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Chloe stared, a nasty look on her face as she begrudgingly opened the door. Lila stood before her, uncharacteristically rubbing the back of her head anxiously, although her face remained stoic.
Chloe had been temporarily staying in Paris under her mother’s wishes, and was cooped up in her father’s hotel.
“Hey.” Lila said, slowly putting her hands into her pockets. Her short hair was slightly messy, as if she had been rubbing her hands through it before she got to the hotel.
Chloe looked at her, annoyed at the confusion infiltrating her mind.
“What do you want?” Chloe said, unable to hide the irritation. It had been months without a word from Lila.
“Look Chloe, I’ll make this quick: I need your help, like tonight.”
Chloe couldn’t help but laugh obnoxiously, her snob side revealing itself.
“Yeah, and I need you to get off my doorstep, like now.”
Lila sighed. It had been the answer she expected, yet she had hoped Chloe would be a pushover like she usually was. She could understand why the blonde was upset, but chose not to go down the awkwardly emotional “let’s talk about it” path.
“Just hear me out, okay? The party tonight with all those rich kids, I’m sure you’ve heard about it?”
Chloe scoffed, resting against the doorframe.
“Yeah, obviously. I was invited.”
Lila nodded quickly, gesturing with her hands. “That’s why I need you- to get me in I mean.”
Chloe smiled, slightly amused at the idea. She hated going by herself to those boring parties, especially when she had to sit alone whilst everyone danced. If it meant she had a companion, she might let Lila’s absence slide for just one night.
“So you randomly show up at my door and now you want to go to this pathetic excuse of a party for no specific reason?”
“Not for no reason: I want to build connections with these people. If I can gain their trust I can gain influence. That’d allow me to not only take my enemies down, but maybe even help you. If you went along with the plan, of course.”
Chloe leaned forward slightly, her interest piqued. “Go on.”
“When you left Paris, you lost not only all your power over everyone but also your influence over the city. By going to this party tonight, I could help you get important people on your side. With that, you just might be able to regain the influence you once had.”
Chloe nodded slowly, processing all the information that had just been given to her. It was a tempting offer no doubt, as she missed the control she used to have over the city.
“If I help you, how do I know you won’t just up and disappear again?” Chloe was worried she would be left high and dry like last time, and ultimately gain nothing from helping her.
“Because this time I won’t just be behind the scenes, I’ll be there with you. If I tried to sneak out you’d see me.”
Chloe nodded, appreciating the reassurance. Even though she was extremely suspicious, this would probably be her only chance to get back in good with the powerful families.
“Fine. I better not regret saying yes.”
Lila grinned. “You won’t. All you have to do is figure out a way for me to get in. See you tonight?”
Chloe shrugged and waved her off, which Lila took as a yes. She shut the door and stood there for a minute, contemplating how to even get the other girl in. She had a few hours, but she thought she could make it work before the time came.
…
Lila and Chloe stood at the foot of the steps leading up the large building where the party had already started. The blonde had chosen to wear a magnificently golden dress that was just the right shade so as not to clash with her hair. Lila put on a well tailored suit with a hastily put on tie.
Chloe had worked some magic, and managed to get Lila’s name on the list because “anyone associated with the Bourgeois family is powerful enough to be invited.”
They waltzed through the ridiculously fancy looking doors, and Chloe verified their entry.
Lila glanced at the giant chandelier placed directly in the middle of the ceiling, its arms and neck studded with tiny diamonds. It never seized to displease her what rich people chose to spend their money and time on.
To the right of the center of the room was where the socialization seemed to be taking place. Absently, Lila started to make her way over, eager to finally get in good with this seemingly different society.
Annoyed, Chloe grabbed her arm and turned the other girl around.
“What, think you’re just going to strut over there and somehow get them to pay attention to you?”
Lila thought for a moment, reluctantly admitting to herself that Chloe did have more knowledge than her in this department.
“Well then, lead the way.”
Lila gestured ahead of her and Chloe confidently stood straighter, striding over to where the group of teens stood.
