I met her for the first time as if it was an illusion in a dream. A brief moment that leaves me wondering if she was real. The riches of the rich have a grand ball. Important people from all over the world gather here. Some bring their entire family, while others come alone. Dukes and duchess, to princesses and princes. The Creme de la Creme. The hosts are some of the most influential people in the world. For example; the leaders of most countries talk to them when making large decisions. People seem to do anything to get close to them. I wonder if they actually trust anyone. Their wealth was displayed on every knook and cranny of their home.

The mansion was draped in gold, silver, just about every precious gem imaginable was encrusting the chandelier. Absolutely stunning. Paintings from far and wide painted the walls. Like a cut out of a fairytale story, a castle children could only dream about seeing. Architecture that leads as far back as the 18 century. This was one of the only places in the world to house the top .5% of the wealthiest people imaginable. As soon as you were let inside you'd be greeted by an incredible warmth. The cold air of the December sky was no match for it.

I was allowed inside thanks to my position. My name is Thomas James Logi. If someone asked me how tall I was I'd say 6ft even though in 6'3. I never understood why people cared so much about the inches. I got pitch black straight hair and light skin tone from my father and my blue eyes and my height from my mother. I'm not what you call important. At least I don't think so. My parents did more than I ever did. They're the most charitable people in the world. They lived a modest life giving away 87% of father's earning to things like orphanages, art galleries, homeless-shelters, and help fund parties like this. My mother was the type of women to wear a 79 krt diamond ring with a 25$ blouse. Everyone loved them. If only they knew how it was to live with them.

I believe they cared too much about pleasing others than themselves. Letting everyone take as much money as they want. In my eyes they're door mats. I was raised like any normal child. Didn't discover my parents money till I was in my late teens. In high school Father started asking my opinion on how we spent our money. At this point everyone knew who I was. I couldn't walk down the street with out someone wanting to be my friend. Always for an alterer motive. I became paranoid. I now only have a handful of friends who are in my same social circle.

Do I wish I was normal? No. I'm ok with who I grew up to be. People on the other hand could have been different. My classmates say they saw it coming. My excellent grades, my attitude, my appearance;  to them they were all because of money. Now everything I work for, people say it's because of my parents' money. I'd be lying if I said it didn't get to me. I have a hair pin trigger for people bashing me for my money. I've been arrested 5 times for getting into fights, yet as you can imagine my parents made those records go away. I'm usually calm. My attitude is very neutral. I wouldn't say I'm cold, but I'll rarely be myself. A super polished polite young man. That's the charade I play. Underneath is a cheeky brat that uses words to mock people, with a fire hot fighting spirit to work for what I get. People call me the matchstick of the Logi family. Once I strike, I burn everything in sight.

My father worked from home, my mother worked sparingly at the local flower shop. She loved it even though she was doing it for free. It's not like we needed the money. I tried to get a job, but my father kept undermining me. He said I should learn the family business. I went to college anyway. I learned his business last. After my first job and my first car. Thou my freedom didn't last very long. It's hard to be pitied with a silver spoon in your mouth. I went to this event every year. I'm usually the only one around my age group. Only a few other people had children. Most were either teens or kids. There was the host's daughter, but she never came to these events. I always ended up talking to my father's  businesses partners. I walked towards the wall and watched the magic unfold. Every woman trying to out do the others with how immaculate her dress was. My parents would chat up whomever hosted the event. I usually stood next to them and spaced off till they would ask me about my work after my studies. This time I decided to stray away. I headed for the crafts table. Finger foods fit for a god. I bumped into a women who I knew from frequent parties. She was about 5"6, wearing a tacky completely glittery bright pink dress. Her hair done in sparing curls. You could tell that she wanted all the attention on that "dress".

"Why hello Ms. Conilia. It's been a while hasn't it," I smiled. "Might as well get this over with," I thought as she inhaled to talk. "Oh. My. God! Why Thomas darling it's been too long," she gushed. Her way of talking was so animated. "Lovely to see you again," I smiled. "Yes yes we must catch up. Did you have time to think about my offer to work under my husband. You belong at a law firm darling. You'd make a killing in no time! You'll be the greatest attorney in the world," she chuckled. "That's not why she wants me there. I can tell by how she's looking at my body that she wants me to be part of an affair. She's done more interns than her husband's done cases. Pathetic," I thought before saying, "I'm fine. I'm working under my father as he wishes. Maybe this summer," I said kindly refusing. She frowned but quickly smiled again. She almost broke character. "I see well that's fine. That's fine," she said sweetly before making her leave.

