Diana 's POV

Two Days Later.

“Asin!” I sneezed into my handkerchief for the umpteenth time.

I saw Arianna groaning frustratedly and my parents were sighing now and then. I am close to receiving another round of scolding. We were all in the car, heading to a business party.

I kept holding myself back but I just couldn't hold it. I sneezed again and I heard Arianna's loud voice promptly.

“What the heck, Diana ?! Do you plan on embarrassing us at the party?! Mum, why did you allow her to come with us? She should have just stayed alone in the house,” she ranted looking pissed.

“My dear, condone her. It was necessary to bring the whole family to the party, pass the mask to her. Her face mustn't be shown to the camera,” my Mum declared and Arianna gave the mask to me.

“I-I.. uhm… I'm sneezing. So I can't wear it,” I whispered, looking down at my fingers.

“Put it on now!” I was startled when I heard my Dad's loud voice. I was intimidated and collected it from Arianna.

She snarled at me while shaking her head, “I so much wish I do not have a sister right now,” I heard her say and I looked up to meet her gaze.

“Z-Zel-da,” I stuttered but she silenced me with her hand.

“Save it. Your sight alone disgusts me. If it isn't coughing, then it's carttarh, or sneezing….” She listed out and I bit my lips to suppress my tears.

'That's because I am dying,’ I said in my head as I continued to listen to her harsh words. My parents didn't say anything and I took in all the rain of insults she showered on me.

Soon, we arrived at a huge hotel. We alighted from the car and I almost stumbled but Arianna was quick to hold me.

She avoided me immediately I was up as if I was a plague. A small smile formed on my lips at the thought of how she helped me from falling.

“Thanks,” I acknowledged.

“Don't get it into your head,” she said and I was about to walk behind her when I realized something.

I raised my gown and saw that I got two wrong pairs of heels. I watched my parents and sister retreating back until they stopped walking, when they noticed that I wasn't following behind them.

“And?” My Dad's voice got me shaking and I looked down at my feet, biting my lips anxiously with my pounding heart.

I raised my gown for them to see my feet. Arianna was the first to hiss, followed by my Mum.

“Dad, please let's go. She can sort herself,” Arianna told them, dragging them with her inside the grand hall.

I watched them retreating with my lips pressed together. I just disappointed them again.

I rummage through my bag in search of my phone and I found it. I dialed a number and placed it on my ear.

“Hey, Emily,” I greeted before explaining my predicament to her. Emily had been my closest friend for six months now, we met at the pharmacy and from there. We became very close.

She volunteered to help me bring another heels and I tried to hang around to wait for her.

After what seemed like forever, I finally got a text from her, informing me about her arrival. I heaved a sigh of relief and went to where she said she was.

I sighted her, standing in front of the gate looking around the whole place.

“Emily!” I called in a loud voice. I felt as if my lungs got tightened with the way I had shouted. It's my health.

She waved at me with a big smile on her face and I walked towards her.

“Thanks a lot, dearie,” I hugged her.

“You are welcome, sweetheart. So your parents finally allowed you to go with them?” She asked and I was somehow embarrassed.

I don't like people knowing about my parents' attitude towards me. She was a good friend to me, but I didn't tell her that my parents were here.

I brushed it off and collected the heels from her before changing into it.

“You didn't answer my question, sweety,” she reminded, smiling brightly at me.

“Well, yeah,” I responded and gave the wrong pair to her.

“It's just a three hours party. I won't take up to an hour, will you still be here?” I asked her and she nodded.

A waiter brought a tray of drinks to us, smiling sweetly.

“Hello ladies,” he greeted and Emily giggled.

One issue I have with her is that she was always too forward. I see that as her trusting people easily.

“Hello Adonis,” Emily flirted, picking up a glass and drinking the content.

'Is she okay at all?’ I wondered, looking from her to the waiter.

I tapped her shoulder with a glare. What was she trying to do with a waiter by calling him Adonis?

The waiter was about to ask if I cared for but my hand responded to him. Even if I was neglected, I still have some pride to keep.

“Oh, common baby girl. It's just a drink,” Emily whined, picking up a glass and passing it to me.

“Hey, stop. I don't want it,” I declined but she was adamant.

“Ma'am, it's not alcoholic,” the waiter said behind me but I still dropped the glass cup back on the tray.

“Thanks, but I will pass,” I rejected and I heard Emily grumbling.

“Babes, common. I had my glass already, just a sip,” she nagged at me until I finally took a sip.

“Not bad,” I complimented and took another sip before dropping the glass cup on the tray. The waiter left and I was alone with Emily.

I excused myself as she said that she was going to wait for me. I planned on taking a taxi back home, a crowded place like, always makes me feel uneasy.

I walked to the hall and entered. At first, it was as if the dim light was too bright, thereby making my head spin.

I don't think that correlated but why was my eyes somewhat heavy? It was as if I was about to sleep. I rubbed my face repeatedly and tried to look for my family.

Yeah, I found them.

I walked hastily towards them so that I could sit and relax my head but then… thud!

My eyes widened when everyone turned to look at where the sound was coming from. I just fell.