8: Setting up

After finishing the fitting Layla walked Romona back into the family room where her parents were sitting watching a movie. “I have finished i shall deliver the dress on Friday and have it ready for the ball on Saturday.”

“Thank you for the late-minute appointment Romano we don’t know how to thank you for this.” Henry knew it was a lot to ask of her especially since she had been able to pull through with this last minute.

Romana shook her head she was happy to do old friends of her this favor she would never turn down business after all. “It’s no problem everyone wants to look their best for the upcoming ball i was happy to be of service.”

“That is for sure these girls are representing their families at these balls.” Liana reminded she knew it was a lot of pressure for the entire kingdom and as such short notice so everyone was in a hurry to make sure everything went perfectly.

Layla went and sat on the other side of her mother leaning her head on her shoulder and taking her mother’s hand in hers. She wasn’t sure how she felt about the ball but if she were to go she wasn’t going to let them down. “I'm going to do the Linwood name proud.”

“We know you are sweetheart,” Liana said with a smile squeezing her daughter’s hand lightly she only wished her daughter knew how proud they were already. “Why don’t you head upstairs i am sure your sister is waiting on you.”

Layla nodded standing up and going to give Romona a hug she wanted to say her goodbyes so she could hurry upstairs. “Of course, thank you so much, Romona.”

“No problem Layla the pleasure was all mine.” She was excited she knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and she wanted to give Layla a chance to make it. “I’m sure this is going to be my best dress yet.” She was very excited about what was to come she knew this was going to be a dress to die for.

Layla gave a fake smile before turning and heading upstairs to her room. She walked inside seeing her sister lounging on her bed. “What are you doing?”

Zamiyah turned leaning on her elbows she had been waiting for her sister to finish her fitting. “Waiting on you duh.” She said in her most obvious tone she still wanted to watch her sister practice.

“Of course you do.” Layla said rolling her eyes she closed her door going to sit besides her sister.

“Can you show me the new trick you were talking about?” Zamiyah pleaded she wanted to see what her sister was capable of she wanted to make sure that her sister saw how special she truly was.

“Ok.” Layla grabbed her bag moving to sit in the middle of the floor and setting out some bowls some candles a few sparklers she had grabbed and 3 glass containers. She had wanted to see how far she could test the boundaries.

“This is what you got from the market?” Zamiyah asked she had wondered why her sister had needed to go there so urgently and knew it had something to with her magic.

“A few other things.” Layla took out a a few books that were about the people of the unknown. She wanted to learn as much as she could before the ball especially since there was a chance something could go wrong. “I needed to get my mind off of the ball.”

“When is it?” Zamiyah asked.

“From what i just heard it’s Saturday.” Layla answered with a sigh.

“Oh.” Zamiyah knew that wasn’t going to be any fun.

“I know but i just have to be calm.” LAyla knew if she was able to remain calm at the ball everything was going to be ok.

There was a knock at the door. Layla slowly got up going to open it and seeing her little brother.
“Yes Ethan?”

Ethan leaned against the doorframe crossing his arms over his chest he knew what his sister was doing. It was the only time her and Zamiyah tried to hide from everyone else. “You’re practicing aren’t you.”

“Why you say that?” Layla asked feigning confusion she didn’t need any of them being nosey right now. She knew them being in the same room would draw attention they didn’t need right now. Sure when they were younger she loved sharing her powers with her younger siblings but now it was a lot more risky since they were all older.

Ethan raised his right eyebrow looking at her he knew his sister was not trying to fool him. “Come on sis Maya waited in here for you that means your practicing and you are letting her watch.”

“You want in i’m guessing.” Layla asked already knowing he wouldn’t be here if he didn’t.

“No shit.” Ethan cursed of course he wanted to see what his sister was about to magically do. He didn’t even know why that was a question.

“Come on in.” Layla opened the door letting her brother walk in. Knowing it wasn’t a point to try and lie to him anymore. She closed the door looking over to him. “I hope they think you are still in your room.”

“Duh.”

“Why is he here?” Zamiyah asked she had been sure it was only going to be her and her sister and now her brother was here intruding on their sister time.

“If you can be here Maya i can be too. I was the first to know after all.” Ethan reminded he didn’t care what she wanted this was her sister too and he was the first one to know about his sisters power.

“Ugh!” Zamiyah groaned she hated that her older brother was right.

“He’s right you both can stay to watch what i am doing.” Layla honestly just needed the distraction right now so if that meant the both of them she would take it.

“What are you about to do?” Ethan asked curious of what his sister was about to try with what she had layed out.

“I’m practicing some new tricks.” Layla was ready to try somethings she had never done before.

“I definitely want to see.”