Pick Your Partner (Ethan, Carson and dates)

[Esmeralda Mendez]

((Ezzie's dress. Thanks to Amber for the idea! Click.))

Ezzie let out a long sigh as she fastened the necklace around her neck. The silver necklace matched perfectly with her dress. She had a silky red gown that flowed down to her feet, where elegant red high heels were tied to her feet. Her hair had grown a bit, and now flowed down to her shoulders. Ezzie raised her wand and with a few spells, Ezzie’s hair flowed down to her chest in lovely curls. She reached into a small beaded red purse and removed her lipstick. Tonight, her lips would have lip-gloss with a reddish tint and her eyelids were painted smoky silver with heavy black liner. She looked down at her hips. She had never felt so extremely huge in her life. Even though she had lost more than twenty pounds since the start of term, she still had a long way to go before she would reach her goal. But what was her goal? How far was she going to take this before she stopped altogether? Until I am perfect. Ezzie thought to herself.

She needed to erase herself of all imperfections until not a negative word could be said about her. After she was perfect, she would have Ethan again. After she was perfect, no one would whisper about how much weight she gained. After she was perfect, all would be well. She reached into her small wooden jewelry box and removed a glittering pair of silver earrings. The earrings were specially made in Cuba, and they were her mother’s. Elena had worn these same earrings on the day of her wedding. Ezzie was proud to turn around, the beautiful earrings dangling on her ears. She glanced in the mirror again and walked out without another word. Ezzie, Ethan, Carson, and of course Amber were to meet in the Student Lounge so they could head down to the Great Hall together. Ezzie felt a bit like the fifth wheel, but had agreed to come anyway. Ezzie would probably end up leaving the Great Hall early to go to bed and rest while her friends had fun. But, Ezzie had been asked to come for at least the start of the ball, as she had been nominated for Princess of the Royal Court. Ezzie didn’t think she’d win, but agreed to come none the less. She walked down the corridor, watching as many happy couples walked past.

She managed to smile at Ethan. Amber, Carson and Casey hadn’t arrived yet, so it was only Ethan and Ezzie for the moment. “Wow, Ezzie. You look great. Who are you going as? And where’s your date?” He said, looking around, as if expecting to see a boy pop out from behind the bookcase with flowers for Ezzie. She swallowed hard. Ezzie had not managed to find herself a date. No one really sparked her interest. Plenty of people had asked Ezzie to come with them, but she had declined. Having a boyfriend at the moment would just add to the drama and stress already going on in Ezzie’s life. Besides, when Ethan and Amber broke up, Ezzie wanted to be the first to be by his side to comfort him. “Well, I’m going as the lonely rock star. I don’t have a date for tonight. Every time someone asked me, I turned them down, thinking the next person who asked would be better. That plan didn’t work out so great, because now I’m dateless. But anyway, you’re going with Amber, right?” She said, holding back a frown.

She didn’t approve of Amber Hess at all. But then again, Amber was Ezzie’s replacement, so of course she didn’t like her very much. But, Ezzie was Ethan’s friend, and she had to be there for Ethan, even if that meant putting up with Amber. But Ezzie couldn’t hide her feelings for Ethan. She knew she would have to tell Ethan how she felt sometime. She deeply regretted that day in the Great Hall. She was over-emotional and didn’t handle the situation like she should have. Now she was single, the love of her life was going out with the worst possible girlfriend in the world, and all the stress had caused the media to talk. Holly Sinclair was one thing. That reporter was constantly trying to follow her around everywhere. The moment she left Hogwarts grounds, there Holly was, as if Ezzie had some kind of tracking device attached to her. And then there was her daughter, Aimee. Aimee was that devil’s little servant. Aimee was constantly asking Ezzie annoying questions, and constantly following her around, just like her mother. Ezzie was pulled out of her mental tangent when Ethan spoke. “Of course I’m going with Amber! Who else would I be going with?” Ethan said, still completely clueless about Ezzie’s heart, which was beating faster than ever before. Suddenly, Ezzie heard footsteps. She turned around to see who was there.

((Either Amber or Casey can post next. Then I'll post either Ethan or Carson depending on who replies.))

