Preparations

"Isabelle....." someone lightly shakes my shoulders, trying to wake me up.

"Hmmm.." I softly murmured.

Early in the morning, I don't want somebody to wake me up cause I'm not a morning person. Do you know that I bite people who wake me up? Unless mom is the one waking me up. I'm weird, I know. Wait, mom?! I said to myself.

By the way, I'm Isabelle, 18 years of age. A senior in my school. My height is 5'7, towers most of the girls in my school and my zodiac is Scorpio. Love arts and music... wear comfy clothes, hate clowns if you know what I mean..., hates people that are clingy and cringe also girls that are spoiled-brats and super-duper girly. Also, I'm a writer.

"Mom?" I rubbed my eyes, open my eyes, and shut it again though it feels like I still wanna sleep.

I gazed at the clock and Oh! It was just 7 in the morning! *sighs*

I looked at my mom. "Why mom?" I said in a soft voice.

"Isabelle my dear, get up now 'cos we'll go to your Aunt's boutique today."

"What, why? Is there any occasion?" I asked.

"Well, sorry for not telling you a little early. We have received an invitation from the Houstons. They are inviting us to attend their family gathering because their only grandson is back." She answered.

Not wanting to care about the gathering-thingy, so instead, I ask "Where is Dad, Mom?"

"He had some business meetings to attend for sure he'll catch up later and For Your Information, you'll come with us so you'll be attending the gathering."

My whole mind woke up. I don't want this.

"What?! Mom! You already knew that I freaking hate social gatherings especially if it includes wearing a gown! Arghhh!" I kicked my feet because of annoyance, still in my bed.

"Na-ah! You'll go with us and you will wear a gown." She said, not minding my annoyed face.

"Mom, it's so itchy and hot when wearing it, Gosh, I hate gowns!!! Hmph!" Call me a brat (that I'm not) but firstly I freakin' hate gowns! Secondly, my Aunt hates my guts and I must admit that I hate her too! I'm not fond of going outside my comfort zone. I'm a house person.

"If it's itchy then don't scratch it will become itchier and the itch is still bearable. I know because I'll be wearing one like you. Also, the venue is air-conditioned so stop arguing with me, young lady!" Mom says in a duh-tone.

"I don't wanna go, Mom! Just go there without me like always, you have Dad with you anyways so you'll be okay!" Me, still complaining.

"You will come with me young lady whether you like it or not! Stop your tantrums right now, lady! I and your Dad have already decided that you are going because we're all invited they said that they want to meet you. Go to the bathroom right now or I'll force you." I just nod. Mom's giving me her infamous penetrating glance and it's creeping me out. Mom's so harsh sometimes if she's already irritated and annoyed by my attitude.

As if I have a choice. I thought to myself. Whenever she's like that I know that I should shut up so I stood up and did what she told me to do. Still annoyed because of the gathering "thing" also why do they want to meet someone like me? I'm not a happy preppy that likes to chat with other people because I'm awkward and a shy-type person yah know.

Once I'm done with my bath I put on my usual casual look. I wore high-waisted jeans, a black statement shirt with "ALL WE HAVE IS NOW" words imprinted on it then I paired my outfit with my white sneakers. I also put on some lip tint and pressed some powder then that's it, I'm done.

When I come out of my room I caught up with mom who had just left her room as well. She wore her usual outfit which is a dress and heels. The dress has floral designs and the length was just above her knees.

"Mom is there no turning back?" I'm frustrated and still hate the fact that I will go to that gathering. Gatherings aren't my type. Obviously.

"My dear there's no turning back now and look at you, you're already dressed." As-a-matter-of-fact.

Idiot. I mentally face-palmed myself. She went down the stairs and went straight to the garage to get the car. I waited in the corridor.

~~~

My Aunt is my Mom's best friend and my aunt hates or is mad at me. I also hate her guts (well hate is a big word) I mean not just like that you know? If someone hates or has been mad at you since the beginning you want them not to hate you, but MY AUNT hates me and it seems like she thinks that I stole my mother's time for her because they're slowly losing their contact tho it isn't my fault, they're simply avoiding each other and I don't know the reasons why. I don't know what happened but my and aunt are just simply annoyed by each other's existence since I was a fetus. Lol. Mom knew it by the way. So let's not talk further about her.

Before we went to the mall (where my Aunt's boutique is) we first went to a diner for breakfast. We ate there then we immediately went straight to the mall.

If you are asking "Where's my Dad?" The answer would be, as usual, he's busy also he's okay and he already has something to wear my Dad always comes prepared.

We arrived at the mall immediately after a few minutes.

I peeked inside. Some button must have been pushed as the door swung open soon after, and I was hit with the delightful aroma of the boutique. Well, it's my first time entering here..except mom of course. The door closed promptly and as we entered as if I'd stepped through a portal into a different world. Woah. A world contrasting to my own, one in which I didn't belong in the slightest. Not truly tho because of our house but still.

Me being an average potato and an anti-social person was slightly, very slightly shocked by the interior of my Aunt's boutique. The white wall and its cream flooring bore not one scratch or patch of discoloration; each clothes was arranged by color perfectly; and it screamed, to me anyway 'YOU CAN'T AFFORD ANYTHING.' Though I don't have a problem with that. Mom got my back and can afford anything here.

Note: I'm not rich but my parents are. :]

We saw Aunt sitting at the cashier's area and when she saw us, she hurriedly stood up and she immediately hugged my mother then turned her eyes to me with a scowling face. I backed away quickly, afraid that she would scratch me with her nails. Whoops. Oh, she didn't dig her nails nor scratch me hehe. I think I'm safe, for now.

After they answered each other's 'how are you's My Aunt asks my Mom why are we here. My mom answered that she was going to buy gowns for both of us and told her that WE are attending a gathering event.

Her shocked eyes raised to my own. She covered it quickly, preferring to raise her eyebrow instead so I averted my eyes away from her. Well, she knows that I hate wearing gowns and that I hate her. Also, the theme for the gathering event will be Masquerade Party.

Firstly, Mom bought the Beautiful Victorian Red Venetian Masquerade Mask it's a Red Light Metal for short. It looks so luxurious...