The Falling Kingdoms: The Hidden Coffins

Chapter Four: The Founder's Party

Two days had passed since that strange encounter with Adrian and Nick in the school parking lot. I let go the voices in my head that day, returning home and sleeping it all off.
These things weren't normal for me too. I couldn't forget that ache I felt when the shock bolted through my body. I couldn't help but hear the echoes of the lady in my head, saying "It's time you meet the Lord."

I mean, what was it?

Strangely, Tiara seemed to understand whenever I winced when I saw Nick at school. She, most of the time, gripped my arm and dragged me away from him. Except for these things, life was pretty simple and pleasant in Woodblocks. I never thought I would be able to adjust in a small town like it, but I surprisingly did. Tiara made the time pass quickly and easily.
Today I finally paid for that broken beaker in the lab to that old, cranky chemistry professor. When I went to pay for it, he kept stealing glances at me, his nose furrowed as if he didn't like me. I didn't mind as long as he didn't give me bad grades. Actually, I didn't mind either ways. I have never been a topper student. I was just average. And I liked it that way. I didn't want to study much as it wasn't in my greatest interests. I wanted to dance. It was my dream to become a dancer. That was the actual reason I was excited when I heard about the ball party in the town tomorrow.

"So, is it, like, organized by our school or something?" I asked Tiara, taking more interest in it, leaning towards her on the cafeteria table.

"No, it's the founders party of our town. 250 years ago, on August 12th our town was found by the Fell family. They organize it at their villa every year." She explained to me, almost whispering because of the vacant cafe.

Yes, it wasn't lunch break. We were bunking our lessons.

"So, tell me more about it." I pushed.

"Well, we've to dress up in proper party gowns with masks on our faces. All the people from the town will be present there. There will be food, music, drinks and yeah, ball dance." Her mischievous smile was infectious. I couldn't help but grin about it.

I was a social outcast but I loved going to parties. I didn't know how but I managed to look my very best in parties, attracting a few guys. I always made some temporary friends in parties, or at least got a date. The plus point here was that, it was a masquerade ball. No one will know who I am. And also, no one could compete me in a ball dance. I was that good at it.

"I'm really excited." I told her.

"So am I."

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With the help of Tiara, I got a date for the evening. It was a guy named Bob from my homeroom. He was smart and nerdy. I was okay with it, as long as I didn't have to go alone. Uncle Gerald wasn't too excited about the event. He even said he won't go. But I managed to convince him to at least join the event for an hour. He said he will come late and leave early.

It was almost sunset now. That's when I decided I should start getting ready for it. I was so enthusiastic that my feet kept bouncing off the ground. I was totally in a dancing mood. The gown that I decided for the evening was the one I wore at homecoming dance in my former school.
I took it off the hanger and held it in front of me.
The Royal blue colored fabric shone magically. It was an off shoulder dress, fitting like a second skin on my upper body and flowing like waves below my waist. The lower part was shaded in glitters, giving the whole gown a charismatic look.
I slipped it on my body and fit my feet in the pair of my old stilettos. The mask I got from the nearby shop was kept on my dresser. I thought of wearing it in the end. Then, I started brushing my hair. I wasn't able to decide how to set my hair. Finally, I settled with curling them in the ends and leaving them on my sides.
When it came to makeup, I just put on some eye liner and a light pink shade on my lips. My cheeks were already so much blushed that it didn't need anything. Also, my bright eyes didn't need any makeup to highlight them. I thought I looked presentable enough for my date when I heard the car horn.
Peeking through the curtains, I saw a blue Beatle in front of the Villa. My date was just on time!