Flower on the ash

I opened the box and took out what was inside it. It was a beautiful silver colored dress with a matching silver colored heals.

I looked at Penelope. She was nervously waiting for my reply. I quickly hugged her tightly.

" Thank you Penelope." I said hugging her.

" You liked it?" she asked.

I pulled back from the hug and said, "Of course I love it. It's very beautiful." She smiled happily at my compliment.

" Then let's get ready. I promise you will look gorgeous in today's party." she said and dragged me to sit in front of the mirror.

" Let's start with the make-up first. Close your eyes Anna." she said and I do as I was told. My eyes was closed during the whole process. I could feel the touch of brushes and different materials on my face.

" Open your eyes Anna." Penelope said after some time. I slowly opened my eyes. I liked the way she did my make-up. Everything was minimal and looking beautiful. She applied red lipstick on my lips contrasting it with my dress.

" Thanks Penelope. You did a great job." I said smiling.

" Your hair is beautiful." she complimented and I smiled.

" All done. Go and change your dress." she said and shoved me to the washroom. I changed my dress and wore the heals. When I was done, I opened the door and stepped outside.

" Wow. You look stunning and hot." Penelope said as I came out.

" All thanks to you." I said and smiled. Penelope was done with her make-up and hair and went to change her clothes. She came out of the bathroom.

" You look stunning too." I said. My eyes glittering at the sight of her. She was wearing a red colored frock. She had tied her hair in a loose french plates and decorated it with hair accessories.

" Thank you." she said. " Let's take some selfies." she said and brought up her phone. We both took a lot of selfies and singles.

" It's getting late. We should go now." I said when I looked at the time. Ten minutes were left to hit 8 o'clock.

" Yeah. Let's go." she said and we both walked out of the house. Penelope picked up her car keys from the table and headed outside. She locked her home and we both sat in Penelope's car. She started the car and now we both were heading to the venue where the party was going to be held.

" Anna." Penelope said while driving.

" Yes?" I said looking at her.

" You know it's my first time to go to a party with a friend." she said smiling softly while driving. " I'm glad to be friends with you."

" I'm also very happy to be friends with you." I said. We both chatted on random topics through out the ride until we finally reached the hotel. Penelope parked her car at the parking area of the building and we both headed to the booked hall. All the employees was already there but I couldn't see Alex or any other of them.

" Are you looking for Alex?" Penelope asked me when she caught me looking here and there.

" No." I quickly said. Penelope looked at me with suspicious eyes.

I sighed, " Yes. Why haven't they arrived yet?" I asked.

" They will arrive around 8:30. only a few minutes more. Lets go to welcome them." Penelope said and pulled me wherever she was going. Of course she will welcome them as she is the incharge of this party.

" Mia. Bring the bouquet of flowers here." she said to a woman who was standing at the entrance. Mia was the assistant manager of finance department. She nodded her head and went to do what she was told. Me and Penelope stood at the entrance of the hall and waited for our three special guests to come.

Mia came back with three bouquet in her hands.

" Stand next to me." Penelope said and winked at me. I nodded my head as yes. We both were now standing at the entrance with some other employees.

After waiting her several minutes first came Kelvin Wilson. Penelope took one of the bouquet in her hands and stepped forward.

She bowed her head a little and said, " Welcome to the party Mr.Wilson." and handed the bouquet to him. He said thanks to Penelope and went inside.

Shortly after Alex came and Penelope again stepped forwards to welcome him.

" Welcome to the party, Mr.Wilson. " Penelope said and handed the bouquet to him smiling. Alex accepted the bouquet and smiled back. He looked towards me and winked. I blushed heavily and looked at my left and right to make sure no-one saw him winking at me.

After some more minutes of waiting finally came our chief-guest Mr.Graham Xin.