New Year Eve Party

I looked up as Gareth walked in. His hair mussed by the wind, still utterly handsome. It was then I remembered.

~~~

Wil left my room, and Gareth entered in the next minute.

"Gareth?", I looked up as him.
"Cheri.", he said as he came forward and settled in beside me.
"Gar..", I began.
"I'm sorry.", he said softly. I looked at him in surprise.
"Whatever for?", I asked.
"I guess I'm not good enough for you. I've been so caught up with everything, that I forgot that I should be looking after you, instead of worrying about everything else.", he explained.
"But Gareth I..", I tried again.

"I should have thought about your family in Australia.", he continued.
"But I'm visiting them during the Lunar New Year.", I said softly.
"I never really courted you did I?", he asked me with a small smile.
"What as this got to do with anything?", I asked, my heart pounding. Something did not feel right.
"Maybe we should just take things easy for now.", he said softly.
"Are you breaking up with me?", I asked him, surprised.
"There's is no breaking up. We never were together. Without Chloe, we do no have to be an item.", he said.

~~~

"Autumn? Autumn!!", a voice called out. I snapped out and looked around. Pris, Nic and Grayson looked at me with concern. I looked up at Gareth, his facial expression blank, but his eyes said otherwise.

Concern.

"I'm sorry, I must have drifted off. Forgive me, London time, jetlag.", I said and laughed, trying to hide my emotions.
"Are you sure you are feeling well?", Nic asked. I nodded.
"I'm fine! I'm fine!", I said and lifted my teacup to drink when my lips touched the back of a hand. I looked up.
"Be careful, it's hot.", Grayson said with a smile. I looked at Gareth who took a step back and put his hand into his pocket, with what looked like regret or jealousy in his eyes. I turned my attention to Grayson.
"Thank you.", I said softly and smiled at Grayson.

"You were saying something about a vineyard?", I asked Grayson and looked at everyone else.
"Yes, I was asking if you all would like to visit one of my vineyards, maybe stay a night or two at the Chateau.", Grayson said with smile. One that spoke of how proud he was of his vinyard. I looked at Pris and Nic.
"I would love to visit your vineyard sometime.", I said to Grayson.
"Tea Gareth?", Pris asked.
"Yes please.", he answered.
"How do you like it?", she asked him. I looked up at Gareth, who was looking straight at me.
"As it is.", Gareth said, noddd and looked away.

Pris, Nic and Grayson then submerged themselves in a conversation about wine and such after Pris handed the tea cup to Gareth. I felt someone gently touch my hand. I turned to look and Gareth 's hand was on mine.

"Autumn, I-", he began. I held up a hand.
"Now is not the time. In any case, as you can see, I'm doing just fine. I hope that answers your question.", I said softly, pushing away his hand and the heartache I was feeling. Gareth looked me, said nothing and only frowned.
"I'll be heading to Australia two weeks later to spend some time with my family, and celebrate the lunar new year with them.", I added with a smile.
"Australia?", Grayson asked from behind me. I turned my attention to Grayson.
"My family is in Australia.", I explained. Grayson looked at me in confusion.

