Chapter 85 - 85: Golden Wedding Anniversary II (1/2)
Although the two of them wanted to do something spectacular, they must note the time. They still had to freshen up and Serena was feeling tired.
”Rest a little first, I will wake you up after 30 minutes.” Charlton said as he lied next to her.
Serena snuggled to his chest humming her agreement as she closed her eyes.
Charlton saw the fatigue in Serena's eyes, he took it as her being tired with all the responsibility she's been under. Unlike him, she was part of the student council attending meetings, heading the program committee for the ball next week along with Leonard, composing music, and even studying for her subjects to maintain her grades all at the same time.
A guilty part of him just wanted to keep her all to himself. However, even when he couldn't fly alongside her, he should not try and clip her wings. Thus, all he can do was continue to support her.
--
When Charlton left the room after waking Serena up, it was already 5:15. Thankfully, everyone was busy and the corridor was empty. He went back to his room, took a shower, moving quickly as not to be late.
On the other hand, Serena did the same.
--
At quarter to six, Felix knocked on Charlton's door.
”Charlton, are you ready?”
Charlton looked at himself at the mirror one more time before moving and opening the door.
”yes, why?”
”I want to go ahead and see if my friends have arrived. Please inform Serena and escort her later. Alright?”
”Okay.” He nodded.
--
Charlton smiled. It was his first-time seeing Serena prepare herself for a ball. She was wearing a sleeveless asymmetric gown made of silk and chiffon with floral prints. Her hair was in a braided updo with loose curls framing her face. He wondered how she fixed her hair.
”Will you help me put this on?” She said as she opened the velvet box containing the necklace he gave her.
”With pleasure.” He replied. He kissed at back of her neck after locking the clasp. When she turned to face him, he smiled at her and said, ”you look beautiful.”
Serena smiled back, ”You look quite dashing yourself.”
Offering her his arm, they walked together to join the celebration.
--
The ballroom was expansive and well appointed. The French doors that lined the far side of the room was wide open, affording the cool breeze to circulate in the area. Large, gold gilded mirrors reflected the scene of colorful gowns and twinkling jewels interspersed with men in full evening dress suit. The walls had been draped in a gauzy fabric in antic gold. With the chandeliers projected yellow lights. Footman in full livery circulated with trays of champagne and lemonade while a full orchestra was playing music at the background.
There was no requisite announcement as the people invited to the gathering were mostly relatives and close friends. At one side of the ballroom were large round tables where the guests will be seated once dinner commences.
From afar, Felix saw Charlton and Serena and they waved them over.
”Serena, Charlton, I want the two of you to meet Mr. Edward Easton. Serena, last time if you recall, I told you about the man who wants to strike a recording deal with you. This is he.”
Serena looked at the man with wide eyes. Is this real? She's meeting the founder of Columbia records. So, she gave him a curtsy and greeted, ”Good Evening Mr. Easton, it is a great honor to meet you.”
Charlton seeing Serena do so followed with a bow.