1 The Masquerade Mess

Hi Eiko parted her dress firmly, attempting desperately to make the hem of the dress lower at least a tiny bit, but the stubborn dress just refused. The bright blue dress only stopped below her knees. It was very revealing. She had never worn anything like this.

Her steps resonated through her ears. It made her think all the attention was on her. The music was too loud and the beat flowed through her chest. She started to sprint to a nearby washroom. She needed to get out of here.

A leg stuck out in front of her, and she realized it too late. Her foot hit the leg and her body lurched forward. She expected the hardness of the ground, but she hit someone's back. It was too crowded. The person in front of her fell with her. She rolled off of his back, rubbing her head. His back was so hard!

"Ugh, you made me spill my drink idiot." The guy groaned as he rose on one knee and proceeded to stand. He turned sharply and flared at her. She was on the ground and stood quickly. Hi Eiko was a fraction of an inch taller than the guy, and considering how short she was, it was surprising. He looked like a child!

"Uh.. sorry! Someone tripped me..." She grumbled, rubbing her forehead once more before she retracted her hand and looked back to the guy. A smudge of champagne was mixed into the blackness of his suit.

"You owe me 42,000 dollars!" Hi Eiko's mouth dropped. 42,000 dollars?!

The only thing that followed was silence. Then she realized that everyone's eyes were on her! She felt dizzy and a mix of anxiety flowing through her veins. Before she could faint, she rushed out of the center of the crowd and to the washroom she sought for. Eyes followed her even there.

Hi Eiko rushed into a stall and slammed the door. She put down the toilet cover and sat on it, with her head in her hands.

42,000???