Page 18 of Luna Ascending

We have a giggle about how families never really know what's best for us and I find myself reluctantly agreeing. I nearly don't – the idea of a crowd of unknown people is alarming, but I can't be a hermit forever. Even if the whole evening is awful, it will be a sudden sharp shock to the system. My mental black hole is eating me alive; I need a way out. After forcing myself to socialise at a big function, surely everyday trips to a coffee shop or the supermarket will be child's play.

Marc seals the deal by promising not to leave my side, and hinting that we can leave once he's shown face for an hour or so.

Chapter Thirteen

Freya's POV

It's a huge effort to be a convincing 'plus one'. Marc's family are very 'old money' and I doubt my usual splash and dash look will hack it. It’s not easy when my energy levels are so low, but I'm pleased with the result of my efforts.

I glance in the mirror at my coppery hair flowing over my shoulders contrasting against the green dress Liz bought me. I clutch the only fancy handbag I own and smile at my reflection – not bad!

The thought lasts about two minutes after Marc arrives.

He greets me at the door with a flowery kiss on each cheek and I have to remind myself he's French, and just saying hello. He steps back and looks me up and down with a scrutinising frown.

“Mmm I thought you might need a little help for this event” he pouts looking pleased with himself. He produces, with a flourish, a large dress-bag.

“My family are pretty judgemental” he makes a dramatic sigh “They also know me well – they wouldn't believe our ruse if I brought a date who didn't look the part. Why don't you try these on? They should be in your size”

I feel small – my massive effort wasn't enough. I search frantically for a last-minute way out of this evening, while opening the bag. What's inside stops my thought process short and makes me gasp.

Even with my minimal fashion knowledge I recognise the dress is designer, and exquisite. There is absolutely no way I can back out after Marc has gone to such effort.

“Where on earth did you rent this?” I squeak, wide-eyed.

“Oh, I bought it” he throws causally over his shoulder while poking around my tiny kitchen “open the other bag... they should be perfect with your hair, although... maybe you should wear it up. It's more elegant like that.”

I just manage to stop myself from telling him I'll wear my hair how I damn like as I peer into the jewellery bag.

“This isn't real, is it?” I gasp stroking the emerald-coloured necklace and matching earrings lovingly.

“Mmm” he nods, mouth full of a slug of wine he's just poured.

I drop it like a scalded cat “Jeez Marc, you shouldn't bring stuff like this into my neighbourhood!”

He grins like a naughty school boy “not my problem after tonight, it's you that has to keep them here once you get home!”

I swallow hard, turning away to hide my face. He means I should keep these? What is wrong with rich people?! This one outfit is more than a year's wages! As I get changed I wonder why I feel like I'm playing at dress up rather than like a princess.

I try again, turning to Marc “I... I can't accept a gift like this Marc... we barely bloody know each other!”

He snorts through his nose, and waves a hand languidly at me “It's nothing, don't worry – we can talk about it later” He turns away like that's the end of it.

Once the dress is on, Marc fastens the necklace. I have to admit I do look far more refined. Sighing I peer at my reflection as I pull my hair up the way he wants. I suppose I really ought to look the part, especially when he's put so much thought into my outfit. The hair can go up.

Marc accompanies me outside and it's only once there I realise we have a chauffeur for the evening. That'll give the neighbours something else to talk about.

Marc opens my door and helps me inside, shutting it gently behind me. It's an old-fashioned gesture, but it's not exactly unpleasant to be looked after, especially after my weeks of self-inflicted solitude.

True to Marc's love of flare, there's a bottle of Dom Perignon Rose nestled in the back alongside two glasses. Although I love bubbles, I've never tried anything so expensive before. Tonight I'm definitely going to need some liquid backbone.

Taking the champagne I chink glasses and take a big slug from the crystal flute. Marc catches me and looks amused

“Nervous?”

Glancing at him I can't help but feel grateful that he's noticed.

“Maybe a little” I admit as he refills my glass.

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