I eventually made my way to the hosts of the party. Walking along the wall so not to disturb the other guests. Everyone chatting trying to shmoos for deals or partnerships. Everyone only taking to those who could make them richer or more popular. A game of climbing the social ladder. People putting on their once a year character for a night. Smiles so uncomfortably happy it would tire the jaw when it came time to drive home. My first time here was a disaster, a straight disappointment. I came in a blazer with slacks. Big mistake. Everyone could tell I was new to this world. I became consumed with my appearance. When I came back everyone was taken back. My combed hair was professionally styled, my face and skin was flawless, and my tailored 34,000 dollar suit caught everyone's eyes. I soon saw how the atmosphere instantly changed for me. The ugly ducking became the swan.

However the magic didn't last. Very few people weren't fake. I learned the tricks of swallowing my feelings and became a polite robot who could only regurgitate the same answers I gave in the past to the same questions.

How are you doing? : Very well, yourself.
How are your studies going? : I've finished with school and now at working with my father. Thank you for asking.
A special lady? : Not at the moment.
So taking over the company? : it's all up to my father.

After those they would usually go back to talking to my parents. Now I'm just avoiding the whole thing. Strangely as long as I'm here people don't bat an eye. If I wasn't, it'd be all over the tabloids with rumors. That's what happens to the upper crust, as soon as people have an opportunity to take you down, they will. Even if it's just 15min of fame.

I'm 29; people are starting to expect more out of me. My father isn't close to retiring, at least if he has anything to say about it. My mother retired a few years ago. Something about how working would be hard at her age, yet she still "helps" at the flower shop. My father didn't inherit the business from my grandfather till he was 34. I hope I don't have to wait that long. I just want to get this over with.

The music swelled through the building from the small orchestra in the back of the room. The violinist began her solo and I leaned on the wall, and crossed my arms to listen. If there was something I couldn't resist; it was a violin solo. I closed my eyes and let my mind wander. The voices seemed to almost disappear. I was too focused on the notes. Before it was over I felt someone tap my arm. I look see a butler. His black hair slicked back, with white gloves adorning a silver platter, holding a veriety of expensive cheeses and mini cuts of meat on toothpicks. I picked up a cube and the butler smiled and said, "wonderful choice, may I fetch you a drink sir," he asked. His voice as smooth and creaseless as his suit. "I'll have a glass of scotch and gin, 3 ice cubes, and a lime wedge. Please no salt or sugar  ," I said quickly. "As you wish," he bowed and walked away. I watched him for a bit. He glided from guest to guest. Though I don't know all their staff I assume he's the best. Explains why he's only going to the most important guests. He passed by the other guests almost as if they didn't exist.

The atmosphere was still very lively. At this point everyone had an almost empty drink in their hand. People trying to pretend they aren't drunk while some sharks swindled them into deals they won't remember by morning. Sad really. People drinking to relax, but being so nervous that they loose count on the number of drinks they've had. Fools.

The butler returned swiftly. Seems he didn't waste any time. He handed me my drink and went off to quickly refill a woman's drink who was chatting up the hosts. I swirled my drink and took a wiff. "Hm.... seems he poured me way more gin than I would have cared for," I sighed turning to a potted plant. A fern or hydrangea adorning every 6 feet of the wall. All kept in splendid condition. Whom ever the plant care taker is, they have a talent for it. The vibrant colors perfectly matched the white marble pots they were raised in. As I secretly poured the drink on the fern I made sure no one saw me.

I put the cup to my lips as I turned to give the illusion of me drinking. To not my surprise the butler was already walking over to give me another. "Another Sir," he asked extending the new drink on a platter. "No thank you," I replied putting my glass on the tray next to it. "Very good," he replied before bowing and walking away. I looked back into the party, then moved my eyes to the almost unreadable clock by the entrance. Honestly these people prefer looks over practically. Sure the clock is beautiful. Filigree, gems, and made out of marble, but with all of that crap, you barely make out the numbers. It was only 8:14. The party wouldn't be slowing down any time soon. Usually lasting till a little past midnight.

