A kiss in the dark

Masquerade

MARIANNE

I've always loved parties. My parents used to throw them all the time in the grand hall when I was younger, but they say they no longer have the time. I could plan them. I love the excitement and the way that the ideas just come to me. This ball is a masquerade, it is simply luxurious.

The curtains are a dark red and go from the floor to the ceiling just beside the windows. They perfectly contrasted against the cream coloured walls of this magnificent place. The intricately designed window frames added a sense of elegance and innocence. The balcony above the ballroom floor had an eggshell painted barrier so nobody could fall. The banisters on the grand staircase were painted the same colour. The stairs had a carpet covering them to add a more royal feel. The red matched the curtains. In the corner was a small bar that looked so adorable with the reds and browns.

My dress was a gorgeous earthy green. There was a thigh high slit on the left side and the neckline dipped quite far down. And it had pockets! It was easily the best design I could have chosen. I'd paired it with white heels and a white shawl because you know, sandwich method. My mask was a deep blue with a beautiful lace pattern. My usually waist length, brown hair was pinned up into a stunning low bun with pieces framing my face, I looked amazing.

My best friend, John appeared at my side. His blonde hair was combed back and his face was covered by an orange mask with less patterns than mine. He was wearing a black suit in an attempt to work with the orange, he looked like halloween. He put a drink in my hand and told me that he'd just been to the bar to get it. From the looks of it, it seemed to be a martini, that was fine. I could drink that.

It was December 31st and all the guests at the party were here to see the new year in. It was being held at the Allison's mansion, my mother and Mrs Allison's were best friends, they'd met through a financial meeting and had apparently became best friends, not that I'd ever seen them together. Oh well.

It was almost midnight, the tradition here was that when the ancient grandfather clock struck 12, midnight, the lights would go off and you'd have your new year kiss with someone close to you. There were only a few minutes left. John had gone to stand in a group of women whereas I was just waiting to see if true love was real. My mother told me stories about it all the time when I was younger. At the end of every tale they fall in love deeper than the oceans. I had to believe in love, my parents were a shining example. They'd stayed together and worked their butt's off and look where it got them. They have more money than they could count and they are happy.

It was only a few seconds now...3...2...1. The lights went dark. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to be met with a pair of lips so soft and perfect. The lights flickered back on and the masked man pulled away. He was wearing a black tuxedo with a scarlet mask paired with a matching scarlet tie. He had brown hair that was ever so slightly curly. He looked gorgeous.