I lazed around in the living room as the music played through the speakers and I went through the designs for my room. I was alone in the room as Dorian was in his office and Zion in his room. Octavian was at work and Zane was called in for an emergency. I had no work to do as Octavian told me that my school books would arrive today night. So, I had absolutely nothing to do till now.

That was until Lydel just burst into the living room. There were humongous bags with her as she beams at me. I stood up from the couch as I gave her a confused look. She walks towards me and dumps the bags in my hands.

"Woah," I muttered, as I try to balance them. I peek inside the bags and see mesh popping out of it. Another one had two boxes and the last one, which was smaller than the other two, held something wrapped up. 

"Dorian," She yelled, making me wince and flinch, "Get your butt down here."

With that she turned towards me and grinned, "We're going on a picnic," She said.  

"Now?" I ask as she takes the smaller bag from my hands.

"Well we need to get ready first and have the picnic basket ready so it'll take some time. But yeah, now," She said as a grumbling Dorian now appeared on top of the stairs.

He stomped down the stairs, looking like a petulant 5-year-old. He walks towards us as Lydel narrows her eyes at him. His frown softened at Lydel's expression and I could have sworn that I felt my chest burn.

"What's up with you? I haven't seen you in months," She asks, worried. Dorian gathered her in a small side hug as he rubbed her back. It was pleasant to see their relationship but I couldn't deny the significant burn of jealousy.

I forced myself to smile as I watched them converse. The worst part, I couldn't even hold it against them. Our families are so close, I wouldn't be surprised if Lydel and my brothers are more close than with me.

"Here you go," Lydel said as she handed him the small bag, "You know how hard it was to find this? I ain't doing anything for you. Get your lazy ass out of the house and get your things yourself," She said, slightly glaring at him.

My eyes widened as I praised her for her courage on the inside. I wasn't brave enough to even look the guy in the eyes and here she was, reprimanding him like a kid.

And what surprised me was Dorian's response. He just rolled his eyes with a small smile, "Shut up," He muttered as he sauntered out of the room, towards the kitchen.

"I never knew he could be that sweet," I muttered, still in shock, "And that wasn't even sweet," I whisper shout, looking at Lydel, wide-eyed.

She chuckled lightly at my comment and took one of the bags from me. "That is not sweet. You know, we used to watch some of our old tapes together. Us as in, my, your's and Jesper's and the way Dorian and Octavian used to behave in those. Like they were literally different people. I doubt you don't remember that. Now that was sweet. And just wait for a month and tell me that that's not the best you've been treated your whole. Just see, they'll literally be following your orders like slaves." We trudged up the stairs as she completed her speech.

"I could only wish," I muttered. Lydel was not intended to hear that but she did.

"You don't believe me, do you?" She asked, "Well, you might not believe it but I can't think otherwise."

"I'm not the same person, Lyd," I sighed as we entered my room, "The girl they loved was a beautiful, bubbly, pure, innocent toddler,-"

"And the girl they love now is a strong, beautiful, mature and still innocent teenager," She said with a soft smile. Her hands were on my shoulder. Her eyes shone with encouragement and love while mine were filled with doubt and self-hate.

"Now, now, Ria, we are going to enjoy today. So, no tears ok. It's going to all smiles and happy and we're going to be shitting rainbow and crying glitter," She said with a small smirk on her face. I let out a chuckle at her words and nods.

"So, I got you this dress," She said, pulling out the cream dress from the bag. The skirt looked poofy with at least five layers of mesh underneath the net and satin. There small embroidered daffodils all over the dress.

"I love it, but you didn't have to, I already have a dress," I muttered, looking at her.

"Hush. I wanted us to match," She said as she pulled out another dress. This one was pink with embroidered strawberries. This dress was just as poofy as the other one, "We're gonna pretend that we're graceful, delicate bitches living the aesthetic cottagecare life," She said, making me snort.

