Anastasia wouldn't come. She was still sick, still recovering. There was no way that girl would show up at the prom. No. No way. With the low hum of my engine and the streetlights flickering like tired stars, I kept telling myself that over and over.
Anastasia should be resting at home. That was what was best for her. I wouldn't disturb her, wouldn't force her to go to the dance with me.
Ella. She's my prom date tonight.
Just like we promised, after sunset I picked her up at the Alice Bunn family house. "I'll wait for you there," she had said. She needed her friend's help to get ready, and yeah, I got it. I could imagine Mrs. Tremaine busy taking care of Anastasia, no time to help Ella with makeup.
Alice's house bell rang when I pressed the button by the gate. Fairy appeared at the door a minute later.
"Wait a second," she said. The tiny girl was still wearing a home T-shirt and shorts. Her hair was wet like she had just showered, and I could smell her shampoo from a pretty impressive distance. "Ella's still getting ready. Maybe ten more minutes."
I nodded and dropped myself onto the living room sofa. My watch pointed at seven. Plenty of time before the prom started. No need to stress.
"Want something to drink?" Fairy offered.
"Just water."
She smiled, her footsteps light as she walked away. Three minutes later she came back with a glass of water. I thanked her, and she excused herself, heading upstairs, probably to Alice's room.
I waited.
Alice's living room was fancier than I expected. The sofa was seriously soft, definitely not some cheap synthetic leather knockoff. The table was dark brown with floral carvings decorating its legs. From the moment I stepped past the front gate, I already knew the Bunn family was loaded. No wonder people gossiped about Alice being spoiled.
The house was incredible, Inspector. I admired the interior.
But, there was something far more beautiful than all of that.
A figure walking down the stairs. A blue gown. Shining glass slippers. Hair styled perfectly. The leading lady of this story. Ella. I couldn't take my eyes off her.
"Sorry I took so long."
I almost didn't hear it. I was gone. Zoned out. My entire attention locked onto one single point.
"How do I look, Prince?"
I didn't know how to describe it. I ran out of words. "You look… beautiful." The most honest compliment my brain could produce.
A small smile curved on her lips.
I wasn't wrong. My decision wasn't wrong. I was grateful I chose Ella as my partner.
I held out my hand for her. "Let's go." The prom, the stage that was supposed to be ours, was waiting.
***
At first, it was a beautiful night, Inspector. Like a sweet dream.
The moon was bright, no clouds blocking it. Leaves fell, carried by the night wind. Traffic was smooth. I drove at a steady speed. Classic jazz from the CD player filled the car, floating between our conversation.
Ella didn't talk much. I glanced at her through the rearview mirror now and then. She sat leaning back like usual, gaze lowered, staring at her nails painted with transparent pink polish.
"I like this song," or, "Hey, look over there." I tried starting conversations like that a few times.
Ella responded with a smile, a nod, and short comments like, "Yeah, yeah," or, "I agree," or, "Ah, yeah, nice," sounding a little awkward.
Maybe this was her first time sitting in a car alone with a guy. Makes sense if she was nervous or uncomfortable, just like the first time we sat together in the park.
Up until then, nothing felt strange. Ella was still herself. Even when we arrived at the school area, everything seemed fine.
I parked in the designated area, next to a black Chevrolet I didn't recognize. Unlike regular school days, the parking lot that night was packed with luxury cars, famous brands lined up like they were on display. Everything sparkled. Even the tires looked jet black, like they had just been installed.
It was a special night, Inspector. Everyone came dressed in their best. Of course, including me and Ella.
I sprayed a little perfume on a few spots, then stepped out of the car slowly. My shoes touched dry paving stones, a bit of gravel and sand here and there. Not a big deal. My shoes and the hem of my pants were still clean and shining. Luckily, no mud or puddles.
With confident steps, I walked around the car and opened Ella's door.
"Thank you," she said, her sweet smile blooming.
As she stepped out, I took her hand and guided her so she wouldn't lose her balance. Ella started with her left foot, the glass slipper reflecting the moonlight. The back of her gown was slightly wrinkled from sitting, but after she brushed it lightly, she looked perfect again.
Like any couple, we walked toward the school building hand in hand. I could feel her warm fingers between mine. I remember her touch even now, even while you're interrogating me in this place, Inspector. It still feels like Ella's hand is wrapped around every inch of my skin.
In the front lobby area, several people greeted us. Most were my classmates, but quite a few were from Ella's class. They all complimented our appearance. Ella's elegance in her Victorian-style gown. Her unusual glass slippers. Her thick, silky hair. Then they matched it with my dark suit and trousers, my ideal posture.
They said they never expected me to end up with Ella. But they admitted it. We looked good together. We were compatible. Some of them even wished our relationship would move on to the next level.
Impossible.
Right now, everything is impossible. Right, Inspector?
Ella is dead.
And I'm grateful that night was my last night with Ella.
***