To Fall So Deep

Chaos.

It was complete, utter chaos. Staff members, stressed out teenaged girls, and anxiety-ridden mothers, shuffled in and out of the lobby of a ritzy hotel in Kent, the clicking and clacking of heels echoing on the marble tile. The Avalon Royale was the premiere of all inns and suites in the area, known for its exquisite class, and intricate design. Standing at ten floors tall, the hotel radiated wealth from every expensive vase, every fancy chandelier, and every soft European rug.

A team of hotel employees worked closely with the hundred-something Ball personnel who were just as, if not more, strained with inconceivable amounts of pressure to make sure everything is flawless for that evening’s major event. In the midst of hairspray hazes, screaming Debutantes, and falling tears, was the fifteen-man crew of Vitale’s Place. The army of black slacks, white button-ups, and black bow ties, worked diligently within their stations, as they tried to uphold positive vibes.

“Martha, those onions need to be minced, not diced! Gregorio, have you started on the meringue, yet? Elissia, please take off that bow!” Mr. Vitale paced around the large back kitchen located in adjacent to grandiose ballroom.

“Dad, if you haven’t noticed we’re all wearing the same thing,” Elissia pointed to the several staff members running around behind her.

“Hence, the reason it is called a ‘uniform’,” Mr. Vitale retorted. Elissia slumped with a groan as her father sighed, “I know, I know. You’re an individual. Elissia Marie Vitale is unique at best. And I personally love all your hair bows, sweetie… But Miss Anne Styles, my boss, would not appreciate it if your hair accessory takes the attention away from her Debutantes. She had specific instructions on the dress code.”

“It’s not even a gaudy color like neon orange,” Elissia explained.

“I don’t want to hear it anymore Elissia… please, just take off the bow,” Mr. Vitale pleaded.

With a roll of her eyes, and an annoyed groan, Elissia unclipped the large, sparkling, black bow in her hair. Mr. Vitale smiled in appreciation,

“Thank you sweetie.”

Mr. Vitale leaned down to kiss the top of Elissia’s head before returning to manage his staff. Leina and Nina rubbed Elissia’s back in support. They both knew how much of a trademark those bows became in their friend’s life, but they also knew how big of a hissy fit Anne Styles would throw in seeing the lace and glitter decorated hairpiece.

“Come on, let’s keep working,” Leina pursued, “we have about an hour and a half till show time.”

Leina looked back down at the plate in her hand and continued to polish the fine china. After a few minutes, she lifted her head and glanced at Nina, who quietly rubbed plates with a soft cloth before setting them off to the side. She had an ill expression on her face, and Leina’s maternal side quickly emerged.

“Nina, are you okay love? You’re sweating, and you don’t look very well,” Leina pointed out.

“I just don’t like the idea of Harry dancing with Jezabelle,” Nina admitted. Her head still hung low, polishing plates with a concentrated gaze.

“But you knew this was going to happen,” Leina said.

“I know. And I was okay with it. It never bothered me when Harry would go to rehearsals, but now that the big day is here… I don’t know. It irks me, that’s all,” Nina expressed.

“Hey, if Jezabelle tries anything funny, we got you,” Elissia declared, “me, and my fist.”

Nina looked up from the porcelain dish in her hand.

“Thanks,” Nina chuckled.

“Elissia, can you even fight?” Leina laughed.

“No, not really,” Elissia disclosed, shaking her head, “but for Nina, I’ll definitely try.”

“Thanks. We can tag-team,” Nina joked, and nudged Elissia playfully in the rib.

The trio continued to polish dishes, arrange silverware, and prepare pitchers of cold water. When 5PM came, the tension in the air increased tenfold. Guests arrived in expensive cars, or limousines, and began to take seats at their respective tables. It was such a contrast between the different rooms. While the ballroom was peaceful, and easy-going, the back kitchen and debutante dressing rooms were the epitome of frenzy. The madness didn’t last too long however, because when the program took off, nerves started to settle.

Melodic tunes of strings, brass, woodwind, and percussion harmonized with such enchantment that it had the potential to bring tears to those who could witness the captivating sound. Though they played a cover of some One Republic song, the execution turned the top-40 hit, into a soul-soothing experience.

