Debut...? (1)

The noises around me crashed and blurred into annoying chatter. Scents of more than excessively applied perfumes was making my eyes sting and soon enough I'd be having a running nose. My fingers had been wrung enough that I was waiting for them to fall off. Maybe I was nervous, no I wasn't. It felt like...anger. The rage consumed me inside and out and I was beginning to tap my foot on the ground instead of pacing, too much attention. My hands felt itchy, my legs needed a good workout but I couldn't leave. Not yet. Something was still keeping me here. Crest Hall, a sort of underground party hall for the rich families and celebrities in the fifty-mile radius, where they held parties of all sorts, resembled a vacation hotel in the middle of the woods like a huge cabin. I didn't doubt they used it like one. They was a lake out back, an open ground where there was evidence of holding a couple of bonfires nearby, a couple of hiking trails in the hills. Honestly, what this place lacked was snow to complete this mountain cabin picture to compliment how the house lit up at night. Oh well. As far as I knew, parties ranged from the rich kids frat parties to the old geezers who loved balls and tea parties. Of course you don't come here on just a whim. You have to have some influence or friends in high places, friends who actually do have your back, or if you are like me. Meeting people in high places who think you are preying on their money. Even paparazzi need to have a name for themselves or friends to enter.

"Diana, Diana? Are you okay? It's almost your turn," Kyle's voice brought me back from my thoughts and I nodded not looking at him.

I hear him letting out a sigh and I believe I'm beginning to get on his nerves but it was the least of my concerns. He said he wanted us to work out. Addie says he'd wanted me since the first day of school and I believe she's not okay with the fact. Sometime after I'd shamed Henley and fellow cronies which made her hate me even more, he'd been asking about me. Alice on the other hand begged to differ saying Ryder was interested first, something about having the hots on me and claiming me in the locker rooms. To say I was shocked was an understatement but now I'm even more convinced that she's way too invested in both my non-existent love and sex life. Weirdly enough it makes her a good friend. Not afraid to say what she thinks, never takes order from anyone. I'd probably trust her with my life, at least once I kill the idea that she has rights on my social life or everything that should have boundaries, I thought thinking about the fact that she wasn't willing to drop the idea of a party even after I fessed up to the truth. Turns out she had heard my conversation with Jaime, long enough to figure out the truth.

In all the 16 almost 17 years of life I never thought my debut would be in front of strangers, ones I couldn't care less about. I'll have to admit they took up the challenge well. Telling me about this debutante ball at the last minute so I couldn't back out. Smart, but I'm always in control, I thought as I looked over at Kyle. Black suit, emerald tie and I almost let out a snicker. I had figured they'd make him my escort, not that I needed one. The dress was pretty, I'd give them that but I was no pushover. For the most part, I was glad Eve had packed my bags. I doubt she knew what was in the cloth bag when it arrived moments before we left for the airport. I doubt she would be amused. She might have been my guardian but she's the sort of person who always wants what I have. She didn't show it directly but it was easier to make her the alpha in our relationship. It was easier to make her believe I was dependent on her at least socially and emotionally. She didn't know about the other side of my family. In fact no one from my mother's side did. To them she was married into a rich family after she was disowned for bailing on an arranged marriage. Rich people.

The dress I had on was all you could consider for a debutante ball, with a little tweaks of course. The dress was free, loose and light, both in the material and for the warm evening. The front of the dress was as simple as it could get with only a thin strip of silver encrusted with sapphires to serve as a waistline for the dress. The back of the dress didn't cease to impress. My whole back was bare apart from the jewels designed intricately embellishing the length of my skin. This was the kind of dress that really needed to be insured, I thought knowing very well the jewels were pretty much real, I thought remembering how much work was put into the dress. I did promise to wear it well after all, I thought making sure the pin holding my hair up wasn't loose. Just like my dress it had a mix of diamonds and sapphires embellished into the lily flowers on it along with a mask meant to cover half my face was of a darker shade and matched my dress. And from the reaction I got from Kyle when he saw me, before he realized who I was and that I wasn't walking in him, I knew I had chosen well.

"Introducing, for the first time, daughter of the esteemed Tony Wallace of the Wallace Memorial Hospitals and founder of the St Louis Organization for the children and youth, Ms Diana Peters."

