11 Chapter Ten : Get Ready

Xia's POV

As we moved out of the staff room I noticed Gordon was still looking confused.

"Hey I didn't know you've a brother," I said.

"Me too", he replied with confused look.

In the evening while I was eating sandwiches in the hall I saw an envelope lying on the table. I opened it and after reading it I got so excited but why mum didn't tell me about this! Maybe she have forgotten about it. I quickly called Tora.

"Hey! What's up", she chippered from the other side of the phone.

"Are you also invited for the masquerade ball?" I asked. "Yeah! Why?", she replied.

"Then why you didn't tell me? We've to get our dresses, sandals, accessories and you're asking why?!" I shouted.

"Okay okay calm down Queen Victoria! We'll go tomorrow", she replied.

"And who is this family I've never heard about them", I questioned.

"They are some big shots as per I've heard. They're new here so they're throwing this ball to know everyone", she answered.

"Sounds interesting! I've never been to a masquerade ball I'm so excited," I said gleefully.

"Me too. See you tomorrow then", she said.

"Yep", I said and I hung up the phone.

While having dinner I asked mum about the invitation she said she forgot to tell me about it and I told her about my shopping plan with Tora.

"I've heard they have their business in London and I don't understand why they want to settle here", Dad said.

"Today my whole staff was discussing about this family. They've become quite famous in such a short span," mum said.

I didn't pay much attention to their conversation I was only thinking about the ball, my dress and how much fun it'll be.

Next day after the school Tora and I went for shopping in my favorite boutique.

"Hey Josie", I greeted the owner of the place. She is a very nice lady and she makes best dresses in this whole town.

"Hey girl", she smiled and came to us. "Let me guess you want dress for the ball right?" "Absolutely," I gave a toothy smile.

" I knew you girls will come so I've saved my best for you", she said.

"That's why we love you Josie", I hugged her.

"Just wait for a minute I'll just be back", she went to bring dresses.

Meanwhile Tora was awfully silent today and I couldn't digest it.

"What's the deal", I elbowed her.

"Nothing", she said giving a faint smile.

"Oh c'mon! Tell me", I asked.

"Do we really have to do this? I mean do you really want to go to the stupid ball?",she replied.

"Yes girl! I'm going and so you're. Don't be a spoil sport!" I said.

"I don't think it'll be what you're thinking. I'm sure it'll be hell boring." she said.

"Oh please! Enough of this! We're going and that's final.", I stated.

After spending hour on selecting our dresses, sandals and accessories we were exhausted, so we decided to eat something from nearby restaurant.

We were waiting for our food meanwhile Tora started looking around the table and searching our shopping bags.

"What is the matter?", I asked. "I can't find my purse," she replied.

We both searched in our bags.

"My goodness! I left it in the changing room at Josie's", she said getting up from the table.

" Wait I'm coming with you," I said joining her.

"No you wait here and eat I'll join you in 10 minutes", she replied.

"Are you sure," I asked.

"Yes. Now enjoy your burger," she said and left.

It's been an hour since she left. I ate two burgers and fries while waiting for her. I've called her 20 times but she didn't picked my call. I was getting worried about her. I decided to go and check at Josie's. When I inquired there the assistant told me that Tora left 45 minutes ago. What the hell is going on? As I was leaving from the shop my phone started ringing and when I checked it was Tora. Now this is nice!!! "What?", I shouted. "I'm so sorry Xia. I totally forgot about you. When I was coming to the restaurant I got a call from my dad that my mother had an accident and she was admitted in the hospital, I got panicked and left without thinking. I'm so sorry I left without informing you. Where are you now? Should I come to pick you?", Tora said in sad tone. ", It's alright. You take care of your mum. I'll go with dad.", I said.

I called Dad but his phone was unreachable. I thought of calling Gordon but guess what there was no network in my phone which is great because I have to take a cab. I should have brought my car but what is done is done.

I waited at the stop but there was no sign of any cab. It was getting dark so I decided to walk little bit till I get a cab. As I was walking few drops of water hit my face and when I looked up few more drops hit my face. Its raining! Excellent!

Suddenly wind started blowing violently and it started raining heavily. I was trapped in middle of a silent road. I can't think of anything what I should do so I started running. Trees were moving ferociously, leaves were flying with the wind and nothing was visible which way I was going. I was running as fast as possible with clutching my shopping bags around me. It kinda felt like I've gone blind. I had no other option but to continue running. I was praying to reach home as soon as possible. This whole situation was so horrifying. I can't believe I've put myself in this situation because of a stupid ball. I tried to open my eyes little bit to see where I am now but I can't see anything properly. Suddenly a powerful light hit my eyes I froze there for sometime and then there was darkness everywhere.