"In a park?" I asked mockingly.

"Of course not," She said, rolling her eyes, "I know a place. It's kind of hidden, so there should be no one there," She said handing me the dress, "Go change." 

I rolled my eyes but nodded anyways at her order. Walking inside the spacious bathroom, I quickly stripped down to my underwear and put on my scar cream on my hands, legs and forehead. 

I then covered the visible scars with some foundation and concealer. The sleeves of the dress reached just below my elbows and were of net so they were translucent. So I had to cover any of the scar that were visible.

It made me feel comfortable. makeup made me comfortable. makeup had given me the liberty to cover up the ugly marks that covered my body. It made me feel more like me in my skin. 

It made me feel like someone I was not. With makeup, I had flawless tanned skin that brought out my icy blue eyes. Without it, I hated who I was. A malnutritioned teenager with more scars on her body than beauty spots and I hated it. 

I wanted the clear and flawless skin I had as a child. I wanted my shiny hair back and I wanted to twinkle in my eyes back. But it's gone. It's gone and I don't think I'm ever going to get it back.

A knock on the door pulled me out of my depressing thoughts, "Ria, it's been half an hour since you've been in there. Are you alright? Do you need any help?"

I let out a few sky breaths and cleared my throat. Blinking my tears back, I replied, "I'm alright. I'm fine. Wait, wait. I'll be out in a few minutes."

"Okay," She muttered, but she didn't sound too convinced, "Just holler if you need help, okay?" She said.

"Y-yeah," I replied as I fumbled with the dress. I mentally prepared myself. I had to be strong and I will be. It'll take time but I will get there.

***

Lydel and I stood side by side, looking at the huge mirror in my closet. Both our dresses reached halfway till our claves. They were poofed out but not much. Their styles were almost similar.

Our makeup matched as well. There was not much though, just mascara eyeliner and lip gloss. Lydel had somehow managed to tame my hair and had put it in a beautiful braid crown in the front while at the back my hair fell without any restraint. 

After numerous instructions from Lydel, I had learnt how to work a hair waver. She wanted to do her hair herself because she didn't apparently she didn't want me to do the work. She was afraid I was going to burn myself. But I didn't. I had heated Lydel's straight golden hair into beach waves after putting it in a braid crown similar to mine. 

We both were also wearing block heeled Mary Jane's in our colors. I had expressed my concerns about the light colored footwear getting dirty in the forest like place she had told me she was taking to. But she waved me off saying, "Who the fuck cares, they look pretty."

(Astria's look, the shoes don't have the gem thing, couldn't find a better picture. Also, her hair is also much longer than the one in the picture)

(Lydel's look, the shoes are not as shiny and plastic lookin, couldn't find a better picture but their texture would be similar to Astria's shoes)

(A/N: If you don't like their looks, you're free to imagine whatever you like. But please don't spread hate in the comments!!)

"I would totally bang us," Lydel muttered out of the blue, still looking at our reflection. Her words elicited a chuckle out of me as looks at me with a smirk.

"Let's go now, Alice would have had our basket ready ages ago," She said, pulling me out of the room.

We climb down the stairs, our heels clicking against the wooden stairs. A wide smile rises on my face. Just the dress flowing around my legs, my hair bouncing freely and the sound of heels. It just sounds so simple, so soothing, so normal.

I turn to Lydel who was already looking at me with a confused expression. I just shrugged and beamed at her. Pretty sure, that didn't answer her question but she let it go. She shook her head at my antics with a small smile on her face. 

She was still pulling at my hand and I kept my girl tight, she in case sheet my hand, I would just come tumbling down the stairs. I would rather that not happen today.

We finally reached the ground floor and she started pulling me towards the kitchen but right then Zane and Octavian emerged in the doorway, making me shift a little. I subtly hide behind Lydel. She didn't really hide me but I was still behind her. She was about a centimeter or two taller than me and had a healthy body unlike my sickly thin one. My grip on her hand tightened.

