Almost made it worth it

Aria looked up to see Lady Scott calling out to them. As she walked over and began fussing over the two girls' hair and dresses, Aria felt very warm inside.

She gave lady Scott a huge smile before her eyes wandered off to where the two boys were standing. Aria stiffled a laugh upon seeing them but a slight chuckle still escaped. Jacob stood with his mouth hanging open, and Joseph actually looked like he would swoon with the slightest wind.

Mrs. Scott didn't notice, but Helen elbowed Aria and whispered, "What are you laughing about?"

Aria giggled and explained the boys' reaction to Helen in a whisper. When she was done, Helen spoke with a chuckle, "Now that's proof that we look beautiful enough."

Aria chuckled as lady Scott, satisfied by whatever she was fussing about Aria's hair, let out a smile and said, tucking a lock of Helen's hair behind her ear, "Let's go then everyone. The guests are already here. And I'm sure Mr. Scott won't be long."

Aria and Helen nodded and walked behind lady Scott, who turned after walking a few steps and spoke, "Jacob, Joseph? You boys coming?"

Aria stiffled another laugh at their emotions as Jacob was the first to recover. He blinked, looked around and elbowed Joseph in the ribs before following Mrs. Scott with an embarrassed expression.

Aria whispered in Helen's ear as the two walked, "Their comical expression almost makes dressing up worth it."

Helen laughed as she almost stepped in her dress, "Leave it to you to find the brighter side in everything."

The next morning, Aria barely had time to run to the library to grab a book before Helen dragged her to dress her up.

"But the ball is in the evening!! There's still so much time!" Aria exclaimed as she led Helen towards her room.

Helen replied in a voice of authority, "Nope. There's not enough time. Come on. We'll have lunch in my room."

Aria pouted and dejectedly walked to Helen's room, looking like a scolded puppy.

Jacob whispered to Joseph, "Don't they look like sisters? Aria the younger one and Helen elder?" The two were enjoying the show and all the bustle as everyone prepared for the ball.

Joseph chuckled, "Helen always said she wanted a little sister."

"Now her wish is fulfilled. Anyway Scott. It's your birthday. What do you want to do?" Jacob asked him.

Joseph instantly replied, looking around, "Sneak away before all the annoying relatives start arriving." Jacob chuckled and the two were about to sneak out of the mansion when Joseph's mother's voice stopped them. "Joseph, Jacob. Where are you going?" she demanded as she walked towards them.

"Run on my signal." Joseph whispered to Jacob before his face broke into the widest smile possible. He spoke in a bit of a spoilt voice, "Mother, what are you giving me for my birthday?"

Lady Scott stopped for a second which was the que for the two boys. Joseph called out, "Now!!" and the two boys were out of sight before Mrs. Scott even had time to react.

Once out in the gardens, the two boys burst out laughing. "But won't your mom be angry? After we ran away like that?" Jacob asked.

Joseph waved his hand, "Don't worry about it White. She'll have forgiven me by lunch. Now come on. I'll show you my favourite spots."