Chapter 4

The air was still and crisp as the dawn promised the arrival of a new day. The sun began to make its way into the room, casting its gentle glow through the partially drawn curtains of the bedroom as soft golden hues filtered into the room. She squinted her eyes as the beams made their way to her eyes. She grudged silently as she needed more sleep. She turned and tussled on the mattress struggling with her heavy eyes and she opened them slowly, letting out a yawn while stretching out her limbs. She sunk back into the mattress and let out a satisfying sigh. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips at the thought of the Clawthorne ball. Deep in her heart, she had always wanted to attend the Clawthorne Ball. The anticipation kept her awake most of the night, mostly because Damian had asked her to go to the ball. She suddenly felt butterflies in her tummy. Her mind is adrift with the fantasies of beautiful gowns and men's attire swirling and dancing. She stood up from the bed and walked into the bathroom filled with the subtle aroma of lavender. She gently closed the door behind her and reached for the silver faucets turning them on to release warm water into the bathtub. She pulled off her night garment as the level of the water rose. She added a few drops of fragrant liquid soap to the water and sank into the embrace of the bubbling water, releasing all the pressure she felt into the water. She took her sponge and scrubbed her body gently. When she was done she got out of the tub, she wrapped herself in a plush towel. She stepped out of the bathroom ready to face the world anew, leaving behind the weariness she felt, washed away in the serenity of the water. She wiped the dampness off her body and adorned a simple but elegant gown. She sat in front of the mirror and picked her hair comb, subtly brushing her hair. Gazing herself in the mirror.

 "Will I fit in"

 She spoke loudly to herself

 "What if I pass out"

 She laughed at the taught of passing out at the ball.

 "Will they even consent to it"

She became skeptical whether or not her parents would consent to her going to the Clawthorne ball. Her parents were against her going to the Clawthorne ball, to think of it they were scared to even let her move freely around Clawthorne. She always had to stay indoors most of the time. The only escape she would have was Lucia, she could only go to Lucia's house and that was it. Her mother always said it was for her good. She knew she had to ask for her parent's consent to go to the ball. Still combing her hair lost in thought, she failed to notice Rose standing behind her. As Rose cautiously approached her with her footsteps whispering against the marble floor of her room. She is delicate enough to break through the walls of her vulnerable and occupied mind.

Rose reaches out barely brushing against Celeste's arm, bringing her back to reality.

 "You can go for the ball"

Rose could understand how it felt to be restricted from doing what one yearned to do. She felt a sense of emotion hearing Celeste speak to herself the whole time.

Celeste was astonished by her mother's words of approval, Her face lit up she gasped in disbelief, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction. She felt a sudden burst of excitement, Unable to contain her excitement she spun around in an unexpected dance of sheer joy.

 Her mother, standing beside her watches Celeste with a warm smile spread widely across her face.

 She immediately rushes to Rose, wrapping her fragile hands in a tight embrace. The words

 "thank you

escaped her lips, filled with genuine appreciation and astonishment. She expected a lot more persuasion and pleas before being granted permission to go for the ball.

 "on one condition "

She said with a dead stare on her face. Celeste knew her mother was serious

 "You must be back early, the nights are too dangerous"

 Celeste didn't mind as long as she could go for the ball. She quickly replied

 "Of course Mother, I'll be back as soon as possible"

She responded with sincerity.

 "and Lucia must be with you at all times"

 That wasn't a criterion for Celeste because she and Lucia were together all the time.

 "You worry too much Mother, I'll be with her like a handbag"

 She said as she embraced her mother once more.

 "You should start preparing "

Her mother said reminding her that she had little time to make preparations.

 However, the realization hits her - she has no outfit to wear for the ball. Her initial excitement starts to waver as worry starts to take its place. She began to rummage through her closet but couldn't find anything. She decided to seek her Mother's advice. She turned abruptly to meet her mother only to find her standing with a beautifully wrapped box in her hands. Rose untied the ribbon to free the glorious piece from the box, revealing a ball dress more beautiful than she had imagined with a glass heel sited beside it. Her eyes widened in utter marvel at the gown in front of her. It was a white corset carefully adorned with pearls and delicate embroidery, glorious in all its essence, with a baffling simplicity.

 Celeste wasn't sure if she was about to cry, tears welled up in her eyes as she beheld the dress. She realizes the depth of love her mother had for her.

 "This is the most beautiful thing I've seen"

Rose smiles tenderly at her daughter, her own eyes glistening with satisfaction

 "My mother gave this to me, and I would love you to have it"

Rose was handed the gown by her mother and felt it was time to also pass it on to Celeste. She hesitated for a bit before handing the box over to Celeste.

 Celeste embraced her mother again, losing count of how many times she had hugged her mother.

 "Thank you"

Her mother placed a kiss on her cheek, leaving her to get ready for the ball. She felt anxiety starting to kick in but she suppressed it and started to get ready for the ball.