part 3.

She was dressed splendidly, her hair curled elegantly down her shoulder, her neck and ears adorned with precious gems and on her was the most beautiful evening gown she had ever seen. Clutching at her dress, she stared at the innocuous teak door in front of her. With its intricate carvings and ornate brass knocker, it was such an ordinary door yet it frightened her. She didn’t dare to open it, she didn’t want to know what would happen if she walked through it. Her feet started to carry her back the way she came but suddenly she thought of him. She had promised him they would go through this together. She couldn’t go back now. Breathing in deeply, she pushed opened the door.

The white light blinded her. She raised her arm instinctively to shade herself. Soon the surroundings started to appear clearer to her. Classical music floated to her ears and aromas of delicacies tickled her nose. She was stuck to the ground, shocked.

Aware of people staring at her, her face turned crimson red and her hands gripped her dress tightly. Then a hand grabbed hold of hers. She turned around sharply and there he was, smiling at her with that mischievous smile. He led her away from the entrance, from the crowd.

“I thought you said we were having dinner with your family?” She asked, gesturing to the huge crowd gathered in the living room. His eyebrows lifted up.

“’This’ is my family, lis.” He replied, all the while his eyes searching through the sea of people, as if looking for a particular person. Following him, they walked all the way to the far end of the living room.

“Mother!” He shouted and a lady dressed in a slim black dress turned towards them. Even with the age, the lady looked gorgeous. Her hair coiffed into an elegant bun on top of her head, looking calm while holding a cup of wine with diamonds draped across her wrist, it was hard not to admit her beauty. She stared at Elisabeth for a split second and then smiled sweetly; almost a little too sweet. She floated over to Elisabeth.

“And who might this lovely lady be, David?” She asked, her tone shrill. Elisabeth smiled nervously.

“My… My name is Elisabeth… Elisabeth Tane, Mrs Ducham.” She fingered the hem of her gown. “I… I am… er… David’s erm, ah-”

“Mother, she’s my girlfriend.” David cut her off and grabbed Elisabeth’s hand as if to prove to his mother how much he loved her.

“Hmmm.”was all his mother said. Glancing at Elisabeth’s outfit, she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm, “So, Miss Tane, could I have the honor of having you sing a song for all of us?” Elisabeth’s eyes widened in shock. She looked over to David whose face clearly showed no understanding as well.

“Sing? Don’t we have a professional singer to do that?” David asked. His mother did not respond, she merely flashed Elisabeth a cold smile. Then Elisabeth understood her intentions; she wasn’t welcome here. Despair washed over her. David turned from his mother to Elisabeth then back to his mother.
“Mother, this is ab-”

“I’ll do it.” Elisabeth interrupted. “I’ll gladly do it…. Sing… for your party.” And David’s mother smiled as though she had triumphed.

“That’s very kind of you Miss Tane. The stage’s this way.” And she led Elisabeth to a platform with a grand piano awaiting on it. Standing there, Elisabeth looked over to David while his mother made the announcement. Sending out her last plea to him to help her, she was desperate but he only stood there staring at her, as helpless as a kitten.

“What song would you like to sing?” David’s mother’s voice boomed over the speakers. This is it. She told herself. She opened her mouth to make her choice.

“Think of me.” She said softly.