The Assassins Arrow

The Ball pt.1

I woke up the that day feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to face the day. I put on some comfy clothes so that I could spend the day lounging about. I walked out of my room to find the apartment empty. Thank goodness, I thought to myself. I was looking forward to the quiet and stillness of the empty space. I made my way to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat, maybe they left me something before leaving. As I got to the kitchen I saw a note on the table, I pick it up it read:

“ Morning Ari! Nic had a job for me so I had to step out. I should be back a bit later. I left some fruit and oatmeal on the counter for you. See you later!”

Sweet, I get the place to myself most of the day. I look in the fridge since I wasn’t really feeling oatmeal, no such luck. Looks like I’m going to the market before I relax.

At the market I grab a few necessities, maybe a treat or two for myself. I grabbed fresh fruits and veggies, I lovely loaf of fresh bread, yum, I made my way to the butcher to get a roast for dinner and some sausages.

I get home and unload myself of the bags I have been carrying around. I put everything away and make myself some “breakfast” if you can call it that since it’s almost 1 o’clock. I grab a couple sausages from the link I purchased, put them in a pan to fry up, as that cooks I cop up some peppers and potatoes and through them into the pan with some butter. As that’s cooking, I start on dinner, I’ve decided to make a stew with the roast. I cook the meat in a pot of water, I add some seasoning to it, some bay leaves, coriander, and rosemary. I also add an onion, peeled of course but still whole and a few cloves of garlic. Once the meat is done cooking and I’m now left with a beef sock essentially, I place the vegetables, which I cut as I was waiting for the meet to cook, into the pot, once those softened I added the meat and let it simmer for the rest of the day until dinner that way all the flavours have time to integrate. I clean up the mess I made and plopped myself down on the couch once I finished. I have my book on the table beside the couch, picking it up a begin my day off… finally.

This is what I enjoyed more than anything, making food and reading a good book in utter silence. I have my food in my lap as I’m reading. I take a bite of my makeshift hash, so good. That’s how the next little while went on, reading and taking a minute to have a bite or two, soon the plate is empty and my stomach is full. I get up to stretch and take a look at dinner, which is coming along nicely, the apartment smells amazing. I make my way to the washroom to shower and clean myself up before everyone gets home for dinner. As I finish up in the shower I step out and hear the front door open, perfect timing, I’m sure the stew should be done by now. Quickly I get changed and throw my hair into a messy bun and make my way out. “Hey guys! I made dinner. You hungry?” I ask, “ Oh-my-goodness! I am starving! Thanks sis!” “ ya thanks Ari, you’re the best!” Gen and Nic respond. I go to grab bowls and look at Nic “ I believe you’ve mentioned that before but you can keep saying it so you don’t forget,” I wink back at him, all I see is his eyes roll “so how was your guys’ day?” I ask, “oh great Nic here had me take on a real chamber, she rolled her eyes. So that was fun. You?” Said Gen. “ good, I went to the market, made dinner, and read my book a bit.”

We all sat down and ate our dinner. By the time we finished it was dark outside, “have you decided on how you’re going to do you hair and makeup for the ball?” Asked Gen, “ no Gen I haven’t really thought about it, I figured I’d just braid it back.” “ umm… ya no, that’s not happening. I’ll do your hair and makeup. You won’t even recognize yourself.”. I can’t believe I’m about to do this, “ ok sure”.

The week went by pretty quietly, soon the day of the ball came and just like the letter stated, three beautiful gown were delivered. One was a purple gown with lace sleeves, the other was black with sparkles starting at the bottom and faded away as they went up the dress, lastly was a beautiful emerald green satin dress with a black onyx belt attached. I immediately was drawn to the green dress, it would pair perfectly with my mother’s mask and jewels.

After making my selection I let my sister make me over. She put loose waves in my hair and gently pinned back the sides. Next she went to my makeup. When I was done I got changed into the dress and put my mother’s necklace and earrings. I looked at myself in the mirror, I was shocked to say the least. I don’t think I’ve ever had a chance to dress up like this before. The dress fits my figure perfectly enhancing every curve.

The dress made my blue eyes really pop, I can’t wait to see it with the mask. As I put it on I was trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to escape my eyes from the memory of my mother. I miss her so much, I truly wish she was here to see this.

The mask completed the look perfectly, I can’t wait to go, hopefully have a good time, it’s been a while since I haven’t just thought about work.

I look at my sister and give her a hug and we both start tearing up. As I back away I keep my hands on her shoulders and look at her as she’s wiping away a stray tear. “ Gen. I can’t thank you enough for this.” “Nonsense, I enjoy doing this and seeing you like this. You look just like mom. With fathers eyes of course.” “ even still I want you to go and change into one of the other two dresses. You’re coming with me!”. With the look of shock on her face she ran into my room without so much as an argument. Gen lived for dressing up, you could say she’s a girly girl but do not underestimate her she can pack a punch, I’ve been on the receiving end, let me just say ouch.

Just the Gen came out wearing the purple dress. It was absolutely perfect for her. The lace added an elegant touch to the form fitting dress. “ Wow Gen I don’t think that dress could look half as good on anyone else! It was technically made for me but I think it was secretly always yours.” Gen blushed at my remark. “ I have to get to work on my hair. Give my an hour and I’ll be ready.”.

Nic should be here soon he’s already aware that I’m bringing Gen. What Gen doesn’t know is that Nic is coming with us, all she thinks is he’s here to drive us. Gen came out of her room after finishing off her final touches. Just as she walked out Nic walked in. He catches sight of Gen instantly, with his jaw completely dropped to the point I thought it would pop out of its sockets. Blush crept onto Gens face and she looked away shyly, “ Gen! You look stunning!” Said Nic, Gen replied with a curtsy and a thank you.

We made our way to the car. Yes we have cars. Nic opened the door for us to get into the back seat, he made his way to the driver side. I had butterflies in my stomach I was so excited to go to the ball with my friends. Tonight was going to be truly magical.