Chloe made herself known and then proceeded to introduce Lila. From there, Lila was able to slither her way into their hearts, saying all the things they wanted to hear. This somewhat annoyed Chloe, as she felt when it came down to it she could never say the right thing at the right time, even when it actually counted.
Before long, the group became so intrigued with Lila they paid no notice to Chloe. Lila looked at her, tilting her head sharply to point the blonde in the direction of the others.
Chloe just shook her head and walked away, irritated. She wanted to regain her influence that much was true, however she knew she couldn’t with Lila stealing the spotlight. She had gotten played by the girl…again.
Like what usually ends up happening by the end of the night, Chloe sits alone in the back of the room. At least before she still conversed with the others. Now, she had nobody.
Chloe hadn’t known when, but at one point Lila had sat beside her, quietly observing her.
“What is it now Chloe?” Lila’s exasperation was evident in her tone.
Chloe contemplated for a moment, trying to find the right words.
“So much for my end of the deal, huh?”
Lila glared at her with a grimace, seemingly not wanting to indulge in Chloe’s pity party.
“I gestured over to them before you decided to sit down. You made that choice Chloe, don’t go and blame me for your own incompetence.”
Chloe decided to shoot her own seething stare back.
“It was hard to talk what with you taking all the attention.”
Lila’s jaw tensed up and she sat up straighter, balling up her hands and placing them on her knees.
“Is this about my absence? Look, Chloe-“
“Let’s not ruin the mood further, okay?”
Lila nodded. Usually she would just get back up and enjoy the rare occasion. For better or worse though, she wanted to make things right with Chloe. Whether it was because she thought she was useful or genuinely enjoyed the girl’s company she could not say.
Lila stood up suddenly and turned to face Chloe, hand outstretched.
Chloe gawked at her, bewildered at her erratic movement.
“What are you-“
“The dance. It’s about to start”
Lila would never admit it but she had remembered having heard Chloe mention plenty of times her desire to have a dancing partner like in the old storybooks.
Chloe looked at her, dumbfounded, but took her hand nonetheless.
Lila certainly wasn’t the Prince Charming type nor was she a very good ballroom dancer, but for Chloe she would try her hardest.
Hand in hand, the girls stepped onto the dance floor next to the many other duos, already having started.
Lila swallowed hard. No way she’d be able to take the lead on this one.
Chloe placed her hand on Lila’s right shoulder, touching it softly before intertwining her other hand with the brunette’s. Lila positioned her free hand to rest lightly on Chloe’s back, just under her shoulder blade. They began to dance rather slowly, Chloe radiating confidence. Lila on the other hand seemed to be rather nervous but kept her expression composed.
“I’m sorry for not reaching out Chlo. I know I should’ve, I guess I just couldn’t find the right words.”
Again, Chloe was struck with the overwhelming sense that this was a moment in which she should say something, but couldn’t. It made her feel slightly better though that even Lila had her moments of blankness.
“Whatever. You’re making up for it now.”
Although Chloe was still slightly angry about it, she couldn’t deny that dancing definitely didn’t hurt the girl’s case.
Chloe realized then that she sincerely appreciated Lila’s company, and had dearly missed it, even if they rarely got along.
Chloe leaned her head against Lila’s shoulder, forgetting about all her worries. The other teens, Lila’s absence, her loss of words, all of it. For now anyway, nothing else seemed to matter.
The moment had to end however, and when the music died down and the other duos dispersed, the two girls stepped away slowly, still hand in hand until they walked out of the building.
The moon shined down upon them, casting a glow over the pair.
“Thanks for the dance Lila.”
Lila shrugged, feigning indifference. “Thanks for getting me in. Because of you I now have real solid connections with the elite.” Lila smirked. “And of course a better understanding of dancing.”
Chloe smiled at that. It was rare of Lila to make a self deprecating joke.
“Meh, I still think you could use some work.”
Lila hid a genuine smile before frowning suddenly. “I’m sorry I couldn’t get you those connections back. Next time, okay?”
Chloe beamed, a strange sight to behold. She didn’t need fancy words to say what she wanted. Not right now. She only needed time.
Chloe grabbed Lila’s hand and squeezed lightly.
“Next time.”