The orchestra sat around the stage and catwalk, as the bright spotlights casted a warm glow among the beautifully dressed ladies, and dapper young men. No other light emerged from any source, darkening the entire room in exception to the stage. With linked arms, each debutante and her escort were announced as they slowly strolled down the catwalk to be ogled by proud mothers, fathers, country-club members, and folks of the elite.

Nina, Leina, and Elissia stood at the very back of the ballroom, holding glass pitchers of water as they watched in silence. At the center of the stage, in all their elegance, were Harry and Jezabelle. With a forced smile, Harry still looked dashing as ever in a tailored-fit tuxedo, and his hair combed backwards. Jezabelle, though snooty and had a personality of utter demise, was absolutely striking in her white gown. She clutched onto Harry’s arm, a large grin on her face. Nina’s breathing grew heavy, and wished she had popped an anxiety pill before work.

The orchestra smoothly transitioned songs, the end of one song blending perfectly with the start of the next. The tune was just as beautiful as the last, and using the transition as a cue, the debutantes and their escorts gracefully walked down the stage steps onto the empty space in the ballroom. Once in their places, each couple began to waltz to the music, hitting each mark and turn with poise.

“Psst, you there!” a hushed voice called out. Nina’s eyes turned from the dancing, to a posh woman sitting at a table. She waved her hand, and motioned for Nina.

“Yes, ma’am? What can I do for you?” Nina quietly asked, bending down to meet eye level with the woman.

“I’d like more water,” she answered, holding her glass.

“Of course ma’am,” Nina nodded her head.

She grabbed the glass from the woman’s hand and carefully poured water into it. Once full, she placed it back onto the table. Nina stood for a moment, waiting for some kind of regard from the woman, but it never came. Before Nina could turn around and rejoin Leina and Elissia in the back, a man who was a clear manifestation of Jay Gatsby gestured for Nina’s service.

As Nina approached the front table, he simply held his glass out without a word. Annoyed, she didn’t bother to retrieve the glass from the man’s hand, and instead began to pour the ice-cold water into the cup. Her eyes flickered upwards for a moment to catch glimpse of her curly-headed boyfriend slow dancing with the red-headed beauty, but unfortunately for Nina, it was a moment too soon.

“What are you doing, you idiot?" the man angrily gasped.

The overflowing glass was dropped onto the marble tile, shattering onto the floor in tiny, sharp shards. The crash caught the attention of the nearby tables, and Nina didn’t seem to care when irritated eyes glared straight at her; all she could see at that point were Jezabelle’s locked lips on Harry’s.

Tears welled up in Nina’s eyes, brimming the edges with sadness. Her heart seemed to stop as she witnessed one of her worst fears play out before her. The pitcher dropped from her hand, creating an even louder crash, as drops of water and ice splattered onto the sophisticated folk in the surrounding tables.

Harry pushed Jezabelle backwards, “what the hell is wrong with you?”

Harry’s head quickly turned in the direction of Nina, who was already running away. Leina and Elissia quickly came to her aid, following her out the double doors at the back of the room. The orchestra continued to play, but the dancing ceased and the attention was casted onto Harry.

“Harry what are you doing?” Anne questioned through gritted teeth. She looked around nervously.

“Nina!” Harry yelled at the top of his lungs. He turned back to Jezabelle who stood like she had done nothing wrong, “you’ve ruined things!”

Harry ran off, snaking his way around the tables and chairs, receiving disapproving stares from the people around. Anne yelled for her son, but Harry ignored her calls as he ran through the same double doors as Nina, stopping in the center of the lavish lobby.

He turned his head in all directions, spinning in circles looking for Nina. At the corner of his eye, he saw a familiar head of long black hair tied at the nape of the neck. Nina was heading towards the side glass doors that lead to the courtyard.

“Baby!” Harry called out, his hands around his mouth. Nina turned to look at Harry from across the corridor, but ignored him, proceeding out the door.

Harry followed suit, his clean leather shoes squeaking on the shiny floors beneath him. With both hands, he pushed open the glass doors and stepped out into the cold night, his breath wavering in front of his mouth. He stood stationary, scanning his eyes across the vicinity.