"TTTTTTthomAAAs!!!!!!," I heard a women yell my name as if I was a long lost grandchild. It made my skin crawl. I remember that voice. I turned to see her running up to me. She is the daughter of the prime minister; a few countries over. She had extremely long light brown hair in curls, grey eyes, and she's wearing enough make up to last her for a life time. Makes it worse that her light skin makes her think every color belongs on her face.

She was making certain parts of her body bounce on purpose. I guess most men would fall for that. I debated loosing her in the crowd, but I knew she would just yell my name louder. She was trying my capture my fancy when in reality she could get hit by a bus and I couldn't care less. "Tommy I was looking for you all night!," she cried. Her arms moving closer together so her breast appeared bigger. "Ms. Norial, I have told you that my name is Thomas not Tommy," I said politely. "And  I told you to call me Abby! Don't call me Abigail either," she pouted. I turned my head slightly, enough where she couldn't tell that I rolled my eyes. "Did your father make it this year," I asked looking back at her. "Who cares. I just want to spend tonight with my prince," she said practically gushing at the seams. "I see, and whom might that be," I asked. "You silly! I asked Mommy to make a spot for you in Daddy's advisory department," she squealed. I could go deaf right now and it would be a blessing. This girl must hold the crown for the person with the thickest skull. Why would anyone with more than one brain cell EVER be interested in her. I mean even sex wouldn't be that fun. She'd find someway to ruin it. Her father may be the prime minister, but even he couldn't ever get me to even spend a second alone with this out of tune cassette tape. No wonder she's a model, photos don't talk. I noticed she was chatting away again, I nodded even though I checked out a while ago. She's the worst kind of woman. Cheap, desperate, and love sick. Why is it wrong to have some kind of self worth in yourself... isn't it embarrassing being you? I noticed her father walking in our direction from across the room. Shit. That's the last thing I need. "Hey Abigail," I said interrupting her. "I said call me Abby," she whined. "How about you go find your father so we can talk business. I think he's by the ice sculptures on the west wall," I smiled. "Yes yes yes!! I'll go right away," she said with the amount of excitement that made me question if i accidentally asked her to marry me. She quickly dashed off and I turned to see her father waving at me. I politely smiled as he approached me. As if talking to his daughter wasn't bad enough. He was the type of guy to not take no for an answer. He would push and push to get the answer he wanted. To him a no is just a belated yes. Spoiling his daughter and being a door mat to only his wife. Honestly, does this entire family lack self respect. "Thomas my boy! How's your father," he said with a booming voice. Was he speaking to me or addressing the whole room. He was an overweight stout white man, who was dressed in a suit with his country's seal on his tie. His fleeting brown hair was slicked back, and he looked like he shaved a couple days ago with peach fuzz here and there. "Hello prime minister, lovely to see you. My father is very well. I imagine you are the same," I asked and he chuckled. "Wondering if you'd accept an opportunity of a life time. A chance to work in my advisory department! You'll be treated with the same luxuries you live with now, plus have connections to political powers," he explained happily. "Interesting, What does that department entail," I asked pretending to care. "Look my boy; it's easy and pays well. You just listen to my ideas, nodded your pretty little head, and bam done. Easy as pie," He said proudly. So I'm basically being a Yes man. Though that is politics now a days, but I couldn't be less interested. "Sorry sir, but I'm learning my fathers trade. I'm afraid I will have to decline," I smiled. His demeanor shifted, it was just for a second, but then he chuckled as if I didn't see anything. "I see. Have you ever considered that your Father's business is to much for you? With politics you never have to lift a finger. Just riches and luxurious. Plus who knows, my beautiful daughter may have her heart set on you," he smiled. He was calmer, he was making sure his words had impact. "I'm not interested in her," I said and he almost broke character again. "Aren't you worried about securing your future with the elite? You're enjoying Daddy's money now but it will eventually run out," he replied before chuckling. I need to end this quick before Beauty-before-brains comes back. That pushy nature may work with everyone else, but it's starting to piss me off. "Sir. I decline. I swear till the day I die I do not wish to be working for/with you nor do I care to humor your daughter. I have worked hard despite of all the luxuries I came to have. To be honest, I'm too good to work for you," I sighed and we stood there for a moment in silence as a vain throbbed on his forehead. I knew he was going to snap, but for my image I became submissive.  He grabbed my collar and pulled me to his level. "Listen here you prick! What my daughter wants she gets! You'll do what I say or-."