[amberr]

(I guess I'm next! Here is Amber's dress for a visual: clickity)

Amber took a deep breath as she checked her reflection yet again in the tall mirror beside her bed. Her long hair fell in soft blonde curls down one shoulder and the white Renaissance styled dress fit perfectly with her and Ethan's choice of a costume. As Lady Guinevere, Amber felt she had done well with her white dress and soft, gold make up. Her eyes were lined with gold eyeliner and her lids were full of glitter. She loved the dramatic look of her gold tinted lip gloss and heavily mascaraed eye lashes.

With a jolt of excitement Amber finished off her Guinevere look with a gold headdress. She smiled, feeling giddy. Checking over her reflection yet again, she made sure everything was perfect. With a giggle, she checked her waist line. Lately, she had taken to eating much healthier and, as a result, was quickly shedding her extra baggage. It was a nice look for her; being healthy. She smiled and leaned down to grab her shoes. The gold, spiky shoes were a bit modern for her costume, but she loved them too much to not wear them. No matter the pain.

Finally, she knew she was ready and, taking hold of her purse, marched from the dorm room and down the steps to the Common Room. That was where she was to meet up with Ethan, Carson, Casey, and, regrettably, Ezzie. Amber forced herself not to scowl at the thought of Ezzie. Her disapproval of Ethan and her "friendship" was nothing short of huge. She couldn't stand the girl. Amber was not typical blonde. She could see right through the skinny dramatist. Ezzie only wanted Ethan for herself and was only staying his "friend" so that she could pounce as soon as she was able. Amber could see the love in Ezzie's eyes and knew how much Ethan still loved her. It was obvious. He still had feelings, but Amber was doing her best to hold onto his attention, at least for the time being. Her date with him had been more than perfect and she fully intending on sticking around.

As she entered the Common Room, her eyes instantly noticed Ethan, appropriately dressed as King Arthur. She smiled and was about to scamper into the room, but her eyes suddenly landed on Ezzie. Her eyes narrowed and she couldn't help but feel her hatred suddenly glow within her. Amber felt the resentment build as her eyes took in Ezzie's appearance. The girl was downright gorgeous and a bit too skinny. Amber sighed and was about to take one more step when their words reached her ears.

"Well, I’m going as the lonely rock star. I don’t have a date for tonight. Every time someone asked me, I turned them down, thinking the next person who asked would be better. That plan didn’t work out so great, because now I’m dateless. But anyway, you’re going with Amber, right?” Ezzie asked, seemingly innocent. Amber felt her eyes dart to Ethan's face, waiting for his answer.

“Of course I’m going with Amber! Who else would I be going with?” Amber smiled. He was still thinking of her. Even though Amber was a sunny and caring person, her mind filled with evil thoughts. Hoping that his words crushed Ezzie's heart, Amber decided to walk up to the pair. It was the perfect entrance, after all. Wiping the smirk from her face, she scamped forward with a gleeful look on her face.

"Ethan!" she nearly squealed, "You look so handsome!" she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek, ignoring Ezzie's presence completely.

"Oh hello, Ezzie," she said as if she just noticed her there, "Nice costume."

[Esmeralda Mendez]

Ezzie tried to maintain her cheery and bright smile throughout her conversation, even though Ethan said things that made Ezzie want to tackle someone. Of course you’re going with that blond haired, blue eyed dung beetle! A voice rung out maliciously in Ezzie’s head. Who else would you be going with? Surely not me! The voice said again. It just wasn’t fair. If only she could turn back time to the day she and Ethan broke up. She had no idea what was going through her mind that day. But, she supposed it was all her fault for breaking up with Ethan. She probably thought that it wasn’t a big deal. Ethan would come crawling back to her like he always did after a breakup. But he didn’t. Ethan had become so frustrated with Ezzie that he sought out Amber. Ezzie wasn’t stupid. She knew exactly what was going through his mind. He had originally started dating Amber to get back at Ezzie, as if to show her what a real girlfriend should act like. (Some example he chose) But then, he actually started liking that wench. Now, Ethan and Ezzie were friends again and Ethan didn’t hate Ezzie anymore. This was a bright side, but Amber proposed a problem. She tried not to roll her eyes as she noticed Amber appear in the door of the student lounge.

