VELMONT’S VEIL

“Silver heel or Black heel?” Bethany inquired, emerging from her room to ask for my opinion. I chewed my gum rather haughtily as I carefully regarded the two pairs of heels. “How about sleep-in heels?” I groaned, applying the last bit of mascara to my face. “No, can't do C! You’ve been through hell these past few days and need a good break or good d…” “No!” I stopped her before she could finish her sentence and she ran inside, chuckling, to finish dressing up. Bethany Klein had been my best friend since high school and when I left Velmont City, she kept in touch, ensuring that our friendship blossomed even if it was long-distance. I had been away from Velmont City for the past six years. Technically I ran. My mother had abandoned me and my sister, Sophia and then I abandoned Sophia— I left her with our abusive stepfather Bruce Gallagher! No amount of ‘I’m sorry,’ could heal the scar I had caused Sophia. I knew I had caused her pain, I knew she was angry with me, and rightfully so too. So imagine my shock when she called me and invited me to her wedding. Her f*****g wedding! My baby sister was getting married. Who she was getting married to was a mystery. I didn’t know why she invited me either but whatever it was, I was going to try and be there for her. I was going to be the older sister she needed— even if it was for just a moment. “Okay, the Uber is here!” Bethany said in a sing-song voice as she clutched her purse from the counter. “Time to loosen up girl!” I groaned for the thousandth time that day as she linked her arms to mine and we both exited the building. “Why aren’t you driving?” I queried, curiosity dripping from my tone. Bethany worked with an editing firm that paid well and could afford the lifestyle she lived and that was why she made it a point of duty to always visit me in Elorra at least once a year. “Because C, I plan to get us both drunk tonight, especially after what happened to you.” I winced at her statement as unwanted memories flooded my head. I had just been fired from my job because of a scandal I was involved in which was no fault of mine. “We could just stay home and…” “Shhh Celeste and enjoy the night with me. It’s Friday night for goodness sake and tomorrow’s your sister’s wedding. Throw caution to the wind for once!” Bethany advised as we got into the Uber, eliciting a forced smile to tug at my lips. “By the way, do you know who she is getting married to?” I murmured out the question again, pretending not to care. “I’ve told you before, no! Since you left, Sophia has been away from the public eye but I hear the guy is a hotshot!” Bethany explained, glancing at me curiously. She sighed, “I know you’re worried about her. You haven’t seen her since you got back but she’s your sister, she’s bound to warm up to you… eventually.” I smiled and brought my phone to my face, nonchalantly scrolling through social media. “Can’t believe that prick!” I cursed, glaring at the photo in front of me. Bethany scooted closer, grabbing the phone from my hands. “This is unhealthy and he doesn’t deserve you!” Bethany scolded, unfollowing my boyfriend— ex-boyfriend. “I just want to see what he’s up to you know and…” “C, he caused them to fire you. He leaked your nudes to the board of directors of your company and I’m going to hold your hand when I say this, Jonathan Gibson is not someone you should know what he’s up to,” Bethany said with all the love she could muster and I felt the tears trickle from the corner of my eyes. “It’s just hard you know,” I choked. “We were dating for two years and I felt blindsided. I thought he loved me. I didn’t even know he took those photos.” “Don’t cry C, you’ll ruin your makeup and that s**t is expensive!” Bethany pointed out and I chuckled, embracing her warmly. “You should stay here longer than the three weeks you’ve planned before returning to Elorra. You know, to allow things to cool off for a bit. Plus, I've missed you.” “Okay,” I whispered, breathing in her scent. This was my best friend. The best thing to happen to me. “Now, we’re here and we’re going to…” “Throw caution to the wind!” I finished for her, beginning to feel somewhat excited. We alighted from the vehicle, paid him, and made our way to the house. Bethany is someone you would describe as a socialite. She knew almost everyone and that is why I found it odd she didn’t know Sophia’s soon-to-be husband. Anyway, this house party was being thrown by one of her colleagues and I was her plus one so when we got into the house, she got whisked away from my side pretty quickly. I walked around for a while, inhaling the vapid smell of booze and perspiration from people around me. “Here,” a strange voice said to me, handing me a glass of something. The man was sculptured to perfection. I immediately felt attracted to him. “Gin and tonic,” he answered my unasked question while I just stared at him suspiciously. I said nothing and took a sip of the drink. “I just saw you looking lost and I couldn’t just let an Angel like you wander alone,” he stated, causing a blush to creep up my cheeks. “My God! You're breathtaking!” he complimented, a glint gracing his features. “Indulge me?” He asked, pointing towards the bottle of gin and I grinned sheepishly, suddenly feeling shy. “I’m more of a vodka kind of girl,” I pointed out, allowing him to direct me into the kitchen. “My bad,” he laughed and I could swear that it was the most amazing sound I’d ever heard. An hour later we were alone by the garden and I had taken more vodka than intended and I was laughing at something he said. Then he paused and stared into my eyes. “I could kiss you right now,” he said in a breezy whisper. “So what’s stopping you?” I replied, glancing at him hazily, and before I could register anything else, his lips came crashing down on mine and we threw caution to the wind that fateful night.