Chapter 30-1

I ALWAYS USE to think that one can never feel too broke. But fuck that. Everyone in this damn gala most positively had seperate net-worths of over ten million. This place looked fresh out of a french medieval fantasy film. I knew it was designed to a particular era or movement, and if I had to pick one, I would probably say something like a beux-arts  architecture style. I didn't just pull that term out of my ass; I remember it from the one History of Art lecture I accidentally sat through last year. But that wasn't the worst part—the worst part was the fact that I sat there for thirty minutes before I realised I was in the wrong lecture. There were pink and purple lights that ran up the beautifully designed walls while bright golden lights highlighted the more important architectural designs. Michael and I stood awkwardly together, side by side as David and my mother were talking to fellow associates. We hadn't even made it into the main dining hall yet because every step we took, some old rich dude wanted to chat with David. I had lost everyone a good twenty minutes ago. At least we were all seated at the same table which I was now super eager to find. I don't know what the fuck possessed me to believe it was a good idea to wear these goddamn stupid heels. Sure, they made my legs look amazing but my dumbass forgot that my dress was long and completely covered them. Yet it wasn't long enough that I could wear no shoes and get away with it. The fates are conspiring against me. "Ugh—my bowtie is too tight." Michael groans below me and I glance down to see him tugging at the black tie around his neck. "Here," I say as I crouch down and reach up to his neck. I untie it before I begin again, "Did I tell you how grown up you look?" "I'm still wearing caterpillar socks." Michael beams a smile at me and I can't help but laugh. He was so much like Noah that it was uncanny. "Have you seen Chase yet?" I hesitantly glance up at him. Michael might be young but he's extremely intuitive. Noah's also been in his ear about his captaining of the vessel that is Chase and I's relationship. "Nope." I smile softly and continue to focus on fixing his bowtie. I actually hadn't seen Chase since earlier this afternoon. Since the gala was being held in San Diego, we all decided to stay one night in a hotel that was deeper into the city. We all arrived mid-day and went swimming in the rooftop pool. However, Chase left before anyone else, got dressed in his suit and went to pick up Emily. She's staying with her parents in another hotel. It's honestly for the best with Levi, Hayley and all things considered. "Romance is gross." Michael says as he sticks out his tongue as if he were throwing up. "The only thing I get butterflies for is garlic bread and I'm okay with that." I laugh lightly as I finish his now slightly looser bowtie. I stand up and place a kiss to his forehead, "Never change, Mikey." I glance back at David and my mom who were laughing lightly with a group of other members of the hospital. I couldn't get over how fancy everyone looked. I felt that if I so much as touched them, I'd have to pay a fine or something. Mom, as if she could feel me staring, glances over her shoulder at gives me a small smile. She then turns away from the group and wanders over to us. "Why don't you two go find our table." She says softly as she touches my shoulder and glances down at my arms. She chuckles lightly, "I sure did raise a fire-cracker, didn't I?" "You know what they say, like mother like daughter." I smile at her as she rolls her and laughs lightly. "Go have fun with your brother, Hayden. We'll meet up with you two later." Mom advises as the two of us nod and head towards the large doors that lead into the main event room. The doors literally reached the hundred foot high ceilings. It made me feel so short. They were so many people in here and this was just the entrance. Michael grabs my hand and I hike up the front of my dress so I could walk slightly better. Even though Michael as twelve, he was still so cute and the way he was gripping onto my hand made me feel all warm. He was my little brother through and through. It didn't matter that we weren't blood related. He was my family. "I'm so hungry." Michael groans as we make our way through the doors. "Tell me about it, I just hope their not those fancy dishes that are literally the size of my pinky finger." I mutter as the people walking in front of us move to the side and we come to the front. We both stop a top of the grand staircase leading down to the room full of tables. I could see Michael's jaw open at the same time as mine, "Holy shit!" Michael exclaims as the crowd of people surrounding us all jump in fright and flinch away. I could only chuckle at him as I continue to gaze in awe at the impressive hall. I felt like a princess entering her debutante ball or something. "Do these people wipe their asses with dollar bills or something?" I ask rhetorically as I glance down at all the finely decorated tables. Only a few were seated but mostly everyone else in the wealthy crowd were standing and mingling with each other. "I'm about to roll my fucking ankle down these stairs." "Don't worry, I'll protect you." Michael winks at me as he offers me his hand. I scoff and roll my eyes, but nonetheless I take his hand. "Well then don't blame me if I bowl you over, little man." I chuckle as we begin to walk down the stairs with a few other couples. The staircase was so huge that even groups of people stood to the sides and others could still get through with plenty of space. I adjust my grip on the front of my dress and my eyes slowly search the crowds below. There was classical music playing from the band but the light chatter echoed over top of it. I attempted to find our table among the ocean of wealth but instead my gaze locks with someone I wasn't expecting.