The Liberal Assassin

The Invitation (2)

The party was boring.

Bouncing on the balls of my feet while maintaining a pleasant disposition, I counted the number of guests present and mentally categorised them according to gender, hair colour and colour of the clothes they wore, twice.

No one really important was present and my entertainment had yet to show up. It was a real pity no A-59 Blue Terriers were present too. I had a specially prepared present for them. A real pity how I can't infect those monsters with a virus to howl my favourite song. Sable Vogel would be flattered too! In my opinion, Sabel sings the best and Blue Ivy from her latest album is a masterpiece that everyone should come to love.

I turned to mingle with some ladies who were throwing me flirtatious winks. Unfortunately for them, I wasn't particularly interested in what they had to offer. Then again, the playboy in me couldn't simply ignore them and move on.

Putting on my most charming smile, I strode over to where they were standing. "Hello ladies, enjoying yourselves?" One strawberry blonde model pressed her chest against my arm. I leaned in with a smile, attempting to strike a conversation and elicit information about her father's company. However, the conversation between two gentlemen behind me distracted me from the task at hand.

"Are you sure? That Titus Crowley?"

"Yes. I've seen him at the official accreditation ceremony for Chemistry. He was only eight at that time."

"What a disgrace for such a gifted young man to be wasted on partying and women!"

"Don't be fooled. He might be behaving this way to throw us off guard. From what I heard, he has gotten his accreditations for Law, Business and Sociology too. That child is going to take this world by storm. He is in touch with Felix Riggs from the rumours."

"What? Are you serious? That's not impossible then. He might be in the parties to rub shoulders with important people. What a crafty fellow…"

Ten years ago I would have felt very hurt by their remarks. Five years ago I would have beaten them to a pulp. Now, I just wanted to laugh. Nash was right. Let those who speak ill of you behind you do so. After all, that's the only thing they're capable of.

The chatter ceased when someone arrived in a first tier wheeler way about an hour late. I turned around and followed everyone else's line of sight with a slight grin. Here comes the main highlight of the party.

Out stepped Tracy Fong looking as innocent and alluring as a true saint in that smashing white gown. Men leered like the bunch of low lives they are. Blinded by the lures of flesh, they would never see it coming. I smirked as she greeted Felicity with false joy. If one observed closer, it was easy to see how stiff Felicity had become. The show was about to begin and I had front row seats to it.

While watching the two ladies exchange pleasantries, I scouted for a certain someone. From the left corner of my eye, the reporter from Inner City Daily I tipped off earlier weaved through the crowd skilfully. Not caring if anyone saw the scary grin on my face, I vibrated on the spot in excitement for the true entertainment that was about to begin.

"What a nice dress you have, Felicity!" the latecomer gushed. "It looks kind of familiar. Oh! I recall now. It's the dress I wore for my photoshoot with Inner City Girls' Magazine!"

The smile on Felicity's face became strained and her voice unnaturally sweet like caramel dipped venom. "Of course, it is! Why wouldn't I know that? You were ranked the fifth most beautiful woman after all. I'm so happy for you! Unfortunately, this dress is no longer in fashion after you wore it for your photoshoot. It's so sad that people can't appreciate fashion, right? I mean the journalist was so mean to compare you to a moulding canvas. Well, cheer up, Tracy! At least you're famous now. I heard that article went viral. Also, thanks for attending my party even when you forgot to invite me to yours."

A wave of gasps swept across the room with the atmosphere becoming tense. Apprehension filled the room and imaginary sparks flew when both ladies refused to break eye contact.

It's so difficult to refrain from laughing. It was so amusing to observe the reactions of others. Especially the faces of men previously smitten by the main stars of the evening. The twisted expression of fury set things in motion and I spotted the reporter from Inner City Daily's Publications working that high-specs shutter.

Another wave of gasps from the guests swept through the room, this time accompanied by the screamings from two very unglamorous ladies. The view was a little obscured from where I was but from the hushed whispers, they were pulling at each other's hair. When shoes started to fly and dogs started to bark, I took my cue to leave. The crowd could pick at the remains of the catfight but I've had my fill.

Now that the chilly wind greeted me underneath the stars, I was reminded of the book I borrowed after Mrs Peterman had interrupted. I might be missing out on the fun back at the party but it wasn't more important than the book I had left unfinished. It doesn't really matter since news of the vicious catfight would be all over Luna by tomorrow. For now, it was time to head back before curfew.

Yawning widely, I dialled for a wheeler. What a great way to end another ordinary day.