18th December

Ode to Joy echoed through the halls of Palm and Olive Grand Ball Room.  Guest, friends and relatives were flooding in the ball room as I sat beside my younger sister, Charlotte, the bride. I sighed at the magnificent ballroom covered with gold chandeliers and velvety curtains and chairs. Mosaics covered the walls and ceiling. Charlotte loves the 18th century and everything historical. I sipped the flute of champagne. Grand- Aunt Victoria walked towards Charlotte and patted her cheeks. She then looked at me sideways.

“Scarlet, so nice of you to be the maid-of honour because if I were you, I would be at home all depressed thinking of the reasons why I’m still single and my younger sister is getting married. Well, at least you lost quite a bit of weight. Hopefully, a man would be nice enough to ask your hand in marriage before you wither away from your youth.” I stared at her with my mouth wide opened.

“Granny Aunt, please take a seat now.” Charlotte placed her hands on my shoulders. Grand-Aunt Victoria hissed and walked away.

“She always favoured you, the prettier one. I lost half of my weight and I still feel ugly beside you. Maybe being here is a wrong idea...” I pouted my lips and played with my covered with white lace of gloves.

“Don’t be silly. You’re pretty and intelligent, I love you so much!!You must be beside me on my special day. Ignore her; she’s old and deprived from love making, that’s why she’s being such a hurt.” Charlotte held my hand tightly.

“Really? I thought she has a lot of lovers, old and young?” I eyed Grand-aunt Victoria, whispering to Cousin Jason. Disgusting.

“You were at Korea for years my dear sister, th