Ons Leven Part 12
Loud chattering could be heard from the dinning room. The lighting was soft and the music gentle. Soothing laughter spread through the room as one heard the occasional pop of champagne bottles. Few couples danced in the center floor, while many socialized at the round tables throughout the room.
"Where's Maxwell?" Treize asked as he looked to the two empty seats next to Hilde. Zech's merely shrugged and drank some of his wine. Twirling his glass, he couldn't deny that he felt a bit uncomfortable that evening. The young man shot a short glance to his smiling sister sitting next to him. ::She's acting strange::
"Good Evening everyone." Duo entered and began politely. " I have to say that this evening is working out quite well. The finest wine and the most beautiful ladies." He winked towards the women at the table next to his. Relena glanced at the flirting form and smiled. "Mr. Yuy, you're sitting with us tonight." She got up and walked to where Duo was to be seated. "Won't you join us." Zech's looked up to where his sister held out her hand for Duo to kiss. He couldn't brush off the cold feeling that lingered as Duo took his seat.
=======================================
After splashing another hand of cold water on his face, he firmly supported himself against the sink and looked into the mirror. Even though he had finally agreed to go to the party, Heero couldn't deny his worries. Upon entering the dinning hall, he had sent Duo ahead to the table as he departed to the restroom. As he intently looked at his reflection, he tried to imagine the worst possible thing that could happen. Nothing came to mind. There was nothing for him to be worried about, but he was worried. Worried and scared.
A gentle tune could be heard from the dinning room announcing that dinner would start. He dried his face and straightened his tie. ::This is it:: He thought as he left the restroom.
=======================================
Relena glanced towards Hilde for the first time that evening. The two women shared a cold moment before Hilde abruptly looked away. Duo, completely unaware that the woman had not been listening, kept speaking to her. She couldn't enjoy herself. Her only thoughts were on the bottle she was clenching beneath the table. ::This is the only way..." she thought again.
"Are you alright?" This startled her. She looked up to meet two gentle violet eyes. Apparently, the server had been asking her choice of salad or soup but she was in to deep a thought. Politely the man repeated, "Which would you prefer miss?"
Swallowing, the girl chose for the soup. Relena closed her eyes and smiled. "Will all of you excuse me? I will be right back." She left momentarily but returned shortly with a glow of satisfaction.
After the table had been served with appetizers, Hilde made her choice. She turned to Duo. "Mr. Yuy, do you think it would be too much of a bother for me to ask for a salad now?" The young man turned to her and smiled. "Is there something wrong?"
Her heart skipped. "N-No, it's just that I don't like this soup. I wasn't paying attention and just..." She stopped. Looking away sharply Hilde held her breath as she felt the tears rise in her eyes. This did not go unnoticed by the American and he smiled. "I knew there was something wrong. Here, we'll trade." The girl clenched her fist. Momentarily, she glanced towards Relena's smiling face than picked up her cup. "Thank you."
The two traded their dish.
--------------------------------------------------------------
"This was delicious! You sure missed out on something great." Duo winked at Hilde, who for the first time that evening, truly smiled.
The servers were collecting the dishes and preparing the tables for the main course. Duo momentarily shot Relena a confused look. He had felt her stare all evening. "How are you enjoying this vacation miss Peacecraft?" he smiled. Relena narrowed her eyes. "How did you enjoy your soup?"
Duo shifted uneasy but smiled. "Well, it's the finest I've tasted in years."
Hilde looked at the man sitting next to her and smiled. ::I'm sorry::
She glanced at Relena across the table. For long moments the two stared at each other. The silence between them unbearably deafening. Finally, Hilde shook her head and turned to thank the server for her meal.
::I'm sorry Relena. I couldn't...::
Relena briefly glanced at the laughing American before she picked up her wine and smiled.
==================End of Part 12=====================
Onto part 13
Back Home
Send all comments to: [email protected]