Mythical Creatures Kira sighed to herself, she absolutely hated parties. She didn't mind wearing a pretty dress or eating refreshments so much, but just trying to socialize made her feel awkward and self- conscious. Having to impress people made matters worse. She didn't know why she should even bother trying as she knew she was never going to be successful. Why couldn't Kira just be left to her books and her magic? Surely her parents or some other relative had a connection to someone with a suitable male like they had for Amity, though it had been Phillip's father's idea to ask her father who'd been roommates with Phillip's uncle back in school if her mom had any nieces of an appropriate age.
Of course, the Crotalus wanted someone who was genuinely compatible with her, who really liked her. She wasn't holding her breath. Guys didn't like her, weren't impressed by her. They wanted Kelsey or someone like her. All night long, Kira had watched her cousin dance with one potential suitor after another. Honestly, it seemed the seventh year couldn't decide between one totally appropriate and totally interchangeable suitor or another. It was so irritating, so painful to see Kelsey hold court while Kira camped out by the refreshments, doing significant damage to the shrimp and trying not to get drunk on the wine and make a real spectacle of herself, the sort that would make matters worse for her. Might make her not care as much but she was much more likely to say something stupid if she was intoxicated.
She wished with everything in her that she was different than she was. That she was born with a fraction of Kelsey's grace and social skills. That she was what others wanted.
To top it off, Kira was getting a bit bored. She was rather full and she was afraid that she was going to seriously overdo the wine just to give her something to do. And she certainly didn't have the nerve to approach anyone! Even just for conversation. What would she say?
Fortunately, there were advantages to being virtually invisible. The sixth year slipped away to check out the library. Most families had one, it was just the size,content and frequency of use that varied. Usually, Kira could find something with which to amuse herself until she was able to go home.
She entered the library and perused the shelves. Her eyes fell upon a book of Celtic mythology and she reached for it.
Only to feel a hand on hers! Kira screeched. It wasn't the most ladylike sound one could make but she couldn't help it! The book nearly clattered to the floor but she stopped it with barely a thought.
"Whoa, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." A male voice, presumably that of the hand's owner spoke.
Kira's face colored. "It-it's all right." She looked down at the floor in shame, certain she'd just made a fool of herself in front of proper young gentleman-after all, there weren't any other kinds attending balls like this one. "I should have been paying more attention."
"No, no." He said. "I mean, I'm just as much to blame. I wasn't paying enough attention either." He bowed. "I'm Edward Davison of the Wyoming Davisons, but you can call me Ned."
Kira looked up at him for the first time, noting that he was sort of cute. She curtsied. " Pleasure to meet you. I'm Kira Spaulding, of the Colorado Spauldings." She introduced herself. "And you can call me Kira."
Ned smiled shyly"Pleased to meet you Kira. I take it you're a fan of Celtic myths?"
She nodded in response."Yes, all myths really."
"So am I." Ned replied.
The two of them preceded to spend the rest of the ball in deep conversation on myths and other things they liked to read.