Aside from the successful Basket Boys Night, the other thing that the students of Beaufort Academy were looking forward to was the party on the third and last day of the school's foundation day.
It was like a reward for all their hard work and even the student council had the night off as they let the school's administration, who hired the metro's best party organizers for the event, arrange it and all they did was choose the theme. There was a small closing event in the afternoon and after that, all the students became busy prepping themselves for the party. It would be held in the school's newly-built grand ballroom, and was dubbed as the Black and White Masquerade Ball.
Chandria was in Elizabeth's house where they were getting prepped for the party. They were in a vacant room, which was set up like a parlor and where their hairs were currently being styled.
"Where's Lex?" Chandria asked. "Didn't we all agree we'll be here together?"
"I saw her earlier and she said she has a last-minute emergency to attend to," Elizabeth answered. "And that she'll meet us there instead."
"That's weird," Chandria commented. "Did... did she mention anything to you about what happened yesterday?"
"No, not really."
"Oh... okay," Chandria frowned.
"Why, what's up?" Elizabeth asked.
"Nothing," Chandria shook her head.
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow then said, "She was with John when I saw her though."
"They were together?" Chandria said, surprised.
"Yeah. So... did something happen yesterday night? I mean I thought I was the only one who had an interesting night but..."
"What? No, nothing happened," Chandria denied. "Uhm, so anyway, go on... continue your story about what happened with you and Alvin."
"Okay?" Elizabeth wondered what was that all about but she just shrugged it off. "Anyway, Alvin and I are really okay now. More than okay, really."
She recounted the story of what happened to Chandria. From the moment that Marco went to her house and they both heard what they thought was Alvin's adoption and Marco blackmailed her into dating him to what she and Alvin talked about the day before the Basket Boys Night.
"So why did you go with Marco then?" Chandria asked.
"Of course, I had to! I had to fix my problems with him on my own first. Besides, all I told him was to get the hell out of my life because he doesn't have any hold on me anymore," Elizabeth explained. "I told him I already knew the truth that Alvin wasn't adopted."
"Does Alvin know about that?
"Yeah, I told him everything yesterday," It was the reason why Elizabeth needed to go with Marco then because she wanted to clear everything first so she could properly explain everything to Alvin.
"So where's Marco now?"
"I don't know. If I were him I'd go into hiding because Alvin's really pissed at him."
In the meantime, Wolf was still in Beaufort, looking for Alexis. She saw her going out the indoor pool building.
"Alexis," Wolf called.
"Wolf!" Alexis said, stopping a few steps away from the door. "What are you still doing here?"
"I'm supposed to ask you that question. The ball's in a few hours, aren't you supposed to be with your friends to get ready?"
"Change of plans. What are you doing here?"
"I was looking for you. I came by your house and they said you were here. I have something to ask."
"What is it?" Alexis asked.
But before Wolf could even ask whatever it was, the indoor pool building's doors opened and John got out. Wolf looked over Alexis' shoulder and his demeanor changed as he got annoyed when he realized that John and Alexis came out from the same building.
"Wait, were the two of you together?" Wolf asked, frowning.
"Yeah, we were arranging something inside," Alexis answered.
"Oh hey, you're still here?" John said walking over them. "Want to catch a ride with me?"
"What?" Wolf cut in.
"You haven't told him?" John asked Alexis then he turned to Wolf. "She's going over our house."
"What?" Wolf said. "Why? And stop answering, I'm asking her."
"I'm having my styling team over to help John prepare," Alexis said. "And since they're there, I'll also be there to supervise and well, they'll prep me too."
"What?! You two are going together to the ball?" Wolf said, his face in disbelief.
"Of course not, silly!" Alexis said. "It's for the big surprise."
"What surprise?" Wolf said.
"Why don't you just go with Wolf and explain it to him?" John said. "Just make sure you don't spoil it, Wolf."
"You're the one spoiling things here," Wolf said.
"Still as hotheaded as ever. I'll see you later, Alex," John said before he left.
"Alex?" Wolf repeated.
"Oh come on, Wolf. It's just a nickname. Let's go please? I'll explain everything on the way," Alexis said, pulling his arm.
"Fine," Wolf said but he was still sulking.
They went to where his car was parked, got inside, and on the way to his house, Alexis explained everything to him. From what she and John talked about during their date and to what they were preparing.
Wolf understood that Alexis was only helping John but that didn't mean that he liked it. He didn't like it that John and Alexis were becoming closer because Alexis was too kind that she was even helping John.
"Anyway, that's just it," Alexis said.
