In The Wings

Act III Scene VI

Meg drove over to Christine's house with her heart fluttering excitedly. It was finally the day of the masquerade dance, and she could hardly wait. Even though she was going to the dance single, she didn't mind. After all, she had found the perfect outfit for the ball - she was sure that Christy had done the same.

When she pressed the doorbell, Christine's aunt answered the door.

"Oh, hello Meg!" she said. "Christine's just upstairs starting to get ready. You can probably just head up there without bothering her."

"Thanks, Mama Valant!" Meg said. She had her entire masquerade ensemble in a garment bag slung over her shoulder. "I'll be going up there straight away." She could hardly wait to see what her best friend had come up with for this dance.

Christine's door was open, so Meg gently knocked on it and started walking in. Her friend was standing there, applying powder to her face. As soon as she heard the sound of footsteps, she turned around to face her.

"Meg!" Christine said happily. Her hair was bunched up in a clip on the back of her head. She had already done a portion of her makeup, but other than that she still looked to be in normal clothing.

"Christy!" Meg replied. She rushed over to her friend, tossing her garment bag over to the side. The two met in a hug, unable to stop smiling.

"It's like we haven't seen each other in days, but it's only been a few hours," Christine laughed.

"Well, things have changed," Meg said, making her voice mock serious. "We have a dance to prepare for now."

"You're right," Christine replied. "Which means we should probably just go ahead and do just that, yes?"

"I'll head to the bathroom to get dressed. I won't take your room from you," Meg replied. "I won't be more than a few minutes. But make sure to lock your door if you're still changing...because I will walk in on you if it's not. I'm impatient."

"We've been friends for years now, Meg," Christine replied. "I know that you would walk in. I remember those times."

"Sorry about that, anyways," Meg laughed. "Well. I'm on my way off. See you once you're ready, Christy." She strutted out of the room and headed towards the bathroom. She knew the way around the household as if it were her own - she had spent many hours of her life within it, after all.

A few minutes later, both girls had completed changing into their outfits for the masquerade dance. Meg pushed open the door to Christine's room and let out a gasp of amazement upon setting eyes on her.

"Christine, you look unbelievably beautiful!" Meg said as Christine stepped closer to her friend. Christine idly pulled on the silver chain of the necklace around her neck. While Meg had opted for an edgier ensemble, Christine had stayed on the more feminine and fairy-like route. Her dress was a purplish blue at the top, but the skirt was a pink that faded into a very light shade as it went down. The dress was strapless and short with a rather puffy tulle skirt. There was a sparkling band made of what seemed to be small gems around the waist. Christine had paired it with a pair of small heels, her silver necklace, and a silver mask that was getting glitter all over her hands as she held it. With a sprinkling of stars pinned in her hair, she looked nothing short of a princess.

"Well, what about you?" Christine said, smiling as she replied. Meg had worn a bright pink strapless dress that hugged her form down to a few inches above her knees. She wore a black cinch belt around her waist, and all of her accessories were black, including the mask in her hands which appeared to made out of lace. Meg wore a little black hat on her head to tie it all together.

"We're going to be the belles of the ball," Meg said.

"Masters of the masquerade?" Christine said.