The party had begun. The press called out my name "Emerald!". I sighed but put on a smile and waved to the people. Emerald wasn't my real name. It became my name when I became an actress after the war. My real name is Maria Cross. I walk through the charming doors and wait for someone to confirm my name is on the list "Emerald Skye." I say, the man nods and then the butler takes my coat and he lets me pass. The roaring music becomes louder as I head towards the bar to get a drink. Almost everybody stares at my dress, its rather short (I'm quite the flapper). My brother has accompanied me today, he's sat at the bar looking exhausted and lost. I approach him "Come dance?"I ask him and he nods "Alright then,". As we go to the dance floor the music is fast, in time with my heartbeat. We dance the Charleston until we are breathless. Everyone dances after me, I'm usually the life of the party. My brother sits down "How do you have so much energy?" he asks me and catches his breath after panting. "Oh come on, its not that bad, Alf." I say and laugh at him.

My friends wave and beckon for me to come over. As I go over to them I glance at my brother who turns pink when a girl asks to dance with him. "Emerald!" my best friend says "Hey Delilah, how are things?" I ask "Oh, good... You?" "Having to help mum still."I say then shrug and look over to Alf, he seems to be having a good time. I feel bad that he doesn't get out much, he is a really good and kind brother. We both help our mother, she is very unwell and still in mourning for her late husband, our dad. She's been ill for so long, since we were kids. My brother is two years older than me but I don't expect him to be the only one to deal with her.

My friend Delilah snaps me out of my thoughts and I apologize "Sorry,its just been quite stressful, you know." they murmured in agreement even though they didn't know. I excused myself and went to use the telephone to ring mother, the fringing on my dress swayed as I scurried away to call mum. The phone rings and I mutter "Come on, pick up.". Finally I hear a comforting voice "Y-yes?" my mothers voice comes through as a soft tone but still trembling,"Mama!" I burst out then make sure no one is around us as I silently cry "Are you alright?" I ask her through tears. "Oh, Maria. I am fine, are you?" she asks and I answer her; tasting the salty tears on my tongue "Yes mummy." I reply.

Around her I can't help but be gentle. I love her more than anything in the world, unless my true love is out there, but I love mum too. "I'll be home soon, alright? Alf might go home after me..." "okay.". I put the phone down and make my way down to the dance floor."Ladies!" I raise my drink and smile.