Ben, supporting Ana as he picked up her bag and searched for the shoes she’d kicked off in their play fight, glanced up. “About time you showed up,” he muttered distractedly – before he realised Christian had just appeared out of thin air. “Are you mad?” he exclaimed, glancing about in panic. “People are everywhere!”
Christian indicated around him as another cheer went up from the jelly wrestling crowd, and a group of girls with beer bottles in their hands ran past, barely clothed. “I doubt anyone is going to notice, Mate,” he commented, wryly.
Ben watched the girls run by, eyebrows raised, before nodding in concession. “Fair point.”
Having secured their belongings Ben hoisted Ana up into his arms. “Upsy-daisy,” he said, ignoring her grumbles.
“How come you’re still sober?” Christian asked as they began walking across the grass.
“Because I’m not a complete lightweight?” Ben chuckled, throwing him a grin. “Honestly – they’ve had less to drink than me and I even slipped them some water.”
“Hey,” Rose exclaimed, indignantly, “I’m not that drunk.”
Christian looked down, an indulgent look on his face. “You could hardly stand up,” he countered. “You would have hit the floor –”
“Again,” Ben piped up gleefully.
“– If I hadn’t been there to grab you.”
“I knew you were there, silly,” Rose smiled.
“Of course you did,” Christian sighed.
She reached up to kiss him, smiling against his lips. Christian didn’t break his stride as he kissed her back, continuing on their way home.
23
Rose gazed at the mirror, smoothing the black chiffon layer of her dress. Simple but elegant, in an off-the-shoulder cut, the deep Byzantium silk shone through the layer of black gauze, rippling down to skim the floor.
Ana finished zipping up the low back and smiled over her shoulder. “You look fab,” she said, tying the ribbon. “That colour looks great on you.”
Rose smiled as she turned to face her friend, who looked perfect, as always, in a light blue strapless gown, fitted to just below her hips where it flared to the floor in a waterfall of organdy.
She picked up two glasses of wine from Ana’s nightstand, handing one over. “Here’s to a perfect night,” she toasted, clinking the glasses.
Ana smiled as she sipped, eyes shining at what the evening promised to bring.
There was a knock at the door and Rose hurried to put her glass down. “I’ll get it,” she insisted, “He’s your date after all.” She made sure Ana was ready before opening it, moving out of the way so that she was the first thing Ben saw.
Ben stepped through the door in a completely black three-piece, his light blue tie the only splash of colour. His face said it all as he smiled, his eyes bright and warm as he crossed the room and took Ana’s hands in his.
“Wow.” His tone was awed as he kissed her, trying not to smudge her makeup, “You look fantastic.”
Ana beamed as he placed a black corsage around her wrist, touching the delicate petals – before reaching up and grabbing his tie.
“I’m not made of glass, you know, ” she grinned as she pulled him towards her, planting her lips firmly on his and kissing him properly, straightening his tie as she released him.
Ben chuckled as she promptly moved to re-apply her lipstick, turning to Rose, who had been watching as unobtrusively as possible. Taking her hand, he pulled her in for a hug.
“You look amazing,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “Christian will just die when he sees you.”
“Let’s hope not,” she said, wiping lipstick off his mouth. “I want to dance.”
Ben smiled as he opened the door, “Let’s go find him.”
***
They arrived at Neville’s court via a chauffeured punt on the river, enjoying a brief moment of calm as they cruised to their destination, a glass of champagne in hand.
It was a beautiful night. The stars shone brightly above as a young boy in a tuxedo offered Rose his hand, helping her step out of the narrow boat.
Ben took Ana’s hand, offered his arm gallantly to Rose, and led them both down the wide red carpet that had been laid out along the pathway.
They looked around as they walked, taking in the dramatic lights. People in formal wear ebbed and flowed between the tents and carnival games – well-dressed waiters, their silver plates filled with aperitifs, weaving through the throng. They passed magicians and belly-dancers, and jugglers on stilts, all performing their acts to the cheers and applause of the watching crowds.
