Resena sat at the table filled with some of societies highest class of women. It was strange; before she'd met Julius, Resena could not fathom even talking with the other maids and servants of the Lanster house, let alone high society. Her self-esteem had been reduced to a mere memory of what her life was like before the death of her parents. Now as she sat with the ladies chatting and laughing with more joy she could ever ask for, it all felt natural. "So, this is what it must feel like to be happy." Resena smiled thoughtfully as she watched her dearest friends and her new acquaintances bond over tea-berry wine.
"So Resena, have you and Julius chose a wedding date?" Denise asked as she sipped her tea.
Resena suddenly began to blush. "Not yet, though I believe he would like to marry in the spring or summer of next year."
Sierra's eyes shot up with joy. "Ohh!! A spring wedding would be so lovely! Oh, my goodness I can't wait!"
"Oh Si-Si, you get excited about every wedding" Denise chuckled as she continued drinking her tea-berry. "Though I must admit, a spring wedding would be beautiful. The weather will surely be perfect."
"Resena! Promise me you'll let me help you plan it! I really do love weddings! I'm really good at party planning!" Sierra continued on about some of the parties and events she'd help coordinate over the years. Suddenly, Jackie slammed her cup down on the table. In slightly slurred words, she began to speak.
"Oh, forr crying out loud Si-Si! She hasn't picked a date yet and you're already plan-planning her wedding."
"Oh, shut up drunkie! I'm only offering my assistance, Resena doesn't mind! Do you?" Sierra looked over to Resena with puppy filled eyes.
"Well actually…"
Before Resena could finish, Kaitlyn interjected.
"If you too booze bags don't stop embarrassing yourselves, I'm going to make you both pay!"
At once, as if they were soldiers cowering from their drill sergeant, the two ladies sat up straight and began to wine. The entire table broke out into laughter; it was obvious Kaitlyn was the mature one of the three. Suddenly, the entire table grew silent. Resena tapped the slight tears formed in her eyes from her laughter and suddenly looked up in shock. Why had everyone stopped laughing? Why were they all staring at her? Suddenly, Carla began to speak.
"Resena, I don't think I've heard you laugh out loud before. I didn't know your laugh was so adorable."
Suddenly, Sabrina embraced her into a hug. "Oh, my goodness! Carla, our little Resena is growing up." With slight tears in her eyes, Carla began to hug Resena as well.
"Awe! I love it!" Sierra exclaimed as she joined in on the hug. Suddenly, all the ladies, including Denise gathered around Resena and hugged. She wasn't aware at the time, but Denise also knew of the pains Resena endured at the hands of the Lanters.
"Okay, okay, enough of this mushy stuff! Time to drink more!" Jackie raised her glass in the air as all the ladies took their seats and began to drink. Resena could feel her heart overloaded with joy, this was yet another day she would never forget.
Several hours passed, and the tea party was coming to an end. By now, Resena had her fill of multiple tea-berry wines and other alcoholic beverages and could feel her steps moving differently and her speech a bit slurred. As Denise gave her final thank you speech to all of the guests at the event, Carla and Sabrina began to gather the thank you gifts as well as to-go bags Denise prepared for each of the guests. Resena began to stand as if to help but could feel her body going back down onto her chair.
Laughing, Carla walked over. "Lady Resena, I think you may be a little drunk."
Shocked, a red-faced Resena looked at Carla in horror. "I'm not, I'm not drunk. I'm perfectl-ly fine." She managed to say as she tried to stand again. Suddenly Sierra looked over, "No, you've definitely had a few too many." She giggled as she helped Resena stand up.
"At least she isn't like this booze bag." Katie complained in an irritated tone as she pointed at Jackie who was now sleeping with her head on the table. "Ugh! She does this every year! Let me go get Carlton so he can carry her to the car."
As Katie stomped away to fetch her butler, the ladies all broke out into laughter. As Sabrina and Carla made their way back to Resena, she attempted to straighten herself out. "Maybe I did overdo it with the wine." She thought as she could feel her movements wave, thank goodness the cool air began to blow. As Resena could now truly feel the effects of the alcohol she'd consumed.
"Ready to go home?" Carla smiled as she extended her empty hand to Resena.
"Yes, but I would like to say bye to everyone first." As the ladies all began their farewells, Resena began to scan the courtyard, she wanted to make sure she would have the chance to say bye to Denise as well as thank her for such a wonderful day.
