Dead Apple 11 10. The Glass Shoes

"I see an evening sky strewn with diamonds and gla.s.s."

E.J. Hill, Ashes of Gla.s.s

◾◾?◾◾

CHAPTER 9

THE GLa.s.s SHOES

Grandmama is too busy barking orders, making sure that her granddaughter will be at her very, very, very best. One of the hairdresser Cecilia hired is the best among the country and the make up artist was known for his talent. The gown and the shoes also arrived first thing in the morning and Alice has not seen it yet. When she wake up that morning both have gone to a nail salon and spa, pampering theirselves, then they headed next to a prestigious jewellry shop where grandmama bought her a pair of diamond earrings.

They arrived at the mansion by afternoon, and the hairdresser and make up artist have been busying theirselves on her face and hair.

Her hair was slightly curled and half of it is braided into a waterfall like then atop it placed a diamond embedded headband. Mr Kovo entered the room carrying a white gown and ordered her to change into it with the help of the maid.

The sleeveless gown is tight on her waist and the skirt loosened out, brus.h.i.+ng the floor. The silky material is made of white with striking small diamonds around the waist that glitters as the rays of light reflected on it. The gown is accompanied by a pair of gloves.

Then Mr Kovo handed her the shoe box. She opened it and her eyes widened at the sight. It is a gla.s.s shoes!

"Please wear it, Miss Ludenburg."

She slipped her feet at the shoes absentmidendly, her mind running into a frenzy state and as though she is hearing the cog turning with a grunt. The three inches gla.s.s shoes fitted her feet perfectly, matching the white beautiful gown she is wearing.

Staring at her reflection at the full length mirror in front of her she could not help but think that she looks more like a bride than someone who is attending a birthday party. She glance at the mirror again then a scowl made its way on her blus.h.i.+ng face. This is ridiculous!

"Call grandmama, please. I need to talk to her." The maid bowed and leave the room, then after a minute the door to her room opened, revealing an old woman looking royally best at her black straight gown.

"Grandmama." Alice started, "Tell me, where exactly are we going? I am not getting married today, am I?" She ran a hand through her skirt and stared at Cecilia Ludenburg.

"You are not getting married today, darling." Smiled the old woman. "In fact, engagement comes first before marriage."

She nodded at her then slowly, like a blinking bulb gradually brightening, the words sink. Alice gawked at her grandmother after realizing the thought behind the actions and words. She blinked then gawked again.

"What?! Engagement?! No,no,no! Grandmama, I am not getting engaged!"

"Of course you are, dear." Smiled grandmama, reaching for her hands and patting it gently. "Remember three years ago?  Your mother had said that you will be engaged on her friend's son at his 22nd birthday. You agreed to that, right? For the company and for the Ludenburg family."

"I-I am still a student, grandmama, and I have not met him yet."

"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll like him and you two will get to know each other on the process." She was pulled towards the door without realizing it, her mind flying somewhere. "Come along ,dear."

I'm doomed.

◾◾◾

They entered a mansion as large as the Ludenburg's. The parking was populated with expensive cars where people that screams money and power are. Alice followed her grandmother inside a large hall, chandeliers of gold and silver hanged at the ceiling, tables that are covered with white and black runners are positioned perfectly-- making a large s.p.a.ce at the center, right at the foot of the carpeted staircase.

She roamed her eyes around the hall. The smell of wine and roses filled the air, and people of high social etiquette and status' started filling the area. Fake smiles plastered on their faces as they chat with each other, it was a talent Alice can never master. She also noticed the orchestra beside the staircase where the soft relaxing music is coming from, but it did not calm her racing heart. She wanted to run in an instant.

"Cecilia!" A blonde old woman appeared before them.

"Amanda. It's been so long." The two kissed each other's cheeks and Alice only watched as they exchange conversations, talking about their business and the latest trends.

"By the way, meet Alicaena. She is my grand daughter." Grandmama introduced.

"Such a beautiful lady." Amanda commented, shaking her hand. "I did not know Cecilia is hiding a beauty in her castle, and you looked exactly like Lilian."

"Thank you."

She smiled at her. Lilian is her mother, and those who knows her always tells that they both have the same features. She got most of her appearance on her mother, Alice only got her father's dark eyes.

The hall went silent when a regal man descended the grand staircase with his lovely wife. Then came next are the two sons walking behind them, a forced smile on their faces. Alice stared at them, thinking who among the two will be her fiancé.

"We should take our seat." Whispered grandmama, but she stayed at her place. "Alicaena, the party is starting."

"Grandmama, I have to go to the washroom." She quickly said, her heart hammering through her chest.

"Okay, be quick. I'll save you a seat at the front."

Her grandmother left her just beside the opened door facing the garden. Making sure that grandmama is not looking her way she darted towards the dim lit garden. Even though the heels are hurting her feet she forced her limbs to run fast, so that she can go home and hide in a safe place. She can always make an excuse later to grandmama. A sickness or a kidnapping will do, but for now, she needs to get away from the doom of announcing her engagement to the celebrant. Alice is not ready for it, not now, not when her life is on grave danger.

Looking back to see if anyone noticed her she did not expect to b.u.mp into something hard. She staggered back at the impact and her right foot slipped through the gla.s.s shoe that she fell b.u.t.t first at the lawn garden.

"I am so sorry." She breathed, standing up to brush the dirt behind her.

The guy picked up the gla.s.s shoe and knelt down before her. Without asking for it, he lifted his gown and slipped the shoe on her foot.

"It's okay, Alice." He told her, then her eyes widened as her gaze fell over the guy's face.

"Eros?"

◾◾?◾◾