Chapter 3- Only time

Mornings are supposed to be relaxing and pleasant. And someone ought to tell that to my aunt who barged in to my room this morning and literally dragged me out of my bed while muttering some stuff about being late for free breakfast . Great, messy pony tail, T-shirt and pants and I'm out in public. I wonder if my aunt notices my drag state. She throws me a glance as we were in the lift and said "we'll have breakfast in the meeting room. Only a few committee members will be there." Yep..she totally noticed my underdressed state. 

  We arrived at the meeting room in no time for the sake of free food.My aunt introduced me to the ones around, most of them around my aunt's age. I greeted everyone of them politely and flashed a good kid smile. They were rather friendly folk,unlike my aunt's secretary who sneered and scorned at me . Yep, remind me to stay away from people who judge a book by its cover. She rolled her eyes and continued on the phone with a minister using a voice that sent goosebumps down my spine. I've decided to call her "hag" as calling her a woman would disgrace the female race. Perhaps it was my underdressed state or was it just because I was the prized niece of Amy Ma --you've got to give it to my aunt, she really does know how to brag. In someway, she reminded me of those evil stepsisters in fairy tales who were mean and full of themselves .

   Breakfast was great despite having to bear with the hag's annoying voice . I was trying to figure out how the hag possibly existed or survived when my aunt disrupted my thought.
 "Kate, I'm gonna leave you with Jen while I prepare for tonight. Make sure you're ready."
 Before I could even ask what I was suppose to be ready for, she was already out the door muttering yet again about being late for something.
 "Great.." I was abandoned ... again.
"Miss Kate, my name is Jen and I'm in charge of assisting you with your attire  today." I spun around and saw a polished lady standing before me. Well, at least she looks friendly unlike the hag. Confused, I stared at her questioningly, what's wrong with my attire? Okay perhaps I am really underdressed now but did aunt Amy seriously hire a person to tell me that? 

    

  As she read my expression, she explained how tonight was a big night for me and aunt Amy. So I ought to look more than presentable. I don't know why but something doesn't seem right about it. Do I seriously need to look so extravagant that when I asked her whether or not I could wear the maxi dress that I brought , she simply waved it off saying
 "no,no,no.that will never do." In her no nonsense voice.

    If that didn't do? What did ? 

Apparently manicures,spas and etcetera did. She took me to a spa, I had to admit it felt so damn good I almost fell asleep. Next was a trip for a facial plus a manicure . I mean all this is sort of nice and all but something still didn't click.Why would aunt Amy invest on all these? But then again ,I suppose all these is free which is why she wasn't letting it go to waste by letting me enjoy it since she was oh-so-busy. Yep. That's right. 

    I was pampered from head to toe from morning till evening. Just when I thought we were done, Jen brought in a beige ball gown with slight floral prints that was so simple and yet elegant that I couldn't resist but stroke the material . She helped me put it on and urged me to sit down so she could do my make up. And for the first time since forever,I trusted someone to do my make up. I believe I was in good hands since Jen apparently had great sense of style . She even put my hair up in a simple up do with a hair stick that had pearls at the end. 

  

   When she was done, she moved away so I could take a look in the mirror and damn. "Who are you and what have you done to Kate ?" I chuckled as I stared at my reflection. The gown was absolutely to my liking,not to mention what a great job Jen did to my hair and make up.My jade necklace which was a family heirloom  surprisingly went well with the whole outfit. I looked at Jen gratefully, and hugged her for what she did. A bit overreacting but hey, it's great to know that even I can look like this .

  "It's nothing miss Kate, was a pleasure working with you miss. All the best for your performance tonight." I stared at her blankly.
"What do you mean by performance?"
She shrugged and said that's what aunt Amy told her,that I was gonna perform tonight .That was all. 

 "Crap.crap.crap.. What in the world does she mean by that??"
Just as I was about to make a distress call to aunt Amy, she burst into the door already dressed in her cheong sam and signature pearl earrings.
 "Oh my, you look wonderful my dear. Now,the event is gonna start soon so we best make our way to the venue now."
Before she could yet again drag me along,I managed an
 "Excuse me,but Jen said something about me performing something? Or I probably misheard?" Hopefully I really did misheard . Aunt Amy looked back at me and said in a matter of fact tone
"Didn't my secretary tell you? You're gonna be the leading the first dance tonight."  I stared at her disbelievingly and sighed.. Evil hag was behind this. Great. It's too late to escape now, aunt Amy is already dragging me by the arm to the venue with a death grip. 

   I stared back helplessly at Jen who bid me farewell as I was dragged further and further away. Fingers crossed u don't have to dance with an old man who can't keep his hands to himself ,that would just be.. Unthinkable.

   As we neared the entrance of the venue, I replaced my shock with a friendly facade .This means war you old hag . I'll show you what happens when you judge a book by its cover.  Our presence was acknowledged the instant we stepped in. Basically everyone was up for a meet and greet Amy Ma and my genius for an aunt was using me as a magnet to attract attention and envy from the fellow attendees who were mostly middle aged people from the upper class.
"Heh, might as well play along since she paid for my spa." Time to let the lady to surface and be like one.Lady-like ways to talk, walk and breathe. Most of it drilled into me by my mom from an early age. I couldn't help but think that she was actually preparing me to be the perfect bride when I grow up but heck, that's just weird in this time and age.