Wolf nodded but he was still sulking.
"So... what was it you wanted to ask?" Alexis said, changing the subject to appease Wolf's sulking.
"Don't worry about it," Wolf said.
"Are you mad?" Alexis asked.
"No."
"You're sure?"
"Yeah."
"Well... just in case you are, you really shouldn't be. I'm just helping out my friends."
Wolf didn't mind her helping her friends because if he was in her position, he'd help his friends too. However, he felt someone else was stealing her time away, that instead of maybe spending it with him, Alexis was always off somewhere else. But he thought of a way to fix that.
"I know," Wolf said.
They arrived at his house where Alexis' style team was already waiting. John was already there and he ordered their maids to help the style team set up in a vacant room and have one guest room prepared for Alexis so that she had her privacy.
Wolf left John and Alexis in the mean time because he had something else to prepare on his own.
Three hours pass and Alexis was almost ready. She went to the guest room to change into a simple black gown with a high slit on the side. Just as she finished changing, somebody knocked on the door. However, nobody was there when she opened it. But she saw a trail of red rose petals on the floor. There was also a note taped on her door that told her to follow the trail. She was surprised, of course, because it wasn't there when she went inside. But, nevertheless, she followed the trail and it ended up in the Ford's living room. But this time, the living room was filled with multi-colored balloons. Wolf was in the room too, already dressed in a black and white suit and was holding a balloon in one hand.
"Wolf?" Alexis said, smiling. "What's this for?"
Wolf walked closer to her, handing her the balloon he was holding. Alexis took it and she saw that a note was tied on the end.
She untied it and read what was written, "Will you go to the ball with me?"
Alexis looked up at Wolf who was smiling at her. She smiled back.
"Yes," Alexis said. "I'd be happy to be your date to the ball."
Wolf's smile grew wider. The he handed her a black box.
"What's this?" Alexis asked as she took the box.
"Open it," Wolf said.
Alexis opened the box and she saw a silver Charriol bracelet inside.
"I know I'm supposed to give you a corsage," Wolf said. "But flowers wilt. And I don't want to give you anything that wilts."
"It's beautiful! Thank you, Wolf," Alexis said as she wore the bracelet. "I'll treasure this forever."
"Are you ready to go yet?" Wolf asked. "You look really breathtaking tonight, by the way."
"Thanks! Uhm... I'll just grab my purse in the room first. And tell John that we're leaving now."
"I'll do it," Wolf told her. "And don't worry about anything else tonight. I already made arrangements to help John too."
"Really?" Alexis asked, surprised once more.
"Yes," Wolf said. "I want my date to enjoy the ball without worrying about anything else."
Alexis smiled. Of course, Wolf wanted Alexis to enjoy herself. That and he wanted to have her time for his own that night.
In the meantime, Chandria and Elizabeth were also about to leave and got to the ball. However, there was a surprise waiting for Elizabeth too.
"Alvin?" Elizabeth said. "What are you doing here? I thought we'll just meet at school?"
"I know," Alvin said. "I just... wanted to make it up to you. This is our first official date together and I just wanted to do it right."
"That's really sweet of you but..." Elizabeth said. "I promised Chandria that we'll go together."
"Oh please," Chandria cut in. "Go ahead and go with Alvin. But I'm still taking your car. And your driver."
"But I don't want you to go alone," Elizabeth protested.
"You can ride with us," Alvin offered.
"And be a champion third wheel?" Chandria declined. "No, thanks. I'll go ahead and meet you guys there. No more buts, Liz! See you later, okay?"
Without waiting for an answer, Chandria left the two alone. Alvin was really grateful to Chandria and reminded himself that he had to thank her later.
"Well, let's go?" Elizabeth asked.
"Wait, before we go, I have something to give you," Alvin said. He handed her a beautiful black mask, lined with Swarovski crystals.
"But I already have one."
"Didn't you hear what Chandria said? No more buts, Bee. Besides, now we have matching masks. Plus I made sure it matches your gown."
Alvin showed Elizabeth his mask and, sure enough, they had the same mask design although there were less adornments on Alvin's. And it really did match Elizabeth's dress, which was a high-low black sparkle gown that made her look like she was wearing a star-studded night sky.
"I want everyone to know that we're with each other," Alvin said. "Hopefully, they get the message."
Elizabeth giggled, "So this is a boy-repellent mask then?"
"Kind of," Alvin said, grinning. "Here, I bought a corsage too."
Alvin took out the corsage he brought - a single white tulip. Alvin tied it on her wrist.
