Chapter Five

Tears flowed down my cheeks as I sank to the ground.

Why? Why did I ever think they'd let me go to the ball with them?

Ashmira! Ashmira! Ashmira! The cruel nickname rang through my head.

Ding-dong.

I looked toward the door with a glimmer of hope. Have they come back for me?

Wiping my wet cheeks, with the back of my hands, I took a deep breath and opened the door.

"Delivery for-" a brunette woman wearing khakis and brown shirt froze. "What's wrong?"

I sniffled. "It- it- it's nothing," I stammered. "Just a little accident."

Her eyes filled with concern. "It looks like more then a little accident."

A fresh wave of tears hit. "I was supposed to go to the ball tonight. My cousins, they, they, they ripped my dress and threw ash on me."

Embarrassed by my openness, I slapped a hand over my mouth.

"The Ambassador's ball?" she asked.

I nodded.

"My daughter is attending the ball. I'm going to bring her after my last stop."

The tears continued to flow.

"Tell you what, if you can get changed and be ready in an hour, we'll swing by and pick you up on our way," said the woman.

My lower lip trembled. "That is so kind. It's just," I paused, embarrassed, "It's just that I don't have anything to wear. This is my only dress."

"Oh?" she asked with a confused look on her face. "I just figured this was your dress for tonight," she said holding out the box.

"I'm sure it's for one of my cousins or my aunt. They're always shopping," I said accepting the box. "How do you know it's a dress?"

"It's on the label," she said with a smile. "You have to declare what's in the box when you're sending something from overseas."

"Overseas?"

"Yes, this package came all the way from Belgium for a Miss Amira Farrah," said the woman.

My eyes widened. "For me?"

She smiled. "Are you Miss Amira Farrah?"

"Yes," I said looking down at the label. It read, "Dress, shoes, and letter."

Pulling the tape back, I opened the box and looked inside. An envelope sat on top of white and lavender fabric with intricate silver thread.

"I need to wash my hands," I said to the woman. "I don't want to get it covered in soot."

The woman nodded. "Listen, I have to get going, but if you'd like a ride, just give me a call, okay?" she said reaching into her pocket and producing a small card. "My name is Annabelle and my cell phone number is on the back."

"Thank you," I said, my voice shaking. "You have been so kind to me."

"Everyone needs kindness in their life, dear," said Annabelle.

"Thank you," I said again.

I closed the door behind Annabelle and rushed to the bathroom. Striping down, I turned on the shower and washed the ash away. A few moments later, I emerged clean.

The package stood opened on the kitchen island. With trembling hands, I reached for the envelope and opened it.

My Dearest Amira,

I hope this letter finds you well. I haven't heard back from you since you moved to America. I bet you are having a good time with your cousins and exploring your new world.

I have been holding on to this for quite some time. Your mother wanted me to keep it safe until your wedding. I figured you might appreciate it more now.

Your mother and I were the best of friends growing up. After I moved to Belgium, we kept in touch, but I never made it home to Syria to meet you and your brother.

I have a bit of good news. I have been offered a new position in America. My husband and our daughter will be moving to Washington D.C. next month. We would love for you to come visit over your summer holiday. I have so many wonderful memories of your mother and I'd love to share these memories with you.

When you have the time, please send me a quick mail or email. I'll leave my new address below as well as my email address.

With love and hope,

Amal Salim

My hands fell to my sides. This was from my mother's friend Amal? I had heard my mother speak of her many times, but had only seen a handful of pictures from when they were little and I had never met her in person.

I placed the letter back in the envelope. She said she had written me before, I thought with a frown. Where are the letters?

I ran into my Aunt Fatima's room and pulled open her dresser drawers. Nothing. Only silky undergarments and packets of potpourri. Next I checked her nightstand. The small drawer was bursting with envelopes. Several unopened letters from Amal, one from my Uncle Hassan, and a few others from names I didn't recognize. My cheeks burned with anger. Why didn't my Aunt Fatima give me the letters? Why was she hiding them?

I grabbed the letters and went back into the kitchen. Setting the letters down, I carefully lifted the dress out of the box. It was absolutely stunning. A fitted top with a modest scoop neckline and a massive skirt with at least five layers of tool underneath the stunning white fabric with lavender accents and silver thread.

"It's beautiful," I whispered.

Under the dress was a shoebox with a small note attached.

Amira,

Your father gave these to your mother the night he asked her to marry him.

Love,

Amal.

The shoes were exquisite, white with silver sparkles and red bottoms. That's strange, I thought. The shoes had a name on them, Louboutin. I didn't recognize it, but they must have been expensive.

A small smile crossed my lips. Amal had given me something that I hadn't felt in months. Hope. She had given me hope.

I checked the clock on the stove. Annabelle is bringing her daughter to the ball in 30 minutes. I picked up the phone and gave her a quick call.

"Annabelle? It's Amira. I'd like to come to the ball with you. Yes, I can be ready in thirty minutes. Yes, I'll see you then! Thank you!"

I rushed down the stairs and quickly re-did my make up and hair. I also found a hiding space for the letters and the package from my mother's friend. 

The mice remained nestled in their box.

The dress fit perfectly, as did the shoes. It's like a fairytale, I thought to myself with a grin.

My smile immediately faded. Oh no! I stopped dead in my tracks. What if my aunt and cousins see me at the ball? Surely I'll be in trouble!

I looked around the basement for something to hide my face. I need a mask or something to cover my face. I found a box labeled, "Halloween." I ripped it open and dug through it. "There!" I said with a sigh of relief as I pulled out a masquerade mask. It would cover enough of my face to keep my identity anonymous.

Closing the box, I pushed it back into its place and carefully put the mask without disturbing my bun.

I looked down at the dress. I felt like a princess.

Ding-dong. The doorbell rang for the third time that day.

Running up the stairs, I slid on my shoes and opened the door.

Annabelle and a girl my age stood on the welcome mat.

"Amira, you look absolutely stunning," Annabelle said with a smile. "This is my daughter Shayla."

"Nice to meet you," said Shayla quietly.

"Nice to meet you too," I responded.

"Do you have everything you need?" asked Annabelle.

"I think so," I said taking a quick look in the small clutch purse I found under the shoes.

Annabelle grinned. "Great! Let's get you two girls to the ball."

*******

Hey, Lovelies!

These chapters are coming fast and furious! :) Hope you loved this one!

What do you think will happen at the ball?

Hearts,

Kelly Anne Blount xoxo

P.S. If you liked this chapter, please leave a comment and click that little star up in the corner! :)