That afternoon, Jacob loaned a suit from his boss's husband. It wasn’t that new but it was better than anything from his wardrobe. He fashioned a hat and shined a pair of black shoes to attend this party. He didn’t want to make an impression on the people there but he did want to make an impression on Lily Fisher. He quickly lifted himself off the car and made his way over to her, giving her his hand. “Uh, You look.” He paused. She gazed at him, her eyes batted, filling her cheeks with a tint of pink. “You look beautiful, Lily Fisher.” If a few dim lights made her look this elegant, Jacob wanted to see what the lights at the manor would portray. “Right this way.” He held the tip of her fingers, leading her to her seat. When he got in, her silence made him anxious. He took a deep breath before saying. "Before we go, there's something I have for you to wear... if that's okay?"

"Sure." She bit her lip, looking as he reached into his pocket. He took out the box and opened it, revealing a beautiful pendant. "It was my mother's."

"She must've had really good taste in jewelry." Her eyes sparkled at the dazzling reflection. "It's perfect." His hands grew sweaty, trembling as he struggled to put it on. "There." He finally said and then they were on their way.

The car ride was silent, it was tense and it provided an uneasy sanctuary. Mostly aroused by the fact they never did something this extreme. Going out together, Lily could never imagine it but now she hadn't a choice. This party wasn't the best place to be, Jacob would agree but as long as Lily was there with him he knew he didn't have a thing to worry about. Cars were already stacked in a line, all leading to the Beckingham manor. She could hear the sounds of a soft piano, strolling up the grand entrance. People were dressed for the Gods, in beautiful gowns, big pearls, and big hair. The door was surely bigger since both sides were opened. It felt like the first time she saw it, only better. Lily was left in awe. Whoever decorated the room, must've studied decor for years. It was extravagant. The picture of Mr. Beckingham was moved to a place below the striking staircase under the brightly light ceiling. It looked like a modeled version of an art museum. What made it overwhelming wasn't the different array of soft golden drapes blending with the dark hardwood floors, it was the selection of colors that came with the people around. It was like a rainbow was trapped in the room with a bunch of penguins. It was funny to think about it that way but Lily found it amusing. Before she could say something, she was laughing to herself.

"What?"

"Nothing. It's nothing." She smiled before addressing a light tap on her shoulder. "Isobel.'' She said, holding her in her arms. Both their dresses swished and swallowed each other, like a green and red whirlpool.

"Well, how do I look?" Isobel spun around, excitedly.

"You look like a Princess." She gleamed.

"Yes, well, William picked it out for me so I ought to." Bella laughed and then looked up. "Who is this?"

"This is my friend, Jacob."

"Nice to meet you." He said.

"I'm Isobel..." She shook his hand, baffled. "Have we met before? I wasn't aware of new friends."

"At Miss Cambelle's bakery but I highly doubt it. I've never seen you before."

"Yes, yes." She nodded, still uncertain. "Well, Lily, you look happy and I don't want to change that... besides~" She grinned. "I have me a Prince to find and Jacob, I hope to see more of you."

"Me too." He gave a little wave as she sprinted off. "She is something." He mumbled.

"Isn't she the most beautiful girl you've ever seen?" Jacob smiled watching Lily's face light up just by admiring her friend.

"Probably not the smartest." He nodded then sighed.

"Why do you say that?" She screwed her face.

"She's chasing after William Beckingham. Not a good idea if you ask me." He thought about it with a scowl before saying. "I'll let her be, though. It's working in my favor, now that I think about it."

"Really? How so?" She squinted her eyes.

"Never mind that. We came here for a party." He smirked. She felt a touch, it was Jacob’s hand in hers; it had been there the whole time. Her heart skipped a beat, she wanted to get away but then she didn’t want to either. Consumed by confusing feelings, she felt him grip it tighter, grabbing a glass from the passing waiter then handing it to her. Only a sip was enough to calm her nerves.

“Would you like to dance?” The next song sprung the question.

Her cheeks turned into a rose ball as she nodded.

"Oh Lily." Isobel watched from the top of the stair, their dancing placed a spell on her but she shook her head and chucked out such fantasies. She still wanted to find William, so she scurried around the corner only to be graced with the presence of Elena Ma'am. The big white and gold gown caught her attention, she looked like a Greek goddess only she weighed twice as much.

"I, I'm sorry." She ran some hair back before being left surprised "It's you." She said.

"Have we met?" Elena replied, holding her wrists.

"No, unfortunately." She smiled, her body swayed from side to side as she spoke. "I recognize you from the photographs around. You're William's aunt. I never got to ask him your name." She was thrilled, maybe if she sucked up to this woman, she could be closer to him.

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"Oh really?" Elena ma'am glared at her from head to toe, she almost made a scowl but curled her lips into a smile. "And who might you be?"

She laughed, looking down. "I guess you can call me a family friend, I'm Isobel." She paused with widened eyes. "Wait, you know who I am, don't you?" She jumped. "Didn't you ask for me to attend this party? I feel so honored to have your blessings. Me and William-"

She dared to go on but Elena said. "You and William?" She stopped her. "You're the maid's friend Jodi told me about. It all makes sense now." She gave a shrug.

