The Ball

[takeyouaway]

Betty was rushing in the kitchen. Things were simmering and baking. They were past the dinner of screening guys. Laline was in a fret, praying Bella would come soon. Alec was giving some of the children horseback rides. Betty was relieved they were only making the finger foods and deserts now. Hitting the oven, she went out. She was in the uniform everyone had to wear. Black pants, red shirts and gold trimmings. Betty had her hair pulled back slickly.

Moving into the ballroom, Betty lifted the tray above her head. She wove her way through and set the tray down. She wished that they weren’t taking so long. Where were they? They should have been here by now. It seriously worried her.

Laline Sincalir moved about the ballroom with ease. Kissing the cheek of guests she knew fairly well, she took the compliments. If Bella didn’t show Laline would track her down and kill her. She knew the girl had last been at Ezra. But that was about it. She wore a plain black dress with gold glitter. The colors of the ball. Well, minus the red. It didn’t go well with her hair. Seeing her head cook, Laline pretended to talk to her about the food.

“Where is she?” She whispered this as she picked up a flute of champagne. Laline knew that Betty had to know. She stared at her with cold eyes.

“No clue.” Betty moved away and back to the kitchen. She avoided the woman’s eyes as she did so.

[Arabella Hart]

Bella leaned against the wall just inside the house. The stairwell provided cover for her large dress, but allowed her amble time to climb up the back stairwell just in front of her and climb up to the ballroom directly to be announced. Making sure she didn’t mess up her beautifully curled hair, she leaned her head forward and sighed deeply.

Her thoughts were broken though as several of the maids and other staff came by just to see her. Apparently she was missed. Hugging each one, she felt guilt for leaving them all with the devil. But she herself needed to leave this place forever. When the last one left, she silently stared down the hall to the kitchen. She remembered running there each morning for her cooking lessons. Bella missed those times of innocence at times. Before she knew what it was like to have your heart broken.

[takeyouaway]

Alec had been waiting for Bella to arrive patiently. He was around the corner, off the side of the staircase. Flipping a coin, his top button was casually undone, a move on his part. Flipping his coin, he caught on the back of his hand each time. Chuckling, it was amusing how easily she snuck in. It seemed nearly second nature. That’s my rebel girl. Not this Daniel character’s, but mine.

After everyone finally left her alone, he pushed himself away and towards her. He stopped flipping the coin, catching it midair. Sliding it in his back pocket, he leaned against the wall next to her. She seemed to be in a daze. Dipping his head, he rested it upon her shoulder. “That seemed a little too easy for you.”

Laline was frustrate beyond belief. It was nearly time to announce her daughter’s coming out to society. If Bella was not there, then she would look ridiculous. Laline would never be able to show her face in society again. But no one seemed to care about her world. This was the only life she knew. The only one she ever would.

Moving to an old friend, she made to talk to the Tam’s. Too bad Simon was a loose criminal. He would be a good match for her granddaughter. Or had produced a good match. “Good evening. Are you two love birds enjoying yourselves?”

[Arabella Hart]

Bella was lost in thought and memories. Mainly she wanted to be back dancing. Whenever she heard the ballroom music she wanted to begin floating around in the arms of a handsome man. Her handsome prince Daniel. That’s the only man she ever saw herself dancing with from now on.

But her thoughts were jerked by the gentle graze upon her skin. By Alec’s familiar scent.

Smiling a sad smile, she couldn’t turn very much. And she wasn’t in the mood for kisisng him. Moving her shoulder form under his chin, she faced him. “I learned from the master of sneaking.” She swallowed a lump. He was the one who taught her the best sneaking out techniques. “How are you Alec?”

[takeyouaway]

Alec knew he should be serving food. But he had snuck out here to see her and help her in. Losing his balance a moment when she pulled away, he straightened himself out. Jacob was heard above the crowd, announcing the arrivals. And Bella had known because Betty had sent her a wave about it.

“Great actually.” Reaching out, he grabbed her hand, lacing their fingers. He was trying desperately to win her back. To have her back in his life. His voice dropped to the soft voice of a lover. “Though it just got even better.”

[Arabella Hart]

Bella let her hand dangle a moment. She could barely believe he had done that. Pulling away, she shook her head in disbelief. Why was he being so bold? He was the one who let her go. And she was in love. Technically for this job married. “Alec back off. Daniel is coming.” She made a point to hold up her hand and flash the wedding set they had bought two days previously.

“Alec please go.” It was a simple plea he should be able to understand. At least she hoped.

[danieltam]

Daniel saw where Bella had entered. He came up from behind her and kissed her on the cheek but not before putting his arm around her. "Sorry I took so long." He looked up to the man she was talking with. He was sure he had never met him before but there was something a little familiar about him. "Oh, hello. We haven't met before have we? I think I know you from somewhere."

