I was surfing the net the other day then I came upon the new vid of Taylor Swift's "Love Story". I got inspired watching it and a story suddenly seeped through my head. har. har. Now I keep playing the song over and over again.
Usual disclaimers are applied.
Review if you want me to continue. :)
Chapter 1: Mesmerized
I stared at the mirror in front of me, gazing at my reflection that I am trying to avoid. Angela, one of my ladies-in-waiting was curling and pinning my hair to place. I groaned heavily for my body hurts for this kind of pampering. My neck is now stiff from preventing it from movement and it is now supporting this headpiece that I was wearing on my hair.
Curse this 16th century trends! Who ever thought that this was a good idea? I don't understand the fanaticism of women over this "fashion". If it wasn't for this 18th debutante ball that my father is throwing here in Verona, Italy, at our large estate. He forcibly implied that I must attend and enjoy so I did not get any say or choice. And people say they'll give anything to be in my place, they haven't seen me yet beyond our four walls.
"There my Lady Isabella. You look quite exquisite. I must say, the glowing stars will be put to shame tonight under the moonlit floors." She helped me up and playfully gave me a twirl.
I giggled at her excitement. She never fails to make me smile even at my worst days. She is the only friend that I have without thinking of being prim and proper. Ever since I could remember, she was already taking care of me on behalf of my busy parents, Lord Charles and Lady Renee of Verona.
"Now my child, I must put you on a gown so you would be ready when Lord Charles calls for your entrance." She guided me towards my large wardrobe closet.
I stopped and pouted.
"Lady Isabella, what is the cause of your distress?" She looked worried. I am getting my way.
I smiled. "I feel my neck breaking. Could I not wear this overly large headpiece? I would like my head curled and pinned up with a small lace of ribbon around my hair."
"But this is what the latest fashion in Italy." She started to get worried.
"It is the day of my birth isn't it?" I insisted. She nodded unsurely.
My grin got bigger. "So I am getting my way."
For the first time, I had put my foot down. My fingers are crossed, wishing for an agreement.
She stared at me as I continued to smile. She heaved a sigh. Yes! I shouted triumphantly in my head.
"Okay my Lady, let this be my gift to you."
I ran to her and hugged her. Now, I'm doing this my way.
--------------------------------
I fixed the imaginary wrinkle of my gown. I began feeling nervous. I started to think that my plan was going to back-fire. My hair is what light and what I have always wanted. My gown is an off-shoulder white dress with a yellow split in the middle.
There was three swift knocks on my door. "Isabella?"
The door slightly opened. "You may come in."
A man entered with a black tailored suit. "My word! You look exquisite!"
"Jacob, stop playing with my ego, I might actually believe you." Jacob is my childhood friend. He lives in our neighboring estate. He is the son of the widow, Count William Black that is also called as "Billy" by close friends.
"Well madam, I'm sure your ego is full and well-fed." He offered his arm which I gladly took.
"Let us get this ball over with." I marched along the hallway like a soldier. He laughed heartily at my actions.
--------------------------------
It was a good thing that my father didn't react the so violently at my choice of attire. I was indeed different from all the women who wore large puffy gowns that have cages underneath. Don't let me start with their hairs! I was certainly terrified and traumatized! They were as tall as the leaning tower of Pisa!
A woman about my age blocked my view. Time to mingle with those snobbish aristocrats, just great!
"Lady Isabella, you're place is quite magnificent." She curtseyed and I was obliged in return.
"Lady Jessica, it is a pleasure seeing you on my ball. Have you been enjoying yourself?" I faked a big grin. This girl was the most snobbish and spoiled that I've ever met. We knew each other since we were young but I avoided her type. We only bump and talk to each other for the sake of social interaction in important events, such as the one we are having.
"Yes, I am. Excuse my tongue but I must comment on your choice of attire." She lightly grimaced. I am quite sure she is hiding that expression but I have been with her far too long.
