The Clash, Book One

Chapter 12: Masquerade, Part A

Alright, y'all, we decided to do an original chapter. We brainstormed some pretty great ideas, and we decided to go for it. I hope y'all enjoy! :)

P.S. This chapter turned out to unintentionally MASSIVE. Because of this, the chapter has been split into 4 sections that will all be posted today.

Alena had told her girls goodbye at the daycare just as the helper took them into the main play area.

The blonde was just about to leave when Natalie came out of her office. The black-haired woman called out Alena's name.

"Yeah, Natalie?" she asked when she had turned around.

"I have something for you," Natalie began. Alena raised an eyebrow before Natalie handed her an invitation of some sort.

"What's this?" Alena curiously asked.

Natalie couldn't help but smile as she explained, "It's an invitation to the annual masquerade ball. It's always held on Halloween, but it had to be rescheduled."

Alena blinked a few times before she questioned, "And you got an invitation for me?"

Natalie nodded before she elaborated, "I'm friends with the couple who puts on the ball. They didn't mind securing a second invitation for a friend of mine."

"I appreciate you thinking of me," Alena sincerely spoke. She then paused and asked, "But why me, though?"

The black-haired woman slightly shook her head before she responded, "I thought it would be a chance for you to experience the Heights."

She then took a breath and continued, "And I know well enough to say that you put your children before anything else. While that makes you a wonderful mother, I thought you could use a night to yourself. Not to mention that you're doing it on your own."

Alena couldn't help but smile at Natalie's words. The blonde then conceded, "It would be nice to have a night out."

Natalie smiled back in response as she spoke, "I was hoping you would say that."

She then took a deep breath and assured Alena, "And before you ask, you don't have to worry about Emma and Lily. I already talked to my helper, Kimberly, and she'd be glad to babysit for you."

"I really can't thank you enough for this, Natalie," Alena told her. At the black-haired woman's nod, Alena then asked, "Do you have any ideas on where I can find a dress?"

She then paused to take a look at the invitation before she continued, "Since the ball is tomorrow night," with wide blue eyes.

"I know it's short notice, but my friends wanted to make sure that the ball was still as close to Halloween as possible," Natalie explained.

She then grabbed a small pad of paper and a pen. As she began writing, she spoke, "This formal wear shop is amazing. They have a wide variety of dresses to choose from. You'll have no problem finding something."

When Natalie handed Alena the slip of paper, she continued, "I also wrote down the name of the hairdresser who always does my hair for the masquerade, as well as the name of the beauty shop where she works."

Alena smiled once more before she thanked Natalie once more. The blonde then stated, "I should get to work. I'll see you later."

"See you later," Natalie responded before she headed into the play area.

Alena then headed outside and got into her yellow bug. As she placed the invitation in her bag, she couldn't help the bright smile that made its way on her face.