Chapter 81

“I don’t know if I can wear this gown, Jennifer,” I said as I studied my image in the full-length mirror.

I was wearing my mother’s ball gown, but I hadn’t realized that the Queen Anne neckline of the dress would show a hint of my cleavage.

“It looks fantastic on you, Miss,” Jennifer said. “The seamstress did a wonderful job tailoring it to your figure.”

“It looks terrific on you,” Diana said. “Why don’t you like it?”

I put my hand over my chest, covering the area at the top of my breasts. I’m not sure I’ll be comfortable wearing this one around people for a few years. It will be more suitable for me when I’m older.”

“You can hardly see anything,” Diana argued.

“It would still make me more nervous than I already am,” I told her. “I don’t like feeling like I’m on display at functions like this.”

“You have other gowns suitable for this ball.” Jennifer pulled another gown out of my closet. “This one has a neckline that will show nothing of your breasts.”

The gown Jennifer held out for my approval wasn’t as pretty as my mother’s, but the higher neckline was much more modest.

It was olive green with a scalloped neckline and quarter-length sleeves that were edged in pearls.

Its A-line skirt fell gracefully from a bodice that wasn’t as tight as the other gown.

“It’s not as pretty of a green as your mother’s gown, but it’s very nice,” Jennifer said. “And this one fit you when you tried it on the other day.”

“I’ll wear the olive green gown,” I decided. “But you can still style my hair similar to my mother’s hair in the portrait.”

“Very good, Miss,” Jennifer said and helped me out of my mother’s gown while I talked with Diana.

“I never know what to wear that will please the Alphas. The other kids at school talked about me all week no matter what I did or wore, so maybe it wouldn’t make a difference.”

“When people want to talk about somebody, they will always find something to pick on,” she agreed

“I still don’t want to give them more ammunition to say horrible things about me.”

Ever since Lana spoke to me about being careful with my reputation, I worried more about what was being said about me.

“The most important thing is that you are as comfortable as possible,” Diana said. “Being in a state of nervousness can cause you to make mistakes.”

“Then I am making the right decision because I’m already shaking inside.”

“I can feel your anxiety,” Diana said. “I will try to soothe your mind while you finish dressing.”

I felt slightly calmer as Jennifer carefully placed my mother's ball gown into a garment bag and put it in the closet.

“Let me do your hair and makeup before you put on the other gown,” Jennifer said.

I sat on the stool while she smoothed my hair and fashioned it into the complicated updo my mother wore in the portrait.

Jennifer completed the hairstyle by winding a pearl and gold wire wreath around the top of my head. She had the hair accessory made this week to go with this hairstyle.

“I love it!” I cried in delight and studied my hair in the mirror.

Jennifer held up the hand mirror so that I could see the back of my head.

“You did such a wonderful job. Thank you, Jennifer.”

This hairstyle would keep the new gown from looking too ordinary. I did want to look nice to represent my family at the ball.

I saw my phone on the nightstand and remembered my promise to send Amy a selfie. Even though I wasn’t wearing my mother’s gown, my hair looked fantastic.

“My hair looks so good. I want to show it off a little.” I handed Jennifer my cell phone. “Will you snap some photos of my hair so I can send them to Amy?”

Jennifer took my phone. “Of course, Miss. I’m glad you are pleased with your hair.”

She took three photos: one from the front, one from the back, and one from the side before handing me back my phone.

Then, while Jennifer started my makeup, I sent Amy the photos. After a few minutes, she sent me back a thumbs up.

I wasn’t sure what that meant, and I checked my hair in the mirror.

“Stop doubting everything,” Diana scolded. “Amy is probably just busy with Justin. She will comment more about your hair the next time you see her.”

“Are you sure my hairstyle won’t offend anyone at the ball?”

“I’m positive,” Diana assured me. “There is no role in society against looking good. The only Alphas who will think so are jealous females. Don’t pay any attention to them.”

“I’ve highlighted your best features with makeup but kept your look natural.” Jennifer handed me the makeup mirror.

“But I think I should add a touch more taupe shadow on your brows.”

“Jennifer knows what she’s doing, Daisy. You look marvelous, but you should let her add a bit more eye shadow.”

“Please do what you think is necessary,” I told Jennifer. “You should know Diana is impressed with your skill with hair and makeup.”

Jennifer beamed. “Tell her thank you. I hope to meet her someday.”

I returned her smile. “Perhaps I will permit you to shift and run with us some evening.”

“I would love that, Miss,” Jennifer gushed. “Now, your brown wedge heel sandals would go well with this gown. The heels aren’t very high.”

I giggled. “All the better not to fall on my face.”

I suddenly got a strange premonition that disaster was near.

“Something is going to go wrong,” I told Diana. “I have the feeling I’m going to do something stupid and ruin the evening.”

“I can feel your anxiety,” Diana said. “But I’m not feeling a strong sense of foreboding. Perhaps it’s just your nervousness tricking you into believing something bad will happen.”

“I hope you’re right,” I said with a sigh. But telling Diana how I felt made me a little calmer.

“Excuse me, Miss?” Jennifer inquired. “I didn’t hear what you said.”

“I’m sorry, Jennifer, I was speaking to Diana. It’s strange to hold two conversations at the same time, one in my mind and one with my lips.”

“It does sound complicated,” Jennifer agreed.

I checked the time on my phone and realized it was time to go downstairs and wait for Victor’s arrival. He was always on time and would scold me if I was late.

I put my phone inside a small evening bag and grabbed a silk wrap to wear around my shoulders in case the evening grew chilly.

Victor pulled in front of the mansion a second after I opened the front door. He came around the Lamborghini and opened the passenger side door for me.

“Daisy, you look absolutely perfect,” Victor said. “Your gown is lovely, your makeup is expertly applied, and your hair looks incredible. You grow lovelier every day.”

I thanked Victor for the compliments, but I still couldn’t shake the feeling I was going to do something stupid. Disasters seem to follow me, and I make many mistakes.

Victor slid into the driver's seat, and we were on our way to the ball. As usual, I enjoyed the drive as Victor expertly piloted the magnificent car over the roads.

Then he slowed the sports car and turned into a wide circular driveway in front of the Phillips mansion.

Before he turned off the engine, he turned and looked at me. Instead of his usual smile, I saw shock on his face.

“What?” I asked. “Is there something wrong with the way I look?”

Victor flipped down the passenger side sun visor, and I saw my reflection in the mirror.

“Oh no!” Diana said.

The wind had ruined my hairstyle. The complicated updo was very different from my usual braid or ponytail, and I didn’t realize what a mess my hair would be after riding in Victor’s convertible.

My hair had come loose from most of the pins Jennifer used to hold it in place, and it stuck out around my head.

I was speechless as tears sprung to my eyes. My premonition had been right. I ruined the evening before arriving at the ball.

“I don’t know how to fix this mess on top of my head,” I told Victor. “I can’t go inside or have anyone see me like this. You’ll have to take me home.”