Tarts & Tiaras

Valerie

I refreshed my Instagram page, checking to see that my latest post had successfully uploaded. Another day, another Instagram advertisement for some company that my dad had business ties too.

I rolled my eyes as the photo appearing on the screen in my palms. A candid shot of me drinking coffee in the city, but largely zoomed in to see the silver chain that was wrapped around my wrist, a tiny silver love heart dangling from the bracelet.

While it was a pretty photo, I hated the fake-ness of the shot. I just hated doing the photoshoots in general. But I know I had to do it. Why? Because dad needed me too. Needed me to present an air of sophistication and presence to the public.

Ugh. I could practically hear the words echoing in my head, the way his eyes would narrow when he repeated them, every time I told him I didnt want to do these anymore.

But when youve grown up in this society, theres a mask that you must put on in front of the world. Id be considered one of the lucky ones, part of a wealthy family, provided with the nicest clothes and access to all the latest events, but its still a prison, the rules and masks we have to wear standing in front of us like bars were clinging onto, the ones we are trying to escape.

Or at least I am anyway

Sick of looking at the device in my hands, I turn off the screen, grabbing my bag and slipping my phone inside of the front pockets. I stand up from the lilac, velvet chairs in the corner of my room.

I glanced at the clock hanging next to the doorway of my room. A big, brass thing, shaped to have the numbers displayed in roman numerals. Just as big and pretentious as everything else in this room.

Nine-thirty. Shit, Im going to be late

My words were reinforced by the shrill tones of my mothers voice making itself known from the hallway. Valerie, we have to leave now or youre going to be late for the luncheon. You know how much your dad is relying on you for this. Hurry up!

I picked up my bag and rushed over to my walk-in closet, skimming the many shelves and racks that covered the interior. My eyes landed on my black trench-coat and the black, strappy heels that I had picked out the night before. I quickly slipped my feet into the heels, cursing as I fumbled with the clasp. Once on, I pulled my coat from its hanger and ran from my room before I had to continue hearing my mothers voice project itself throughout the rest of the house.

I stop in front of my mirror to check my appearance one last time. My brown hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail, the ends curled to perfection. My hazel eyes stared back at me from under the brown eyeshadow and mascara I had spent ages perfecting. I leaned in closer, making sure the nude lipstick that was covering my lips at present had not smudged.

Perfect I whispered to myself, straightening out my shirt before rushing out of my room, following the click-clack of my mothers heels as she made her way down the large staircase.

About time she said, a smile spreading across her face. Quickly, because I dont want to hear the whining thatll come from your dad tonight.

Neither do I I chuckled alongside her as we walked outside towards the sleek, black Porsche parked out the front of our gigan-tasaur house. My mum and I settled into the backseat of the car as the driver started the engine. I felt something vibrate against my thigh, before realising my phone was pinging with fifty notifications. All from the same person.

Zavier Everett.

The constant thorn in my side, and general pain in the butt.

What is it now I sigh as I unlock my phone.

Sup RiRi.

Dont forget to save a spot for me.

Kind of running late.

But you know how it is with me being gorgeous and all😉

Wow, love yourself much Everett?

Not as much as you do!

We both know thats a lie

Aww cmon. That hurts. I expected more sass from the princess though

Im not a princess.

Sureeee youre not.

Anyway, save a seat for me. I dont want to be stuck next to Remi again.

Aww, why dont you want to sit next to your best friend?

Dont you guys share that bond of gazing at yourself in every reflective surface?

Ha-ha. Very funny RiRi.

Not saving a seat for you.

We both know you will! :P x

I roll my eyes. If our fathers werent in some sort of business together, I would not have to hang out with him. But he does tend to lighten up the boredom at these silly functions.

I glanced over at my mother, whos fingers where flying across the glass screen in front of her. My eyes travelled from her to the front of the car, my eyes catching our drivers.

How are you going Evan? I ask him as I relax back into the plush, leather seats of the car.

Im doing good Miss Fennell. Avery was asking about you again. About when you guys can play tea-parties again. Avery was his five-year-old daughter, who had the most gorgeous head of bright read hair, and such an adorable face, yet sassy attitude to match. She loved coming past the house and exploring the various rooms with me while her dad drove my parents around to wherever they needed to go on a certain day. It wasnt until were baking cupcakes in the kitchen one day, that she spotted one of my grandmothers old tea sets, that she would constantly beg over and over to have tea parties.

Shes welcome to come any time Evan. I can always make time for her to come play I reply with a bright smile.

Evan returns it with an even bigger one of his own. She would love that. Thank you, Miss Fennell.

I nodded and turned my attention to the window. We had finally arrived at Panache, one of the most expensive restaurants in the city, and unfortunately the place where I had to attend a luncheon to mingle with all the other high-society children of the many wealthy families.

Evan pulled up behind the line of expensive cars, waiting until we had gotten to the front before parking the car, and stepping out to open our doors. My mother got out first, her usual soft mannerisms turning stiff as her mask fell across her face, no emotion clouding her features. I followed in suit, putting on the mask of my own, tilting my chin up us I scoured the faces in the crowd milling at the doors.

As we passed, I could hear snippets of various conversations, ranging from I sat front row at London Fashion Week, and I swear I caught Noah Charleston watching me a few times, to, Did you see her dress? Seriously that style was two seasons too late. What an embarrassment.

Someone please get me out of here I murmur.

What was that Valerie? my mum says, turning to me.

Nothing.

This is going to be such a long day

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