The Charity Ball
Nora
Living at Hilda's house has been a dream, everything is so expensive, that I am even afraid to touch it. We have people available 24/7/365. Money and position have the power to buy anything you want. And it's been a month since I divorced Erik, and my mood has not changed.
There is an emptiness in my soul, and I don't know what is causing it. There was no way I could be with him, and these last three years have been proof that our relationship was going nowhere. Respect is something he could never give me. Despite the fact that I lacked nothing monetarily, there was something still missing in my life. It was a man who valued me and gave himself to me completely, as I did. Erik was not that man.
Despite the love I had for him, he did everything in his power to put out that flame. My bank account is now brimming with more money than I could ever spend in my life; however, I don't know what to do with it. I may buy a ticket to travel around the world, or I may not. There is no direction or cause for my existence.
Do all divorcees go through this stage?
While thinking about all this, I laid my head on my pillow, saw the time, and noted that it was after 11 am, and I was still in bed. Truthfully, I would rather not get up; I do not feel like doing anything. There is no doubt in my mind that I feel more abandoned than ever before. I was consumed with sadness and loneliness because of all the hate and resentment I felt towards everyone.
While I was pondering my feelings, I noticed the door to my room was open. As Hilda entered, she was like a tornado. I caught her attention after she looked everywhere. I was surprised at how she behaved, she usually doesn't act like that. What was she thinking? I asked myself.
“Nora,” She approached me with a long stride. Like I was trying to escape from her. Being close to me, she jumps to my bed and says, “You have to help me, Nora. Gonzalo did it to me again. He changed his mind at the last minute, I can't believe the nerve of that man.”
Trying to understand her more, I sat down to get a better understanding of what she was saying.
“He cancelled you, when and for what reason?” She was a bit surprised, but she shook her head in frustration.
“The charity ball, Nora. I already told you about this one. But my husband said that he had a lot of last-minute work and that he would not be able to attend with me. I need you, you have to be my partner tonight.”
“No, definitely not, Hilda. Can you imagine if I met someone I would rather not see at all? And, it is, practically, all of the city. There is even a chance that I will run into The Collins. I'm sorry Hilda, but not that. I can't show my face in public, I feel ashamed of how things turned out for me. Those sharks, I am certain, are looking for prey to feed on.”
Hilda softened her gaze a little when she heard me speak, but immediately the determination returned to its place. “Do not worry about them. Since when have you cared about what others say about you? I'm sure you've already learned how to deal with negative attitudes that get in your way.”
“Are you suggesting that I should be accustomed to being pointed at every time I am present?”
“Yes, and no, it sounds bad, but it is the truth. You should have got over the rejection of the people by now.” She gave me an encouraging smile and went on.
“Your heart should be strong by now. No, not just strong, more like invincible. Those who survive become stronger. That's something I absolutely believe in. Remember, I worked as a nurse.” After winking at me, she stepped out of bed.
“Was there a better way to show the world who you are and how strong you are?”
Wow! This is the best motivational speech I have ever heard.
“What is the purpose of this event? It's not that I'm going, but just out of curiosity.” I knew Hilda already had me in her pocket. She smiled from ear to ear.
“As a matter of fact, this is an interesting event. To purchase new rescue equipment and renovate the rescue centre's facilities, an organization is raising funds. I accepted the invitation for myself and Gonzalo because I was drawn to the cause. Besides that, didn't you tell me a few days ago that you were not sure what you were going to do with yourself or how to handle all of your money? You can use this opportunity to accomplish something productive. Who knows, maybe you will find your life's purpose.”
“OK” I wasn't very convinced, but I couldn't say no to Hilda. She was correct. I didn't have to spend the rest of my life hiding from something I wasn't guilty of.
Now that I think about it, that will be a great distraction and I will make sure that the rescue centre has the best equipment in the country.
With that thought in my head, I turned to Hilda with a hopeful smile, “What time are we leaving?”
