Before that party even happened, I already knew Ella was going to dance with Prince.
I was sweeping the hallway outside her room when I accidentally overheard her on the phone. Her voice was soft, but there was this annoying little spark in it. She sounded way too excited about that stupid dance.
At first, I didn't care about whatever she was gossiping about. They were just talking about the prom. Dress designs. Colors. Makeup. Perfume. Hairstyles that would look "elegant". From the way she talked, I could guess the person on the other end was either Alice or Fairy.
Then, just when I was about to finish sweeping, I heard her complain.
"Why do I have to be the Prince's partner?"
I couldn't hear what the person on the other side said, but I could still catch every word from Ella.
"I seriously don't feel like dancing with him." She clicked her tongue. Without realizing it, I moved closer to her closed door, pressing my ear against it. "It's uncomfortable being around him for too long."
There was a pause. The kind that makes your skin itch.
I imagined whoever was on the phone talking again. Maybe Ella was sitting in front of her vanity, putting on lipstick. Or maybe she was just staring at her own reflection, admiring herself like always.
"Yeah, yeah. It's just for tonight."
I leaned in even closer, my ear almost touching the wood.
"This is the last time, right?" I heard her exhale in relief. "Finally. Tomorrow I can break up with him."
She laughed.
Not a happy laugh. A mocking one.
"I can't wait to see her face. She's going to be so shocked."
Something fell. A small object. I didn't know what it was, probably some lipstick or whatever. Didn't sound important.
"Okay, okay. I'm heading to Alice's house after this. She said she'll help me get ready there."
Sensing the call was about to end, I quickly stepped away from the door and sped up my sweeping. There was still some dust stuck along the walls, but I left it.
"Bye."
When her voice finally disappeared, I left the hallway.
I went down to the kitchen and put the broom back into the small storage shed near the backyard garden. All my chores were done. I could already imagine Mom praising me later, so I stood there for a second, grinning at the blooming flowers like I'd just won something.
Prom night?
I didn't care about that dumb event at all, Inspector. That world isn't mine. Other girls might be squealing, jumping around, obsessing over makeup and ridiculous plans like Ella. I don't know what exactly she and her little squad were plotting, but honestly? I didn't care.
"Anastasia?" you asked?
Yeah, I wanted to tell her. Prince she loved like crazy was going to the dance with Ella. But…
"I'm not going to that party," Anastasia told me when I came into her room.
She was sitting on her bed, hugging a small pillow. Her room looked worse than usual. Her desk was slightly crooked, not aligned with the chair. Books were scattered everywhere. Pink paper balls were piled near the trash can behind the door. I could easily imagine her throwing them in frustration. Probably old love letters from the Prince.
I sat on the edge of her bed, looking at her like some concerned older sister. "You're scared they'll mess with you again?"
She didn't answer. She blinked, looked down, and her eyes slowly filled with tears. Her right hand trembled as it gripped her left arm, covering the old cut scars there.
"I know." I gave her a small, warm smile. "I don't want to go either."
I lay back on the bed and sighed. Only then did I notice torn photos scattered in the corner.
Should I tell her about Ella and the Prince right now? With her in that state?
Yeah. Bad idea, Inspector.
Let that wannabe-cool idiot dance with Ella. A clueless Prince and a lying princess who loves playing the victim. Honestly, they're perfect for each other. Their stupidity matches.
Anastasia doesn't need to know.
We spent the rest of the afternoon talking, coming up with every possible reason why prom was a total waste of time. We convinced ourselves it was useless. Just boring dancing, food mixed with strong perfume smells, and people gossiping about nonsense. Anastasia nodded, agreeing with everything I said.
We were staying home. That was the plan.
When the sun started setting, Ella came out of her room wearing jeans and a striped T-shirt. A paper bag hung from her hand. A piece of sky-blue fabric peeked out from inside. The dress. And the glass shoes. Obviously. She was heading to Alice's place like she said on the phone. No goodbye. No greeting. She just walked out the front door.
"Why aren't you two getting ready?" Mom asked, walking toward us from the kitchen. Anastasia and I were sitting on the living room couch. "Want me to help with your makeup?"
"We're not going."
Honestly, it was normal for her to look shocked. Our decision was sudden.
After a brief silence, Mom sat between us. Her left arm wrapped around me while her right hand gently stroked Anastasia's hair. She raised her brows. "Why?"
We had plenty of reasons.
"I don't want them bullying me again," Anastasia said.
"I can't dance," I added.
But the real reason? We didn't have partners.
Mom shook her head softly and pulled me closer, her hand still caressing Anastasia's head. "It's okay," she said to Anastasia. "Ella promised me she and her friends won't bother you anymore."
Then she turned to me. "You'll be fine, Drizella. Just follow the music."
For a long time, Mom lectured us. She told us stories about her school days, about being called the dance queen back then. Then she talked about Dad. How they once danced in the middle of a restaurant on a date. How thrilling and wonderful it felt.
"That party will be fun." She looked at us with full confidence. "Trust me."
She said it would be a good chance for Anastasia too. To be happy again. To make friends. To forget about wanting to kill herself.
For me, Mom said there would be lots of delicious food. I could eat as much as I wanted.
To boost our confidence, she even offered to drive us there herself. No need to wait for any date.
I hesitated. I really didn't want to go. But I also didn't want to disappoint her.
Mom had bought beautiful dresses and shoes for me. She must've been waiting for this day. She wanted her daughters to look stunning. Not inferior to any other girls. I understand that. Whatever Mom wants, she believes it's the best for us.
So in the end, I agreed. Anastasia did too.
After Mom helped us with our makeup and dresses, we finally left around eleven. Late, but Mom promised it would be a night we'd never forget.
And yeah... I guess she was right.
There's no way I could ever forget the night I killed my own sister.
***