The Shattered Remains

My life had not always been perfect. Hell, at the least, it was downright depressing. My attempts at belonging somewhere were all in vain.

My mother left me at the orphanage when I was only 3. Everyone is always shocked when I tell them I remember her. I remember the songs she used to sing to me. The way her golden hair rested perfectly on her shoulders. She always smelled of lavender and vanilla, and I always thought she was a queen. Everywhere she went, she looked beautiful.

I remember that day like it was yesterday. How could I forget? Her cruel words branded my memory. “Take her. I can’t deal with ‘IT’ anymore.” Her words were like venom as I begged and pleaded for her not to leave—the worst day of my life.

I stood in the bathroom mirror, trying to pull myself together before anyone saw it. Today was supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life, and here I was, hiding out in the dressing room of the venue I chose.

The orphanage's headmistress took me under her wing and showed me what a mother should be like. Did I miss my mother? Yes. Did I hate her for leaving me? Maybe. This was the battle I was struggling with.

Today I turned 18. Every teenager looked forward to this day. They are set into the world, free of the command of their parents. My only issue, I did not have parents. I had Mrs. Lanie. The only woman who loved me enough to raise me. Her husband, Malcolm, was the only father-ish figure I have ever known. My father passed away when I was still in the womb.

I quickly washed my face and did my morning routine. After I was finished, I sauntered out of the bathroom, fighting with the towel and holding my hair at the top of my head. I felt foolish. We spent a whole month planning this party, and for what? So, I could hide out in the dressing room, terrified of the look of pity that I knew everyone would give me? Shaking my head and pulling myself out of the depressing headspace, I sat down at the vanity and began applying my makeup.

I was finishing my eyeliner when a knock on the door made me jump. I groaned internally, looking at my reflection in the mirror. “Come in,” I called. The door opened to reveal a very impatient Maverik. “I thought I would find you here!” he exclaimed as he grabbed a cotton swab and dabbed at the stray line going down my cheek. “You made me mess up my wing!” I whined. Maverik seemed to have had a thing for me ever since he arrived here, even though he denied it every time I confronted him about it. “Relax, you still look beautiful.” he quickly reassured me as I tucked my lip between my teeth, stifling a sob.

“What’s got you so down today?” he questioned, his face looking puzzled as he hooked his finger under my chin, pulling my gaze to him. I felt my eyes burning, filling with tears. I pulled away from him as they spilled over. “What if I must leave? I do not think I can make it out there. This is the only place I have known and felt safe.” I explained. After what felt like an eternity, he pulled me into his chest. I cried violently, soaking his shirt and ruining my makeup.

When I calmed down and could not cry anymore, he pulled my face up to look at his eyes. His eyes were a husky grey. They went perfectly with his muscular build and tall stature. His hair was jet black which made him look like he should belong in a punk rock band. “I know you are afraid. They will not throw you out, and you know this. They love you as if you were their own. You do not have anything to worry about.” he tried reassuring me. I looked at him knowing he was right. He was my best friend and knew exactly what to say to calm my overthinking mind. as much as I hated to admit it, I needed this.

Maverik stayed and helped me decide on the dress I should wear. I could not decide, so we had a seamstress send a few over for me to choose from. After some debate, we settled on a pink Victorian ball gown embellished with rose gold lace and accents. The back of the dress was a corset lace. I fumbled with the lace flowers as he pulled the ribbons to close it up. I Brushed my hair out into half up, half down updo and curled the dangly ends. Putting on my heels, I took a deep breath, “I’m ready,” I whispered.

I nervously walked down the staircase into what I would assume was the gathering room. I was shocked to find the room empty. I looked back at Maverik, who shrugged his shoulders and led me to the ballroom's double doors. When Mrs. Lanie asked me what I wanted my theme to be, I knew I wanted the whole Prince charming/ princess vibe.

I will have to admit, though, that they outdid themselves. This place was like something from a fairy tale. My breathing hitched in my throat as I stared at the double doors. I knew that everyone was here. I took a deep breath as I mentally prepared myself. Maverik looked at me, realizing how nervous I was, cupping my

face in his hands. “You’ve got this, my princess.” He whispered to me. I could not help but laugh at his words. I am far from a princess. I was more boyish than anything, and this was the furthest I had ever gone as far as dressing up.

I took a deep breath as the doors opened, and everyone stared at me, moving to the sides of the room, creating a path for me as I walked through. I felt their gazes as I made my way to Mrs. Lanie and Malcolm.

Malcolm had green eyes and dirty brown hair trimmed perfectly to highlight his delicate features. I stopped as I stood before them; they bowed to me. I laughed as they stood, and I pulled them in for a hug. “You look stunning, Isabella.” Mrs. Lanie whispered to me. I smiled shyly and turned to look at the crowd as the DJ spoke. “We are here to celebrate the birthday of Isabella Rose Daniels. Now, who is ready to turn this party up a notch” he raved into the microphone. Everyone cheered as the music thundered from the speakers. I could not help but laugh as I saw Maverik dance his way towards me, extending his hand. Nervously, I took it, and he led me to the center of the dancefloor.

We danced wildly as the DJ played ‘Bass Down Low’ by Dev and the Cataracs. He laughed as I went to step forward, tripping over my dress. He caught me before I faceplanted, pulling me into him.

A slow song made it less awkward as I laid my head on his shoulder. I sighed contently, watching the room as we slow danced. The walls were a light cream brightening the room from the dark marble floors. I had no clue how much this place cost, and I felt I did not want to know. Yet, I felt deep down in my gut that something was about to change. My only issue is that I had no clue if it was for better or for worse.