Chapter 13

I open my eyes slowly to the light that creeped slightly through my window, rolling over to face the wall I let out a low sigh when I realized what day it was. I lay still in hopes that the day will just pass if i lay here in my bed long enough but just as soon as that thought came to my head it left just as fast when there came a knock at my door.

" Ms. Helena are you awake "

" Yes Braelia you may come in "

Keeping my eyes closed I hear the door open and close softly knowing braelia had entered my bedroom, I let out another sigh

" Oh please tell me I am having just a horrible dream braelia and it is not the morning of the oh so long anticipated Churchill ball "

" Well your grace I am afraid that I would be lying to you if I did state what you just asked me to but in other news, your dress "

My heart drops to my stomach and i fling myself out of the bed.

" That's right, my dress ! "

Braelia lets out a small giggle and gestures for me to follow her so that she can show me to my dress. My mind runs a million miles wracking up all the different possibilities this dress could have turned out. I make it to the last step and see the beautifuly decorated box I know and love all to well sitting in our doormans arms. Letting out a girlish squeel I rush over and slowly lift the lid, before it could fully come off I hear more footsteps coming down the stairs and when I look over it s none other than my mother and sister whom had a look of worry before they realized what all my excitement was for. My sister having nearly the exact reaction I had she rushes over to her box and nearly rips the lid of the box off to reveal her dress. Which to my surprise was a gorgeous pale pink rather than a lavender I distinctly remeber her swooning over.. that looked rather similar actually to...well...one of my favorite dresses. With her excitement I shrug that thought off as alot of our dresses may be similar but I possibly just haven't noticed it if I am being completely honest with myself.

" Well Helena darling, go on, open yours "

My sisters squeels and jumps come to a halt and I resume lifting the lid of my box..except this time she left me a note

...*Define your own beauty*...

A hitch of my breath I hold the note to my chest for a bref second before handing it off to Braelia. Already at a loss for words I run my fingers over the fabrics slowly and softly. Grasping each side of the top of my dress ever so slightly and raising it up I hear a gasp come from my mama

"Oh isn't that lovely Helena ! "

Not being able to form a single thought I just keep my eyes on the dress, completely mesmerized. May I remind you again I have stepped completely out of my comfort zone and what I am used to for this dres-

" Seriously Helena "

My thoughts are cut short and I cant help but look to my sister in absolute shock, my mother following close behind my reaction.

" Emilia ! Where is this sudden attitude coming from "

Rolling her eyes at my mother words she tosses her dress back in her back before snatching mine from my hands too quickly for me to react.

" Oh mama this dress is horrific, the color choices will not be flattering at al and Helena with your frame- "

" Enough! "

My fathers voice echoes from the top of the stair case but I can't even turn my head to look in his direction, I can not get myself to move at all. My eyes stay fixated on my sister still in a state of shock, her eyes hold anger, fear, and if I am not mistaken...jealousy ?

" Emilia what has gotten into you ? "

With that Emilia lets out a clearly frustrated groan and tosses my dress back in my direction before turning on her heels and stomping her way back up to the room. Still unable to move Braelia comes to me and gently grabs the dress from my hands, laying it back in the box before she covers it back up. The room is silent and all I could here was myself in my own thoughts trying to sort out what exactly just happened, and what has happened to my sister ?

" Helena, the dress is gorgeous.. "

My mom comes to stand infront of me and rubs both of my shoulders before planting a kiss on top of my head. Im able to give her a weak, small smile in response and with that she just pulls me in for a hug. My father standing beside us trying to make sense of the situation as well, just as confused as the two of us.

" And it will look breath taking on you tonight darling "

As mother finished her sentence my father came to her side and raised one hand to my shoulder sending me a small nod as a way of letting me know he was in agreement with mother. Closing my eyes I take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds before releasing it slowly.

"..I am ok.."

Sharing a light hearted smile with my parents reassuring them that I am in fact, ok. Looking in Braelias direction I nod letting her know its ok to take the dress up to my room now in which she walks over and bows to my parents excusing herself before she grabs the delicate box and makes her way to my bedroom. Excusing myself from my parents as well I follow shortly after. Although I said I was ok I can't help how clouded my mind became with the whole situation I just focus on controlling my breathing until I was able to make it to my bedroom.