"Okay, so we all have each other's numbers! Let's plan a girl's day in the near future!" Sierra exclaimed as each of the ladies finished with their hugs and farewells. Still feeling the effects, Resena smiled and spoke in a soft tone.
"I would most certainly love that. Thank you so much Sierra. It was really amazing meeting all of you today. I'm glad I came."
Sierra and Katie blushed and squealed as they hugged Resena once more. Suddenly, Katie's butler Carlton came over.
"Ma'am, are you ready?"
"Yes Carlton, thank you! We'll be taking Sierra and booze-I mean Jackie home this evening as well." Katie pointed over to Jackie who was still sleeping with. All the ladies laughed as they watched them leave the courtyard. Suddenly, Resena felt a tap on her shoulder. Startled she turned clumsily to see who it was. Denise was standing in front of her with an amused look on her face.
"Oh dear, I hope I didn't scare you?"
"Oh no! Not at all!" Resena started a little louder than her normal tone.
Smiling. "I certainly hope you ladies all enjoyed yourselves today. It was such a pleasure meeting you all."
Both Carla and Sabrina beamed. In unison, each lady shook their heads. "We had a lovely time! Today was perfect." Sabrina smiled as she bowed her head once more.
Before she could stop herself, Resena suddenly wrapped her arms around Denise and embraced her in a hug.
"Thank you so much for today. You'll never understand what this meant to me."
Blushing, embracing Resena back, Denise understood more than she knew what today meant for her. She was glad Julius spoke with her prior to the tea party. "She most certainly is every bit of the darling you exclaimed her to be." Stepping back, Denise pulled her communicator out the small clutch in her hand.
"I would like to program your number in my communicator if that's alright with you?"
Beaming. "Yes! Absolutely." After exchanging numbers, the ladies all did one more farewell as Carla and Sabrina held Resena's hand and exited the courtyard. As they made their way to their limo, Resena could really feel the effects of the alcohol she'd consumed. Hiccupping, she began to speak.
"Oh-hic! Oh, dear. I think I may-hic-hic! I think I may be a bit under the influence."
Carla and Sabrina laughed out loud, Resena managed to be adorable even while drunk.
"That's okay, it just means you had a great time!"
Sabrina assisted Resena into the vehicle as Carla handed Their driver Taylor their bags. As they approached the gates of the Spencer estate, Carla began to wake a now sleep Resena.
"Lady Resena, we're home now." But Resena made no movements, her breathing was light and steady as she slept soundly.
"Oh dear, I guess you're going to have to carry her into the mansion. Sorry Taylor." Carla stated in a sympathetic tone.
"No worries Ms. Carla, I'm sure Lady Resena is light as feather."
Sabrina and Carla made their way out of the limo as they stood waiting for Taylor to bring out Resena. Just then, Julius walked over to the limo. Suddenly his eyes drew wide with panic. Why was Resena slump in the arms of Taylor. Panicking, he picked up his paced.
"What happened! Is she okay? Why isn't she walking?!"
Julius spewed one question after another as he began to grab Resena from Taylor; suddenly Carla placed her hand on Julius' shoulder. Giggling she began to explain.
"So, you can relax Lord Spencer, Lady Resena is just a little drunk."
Julius could hardly believe his ears, Resena got drunk at the tea party? This was definitely a side he never thought he would see. Walking toward Taylor, Julius held his arms out.
"I'll take her from here Taylor. Thank you very much for your service."
Taylor nodded and handed Resena over. Julius could hear her soft and steady breathing; he could also smell the tea-berry as she breathed in and out.
"Think nothing of it sir. I hope you all have a great evening."
As Taylor drove off, everyone made their way to the estate. Sabrina and Carla smiled as they watched Julius carry Resena, holding her with the same care of a parent to an infant.
"If it's any consolation sir, she had a really great time." Sabrina stated as they entered the mansion.
Smiling. "Well that much is clear." Julius chuckled as he looked down at Resena. Just then, Bellman walked towards the grand entrance with a look of worry on his face.
"Oh dear, did something happen to Lady Resena?"
The three laughed as Julius shook his head.
"No, it seems she had quite a bit of tea-berry wine at the party." Chuckling, Bellman's face began to relax.
"I see. Well, I suppose that means her evening was a success. Shall I take her to her quarters?"
"That's quite alright. I'll take her. Please help Sabrina and Carla with their bags."
"Very well sir, have a good evening." Carla and Sabrina also wished Julius and Resena a good night as he made his way to her suite. As Julius drew closer, Resena suddenly began to wake. Stretching, she began to speak in a sleepy tone.
