Beyond the Lamppost

VII. Masks and Motives

Chapter Seven:

X

Masked and Motives

With a pounding heart, I put on the last piece to complete my look. Its diamond heart-shaped pendant compliments well with my cream-toned skin. It's a gold necklace with a small pendant but in comparison with its size, this is the most valuable thing I ever had.

It's the only thing that reminds me of my loving mother. Since she died, I kept it hidden in a velvet box not wanting to lose it. But I realize now, that it's her heart it symbolizes and I wanted it to keep close to me.

My dark green silk gown draped to the floor making it hard for me to walk. The trail is not that long but surely, it was heavy. It is one of the gowns, Miss Hoggins let me borrowed and I chose this gown because it captivated me with its elegance. I glanced towards the black half-faced mask adorned with silver glitters and sparkling emerald. It complemented well with my look.

Choosing footwear is always a hassle for me. I need to choose something comfortable and without heels, or my injury will ache. I wore black doll shoes I bought two days ago because my old pair of shoes is already worn out.

With a deep sigh, I closed the door of my cabin and head to the mayor's mansion.

***

Mayor Harold Olive's mansion is enormous. From the tall gold gates, I saw countless people going in the big double doors and disappearing from my sight.

Laughs and chatters welcomed me as I entered the main hall of the mansion after handing out the invitation to the doorman. But I can't figure out who's who because of the glamorous masks covering half or their whole face.

Some greeted me with a smile while other people who know me, or because of my limping walk, spend a minute with me before turning to other people. My agenda in this event is to become a wallflower and it's not that hard actually.

A woman with red fiery gown walked towards my direction and I can't help but smile wider as she enveloped me with her arms.

"Miss Hoggins! I'm glad you found me." I happily said making her chuckled a bit.

"Oh darling dear, you look lovely. Wow!" I blushed. I am not comfortable with praises.

"Thank you, Miss Hoggins. You're quite elegant tonight, too."

"Miss Lewis." A man from behind Miss Hoggins said and I smile. He took my gloved hand and kiss the top of it.

"M-Mister Hester, good evening, sir." Shocked by his gesture, I bowed my head a bit for a greeting.

"Enjoy the party, dear. We'll just greet some of our friends over there." She pointed at a direction where a group of men in black suits and a woman with a silver gown stood. I nodded as I watched them walk towards the group.

I am familiar with one man in a black suit. His big body built and an aura that screams authority made me realized that he is the owner of the mansion himself. Mister Harold Olive. And the woman beside him is maybe his wife.

I only saw the man in the pictures hanging on the wall of the city hall. Those times when I was looking for the records of my father.

When my interest in the group faded and I spent most of my time observing people, I decided to find a place to sit. My injury is already aching due to standing for a long time and I don' think I can finish this party in my situation.

I found a place to relax outside of the mansion. With a glass of red wine in my hand, I pulled a chair from the two-seater table set in the garden porch near the fountain.

The night breeze here in Greenwoods always amazes me. The wind smells like a mixture of the scent of leaves and blooming flowers, and it is so refreshing. The kind of place I dream to live, away from the toxic of the city. Away from both the people and pollution. A province life.

I closed my eyes and inhaled the scent of wonders. For a few minutes, I wanted to forget about the mystical events I encountered. Those questions remained unanswered. I just wanted some peace of mind.

But that moment was short-lived. I heard a cough from behind and I immediately turned my head.

There a saw a man in a gray suit. This broad shoulder and erect posture enhance his charisma. A silver mask covered half of his face but unlike mine, the left side of his face was concealed.

"Never thought I've found you in this place, Miss..." he left the last word hanging. I rolled my eyes before facing the wide garden that is enveloped with darkness once again.

I heard a suppressed laugh from behind and I rolled my eyes again because I found no reason for him to laugh like that.

"Come on. Your name is enough as a thank you for saving you, right?" He said as he sat on the opposite chair, totally blocking my view.

I intentionally did not mention my name last time because I don't want to associate myself with anyone other than at the store and Miss Hoggins' friends. But he is Mister Hester's son, so I should reconsider it.

"Natalie. Natalie Lewis."

"Very well then, shall I ask for one dance from a lovely lady named Natalie?" He extended his hands and little did I knew that some ladies saw us in that garden. Maybe they are also escaping the classy and elegance of the ball just like me or is following this person because of the way they drooled at him and on how they gave me a dagger look.

I smirked at an idea.

"Very well then, shall we." He seems shocked by my sudden agreement but he smirked afterward.

Might as well find someone who can back me up and guide me more in this place.

Someone like a friend.

If he offers one, though.