   After they finally and thank god dispersed thanks to aunt Amy , I swear I couldn't take anymore people trying to match make me with their son or nephew. I just can't.
"Spit spot, We need to hurry!" Aunt Amy lead me towards the VIP area and there stood a group of people . From a distance I saw the hag there ,she was apparently harassing someone with that voice of hers again.There was a elderly gentleman there who my aunt referred as James. I was introduced to James (more like sold) by my aunt. From the fliers around, It's obvious that sir James is the biggest sponsor for this event. "crap.. does that mean I'm gonna dance with him?"

"What a fine young lady, I'm honored to have my son lead the first dance with you." And with that, he nudged his son who was apparently the person being harassed by the hag to greet me. The hag was disappointed that her conversation was cut short, disappointment was quickly covered with dismay as she saw who the culprit was.

  

   I could hear the hag mentally scowl at me in disbelief when she realized who I was whilst I cheerfully smiled at her. Well who knew revenge was sweet?  Turning my attention back to sir James' son, I realised he was staring at  me. Or was he gaping? He did look familiar actually..have I seen him anywhere before?
"Trouble magnet?" I heard him whisper .
"You?!" HOLY CRAP ITS HIM.
Why does he suddenly look so handsome? Holy crap was I that blind before that I didn't see those mesmerising eyes behind those boring specs of his?
"KEEP CALM KATE.KEEP CALM." I ran the mantra over and over again in my mind just in case sirens went around in my head panicking . Apparently everyone in the group saw our little "reunion" and uncle James and aunt Amy was elated to learn that we have met prior to today . The old hag didn't seem happy with it though.

  "Chase, what are you waiting for? The music is about to start. You better escort this lovely lady here over to the centre court now in time for the dance" said uncle James . He recovered from his shock and nodded at his father's statement. At least I finally know his name now, Chase huh? if I recall correctly, chase meant hunter. 

**Scene music in the player -- it's called the score.*

   Chase extended his hand to me and I accepted it . We made a beeline to the centre of the ballroom,with my hand in his as he lead me. We shared a few looks of confusion, agreement and understanding as the crowd started to clear away from where we were. Giving us space to lead the first dance. 

    The music began and so did we with a bow and curtsy we struck our position. I knew instantly that this man could waltz by the way he held me.As we took our first steps, I felt his clear lead. We smiled, realizing how well we spoke to each other without saying a word. Then he lifted his arm for a single turn and I spun effortlessly. He smiled again, and I could see his mind turning, either thinking of new moves to try or trying to figure out how we ended up here.

  

  I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy dancing with him even though we had an audience. His shoulders were broad and firm and with the help of heels, I fitted perfectly with his height. I felt this wonderful chemistry between us as we continued to glide and spin and twirl with grace around the floor.

  As the music softly ended, we both beamed with delight. I was breathless with exhilaration. He had shown me how beautiful a dance the waltz can be.The crowd slowly joined in and danced. Both of us looked at each other and silently agreed to get out of there to talk ASAP. 

  He lead the way and we ended up at the balcony .
"Typical place to stay low profile eh?" I chuckled.
"Yep.Just like the movies."
We enjoyed the silence for a while and he finally broke the ice.
" We should get this sorted out right? " he asked.

"Why should we? Isn't it nice just the way things are for now? I had an adventure today, I was dragged out of bed. An evil old hag didn't inform me that I was leading the first dance . I panicked about dancing with an old man who can't keep his hands to himself and I ended up here in the balcony with you." He just looked at me with disbelief.. And started laughing with me too.

"I'm gonna take a good guess and say that the evil old hag is that secretary earlier." I recalled the look on her face earlier and just couldn't help but giggle. If I remember correctly, she was boasting about how  rare it was to see her in a dress which was suppose to mean that she looks drop dead gorgeous now, But I doubt the dress does much difference with her ugly personality now does it? 

"BINGO,congratulations you win a prize." I said as I  gestured and handed him an imaginary prize. It was albeit a bit childish thing to do but he actually pretended to accept it.

"You look beautiful " I looked behind me,making sure it was actually directed to me .
"Thanks,You don't look too bad yourself."I beamed. Can you believe this ignorant guy started laughing at me because of that?
"You don't get compliments like that often now do you?"  

"From old folks with bad eyesight? Plenty. From a guy who looks for trouble? Not till just now." I said whilst trying to cover up the blush.
 "Perhaps we should head back in before my dad and your aunt go sending for a search party." He suggested.
 "Yeah.. Wait. Can we collaborate and be partners tonight? I doubt you wanna dance with evil old hags that view you as an eligible bachelor and I want to avoid pervy men."
I stared at him, waiting for an answer.
"So what makes you think I'm not one those pervy men?" He smirked.
 "Really? Fine. I'll tell the hag you're interested, I'm sure she's keen." His facial expression changed and we finally came to an agreement to go as partners for the night.

**authors note ---wheww...that was long.so what do u think?**