Came the voice behind the door moments after Kyle went in and I took a deep breath as the doors opened and I was ushered in. The hushed chatter I had previously been hearing on the other side of the door had long died as I took my place on top of the staircase before I started making my way down and the excited chatters started making me want to grin but I didn't as I made my way down to the sea of people that were void of masks.

Believe me it was needed. Despite the fact that my name had become popular on people's mouth, I came to find out none of the pictures had made it to the screens. Even if what I'd said made it to the screen without my face. I doubted my father had anything to do with it but I'm sure Kyle's father and the likes liked the idea of me being shrouded in mystery. But if he had, something would have happened and it would have reached my ears. He hadn't scolded me for endangering myself yet and so the masks because of the paparazzi. I was glad. I was not looking my best that night, I thought as I reached the stairs where Tony was waiting for me.

"Sir," I greeted and he looked shocked at my coldness before he nodded dropping the arm that he meant me to take and all I could think was that he was glad that the action hadn't been noted.

It was needless to say that I was bored out of my mind. I didn't like the food, I couldn't exactly drink to my heart's delight since the two parental wannabes had me under their watchful eye. Then there is Kyle. To say he had two left feet was an understatement. Not that he had stampeded my feet to the ground but even for a couple of times with his body strength and mass hardened by football drills, I was seconded from cutting off my sore feet, or his. And I thought I was bad. At some point I found myself wondering about Ryder. He hadn't replied to my texts after he left me in that room. And he hadn't been at his house either. We seriously needed to have that talk. I thought as I wondered how he would act if he were here. Did he also have two left feet? I wondered with a snicker. Doubt it. That male is a perfectionist. I'd be shocked if he did, I concluded as I found my escape.

The double doors led to a small hall that led to a wide balcony, if you could call it that. There were many vases of flowers and bushes that led to a stairway that led to the open garden at the back of the huge building I was mesmerised by their beauty that I didn't realize I wasn't alone.

"It is, isn't it?" A deep voice said and I snapped my head up to see a figure leaning against the balcony a few steps in front of me by the stairway moments after I realized I'd spoken my compliments out loud.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. I'll leave...."

"No need, mio bella," he said his deep voice making my insides all tingly as his intense gaze trailed over my body and I had the certain urge to arch my body and let his gaze forever engraved my figure in his mind.

I felt like facepalming at the direction of my thoughts were heading. No, I wasn't that drunk to have a stranger charm me...but that voice.. Ryder. Did he think I wouldn't recognize him? Okay maybe I didn't at first glance but it was him. Snug in what seemed like a navy blue suit and a light colored tie finishing off with a phantom mask and I pressed down the urge to take him towards the light and ogle him properly. But I was mostly confused. I was the only one with a mask. Had he intended on being my escort?

"How very Italian of you, Mr Phantom?" I said feeling flushed and he chuckled taking a couple of steps forward as his scent invaded my senses and all I wanted to do was sink myself into his chest.

"Still what kind of man would I be if I didn't ask a beautiful lady to dance?" He said a twinkle in his eyes and I swooned before harsh reality hit me hard.

Did he know it was me or was he just flirting with a random girl at a grand party? I mentally facepalmed. He knows sooo... many girls with your hair color and none have a mask, my conscience snapped at me and I blushed sheepishly. I might as well have fun with this.

"I suppose we have to go back in," I queried placing my hand in his and he automatically encased it in his.

"If we do, then there was no point of outside in the first place," he said placing my hand on his shoulder and his on my waist.

"I suppose so, Mr Phantom," I said relaxing into a slow pace with him and he grinned at me. "You must forgive me. I'm not really good at this."

"You'll be fine. Do you trust me?" He asked standing back holding his hand out by for me and I could feel my heart start racing as his big hand wrapped around my small one.

The music was barely audible out here but neither of us seemed to mind as we swayed quietly and I began to set my plan in motion.

"Mr hot Italian, you are so muscly," I said dropping my hand on his bicep and he tensed making grin inwardly. Who knew Mr cool and collected could lose his cool at one statement. "And so beefy and tall and a very nice butt too."