"Please, do not be ashamed. You are a guest." Excuse your tongue huh? I wonder if I said no, I'm pretty sure you would make a scene but that would've been too rude.
"You certainly have a unique taste with clothing..." She lifted her glance at my head. "… and fashion."
I smirked. "I certainly do."Unlike you who has a bad one.
Silence filled the air. I decided that this would only waste my time. "Please excuse me, I have to greet my other guests. It was nice seeing you."Yeah, it would be nice seeing you get out of here.
I quickly bowed and made my way, far away from where she is.
I guess I got so caught up with my thoughts that I didn't see a young man in front of me. I bumped him, making me fall into his arms, literally and figuratively.
The man's eyes were the first thing that I have noticed. They were green like emeralds and the sparkled like the stars. His smile was breath-taking that it made me unaware of my surroundings.
"Are you alright my Lady?" I nodded. As soon as I gathered the pieces of my sanity, I blushed. I was already mesmerized by this man at first glance.
My heart pounded like a hummingbird when he helped me up. I have never felt this way before.
I cleared my throat as I regained my composure. "My apologies kind sir, whatever shall I do to gain you patience and forgiveness?"
His crooked smile went wider. I was again overwhelmed by dazzle. "Well, that could be arranged. Will you take my offer to dance with you?"
I shook my head. "I don't dance. I am honestly not as graceful as the others."
"Impossible! With your stunning beauty and finesse, others couldn't be compared to you for they are no match for your majesty."
I laughed. "I am very well flattered by your compliments but it doesn't change my view. "
"You did ask what you can do to gain my forgiveness right? I request a dance with you. " He retorted.
I groaned in defeat. I did say that. "As you wish, my Lord--.?"
"Edward." He took my palm which sent electricity to my skin causing me goose bumps.
I placed my other hand on his shoulder and I felt his hand on my waist. I couldn't contain my smile, I feel foolish.
"May I ask your name?" He stared at my eyes. My breathing became shallower and faster.
"Isabella, my Lord." He chuckled. I stared at him in confusion.
"May I request to just call me Edward? I feel that I have aged when people call me that. It also reminds me of my father, his name is also Edward." He spun me around and returned me back to his arms.
"How old are you?" I asked curiously.
"19."
We began to sway left and right. "I that case then, call me Bella."
"Bella?"
"Yes, Bella. I have grown tired of people calling me Isabella. You have the honor of being the first person entitled to address me by that name." I rested my head on his shoulder as we swayed.
"Would I be too fast if I asked you to see me again on a different location?" His voice was soft and soothing.
I moved away from his shoulder. I looked straight to his eyes. "Yes, you would be too fast."
He frowned. "I apolo---"
"But I gladly accept." His face brightened. He took my hand and kissed it. I blushed even more.
A man came at his side. Edward noticed my look and he shifted his attention to the stranger.
"Excuse me for a moment." He went to the Eastern part of the room and talked to the man. Based on his facial expression, I am fully sure that it was important.
He suddenly dashed at my side. He took my hands, placing it on his own. He gripped them lightly. "Bella, I need to go."
Tears began to swell up in my eyes.
"Will I see you again?" I croaked.
"I promise. Wait for me in your window tomorrow night, half past nine. Make sure nobody will see us." He lightly brushed away my tears with his thumb.
He loosened his grip, I was tempted to tighten my own but we need to let go.
He continued on. "I will miss you, tomorrow night, do not forget." He discreetly kissed my cheek and scurried on his way out the room.
Good thing that people are easily distracted by fine wine, music and food. They chattered loudly in their own groups. They didn't notice this wonderful miracle that had just happened.
It would be our secret.
But I have my own too. As that man hurried his way towards the exit, he took my heart along with him.
My heart was stolen by Edward, the man who had emerald green eyes and crooked smile who also took my every breath away.
Click that review button, type anything. It is the food of my ego. haha.