The Racing Hearts

Chapter 1

Esme Carmichael

“I’m so sorry!” I yelled out as I ducked between moving bodies,struggling to get passed the dock into the cruise ship.

“Hey watch where you’re going.” Someone yelled at me over the chiming Christmas bells making me jolt my glasses falling onto the snow covered floor, I bent down picking up the glasses as I continued running towards the cruise ship desperate to ensure everything was set for the event.

I reached the entrance of the cruise ship admiring the Christmas light that twinkled like diamonds on the snow covered ship, a deckhand sent me practiced smile as i retuned mine before sauntering into the cruise ship, my eyes roaming around the vicinity trying to find my assistant, Beverly.

I didn’t find her so I move further into the ship with the sound of jingle bells making me smile, I looked around the huge auditorium my assistant was nowhere to be found until her small dainty figure at the corner of the room appears as she frantically throws orders at the workers.

I watched her face twisted and marred with lines as sweat trickled down her forehead I narrowed my gaze curiously on why she looks so worried, I walked towards her watching her bite her blue pen, her feet tapping against the floor continuously.

As I approached her she caught sight of me she let out an audible sigh of relief before running towards me, her steps quickened.

“We have a problem.” Beverly announced alarmingly as she straightened her rumpled shirt, few strands of hair stuck to her face. My mind raced with a million possibilities of what could go wrong.

“What is it this time?” I questioned exasperatedly as I let out a sigh of frustration.

“The tree is not here yet” Beverly exclaimed pulling her hair as she stared at me her eyes redened.

“What is that supposed to mean, the ship moves in an hour” I yelled as I paced back and forth my feet tapping against the floor.

“I know, and that is where the problem lies, the tree comes in an hour.” Beverly added and I felt like the world had collapsed, this was my first gig in a long time and now it is probably going to be ruined.

Because what is a Christmas party without a Christmas tree.

Am I really that unfortunate?

I’m going to prove my family right.

I am nothing but the underachieved Carmichael.

I am probably going to lose this gig and the entire hierarchy of the wealthy people are never going to hire me for an event.

And I’m going to be jobless.

And I won’t be able to pay my rent.

And I won’t be able to buy food.

Then I will be homeless and hungry.

Then i will fall sick and probably die.

Oh my God my life is ruined.

“I know what you are thinking about Esme, and that is not going to happen.” Beverly said snapping out of my bad thoughts.

“Well it doesn’t look like it.” I snapped as I sat down on a small wooden stool.

“Look I think I have an idea, all we need to do is to asks the Captain to delay the ship for a few minutes.” Beverly said proffering a solution which makes the tightening in my chest loosen followed by a sigh.”

“Ok well if that is possible, please try it because nothing must go wrong.” I added an Beverly sent me a smile before walking away and I stared at her retreating figure wondering what I would be able to do without her.

I removed my gaze from her figure as I took in a deep breath trying to shake of the feeling of impending doom as I glanced around the theatre talking in the bustling of other workers as I stood up joining them and making sure all the other things are all right.

Standing in front of the gift boxes adjusting the bow, my mind conjuring up diffrent worst case scenario’s but my thoughts was broken by the chime of my phone, I pulled it out looking at it, it was a message from Beverly.

Beverly: Good news the captain agreed to delay the ship for 30 minutes.

“Oh thank God!” I said letting out a deep breath, a smile making its way to my face

Esmemine:That’s great,thank you so much.

“Now that this problem has been solved it’s time to get ready .” I muttered to myself as I giddily walked towards the dressing room, with a smile etched on my face.

I pushed the door of the dressing room open, the warm glow of light enveloping me, dispelling all traces of the wormer cold, the quite room was filled with various gowns all of different colors and designs, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty.

The air was thick with perfume and the sight off sleep stations I trudged deeper drinking the opulence until my eyes landed on a beautiful emerald gown nestled at the corner, the tag read Esmemine and I knew it was mine.

The dress sparkled with intricate sequins something that was more the style of Ava, but it was equally beautiful and my best friend had great taste.

As I slipped into the gown, the silk fabric gliding smoothly over my skin, I felt beautiful as I stood in front of the mirror staring at my reflection.

My ginger hair in beautiful waves rather than their usual frizzy state, my hazel eyes sparkled and my lips set in a smile, the smile on my face widened as I twirled around feeling like some sort of princess in this dress,but I knew that I had a party to attend so I wiped myself and exited the room.

The marble stairs made clicking sound as my heels made contact with the floor, I took in a deep breath to calm my racing heart as I approached the main hall for the Christmas Eve dinner party.

The bright Christmas light flashed at me, the beautiful decorations making me feel a sense of achievement, I successfully organized the party and now I just have to go through it.

I let out a breath of anticipation as I walked towards Beverly who stood close to the entrance, her blue gown beautiful and detailed.

“How many people have arrived.” I questioned immediately I reached her as I peered my head out the door trying to get a view of the approaching guests.

“About 30 of them, and only about 9 of them are from the elite, elites, so you are safe.” Beverly said causing me to let out a breath of relief.

“At least I get to meet the others, and make acquaintances with them.” I murmured as I clutched the hem of my gown my fingers twiddling with it nervously.

“Ok..don’t freak out but your family is approaching.” Beverly whispered causing my gaze to snap to entrance.

“What the hell, were they part of the guest list.” I whisper yelled my voice shaky.

“Umm..yes they were.” Beverly whispered her eyes trailed on the floor.

“And you didn’t think of telling me.” I questioned giving her a narrowed gaze.

“Well if I had told you, you would have overreacted and I wanted to avoid that.” She said making me let out a huge breath as I knew she was right.

“Ok i can do this,it’s just my family I whispered before wearing a smile to welcome one their proud faces.

“Oh my Esmemine what are you doing here.” My mother questioned her voice high pitched and condescending.

“I am the…” my speech got short as my disorder Raya interrupted.

“I thought this event was for influential and high class people and not struggling event planners.” Raya said as a matter of fact her face twisted in a sneer.

“Well if you have let me speak…I would have told you that I was the one who planned this event.” I said my face twisting into a proud smile.

“Really, who in their right senses gave you this job.” Father said with a laugh as he stared at me condescendingly, I ignored the pang on my chest as he shook his head and walked away.

“Maybe she slept her way here.” My sister said as she sized me up her gaze judging.

“Well whatever you do, make sure you don’t bring disgrace to the Carmichael’s, you alone are enough as it already is.

I mean I raised a businessman and an actress/supermodel while you decided to be an event planner with a dying career.” My mother said as she took a sip from her champagne flute.

I stared at my mother and sister, my throat tightening as tears glisten my eyes threatening to escape. I let out a shaky breath before turning away from them.

My vision was blurred with tears but I took a step and walked away.

My steps hastened as I walked away my stilettos clicking sign at the marble floor, and I failed o notice the person approaching me.

Suddenly, my body collided with a tall muscular figure, and the impact sent me to the ground my ass coming in contact with the flooring.

The sound of shattering glass filled the air, followed by the smell of champagne and the gasped of guests. My hands remained in the cold hard floor as tears of humiliation pricked my eyes.

I lifted my gaze and my eyes met the piercing stare of non other than Kairos Morano.