The Avalon Royale’s courtyard was, in one word: magical. Beautifully decorated, and a well-kept lawn were only minor details in the charming abode. There was a large pond at center of the courtyard, and sitting in the pond was an elaborately designed, wrought-iron gazebo. Small lights cascaded from the top point of the gazebo to the bottom, wrapping around the structure.

“Nina,” Harry whispered to himself, his eyes fixated on the girl standing in the gazebo.

He walked forward on the pathway, leading to the bridge that connected to the gazebo. He grasped the bridge railing, letting his hand slide across. Croaking frogs, chirping crickets, and the creaking from the wooden bridge infiltrated Harry’s ears as he slowly approached Nina. She stood at the edge of the barrier, one arm hugging the pole for support. Her shoulders heaved up and down, hiccuping every few seconds.

“Baby,” Harry softly said. Without waiting for a reaction, he stepped right behind her, and wrapped his arms around Nina’s waist, burying his face into the crook of her neck. She quietly cried, ignoring Harry’s gesture. “Nina, talk to me please. I’m sorry. Jezabelle attacked.”

“She’s perfect for you,” Nina professed, letting out a sob.

“How could you say that? Nina, you’re the one who’s perfect for me,”

“She’s so beautiful, and rich, and your family approves of her. I can’t measure up,”

Harry couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of Nina’s mouth. How could she ever believe that there was even a comparison between his one true love, and Jezabelle Nixon? It hurt him to see Nina crying, it always had, and he yearned for a smile to escape her lips.

“Look at me,” Harry sighed.

He turned Nina’s body to face him, though her head still hung low. With his fingers, he lifted her chin, and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. Harry held Nina’s face with his hand, wiping away her tears with his thumb.

“Shhh, stop crying now,” Harry cooed. “Listen to me. You are beautiful, you are smart, you are kind, and you are my everything. Remember when I told you that Romeo and Juliet was my least favorite Shakespearean play because I couldn't understand the logistics of loving so hard? I didn’t understand it, because I never had been in love before... Not till you.”

“Harry… I can't right now,” Nina whispered, turning her head. She stepped away, and started to walk past him. Harry quickly grabbed her hand, pulling her back.

“No, Nina, I’m not done,” Harry held onto Nina’s hands and looked deeply into her eyes. He took a deep breath and got down on one knee.

“Oh my God, Harry what are you doing?” Nina asked through her tears.

“I’ve fallen so deep for you… so fucking deep that it drives me insane sometimes. Anything I do, I do for you. I can’t see my future unless I picture it with you in it—getting married, having kids, growing old together. That’s us, that’s our future. I love you! Nina Joyce Dela Vera, will you promise to catch me forever? Will you marry me?”

Harry stuck his hand inside his jacket pocket and pulled out a simple silver ring with a gleaming jewel on top. Nina’s body shook, her breath growing heavy, and her tears plummeting faster than before. Harry took her hand and slipped the ring onto her ring finger, before kissing it.

“What do you say baby?” Harry asked, looking up at Nina who continued to cry. She wiped the tears with her free hand before finally nodding her head,

“Yes!”

“Yes?” Harry’s eyes widened.

“Yes! I will marry you, Harry Edward Styles,” Nina exclaimed.

Harry jumped up from his position with a grin on his face. He lifted Nina into the air, hugging her tightly as her arms wrapped around his neck. Harry spun her around; Nina’s giggles filling his ears. He put her down, but his arms never left her waist. Nina’s fingers twisted in between the curls at the nape of his neck, gazing at him with affection.

They both leaned forward for a kiss. Soft, tender, and brimming with ecstasy, Harry and Nina put their all into it—letting their silent lips scream their love. They pulled apart, eyes closed, and their foreheads resting on one another.

“I love you Nina,”

“And I love you Harry,”

Notes

Hey! Hey! Hey!

Happy Friday everyone! Hope all you lovely ladies are doing well. The weekend is finally here and I'm so happy. Can't wait to sleep in, relax, and freak out a little with finals coming up next week. I hope you all like Chapter 35... As I wrote, I listed to The Piano Guys on YouTube, and they really inspired me with the feel of the chapter. Anyways, feedback is always appreciated if you have any. Thank you and have an awesome weekend,

-Erica Jaine <3