Masquerade - The Complete First Novel

- 12 -

(Anastasia)

"I said get out," Anger burned onto my face, as I clenched my teeth together. I thought they would break. I obeyed, climbing into my car. I started to drive, looking in my mirror to take one last look at her, she was looking over her shoulder. I suspected a spark of guilt, but I dismissed it quickly, leaving her on a dead girl's lawn.

I arrived at a small hotel. Not entirely run down to be a motel, but not nice enough to be an actual hotel. I walked up to the counter, stuffing my hands in my army green jacket. "One room," I started to look around at the hotel lobby, seeing unfamiliar faces.

"How long will you be staying with us, Miss?" I glanced back at the man standing at the counter. I shrugged.

"A couple days?" I looked back out to the lobby, seeing small chairs with a glass coffee table placed in front. In one of the chairs was a man. He looked around my age, somewhere in his twenties. He had deep brown hair and light chocolate skin. I couldn't see his eyes, but I bet they were mysterious. He looked up from the phone, smirking. I did the same. I could see them. They were a deep black, it seemed like his pupils have engulfed the color underneath. He starts to point behind me, as I snap out of my gaze. I turn around, seeing the receptionist look confused. "Oh, uh, three days," He nods, handing me my room key. I show my gratitude in a simple salute, winking as I do so.

I open the door to my hotel room, looking around at the small room. I fall down on the bed, staring at the white ceiling above. Wondering why the people above me are here. I imagine the ceiling collapse over me right now, wanting the nightmare I strolled into to come to an end. I keep staring, seeing the ceiling intact. I look over to the small window that was left open by the last person who stayed here. Laying in the same bed I am now. I could hear the sounds of the city and the lights from the bar across from here.

I find myself walking over, having my hands stuffed in my jacket. I open the door, hearing the loud music from the live band. I scan the room, seeing an open seat at the bar. I place myself in the leather seats, ordering a beer from the bartender. He slides me the opened bottle, letting myself take a swig. "That's a lot for a girl like you," I place the bottle down, seeing the man I saw at the hotel. I scuff.

"What? Are you following me?" He laughs. It was deep, letting his head fall back a bit.

"Anyone with eyes would follow a beautiful girl if it means he gets the chance to make an impression,"

"Wow, you're a real smooth talker, huh?" I take another swig, watching his lips curl out of the corner of my eye. I place it down, seeing him shift closer to the bar.

"I guess you could say that," He orders a beer, sharing one with me. "Is your name as pretty as your face?" I let my eyes roll, chuckling to myself.

"Anastasia,"

"Russian?" I nod, facing him.

"And what about you, pretty boy?" He smirks, shifting his body to face mine. I let him reel me in, at this time, I don't see a reason to fight.

"Sean," I nod, complimenting his name. He starts to pick at the patches on my jacket, complimenting them. I thank him, rubbing a finger over one patch in particular. "So what's up with that one?" I look at the patch, smiling as I see the thirty-one.

"That one stands for my brother," I pause, seeing his face in my mind. Seeing his light eyes and short blonde hair, seeing the one dimple that only showed on his left side. I look back at Sean, curiosity sucking his manners dry. "Like I would tell that story on the first date," His curiosity was washed away by surprise.

"Oh, so this is a date now?" I laugh, "Then I must be doing pretty good!" He starts to applaud himself, making me laugh harder. Our laughter starts to die down, as a silence washes over us. Some may find it awkward, but this seemed soothing. Calm and needed. "So when can I get a second date?" He starts to lean in, as I get up from my place on the stool.

"I'm harder than that," I slap a twenty on the table. "Have a nice night, Sean!" Again, I give a salute and a wink; saying goodbye. I walk back to the hotel, gladly plastering a smile on my face as I unlock the door to my room.