday and probably some touring the club before the charity party started later.

Elaine guided me to a room where I presumed the others were waiting. I was greeted by them as soon as I opened the door.

"You forgot, didn't you?" Quinn cheekily asked from her perch on the sofa.

"It wasn't intentional. I was really busy and no one told me the last time we got together," I grimaced at her words.

Lila stood up from the bed to pass me the several garment bags in her hands.

"I chose these based on your size. See if it fits you," she said with that same usual cool tone while handing them to me.

"Thanks," I said, taking them with the intent to check it out first.

"Go and try them!" Elaine jumped up like a hyperactive rabbit and pushed me to the bathroom without getting a say.

Resigned to my fate, I hung the garments by the door and took the first gown out to try it on.

It was a strapless black number that wrapped to my skin closely from the chest but parted ways around mid-thigh for the off center slit. It fitted me just fine but I find the skin tight feeling uncomfortable.

I opened the next one and closed it back up without blinking. My skin was often pale and wearing a baby pink color would make me look like a malnourished ghost. Definitely a no.

The last one made me gasp in awe. The off-shoulder long dress was body hugging in the bust area but flowed lightly towards the end. It flattered my upper torso with the delicate lace flowers stitched on the whole area going sparse downwards. It was simply breathtaking. Instead of looking ethereal because of the cut, it looked devilish with its crimson red color. I tried it on and decided that this was the gown that I'll wear tonight.

I walked out of the bathroom to show them the gown but found only Lila and Quinn in the room.

"Oh wow! It looks fantastic on you," Quinn exclaimed, moving closer to examine the fitting.

Lila put a pair of heels near me then said, "These heels would be a partner for this."

It was a dark red stiletto heels that was simple but the thick straps that wound up several rounds on my feet complimented my gown well whenever a glimpse was seen on the sheer ends of it.

"This outfit is perfect for me. I doubt I could have chosen so well. Thank you, Lila," I flashed a grateful look at her.

"I'm glad that it suited you," her lips moved imperceptibly and I knew that was the most smile-like gesture I could get from her.

"Where is Elaine by the way?" I wondered, the room was noticeably subdued without her presence.

Quinn grinned, "She was off to pester the organizers in the venue. It's probably just some last minute checks. It still gives me the shivers when she transforms from sloppy to perfectionist when it's about charities."

"This isn't even like one of her big charity parties. Since it's going to be in the club, there was a limit with the invitees despite the fact that a lot of people want to go," Lila pointed out.

"I don't even want to imagine how crazier she could be if this party was already toned down. Anyway, I heard that this was mostly for the members," Quinn shook her head.

"Is that why it's masquerade themed?" I curiously asked.

I've been meaning to ask Elaine because it wasn't like her other parties that I attended before.

Quinn laughed as she recalled the moment, "I'm not sure but I heard her whispering to herself one time that ladies go crazy with this kind of stuff so our wallets would even be looser."

Elaine's shamelessness made me burst out laughing too.

"I think it's about time we start preparing," Lila butted in to which we all simultaneously start after seeing the clock already at 6 pm.

After two hours, I finally arrived along with Quinn who was draped in a midnight blue asymmetrical one shoulder line that was tight to the bodice but loosely flared to her waist and Lila looked a sight to behold in her strapless silver gown that seemed to flow like water in her body. Donned with tasteful masks that matched our gowns, we headed inside.

I've seen the venue a lot since it was usually where the indoor events at the club were held but now it was almost unrecognizable. The cavernous hall was filled with the color of black and gold in every corner. There was a raised hexagonal platform in the middle that was distinguished by greek-inspired pillars in each of its corners, surrounded by strategically placed tables for the attendees.

There was also a music band at the side playing classical tunes that made the atmosphere enigmatic which perfectly complemented the theme for tonight. Clusters of gold and black roses were aesthetically placed all over the place.

A glance on the side led to the open doors where the garden was transformed to an inviting mysterious otherworld. Random lamps were placed so there were parts that were dim accompanied by a misty smoke. Looking at it gave the attractive notion of going inside and being lost in a fantasy world.

"Damn. Elaine went all out this time. I should have her organize our yearly halloween parties for HBC," Quinn praised as she looked around in amazement.

"I doubt she'd be able to do that when she doesn't have much motivation left for other things than the foundation and charities." Lila unhesitatingly doused her with reality.

"Why do they look all giddy though?" I muttered, noticing something different.

We were all standing in front of the entrance waiting for our turn at the registration table.

We were all wearing masks but there were a lot of giggles in the air not to mention their body movements looked excited somehow. I don't think the venue would bring about this weird kind of excitement.

"Oh. I heard there would be a special program later that includes men. I think what made them enthusiastic was because the heir of HBC was going to attend. That's what rumors say since Elaine won't confirm it," Lila commented while looking on in interest.

My mind was focused on another thing entirely though, "You have a brother? I thought you're an only child."