........

Pants on fire, pants on fire.. It went on repeatedly in her head, drowning out the voices and merry laughter of those around her.

The chandelier above sparkled brightly, like a thousand stars stringed immaculately together. Wine glasses clanged, toasts were raised.

She stared right ahead, completely oblivious to her surroundings.

Pants on fire, pants on fire. It continued.

Clutching her walking stick tightly with one hand, she clenched her other fist hard, turning her knuckles white.

Pants on fire, pants are blazing. It got louder and louder.

Finally, the girl threw her wine glass onto the floor, sending a million shimmering crystals dancing across the room. Her dress turned a crimson red. Flinging her walking stick onto the ground, she burst out, "I'm not a liar! I'm not!"

The noise gradually diminished, the voices slowly drowned out. People lowered their wine glasses. An awkward, naked silence took the place of the initial buzz. An air of curiosity rose high.

Then, a woman stepped forward, with an elegantly coiffed bun but glasses askew. Her eyes were blazing and it was not difficult to tell that she was excited about something.

"But darling," she murmured, "we never called you one, did we?" Her voice was saccharine sweet, and the smile she wore was broad, so very broad.

*******

oops i was just bored.