Chapter 51: A Party Beyond My Expectations
Sakolomé and Salomé were walking along the road leading to the prestigious party organized by Sally. The sun was setting slowly, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, but despite the beauty of the landscape, Sakolomé was lost in thought. A question kept looping in his mind: Would Sally be upset that he came accompanied?
He sighed inwardly. Whatever, he thought finally.
Salomé: Big brother!
Salomé's cheerful voice interrupted his reflections.
Sakolomé turned his head towards her, attentive.
Salomé: Why have you been so silent since earlier?
Sakolomé: Oh, it's nothing, don't worry. I was just thinking.
But Salomé wasn't the type to be satisfied with that answer. She slightly furrowed her eyebrows, curious.
Salomé: Thinking about what?
Sakolomé stopped abruptly in the middle of the path. His eyes fixed on the ground as if searching for an answer in the dust covering the cobblestones.
Salomé stopped too, observing her brother with a hint of concern. She felt there was something troubling him.
Salomé: Sakolomé… tell me what's bothering you. I want to know!
He sighed deeply before lifting his eyes towards her.
Sakolomé: Okay… Fine. Sally invited me alone to this party, and I'm afraid she might be upset if I come with someone else… even if that someone is you.
Salomé raised an eyebrow, surprised by this revelation.
Salomé: Ah, really?
Sakolomé nodded with a serious expression.
Salomé: But big brother… do you really think she would be bothered by your little sister?!
These words struck Sakolomé like an obvious truth he hadn't considered. He widened his eyes slightly, realizing he might have exaggerated the situation in his head.
Seeing his hesitation, Salomé continued in a calm but sincere tone:
Salomé: Listen… If you think it's not a good idea to go, we can go back home. It doesn't bother me at all, you know.
Sakolomé plunged his eyes into those of his little sister and saw a disarming sincerity. She said this only to make his life easier, without any selfish ulterior motives. But he also knew that Sally would be hurt if he canceled his visit again; she might think he didn't care about their friendship when she was making so much effort to preserve it.
He closed his eyes for a moment to think, then opened them with a new determination in his gaze.
Sakolomé: No… We'll never know how she'll react if we don't go! So let's go!
He clenched his fist as if to seal his resolution and resumed his walk with a more assured step, followed by Salomé who skipped joyfully behind him.
At the Liuly's, Sally was waiting impatiently at the entrance of their skyscraper. She cast furtive glances around while regularly checking the time on her watch.
An elderly man approached her with a condescending smile.
Elderly Man: Little Sally! What are you doing standing here? The party is already in full swing! And what's with this outfit? You're at a Liuly party, after all! Where's your elegance?!
Sally raised her eyes towards him with a polite but distant smile.
Sally: You know, Mr. John… Even if I'm a Liuly, I don't see why I should dress extravagantly for a party that means nothing to me personally. This reception is for my father's work; it doesn't really concern me.
The old man frowned at this response, which he judged impertinent.
Elderly Man: Well! The young Liulys of today are not what they used to be… What a shame!
Despite her growing annoyance, Sally maintained her legendary calm and replied with gentleness:
Sally: Mr. John… You're here as a guest of my father. It would be more gracious of you to join him in the main hall instead of staying here talking to me.
The man remained speechless for a moment, unable to determine if she was genuinely polite or subtly sarcastic. Finally, he shrugged and walked away without a word.
Sally let out an exasperated sigh as soon as he was out of sight.
Sally (to herself): Why do people never know how to mind their own business?
She scanned the surroundings again and looked at her watch:
Sally: 4:56 PM… But where is Sakolomé?!
A familiar voice rang out in the distance:
Voice: Hey Sally!!
She turned quickly and finally spotted Sakolomé… but he wasn't alone. A young girl was walking beside him.
Frowning slightly, Sally wondered inwardly: Who is this girl?
She approached the duo with curiosity and fixed her gaze directly on the unknown girl before saying:
Sally: Hi there!
The young girl responded with a shy smile.
Before Sally could ask more questions, Sakolomé took the lead:
Sakolomé: Sally, I'd like you to meet my little sister Salomé! Salomé, this is Sally, my friend!
Sally's eyes widened slightly in surprise before a radiant smile appeared on her face.
Sally: Your little sister?! Oh my god… She's so adorable!
Salomé blushed instantly under the compliment.
Salomé (timidly): Heu… thank you…
The wonder in Sally's eyes grew even more.
Sally (with enthusiasm): And she's shy! It's too cute!
Salomé lowered her head timidly as her cheeks took on an even redder hue.
With a warm laugh, Sally gestured to the duo:
Sally: Come on! Let's go up to my room!
Once they reached the 21st floor of the Liuly family's skyscraper, Sakolomé and Salomé were stunned by the immensity and luxury of Sally's room.
Sitting on the plush bed covered with an immaculate silk bedspread, they observed every detail with fascination.
Sakolomé: Honestly, for a room, it's enormous!
Salomé: Too enormous!
She nodded enthusiastically.
Sally: You're exaggerating! Do you want something to drink?
Salomé: Yes, I do!
Sally: You're really too adorable, Salomé! I'll also get you some cake!
Getting up to fetch drinks and treats,
Sally: Sakolomé, come with me; I don't have four arms to carry everything here!
Salomé: But I'm scared to stay here alone! I want to come with you!
Sally: Salomé, how old are you?
Salomé: I'm 9 years old!
With a soothing smile,
Sally: 9 years old? You're big now! In Gu-HoiT City, there's a saying that women grow faster than men, not just physically but mentally too!
Dazzled by these words,
Salomé: So you're from Gu-HoiT City?
Sally: Of course! Gu-HoiT City and Monor City seem like different worlds; each city has its own vibe!
Salomé: I see... Okay, I'll wait here. Go get me drinks and chocolate cakes and lollipops!
Concerned about his sister's many requests,
Sakolomé: Salomé, that's enough!
He spoke firmly.
Sally: What's wrong, Sakolomé? Salomé is adorable; she deserves everything she wants here, so leave her alone!
Sally's words made Salomé smile while Sakolomé remained displeased.
With tenderness,
Sally: Wait for us here; we'll be quick!
Salomé nodded in agreement.
They headed towards the spacious kitchen on the same floor.
Amazed by the vastness of the place,
Sally: Okay, let's keep it simple. Sakolomé, you'll get the drinks from the fridge on the right at the end of the hall; I'll go get the cakes from the one on the left with a container. Alright?
He nodded before each took their route.
In front of the fridge filled with fizzy drinks,
Sakolomé: It must be really cool to be rich!
He took a bag and returned to the fridge to fill it up:
Sakolomé: Okay, I think Sally and Salomé prefer fruit juices, so I'll take these... these... and these!
A voice resonated behind him:
Voice: Hey kid! You're blocking me!
He turned to see who was addressing him and apologized for blocking the way.
Sakolomé: I'm sorry...
But he stopped when he saw the man in front of him.
Surprised just as much as him,
Sakolomé: Gaïus?!
Gaïus: The little killer man?!
They exchanged a surprised glance before Sakolomé continued:
Sakolomé: You're invited to such an important party too?
Gaïus frowned with disdain:
Gaïus: What are you doing here?
With pride,
Sakolomé: I was invited by a friend, Sally Liuly!
Gaïus's eyes widened:
Gaïus: That's impossible! She's the boss's daughter; how could you be friends with someone so important, you, a mere killer man?
With a mischievous smile,
Sakolomé: I see you still hate my family just as much!
At that precise moment, a voice interrupted their conversation:
Voice: So, Sakolomé, are you done?
It was Sally coming to join Sakolomé.