Night Souls

It's Not a Fight

After leaving the cafe, they went back to Stacey's place and found a package waiting by their doorstep. It was a medium-sized box decorated with a bow where an envelope was slipped under.

"Looks like your sister is having a masquerade ball," Stacey skimmed through the invitation card she took out from the envelope.

Nicholas took a glance at the card, "She sure loves to throw an extravaganza." It's one of those parties again, he thought.

The gift was carried and placed on the table when they went inside, "Are you going to open it?"

"Right now?" She observed the pretty box and wasn't sure if it should be opened right away. She wondered what could be inside it.

"Yeah, aren't you curious what you're going to show off at the ball?" Nicholas chuckled, "because I'm curious too."

Stacey carefully unties the enormous bow, pulled it down, and slowly lifts the box's cover. The oxygen can be heard screeching within every last inch of the cover being lifted away.

"Oh my goodness," Her eyes were twinkling with astonishment, she pulled out a shimmering smooth silk robe. "She got me a whole dress?" Stacey turned to see Nicholas' face, "Aren't gifts usually a piece of jewellery or something small?"

Nicholas had his hand over his mouth, he was surprised as well. "Hmm, looks like she gave you one of her designs from her collection."

"Wow! This is so beautiful!" She twirls while hugging it tightly close to her body, "It's so-"

Stacey came to a stop when she turned to see Nicholas holding a box in his hands. "Stacey, would you do me the honour..." He slowly opens the box which displayed a shiny diamond.

"Of wearing that to the ball!" Stacey's jaw dropped, Nicholas had got her a gift too.

"It fits you perfectly," He hooked the necklace on her neck as well as the bracelet he got for her with their initials on it.

She kissed his lips and hugged him tightly, "I love all of it, this would make the perfect outfit for tonight, thank you."

That evening had come, music from a live band was playing from inside the house. It was so loud and bright lights were displayed on the exterior like a stage set. At the front door, guests were being welcomed into the masquerade ball. They were all in disguise from their masks.

The whole graduating class was invited and they're allowed to bring a plus one. Alice's close family and friends were also there.

"Do I look recognizable?" Stacey was trying on the mask they bought earlier for the party.

Nicholas raised a finger to his chin, "Do I know you?"

"It's that convincing huh?"

"Hmm, I think another bag is still upstairs." He hands out the bag with his sister's gift before going back upstairs. A ding of a new text message popped up.

It was sent to Nicholas' phone, Stacey didn't want to look at it but she thought it was her phone. When she glanced at it on the table, the message sent had caught her eyes.

A bad sensation was flushing through her system, she was mixed with negative emotions. Not trying to overthink it, she needs to know who was this person.

"How do I look?" Nicholas had come back with his mask on, "Am I, Nicholas or am I-"

"Caroline?"

"Caroline?" He repeats what Stacey called out. Nicholas took his mask off and walk towards her slowly. She looked upset.

Stacey walked near the edge of the table and rests her hand on the glass, "Miss you baby. Sorry I didn't make it that night, maybe another time." She reads out the text that was sent from Caroline.