So here it is again, wearing my red velvet silky robe, I carried the paper bags containing my gown and heels to Ashlyn's room so we can prepare ourselves for the dance- which is 2 hours from now.
I just finished taking a bath and since I woke up late this afternoon, Annie already went there first and she sent me a letter saying that she'll meet me there so here I am.
When I got in front of the door, even without knocking, I found myself inside already because Thea just pulled in me as if she knew I was already standing outside.
I let the girls do my hair and make up before changing to my gown. With my hair curled up into a beach waves style and light make up, it totally matched my silver heels and maroon gown, just as perfect as I expect it to be.
Of course it will be cold since it's winter that's why it's called 'snowflakes dance' right? So we'll be needing our winter cloaks when going to the grand ballroom.
After everyone was done, we walked downstairs to see everyone else taking pictures wearing their gowns and stuff, most of them are 1st years since it's their first time experiencing this event so far.
And of course, we're not walking on the thick snow because we're wearing heels, so the academy's bus is open for service, the bus was wide enough for our gowns to fit so there's no problem there.
The bus dropped us off the entrance of the grand ball room and one by one of us got off the bus, one of the guards offered his hand to me and I accepted it so I can easily balance my feet down the ground.
"Your cloak miss" said by the other one while offering his hand.
I carefully removed my cloak and handed it to him before stepping inside the capsule almost immediately because it was too cold to stay outside, when the capsule closed I felt a lot more warmer as I step inside the long tube until I was welcomed by the grand curtain that is currently close.
When it opened, a red carpet was set in front of me and camera flashes everywhere where I almost feel like a celebrity, well kinda, since I'm one of the most highest students now.
I smiled over the cameras and gave a little wave before walking on the carpet that led to the hall downstairs.
It is actually an aisle so it's pretty obvious that the grand ball room is located downstairs for everyone of us to have the 'grand entrance', there are already a lot of people there including a few higher ups as well.
"First Lady, Cursetine Aidoar Belfour" someone announced as I start walking down the aisle and was welcome by a gentle applause from everyone and before I could even finish the steps, Ace appeared in front of the crowd and offered his hand to me.
I smiled and accepted it before finally stepping on the last staircase and bowed to everyone as a thank you for their warm welcome to me.
"You look gorgeous as always" he whispered and kissed the back of my palm.
"Thanks, you look charming as well" I giggled and he gave me a wide smile in reply.
"Lady Samantha Caina Morgan"
I look over the stairs to see Sam slowly walking down the aisle while Icer walked up to her and accompanied her down.
"Let's wait for the others on the table" he gestured towards the grand table that is set at the end of the room, where I think 50 people can sit, of course it's the 'royal table' where we'll be sitting.
That's not impossible too, cause this grand ball room is too wide for even after having that long table. Let's add a few round tables on the sides of the room while the middle floor is reserved as the dance floor.
When everyone had arrived, the lights became dim and a spotlight was pointed on top of the aisle where Ashlyn was standing with wearing her crown, beside her stood Loraine wearing the most expensive looking emerald green gown with Clyde in his royal suit and crown as well.
"Tonight, I'll be finally stepping down as your Campus Queen, on my past 2 years in position, I experienced a lot of things and discovered a lot of life lessons that I sinply picked up and realize as part of my duties, I believe I have accomplished my part as your Queen and it's now time for a new change and a new visual for you to look up as an inspiration, I, Ashlyn Tainacei Fukuda, is officially signing off as your Campus Queen" she said in a loud and proud voice before taking the crown off her head and turn to Loraine.
Loraine bowed on her knee to accept the crown as Ashlyn placed it over her head, almost like a real fairytale if you'll ask me, our friends are looking at her happily and so am I, but I can't help but feel sad for Ashlyn who just gave up her position for Loraine to have a spot of the Campus Royalties- well she's still part of the Core Society I suppose.
"Emprimians! Your new Queen, Loraine Aramina Devon!" She announced and the crowd cheered for her as she look up to Clyde who was smiling back at her.
Ashlyn smiled at the scene before walking down the stairs to give the two a grand entrance. The two immediately took over the dance floor and the grand waltz began in no time.
Ace swiftly took my hand and led me towards the dance floor where the other Core Society members are surrounding the two.
Quite impressive, I didn't expect to be dancing wearing a fancy gown in a fancy occasion, standing in front of me is the man I love and everything is just so perfect, I also eyed Mikayla on the corner of the hall looking at us with a smile, she even gave me a thumbs up causing a light chuckle escape my lips.
"You seem to be enjoying this so much" he chuckled.
"Pretty obvious" I almost rolled my eyes at him but he just laughed at me.
Look at this guy, he totally looks like a prince charming wearing his dark blue tuxedo and his hair brushed up and gelled in place, oh my gosh can I faint? How did I get myself this handsome dev*l anyways? Maybe I studied too hard and this is my prize? Just kidding, I'm fangirling over my boyfriend *face palmed*.
"You're so cute when you blush" he grinned.
"Stop staring at me like that" I look away then he spun me around and when I get to face him, he suddenly stole a kiss from me and my face heated.
"Dinner's almost up" he suddenly changed the topic.
