Date Plans

Auralia wanted to open the envelope up and see what was inside but she knew everyone was probably waiting for her. Sighing, she placed the envelope in her jacket pocket and hurried off to the dining room. 

When she got there, she found the family was already seated and servants were bustling around to serve food. She also noticed the seat at the head of the table was missing. Mrs. Davidson, who usually took the seat, was nowhere to be found.

She knew the older lady had been skipping family dinners to give her some space and while she was worried if Mrs. Davidson was eating right, a part of Auralia was happy that the older lady wasn't around.

Auralia was still having a hard time accepting Mrs. Davidson as her real grandmother, especially after everything that had happened and what she had done. 

Maybe one day she would forgive the old woman, but today was not the day.

"What's with the gloomy look?" Her cousin, Madison asked as Auralia took a seat across from her.

"It's nothing." Auralia smiled tightly. 

"Sure…" Madison looked away, turning to look at the head seat before looking at Auralia. She picked up a backet of rolls and asked, "Bread?"

"No thanks."

***

Closing her bedroom door behind her, Auralia flopped onto her bed and sighed. Despite the chatter and delicious food, dinner had been awkward for Auralia. She didn't know exactly what it was but for some reason, she felt nervous whenever her cousin looked over at her.

It was as if Madison had figured out something and was waiting for someone to say something. Auralia specifically.

"Whatever…" Auralia muttered as she pulled out the envelope. "You don't have time for nonsense."

Auralia lifted the envelope into the air and stared at it for a few seconds before sitting up. She turned it to the back and carefully opened the sealed envelope.

Pulling out a folded piece of paper, two strips of paper fell out onto the bed. Auralia ignored them, opening up the paper in her names. She immediately recognised the penmanship belonging to Maria and began to read.

Dear Auralia,

I hope this letter finds you in good health.

I'm writing to you for two reasons. First is that you and my son need to be seen hanging out in public. This is so the engagement ceremony comes off a little more natural, which is the second thing I need to discuss but first the dating thing.

My son will be putting minimal effort into this arranged marriage, so I'm going to ask you to please ask him out on a date. Don't worry about planning it as I have. Inside you'll find two tickets to an art gallery opening this weekend.

Auralia smirked at the last paragraph before looking down at the two stripes of paper on her bed. Of course, Maria Ezra would plan their date. Auralia thought to herself. The woman was always planning things, several steps ahead of everyone.

But an art gallery? Auralia had never been to one and wasn't really sure what to do on this type of date. Shaking her head, Auralia turned back to the letter wanting to finish reading it.

Don't worry about Alexander's schedule, I've made sure that his PA has made him free for the whole day. Also I don't know if you have his number, seeing as you will have to ask my son out. If not, it's 0XX XXX XXXX. You can say that Mrs. Davidson gave it to you. 

Moving on, I'm planning for the engagement ceremony to be in two weeks. I've prepared everything but want your opinion on the invites and time. Alexander is fine with everything so once you're happy, I'll be sending out invites.

There is a sample in the envelope too. Message me with a flower if you're happy with everything or a bee if you want to discuss anything. I'll set up a visit so we can talk.

Make sure you burn this letter when you're finish reading everything and please send my regards to Mrs. Davidson.

Maria Erza.

Once Auralia had finished reading the letter, she grabbed the envelope and found the invite Maria was talking about. It was made from a fancy, silver paper with gold writing and decorations. 

Auralia quickly read over everything, her eyes stopping as she came across the time and date. It was the same day as the tournament. She had to be there for students, especially after being away from the dojo for so long.

Sighing, Auralia grabbed her phone sending Maria the only response she could. Afterwards, she grabbed the envelope, letter and invite and threw them in the burning fireplace. She watched them burn and headed back to her bed, placing the art gallery tickets on her nightstand.

Now all she had to do was message her fake "boyfriend" and ask him out to the art gallery. She opened her messaging app and quickly found his number, having saved it into her phone after responding to Maria.

Auralia then began to type: Hey Alexander. This is Auralia Davidson. I got some tickets to an art gallery and was wondering if you would like to join me this Saturday?

She quickly hit sent and fell backwards on the bed, letting her phone fall out her hands. Hopefully, the man would respond and accept soon. It was Thursday after all. Maybe a bit late to make plans for the weekend.

Just as she thought that however, she phone buzzed. Picking it up, she looked at the screen to see that Alexander had responded.

That was quick. Auralia thought as she opened the messaging app to read the message.

Hey Auralia. 

I don't have anything on Saturday so sure. Btw what time should I pick you up?

Auralia let out a sigh of relief and quickly typed out a response: How about 10am?

A few seconds after she sent the reply, Alexander sent another message: Okay, I'll pick you up at 9:45 then. Want to do lunch as well?

Auralia: Yeah sure. Should I reserve one or will we just go to any one on the day?

Alexander: Any one will be fine.

Auralia: Okay. Well good night then.

Alexander: Night.

Auralia closed her phone, letting it fall onto the bed as she stared at the ceiling. The date was secured but she still had to figure out what to wear and do. 

It wasn't because Auralia had never dated, she had had a few boyfriends in the past, but she had never really gone on a fancy date.

Maybe I should ask Aunt Mary for some advice. Auralia thought to herself.

As she got up to go ask her aunt for some advice, her bedroom door slammed open and Auralia saw Madison walk in.

"We need to talk."