Masked

Chapter 1 ~ The Ball.

-Natasha-

The annual ball was something our family always looked forward to going to. We'd plan months in advance as to what we would wear and who we would bring as our guest. This year we planned to bring my best friend Tessa.

I have never been the best at keeping conversation or even introducing myself, so the ball has always been difficult. The theme is "Victorian Gothic" which seems very different from the past themes. They've always been bright and fancy with gold and a lot of champagne, like more than usual.

"Natasha darling, please start getting ready for the ball tonight." My mother peeks into my room. My mother is from France so she has a French accent that has kinda faded since moving into the united states with my father, who of which was extremely American compared to her.

My dad had died 2 years ago. He was working on building a shed for my mom to paint in when he suffered a heart attack. He didn't survive and I had to speak at his funeral, he was my best friend after all.

"Will do mom, do you want me to ask Tessa when she'll be ready?" i reply before she shuts the door

"That would be great, honey. Damien is going to be there as well, i know Tessa always liked him." she grins at me.

"Mom, trust me, she doesn't." i smile back at her. "She always commented about how annoying he is, even though she barely sees him."

"Was it not him she talks about? I could've sworn she talked about some kind of boy when she's was over"

"Well i'm pretty sure she might like Grayson, she talks about him all the time. He seems to find her interesting, never said one bad thing about her" I say as i get up from my bed and start brushing my dark long hair.

"They wouldn't be bad together. It would be good for my son to actually talk to a girl for once"

"yeah maybe it would." My mom leaves my room.

The ball is at 7 tonight, which means i have about 4 hours to get ready. I've planned my dress for a long time and have been dying to wear it. The dress reminds me of a vampire, it's a deep red with black details, a high lace neckline and long sheer lace sleeves, fitted with black lace and red gem accents. I'm pairing the dress with black heels which have a sword detail going down the heel, and red lace looking bottoms. The most i've ever put into a look.

I decided i'm going to leave my hair down and straighten it to touch it up.

I apply a simple smokey makeup look, and put my dress and heels on. I know the ball is in 4 hours but mom wants family pictures.

-

I call Tessa as i'm walking out the door to get in the car, I thank our driver, Victor, who is holding my door open for me as I get in.

"Hey Tess, we're heading your way. Are you ready?" I ask as Victor closes the door.

"Oh uh, yes. Yeah i'm ready. I'm not on speaker am i?" she asks sounding distracted.

"No you're not on speaker, why?"

"Just had a question, is Grayson going to be there? And like, if so, how much am i going to be around him?" I can tell she's blushing just by the way she talks, i've known this girl since i was in 5th grade, how could I not?