"Yeah." Her eyes jumped rapidly. "Do you know where he is? I've been looking everywhere."

"He was around earlier."

"I know, I~" She thought about him. "I danced with him."

"I feel sorry, Isobel, truly."

"What?" She nodded. "What do you mean?"

"Some things are better left unsaid... especially when it's about someone so dear to you." Elena said, gazing down at Lily Fisher. She then tapped Isobel's hand. "How about we have a walk? William's a bit busy at the moment but he'll join us later, for sure."

"Okay?" Isobel said, being trailed off by Elena Ma'am.

Mrs. Beckingham watched them, leaning by her bedroom door. "She really disgusts me."

"Mother, please." He said.

"What? It's true." She gave a smoldering chuckle.

"Put the glass down, Jodi." He grabbed her. "Get your things and go back to your party." He fought with her, doing his best to get her settled and sober.

She stared at him with puffed-up eyes. "I'm not going back." She said, stumbling on her words. "He didn't come, William. What's the sense?" She threw herself on the side of the bed.

"Fix your hair." He brushed some back. "Your face." He rubbed it slowly. "Your clothes." He tied a knot on her robe. "What's a party without a host, mother?"

"Better." She started to cry.

He watched her sadly then took her earrings off. "Here." He placed them by her bedside. "Get some rest, I'll handle everything." He fixed her in the bed like she was his daughter. She closed her eyes and quickly fell fast asleep. "Father's nothing but a traitor, a coward for abandoning us." He said, whispering. "Why do you still believe in him? I don't, not anymore."

“I used to attend parties like these.” Jacob looked around. "As a child, though."

“So grand?”

“They were beautiful but I was never moved. It sort of gives makes me feel like a boy again.”

“What did you do at those parties?”

“Eat everything in sight." She felt his warm breath on the back of her neck.

"What happened?"

"My mum got sick, really sick." He gritted his teeth. "There was nothing they could do for her. Then my father went out one day and never came back. I think he took her death a lot harder than I did."

"That sounds dreadful. It must've been hard."

"It was. I’m lucky for Tammy, she gave me everything when she took me in.” He smiled with clouded eyes, just the thought of her presence could cheer him up.

“I thought she was your sister.”

“In a way, she is. My father's sister.”

“You two have such a close connection, I thought- Well, I thought you actually were.”

"Lily" Jacob called out, hoping to catch a glimpse of her emerald eyes.

She took a deep breath before choking out. "Yes."

"This may sound repulsive but I think I love you, Lily Fisher."

"What?" She shook her head then suddenly her hands weren't in his anymore. He looked away. "I love you, Lily." He forced himself to repeat.

He heard her pant but when he finally turned she fled. Lily kept her face down, she couldn't understand what she was feeling, the emotions varying in her heart at that moment. She didn't see him until they crashed into each other.

"William." She said, quickly wiping a tear from her cheek.

"Did something happen?" He said in a stern serious voice. He held her shoulders, waiting for an answer but the noise and fancy laughter around must've made her nervous. The sound of music slowly faded but the chirping from within the bushes grew louder and louder. He slipped out a kerchief and dried whatever tears were left in her eyes.

"What's wrong?"

Lily, distracted by the brightness of the moon, gazed at it. She wondered if there was a man in the moon, how lonely he would be if he had to be without someone. She recalled the first time she met Jacob, the first time she actually noticed him. It wasn't that rainy day when he took her home, it was the day her father died. She couldn't admit that she too grew to love him. She felt the heat in her body engulfed that night. She didn't realize William was trying to take care of her, as he did his mother, or that he'd been looking at her glistening eyes, how they brightened even more. He didn't possibly think for a second that Lily was mind only held Jacob, the baker. He threaded his hands down her arm and held her cold wrinkled fingers. Bit by bit he turned her chin to him and cupped her cheek. She gaped, freezing ultimately because it happened so slowly but too fast for her to stop it. It began when he pressed his lips against hers, a soft peck. Then came a more endearing moistured kiss of great affection. Lily stuck a pin, pulling away. She touched her lips in dismay. What had she done? This was her fault; after all, she was an easy prey. Neither William nor Lily saw Isobel on the balcony looking down, when she saw them kiss she fled. It felt like a storm was coming, the winds blew heavily around them. Jacob came into the garden, just in time. He looked back and forth at the two standing, surprisingly, in silence.

"Jacob." She managed to say, Lily held her chest and looked anywhere but at him.

He gulped, walking towards her. "Is everything okay?" He almost touched her arms but she flinched.

William answered. "Yes, I-"

"I wasn't talking to you."

Lily took a deep breath, glaring at the two. "I think I'm ready to go home." Jacob looked at William, it was clear he wanted to grab his shirt and beat him till he smiled. Jacob didn't want to ponder too much on the things William might have done. William's grin was hidden by the darkness that filled the garden. Jacob calmed himself, Lily's grip on his shirt assured him that she was fine and she wanted to

William kissed Lily but he was frustrated by it. He kissed Lily Fisher. He fought a loud groan from the pits of his stomach. If Jacob hadn't shown up none of this wouldn't have happened - he thought. He felt the slightest eyes pasted unto his back, gazing up at the house, he spotted Aunt Elaine with folded arms and a beam of triumph.