The Clash, Book One

Chapter 13: Masquerade, Part B

Hyperion Heights, Present Day

That evening after work, Alena was on her way to do some dress shopping. Natalie was watching Emma and Lily for her.

Alena parked in the parking lot beside the formal wear shop before she got out of her car and began heading inside.

When she walked through the glass double doors, she couldn't help but widen her eyes.

Natalie hadn't been kidding when she said that this shop had a wide variety of dresses.

She was pulled from her thoughts when she was approached by an employee.

"May I help you find something today?" the brown-haired middle-aged woman questioned with a smile.

"Oh! Uh, I'm looking for a dress for the masquerade ball. But I'm entirely sure what I'm looking for, though," Alena explained.

The woman nodded before she spoke, "Well, why don't you just look around, and I can help you if need it." She then paused and added, "We also have a lovely selection of masks in a case in the back."

Alena thanked the woman and received a nod in response. The woman then walked off to another part of the store.

The blonde surveyed the shop once more before she walked over to one of the racks. With so many gorgeous options, she didn't know how she was going to choose.

After a few minutes of searching, Alena had found a light pink dress that she was considering.

Just as she was heading toward the fitting room, she spotted a breathtaking dress hanging on the back wall.

She placed the pink dress aside and was walking toward the back when she spotted two familiar faces.

She then headed over to Jacinda. Sabine was a few feet away perusing one of the racks.

"Hey, Jacinda. What brings you here?" Alena spoke.

Jacinda sighed before she answered, "I let Sabine drag me down here. She thought she could convince me to go with her to the masquerade ball."

Sabine then interjected, "Come on, J, you deserve a night out. We both do - I think we deserve to have some real fun."

She paused before she added, "Besides, I'd hate for whatever Henry had to do to convince Ivy to even get the invitations to go to waste."

Jacinda sighed as she ran her fingers through her hair. She then pointed out, "People like us don't go to fancy events like this unless we're working it."

"I think you'd fit in more than you think," Alena told her with a smile. She then took a breath and continued, "It's a masquerade. No one will even know who you are - it's the perfect scenario for you to have a great time without worrying about someone ruining things for you."

Jacinda looked as though she was considering both of her friends' words when her cell phone rang. She grabbed the device from her pocket before she spoke, "I've got to take this."

Just as she had answered the call and walked off, Sabine told Alena, "I appreciate you trying to change Jacinda's mind. I really think she could use this."

"It's no problem. She's my friend, too. I was just trying to help," Alena responded.

She then commented, "I don't think we've officially met," before introducing herself, "I'm Alena."

"Sabine," she responded with a smile. She then commented, "It's nice to put a face to the name. Jacinda and Lucy both talk about you."

She then quickly added, "Only good things."