It was the 5th of May and although Serena's just a spectator, she can't help her excitement bubbling. She was not that familiar with Polo. She read some novels mentioning it, but they never explained what was really going on during the game. Also, she was never that interested enough to know. Meanwhile, the only movie she watched with polo was 'Pretty woman', and the only thing she remembered about it was Julia Robert's very pretty dress. She grinned at image reflected on the mirror thinking, 'Well, I think I did her outfit justice'. It took her a long time to decide as she was unsure if the dress was appropriate. However, thinking that they even wear above the knee skirt for school, the dress should be more than acceptable.
She wore her wrist length gloves, then the wide brimmed hat as a final touch. Seeing how pretty she was, even prettier than Julia Roberts in her prime with the same outfit, she blew herself a kiss. She started swaying from left to right, letting her skirt flow with her movements as she started humming and singing 'Pretty woman hey hey hey!', she laughed at her own craziness and only stopped when she heard the doorbell ringing.
"Milady, your friends have arrived" Beatrice reported knocking on her bedroom.
"Okay, thank you." She replied as she looked at herself on the mirror one more time. Gods, she loves her outfit. It was a pain to make but she was sure that all the girls will go gaga about it and wish they can have one like hers. She wondered what Charlton will think when he sees her.
Not delaying any longer, she went out of her door to meet her friends.
"Wahhhh!!!!! Serena!!!!! I thought I looked real good earlier, now I see you, I feel look like an old aunt going to watch polo! I don't want to stand beside you. HUHUHU!!!" Gizel cried.
"You look so fresh! I love it! Though I hate to admit it, Gizel is right. We look like old aunts in comparison." Milly commented.
Via just chuckled, Gizel was over acting again. "You look lovely, don't mind Gizel."
Serena laughed, she wanted to surprise them that's why she didn't tell. "You really like my dress?" she asked.
"YES!!!!!" Gizel and Milly yelled at the same time while Via grimaced with how loud the two were.
"I actually made one each for you guys to wear come summer, but if you like, I can give them to you now so that I'm not alone looking like this."
"Really!? Please please let's see Serena! I want, I want, I want!!!!" Gizel raved like a madwoman, making Serena laugh out loud.
"Okay, it's still a little early so we have some time before Charlton's match."
--
The venue for the polo match was equipped with field side parking for the audience. There were tents lining up each side of the field, one side was dedicated for the food and audience to keep shade under, another was dedicated to the organizing committee where the master of ceremonies and play-by-play announcers were, while the other was where several horses were.
The polo field was huge and comparable to about seven and a half football fields. It was boarded on the sides by 12-inch sideboards that run the length of the field and serve to keep the rapidly moving ball in play. Centered on each end were goalposts which were 8 yards apart.
Charlton was standing with Kylo outside the tent where the horses were while waiting for Leonard and Joshua to arrive. Today, the first match for the semifinals was between their team and the freshies where Douglas was the team captain.
"Look Charlie! Mr. I'm a crown prince everyone should bow at my feet wanker has arrived. I can't wait to pulverize him later and make him eat dust." Kylo whispered to Charlton.
Charlton smirked. He too can't wait to do that. "Did you see what his jersey number is?"
"No, I didn't notice but I think based on his personality, it should either be 1 or 3. Either way, he's up for some beating later."
--
When Serena arrived at the field with her friends, a lot of other students dressed to the nines were already present. First, they went inside the biggest tent on the side of the audience to observe. In the middle, there was a buffet set up for snacks, while on the other side, drinks were being served. There were also uniformed waiters going around in case anyone needs service.
There were a lot of rectangular dining tables set up and a few were occupied with students eating some biscuits or sandwiches and drinking either tea, champagne, or wine. Just outside the shade of the tent were cocktail tables set up overlooking the field. While separating the field from the audience were white picket fences.
Wanting to have a clearer view of the field, Serena and her friends chose to stand behind the fence before all the spots were taken. As they walked towards that side, they all felt people staring. They knew that they were eye catching as they were the most strangely dressed individuals around. However, they knew it was a positive thing, so they continued to stride in confidently.
Soon after, they heard a trumpet sound and the audience started cheering. Serena looked around only to see that there were no more people sitting on the chairs surrounding the tables and everyone was standing behind the fences lining up the field.
Then, she heard Diether's voice from the speakers.
"Good morning everyone! I know you're all excited for the beginning of the matches! Before we begin, let me announce the schedule of our play today. This morning, we will have the semi-final matches. The 1st match will be between Team 2 of Year 2, and Team 3 of Year 1. The second would be between Team 1 of year 2, and Team 1 of year 3. Afterwards, the winners of each match will battle for the championship at 2:30 this afternoon. Now, since everyone is well aware, let me ask, are you ready!?"
Everyone said yes.
"I can't hear you!!!! ARE YOU READY!!!????" Diether bellowed with more power to his voice.
This time, everyone shouted "YEAH!!!!"
--
TBC