FALLING AROUND YOU ➵ DANIEL SEAVEY ➵ SEQUEL

20 ➵ Masked

"The reason I keep back tracking to memory lane is because I love running into you. Only there, I could love you endlessly. Only there, we live without consequences of our love."

_

As I woke up on Saturday morning, it meant I only had four more days in the city. It also meant that I would be greeted with hidden faces and a generous amount of mystery during the masquerade ball. Although my excitement was shown to the public and to my friends, I could feel the physical dwellings of heartbreak from Daniel. My body was a little bit weaker, a little more tense. It took all my willpower to get up that morning.

It's only been two days since we've last talked, but as far as I knew, that would be the last time we would speak forever. The most shattering part of it all was how I felt like I already was preparing for an end. I wasn't in shock, really.

I wanted it to work, and it didn't, but that's okay.

The moon still kissed the sun goodnight. The sand still touched the sea each day. The birds still soared through the sky. One small heartbreak didn't disrupt anything. It's one small loss in the vast world of what if's. I felt like I've done this before; moving on from him that is. It never seemed to work.

Maybe it's because I never tried hard enough to.

I found myself drowning in my thoughts once again, so I tried to distract myself by heading towards the two wooden doors. Inside, I pulled out the long black zip-up dress holder before placing it down on my bed. I felt a smile on my face because of how subtly proud I was finding this on such short notice.

I called Maggie, my makeup and hair stylist, to help me pick out some fancy attire for tonight's event. I remember when she came with me back to the states; that was when I thought I would only be here for a few weeks, but little did I know I would be here for a few months. She had to go back to London —her whole life was there— so I haven't been that well dressed with her absence.

She was always my secret weapon though. She called a local boutique the moment I asked for her help, and we settled on a few options before I visited the store. I remember there was a lovely emerald green one, but it didn't feel right on me. I also tried on a tight red dress, but it wasn't my style.

I chose a royal blue number.

Zipping the protective bag down, I brushed my fingers along the detailing that was already shown. The dress had spaghetti straps with a deep front cut. There was lace and almost 3D elements on the top half of the dress as it blended out to a rich, fluffed bottom. It wasn't a huge ball gown, but it was perfect for the event.

I slowly walked over the the side table before inspecting the statement earrings I got as well They weren't every flashy, but they made a big difference. It was just a pair of crystal chandelier earrings that almost mimicked the appearance of small flowers or vines. Setting those down, I looked at the most important feature of tonight: the mask.

It was divine. It was like nothing I've seen in real life before. The crystals were each hand pressed onto the mask as it would cover almost half my face. The beauty was shaped in a crown like structure having a peaked middle with sharp winged ends. The crystals had difference sizes, making the detail more lovely.

I usually didn't go all out for this type of things, but this would be one of my last events in the city of wonder. I wanted to dress up, to leave my sorrow on the table, to pretend I'm someone else for the night. I wanted to elude from my chaotic, dramatic life.

It didn't take much longer for me to start getting ready. I ordered some breakfast from room service and started jotting more things in my journal while sitting in my hotel room's balcony. I couldn't remember the last time I sat down just to write. I know that I spurge all my ideas in the moment, but sitting there, I was able to put down silly nonsense. I was able to write down everything — not just things I found interesting.