Ezzie tried to smile brightly. Ezzie was used to acting like she liked someone. She had to do it all the time during Mrs. Jacobs’s fancy dinners and such. Some very snotty kids showed up to those parties, and Ezzie had learned how to grin and bear it. She tried hard not to wince or shudder when Amber ran into Ethan’s arms, giving him an overly affectionate, almost show offy kiss on the cheek. Then Amber turned around and bitterly greeted Ezzie, the hatred very obvious in her icy cold voice. She eyed Ethan and he nodded. Finally, he had noticed how unfairly Amber treated Ezzie. “Will you excuse us for a moment, Ez?” Ezzie smiled triumphantly and excused herself from the small group. Ezzie did have a good sense of hearing, so she could hear every word from behind her. She removed a small pocket mirror from her purse and checked her makeup to be sure it was still perfect. Ezzie was a bit of a perfectionist sometimes. In the mirror, she could see everything that was going on. She tilted the mirror at an angle so that she could see what was going on, but no one could see she was watching the couple-not even Amber.

“Listen, Ames.” Ethan said kindly, holding Amber’s hands lovingly. “I know you’re not thrilled me and Ezzie are friends now, but you have to cool it. She’s been nothing but nice to you.” He said, his electric blue eyes searching Amber’s clear evil ones. “And besides, there’s nothing you have to worry about. Me and Ezzie are only friends now. There’s nothing between us. ” Except Amber. The evil voice spoke from inside Ezzie’s head again. “I love you, and I need you to promise me you’ll be nice to her. You don’t have to become best friends or anything, but she’s my friend, and she’s under a lot of pressure right now. You have no idea what the media is like. You think it’s hard for you, being my girlfriend and all? Well you’ve only gotten a taste of what Ezzie has been going through, so please be nice. Do you promise me you’ll ditch the attitude?” He said sweetly. Why didn’t he tell her off? She was being nasty to Ezzie for no reason, and here Ethan was consoling her and telling her he loved her? This was an outrage! Ezzie snapped the mirror shut as Ethan and Amber walked back to Ezzie, who smiled sweetly at Amber and Ethan, who were holding hands lovingly. Even though Ezzie was disappointed, her smile did not falter. “I love those shoes, Amber!” Ezzie said sweetly. Those skinny golden shoes were definitely beautiful, but they were fake, and they were on the feet of a demon. Ezzie pictured that skinny heel breaking on Amber, causing her to fall into a pit of disgusting mud. At this thought, Ezzie’s smile grew considerably.

((Again, either Amber or Casey goes next. Doesn’t matter to me. I’ll post Carson after Casey arrives.))

[amberr]

Amber felt her eyes harden with the hatred she felt for Ezzie as the gorgeous girl stood there, hurt and anger in her brown eyes. Amber wanted nothing else but to tell the skinny drama queen to leave, but knew that Ethan would have none of it. She could only resort to her showing off Ethan. It was hard for her to watch the boy she was slowly falling for become friends with his ex-girlfriend, who he obviously still loved. Amber knew she was resentful. It was a bit obvious. Ezzie could steal Ethan from her in a heartbeat if she really tried and Amber knew this. She hated how Ezzie made her feel; like a replacement. She didn't want that idea stirring in her mind.

Ethan noticed the cruelty of Amber's words and asked to speak with her alone. Amber sighed, knowing what he was going to say. As soon as Ezzie was out of ear shot, he took her hands in his own and smiled. Amber's smile dropped. She knew what that smile meant. He was disappointed in her. She listened to his little speech and nodded when it was appropriate. Her heart began to beat with the anger that suddenly coursed through her veins. It was ridiculous! He was taking Ezzie's side and not her own. Amber was his girlfriend, not Ezzie and yet he still stuck up for her. Amber bit her lip and decided not to bring up anything that would ruin their night. She nodded and smiled as she promised to be nice, but her mind screamed with the want to scratch out Ezzie's eyes. Oh jealousy was a monster and it was eating up Amber's insides. Amber felt a slight glow of happiness when he said he loved her and hoped that Ezzie heard.

