Psychotic Photographer | J.H

°circa 3

Maybe I should report him to the police officers?

Wait I can't do that yet, I have to confirm my suspicion about him a serial killer first but how?

"Claire!" A lady's voice interrupted my musings; prompting me to fix my gaze to the young lady across the table with disgruntled look.

"Are you listening to me?" She asked, her tone conveying irritation.

"Sorry." I said sheepishly and subsequently raised my cup of tea towards between my lips.

"Like I said earlier," She imitated my action earlier by sipping her cup too. "My parents will hold a private ball tomorrow evening and you have to come!"

I playfully rolled my eyes with a sigh of defeat and said, "Yes sure Luella."

Luella, my best friend, I bet she begged her parents again to host a private ball. She really likes to mingle with others and also, search for a gentleman to take an interest to her and possibly to court her. Though it's totally opposite for me, I'll wait and let the fate handle my love life to meet the man who'll love me unconditionally.

When our afternoon tea ended, I immediately informed my parents about the ball and they gladly approved especially my mother. She even ordered a new dress for me and some cosmetics needed. It's not like she approved for my sake and happiness but rather, her pride wants to present me to the upper class as the very modest young lady who represents our prestigious family.

The next day of evening came; the carriage took us to Luella's mansion just in time. Nora helped me getting off the carriage and slightly lifted the hem of my beige dress to avoid tripping myself. My mother picked the dress for me—open neckline, fitted bodice elegantly embracing my waist and hip-line, and short sleeves with laces. Moreover, my hands covered in white fabric gloves reaching up to my elbows.

We parted our ways as she will be staying in a separate quarters. I proceeded to the ballroom and many young guests in different classes were already present inside; socializing with glass of wines in their fingertips and some waltzing with their partners. I hurriedly went to my best friend with other ladies having conversations in hush voices. They were gossiping brashly about the society, flaws of men, and other trivial matters with fans concealing half of their faces. I hardly listen to them for not catching my interest and just observe the engaging ball until I saw him again.

There he is across the ballroom, laughing in bliss with some men as he brought his glass of wine to his plump lips. I can't help but to be captivated by his enigmatic smile and neatly groomed tangerine hair.

"Who're you looking at?" Luella asked as she followed my gaze and peered over to him. "I never thought you'd fancy a post-mortem photographer." She scoffed causing me to shoot her a glare.

"It's not what you think!"

"Don't deny it Claire," She returned her eyes to the photographer, examining him. "Well he's good-looking enough but he's in the middle class. I'm not trying to prejudice here it's just his status isn't for us, your parents would probably think the same so don't lower yourself to him."

I know that but I don't fancy him at all, well maybe slight attracted somehow. After many hours of staying and countless times I've been invited to a dance, my eyes kept going back to him. Good thing he hasn't noticed me yet. Afterwards, he excused himself to them and left the ballroom.

I checked the ladies seemingly in deep conversation before I follow in pursuit to the photographer. My feet quickly carried me outside the mansion as I darted my eyes around in search for him. He's nowhere to be found but I still kept going, walking alone on the eerily quiet cobbled street. My breathing gets heavier while I cautiously take steps as the blinking street lamps illuminating my path.

A hand with a cloth then abruptly covered my mouth and drags me backwards into the dark alley. Stifling my muffled voice as I tried to forcefully pull away but a putrid smell reached to my nose. Everything around me spinning in circles before I weakened and my entire vision went black.