Bars were placed every fifty-feet, serving every cocktail and drink imaginable, their proprietors mixing them with a practiced flourish. Ben steered them over to a punt that had been filled with ice and bottles of Champagne, waiters on hand to serve anyone who cared for a glass.
Drinks in hand, they passed a tent that served as a fully equipped casino, cheers, and the accompanying trill of the slot machines, ringing out as people won and lost. There were bumper cars and a Ferris wheel – its lights twinkling in the late evening sunset – a Carousel turning to the sound of a Wurlitzer, and students in their finery twirling down the slide of a helter-skelter, illuminated by the ambient glow of large, lit balloon’s that were secured in the sky above them.
Rose looked up in enchantment at the tented ceiling of the formal dance hall as they entered, tiny lights creating a starry glow that was straight out of a fairy tale. People sat chatting at tables scattered around the perimeter of the dance floor, each covered in a lavish table setting and centrepiece. Matching garlands were strung along the stage, where a band were just ending their set.
Buffet tables were set out along the far side of the tent, offering an eclectic mix of food – ranging from sophisticated oysters on ice to mini cheese burgers and hot dogs, plebeian by comparison.
The entire event was more lavish and decadent than anything Rose had ever seen, and she delighted with the others as they pointed out various outfits, displays and events, enjoying every moment she could, as Ana snapped pictures with her camera.
Rose felt Christian before she saw him. Letting the shape of his thoughts guide her, she met his gaze and drank him in, barely noticing as Ana, subtly tugged Ben away. His grey, pin-stripe suit draped his broad shoulders, the knotted cravat and pocket handkerchief contrasting brightly with the crisp white of his shirt, and matching the colour of her dress perfectly. She smiled, her heart lifting at the sight of him, as he made his way over.
Christian took her hand as he reached her, bringing it to his lips for a chaste kiss, his eyes sparkling as she blushed.
“You look beautiful,” he murmured as he straightened. Rose reached out and smoothed her hand down the front of his waistcoat in response, tracing the purple stitching of the button holes as she stepped towards him.
“Hello Professor,” she greeted, as he placed his hand over hers, “Fancy seeing you here.”
“Indeed,” Christian chuckled softly, his other hand moving to rest just above her dress, cut low on her back. “What a coincidence.” He seemed to forget the crowd of people as his fingers traced light circles in her bare skin, his lips twitching into a smile. “I have something for you,” he said.
He lifted his hand from hers, reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket to draw out a small, organza bag tied with a purple ribbon. He placed it in Rose’s hand as she looked up in question.
“Open it,” he encouraged, his fingers pressing lightly against her back. Rose untied the little bag, tipping its contents into her palm. A silver necklace tumbled out, adorned with a purple garnet carved into a delicate rose cabochon, and an intricate web of silver filigree in the subtle shape of a wing.
“Christian, it’s beautiful,” she touched the silver wing gently.
“I spotted it in a little boutique in town,” Christian took it from her, holding it up, “It made me think of you. Of Us.” He held it up, “May I?”
Rose he
ld her hair back as he fastened it around her neck, touching the pendants as they settled into the hollow of her throat.
“Thank you,” She reached up and wove her fingers into his as they rested on her collar bone, and Christian leaned forward, placing his lips to hers, his thumb tracing the line of her jaw as she squeezed his fingers.
“Oops,” he murmured, as he pulled back, and Rose realised they were standing in the middle of the dance tent.
“So much for that plan,” Ben chuckled, as he and Ana approached them with flutes of champagne. Christian accepted a glass from Ben with a wry nod of greeting. Ana handed a glass to Rose who smiled in thanks, fingers still tracing the filigree at her neck as she took a sip.
“Ana you look stunning,” Christian greeted the other girl, dropping a quick kiss on her cheek.
“Thanks,” she grinned cheerily up at him, “You clean up pretty well yourself.”
Christian turned to Rose, offering her his arm. “Shall we?” he asked, nodding back towards the entertainment. Rose looped her arm through his and let him lead her out of the tent, as Ben and Ana followed behind.