She looked behind her shoulder, shooting another questioning look. I just shook my head, coweri g a little. I didn't know what happened to me. I just felt like they wouldn't want to see me like this. I knew they would feel bad if they saw me this happy with Lydel when I'm always sulking when I'm with them.

Plus, I also didn't want Zane to see me all dressed up. When I went shopping with him, I wore my best clothes which weren't up to his expectations. Now seeing may dolled up may give him the idea that I just wanted to embarrass him in public.

"You look amazing, Lydel," I heard Octavian say. I softly peeked out, in a way that the brothers won't be able to see me but I would be able to see all three of them. 

Lydel had her eyes narrowed at both of them and her eyes were occasionally pointing in my direction. Her face had a pissed off expression. As I understood what she was trying to do, I pulled at her hand. 

I heard her sigh and say, "Thank you."

"I think Alice is looking for you," Octavian said, looking directly at Lydel. I knew what he was trying to do but I didn't want to give it to him. I saw Lydel nod curtly at their expression as she turned on her heels. I did the same and was about to start walking away with her before Octavian stopped me. 

I didn't want them to see me like this, I didn't want to see them disappointed in me or angry with me.

"A word with you, Astria?" His words formed a question but he made it sound like a command. I froze in my spot and looked at Lydel but she did not look behind and continued walking. I stood still, facing them, fumbling with the net of the frock, my eyes cast towards the floor.

"Let's sit down?" Zane asked as they both walked towards the couch, walking past me. They sat down on one end of the longer couch and sat down on one of the smaller ones right in front of them.

"So, you decided on the designs?" He asked, one of his eyebrows raised. 

"Yeah, I have a few but I'm not sure which one I like the best," I muttered, slowly and cautiously looking up, only to see Octavian with his usual cold expression while Zane was looking perfectly calm. 

"Well, we can help if you like," He said and my eyes widened. Kctavian was offering to help me with such small things didn't sit right with me. He usually would just ask me ask the twins but this time was different, "You'd want to hurry up, Lydel will be back any minute now," He said.

I quickly nodded and stood up, with my phone in my hand. Zane moved a little, making space between the both of them. I hesitated. A hurt look passed over Zane's eyes but he quickly covered it up. I sighed and sat down, tensed as fuck. I made sure to keep my distance from both of them as I searched through my phone. When I found the album, I handed the phone to Octavian who took his time going through each of them. 

I kept tapping my feet in anticipation as he went through. Again, I didn't want to disappoint them, like what If they thought my style was trash. I wanted to live up to their expectations.

"These are good, I think the bed in second one and the study table of the first one were the best, you can keep the rest like the fifth one," He said as he passed to the phone. I nodded in response, relieved that he liked what I chose.

"Astria?" I heard Lydel. I look up to see her waiting a huge picnic basket in her hands as she gave her a small smile. 

"Alright, you guys should get going before it starts getting colder. I still don't approve the frocks for the simple reason that you could freeze yourself," Octavian said lightly glaring at Lydel which she waved off.

"I told you, the sun is going to be out today, plus it's warm outside. And I also have jackets, just in case. Also, before you start, the next rain or snow or whatever shower isn't till next month so stop pestering us," She said, rolling her eyes. 

"I'm trusting you two on this one. Be back by evening, your tickets are for six, so keep that mind," He said as I stood up, "Take care you two." We both nodded in reply.

"Also," Octavian called and I looked behind, "You look beautiful, you should dress up more," He said softly.

I felt my cheeks burn as Zane nodded, "You look gorgeous," He said.

I blushed red at their compliments and muttered a small thanks. But I felt relieved on the inside, I didn't disappoint and they weren't even angry at me. Soon, I took Lydel's hand pulled her outside.

"So, where are we going?" I asked her as soon as we reached outside the main door. 

"It's a surprise," She said, skipping down the porch stairs, "But I can tell you that it's in the woods behind."

