Chapter 9: The Unwanted Celebration
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Chapter 9: The Unwanted Celebration
Leah stared at the swirls of frosting on the massive cake her mother had ordered, her expression a mix of dread and resignation. A ball party. For her birthday. She had no idea what her parents were thinking.
"Darling, it’s your 18th!" her mother had said, clapping her hands together in excitement when she’d announced the plans. “It has to be grand. A night to remember!”
Leah, on the other hand, was trying her best to forget it was even happening.
Now, as the day loomed closer, she felt suffocated by the preparations. Her mother and the event planner flitted around the house, pointing at decorations, approving catering menus, and rehearsing what she should say during the toast. All Leah wanted was a quiet day with Sylvia and maybe some cake. Instead, she was being paraded around like a prize at an auction.
The day of the party arrived too quickly.
Leah stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection with a frown. She’d been forced into a dress that made her feel like she was drowning in fabric. It was a grand ball gown in a soft pastel blue, with layers of tulle that swished dramatically every time she moved. Tiny sparkles caught the light as they were sewn intricately across the bodice, making her look like something out of a fairytale.
Her hair had been styled into soft curls that framed her face, and her makeup was minimal but flawless, highlighting her sharp cheekbones and soft brown eyes. She looked stunning, and she hated it.
“Leah, come on! We’re waiting!” her mother called from downstairs.
With a sigh, Leah plastered a smile on her face and made her way to the grand hall where the party was in full swing.
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The hall was transformed, glittering with chandeliers and filled with the soft hum of classical music. Guests in elegant attire floated around, chatting and sipping champagne. Sylvia waved enthusiastically from across the room, looking radiant in a sleek burgundy dress. Leah envied her friend’s comfort in this world of glitz and glamor.
“You look amazing,” Sylvia whispered when Leah reached her.
“Thanks,” Leah muttered, tugging at her dress. “I feel ridiculous.”
Sylvia laughed. “You don’t look ridiculous, trust me. Besides, it’s your night. Try to enjoy it.”
Leah nodded absently, her fake smile still firmly in place as she greeted guests and accepted their compliments. She was about to escape to the refreshment table when her mother appeared by her side, a knowing smile on her lips.
“Leah, darling, come with me. There’s someone I’d like you to meet,” she said, taking her arm before she could protest.
Leah followed reluctantly, her heart sinking as they approached her father, who stood chatting with a group of men. Her father’s booming laugh echoed as he clapped one of the men on the back. Beside him stood a boy, tall and poised, his sharp suit tailored to perfection.
Leah’s breath caught in her throat when the boy turned toward her.
It was Jackson.
Her father gestured toward her with a proud smile. “Leah, this is Mr. Williams, an old friend of mine, and his son, Jackson.”
Jackson’s gaze flicked to her, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. “We’ve met,” he said simply, holding out his hand.
Leah hesitated, then shook his hand stiffly. “Yes, we’ve met.”
“Wonderful!” Mr. Williams said, clapping his hands together. “Leah, why don’t you show Jackson around? Let the young people have some fun.”
Her mother beamed. “What a splendid idea.”
Leah bit back a groan and forced another smile. “Sure. Let’s go.”
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The garden was quiet, a stark contrast to the lively party inside. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver glow over the manicured hedges and flowerbeds.
Leah walked ahead, her arms crossed, and Jackson followed a step behind, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.
“So,” Leah said finally, breaking the silence. “How do our families know each other?”
Jackson shrugged. “No idea. My dad didn’t mention anything until this morning. Something about business, I guess.”
Leah nodded, not entirely satisfied with the answer but unwilling to press further.
They walked in silence for a while, the gravel crunching under their feet. Jackson occasionally glanced at her, as if he wanted to say something, but the words never came.
Eventually, Leah stopped near a fountain, the water trickling softly in the background. She turned to face him, her expression unreadable. “Thanks for the walk,” she said curtly.
Jackson raised an eyebrow. “That’s it? No small talk, no questions about my life?”
“Why would I?” she replied, her tone sharp. “We’re not exactly friends.”
Jackson chuckled, unfazed by her hostility. “Fair enough. Enjoy the rest of your party, Princess.”
Leah rolled her eyes and walked away, leaving him by the fountain.
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Back in her room, Leah kicked off her heels and peeled off the heavy dress, tossing it onto a chair. She slipped into a loose shirt and leggings, finally feeling like herself again.
Sitting by the window, she gazed up at the moon, its pale light soothing her frazzled nerves. Her sketchbook lay open on the desk, and she picked up a pencil, letting her hand move freely across the page.
The garden came to life in her sketch, the fountain and moonlight captured in delicate strokes. Drawing always calmed her, and tonight was no different.
A knock on the door startled her, and she looked up to see Sylvia poking her head in.
“There you are,” Sylvia said, stepping inside. “I’ve been looking for you.”
“Sorry,” Leah said with a small smile. “Needed a break.”
Sylvia sat on the bed, her eyes scanning the sketchbook. “Wow, that’s beautiful. You really have a gift, you know.”
“Thanks,” Leah murmured, her gaze drifting back to the window.
Sylvia stayed for a while, chatting quietly until it was time to leave. When the party finally ended, Leah was left alone with her thoughts, wondering what twists and turns her life had in store next.
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