"Umm, what's going on? Where am I?"
"Your home, and I'm taking you to your room."
A jolt of soberness instantly shot through Resena, why was she in Julius' arms? When did they get home?
"Lord Julius! Why are you carrying me?" Julius looked down with a humorous look on his face.
"Well, I most certainly was not about to let my drunk fiancé walk herself to her room."
Resena's face turned crimson red. She felt so embarrassed. She hadn't meant for Julius to see her in such a state. Panicking she began to squirm out of his arms.
"I'm not drunk anymore! Please put me down!"
Chuckling, Julius stopped walking and carefully put Resena down, still feeling the effects of the wine, she stumbled slightly as her feet touched the ground. Suddenly, Julius picked her back up.
"It would appear my darling fiancé is still intoxicated. I'll simply have to carry you all the way."
Resena protested as Julius teased her more. It seemed drunk Resena is very adorable. As they made their way to the doors of her suite, Resena once again protested.
"We're here now Julius! You can put me down!"
"I'm afraid I don't feel comfortable with the idea of you walking on your own."
Julius teased as he opened the doors and made his way to Resena's bed. Placing her down gently, Julius suddenly kneeled. Confused, Resena leaned slightly over, just then, she felt her right foot lift off the ground. Shock sprawled onto her face as she realized what Julius was doing.
"I can take off my own boots! Please!"
Resena protested as Julius united her boot, but he did not stop his movements. As he pulled her boots off, Resena could feel her face redden, placing both hands over her face, she quietly vowed never to get this drunk again.
"So, I take it you had a good time?" Julius asked as he began to untie her left boot.
"I did. The entire day was so amazing. Everyone was so nice." Resena spoke softly as she recounted the events that day. Julius smiled as he pulled her boot off. Placing each shoe to the side, his face was instantly startled. Resena was leaning down looking him directly in the eyes. Her cheeks were slightly fleshed from the wine she'd consumed; her eyes were a little hazy but sharp, and there was a slightly seductive smile on her face. Julius could feel his cheeks redden as he began to blush. Why was she so close? Why was she staring at him like that? Finally, in a soft but sensual tone, Resena began to speak.
"I haven't had the chance to say thank you yet. Have I?"
"Th-thank me for what?" Julius nervously asked. Suddenly he began to feel shy.
"For taking off my boots, for this evening. For everything. My life has been so amazing since I met you."
The alcohol had certainly given her more courage to be expressive. This may be the best chance he had to get Resena to be open and honest without feeling shy. Repositioning himself, Julius gently placed both of Resena's hands into his.
"I could say the same about you. My life has certainly been better since the day I met you. So, thank you as well Resena."
Resena stared into Julius' eyes, but she didn't feel shy or scared. Instead, she felt a yearning for words she knew she may not ever get the chance to say again rising up through her throat.
"Julius, do I make you happy?" It was a question she'd wanted to ask him since the day he proposed. All this time, she felt she had only been on the receiving end of their relationship, Julius had given her so much but what had she given him? She needed to know how he felt. Startled by her question, Julius thought carefully about his words before speaking.
Smiling. "What a silly questioned. Resena, to say you make me happy would be an understatement. You've brightened my life in a way I never knew possible. Everyday I think about how I can give you the world you des-"
But before Julius could finish his sentence, Resena pulled his face to hers and embraced him into a passionate kiss. In that moment, she wanted him to feel all of the love she'd built inside of her. Suddenly as they continued their passionate lip tango, it dawned on Resena what she had been feeling since the moment she'd met Julius. She was in love with this amazing man, and she knew she would love him forever. Slowly pulling herself back; Resena stared at Julius with passion, love and fire in her eyes. Julius raised his hand and gently pulled her face to his.
"Resena, I-" but before Julius could get out his words, Resena suddenly passed out. Catching her before she could fall off the bed, Julius could not help but laugh. What on earth just happened? "How dare you seduce me and then pass out." Julius laughed to himself as he sat holding Resena who now had a soft snore.
"What am I going to do with you?" Julius smiled as he gently laid Resena down and covered her up. He would watch her for a few hours and make sure the woman he now realized he was head-over-heels in love with slept peacefully. Pulling out his communicator he called one of his maids.
"Janice, please bring the paperwork from my study to Lady Resena's room, I'll be finishing here tonight."
"Oh, y-yes Lord Spence. Right away!"