Sighing, I brush my hair over my shoulder, my straight hair flowing down my back. 

“Carmen, this is your first event as a member of the club. You need to be on your best behavior. You know how the ladies are there. They’re going to be all over you, and you need to act like you belong there. You do belong there, you know.” Mother says, brushing my shoulders and adjusting the dress she picked out for me.

“Of course, Mother.” I say, giving her a smile as she blows me a kiss, leaving my room and making the walk to her and Father’s wing of the house.

If I listen close enough, I can hear my brothers down the hallway in our small communal lounge room, just a few steps from the staircase that leads to our wing.

They’re laughing about something, and I envy them. While I’m trying to not be stressed out about being the youngest person there, they’re both laughing and enjoying their evening.

Matteo has been a member of The Enchanted Ivy for years at this point, and Santiago a few. And then there’s me. The youngest of the Alvarez children, and the last child to become a member of the ultra fancy country club that my parents frequent.

What used to be an exclusive club for some of the most

rich people on the east coast, has become more of a social event hoster that throws enough parties and events to send a normal person into an introvert meltdown.

With gossip, dancing, light alcohol, and plenty of scandal seeping through the walls of the club, it’s the perfect place for the rich to flock.

It’s a place for the powerful to be… people.

No paparazzi or photographs are allowed on the premises, which creates the relaxing atmosphere that everyone is looking for. The Enchanted Ivy has it all.

While I’ve heard stories from my brothers about the parties and events that are thrown by the club, tonight will be my first time experiencing it for myself.

Also knowing that my first year at school starts tomorrow sends a thrill running down my bare arms.

Unlike most schools, Blackstone’s first year starts at sixteen, and ends at eighteen. So while you may be labeled a freshman, it’s not like you haven’t been attending school. And since Matteo has already graduated both high school and college, and Santiago is in his last year, my parents have always planned for me to attend Blackstone.

Taking one last glance in the mirror, my golden features highlighted with the makeup I’d applied, I smile to myself.

Most of the childish features my face still holds are covered, and everything is highlighted to show off my sharper features.

None of the freckles that line under my eyes, reaching out to my hairline, and my eyelids are visible, and I take a moment to admire the flawless application of the products.

“Carmen, it’s time to go.” Santiago says, knocking on my

open door and stepping inside. Santiago’s hair is slightly lighter than mine, and tonight, it’s combed and gelled to perfection, with his tuxedo fitted to his exact shape.

“Okay, I just need to fasten my shoes.” I say, gesturing down at the black heels that have raised my five-foot height three extra inches.

“Wow, I almost didn’t notice those.” He says with a chuckle.

I give him a sharp look, knowing that he’s teasing me about my height.

Everyone in my family is taller than me, and no one misses a chance to tease me about it. Usually, I wouldn’t mind, but I’m wearing three-inch heels, so maybe the jokes could be laid off for one night?

Seriously, I’m—well, Mother—making an effort to give myself a more “adult” height.

Sitting down at the vanity, I raise my ankle, fastening the straps and brushing the black fabric of my dress down as I stand.

“Matteo went ahead to the car, and Father and Mother went ahead. Their driver was able to make it here a few extra minutes early, and they—Mother—wanted to make sure everything is ready.” He says, extending his arm to me as we reach the stairs.

I take it graciously, knowing that one wrong move will send me plummeting down the two flights of stairs.

A chill runs through my body as the early September air hits us, and I envy Santiago’s tuxedo jacket. We’re inside the warm car within a few minutes, and I’m glad to see that the heated seat function has been applied to my chair.

Matteo looks up as I position myself across from him, and he looks me up and down before speaking.

“Carmen, you look nice. Did Mother decide your apparel?” He asks, a deeper question in his voice.

I refuse to huff in annoyance, and instead, I just nod. I know what he’s going to say. That someone my age shouldn’t be wearing this make of dress, the color, and so on.