"Is there a problem."

We both looked to see my father and the host of the party. My father had the disappointed look on his face that I knew too well. The host stared at us with polite anger. As if there was such a thing. The prime minister quickly let go of me. "Kain, Steward how have you both been," he greatest them with open arms but both of them didn't respond. I straightened myself up. "I'll be taking my leave thank you so much for the invitation. Please send my regards to Ella and Diane," he said before quickly making his leave. I looked back as my father to see him shaking his head. The host stayed silent.

Must be interesting to have so much money, power, and influence that even the sight of you slightly upset could move mountains. How you can bend anyone to your will with a snap of a finger. I can't imagine what kind of trust issues he may have. Let alone his wife and daughter. She must have a harder time with life than I do. Unless she's a spoiled rotten brat.

I walked to them. I know the drill. "I deeply apologize Sir for disrespecting you and your household," I said taking a deep bow. "Stand up straight son, it's alright," Said the Host. Mr. Kain Isical. A man with more wealth than half the people here combined. He was about 6 foot 8, long white blond hair in a low ponytail, clean shaven and the most blue eyes I've ever seen on a man. Yet his skin was so fair, that he look a little ill. Though his posture was commanding and his presence was intimidating. He knew how powerful he was. He was in a simple black tuxedo with coat tails. He was never a flashy type of man. Though his gem incrusted wedding ring, and large blue crystal pendent might say differently. My Father was in a tailored white suit, with a gold handkerchief. He had his black hair pinned away from his also clean shaven face. "Thomas it's nice to see you. You've grown a lot since your first gathering here," he smiled and my father nodded. "Thank you so much Sir. I'll try not to cause anymore trouble. You have my word," I smiled. "Good to hear," he replied smiling back. "Thomas your mother has been looking for you. She's toward the east wing talking to Ms. Ella. You should go see her after," Father said happily. Seems he's choosing to forget what just happened. Trying to save face in front of our host.  "I see, well I guess I should go see how Mother is doing. If you'll excuse me," I smiled before bowing again. "Just a minute, before you go. I've heard from Steward that you've graduated with honors. You majored in language translation and interpretation, correct?" Kain asked very interested. "Correct I also minored in Mathematics and Biology, why do you ask," I smiled. "My daughter is working on her various languages, she's up to 5. Though she's having trouble with Mandarin. Wondering if you knew anything about that," he smiled. I glance at my Father who was giving me that you better help face. "I would love to help your daughter Sir." I replied and his face light up. "Great to hear! Glace will be thrilled! I don't think you've ever met her have you," He asked. "No Sir, I've never had the pleasure," I smiled. "Not surprising since she spends all her time in the library. Honestly I wish she'd enjoy herself a little more," Kain said worried. "Children are like that at times. She will come around in time," my Father replied. "Perhaps you're right. Anyway it was lovely to catch up with you Thomas," he smiled. "Likewise Sir," I smiled back. I took another bow before excusing myself. The music began to die down. Seems they're switching groups. Shame. I liked the last one. At least that means the party is half way over.

I made my way towards my Mother and Ms. Ella. Then the crowd moves to reveal a girl whom was standing next to them. She nodded before taking her leave. That was her. I saw her. My body kept moving forward. My eyes frozen on her. For a moment, for a split second my body was moving on its own. I met her for the first time as if it was an illusion in a dream. A brief moment that leaves me wondering if she was real. Hair that mimicked the cold in color, her eyes the same as a glassing lake. Her skin seemed so delicate and cold. Like fresh fallen snow, and like snow she melted into the crowd. A bland half smile as if she didn't care to be there. Just putting on a face for the crowd. A girl dressed in layers of white silk with a swan feather cresting the top of her hair.

The host's daughter...

Glacé.

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