I let out breathily playing the part of the intoxicated swooning lady, wincing at the last bit as I flushed red in embarrassment. This is what happens when I have experienced three years of a drunk Eve trying to flirt drunk and failing miserably. And here I was too but I tried not to let it stop me as I pressed against him and my hand dropped just on his waist and all over sudden I felt a chilling sensation as I looked back into his eyes. He was mad, I thought letting out a small giggle as his arms tightened on my waist.

"So strong and sexy Mr Italian. You remind me of my very good friend Ryder. He's so strong and cute, Mr Italian.." I trailed off seeing him blink in shock and I giggled, biting my lip to stifle the guffaw I desperately wanted to let out as he pulled me harder against him his jaw ticking as he grabbed mine and forced me to look at him.

"Diana, do you want to have an affair with this man?" He asked miffed and I shook my head no.

"Good because you're mine and I will hurt anyone who doesn't learn to keep their hands to themselves. Clear?" He asked and I smiled coyly at him before nodding and he loosened his grip on my waist as he let out a sigh running his hand through his hair. "Come on, you are staying with me. No more adventures for renvezdous for you."

He said and I pouted making his lips quirk up into a grin despite his previous anger as I sidled up next to him and he led me back inside long after the music had stopped.

"Mr Phantom, I promise I'm sober enough, more or less," I called out and I could picture his eyebrow quirked in question as he turned to me just as we re-entered the room and my expression matched his once the light bathed us both. "I...I."

I tried to speak with no much avail. Blue suit that matched the colour of his eyes, silver tie that more or less matched the colour of my dress.

"Wow," I heard him mutter out as someone passed by us and we seemed to snap out of it.

"Are you sure you don't have a spy camera in my room?" I asked quietly and he narrowed his eyes at me the tips of his ears turning red.

"Stop giving me ideas," he muttered under his breath but I'm pretty sure I'm not supposed to have heard and it was my turn to blush. "Kaylee said you needed an escort."

He said and I looked at him surprised as the music started up again for another round of dance for tango and he led me to the dance floor.

"So that's why she asked for a picture of my dress. You know she isn't being particularly subtle about this matchmaking plan anymore."

"I doubt she wants to give out that impression," he said with a chuckle before stroking my cheek. "You look gorgeous tonight."

"As do you."

"Really?" He asked amused and I rolled my eyes playfully at him.

"Who knew you could actually look good in a suit?" I said and he chuckled pulling me unbelievably close leaving no space in between us.

Undoubtedly, there was no way we could dance like this but I came to realize that I didn't have to worry about that. In between the quick steps, my flapping skirts I could make do following his lead and he kept coming back to me, hot, angry and possessive.

"Kiss me."

"What..?"

"Babydoll, the dance is coming to an end and I craving your lips." There is that possessiveness again.

"Despite the rules of decency?"

"Fuck their decencies," he said as he spun me and I landed my back to his chest and as I brushed by I could feel the growing bulge in his pants. "Well?"

He asked and the next moment as I came back to him, I wrapped my arms around his neck meeting his lips halfway as his arm gripped me by the waist.

"There is no way of salvaging the reputation they wanted me gain here is there," I said breathless as the violins hit their last notes.

"Then I'd have to....." The rest of his words were drowned out by the applause that filled the room. "It was worth it wasn't it."

He asked and I nodded faintly, feeling embarrassed about asking him to repeat what he'd said and focused on walking back to our table, arm in arm ignoring the looks of disdain and disapproval heading my way, especially from Tony who seemed like he had a lot to say but bit his tongue and I focused on Ryder. But of course, some measly people who are obviously jealous of my self acclaimed awesomeness decided not to give me a break.

".. Shameless...."

"...I can't believe this. And I thought she looked like a nice girl.."

"Do you think it's why the Wallace's took her in? Poor girl."

"Poor girl!? Didn't you hear what Madam Z said? I hope the spirit of her dead child haunts her to her death."

"Maybe it's why she's suicidal. And my niece told me that she's on the prowl for the Hemsworth kid. Do you know what that would do his campaign?"

"Really, my daughter told me that she was going after her boyfriend? She is a slut after all?"

My head snapped at once in the direction of the voices and I clenched my fists, narrowing my eyes at the spot where six of them were huddled as I felt a chillier aura from beside me. I didn't bother taking a second glance because I knew it was Ryder sincemy gaze was focused on the last speaker. Madam Z. Famous international model, rich a total gossip queen a.k.a Zoe Romanoff (maiden name) a.k.a Heather's mother. And here I thought that the offspring was undoubtedly a sour grouch. Who knew it ran in the family. I thought before taking a deep breath and turned to the male beside me and smiled.

