Skellingtons in the closet

Chapter 23: Dance in their masquerade

Briar's POV

I flashed the camera at Riot and Brionna as they posed in their beautiful dresses and masks and then I took a selfie in mine. Even though tonight was all about Liz and Chris, I was still excited. I invited everyone they knew, and the whole scenery and music was perfect. I felt like a party planner or something. Our heels clicked as we walked down the stairs and into the living room. I picked up a notepad and and pen, and wrote down the address to our destination which was in an ancient mansion's ballroom on the tallest floor there. Once the cab was in the driveway, I sat the pad on the table and we made our way out. I hope this pays off.

Liz's POV

I was just finishing my hair and make up, staring at myself nervously in the mirror. I was still in my black lingere, debating on weather or not to slide that dress and mask on and fall into Briar's little trap. A part of me wants to, and another didn't. What if Chris was involved? As much as I love him, he was the last person I wanted to see. He was the reason I was so stressed to the point I started doing drugs and thank god the girls made me stop, if it weren't for them, I'd be sniffing up a line right now. I stared at the dress that was lying on my bed next to the mask and signed to myself. I got up and slid on the dress that perfectly hugged my figure, and then the mask that his half of my face, only my red lipstick showing. I slid on my black heels and took one last look at myself in the mirror. God, the girls did a fantastic job, where do they get their talent? I snaked a smiled. Maybe tonight wouldn't be that bad. Right? I made my way downstairs and saw a notepad on the coffee table. I read it and ripped out the address, walking out into the windy air and into my car, driving my way to our destination. Why do I feel so nervous? My legs were trembling, my hands were clammy, wait where's Tyler?! Oh, I forgot he's with mom and dad. My mind is everywhere. How's my make up? Do I have on enough perfume? My throat is dry. Fuck, I'm so nervous! Why?! Keep yourself together, Elizabeth!! I shook my head and focused on the road. I finally park in front of a huge, old mansion. I get out my car and knock on the door, and after ten seconds of impatient waiting. I push open the door to an empty front room. Time to find my way upstairs I guess. Try not to get lost, Liz.

Chris's POV

"What if she's sees me and then leave? What if she doesn't like my tux or mask? What if-"

"CHRIS SHUT UP!!!" Ricky cut me off. I was so nervous. The girls decided to do a masquerade ball prom for Liz and this is the night I convince her I'm better. I don't have any addiction anymore and I'm ready to step up. I'm also planning on proposing to her. I nodded my head at the masked Ricky and sipped from my wine glass, and instead of drinking wine, it was fruit punch.

Crreeeeak

I could hear the door open over the sound of "The Kill" by 30 seconds to mars. There she was. Standing there in her red dress as Riot explained earlier tonight. Devin greeted her with a hug and they talked for a bit and then he left. I gulped down my punch and shifted in my suit and adjusted my mask.

"Go get her, tiger," Ricky smirked.

I nodded and exhaled as I made my way towards her. She was looking at the glass ceilings that were furnished with forms of Greek gods and such, then she looks down and sees me.

"Chris..." She choked out.

"Good evening, isn't a marvolous night?" I asked as if we were living in the 1800's, she let out a small giggle and nodded. I extended my hand that were covered with black leather gloves.

"Care to dance?" I asked.

City Lights came on. Perfect timing. She hesitantly reached for my hand, and I led her to the dancefloor along with everyone else and gently pulled her close to me.

"You and the girls planned this for me, my prom?" She quietly says.

"Just enjoy the moment,"

"Thank you..."

She looks up at me and I looked down into her beautiful hazels, getting lost in them.

"Over these past few months, I've changed you know? I did everything my therapist said and I'm refreshed...." I finally said.

"That's good, I'm happy for you," she smiled. I pulled her closer and admired the beautiful dress that hugged her perfect curves and lean into her, but before our lips touched, she slightly pushed me away, and cupped her hands in my face, staring into my eyes. I saw pain and sorrow in hers. I really did hurt her, but I'm more than happy to fix what I broke. Once the music went on to something more fast paced, she broke our stare down and walked towards the balcony, looking over it and letting the wind slightly blow through her hair. I stood next to her and enjoyed the silence until she broke it.

"Day in and day out...non stop crying....trying to drink the pain away, and then sleep it off, hoping the pain in your heart numbed down... That's how I spent my days since you've been gone, Chris, and I'm sick of it. Your cheating put a scar on my heart that'll probably never heal...how can I trust you again when I don't even trust myself? What if we do the same routine where you cheat and I take you back? I don't want that. I want love. Passion. Us. Forever. Not me and a cheating husband..." She croaked. I sighed and turned her to face me, holding both of her hands. I stared into her watery eyes and said,

"If you don't believe me, fine. I understand, I did a foolish thing that makes you skeptical about me. Confused almost. I get it. And how much I hate what I'd done, I wish I can take it back, but I can't. I married you to be with you for the rest of my life and have a family with you, and grow old with you, not to throw it all away. I've begged and pleaded and I'll keep walking through hell for you if this isn't enough. All I want is you. I mean it.... Not only that...."

I dug in my pocket and pulled out a velvet box and pulled it opened, revealing a diamond ring that was similar to her previous one and got on my both of knees, sniffling, know that the tears will come any second. I looked up at Liz and her chest heaved up and down as if this was my first time proposing to her.

"I know I'm not perfect, hell who is? I can't promise you a day we won't argue, but I can promise you this-happiness, passion, affection, care, laughs, and love. The best things in life. And I can give those to you, and you give me those in return became without you...I don't have much of it....the day we met,  I knew there was something so special about you and there was a story to you, and I love reading you. A day with you is my heaven on Earth, I swear on my soul that I won't cheat or lie ever again. I'll do whatever to be with you...marry me? Again? Please...."

She looked at me with an undescribable expression in her eyes, and she nervously bit her lip.

"Do ittt..." Maria whispered. Everyone was in the doorway watching the whole time but I didn't care. I was waiting on Liz to make her final decision, and hoping that she'd say yes. If not, then I'd be trying too hard to numb the dull pain.

"Christopher Cerulli...I will marry you again,"

I let out a breath that I didn't even know I was holding, and got up, rushing her into a hug, and sliding on the ring as everyone clapped and cheered, and did what I hadn't done in so long. Embracing her lips into a passionate kiss, something I extremely missed. Then there were gunshots, breaking our kiss and making everyone duck down and stare into the ballroom.