Skinny

Dancing, Developments, and Dramatic Events

Chapter Twenty-Eight:

Sitting at the one of the tables, I noted that everyone was hiding their identity. I stayed with Jackie as we ate and I wasn't sure who else sat at our table. It wasn't too eventful as people talked amongst themselves and Jackie discussed college with the person seated next to her. I had finished eating, when someone approached me. I looked up to see the unmasked man, who was dressed in a butler's uniform. He was older, almost like a grandfather's age, with shock white hair.

"Madam Raven?" I nodded. "Master Jaxon requested you on the stage. If you will follow me."

I followed the older man more out of curiosity than anything. I should have know what Jaxon was up to. Especially since the first thing he did when I reached him was hand me a microphone. Man, this boy was persistent. It didn't seem I was going to have much choice on this not singing in front of people thing. Stage fright just didn't seem to be an option for me anymore.

I sighed, relenting, and we discussed a set list for me to occupy some time until his actual entertainment came. He told me he had gotten a call from them saying that they were running late and were sorry.

I was getting nervous as we discussed what I would being singing. Then, the realization that I would be singing on an actual stage in front of a large crowd of people struck me. I fingered my ivy necklace nervously as I looked over the set list and tried my hardest not to hyperventilate.

SET LIST:  
We Are Young- Fun.
Firework- Katy Perry
****** (water break)
Just the Way You Are- Bruno Mars
Tonight Tonight- Hot Chelle Rae
Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)- Katy Perry
******* (Water Break)
Raise Your Glass- P!NK

I walked out onto the stage and no one really took much notice of my presence. I heard the music begin to play and I started out singing softly as I gained the courage. People began to halt their conversations and turn their attention to me, up on the stage. 

By the middle of my second song, people had gotten up from their seats and started dancing on the open floor in front of the stage. I took a quick water break and then sang a slow song for the couples. I was a little surprised to see Jackie dancing with someone who was wearing a long nosed mask.

Then I picked up the beat with some Hot Chelle Rae and another Katy Perry song. To finish off my set and because it was New Year's Eve, I sung 'Raise Your Glass' by Pink. I thought it seemed fitting and I bowed when I was done.

I had stalled just enough time for the real entertainment to arrive, but I still got a tremendous amount of applause. I got off the stage and went to rejoin Jackie, but I couldn't find her anywhere. I made my way through the tables lining the edge of the dance floor, but was halted by a smartly dressed gentleman. I looking into his deep blue eyes as he held out his hand and motioned to the dance floor.

I took his hand and walked with him towards the dancing figures. I placed one hand in his and the other on his shoulder. His hand was warm on my waist, even through the gown. I smiled up at this mystery man and wondered if I knew him. He had a full facial mask and I could only see his eyes and his dark hair. The way the bottom of the mask was cut off, reminded me of a wooden puppet, allowing him to breathe from his mouth easily.

We danced gracefully for a full two songs before another boy cut in to dance with me. I danced with several more boys, but that first boy just wouldn't leave my mind. Maybe I did know him and that was what was bothering me.

Almost as if my thoughts summoned him, he cut in again. I smiled up at him shyly. We danced for a minute before I spoke.

"Couldn't get enough of me?" I asked playfully.