Guys! Guys!! GUYS!!! THE SEGMENT has been selected for the Watty's Longlist!!!!!! I can't conceal my excitement!!!!
On with the story...Oh and there is some outfit inspo above.
***
Farrah stood in front of her floor length mirror and stared at her reflection sighing. She ran her hands against the sparkly sequined fabric of her trousers. She loved the texture of it and how the silver sequins reflected different colours underneath the lights in her bedroom. It was one of her favourite pieces to wear but she worried if it was a bit too loud for the party tonight. It's not every day one was invited to a Christmas party with the King, Queen, Princes, Princesses, and a bunch of other 'important people'. Farrah sighed again
Paired with a white silk blouse, she knew she looked chic enough for street fashion photography, but would she fit into the crowd tonight?
As she did her usual makeup routine, she decided that tonight she was bringing out the big guns. She tied her hair up in a sleek ponytail, before she carefully unwrapped her shoes; a pair of stilettos in a deep maroon in colour. Slipping on her shoes, Farrah picked up her silver clutch, double checking to make sure she had her phone, her license, her credit card and cash in there. As she walked out of her room she heard a wolf whistle.
"Richard is not going to know what hit him today!" Charlie exclaimed, looking at her friend all dolled up.
"Me? Look at you! My God Charlie, you look stunning!" Farrah said as Charlie did a twirl to show off the full skirt of her dress. It was a strapless sweetheart neckline that was molded to her body, emphasizing Charlie's breast and cinched at her waist where the flare skirt reached her knees. Like it wasn't sexy enough, the skirt had alternating panels that were slightly see through. She paired her outfit with nude heels and a simple black clutch.
Frowning, "Next to you, I look like a sack of potatoes," Farrah said. Seeing the frown on Farrah's face, Charlie knew what she was thinking. It was a constant struggle for Farrah, the temptation between dressing modestly and wearing that sexy number she desired. Charlie knew that Farrah has a long list of wants and wishes but she stops herself. The only thing that differed were the excuses that she used to not follow through on her desires.
"Babe, believe me when I say that you look beautiful," Charlie said kindly. She zeroed in on Farrah's shoes and bag, "Louboutin shoes and a Prada clutch, someone is out to impress today," Charlie said wiggling her eyebrows.
"Well, I thought I might as well, all things considered," Farrah said, brows drawn together in a frown. As she opened her mouth to say something, the buzzer of her flat cut her off and she fell silent. She watched as Charlie let Ben in knowing that in a matter of seconds, there won't be any wiggle room for her to back out. Ben and Charlie would never allow her to back out of this.
Plus, you'll finally get to see Richard after three weeks, her heart whispered. Clenching her jaw, she knew it was right. She mulled over it countless times, but she couldn't deny the fact that she missed him. After that evening in her flat, they had been texting each other. Richard though took it to another level and sent her cute good morning and good night voice notes and videos. He was sweet and thoughtful and every time she watched a video of himself that he sent, her heart clenched.
Farrah snapped out of her thoughts as she heard Ben's voice and Charlie's laugh coming from the hallway. Taking a deep breath, she picked up a rectangular box wrapped in brown paper which she decorated with yarn and a candy cane. She knew it wasn't necessary, but she did want to give him a Christmas gift.
Taking one last look at herself in the hallway mirror, flicking the lights off and locking her door, Farrah walked towards Charlie and Ben.
***
As they entered the palace gates, Farrah started drumming her fingers on the present that she brought for Richard. Looking that the palace in front of her she realised how ridiculous her gift really was, especially to someone like him. A person who could buy anything, who probably already had everything.
"Jesus, your hands are cold!" Charlie exclaimed, as she grabbed Farrah's fingers to stop the incessant drumming.
Farrah raised an eyebrow and looked at Charlie pointedly.
"Babe, there is nothing to be nervous about. I'm here for you," Charlie said softly.
"Honestly, I don't even know why I'm this nervous. I feel sick," Farrah said lowly. Charlie just shook her head, disbelieving how utterly clueless her best friend was. Or was she?, she looked at Farrah shrewdly.
As the car rolled to slow stop in front of Richard's cottage, Farrah sat up straighter and studied the place. It was a detached property, completely separated from the main palace. From the outside it looked like the quintessential English cottage. The only thing that was missing were the roses in spring. Which I'm sure there would be in spring, Farrah mused.
Turning to Charlie, "What if they don't like me? What if they decide against the whole thing because they don't like me?" Farrah said in a panicky voice.
"Well, first of all, did you put on your big girl knickers tonight, because you are acting very unlike my friend? My beautiful, gorgeous, talented, one of a kind friend. So, untwist those knickers honey, and breathe," Charlie instructed her. "And what does it matter anyways, who likes whom? What you are trying to do will resonate with hundreds of thousands. That's what's important, isn't it?" She reminded Farrah kindly.
***
The grip on his glass tightened the moment he heard her laugh. Richard wanted to whip his head around and frantically look for her, to ensure that she really was here. That her entrancing laugh wasn't just a figment of his imagination.
When he heard it again, he politely excused himself and went in the opposite direction. He felt like there was this force in side of him that was sending him spiralling out of control. There was so much of push and pull that he felt like he was splintering at the seams. He was coming undone and he felt a minor sense of embarrassment. His grandmother's voice blared in his mind; Royals do not come undone Richard, get a hold of yourself.
Richard slowed to a stop at the end of the room, turning around instead to have a brief chat with the caterers. Getting a fresh drink, he leaned against the door frame. From the outside, he looked like the perfect host. Attentively watching his guests making sure no one is in want of anything. He was dressed stylishly as well; a dark grey pair of cord trousers, with a navy shirt paired with a light grey almost blue chunky knit cardigan. As he had planned, he grew out his beard but for tonight he had it nicely groomed and not wild like...a lumberjack bear, he thought smilingly looking at his feet.
"How long has she been here?" Richard asked Ben, who stood silently behind him.
"Not more than 10 mins," Ben stated.
"How does she look?" Richard asked again.
"Mate, you could just look up and see for yourself. She's walking right to us," Ben said quietly.
Richard's eyes did a slow sweep from the ground up; taking in the sexy maroon stilettos encasing her feet, the shimmering trousers, a white silk blouse that made him wonder if it was as soft as it looked-
"You do realise it's awfully rude to ignore a guest? Someone that you specifically invited?" Farrah's sharp voice interrupted his musings.
"You do realise it is absolutely freezing for you to be wearing those?" Richard nodded towards her shoes.
Farrah fidgeted as she looked away and said softly, "I wanted to dress to impress."
Her insecurity punched him the gut, leaving him breathless. Taking a step closer and looking her deep into her eyes he said, "Trust me when I say this love, you never cease to impress."
As Richard lifted him hand to stroke her cheek, Ben cleared his throat loudly halting the movement. Looking back at Ben with a raised eyebrow, Ben nodded discreetly to the guests. Signalling that Richard might have a few unwanted eyes scrutinising him and Farrah. Richard fisted his hand by his side and took another step back, forcing a smile on his face as he acknowledged some of the guests who caught his eye.
"His Highness, King Phillip, and Princess Victoria are here, Sir," Ben said in a tone that sounded mocking but also friendly.
***
A/N:Â Okay, so I know it's been a bloody long time since the last update and I really don't have any excuses other than the fact is that I've been slacking since I've picked up a new job. I'm trying guys, but I WILL FINISH THIS STORY NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS. I'LL WRITE FROM THE DAMN GRAVE IF I HAVE TO!!
Anyways, show me the love people. Show me the love!
Vote, comment, share and love meeeeeee.
I kid.
I'm not.
EH.