Taking her hand, Ethan led her over to Ezzie and Amber took a deep breath, determined to show Ezzie that she could be a sweetheart. Nothing was going to stop her from having a good time that night, not even Ezzie. True, Ezzie's presence did put a damper on things, but she was feeling too good to let it ruin things. Instantly, Ezzie acted a bit too sweet and complimented Amber's shoes. Amber felt her stomach drop a bit. She should have known that Ezzie would see the shoes as unrealistic. They did match her costume, but not the time frame. Amber smiled anyway and thanked her, seemingly sincere.

"I do really like your dress, though," Amber said in complete truthfulness. The red dress was extremely low cut, but with Ezzie's skinny frame it was perfect. The gold accessories were perfect as well. Amber smiled outwardly, but resented the girl's beauty inwardly. She couldn't stand how pretty Ezzie was. And how skinny. Had she been losing weight? Her waist was so tiny. Amber sighed and absently played with her headdress, wondering where the others were.

[Casey Allen G5]

((Sorry for the wait. And I couldn't find a costume that I liked enough to put up here so use your imaginations. ))

Casey smiled at her refection in the mirror. This was certain to be and interesting night. Casey wondered if she would have to pry Amber and Ezzie away from a catfight. No telling. Casey sighed. Well hopefully they could cool it. Casey just wanted to have a fun, none-weird night with Carson. Was that even possible? Hopefully so. Casey sighed. Things had been weird lately all around. Ezzie had been acting weird, Amber and Ethan as a couple were..umm different, and Casey was getting strangely closer to Carson. Casey sighed again. Things weren’t bad, just different. Casey was used to Ethan with Ezzie. And she was used to her and Carson simply being friends. However, it seemed like it was getting hard for both of them to deny that they liked each other. Still Casey was trying to deny it but no one was buying into the act. A part of her wished that people would still buy the act. Was she ready to be with Carson? Did he even feel the same? Casey was afraid to ask any of her questions. Casey sighed and smiled. Whatever. She deserved a fun night. After all, after school was out, she would be back to Eden work.

Casey added the final touch to her hair. Her hair was perfect. It looked a bit lighter than normal, but that was thanks to a charm Ezzie had taught her. It wasn’t quite blonde, but it was a dirty blondish, brownish color. It was perfectly straight aside from some light curls in the back. Ezzie helped perfect Casey’s hair. They finally decided on it half-up, half-down with a blue bow in the back. But it wasn’t just a bow. It changed to different tints of blue and it sparkled. That was Casey’s own little touch. Casey smiled at her costume. She wondered if she would be the only person dressed as a character. Really, Casey and Carson’s ‘couple’ didn’t really exist. Well, it a story. But Carson had liked the idea and Casey couldn’t think of anything else. It was cute though so all was good.

Casey slipped on her blue, shiny night shoes. Well it was part of the costume. She wondered if she would regret this. Hmm, maybe. But she did look very cute. Casey smiled and left her room. Ezzie had left minutes earlier, but they were all to meet in the Student Lounge and then head to the Ball. Casey smiled. Ezzie was nominated for Princess and Casey hoped that she would make it. Casey skipped down the steps and out of the Common Room as she headed for the Student Lounge. She giggled thinking about Carson in tights. Now that would be a great, silly sight. Really that would be a camera moment. Casey seemed to glide in her slippers and she quite liked the feeling. She felt light, like a princess. But she wasn’t of course. She was just Casey. Actually for a night, she was Wendy.

“Hey guys.” Casey said smiling to Ezzie, Ethan, and Amber. Really, Casey didn’t know Amber. She only knew her from what Ezzie told her best-friend. And really Ezzie hadn’t had many good things to say about Amber. Well, Casey couldn’t blame her. After all, Ezzie and Ethan did go out for a while. And their break-up had been a tough one. Casey looked around for Carson. But knowing him, he would be late. No bother. Casey smiled at her costume. She wore a long, blue shimmering night gown. Ezzie had to talk her into it. Well, at least it was cute. It went down to hew knees so it was long enough and she did look like Wendy. She also wore white stocking just to add to the outfit and make her more comfortable. She wore light make up and some peach lip gloss. Casey walked over to Ezzie. “How to I look?” She asked. Casey sighed. She looked good, but Casey would never admit that to herself.

