Longing For My Rejected Luna

*****Erika's POV*****

I picked out a dress that looked quite professional yet classy. It was a black knee- length gown with a slit at the back, the pearl-brooch at the left side of my bosom added to the allure of the gown while still giving the aura of confidence and comportment.

"How's this, girls?" I showed them the gown.

"Perfect. Stylish yet professional." Paula commented.

"I like it. Beautiful yet bodacious." Kat added.

"You girl have got it. Just the look I was going for."

"What shoes will you be pairing it with?" Kat asked.

I brought three different pair of shoes and two designer bags, one of which was a birthday gift from Jace. I loved the bag but there was another I also saw as an option, hence, I brought it out so my best friends could help me make the best choice of the two.

"Here are three pairs of shoes and two bags. You girls make a choice for me." I stood aside and folded my arms, waiting for them to choose.

I had already taken my bath and was ready for the meeting with the Elders, I have had Jace notified too. He was going to be there, the Elders and dad's lawyer too. It was time to take my place and find the truth.

I would not delay anymore, there was no need to delay, it was either now or never. And maybe after today, people like Elder Grigshade would give me my deserved respect.

"Go for the red." They both pointed at the red stilettos dad had just gotten for me during one of his travels.

"So the black with white stripes and the sunset yellow would not work?" I pointed to the other shoes.

For every cloth I owned, I had shoes and bags, even shawls and hats - where or when necessary to complement them. I was a fashion freak and so were my friends. That was one of the bond holding our friendship, we gave one another fashion advice and suggestions.

"The black and white is beautiful but is better worn to a club than a meeting such as this." Paula opined.

“And the sunset yellow would not give you the bodacious look you're going for. It's classy, yes but not for this meeting." Kat contributed.

"Well, my fashion designers have spoken. The red it is. Now, to the bag? The

small red leather or the pearl adorned black suede purse."

"Both are very beautiful." Kat was in a quandary which to choose.

"I know, right?" Paula sighed.

"Go for the one Jace bought for you." Paula pointed at the pearl adorned black suede purse.

"Kat what do you say? Nice combination?" I asked her.

"I agree with Paula's choice. I was even having a hard time choosing, both are very beautiful."

"If I remember correctly, you have them same but in blue." Paula pointed out. "Yes, Jace got two. One for me, the other for Rika." Kat confirmed.

"Alright, girls, it's time for me to get dressed." I began dressing myself, they - especially Paula, since Kat was still not fit to move around too much - helped me with getting ready. Paula was the best amongst us three with makeups, though that was not saying Kat and I could not make ourselves up, we could actually do something very nice on our faces.

By the time I was done, Jace was knocking on the door. He came in at my invitation, he also looked dashing in his designer suit and loafers.noveldrama

"You look good, Erika." He complimented.

"Thank you." Our relationship was still strained and tensed. The talk of him leaving

was still parading the air, hovering over us.

"Hi, Kat." He greeted.

"Hi." Kat looked away.

I saw his smile falter a bit, but he comported himself and smiled at Paula. "Hi Paula."

"You look good, Jace." She smiled back. Knowing Paula, she was trying to lighten the mood and also

observing I and Kat's responses to him, she decided not to make him feet too bad.

"Thank you, Paula." He nodded.

Silence ensued in the following minutes of my final touchups by Paula.

"There, you're all set." She raised herself to admire her work on my face. "Kat?"

"You've once again proven your great magical artistry with your wand-brush, O great mistress of rouge." Kat did a mock bow.

Paula bowed back, I just chuckled.

"I'm all set, let's go." I informed Jace who had stood patiently and quietly waiting for me. I picked up the purse, if he had taken notice of it, he did not say.

"Okay." He opened the door for me and I set out to what would be the genesis of my reign in Iron Claw. Any opposition in my way, I was ready to kick them out and keep moving.

Our convoy was already waiting. One of the guards, immediately he spotted us, came to open the door if the vehicle I and Jace would occupy.

Soon, we were out of the mansion gate, heading for the venue where the meeting would hold.

"You carried the bag. It looks good on you." He told me.

I spared him a cool glance. "Thank you."

More silence.

"I'm glad you're really taking this decision, I personally think it's about time." He said.

"I think so too."

Another long, tensed silence...

“I'm sorry, Erika. I don't want us to go through this meeting with this tension between us."

"What tension?" I pretended not to understand what he was talking about, that

was the only way to keep the emotions at bay.

He sighed. "The talk of me leav..."

"It's okay. Let's focus on today's meeting, Jace."

"But it's not okay Erika, I'm..."

Sadness speared, but I pushed it back down and gave room for anger. Anger was better than sadness. "You can leave, Jace. I am not

holding you back, but the on net

thing I

will not accept is your unnecessary apology."

The vehicle had gotten to the meeting venue.

"Now let's get this out of the way. And please, play your part, not for my sake, but for the man that singlehandedly raised us while running a pack and his many investments."

"Erika, I..."

I climbed out of the vehicle to get rid of these tears and comport myself. Damn

Jace! I loved the bastard, but he had chosen his path. Well, it was time to walk mine...