Me and Hazel walk down the staircase and enter the great hall. Hazel gives me one last smile and then runs off into the ballroom. Mother walks out and smiles. “Are you ready sweetheart?” She asks her smile growing bigger.
I exhale. “ I think so…” just then the big doors to the great hall slam open and a figure with blonde hair and slicing blue eyes runs in. His eyes search around the room until they settle on us, standing there looking more than a bit confused.
“ I…I.. I think…” he trails off as he looks up at the glittering ceiling and the marble statues and staircases. His mouth falls open and he turns back to us, sweat dripping off his forehead.
“ I think you are in the wrong place young man,” Mother says firmly stepping in front of me.
“ Oh I mean no harm, but I did hear there was a ball going on here?” That’s when I noticed the crumpled black suit that hung uselessly on his boney frame.
“Yes there is a ball going on, one in fact that is for my daughter here, Amelia, she is turning of age today and all young women get a ball when they turn of age.” Mother says looking him up and down.
“That sounds lovely. Um… do you think I could join your celebration?” He looks to the ground and waits for a response.
“Of course not young man, leave at once!” Mother starts to walk away, but I grab her arm and pull her back.
“ Um … hello. I would love if you come to my ball. The more people the better right?!” I smile at him and he smiles back.
“ Honey what do you mean you want him to stay?!” Mother looks from me to the boy and then to me again.
“Please mother, he looks so sweet and I think he could use a friend.” I look pleadingly at mother and her face softens.
“ Fine!” She says. “You can come to the ball. What is your name?”
“ Colin. Colin Jenkins.”
“ Well Colin, I will get our head maid, Sara, to lead you to a seat in the ballroom.” She smiles and heads off to find Sara.
“ Sooo….. why are you here Colin?” I ask a wrinkle forming in between my eyebrows.
“Well one of your maids is my friend’s auntie and she told me that this was happening and that I should come and meet you and everybody else.” He smiles and mother comes walking back in with Sara at her side.
“Come along handsome fellow, let’s find you a seat.” Colin follows Sara into the ballroom and then they are gone.
“ Well, what a surprise! He is a handsome one isn’t he?” Mother says as she latches on to me. “Are you ready now my sweetheart?”
“ You know what? I think I am ready. I’m as ready as I will ever be.”
We both smile as we push open the golden doors leading to our future.
Photos & Fantasy 