[Carson McGreggor H6]

Carson tugged at his tights, trying to make them seem a bit less weird. He grimaced at the mirror. His costume wasn’t all that great…actually, it wasn’t great at all. But, he and Casey had agreed on going to the ball as Peter Pan and Wendy, so that’s how it would be. It had taken Casey quite a bit of begging to get Carson to agree to the idea, but after looking into her almond shaped beautiful light brown eyes, he just couldn’t say no. Carson shook his head. No, that wasn’t the reason. Carson had simply agreed to wearing this costume because Casey was his friend, and he wanted her to be happy. Yes, that was it. Nothing more. Carson sighed, looking at himself in the mirror once more. Ethan was probably already there, in hopes of seeing Amber early, before Ezzie could arrive and sparks would fly. Carson couldn’t believe the drama Ethan had gotten himself into. He didn’t know it, but two extremely beautiful girls were fighting over him right now. He was so clueless it was scary. Even Carson, who didn’t understand girls one bit, could plainly see both of these girls had fallen hard for Ethan Jacobs. Oh well. What was he going to do? It was none of his business anyway.

Carson walked out of his dormitory in his little brown shoes and pale green tights. His hair had been tamed a bit, and didn’t expand as much as it normally did. A matching green cap had been pinned (or rather glued) to his head by many of Ezzie’s bobby pins. He did look quite silly in this costume, but he supposed he wouldn’t be the only one dressing odd tonight. No, everyone probably had a really weird costume to show off at the ball. Carson entered the student lounge and was surprised to see he was the last one there. Glancing at the large grandfather clock across the room, Carson took note of the fact he was ten minutes late. Everyone had their backs turned away from Carson, so they didn’t see him when he walked through the door.

“How do I look?” Casey asked, facing Ezzie. Ezzie looked absolutely relieved to see Casey. Carson couldn’t blame her. Ezzie obviously hated Amber, and they looked like they were about to go at it right then and there. Carson stepped out of the shadows. “You look great, Casey.” He said with a smile. “Now about me, well I’m not so sure.” Carson said, pulling at his tights awkwardly again. He gave everyone a small smile. “Let me guess….” He said, looking around at everyone. Ethan had refused to tell Carson his choice of costume, so Carson was left to guess. “Ethan, you have to be King Arthur. I’m not surprised.” He said with a chuckle. “And Amber, I guess that would make you the lovely Lady Guinevere.” He said, giving Amber a small polite smile.” He gave Ezzie a puzzled look. “..Marilyn Monroe?” Carson said, suddenly wishing he hadn’t said it. But, if Ezzie noticed the rudeness of Carson’s comment, she didn’t let on. Instead, she changed the subject.

“Yeah, I don’t really have a costume for tonight. But I fell in love with this dress and I had to wear it. Mrs. Jacobs made it for me. Bless that woman. She’s so kind to me.” Ezzie said, spinning around once in her lovely red dress. Carson may have been wrong in assuming this, but he could have sworn Ezzie was trying to make a point to Amber. Carson really didn’t get girls. “Well, now that we’ve established how amazing everyone looks, how about we get out of here?” Ethan said, taking Amber’s hand and starting to walk out.

When they arrived at the Great Hall, (which was spectacularly decorated for the ball) everyone went their separate ways. Carson and Casey headed for a table, Amber and Ethan headed for the dance floor, and Ezzie drifted off to God knows where. He felt bad for Ezzie, but didn’t dwell on it for long. The high of being at the ball was just too much to ignore.

[Esmeralda Mendez]

