Meant To Be Mine

1- My name is Natalie

My paintbrush clinks against my cup full of murky multicolored water, as I stand up and throw my stained apron on my stool.

I check the time and silently curse at myself for not realizing the time. I quickly go shower and scrape the dried paint off my hands and arms, and look up, letting the warm water trickle down my face. Once I get out of the shower, I dry my hair and curl it, finishing it off with a jeweled hairpiece.

I put on my makeup, and put some natural colored eye shadow, even though I don't really need it because I'll be wearing a mask.

The office where I work is hosting a new year's party, and I've been going every year for the past three years because the company hosts the most extravagant parties; and this year for 2020, the theme is a masquerade ball. They're even hosting it in the building's ballroom.

I finish my makeup, then walk over to my closet, and taking out my dress. I remove the plastic covering and carefully put it on, then look in the mirror in awe. The floor-length, strapless dress is a gradient blue to dark blue, with white jewels at the top, flowing down into the blue. I bought the dress a couple of months ago for this ball because the parties are the highlight of the year for the company and everyone always dresses over the top.

I sigh, then put on my heels, grab my purse and mask and head out the door.

***

I pull into my reserved spot into the parking garage, then carefully climb out of my car, making sure no not drag my dress onto the dirty ground.

I cross the catwalk that connects the parking garage into the sixth floor of the skyscraper I work at, then head to the elevator, thankful there's no one in it already, and I hit the button to the tenth floor, where the ballroom is.

Once the elevator doors open, I step out and see hundreds of people already chatting away, enjoying the free champagne and hors d'oeuvres. I make my way through the crowd, chatting lightly with many acquaintances, but I still found myself becoming bored every minute that passes as well as every fake person I talk to, trying to climb their way up the social ladder.

Then I notice him. The same mysterious guy I've noticed at every party for the past three years but never finding our his name or what department he works in. Maybe this will be the year I talk to him.

He's tall and coincidentally has on the same colored suit as my dress, with a matching dark blue mask. He's super good looking, and I look away from him before I start drooling on myself. I chuckle to myself, then continue to walk around, sipping some champagne every once in a while.

***

It's almost midnight, and I decide to step out to the balcony, needing fresh air. Well, and to get away from everyone. The balcony overlooks the whole city; Lights gleam for miles, brightening the night sky along with the stars.

A man's voice brings me out of my thoughts. "It's almost midnight, you know."

I turn around and see this tall, well-defined man in a blue suit and almost a full face mask, covering his nose up to his hairline.

"I had to get some air. A nice change of scenery away from the party."

He chuckles and walks over to me, leaning on the banister. " the parties not enjoyable for you too?" He looks at me and smiles.

"No, not anymore. After three years of the same extravagant parties, you start to get bored."

"So you need a change of life too then?"

I nod. " yeah, I guess so." I pause for a moment, looking out at the city again. "I just don't know where to start looking for it." I look at him and smile lightly. "I'm Natalie by the way."

"I'm Kol, " he smiles.

"Well then, Natalie," he moves closer to me and moves a strand of hair near my face, then softly cups my face. "Here's to change."

I smile softly. "Here's to change." My heart is beating so fast as if it's trying to escape my chest. He softly moves in closer, and a small gasp escapes my lips as he closes the space between us, locking lips.

All of a sudden, we hear muffled shouts from our coworkers, and fireworks shoot into the sky, colorful streaks illuminating the sky and the stars that seem to shine brighter than usual.

He leans back a little, looking into my eyes, and smiles. "Happy new year, Natalie."

I smile. "Happy new year, Kol."

Kol wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me into his arms as we watch the firework display. I sigh, happily wishing this would never end.

Our moment is interrupted as coworkers immigrate on the terrace to watch the fireworks. Kol moves away from me, and I turn to look at him, wondering what he doing.

"I'm sorry for my abrupt departure, Natalie, but I must leave."

"Do you have to?" I plead. Please don't end this moment.

"I'm sorry. Please forgive me." He grabs my hand and softly kisses the back of my hand. The mask still covers his face, making it difficult to read his expression, but his eyes show it all. He really doesn't want to leave. And I don't want him to.

He lowers my hand and quickly walks back into the ballroom. I stand there, not knowing what to do. My heart feels heavy, and then next thing I know, my legs control themselves as I start shuffling into the building after Kol. I lose my balance on my dress and almost fall over, then catch myself, quickly regaining my balance and pick up a part of my dress so I can walk faster. I look around frantically trying to find him among the mass crowd of masked guests.

I shove my way through the crowd, saying "excuse me" or "sorry" while trying to find him, but fail to. It's like he disappeared without a trace.

My heart feels heavy with dismay as I leave the ballroom and head to my car in the parking garage. I get to the car and take off my heels, my feet red and a little bit swollen. I get in, and take off my mask, setting it in the passenger seat along with my heels. I grip the steering wheel and hit my head against it in frustration.

How did I manage to lose him? Now I can't even find him, because I don't even know who he is. I grunt in frustration. "Damn masquerade ball." I start my car and head home.

***

I get back to my apartment and unlock the door, trudging inside. I have a killer headache and quickly take off my dress and hang it back up nicely. I then take a shower, letting the water rinse off my makeup because I'm too tired to move.

About twenty minutes later, I'm in my comfy pink pineapple pajamas all curled up into my bed, my were hair drowning my pillow, but honestly, I don't have enough energy left to care.

I look in front of my bed at my goldfish, Mr. Bubbles and sigh. "What should I do Mr. Bubbles? K was so charming and sweet, and... And practically perfect." I turn onto my back and look up at the ceiling deep in thought. If only I could meet him again...

Wait. I CAN meet him again. He was at the party, so obviously he is an employee at the company office.

I just need to find him. No matter how long it takes.

"I will find him again, Mr. Bubbles." I have to.

I need to know who this mysterious Kol is, and why I've fallen for him already.