My Everything

Château Maria

There was an air of excitement coming from the crowd as a pathway was made through them. How long had there been there? I wondered, from the camping bags to the chairs, it seemed like people had picked spots to be; all of which seemed like uncomfortable views.

On each side was a barricade for cars to pass flanked by police with riot shields. After last year with some of the crowd pushing back guards to get close to a singer who had got outside they didn’t want a repeat this year.

This place Château Maria was a historical villa said to be one of the oldest in the city. It had been reconverted to suit big events in the city. The gate slowly opened as the cars in front confirmed our information and we were met with a bow as our cars passed.

Lights shone towards the night sky in a pattern that brought the lawn, hedges and statues to life. Fireworks shot into the sky as a signal of the start of the event. It all was a lavish spectacle. In one part it was entertaining to watch and in another a competitive environment. For the next year the new host would try to beat the last.

The closer we drew it shifted from the standby workers and security on the grounds to the car park and media.

From the Lamborghinis and Ferraris parked outside this massive place surrounded by armed guards. One might not think that this was a charity event that had been televised all year. I stepped out of the Mercedes as the door was opened for me. In moments I was surrounded by my arm guards.

 I saw the difference between us and them, the divide behind a wall. It was all just hypocrisy. The circles of elites of Mantro city are so they like to call themselves – ‘World Changers.’

Is that Valentina Russo? Words were whispered by the media before the flashing of lights and their approach. I waved my hand to the guard letting him know it was fine. A man and a woman came forward with microphones in their hands flanking me on both sides.

“We are joined by the lady of the hour, Valentina Russo.”

“How are you doing?” I looked left to right, it was greeted with mirroring responses.

“You come right here in the middle between us,” the man said.

“You got her nice and snugged in,” the woman replied.

The lady on the right shook my hand and the man on the left gave me a smile to match.

“It’s a pleasure to be greeted by you two again,” I answered.

“Amazing dress as always, Valentina who are you wearing?” the woman asked.

“This piece is by Mandochei.”

“Oh, the host of the ball’s own design, splendidly chosen,” the man said.

The conversation rattled on from business to former interviews and styles to some of the other people that had already entered inside. The man and the woman were constantly fighting the need for my attention. The two stumbled over each other and even a few awkward lines. It was to be expected with so many guests that the reporters wouldn’t be one hundred percent prepared. Further from the constant stares of the man it didn’t take a genius to understand what was on his mind.

“What message would you like to leave this year for the viewers at home?”

“A firm gaze on something outside of your reach can always land you in trouble,” I responded and paused. “People should focus on what’s within their own means instead. Don’t be side tracked by the fancy cars and clothes. Work your way up, focus on your dreams, your passions, then you can do as you like.”

“Ms. Russo it is a pleasure to see you here again at the annual Give for the Needy. You and your organization have given so much for the city of Mantro.”

I bid the two farewell as I left posing for a few photos on the way and was led inside flanked by security. I was one of the few people to have a contingent of security allowed to carry arms. That loophole only came for me because if it wasn’t allowed, I would not attend and so they bent over backwards for me.

The door opened showing a colorful reception. The themes of the night, purple and white took center stage from the table lining the carpets and hanging from above. Waiters and waitresses walked with trays filled with entrees and carrying various drinks.

For a moment as my high heels made the first clicking sound as I entered the room went silent as everyone seemed to take me in. Sharks, no that was a compliment bottom feeders the lot of them was the right word. They were all looking for a sign of weakness or a way to approach me. The guards gave them another thought on the matter.

I picked a spot in the room and stood there. I had taken this same exact spot every year for almost ten years. It was a spot that was close yet far the guards stayed of me to seem inviting but enough to entice everyone else to stay away. Especially the many sweet talking men that thought they could sweep me off the floor and carry me to bed.

I hated these events. I turned to face the window, looking out at the line of people outside and cars waiting to get in. What were they really so interested in being here for? I bet three quarters of this money doesn’t even go where it is supposed to and to think next year would be my turn.

“Boring.” The word slipped my mouth.

“It’s only boring Ms. Russo because you do the exact same thing every year.”

“What took you so long?” I said without looking back.

“I was doing the work my boss asked me to do by chatting with the other people that are here and getting a view of each one and their thoughts and opinions. It’s funny how much people would tell you with a few drinks in their system.”

“You should be careful around the men here. They love to try to find a woman to marry; some might take too much questions as a sort of interest.”

“Don’t worry about Ms. Russo, I have Brad here for that.”

“Brad?” the words made me turn around to find Brad standing beside Rose.

They both were dressed in a manner that blended in with their environment. When I had given Rose some money to pick out her clothes to match back she really didn’t keep it subtle.  It was a red, fishtailed dress that touched the ground. Brad on the other hand looked almost no different from the other body guards that followed me around.

“Is Brad posing as your love interest?” I whispered.

“Love interest… no, no. He is just making sure that I am safe.”

“Safe,” I repeated.

“Yes,” Brad interjected “from those many men that you were mentioning.”

I chuckled. “So you are a white knight now huh Brad.”

“For tonight that is my charge.”

“Well please protect my poor little Rose.”

“I will.”

Rose’s head went down. “So Brad. when will your brother be coming to Mantro city?”

“He should be coming soon, I am trying to sort out accommodations for him but we can discuss that a bit later.”

“Is he around the same age as you?” I asked.

“No he is ten years younger. We no longer have our parents just each other. I would do anything to keep him safe.”

I thought about Diane’s brother and sister for a while. Was Brad in a similar position?

“That’s nice what you’re trying to do. You seem like a genuinely nice guy Brad.”

“Thank you, Ms. Russo.”

“It is Valentina for the night for both of you.”

“So are you going to talk to anyone tonight Valentina? I compiled a list of the people that I think might be of interest.”

I glanced across the crowd of people and felt the constant stares from across the room. I didn’t want to talk to a single one of them. Why would I chase after these sheep? If they want my attention they best come bearing gifts, otherwise I don’t want it at all.

“No, it's fine you two enjoy the night and let me know how it goes tomorrow.”

“What will you do,” Brad asked.

I chuckled. “Stay here, and think about my time away from all of this and all of these people.”

I watched the pair disappear into the crowd as I turned back to the window. I should at least get a glass of wine to make myself look like I want to fit in. I turned to the security guard and gave him my order.

I had everything looking into the glass at myself but why did it feel like I still had nothing?