Ezzie could not have been more relieved to see Casey walk through that door. She did look a bit silly in a nightgown, but she supposed Casey and Carson were going for a generally silly theme with their Peter Pan and Wendy costume. Ezzie shrugged the thought off and smiled brightly at Casey, her mood changing considerably upon her arrival. “How do I look?” Casey asked Ezzie. She smiled. “I think despite the fact you’re wearing a nightgown, you look wonderful. I’m sure Carson will love it.” She added teasingly. “And where is that lovely little man in tights tonight?” Ethan asked with a smirk. Ezzie couldn’t help but laugh. Just the fact that Ethan had said it made it funny, but even if Professor Binns had said it, Carson in tights was a hilarious sight to picture. Suddenly, Carson walked through the door and complimented Casey on her dress. He was such a sweet kid. Casey was lucky to have him…now if only she would count her blessings and go out with the boy already, instead of constantly trying to insist they were ‘Just Friends’. She had heard that line come from both Carson and Casey’s mouth countless times. She glanced back at Ethan quickly, who was getting closer and closer to Amber by the second. Ezzie fought hard to hold her anger in. Luckily, a change of subject allowed Ezzie to forget about her hate for Amber. Carson was trying to guess everyone’s costume. He guessed Ethan and Amber’s costumes right off the bat, but Ezzie’s was a bit harder to grasp. To be honest, Ezzie didn’t feel like going along wit the theme. She didn’t have a date for the ball anyway. What did it matter if she followed along with the stupid theme or not. The only thing Ezzie was concerned about tonight was looking good. She wanted to make heads turn when she entered the Great Hall. She wanted to make Amber jealous of Ezzie (so she wouldn’t notice Ezzie was insanely jealous of her) and most importantly, she wanted Ethan to finally notice her as something more than just a friend.

Carson’s first guess was Marilyn Monroe. This hurt Ezzie a bit because Marilyn Monroe was the image of not only beauty, but lust and dishonesty to one’s significant other. While Ezzie did want to be beautiful, she didn’t want to be associated with Marilyn Monroe. She smiled at Carson, making sure no one in the room noticed she had been caught so off guard by his assumption. However, she was sure everyone else in the group (except Ethan, because he was just plain clueless) noticed Carson’s unintended analogy. It was almost as if Ethan sensed Ezzie was uncomfortable with all these people in the room, because minutes later, he suggested they get going. Ezzie could not be happier to hear those words coming out of his mouth…or any wards for that matter. She loved hearing him talk.

When they arrived in the Great Hall, Ezzie went to the front of the room where all the nominated court members were told to stand. She had been nominated for Princess of the Winter Ball. Ezzie was surprised she had even been nominated. It seemed as if everyone in the school hated Ezzie, or disliked her because of what they had read in the newspapers. She didn’t think that she’d win at all. Nonetheless, Ezzie waited for the names to be called for the Winter Court. She wasn’t at all surprised to hear she wasn’t one of them. She let out a long sigh, congratulated Harmony Chan and all the other Court members and walked out of the hall. Now that the names were called for the court, Ezzie had no purpose in being here. Her friends were out having the time of their lives with their dates, and Ezzie had no one. Ezzie sighed once again as she exited the Great Hall and started heading down the deserted corridors back to the common room. She felt someone tap her shoulder.

Ezzie turned around and her heart skipped multiple beats when she noticed the image of Ethan Jacobs standing by her side. “Hey, Ethan.” She said weakly, her voice practically a whisper. Ezzie did not want to break the peaceful silence of the empty corridor around her. “You know, you look really beautiful tonight, I really want you to know that. And that stupid princess crown would just mess up your beautiful hair.” He said, his voice level matching hers as he came ever closer to Ezzie’s face. “Thanks, but-“Ezzie’s voice caught as she felt herself locked in a powerful, beautiful, wonderful kiss. She felt warmth surge through her body, and even though the corridor remained silent, Ezzie felt like loud fireworks were exploding joyfully in the background. But suddenly, Ethan pulled away, ending the warmth, ending the fireworks, ending the wild sensation that was kissing Ethan. His bewildered expression clearly told Ezzie that he had not meant for this to happen. “I um-I’ve got to go.” He said, not heading back to the Great Hall, but back to his dormitory. Ezzie licked her lips, savoring the taste of Ethan’s lips against hers. Now, Amber was as good as gone. Ethan was hers now. Ezzie walked up to her dormitory, the triumphant look obvious to anyone who looked her way. Ezzie was glowing with happiness as she sat in her bed. She didn’t know how long she was sitting there, staring off into space, but sooner or later, Casey walked through the door, looking extremely tired, but she did look like she’d had a good time. Ezzie sat up in her bed, still as happy as she was before. “Hey Casey,” She said with a wide smile. “Guess what happened.”