New Boys Can't Date The Snow Queen, Finale
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9
The night of the party
“Your carriage awaits, my lady.”
I bit back a smile. “Thanks, Dad.”
On the way to the car, I carefully held my dress just a little above the ground so the hem wouldn’t get wet. Dad’s car shone in the moonlight; he held the door open for me and I got in, making sure the dress wouldn’t get caught when he closed the door.
We drove in silence for about half the way there before he asked: “What are you thinking about?”
“I still can’t believe he got away.”
“Zane and his squad did all they could,” Dad replied soothingly. “And if that man comes back to Topaz Coast, he’d better not dare come anywhere near my daughter.”
“Even if he does,” I said, knowing exactly what Dad meant, “I’m ready for him now.”
I held up a hand, making a spark of ice dance between my fingers.
“I know you are. And I’m proud of you.”
We reached the college car park. Dad stopped the car just outside, then leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Have a wonderful time. I’ll see you later. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
Students were filtering inside the gyms, the boys in black tuxedos, the girls in a variety of ballgowns in different colours and styles.
I only had eyes for one person, and he was waiting by the door.
“Wow,” Blake breathed as I stepped up to him. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks. You look very handsome yourself.”
My dress was a deep blue velvet, with a sweetheart neckline and long sleeves; silver and pale blue embroidery decorated the sleeves, waist, hem and neckline, and I wore a blue topaz pendant around my neck. It was only now I realised I’d matched the colour scheme of the ball.
Blake held out a hand. “Shall we?”
I took it and we went in together.
“Excuse me!” A professional photographer beckoned to us. “May I take your picture?”
“That OK with you, Claire?” asked Blake. When I nodded, he wrapped his arm around me, and we faced the camera with smiles on our faces.
“Three, two, one…done! That’s perfect. Enjoy your evening.”
Ahead of us, tiny crystals hanging in streams, forming a makeshift door. We brushed them aside and I couldn’t restrain a smile.
The windows were tinted a deep blue, creating an aura of mystery. Christmas trees were covered with the baubles and decorations we’d chosen, and snowflakes hung from invisible wires. They spun back and forth, casting pale shadows on the floor.
The committee had done a pretty good job of getting everything set up. It looked even more amazing now that there were people in it. Palaces were never meant for just one person, ice or not.
“Is it what you imagined?” Blake whispered.
“No. It’s better.”
The band chosen by Ethan and Mark were playing a soft tune, with the lead singer crooning softly. Already, some students were beginning to gather on the dance floor.
Blake turned to face me and bowed, as if I were a queen. “May I have this dance?”
“Absolutely.”
The End. Thank you for reading!
You can read Flora’s story in…
Coming spring 2025.