HT—CHAPTER 1: Which of Which Yet?

The sun just shone for a while and it created a beautiful scene outside the window. I took a last sip of my morning coffee and exhaled a cold mist. The wind is getting cold last month due to the southeast monsoon. I watched as the tree's orange leaves fall as the cold wind blows for a while before exiting the maid's quarter. It's the last day of the preparation and the weather seems to be in our favor.

Calls for assistance are heard everywhere. Their orders became like a sea, they are heard to a specific person but to the rest, they're just waves which sound dies down because every mind was too occupied to mind them. Everyone was walking at a fast pace, and it'll be just a brief moment for you to have contact with someone's eyes before each one of you passes each other's side. That's how busy everyone is in Heath's mansion now.

November 1, an awaited day for Heath's family to celebrate their traditional masquerade party that happens every after three years. I never had an idea for the reason behind it, but I've seen how it was done before and I must say it was really cool. It's also my three years of service here and this is my second time seeing this party.

"Excuse me."

I stopped clothing the tables when someone poked my shoulder. I turned to see who did it. It was Camell, one of the party organizers. I noticed the big bags under her eyes, her messed hair, and her sweaty face, especially the nose. I smiled at her.

"Could you please get some stocks of pins 'cause we're almost out of it?"

"Sure po," I answered politely.

//"po" is a Filipino word that is affixed to the end of sentences or phrases when one is addressing someone older than him or her.//

Camell went back to her business. I went to the supplies where all the materials to be used for the party are placed. My eyes saw the pins immediately and I went back to Camell to give them, but she passed them to the workers that designed the tables. I stare at her for a moment and shrugged before going back to my assigned work.

"Ahh, everyone's too busy to even say thank you. Tss." I mumbled and Camell didn't hear it.

Wiping my sweats, I placed my attention on the details of my work, making sure that the tables looked elegant for the masquerade ball tonight. The black textiles that clothed the tables were made from expensive fibers as expected. They were laid with no wrinkles. The edge of the tables was designed with the same textiles except that they are deep red. I silently praised the workers because the pins were hidden well. The top of the tables was highlighted with golden textiles that go well with the decorated white tulips and golden candle holder.

My mind got occupied with the hall's outcome look when someone tries to grab my attention by whistling towards my way. I paid no attention to it and continued being engrossed in my own task of clothing the tables, but the person keeps whistling. To my annoyance, I turned my head and faced Isabelle who's grinning just like the cat in 'Alice in Wonderland'.

"Seriously Belle? I'm busy." I said through my breath to not interrupt others from working. She rolled her eyes and compose a come here sign of her hand. I sigh in defeat and wiped my sweaty forehead before I walk at a fast pace towards her.

"Come on Isabelle. This person has works to do," I complain right after I reached her place but she just rolled her eyes to annoy me. Then she grabbed my wrist and pulled me out of the busy hall.

"Come on. I have something to show you. I just need some advice from you as my friend."

Wasn't able to resist, we reached Isabelle's bedroom. I noticed her messy bed immediately. It was piled up with the different styles of gowns coming from expensive brands. Now I'm the one to roll the eyes.

"Tessa~ They're all beautiful and I'm having trouble in choosing the best!"

I cringed my nose at her oh-so-called-problem. Seriously? I'm not into this gowns stuff kind of a woman while she has more knowledge with this fashion field! Surely, I'll be scolded by the house butler for neglecting my duty. I slouched my shoulders.

"Have you chosen which of which yet?" I asked and she nodded.

"But they're two," she added. What a joke. I deadpanned.

She took two of her chosen gowns and held each to her sides. Held on her left hand is a sleeveless glittering black gown with a series of unique crochet at the top that's touched with black pearls and a long bouffant style skirt. Held on her right hand is a tube with a fishtail style skirt. It was a combination of white and silver and surely does shine in the dark. I don't have enough words to describe it. My words were too simple to describe the latter.

"What do you think?"

I sighed, "If I were to, I'll choose the black. It shows the simplicity of elegance."

"What about this silvery-white?"

I cringed my nose, "It shows sophistication and screamed attention." Who likes attention anyway? I mean, probably, Isabella.

"Then it's decided," Isabelle smirked.