It's the one special dance that all the girls in Cameron High waited with much anticipation and excitement. Although it was meant to be a graduation dance, the whole school was invited to the Night Paradise Hotel where the masquerade would be held.
Julia was both scared and excited to attend the dance that night. She knew she wasn't as pretty or as popular as Jade, her bestest friend. Jade's father was driving them to the Hotel with no stern lecture for his daughter to behave herself unlike Julia's Dad. Sitting next to Julia, Jade looked as gorgeous and delicate as well a piece of jade. Both of the girls had decided to dress like the Victorian ladies.
Jade's costume was improvised into short-sleeved cyan blue dress that reached just a few inches above the ground. White laces ran along her V-collar and the hem of her dress. The dress was simple yet elegant. Her long reddish blonde hair was perm and swirled into a bun with a few threads of hair suspending down. Altogether she was a breathtaking lady. As for herself, Julia wore a bright pink costume that was in similar design as Jade. However it made her look more girly than elegant.
Julia clutched Jade's left hand tightly anxiously as the Hotel came into view. Jade smiled reassuringly at Julia, "Julia, don't be so nervous girl. Its like any other dances." Julia didn't reply. No it's different. Of course you wouldn't know. Jade's Dad drove off with a happy goodbye as the girls proceeded to enter the ballroom with their handmade masks and hats.
The ballroom was luxurious and spacious. It was already bustling with laughter and music. There were no particular theme for this dance and all around them, they saw masked ladies and gentlemen of various roles. "Look, Julia. There's even a Madonna here." Jade chuckled as she lifted her chin in the 'Madonna's direction. Julia giggled happily but became unhappy when more people noticed Jade and surrounded her to chat with her.
No one seemed to notice Julia as she listened silently to their conversations. More "Hi Jade!" and she quickly sneaked out of the group, trying to hold back her tears. I know I'm plain and boring, but why they can't just say hello to me? I want so much to fit in but I couldn't. She wished Jeremy was here to make jokes with her, but Jeremy had to take care of his ailing grandma.
Sighing sadly, Julia decided to get some food. She watched Jade dancing with a couple of good-looking seniors while eating the cookie, wishing for someone to sweep her feet away. A cool voice in her head suddenly said, Beware of what you wish for, you might regret it. "Weird," she mumbled to herself," I don't ever have any voices in my head. What's happening to me?"
At the same moment, a husky voice came from behind her," Miss Victorian girl, do I have the pleasure of dancing with you?" She spun around quickly and found herself looking into the dark blue eyes of the most handsome guy she ever saw. Blushing, she nodded happily. Scarcely able to breath, she followed him to the dance floor. As the slow music played on, she was swept into the heavenly night in the arms of her handsome partner.
Jade was dancing up a storm as more and more guys wanted to dance with her. Her head spun happily as she laughed at the comical face her current partner was making. "I think I should rest now. I don't think my feet could withstand me any longer." She smiled at her partner, chiding herself for forgetting her partner's name again. "No problem. I'll bring you a glass of orange juice aye?" He grinned back at her and walked towards the buffet table.
Making her way to an empty table, she refused the dance invitations of a couple more guys. Finally I could rest my aching feet. Whatever possessed us to wear those tight Victorian shoes? I couldn't even run in it. Oh yeah, where's Julia. Jade glanced around the spacious room and saw Julia dancing happily with a handsome stranger. Hmm�wonder who that guy is. Julia had removed her mask and seemed to be having a great time. Jade gave a sigh of relief and felt a stab of guilt to have left Julia alone. But now that she was enjoying the dance Jade could be relieved.
Minutes later, Jade's partner came back with two glasses of orange juice. Her partner was dressed in a warrior costume and wore no mask or helmet. He was quite good-looking and was a great dancer, better than the previous ones she had danced with. "Thanks. Do you mind telling me your name again?
