The House of Allen

Three

Alex was too focused on her job that before she knew it, it was already the day of the ball. She never paid it any mind after the day she and her mother chose her dress, but now that the day is here, she is stressed about the small details like not knowing how to do her hair or makeup for the occasion. She then resolved to take half the day off instead and try to do a simple look with what little items she has at home.

“I’m home!” Alex announced as she stepped into the apartment to find her mother having tea with Mrs. Hill, an aesthetician who used to work for her family.

“Hello, Mrs. Hill! What brings you here?” Alex greeted the older lady as she placed her things down on the sofa.

“Your mom asked me to do your hair and makeup for tonight’s party at the Allen’s estate.” Mrs. Hill smiled at Alex who stared at the two women, puzzled.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can afford your services, Mrs. Hill,” Alex said apologetically, to which Mrs. Hill shook her head.

“Do not worry, honey. Everything is for free!” the aesthetician beamed.

“Mom, did you take out a loan for this?” the young woman turned to her mother doubtfully.

“No, miss. Your mother just happened to ask me for tips on how to do your makeup for tonight and I thought that since I really owe it to your family that I can practice what I am doing now professionally, I offered to do it  free of charge!” Mrs. Hill smiled reassuringly, tucking a strand of Alex’s hair behind her ear.

“That was so nice of you, Mrs. Hill. Thank you so much, you know I did not learn anything about makeup.” Alex admitted sheepishly.

“Oh, shush. Now go take a shower so we can get started.” Mrs. Hill laughed, as she pushed the younger woman towards the bathroom.

Alexwas worried that her makeup products would not be enough, but luckily Mrs. Hill had the intuition to bring her own set. After showing the older woman the dress that she had chosen, Mrs. Hill sat her down in front of her dresser and set to work.

“I still remember when you first wore that dress. It was for the company’s founding anniversary. You were just seventeen, then. I’m surprised they let you keep that, it’s one of a kind.” Mrs. Hill mused as she worked on curling the young woman’s hair into sections.

“Yeah, I’m surprised as well since they took most of my mom’s designer clothes. Maybe they thought this one was not worth that much because it’s plain black. I’m glad they didn’t, though, because now I get to wear it again and not look so out-dated at that party.  Black dresses never go out of style.” Alex chuckled. The last thing she would want is to be seen wearing something that was so obviously made ten years ago.

“Do not worry, dear. Even if you wear something like your grandma’s wedding dress, you’re still one of the smartest and prettiest women in that party, in my opinion.” The aesthetician assured Alex as she turned the chair around and started working on her makeup.

A few hours later and the look has finally been completed. Mrs. Hill decided to give Alex a subtle smokey-eyed look that would suit her black dress perfectly and long voluminous waves that cascaded down her shoulders. Mrs. Clifford let her daughter borrow one of her designer purses with gold hardware as well as some gold jewelry to complete her look. Finally, Alex slipped into her black pumps just as a knock was heard on the apartment door. Mrs. Clifford ran to the door to let Detective Maxwell inside who stood there at the entryway for a moment to admire Alex.

“Wow, you look great!” The detective complemented with a subtle smile gracing his features.

“Thank you, Charles.” Alex blushed as the man offered her his hand to help her out of the apartment. 

Being the only person she knows that owns a car, Alex had asked Charles to drive her to the party since taking public transport in a dress and all made up would be a hassle. The older man agreed readily and promised to drive her after he got off work.

A few minutes later, Alex was dropped off at the entrance of Allen's mansion. She thanked her friend and proceeded to the entryway, showing her invitation to the guard located there. The mansion was impressive with the high ceiling and enormous double doors that led towards the ballroom that was decorated with several flowers and high tables scattered around for people to have their cocktails at. Alex walked inside and was greeted with a polite nod here and there by some acquaintances of her family, but nobody stopped to talk to her. After all, it has been years since she was part of this society. What she is now is far from the glamour of being an heiress who never had to worry about a thing in her life. She is but a middle-class working woman who supports her mother and hopes to find justice for her father.

“Ah, Alexandra! I’m so glad you can make it! You look wonderful today!” Mr. Allen cheered as he spotted the young woman approaching him.

“Thank you, sir. You’re not looking too bad, yourself. This is a wonderful party, I must say. Thank you for inviting me.” Alex bowed courteously just as a young man around her age approached them.

“Hey, dad!” Levi greeted his father and stood there surveying his companion for a while, thinking of why they looked familiar.

“Hey, Levi. May I introduce you to Ms. Alexandra Clifford. She is our primary caretaker for the farm and factory. You will be working with her starting this Monday.” The older man said, gesturing towards Alex.

“Oh, nice to meet you. I look forward to working with you.” Levi smiled, his eyes almost disappearing as he held out a hand for Alex to shake.

“Nice to meet you too, Mr. Allen.” Alex shook the man’s hand lightly.

“You look stunning today, Ms. Clifford. Are all our employees this beautiful, father?” Levi grinned, as he squeezed the woman’s hand, turning to his father.

“Hey, Levi. There you are, I was looking for you.” A soft voice called, and Alex quickly retracted her hand from Levi’s grasp.

“O-oh, Bea. You’re finally here, honey. What took you so long?” Levi smiled as he held his fiancé by the waist. “May I introduce you to my fiancé Beatrice Gibson? Bea, this is Ms. Alexandra Clifford. She works for us at the factory and farms.” Levi gestured toward Alex who bowed courteously towards Bea with a soft ‘nice to meet you’.

“Oh, I know her, Levi. Didn’t you know? We went to the same high school. She was the class salutatorian.” Bea smirked as she stared down at Alex who averted her eyes and offered a polite smile to Levi who was pleasantly surprised.

“Oh, I didn’t know that! But, why would someone from such a good school be working here at our estate?  Shouldn’t you be like, taking your postgrad overseas or something?” Levi asked curiously.

“Levi, I don’t think – “ Mr. Allen tried to interject but was cut off by Bea.

“Oh, honey. You spent way too much time at the capital and abroad that’s why you didn’t know. Ms. Clifford was the heiress of the Clifford family, the ones who raise pigs for a living.  However, since her father was found to actually be a drug dealer, they got everything taken away from them. That is why she was only able to go to community college and why she is stuck with a job here at your farm. She does not even have the money to buy a new dress for this occasion which is why she’s here in front of us wearing something from ten years ago. Poor thing.” Bea smirked as Alex stood there, trying to find a way out of this very awkward conversation.  The mention of her past in front of someone who was practically a stranger to her was humiliating, but she clenched her fist tight in order to keep her emotions at bay.

“I think that’s enough, Bea.” Erwin, who had just arrived at the party, saw and heard everything and decided to intervene. “Before you run your mouth, make sure that you are actually doing something productive other than running around the capital and spending your daddy’s money, okay? I don’t know what my brother saw in you.” The younger man seethed as he took Alex by the hand. “Dad, I’m sorry. I have to bring Alex home. And Levi, welcome home, bro. Let’s catch up some other time.” And with that, the dashing young man left the party with Alex in tow.