Mr. Hayward, Ms. Haupt, Ms. Bernstein, Mr. Sutton, Mr. Jameson, Ms. Daws...the list is endless. And I'm all too good at matching names and faces, a fairly useless talent, at least in my mind. I'm standing around the punch table with the children of Boston's elite, having a truly...dull experience. They're perfectly nice to me, in fact, a bit too nice for my taste. I'm feeling rather suffocated at the moment. And I wonder if they really like me or if they're just being nice because of the party and the money.

"That is a lovely dress!" Natalie. Natalie Bernstein. She gushes. A lot.

"Oh it is! Where did you get it?" Jane, Jane Daws. She seems more genuine than the others, at least. I smile, "Why thank you! It's from Paris." This comment sends them into a tizzy and they all crowd around me to get a closer look at my dress.

"Is it silk?"

"Oh it's a marvelous color!"

"I love the style, it's so flattering!" I smiled and absently field the compliments, not particularly interested. Well, I can take comfort in the knowledge that I'm better dressed than the rest of them. But then, it is my families party, I should look nice. What a stupid thing to think about. I turn my head and start gazing about the room as the conversation turns to Emmaline Haupt's new gloves. A truly fascinating subject indeed. Finally, I can't take it anymore, and I excuse myself from their little clique.

I slowly make my way through the crowd, taking in the scene around me. The ballroom is one of the most magnificent things I've ever seen. It has high, curving ceilings, and intricately inlaid wood floors, all warmly lit and pulsating with people. The far wall has huge glass doors that open onto a large terrace, looking out into a garden. I make my way to the open doors, feeling the cool breeze waft across the room. Piano music floats past my ears as I step onto the terrace. It's a beautiful night, with the sky a deep cobalt blue, dotted with silver stars. The terrace is bathed in moonlight and only a few people have chosen to come outside. I walk to the edge and lean against the cool stone railing, content with being alone. No, that's not true. I wanted to get away from the party, but not everyone.