𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐑'𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄 || sodapop curtis

001 | the letter

❝Fortunes are what we make of them, and sometimes we don't see the good in them. We don't see how they can be life changing.❞

I SAT ON the back porch of our small, run down house, with a washboard in hand, washing some clothes. My name is Francesca Baker, and I don't by any means come from money. I live in a small, two bedroom house with my mother, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but we make do with what we have.

Today was the day that the prince of Venice, Italy, would send out the letter invitations to his royal masquerade. It lasted a three days, and at the end of the week he would choose a love interest. This happened every time a new prince was crowned, so not often. I wasn't expecting a letter, because I just knew I wouldn't get one. Heck, I'm not one bit pretty.

"Fran, you almost done?" My mother called from the kitchen.
"Yes mother!" She must've been making food. I made sure that we never went hungry, and sometimes when money and food was scarce, I would babysit some of the local children.

•••

I finished laundry, then went into my bedroom to freshen up for lunch. I pulled my hair back into a rubber band, and walked into the dining room to eat.

"I made finger sandwiches and tea." My mother said as she finished washing her hands.
"They look very nice, mom."
"I'm glad." We said grace as usual before every meal, then began to eat.

"Do you think you'll get a letter?" My mother asked, as if I actually thought I might get one.
"I doubt it."
"Don't be silly, Francesca, you are a very beautiful girl." In your eyes. I thought.

Just as we finished up eating, there was a soft knock at the door, must've be the mail delivery. I began to feel nervous, maybe there was a letter? Probably not.

"Oh my goodness, Francesca honey, you've gotten an invite!" She squealed. No. No, this isn't real.
"What?" I said taking the envelope from her. It was in a brown envelope, sealed with a wax stamp. From the Royal Court of Venice, Italy it read.

Dearest Francesca Baker,

You've been invited to attend prince Sodapop's royal masquerade. We hope this news brings joy to you. The event is three days long, and on the fourth day the prince will choose his true love. On the tenth of December, you will aboard the third train to Venice, Italy. Upon your arrival, a royal chaperone will be waiting for you at your train's exit.

Kindest regards,
The Royal Court of Venice

Wow, this is real. I'm going to be out up against all of these beautiful rich girls, I didn't have a chance, not in the slightest. I walked to my room, not knowing what to feel. I either felt excited, or embarrassed. I couldn't tell any of my friends at school, they would think it was some sort of joke. Either way, this was complete humiliation. I honestly don't see how such news could bring any joy to me.

•••

That night, I lie awake thinking of every possible thing that could go wrong. I'm one of the clumsiest people I know, so I would probably end up tripping and falling over my own dress. Along with the humiliation of being rejected. Every girl except one were bound to face rejection, but somewhere, deep down inside, it hurts.

I walked into an empty ballroom, and there the prince stood, right before me. I bowed down to him, and he just laughed. Then, more of them came out. I was now surrounded by all of these higher class, preppy girls. I stood there in shock, just wanting to cry. I was like a circus act.

I woke up in a sweat. It was just a nightmare. I thought to myself. I was worrying too much. Nothing like that would ever happen, right?

I looked over at my clock, and it was already 6:00. I decided to just get up and start my day. I walked into the dining room to see my mother preparing breakfast.

"Come sit, sweetheart."
"Thank you, mother."
"You barely have a week before you leave to Venice! Aren't you at all excited?"
"Yeah, I'm excited." I lied.
"Fran, don't be so nervous, you've never even seen the guy. And plus, you have just as good of a chance as these other girls." Sure I do.
"Yeah I guess." I said taking a bite of my toast.

I finished eating breakfast and walked back up to my room to get ready. I wore my khaki skirt and polo shirt, because that's what your required to wear at my school. I brushed my hair and parted it done the middle and wore a headband. I never wore any makeup, unless my mother required me too.

"Ready to leave, darling?" Asked my mother.
"Yes, let's get going." I said grabbing my backpack and walking out the door. I got into the passenger seat of my mother's car, and we started driving to Will Rogers High.