I’m the first to admit that it’s slightly out of my comfort zone with the sleeveless element, but I’m not going to admit that to anyone, especially not Matteo or Santiago.

All either of them see me as is their baby sister.

And, while that may be nice and loving, they never see me as a young lady, rather just a child with an adult—if you’d call it that with my height—body.

“It’s… nice, Carmen. Aren’t you cold, though?”

Thankfully it’s dusk, and the light can’t betray me by showing the light goosebumps that flood my arms.

“No, I’m good. And, I’m sure the club will have a few heating elements?” I respond, purposely moving the question to him.

Matteo nods, and turns his gaze to the tinted windows.

Our driver has been silent, and I feel a rush of embarrassment at the thought of him overhearing our miniargument.

Yes, he’s worked for us for years and has probably heard way more scandalizing things than a sibling quarrel, but it still sends embarrassment flooding through me.

Watching the city lights shine around the car

The driver pulls on the smaller road that houses the club property, equipped with a large, multi-story building, swimming pool, gardens, restaurant, and a multitude of other things that show off the wealth of the club and its members.

The gated driveway is accompanied by a few security guards, and after our driver gives him the identification he needs, we’re waved through and driving up the long concrete driveway.

I’ve only been here a handful of times, mostly with Mother as she comes to pick up something from the office, or to meet with a planner.

Matteo offers me his arm as I step out and I take it, feeling my wobbly ankles on the heels.

I’ve walked in heels hundreds of times before, but this is different. I shouldn’t be this worried about being here, but if I act a certain way, I know that I’ll never hear the end of it from my parents.

“Carmen, make sure you don’t do or say or do anything that could potentially have you seen in  a negative light. You know how some of the people here are.”

I don’t linger on his words, but I know they’re the truth.

These people are all influential and have the type of money and power that most people can’t even fathom, being seen in a negative light probably won’t work to my advantage in the future.

The doors that open into one of the many large rooms intended for gatherings swings open, and the sound of laughter, clinking of glasses, and music greets me.

“Oh, Carmen, you’re so grown up!” A woman to my left says, the woman next to her agreeing.

Mother rushes to us, and Santiago appears from behind us, standing on my other side.

“Oh, my three angels, you look beautiful together. Matteo, thank you for escorting Carmen in here. You’re free to mingle, I’m going to keep her with me for most of the night.” She says, gesturing for him and Santiago to be on their way.

“Are the multiple rooms that are active during these events?” I ask Mother, noticing how some people disappear down the hallways and into some of the rooms.

“Oh, yes. This is the main one, but some of those house the game rooms—don’t worry, we don’t condone gambling—and various other things. Of course there’s multiple restrooms on each of the floors.” Mother says, squeezing my arm lightly as a woman with golden skin a shade or two lighter than mine approaches.

“Oh, you must be Carmen. I heard something about a new member here, but there wasn’t enough conversation around it, so I wasn’t sure who it would be.” She pauses, looking me up and down. “Camila, I can’t believe I didn’t know that your Carmen was our new addition, forgive me.” The woman says, reaching out to pat Mother’s hand before flitting away to join another conversation happening a few feet away from us.

“That was Mrs. Valentino, Carmen. You need to watch out for her backhanded comments like that. I mean, she pretty much insulted me to my face. Making it seem as though I haven’t discussed your addition thoroughly. Well, it’s not like she’s doing much better with her son. He’s years behind your brothers in this world. Your brothers have plans for their futures. I haven’t heard so much as a peep about him. He’s a member here, you know.” Mother says, venom in her words and voice.

I nod, realizing just how little I know of this small world that exists within the walls of the building.

“Let’s introduce you to these ladies. Be on your guard like I told you. Don’t show any weakness in front of anyone here.” Mother says, a bright smile forming on her lips as she calls a greeting to the cluster of women in front of us. Their evening dresses all shimmering under the chandelier lights.

You’d think we’re going to war with how much Mother is preparing me for.