"I guess, why'd you ask?" I questioned.
"Nothing" he smiled and he spun me around once more as we switched partners.
June caught me and I look over to my side to see Ace dancing with his cousin, they look cute actually, Thea was teasing him nonstop while Ace just smirked at her.
"You should be careful to Death you know" June suddenly spoke.
"Hmm? Why's that?" I asked, he's suddenly serious.
"Well, do you accept him with all your heart?" He asked me.
"Of course I do" I answered without a second thought.
"Huh sure you are" he chuckled then spun me around one more time and when I stopped, it was Kyle's turn to dance with me.
"Hey Cursetine, you look nice" he smiled.
"Ooh stop complimenting me prince charming, Dhenzy gets jealous too easily remember?" I smirked at him.
"My little Zy has improved you know, it's worth the dicipline" he laughed.
"What are you? Ace 2.0?" I crack up and he grinned- an evil one.
"Who do you think has the greatest charisma among us boys on the Card Organization?" He asked me.
I frowned, well if you look at it generally, everyone has their own flaws and charm points but if we're talking about overall- money, power, visual and stuff, Ace will always come at number one.
"Geez I don't wanna mention anyone" I clicked my tongue and he just laughed at me in response.
We switched partners until the orchestra stopped playing and we all went back to our original partners before dinner was announced.
4 more hours before midnight, I sat beside Ace while eating silently, I observe how everyone seems to be enjoying the mellow music while chatting with their friends and having their dinner.
"Wanna ditch the party?" Ace whispered on my left ear.
"Can we?" I asked and he smirked at me.
"Of course we can" he chuckled, I shrugged and kept a smile on my face.
When dinner was over, I decided to excuse myself from the group to chat with my former classmates from their tables.
"Wah! Cursetine!" Angie cooed when she saw me.
"Wah! Angie!" I mimicked her scootching voice and hugged her.
We chated for a while until she dragged me towards where our other classmates are and of course, they didn't waste the time to ask me about how did me and Ace ended up together because he was bullying me for the whole 3 years.
Of course I gave them their pieces so they won't ask any more questions, we also catch up with a lot of things and we talked about how did our lives went after all those years.
"Those two what?" Angie asked, reffering to Louanne and James.
"Shh, you're too loud" I grinned at her, she threw her hand over her mouth and look over where the two lovebirds hanging out with our classmates.
"Oh no way" she pouted then I chuckled.
"Excuse me everyone, can I have her for a moment?" He spoke from behind me while wrapping an arm over my waist.
"Oh sure, no problem" Angie waved her hand bashfully indicating for Ace to take me away.
"Why thank you" he said in a gentleman way, before snatching me away from the group.
"Are we escaping now?" I asked in a low voice.
"Not really, but don't go too far away from me or our escape plan will fail" he said I nod my head before taking a wine from the buffet table and followed Ace's walking figure back to the group.
Loraine was receiving a lot of advices from Ashlyn and the other leaders and she listens to it intently, after their talk, she was left with Ashlyn to answer the rest of her questions while the rest of us are back to enjoying the party.
In the midlle of dancing, Ace suddenly pulled me towards the back door and we both exited the ball room.
It was dark and cold but he held me close to him so I felt a little warm, he then started to walk and led me somewhere, since I couldn't see a thing because of the dark, Ace accompanied me out the hall smoothly as if he already memorized the place.
I didn't even know that these things exist anyways, when we reach the door, he opened it and we were welcomed by the cooler temperature from outside, thanks to my off shoulder gown.
"Wait here" he said before leaving me.
I hugged myself and tried to lessen the cold by rubbing my hands together, I hid behind the door and sulked in the corner hoping to get a little warmer until Ace comes back.
And when he did, I handed me some thick blazer and gloves then helping me wear my cloak before we walked out the building and ran off towards the main building.
"Why- What are we doing here?" I asked him.
"Ditching the party?" He grinned and I frowned.
"I know, but why here?" I asked again.
"Giving you my gift, I kept it in here" he said before pulling me inside the glass doors.
I chuckles and we both walked over the corridors, I can't help but mentioning the times where we use to throw curses at each other and have our friends stop us before Sam and Icer would start their own fight.
"Come on, you're cute when you're upset" he said and swiftly stop my hand from holding the library's door handle and used his other hand to block my escape from being pinned over the wall beside it.
How dare him? He knows how to turn me on so easily, I took a deep breath to calm myself before rotating my body so I can face him.
"Don't start that now mr. Salazar" I folded my arms in front of my chest arrogantly and look up to him.
"Fiesty huh?" He grinned as his breath fanned my face and I felt my face heating up in an instant.
"Now you look a lot more cuter" he chuckled and opened the door for me to get in.
I stomped inside the library only to see the lights on leading to somehwere, my face softened as I look back at Ace who was smiling at me.
"What's the meaning of this?" I asked him.
"Suprise?" He chuckled and my jaw dropped.
Why does this guy put so much effort for a person like me? Do I even desserve him? I immediately removed my cloak and left it with my gloves on the table before hugging him.
"Ace..." I groaned then he pat my head.
