A headache wouldn't even begin to describe the immense exhaustion I felt in my head, not to mention the way the mask restricted me from smiling. The ball kicked off in spectacular style and so far all I had done was greet and greet and greet. I knew my mother would invite everyone, but I thought we had done everyone about 50 people ago.
"Archie! How are you?" My hand slips into the frail worn palm of Mr Archibald. His grey hair stands up from the sides of his face haphazardly, as he warmly smiles, his eyes glinting with mischievousness. He always liked to be called Archie, even though my mother insists I call him Mr Archibald.
His wife, Cordelia, on his other arm, bowed in sync with him, as far as an 80 year old back would give. They owned the little coffee shop in the centre of the shopping district, where I used to spend half my time hiding from my mother when I couldn't hide in my own palace.
"The rumours are flying around this town, Anna! You must tell us what tonight is about?" Cordelia rises and speaks animatedly, her green eyes light up with intrigue and excitement.
I laugh a little. She's more excited than I am about this stupid thing. "All in good time, Cordelia."
She lets off a casual laugh as they proceed past me, and collect their masks from the security further into the ballroom.
I lightly pat my stomach, hoping to ease the pain of my ribs a little.
"Mason?" I call out behind me, smiling as more people enter in ballgowns, some in masks others without. Mentally, I tried to work out who was who under those masks.
"I really need a drink." I listen out over the top of the chattering of the beginning party around me, and focus on Mason talking into his wrist.
"The Titan requests a drink." I hear his deep voice grumble. My lip twitches up.
I turn around and away from the golden double doors that look out into our winding drive way, and face Mason.
He nods, signalling that I can get my drink, a breath, and maybe even a little silence. I glide over from the door, smiling as I pass many people, on the outskirts of the ballroom floor.
A waiter with a tray of champagne passes me. I reach forward and grab the stem just as he passes and continues on. My eyes scan the room for someone, anyone I know, as my mouth is invaded by the taste of champagne.
I spot my father between dozens of standing people, sitting down at the main dining table at the back beside the orchestra, looking hopelessly out of his mind. Balls were never his thing, they were my mother's. But he still had a small spot in his heart for the classical music and traditional dances, and of course, doing whatever makes my mother happy.
His face was paler than usual, sending shivers down my spine in this claustrophobic room. I stare at him, taking a few more sips than I should've.
No one spoke about it. His ALS. It's like it's not even happening right in front of us. The doctor visits him everyday to check on his health, but there is nothing else he can do.
I try to smile. I know all my father wants is to live out whatever time he has left in happiness. But I can't help but feel a large looming monster constantly behind me every time I look at his weary face.
The warm air from the sun setting through the balcony doors breezes over my arms as I sigh, observing the lively party before me. My eyes land on George across the room, talking to a group of attractive men who looked around our age.
"Remember that surprise I told you about?" Emma pops up beside me, champagne in hand and in a stunning red ball gown that flowed down past her feet, with a matching firey red laced mask.
YOU ARE READING
Damn Straight, Your Highness
Fiksi Remaja"Drop it." He said. "You drop yours." My voice wavered. The light glimmered on one side of his face, the rest engulfed with darkness. Somewhere behind the barrel of his gun, I could see the pain in his eyes, the betrayal. I was on the verge of tea...