"It's a little complicated.", Pris said and went on to explain the situation to Grayson, who listened intently.
"I see, that's how it is.", Grayson said to himself then he smiled widely.
"You know, I do have a vineyard in Australia too. I might drop by to say hi.", he said with a grin. I heard Gareth snort softly to himself.
"That would be lovely Grayson.", I told him. Gareth snorted again.

~~~

She was calling Ashford by his given name. It's so.. Urgh! It is too much. I can't continue looking at Ashford.

Gareth looked at them in conversation, Autumn laughing at something Ashford was saying. Nicholas caught Gareth's attention, indicating that he wanted to speak to him in private. Both men excused themselves and headed out.

"What's happening?", Nicholas asked, looking into the drawing room, checking.
"It's my fault.", Gareth admitted softly. Nicholas looked at him, giving him that I'm-waiting-for-an-explanation look.
"I told Autumn we should take some time out.", Gareth explained. Nicholas looked at him incredously.
"Time out? So you broke up with her? Dude! Autumn is not a plaything like the other girls you used to date. I thought you would be more serious, considering what you two have gone through. I really thought you were in love, and that you two had it going." Nicholas said in surprise.
"I'm really disappointed with you Alastair.", Nicholas added.
"I really thought you finally had it going for you.", Nicholas continued and shook his head.

"Hear me out Nic. It's not like that." Gareth rebutted.
"Then what does it look like?" Nicholas said looked at his best friend.
"I.. We.. She..", Gareth sighed, realising he did not have a good enough explanation for everything. Nicholas sighed.
"I really thought I could be there for her." Gareth admitted softly.
"I really did, but it seems like it's never enough. When she was attacked, my heart almost stopped when Pris told me what happened. I did everything to keep the press away, to deal with the son of a bitch, and keep her safe, keep her sane. Losing Chloe was the biggest truma for her, and all I did was everything else.", he continued. Nicholas listened attentively.
"And ignore how she really felt. She wanted to leave me because she did not want to jeopodise my reputation. Just because she thought she could never ever have children again." Gareth said and looked at his friend.

"Alastair, it was not your fault. What happened was unfortunate, but it was not your fault. You could not have known that something like that would happen" Nicholas put his hand on his friend's shoulder and squeezed it gently.
"But I could have done more." Gareth said with a sigh.
"Take it easy my friend. It has been a trying time both of you. But since you've decided, then I can hope that you made the right decision because only you know if you did.", Nicholas gently pat his friend's shoulder and headed back into the drawing room. Gareth knew otherwise, he had screwed up, because his heart ached like it never ached before.

Gareth heard her laughter. He looked in and Autumn was laughing at something Pris and Ashford said. He also noticed the way Ashford was looking at her. Damn it if Gareth could not see it any clearly. Ashford was infatuated by Autumn. Gareth ran his hand through his hair, took a deep breath and headed back into the drawing room.

~~~

"Stop fidgeting Autumn.", Rose chided me.
"I'm sorry Rose.", Autumn apologised and sat still.
"Almost done, one more pin. And voila!!", Rose said and I looked up at the dressing table mirror. I smiled and looked at Rose from the mirror.
"It's beautiful Rose. Thank you.", I said and got up just we heard a scratching at the door. Rose went and opened the door. I heard Robert then the door clicked shut, and I noticed Rose holding a large white box.
"What is it Rose?" I asked her as I got up.
"A package arrived for you.", Rose said and set the box down on my bed. I padded over as she opened it and lifted the papers that were protecting the contents.
"It's beautiful!", Rose exclaimed as she held the dress up.

It was a deep turqouise colored evening gown. The style was vaguely familar. It was a subtle sweetheart gown, with a very lowV back.

"There's a card.", Rose said and handed it to me, and she returned to laying the dress out on my bed. I looked at it and recognised the handwriting.

I had this made for you, with you mind. I hope to see you in it tonight.
St Claire xx

"Would you like to put this on?", Rose asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I looked at the dress and looked at my own which Mum had helped choose. Well, in all honestly, the one Mum chose is kind of not my style. But at the same time I did not want to give Gareth the wrong impression. I looked at Rose, and she made a face.

"In all honesty Autumn, the dress your mum chose is really hideous. I really, REALLY don't want you looking like a freak on New Year's Eve." Rose said, trying hard not to laugh. I arched a brow at her, laughed and nodded.
"I was thinking the same thing, but this dress.." I said and touched the dress.
"Is from St Claire, which you are relactant to wear. I understand Autumn, but it may not be a bad thing." Rose continued for me. I sighed.
"You're right. Let's dress me up." I said. Rose nodded with a huge smile.

"You know, I am still rooting for St Claire, although Ashford is not bad. He really does love you, you know?", Rose said as she zipped the dress up. I looked at her from the mirror and she smiled as she adjusted the dress.
"Perfect fit. See what I mean?" Rose said with a smile. I looked into the mirror and what I saw took my breath away.
"You look beautiful.", Rose added as she added the finishing touches, a pair of dangling diamond earrings and a diamond necklace. I looked through my jewelry box, looking for a ring to wear when I came across the 3 rings that Gareth had previously given me.

