Stay

Chapter thirteen.

Slipping off the lid of the box, my mouth drops open at the beauty. The mask, cream with colours jewels in a sweeping motion, takes my breath away and at the top of it sits three feathers in the colours, red, white and blue.

I gather up the contents of the box, bring it inside and taking it up to my room along with my newly bought dress.

Having only an hour left to get ready, I run around frantically, throwing the dress on along with braiding the sides of my chocolate brown hair back and getting Shay to do my makeup. She gives me a beautiful cat eye with a nude lip.

Finally, I glance up at myself in the mirror.

Me and Shay glance at each other as we both try our best not to cry.

I look and feel like a princess.

The cream gown flows on the floor surrounding me. The way it fits my curves, pulling me in at the waste before spreading out around my feet is unbelievable.

Three knocks at the door suggests the Jessie has arrived. Shay, not wanting to disturb dad, lets him in and leads him to the stairway where I am now stood.

Not going to lie, heals are not the most comfortable but without them this dress would be way too long on my petite body.

 Jessies eyes widen as they connect with mine before he gasps in awe.

"Now THAT is a dress." We both let out a chuckle at his words, then he holds out his arm for me to take, "Mi lady."

Gently grabbing his arm, he leads me out to the taxi when I notice his handsome black suite with a cream tie, matching my mask and dress. I don't think this is a coincidence.

"How did you know I would wear cream?" I curiously ask.

"No reason." His answer shot but his voice full of mischief. "It's not like Shay told me to wear it or anything..." Rolling my eyes back, Jessie opens the car door for me. "She thought it would be cute for us to match."

Jessie tries to talk to me on the way, but my mind can't focus.

Constantly, images of that nightmare reappear in front of my eyes.

Layla finding out I'm there, the fear, the anxiety and the panic.

We pull up to the grounds within twenty minutes, and I automatically take hold of Jessies hand.

Unlike the dream, I'm not letting go. Not for one second.

"Just breath." Jessie whispers as we get through the set of huge, glass doors.

But my whole body begins to tremble.

Jessie stops dead still before grabbing my other hand and looking me in the eyes. "Do you trust me, Maddie?" The reassurance in his eyes makes me want to trust him, to trust that he will keep me safe.

But honestly? I'm not sure.

I'm the first to break the eye contact, letting go of one hand I lead him inside. The more I wait out here, the harder it will be to take the first step.

The hall is massive, huge glittering chandeliers hang from the ceiling. A crystal white grand piano is sat at the back of the room, untouched and circular tables are spread out with candles placed delicately in the centre.

I'm lead to the corner of the room, praying that my mask disguises my face just enough.

The table we stop at is mostly deserted apart from two people who are engaged in conversation.

I scan them. Their looks, the way they talk, everything.

"Jessie! My man!" The tall guy shouts over the loud music, guiding the girl holding his arm over towards us. My heart begins to race as fight or flight begins to kick in.

"Maddie, this is Lucas and Alzbeta." Jessie gestures to the pair.

"It's Bety for short." She glances at the guys, "Why don't you both get us a drink. I will stay with Maddie."

Please don't let go, please don't let go.

However, they both nod with smiles on their faces. I hope that Jessie reads my panicked expression, but as his hand starts to slide out of mine and his back faces me, Bety gestures for me to sit down with her.

"We'll aren't you glad they're out of the way!" She says with a giggle.

I agree with a forced laugh.

Hurry up Jessie.

A/N

Exams are over! *Cheers* 

What do you think of Lucas and Alzbeta? 

Are they part of Laylas entourage? 

Love Megan Marie xoxo