In the Mirror

My feet danced merrily and my smile illuminated my whole flat when I saw the invitation addressed to me, Miss Elowina Carmichael. A “gold ticket” to the most exclusive club, hosted by the Trillions, one of the richest families in the universe!

Two weeks later, I was all in a dither deciding what to wear. Diamonds or pearls?

Behind a crowd of guests, I entered the luxurious night club. The Trillion family greeted individuals with excessive loudness. “Lady Jane, darling so lovely to see you… Dowager Paula, you look divine….Lord Thomas, welcome, welcome.” Distracted, the Trillions turned away from me.

The live band played furiously, encouraging females high on laughter to grab each other’s hands and head for the dance floor. My best friend Grace sashayed past me. I blew her a forgiveness kiss realizing that she did not see me under the strobe lights. Rushing onto the dance floor, I seemed to run straight into a waiter carrying a tray of champagne. After apologising, I reached for one, but he turned sharply to his left. No matter, too early to drink bubbly. Impossible to join the ladies’ dance circle. Determined to have fun, I swayed, twirled, glided alone around the room empowered by the retro music.

In the elegant bathroom, I patted my hair in place. Looking at the mirror, my hand came to a abrupt halt and a lump formed in my throat. My reflection was not there. Not there! Then, laughing uproariously I suspected it was a trick mirror. The youngest Trillion son loved pranks.

Servants in livery opened the grand double doors as the aroma of oysters, lobster and salmon wafted tantalizing in the air. Hurrying into the banquet hall I saw that I was placed between the handsome Wintree twins. My favourites! Strangely, they talked around me. Oh, they do so love to tease me!

To instant silence, Mr. Trillion rose champagne glass in hand. “A toast to absent friends. Sadly, I must inform you that the lovely Elowina Carmichael was tragically killed in a car wreck this morning.”