They wandered around together, stopping to play some of the silly fairground games and topping up their drinks as they went. They crashed into each other in bumper cars, whizzed down the Helter-Skelter on itchy blankets, and lost money in the casino – Ana snapping pictures with her camera the whole time.
Christian grinned as they walked past the carousel, taking Rose’s hand. He stepped up onto the platform as it began its lazy revolution, tugging her with him. She smiled as he picked her up with a flourish, placing her on one of the gently bobbing horses, sitting her side-saddle. He climbed on behind as Ben and Ana joined them, giggling as they clambered onto horses of their own.
Rose leaned back against Christian as his arm went around her, securing her against him. She turned her head into his shoulder.
“I thought I’d join you this time,” he murmured in her ear.
Rose smiled, remembering. Her hand reached up to his neck, pulling his head down to hers so she could kiss him, her fingers curling against his jaw as she met his lips with hers.
He kissed her deeply, unashamedly, like he’d been waiting years for this moment, and was savouring every second, and Rose’s he world narrowed until the gently whirling lights and sounds had all been forgotten.
Eventually he pulled back, and Rose rested her forehead against his cheek with a contented sigh. He smiled against her skin, holding her close as the carousel slowed, stopping with a slight shudder of mechanics.
Christian jumped down, lifting Rose off the horse, before taking her hand as they stepped off the Carousel. They made their way back to the dance tent, where the sounds of a jazz band could be heard filtering through the night.
They danced to the soulful melodies for a while, swaying in time to the crooning of the saxophone, lost in their own little world as Ben and Ana caught up with their friends.
Eventually, the bands set ended with applause from the dancers, and Christian lead Rose to the table where Ben and Ana were seated, chatting to Louise as they picked at plates of food.
Ben handed them both yet another glass of champagne as they settled into chairs swathed in white, gauzy fabric. Christian rested his arm on the back of Rose’s chair as he sat, sliding underneath the curls of her hair as they greeted the others.
“Isn’t this ridiculous?” Louise exclaimed in greeting as her date – who Rose vaguely recognised from some of her lectures – returned from the bar and handed her a drink, his sandy brown hair brushing the collar of his classic tux as he sat beside her. “It’s like a fairy tale.” The ocean colour of her satin dress contrasting with the red of her hair as she leaned forward.
“It’s amazing,” Rose agreed, with a smile.
“Hello Professor,” Louise said, her eyes on the way he toyed with Rose’s hair as he chatted to Ben. He turned at her greeting.
“Nice to see you Louise,” he said, shooting her an easy smile. Louise met Rose’s eye with a knowing grin, raising her champagne glass in silent toast. Rose just shrugged, toasting back with a smile.
“Where’s Toni?” Rose asked, as she sipped at the fizz.
Louise nodded to the dance floor, “With her date.”
Rose searched the dancing couples, finding Toni wrapped in the arms of a boy she didn’t know, her orange and gold dress standing out amongst the crowd of people.
They all chatted a while longer, the conversation light and friendly, before Ben stood up, offering Rose his hand.
“Would you do me the honour of the next dance?” he requested eloquently, flashing Christian a grin.
“I would be delighted,” Rose agreed as she stood. She brushed her hand over Christian’s shoulders, as she passed, and he smiled as he watched them move to the dance floor, turning back to the table as the others engaged him in conversation.
***
Rose draped her arms comfortably across Ben’s shoulders, his hands a light touch on her waist as they swayed to the music.
“Pretty cool huh?” Ben said, his eyes warm.
“It’s beautiful,” Rose agreed, the dots of the lit ceiling whirling as Ben spun her into a twirl.
“I can’t believe we actually made it through to the Long Holiday,” he said, drawing her back into his arms.
“It’s been a long time coming,” she agreed, with a smile, “Have you finally decided what you’re going to do in the break?”
“Road trip,” Ben shrugged, “Although, we’re visiting Ana’s mother first.”