"Wanna go start up some trouble? It will be fun, I promise," I said grabbing his arm and he looked at me pensively before nodding and I almost squealed before starting my way towards the 'ladies'.

"Good evening ladies. Ma'am?" I greeted a smile on my face as I singled Madam Z.

"None of that honey. Call me madam Z like everybody else," she said and I refrained from rolling my eyes. Such a good actor (note the sarcasm).

"Looks can truly fool you."

"I can't believe she did all that."

Didn't these people know how to whisper?

"But I'm not everybody else now am I?" I asked and she looked confused. "Don't stop on my account. I'd like to know more about this mysterious child and a suicidal girl."

I said and all of them leave alone madam Z let out a gasp in horror.

"You truly have no shame. How can you even look at yourself in the mirror? You are a disgrace to women all around."

"Is this because of the child I supposedly aborted? I didn't even know I was pregnant." Or that I've actually ever had sex with anyone. "Okay, I'm fair. There is some bit of truth in every rumour. Surely you must have evidence of this. I mean I can very well prove I've never ever gotten pregnant before. Can you prove otherwise?"

"Of course. What do you take me for? A shallow minded gossiper. I have a couple of witnesses with me," she said looking smug.

"Is that so?"

"And where is this witness of yours?" Tony asked at the same time Ryder did and I almost jumped startled but the frown slipping from slightly from her face put me back in a good mood.

I'd almost forgotten Ryder was beside me. But before anyone could utter out another word, a girl that seemed a little bit of 3 years my junior stepped forward from the corner of my eye I'd been too focused on the six women to realize we were the main focus of attention. The same attention that was now on the girl waiting for her confirmation. In all honesty she looked like she'd rather be anywhere than here.

"I'm sorry sir. I didn't mean to eavesdrop or anything but we were walking by one of the private rooms. She was talking about getting rid of her pregnancy," she said and I raised an eyebrow at her as Madam Z harrumphed looking back at me not hiding her disdain as she sent out a glare at the girl. "M.. Mason can vouch for me."

Mason, the male around 20 or so who was beside her stepped forward looking slightly irritated and I raised an eyebrow at him in question making him grin at my observing eyes. He was the sort of person who exuded confidence and demanded attention when he entered the room. Just like Ryder, I thought pretending not to notice the strange look he gave to the male beside moments before I felt a light touch on my skin in one of the spaces in between the jewels on my spine and I could feel myself relax, at least once I got over my blushing, at the small intimate touch. It was distracting yet comforting almost natural as his body half pressed/ leaned on me. As a result the perverse part of me was awakening and I wasn't sure if it was good or bad. I didn't move.

"Mason?" Madam Z called out breaking the stare off going on between us to look at her briefly. If anything I thought she looked slightly nervous. I wonder why? "I wouldn't have known if it weren't for you."

Was she seriously throwing him under the bus? I wondered as his gaze narrowed slightly before he found my own.

"Should I? Tell them what I heard," he turned to me watching me curiously and I raised an eyebrow at him.

"By all means," I answered without missing a beat, knowing if I said otherwise I would be trapping myself crossing my arms as he shrugged looking at Tony.

"Yeah, I heard the stuff about abortion," he said nonchalantly and I felt my heart drop struggling to keep my face straight.

So this is what happens when Eve, who mind you was drunk on wild hormones, calls in hysteria with the odd suspicion that she might be pregnant. I couldn't exactly blame her. It was mostly my fault for not checking where I was before giving Eve a heavenly dose of my tough love. You couldn't blame me. She's the kind of person you actually give bad advice so she can do the right. And I could proudly call myself a self certified shrink.

"But none of us actually saw the Miss. I'm sorry miss. I had no intention of dragging your name under the mud by my offhanded comment. Ma'am, I think you and your friends should apologize to the young Miss."

"Y..you!? You said it was her."

"I'm sorry if you feel that way but you have me mistaken. All I said was that she sounds like Miss Diana. It was your choice to spread the rumors, Madam Zoe," he responded rather arrogantly as her cheeks flushed red at the new turn of events.