[Arabella Hart]

Bella was glad to have Daniel there. Going slightly limp in his arms, she breathed out a deep sigh. “It’s fine. I know Mal was being a pain.” Turning, she wondered how this would go down between the two. Clearing her throat, she kept her arm steadfast around Daniel’s. “Alec, this is my husband Daniel. Daniel, this is the stable hand Alec.”

[takeyouaway]

Alec shook his head. Dipping his head, he leaned in and whispered into Bella’s ear. “I’ll never leave you Bella baby.. You’re my little rebel forever.” He was going to kiss her but that kid interrupted them. He just barged in like he owned the place. D**n.

Trying not to get angry, his smile faded as they were introduced. But his grin returned. His plan was to break them up. Extending his hand, he went to shake Daniel’s. “I think Bella is being modest. I lent her a hand in the stables.” he winked at the blond next to him. “On more then one level.”

[danieltam]

When Bella told him the the guy was Alec, Daniel just glared at him. Bella had told him all about Alec, how they dated, how she.......loved him, and how he broke it off with her. He felt an immense hatred for Alec but he had worked hard at not showing this. But when he made that obscene comment, he clenched his hand into a fist. It was obvious that he was implying something, and it burned him up more than anything else ever did. It took all his willpower not to lay Alec out right there and then. "Don't you talk to her like that," he said, trying to sound as calm as possible.

[Arabella Hart]

Bella grabbed Daniel’s hand, lacing their fingers tightly. She felt his body shaking so she squeezed it to reassure him that all was alright. Closing her eyes in frustration a moment, this was not turning out the be the greatest night ever. Normally she would have let this just bounce off of her. But tonight Alec was seriously crawling under her skin.

“Daniel, it’s ok.” Moving into his side more, she sent eyes of fire at Alec. “A hand was all eh gave me. He had trouble getting anything else up.” If he wanted to play the little obscene game, then Bella could fight fire with fire. She wasn’t that naïve.

[takeyouaway]

Alec thought he would throw up at the sight before him. It was sickening really. This boy shouldn’t be holding onto his girl. No it wasn’t right. Alec was the only one allowed to touch her as far as he was concerned. She had long ago promised that. In that field not far from here actually. And if it wasn’t for Daniel, he would be right now.

Moving right up to the guy, they were about the same height. It caused problems for intimidation. So Alec looked him straight in the eye. Clenching his jaw he wondered why they were together. “Who’s gonna stop me? You?” he snickered at that thought. “Because then you’d give away your whole plan. And Bella baby would never leave.”

Turning only his head slightly, daggers shot from his eyes. They were aimed at the woman he loved. “you never complained. In fact, you were screaming my name each night as you willing laid upon your back for me.”

[danieltam]

Daniel felt Bella's had gripping his. It made him feel a little better, but he was still mad at Alec. He sniggered a little when Bella made that comment about him. If he didn't already know the she was over Alec then he would have now. Alec looked so pathetic right now.

When Alec got into his face, Daniel just stared right back at him. If Bella wasn't there he probably would have backed down, but she gave him strength and confidence he never knew he had. When he made that last comment, Daniel wouldn't stand idle any longer. He kneed Alec right in the crotch and the punched him right on the nose. Alec was probably right about him not being able to do anything, but he wasn't prepared to let him insult Bella with his vulgar remarks.

[Arabella Hart]

Bella was becoming agitated. This was ridiculous between the two of them. Alec broke it off, not her. It was long done and she loved Daniel. If it hadn’t only been two weeks ago, she would have married him. This love wasn’t something that was just about the physical. This was on a deeper level of understanding.

Jumping back, she was unprepared for what Daniel did. Her eyes grew wide watching a side of him she never saw. She was ready to spring back with a comment when Daniel’s fist flew. Moving down the wall about a foot, she mouth dropped open. But it didn’t stay so for long. Her name would be called shortly. The room had gone dead silent.

“Daniel we have to go.” Tugging on his hand, she moved swiftly up the stairs. Upon the other side is where they would come out of. Hiding in the shadows, she smiled and winked at Jacob to let her know all was alright. He was waiting for absolute silence.

[takeyouaway]

Alec turned his gaze back to Daniel but not quick enough. Feeling the breath leave his mouth, he reached for his groan. “Oi!” But it was too slow in moving away. He felt Bella move away as a fist made contact with his nose. He heard a crack and figured it to be broken. Reaching one hand up, he felt the warm blood dripping.

“D**n you two.” Falling against the wall, he hurt head to loins. He watched as they moved away before he decided to crawl away at all.

Betty had been watching form the kitchen. Not wanting to break the fight up, she silently smiled to herself. Flinching, she was ready to move if Alec struck. But Daniel was the first. Alec had been being Alec and making rude comments. It was very noble though and Bella seemed to be slightly appreciative. At least from what she could tell.

As they left she grabbed some ice. Moving out of the kitchen, she dropped it on Alec’s head. “That was stupid. I told you to let her be. She’s happier now.” With that she moved back out into the ballroom, waiting for the announcement of her baby girl and her husband.