∞∞∞
It's hard not to be impressed with my new friend. I suppose after spending two hours at the beauty salon, it has to be. She chose to wear her hair in an elegant bun at the base of her neck. It is embellished with two sapphire diamond brooches. It's wonderful how beautiful she is. Her dress is mermaid-style, blue. These head brooches are the perfect match. Other styles made her look bad, and she selected this style of dress because of her short stature. I'm not sure about that, but the result is excellent. Of course, she is wearing the highest—heeled shoes I've ever seen. But being honest, they don't make much of a difference.
As for me, I want to show off my legs. I am only 23 years old, and I would like to feel like one. Taking risks, being free. I no longer have limits, nor do I have anyone to impose them on me. Therefore, I chose a strapless, sequinned mesh dress with fringe trim in a 1970s style. Silver is the colour I decided on. My only choice is high-heeled sandals with rhinestones on the strap. I really enjoy wearing them. As always, I like my hair down to look my best. It is electrifying to feel my waves brush against my back. As for the makeup, I simply used lip gloss and a touch of colour. This isn't something I need much.
As soon as we were ready, we went to the front door, where the limousine was waiting for us. Considering how luxurious it was, I didn't know half of its features. It never ceases to amaze me how this couple works together to achieve this.
Half an hour later, I began to feel nervous. After my divorce, I would not be comfortable exposing myself like this to the public so suddenly. However, I must overcome this. To succeed in this society, I have to become stronger, just as Hilda told me.
Finally, we arrived, this event took place in a hotel that I was familiar with. The charity ball will take place here, unfortunately. The chauffeur parked at the entrance, and the ballet parking attendant opened the door for us.
We were helped down, and I carefully observed the place. Ultimately, I was only reminded of images that I should have forgotten. Among many places I found Erik cheating on me, this was one of them. The same stairs that I am climbing right now have been climbed countless times by countless women holding his arms.
But on second thought, this hotel and all the others in the city probably used them. It will take me a while to get used to the fact that my ex-husband has more sexual encounters than a prostitute on Valentine's Day.
No more Nora, forget about that person, who does not deserve to be thought about. Then, I heard Hilda, “Nora, what are you thinking? We are already running late, we need to find our seats.”
“Oh yeah! Let's go then, we can't keep the hostess waiting,” I said with a dry smile as I was intertwining my arm with hers to enter.
Once in, I was impressed. This was nothing like a typical charity event. The organizer appears to have innovative and creative ideas.
Several rescue accessories were displayed in the room. Stunning rescue scenes were implemented using mannequins, and I was blown away by them. As I saw this, I realized that the situation was real. The difficulty that rescuers had to endure to achieve their mission was a lot. It felt as if I had been struck in the heart. There were people who were risking their lives for strangers, and society owed them all the support.
With my mouth open, I took in the entire scene. Many rescuers were speaking with the guests. I was called to attention by Hilda when she grabbed my arm.
“Look Nora, that one over there, she's my friend. She worked as a paramedic at the hospital where I worked. In fact, she was the one who sent me the invitations, let's say hello.”
I was pulled by the hand towards the group of rescuers without waiting for my response. Hilda made her way until she reached her friend. “Patty, how are you? This place looks great,” She said when they saw each other. “Knowing you, this idea wasn't yours, ha, ha!”
“Hilda, wow! How well you look. Who knew the nurse who stole my lunches would end up mega reach.” Patty points from head to toe with a mischievous smile.
“I didn't steal your lunch. It was only once or twice, but it was because I forgot mine.”
After that weird exchange of words, they hugged. When they finished, Hilda said, “Patty, Patty, I have to introduce you to my friend, Nora.”
Nudging her in the stomach and winking, she added, “She has a lot of money. So don't take your eye off her.” Patty abruptly released Hilda, pushing her sideways. And like possessed, she headed towards me.
“I'm Patty, nice to meet you.” She extended her hand and I did the same by returning the greeting. What a woman.
“I'm Nora, nice to meet you, Patty, but tell me, what is your role in the rescue group?”
Patty's eyes lit up with sparks, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Hilda shake her head. “Oh! No, Nora, what have you done? You just summoned the demon.”