"Those will look fine." Rose said when she saw the rings. They were beautiful and it would be a waste if I did not wear them. I slipped them on, put on my stilettos, checked myself in the mirror, and checked the time, 6.30pm, before leaving my room. Time for dinner before the Soiree.

I headed down the stairs to the parlor just as Nicholas was entering the Chateau. I looked at up at him and smiled. Nicholas was dressed impeccably, in a black suit, a crisp white shirt and his cravat tied up. He returned a smile.

"Good evening dear. You look absolutely beautiful Autumn.", he greeted me. Robert looked at me from behind Nicholas.
"Thank you your highness.", I said with a grin. I indicated to Robert that I will lead Nicholas in.
"Come on, I'll show you to the dining room. It's almost time, and no one is EVER late for dinner." I said as Nicholas held up his arm, and I took hold of it.

At the dining room, I heard voices. Nicholas led me into the dining hall and everyone turned as we entered. Nicholas led me towards Mum and Dad.

"Autumn, you look lovely tonight.", Dad complimented and I smiled. Mum nodded in approval at my choice of my dress that evening. I turned my attention to my grandparetns and then the St Claires.
"Monique, what are you doing here? I thought you had a party of your own?" I asked in surprise.
"Well, I cancelled my party to be here. I can't be at two places at one time can I?" she said with a smile as we hugged.
"This is great, as I was thinking about how I'm going to be at two places at one time too." I exclaimed. I greeted Edwardo and Phillip as well. Then I looked around.

"If you're looking for him, he's late." Monique said. I only nodded, feeling somewhat like an idiot.
"He will be here in abit." Phillip consoled me. I thanked him and headed over to where Pris and Nicholas were.
"He will be here." Pris said softly, as if telling me not to worry. I smiled.
"Did Nicholas not tell you?", I asked her. She shook her head and looked at Pris. Nicholas made a face.
"I didn't want to say anything until I was sure." Nicholas told Pris. Pris gave me a threatening look.
"Gareth sort of broke up with Autumn." Nicholas said sheepishly. Pris eyes widened in surprise.
"I know, I got the same reaction as you." Nicholas added.
"What happened?", Pris asked when we heard someone walk in. We all turned to see who it was.

I took a deep breath.

Gareth walked in and looked around. He was dressed impeccably. Black suit, crisp white shirt, carvet tied up perfectly adorned with an emerald pin. He went up and greeted mum and dad, the Duke and Duchess, and his parents. I watched him from a distance.

"Qiu. Qiu!", Pris called out to me, shaking my arm. I blinked and looked at her.
"I was asking what happened." Pris reminded me. I looked at her lost for a moment.
"Oh . Oh! I'm sorry. It is as Nic said. He asked for time out from each other.", I explained and Pris frowned. She turned to look at Gareth then looked back at me. I gave her a 'What?' look.
"Nothing, just enjoy yourself tonght and don't think too much." Pris said with a smile. I looked at her and just shrugged my shoulders.
"I'm totally fine. I'm have to drink, dance and be merry.", I said nonchantly.

It was then that Gareth approached us. He greeted Pris and Nicholas, then turned his attention to me. He looked at me and his eyes widened in surprise, then as if something slowly sank in, his eyes twinkled, but his expression straight.

"Good evening Autumn. You looked stunning tonight.", Gareth greeted me. I returned a small smile.
"Good evening to you too. You look.. As good as you always do.", I said, mentally slapping myself. Pris nudged me gently. I kept my smile, and said a prayer of thanks when Robert annouced that dinner is to be served. I sighed and looked around.

Nicholas led Pris out and I began to move when Gareth said my name. I turned to look at him. He held out his arm and looked at me intently. I returned a polite smile and took his arm, and he led me to my seat.

Dinner passed rather enjoyably and soon, we were mingling with the first of our guests. Once that happened., Gareth disappeared from my sight altogether. I shrugged it off since he did say we are to take time out from each other and that means I'm single and available again.

It's going to be a new year, and I'm going to start my new year afresh.