“Meeting the parents?” Rose grinned at Ben’s apprehensive glance over her shoulder, to where Ana sat chatting with Christian. “It must be love.”
Ben smiled sheepishly, a warm glow pulsing in time with his heart beat.
“I’m glad you’re happy, Ben,” she said earnestly.
Ben shrugged it off, “Its early days,” But Rose could tell he was pleased. “How about you?” he asked, moving the subject away from him and Ana. “What grand gesture is Christian throwing your way?”
Rose smiled, “We’re going away for a few weeks,” she admitted, “He’s rented a villa in Lake Como.”
“Italy?” Ben raised an impressed eyebrow as Rose nodded.
“I know he’s just trying to get me away from here,” she indicated their surroundings with a quick gesture, “But I’m really looking forward to spending some quality time, you know?” She smiled, “Four weeks where we can just be ourselves – not worry about the whole student–teacher thing.”
Ben nodded in understanding. “But you’ll be back before the new term starts – Maybe you could join us?” He thought for a moment, “By that point we should be somewhere in Scotland.”
“I can’t believe you’ve planned that far ahead,” Rose looked sceptical.
“Ana,” Ben sighed good-naturedly, “She loves to plan. You ought to see the lists she’s put together: Routes to take, places to stop at – even a list of cheap places to buy petrol,” he grinned, “She’s mad.”
They chuckled indulgently as they danced.
“Scotland… ” Rose pictured the untamed wilderness of the Scotland Highlands, enjoying the thought of spending the rest of their summer there together, when Ben’s face darkened.
A hand, its wrist encased in a crisp black suit, tapped lightly on his arm.
“Mind if I cut in?” Nate’s smile was light but his eyes were strained, tension pouring from the stiff lines of his shoulders.
Rose held his gaze as Ben paused their dance, taking in the dark circles under his eyes, the crease of his shirt underneath the immaculate suit jacket. He looked worried, she realised. She nodded to Ben, who shot her an incredulous look. Rose watched him return reluctantly to Christian, who was already standing up to intervene. Rose shook her head at him, and he paused in surprise. His eyes hardened in frustration ash she indicated she was okay, but he leaned back against the chair.
“What do you want?” Rose asked, turning to face Nat
e. He held out his hand in response, his eyes flicking around the room.
Rose accepted, after a pause, and he pulled her into his arms to dance. Rose had to swiftly push aside the memory of the last time she’d touched him as she placed her hands on his shoulders.
Nate was quiet, holding Rose lightly as he moved them across the floor, careful to keep in line of Christian’s sight. Rose wondered why he was making the effort to behave.
“You look exquisite,” he said eventually, his voice low.
“Thank you,” Rose said quietly. Warmth flickered in his eyes before the tension returned.
“Where have you been?” she asked, when he said nothing else, twirling them around the floor. She’d forgotten he could dance so well.
“Miss me?” he asked, flashing a glimpse of his familiar smile, his eyes soft as he tried to keep the conversation light.
Rose smiled in response but could feel the effort he was putting into staying calm. “What’s wrong?” she asked, feeling his shoulders tense at her words, “Nate?”
“Shhh,” His fingers tightening slightly on her waist, “Please, don’t react,” he murmured, leaning in closer.
“What’s going on?” Rose asked nervously, as her eyes searched his for a clue. He looked back at her, and something in them shattered.
“I need to get you out of here,” is tone turned abrupt, hands tightening around her as his gaze flicked through the crowds. “We’ve got to leave,” he said, “Now.” He made to move towards the door, pulling her with him.
“Nate stop,” Rose said, refusing to move, “Tell me what’s going on,” she insisted.
Nate turned back to her, his hands still gripping her tightly.
“She’s coming,” he said quickly, “And I have to get you out –”
Rose snatched her hand away as he reached for it, “You’re not making any sense.”
“I can’t stop it,” he hissed urgently, spinning to face her and stepping in close. “I tried and I can’t so please,” he touched her cheek gently, his eyes betraying his urgency, “Come with me –”
Revelation: Trinity Part 1 Page 30