“Oh! Better shut up, your defector, my new friend and I have a lot to talk about.”
Patty pulled me by the hand, leading me to another place. I turned to Hilda, and she laughed mockingly at my situation. I let Patty drag me around the room, while she cheerfully explained what happened in each of the representations. She also explained the use of the equipment and why new equipment was constantly needed. Additionally, I couldn't help asking about how the structure works and the procedures to follow in the event of an incident.
The more I heard it, the more it interested me. I could not believe all the work they do, and we, as normal citizens, were not aware. She also told me that thanks to donations from these charity balls, it was how they stayed afloat. The government supported them, but as I could see, it was not enough. The safety of the rescuers came first, and if they were not protected, the victims less.
Everything she said made perfect sense.
We were walking towards another scene where another group of rescuers was explaining what was happening to some guests. The man who was giving the explanation was turning his back on us, so Patty called him to introduce me. “Edward, Hey!” He turned quickly and saw us out of the corner of his eye. We joined the conversation after he motioned for us to do so. He was not older than thirty, and it seemed like he was in good health. He was your typical American next-door neighbour.
Blonde hair set on the side, beautiful smile. In fact, one of the most beautiful I have seen. He speaks with great passion, making me keep my eyes on him, not understanding what was happening to me. It was as if I could only see him in a sea of people. Just seeing him, and hearing him speak astonished me, making me only want to stroke his firm, pink lips with my fingers.
“And this is how the emergency kit is used on a victim.” That brought me back to reality. People around him began to greet him and talk among themselves. But Patty was next to me, shaking her hand and beckoning Edward over. When Edward saw her, he apologized to whoever he was talking to and walked over to us.
As he approached, my palms began to sweat. Then, I didn't feel so confident, my face felt like it was burning. What's up with me?
“Finally, I thought you would never finish. I'd like to introduce you to Nora, a friend of Hilda's and now mine.” He looked at me carefully, as if he was absorbing every single detail about me. I felt the colour rise even further to my face as a result of his piercing gaze, wishing the earth would swallow me whole.
Edward extended his hand to greet me without saying anything. Besides looking at me with such intensity, he did nothing else. Quite shyly, I returned the greeting, but when I touched his hand, I felt a warmth spread all over my arm. I couldn't help but widen my eyes at that. He looked down and admired our intertwined hands as he touched my skin with one of his fingers.
The air got stuck in my lungs, and I felt my stomach move strangely. My eyes met his, and I couldn't take mine off him. His were so crystalline that they inspired me with confidence. The green colour, I compare it to the wild jungle, uncharted, unknown.
The magic was broken when Patty cleared her throat and called for our attention. He released me slowly as if he would rather not let me go. After a few seconds, he gave me the most charming smile anyone could offer. I realized at that moment that this man named Edward was beautiful, not only on the outside, but his soul was calling out to mine.
Gathering all my strength and courage, I shyly said, “Hi, I'm Nora. What you did is incredible. I've never seen the point of view of someone who does what you do. You managed to express your experiences in your work.” I smiled at him and added, “I really liked it.”
The smile he offered me, showing his beautiful teeth, made my stomach jump several times. “Thanks, Nora, I had a hard time organizing this. But thanks to the whole team, we managed to have all this. It is the first time that we do an exhibition of this nature.” A nod of agreement came from me. It was my first time experiencing anything like this, so I didn't know what else to say. I still have much to learn and discover about myself.
The feelings that I am experiencing right now, should be labelled.
Patty looked at us very entertainingly, and after observing us, she said, “It's good that you finished, Nora needs further details about our organization. There are still things I need to take care of.” Then she addressed me, “Edward will take care of you,” and then she pointed her finger at him, “and I warn you that if something happens to her, you are going to deal with Hilda.”
Edward started laughing at this, “Yes, I know why you say that, Hilda is to be feared. In my life, I would not like to have her as an enemy. Come, Nora, I'll be your tour guide for the rest of the night.” He extended his hand to me, and I, without taking my gaze from him, took it.
