Innocence at a Party
She twirled before the mirror and grinned as her dress sparkled admirably in the light. Normally she preferred jeans and a tee-shirt, but this full-length ballgown made her feel so elegant! She slipped the delicate lace mask onto her face and headed out of the hotel and into the night.
She wasn’t pleased about having to walk in heels, but it was only a few hundred feet to the location of the the Annual Masquerade Ball. It was the one day a year she’d willingly put on a fancy dress, and she was prepared to enjoy the evening.
She was supposed to meet her date there under the willow tree near the wide porch, but he was conspicuously absent. He was always punctual to her habitual tardiness, so she was perplexed by his lateness. The party was due to start in less than half an hour, so she leaned against the tree to wait.
A stream of people passed through the ornate front doors, and still she remained unaccompanied. The best night of the year and he stood her up! She was furious, and she stomped up the stairs determined to enjoy herself tonight anyway.
A tall man in a top hat, tails, and an ornate mask appeared beside her. He hooked his arm through hers and pulled her into the lavishly decorated and dimly lit ballroom.
“Took you long enough!” she said. “You’re never this late!”
He smiled sheepishly, shrugged and pulled her onto the dance floor as a waltz began. There was no chance to talk as they swept along the dance floor.
He was content to dance the night away, and she was happy to oblige for a time…
After two hours she was foot-sore, ravenous, and desperately thirsty. She pulled him off the floor, but he resisted.
“Nope, you may be fine, but I’m not,” she said. “I need a break.”
He said nothing, but reluctantly followed her out to the deserted balcony where she dropped onto a waiting bench. He sat next to her, but still seemed distant.
She folded her hands into her lap and rested her head on his shoulder. She jumped. His bare skin was radiating ice cold.
She jumped to her feet in panick. “Who are you?”
He stood up, removed his mask, and held her fixed with his gaze.
“Your worst nightmare,” he said. “It’s a shame because you’re my dream!”
He lunged for her and clapped his hand over her mouth to stop her screams.
She fell limp into his arms. This truly was the best party of the year!
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