8 Behind the Mask

The scenery changed from the hurdles of cars waiting for the traffic to turn green to evergreen fields which stood miles and miles back. Un - endingly. Then the scenic view transformed into a more softer, calmer, quieter, and high-class area. A place many would only dream to live in. A single apartment costing an amount that could feed one whole family for years.

The tall buildings stood alone and untouched. Just like him...

After what seemed like a whole decade had passed, we finally arrived.

I clutched my purse tightly, a dozen knots twisting inside my stomach. As we stepped out towards the crowded glamour my nervousness reached peak height and I wanted to throw up.

"It's alright Hayley. I'm here." Rebecca sounded behind me.

I smiled feeling calmer and held her arm as we walked towards the crowd arm in arm.

The most gorgeous red carpet was laid in the center, reaching as far as the eye could see. On the other side of the carpet stood the most grandest building I had ever laid eyes on. It was completed perfectly with the golden stairs which reached towards the hall that I have yet to see.

Behind us, a big commotion arose and we were tossed to the sidelines like the forgotten rag dolls.

Cameras flashing. Reporters hovering the place to get the perfect shot, each scraping for even the tiniest glance at the powerful figures that emerged out of their cars.

I was left in awe of the dazzling socialite ladies as they strutted across the carpet, ignoring everyone they deemed beneath them. Their million-dollar dresses and jewelleries leaving everyone with envy. Accompanying them were the well - known businessmen whose money never seemed to run out.

Following behind them came the well - known actors and actresses. They waved and smiled while the onlooker's screams of joy and appreciation for them filled the environment.

I nudged Rebecca and whispered, "Can I go back now?"

"No way! It's a masquerade ball. We can be anyone we want." She replied while smiling ear to ear.

"Ok," I thought as my confidence level piped up a bit. No one was gonna know that a complete outsider had entered their territory.

Once all the VIPs had entered it was finally our turn. The Nobody's.

Few reporters took interest and captured our photos and asked about the designer behind it. Just as quickly they left when finding out that it was from a non - existence designer. I looked towards Rebecca, whose smile hadn't dimmed even the tiniest bit. She kept her composure, not letting their ignorance ruin her night.

We gave our final pose and headed towards the hall.

As we closed in, the atmosphere descended into a highly exquisite environment. Soft music in the air, classy fragrance, all glitter, and glamour.

"Your Card," Asked the guard waiting by the door.

Rebecca handed it to him and he nodded us inside.

Inside the enormous door stood another welcomer "Choose the one of your likings, Ma'ams" he asked politely while pointing us towards the tray full of beautiful masks.

We each grabbed one.

Of course, Rebecca picked the yellow and I chose the blue one as it matched our dress. We put on our mask and were fully ready for battle.

I took in the full hall. It was the most grandest one could ever imagine, this might even be on par with the royal families ballroom. The beautiful chandeliers decorated the ceilings and in the center of it all hung the most magnificent one of them all. Plated with pure diamonds, I was unable to take my eyes off it. It was mesmerising.

"Let's get to the food area!" Rebecca happily spoke to me.

I laughed a little while nodding.

This girl can never eat enough.

We arrived at the massive food table and it immediately caught our eyes. It was filled with all the tastiest looking food, from starters all the way to desserts.

Both of our eyes quickly landed on the mouth-watering vanilla cake and we dived in grabbing all the delicious foods.

Soon our plates were overfilled with cupcakes, lamingtons, churros, Gulab jamun….each type of dessert.

"I think we kind of went overboard. Don't you think." I laughed while nudging Rebecca.

"We're just getting started babes."

"You can say that again."

While I was busy gobbling up the food, I hadn't realized a tall shadow looming behind me.

I felt a slight tap on my left shoulder which made me turn around.

I was faced with a board chest of a black-suited person and when I looked up, I was met with an intense gaze from behind the black mask.

"Yes, can I help you?"

I asked the masked man.

"Care to Dance?"

The man asked. His voice sounded very similar to someone I met a few hours ago but it couldn't be him. Why would a person of such status come to a simple party?.

"I can't dance, but thank you for asking." I politely rejected him and was in the process of turning around when Rebecca stopped me.

She pushed me towards him.

"She'll dance." She quickly said to him.

"Stop! I don't want to dance."

"We're in a masquerade ball! That's what people do. Dance."

"But...I can't."

He gave a little chuckle enjoying our little fight before he intervened,

"It's ok. I can teach you. Just follow my steps."

"Common Hayls. Go on."

"Alright, I'll go," I said, giving her a look.

"Have fun!" She gave a soft cheer before focusing all her attention back into her plate.

He held my left hand and gently led me towards the dance floor. The music soon changed to something more romantic.

The magic of love by Russel Watson and Lionel Richie started playing in the background.

Soon all the couples started dancing together.

"Are you ready?" The man whispered in my ear making me blush.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I replied hesitantly.

"Don't worry. I'm here, just follow my lead."

He gently held onto my waist with his right hand and grabbed onto my right hand with his left. I lightly placed my left hand onto his right shoulder and we started our slow dance.

"Right, left, Glide, glide…"

Along with our dance, he kept whispering the steps to me and soon we were in sync with each other.

We spun, laughed, and before the end of our dance, the music went into slow beat again. We softly danced to the rhythm as I basked in his rich and beautiful fragrance.

It was all truly a magical moment.

"Thank you, Mr. I enjoyed it," I whispered to him while we continued our slow dance.

"I'm glad." He replied back.

Our peaceful moment was soon disturbed by another unknown masked man. The man whispered something to my dance partner.

"I hope we'll dance again soon. I'll excuse myself now." The man said, giving the back of my hand a little peak.

"Oh, sure," I said a little disappointedly.

I walked back towards Rebecca who instantly bombarded me with questions.

"Yes, it was so amazing."

"Aw, I knew it. Maybe we can both find our Prince Charming tonight." She cheered excitedly.

"He could be right behind you." Two male voices simultaneously sounded behind us.