"If you're gonna say 'thank you' then you should use your mouth, babe" he grinned, I chuckled and tip toed and kiss him on this lips.
"You're welcome, my little devil" he grinned, that nickname again, it's been a while since he called me that.
"This way please" he gestured towards the side and I nod my head.
We walked towards a familiar spot here inside the library, and when I turn to the 'bookshelf' where I used to see the letters, the book was no where to be found.
But then, it appeared in front of me on the hand of the one and only person who wrote in those letters that are hidden inside the pages of the book.
"Ace..." I called as i take the book and flipped through the pages.
"About 7 thousand students are studying here but you're the one who found this" he started and I look at him.
"At first it was really hard to identify your hand writing..." he trailed off when I stopped flipping through the pages.
"But after I saw you writing using your cursive hand written poem, I already knew my answer, but still that wasn't enough evidence since I kept this letter here for three years and I just got a reply this year..." he smiled and ran his fingers on the page where a new letter was inserted.
It was the same blue paper but it was folded into two so I can't see what was written inside it. I was sure that I'm expecting this to happen but after hearing his side of the story through this letter, it makes me- I don't know happy, suprise, overwhelmed- maybe everything in between.
"You know, I was really happy when I found 'my letter' tucked inside your files on top of your desk, who would have thought that the girl I like was the one who was replying to me all this time?" He soft and genuine smile, that smile that I rarely see even if we've been together for a couple of months now.
"Ace..." I was speechless actually, he took the paper inside and handed it to me.
"This is where it all started, open it" he said, I smiled at him before looking down the paper and unfold it.
'To my dearest Cursetine,
You are the reason for almost everything I do, for sure you have mixed emotions to this am I right? Jokes aside, you use to say that we're the total opposite of each other right? I guess you were right actually, if I'm the cold dark night, you're the moon that lights me up, if you're the day, I'm your sun to cheer you up.
You always warms my heart with those smiles you have, I may not express it through words but I know that you know how I love it by just looking straight to your eyes, you may not notice most of it but I'm inlove with you and I would give you the world for that.
They said, we only study heat but we never study about the cold, well technically speaking, the cold is just the absence of heat, just like me and my cold self, after that incident at the entrance of the school gates- the time where we both first met, I felt your warm energy radiating around the place and I saw rainbows- just like on those cliché movies, the time stopped too, and I'm thankful for that moment that I met you.'
My eyes started to water while reading his letter, and I'm not even done reading it yet, why is he like this? Seriously? Do I even desserve soneone like him? I never done something like this to him, I sniff and rubbed my eyes before continuing to read the letter.
'I know I hurted you a lot of times back then and I can't assure that we won't fight again, but I vow to you that I'll do my best to avoid any more arguments with you cause it really hurts me whenever I see you crying after our arguements, I won't say sorry cause I might take advantage of that word so I hope you understand.
This may be sudden but I know you very well my little devil, babe and girl, so...
Ms. Cursetine Aidoar Belfour, will you vow to be with me until the right time comes and I officially ask your hand in marriage?'
My eyes widened and immediately look down, and I let go of the letter, my hand slowly covering my mouth.
My beloved man, kneeling in front of me with a silver ring between his fingers, patiently waiting for my answer.
"So? What's your answer?" He asked.
Finally, tears trailed down my eyes, blurring my sight in the process as I eagerly nod my head and gave him my hand.
"Yes, I'm more than willing to do it" I manage to say, he smiled brightly and slipped the ring on my index finger, a promise ring.
Once it fit, he brought my hand to his lips and gave it a gentle kiss and I know he's really happy about it, simple gestures can be unoticable, but for me, I can clearly see it.
"Thank goodness, I'm really nervous you know, and I panicked when you started crying" he chuckled bashfully as I hugged him.
"Thank you, Ace" I muttered and I felt him wrapped his arms around me as well.
"Come, it's almost midnight" he pointed at the window.
A bottle of wine, two wine glasses, scented candles and red roses on the little vase on the center of the table next to the gigantic window, so he did plan this since the beginning, no wonder the others let us escape.
I watched as he poured the wine on our glasses before handing it to me, we both look at the clock that was hanging on the wall and we only have 30 seconds before midnight.
Ace pulled my waist close to him and clicked our glasses together for a toast but before I could even took a sip on it, his lean over to take a taste of my lips.
The kiss didn't even last for more than 5 seconds when he pulled away but our foreheads remained touching.
"I love you" he mumbled.
"I love you too" I giggled then look out the window just in time when fireworks colored the dark night sky.
"Merry Christmas my little devil" he grinned.
"Merry Christmas babe" I hummed and we both drank the wine on our glasses.
"So I'm guessing this is your gift for me?" I asked.
"Well yeah, you're not a material kind of girl so I planned this out" he chuckled while looking at the fireworks outside.
It was all what I'd wish for, more moments like this with him, more memories with him until we part ways to persue our dreams in life.
I smiled before looking outside as well.
No matter how I don't want to be separated from him, I don't also want to let my family down for not being able to reach my dreams, but either way, I just hope that things will turn out fine at the end.
'Thank you so much for being my sunlight in life Ace...'