"So, I assume we're going to be walking there?" I asked again and she nodded, "Then why are we wearing heels?" 

"Because they're cute. Also, they are comfortable enough to walk around in for 15 minutes," She said.

I opened my mouth to retaliate but closed it quickly when I realized she was right. The heels were actually really comfortable unlike the ones I've worn before.

She kept quiet and we left the estate. The walk to the clearing was quiet. We were walking side by side with the basket in Lydel's hand. Halfway through, I took the basket from her as she led the way through the silent woods.

As soon as we reached the clearing, my jaw dropped. It was more beautiful than I could ever imagine. There was a pond, somehow it had clear water. There was grass so long that they were reaching my ankle and mind you I was wearing heels. There were wild  flowers lining the grass at random distances. A few butterflies were flying around, landing on flowers accompanied by  

Lydel smiled seeing reaction but I paid her no mind. She stood in front of me and opened the basket in my hand. Fishing out a blanket she laid it down and took the basket from my hand and set it on the blanket. All this while, I was just looking at the view shell-shocked.

"Alright," She said, and I turned to her, "Time for pictures," She said, a camera in her hand. 

"You go first, I'm not very experienced in this field, if you will," I say, exaggerating each and every word as I took the camera from her. She rolled her eyes but she agreed anyways. 

She walked around, acted 'natural while I clicked her pictures. A few moments later a couple blue and orange butterflies starting flying around her. I smiled and got ready. 

After clicking numerous pictures of her, something astounding happened. A small pink butterfly came and set itself on Lydel's nose. I giggled softly as I clicked away. 

After a few more shots, we settled down on the blanket as Lydel pulled out different delicacies. I picked a bite sized sandwich up and popped it in my mouth as Lydel sipped on her juice.

"I can't believe that happened," She muttered, referring to the butterfly situation.

"Same though, but now you're officially a disney princess," I said, chuckling a little. 

"It would be my honour to join their clan," She said dramatically as she bowed a little, well as much as she could sitting down, "Now be quick, we still have to do your photoshoot."

"Do we really need to do that?" I asked as I grabbed the mason jar that held the chocolate pudding. 

"Do back now," She whined, "You look so pretty and you need a few photos for social media and stuff and so much more."

"I'm not really sure," I muttered, looking at the golden spoon in my hand. 

"We're doing it, no objections now," She said, slightly glaring at me. I gulped and nodded quickly. Lydel can be pretty scary and the fact that I get scared easily didn't help. 

About half an hour was spent talking about the city and best areas to find books, cafes, clothes and so much more. It was fun talking to her, it felt as if we were the same six year Olds, sitting in the park, talking about useless things. I felt as if I had known her for years.

Finally she pulled me up, forcing me to stand up from the comfy blanket. I whined softly as I tried to protest but she wasn't having any of it. I rolled my eyes and stood up. I randomly walked around, among the flowers and grass.

Soon a smile rose up ln my face as I stared at sky, it was getting darker but that might be because the sunset was soon. I strolled through the grass as I forgot all of my worries. For once I smiled, carefree, unafraid and free of any work. I felt blissful and I did not want it to end. 

But it was about to end tonight, after a perfect day, not knowing that four devils would be the ones greeting me with a scowl and glare on each of their faces.

***

A/N:

Probably the longest chapter I have written. and also the one with too many aesthetic and pictures.

I spent atleast four hours on pinterest to put together their looks. I have no regrets.

So um, be kind towards me regarding the outfits. Also, Lydel's moment with the butterfly, I'm justvwaiting for the day that happens to me. I mean I had butterflies come and sit on my fingertips but never anywhere else.

Anyways, I hope you liked the chapter.

If you did, please vote and share. Comment and tell me your favourite part from this chapter!

QOTD: Do you have siblings?
AOTD: I have one extremely annoying sister.

Toodles

~Ash