Beloved Grace

Morgana put on her gorgeous white ball gown and then wrapped the cloak around her shoulders with the faux fur trim that would keep her warm on the frosty winter night. The sweetheart neckline perfectly showcased the aqua heart stone amulet necklace that enhanced the color of the crystals on her white dress. She laced up her new pair of white Victorian boots and was happy with her end result. The dress was exquisite and fit her perfectly. She put on some long white gloves and locked all her stuff in the foot locker. Still no sign of other girls and so she left to go meet Cole. As she walked through the makeshift Christmas village, she took in deep breaths. There wasn’t any real snow but the cold winter air smelled like it. The sun was just about out of light with its last rays reaching as far as they could, holding on to the last seconds of daylight. Morgana came around the corner and Cole was standing there looking her way. He looked so handsome in his all white suit and tie. He even had an overcoat with a faux fur trim collar that coordinated with her cloak. “Wow!” she said, slightly stunned. Cole was always looked great, very GQ, but out here at the enchanted lot, she really noticed him. “You look great!” She smiled and touched his coat. “You look stunning,” Cole said with sincerity. “I don’t know if this is appropriate, but I got this for you.” He handed her a clear plastic box with a wrist corsage of a blend of white frosted flowers. “Cole, that is so sweet. Thank you.” Morgana was really touched at the sweet gesture. “May I?” he offered, taking the flowered elastic band for her to slip onto her wrist. He was so kind and thoughtful, and he looked fantastic. She flashed to their disastrous date and couldn’t believe this was the same guy. “Shall we?” He wrapped her hand up in his arm and they slowly headed towards the dinner tables, enjoying the sights as they walked. Morgana deeply breathed in the night air and Cole followed her lead. “I can feel the night. It’s amazing,” Cole whispered. Morgana smiled and leaned her head on his arm as they strolled through the twinkling little whimsical village. The dining area was a confection of soft blue and white table cloths and linens accented with silver chargers and goblets, reflecting the flickering flames of tea lights in white frosted candle holders. Back lit with more soft blue lights to give the winter wonderland hue, the stage was set with the long table, covered in winter white floral arrangements with glittered snowflakes for the thirteen council members. It was so peaceful and soft. Morgana saw Mitchell and Tristan holding one of the lovely holiday tables and steered their way over. Here we go. “Tristan! Mitchell! Hi guys!” she called out. “Lassie!” Tristan waved them over. She gave them each a hug and then introduced Cole. “This is my friend Cole.” Cole and Mitchell shook hands. Then Cole looked up at six foot five, 350 pound Tristan as he reached out to shake his hand. “You must be the one who pulls sequoia trees out by their roots to use as tooth picks.” Tristan gave him a hearty laugh and a jolly smack on the back. “Good God, man,” Cole exclaimed. “Eat a sandwich. You’re practically wasting away to nothing,” he joked. They all laughed and Cole shook his hand as if Tristan had crushed it. “Where are the others?” Morgana asked trying not to feel awkward awaiting Josef’s arrival. “Jai an’ Josef are fetchin’ some drrrrrinks,” Tristan rolled, “and the lassies arrrree gussin’ up and should be har any minute.” He didn’t mention if Tiffany was here or not. Oh, God, what if she didn’t even come? Morgana thought to herself. She scanned around and then she locked onto his beautiful deep aqua blue eyes. He looked so gallant in his white double breasted wool coat. He smiled at her and she felt her whole soul light up. She was second guessing her decision to bring Cole. Josef would be too polite to ask me to dance in front of him. He’s so kind and thoughtful. Did I mess things up? But just then, Tiffany came out from behind him, nipping at his heels. Morgana was, in a sense, relieved to see her. “Hi, Morgana,” Josef greeted her as he arrived back at the table with his hands full of drinks. Jai came up and set down several glasses, too. Morgana put on her “big girl smile,” and tapped Cole on the arm discreetly. “Hi, Josef. Hi, Tiffany. Hi, Jai. This is my friend Cole.” Tiffany was trying to get Josef’s attention to help her set down the glasses she was holding but with the announcement of Cole’s name, she finally acknowledged Morgana’s presence. “Cole, you say? Who’s he?” Tiffany quizzed. Cole didn’t miss a beat and he grabbed Tiffany’s hand and leaned down to kiss it. “I am Cole Williams. Miss Morgana’s coffee buddy and personal chauffer for this wonderful evening’s festivities. Charmed to meet you,” he said with thick charisma. Tiffany, surprisingly, was flattered by Cole’s manners. “Well, well. Welcome, Mr. Williams. It’s a pleasure.” Cole then shook hands with Jai and Josef. Morgana gave Jai a hug and when she tried to hug Josef, Tiffany dramatically announced she had something land in her eye and shouted that she couldn’t get it out. “Shall we get something from the bar?” Morgana looked at Cole, who caught on. As they walked away out of earshot, Cole exclaimed, “Boy howdie!” He laughingly cried out, “You weren’t kidding about those two.” Morgana just shook her head. “Right!” “I kinda feel bad for the guy. She’s got her talons hooked in pretty deep,” Cole said. “I can’t tell if he’s too nice or too stupid,” Morgana confessed. “I think you and Tiffany need to fight it out for Mr. Wonderful in a good mud wrestling match,” Cole optimistically joked. “Shut up!” Morgana flashed him a dirty look as she laughed.