"So white tulip this time?" Elizabeth commented. "What does it stand for?"
"Forgiveness," Alvin said. "To mark today as the day we both finally forgave each other."
"But I wasn't mad at you?"
"I want to tell you I'm sorry. For not fully believing in you although I said I'll love you no matter what."
"There's nothing to forgive. I was at fault too."
"And that's why today is the day we forgive each other. Besides, a white tulip signifies hope too."
"Hope? For what?"
"Hope that someday you'll truly and fully be mine. That you'll be my girlfriend and we're not just exclusively dating."
Elizabeth just smiled at him, "Come on. Let's go celebrate tonight!"
Elizabeth took Alvin's hand as they walked towards his car and headed to the party. When they arrived, the party had already started and most of the students were already mingling and dancing.
Wolf, Alexis, Chandria, Elizabeth and Alvin were all in one table. Everyone was having fun. Well, almost everyone. Chandria was having fun too but she was starting to feel like a fifth wheel to her friends especially when Wolf and Alvin asked Alexis and Elizabeth to dance, leaving her alone in the table. Of course, some boys asked her to dance too but she turned them down because she didn't feel like dancing.
However, Wolf returned and asked her to dance.
"Alexis had some friends to meet for a while," Wolf said. "Want to keep me company?"
Of course, since it was Wolf who asked, Chandria consented. However, the song they were dancing to wasn't even finished yet when somebody cut in.
It was John. He was wearing a black suit with black gloves but instead of a black or white mask, he was wearing a gold one.
"Do you mind if I cut in?" John asked.
Wolf nodded but Chandria protested, "Wait, no, I don't want to."
"Cha, give him a chance," Wolf insisted. "Let him prove me wrong this once."
Chandria raised an eyebrow in surprised that Wolf was actually defending John, "Fine, but just one dance."
"You better not screw this up, John," Wolf said before he left.
John nodded then he stretched out his arm towards Chandria, "May I have this dance?"
Chandria inhaled deeply then she took his hand. John placed his other hand on her waist and she placed her other hand on his shoulder. They started slow dancing.
"You look really beautiful tonight, Chandria," John said. "Well you always look beautiful anyway."
Chandria, on the other hand, was wearing an all white dress. It was a simple long sleeved, turtleneck, backless dress. Chandria wasn't even wearing any accessories because the mask she was wearing was studded with diamonds.
"Thanks," Chandria said then changed the subject. "What's up with your mask? It's called a black and white ball so why are you wearing a gold mask?"
"Well, didn't you say that you'll only forgive me when I become a fish?" John said.
Chandria got what John was talking about. After all, John's mask looked like the scales of a fish.
"So is that it?" Chandria said. "Are you supposed to be a goldfish? I said be a fish not just wear a mask."
"I can fix that. But you have to come with me."
"Where?"
"You'll see," John replied. They stopped dancing as John pulled Chandria away from the dance floor and out of the grand ballroom. He led the way until they arrived inside the indoor pool.
"What are we doing here?" Chandria said. Only a few of the lights were on and it was dim inside.
John just smiled. Then he started removing his clothes. Chandria's jaw dropped in surprise when she saw what John was doing.
"What... John!! What are you doing?" Chandria shouted at him.
"Becoming a fish," John said. John took off his coat, tie, and polo and it was only then that Chandria saw that that John's body was painted with scales. It was what Alexis' style team did that whole afternoon - paint blue-green scales on him using waterproof body paint. But when John started removing his pants, Chandria couldn't handle looking anymore so she placed her hands in front of her eyes and then faced the other way.
"Oh my God, you are not doing this John," Chandria said, panicking a little.
"I'm only doing what you said you wanted me to do," John said. He took off all his clothes, save for the boxers he was wearing then he ran.
"John?" Chandria tentatively called without looking at him. "Oh my God you are not leaving me here, are you?"
Just then, the indoor pool was flooded with light.
"Look around!" John shouted as he was a bit father from her this time.
"No!" Chandria said. "I don't want to!"
"I'm not naked!" John shouted again. "Just look around."
"Ugh!" Chandria said, giving up and slowly turned to look. She saw John sitting on a board that was hanging above the pool.
"What are you doing John??" Chandria asked. "And what is that?"
"It's a dunk tank!" John said. "There's some balls on your side. Throw it to the target over there and when you hit it, the board will fold and I'll fall into the pool."
"What??? You want me to do what???" Chandria asked, her face in disbelief unable to comprehend what was happening.
"Look, you wanted me to become a fish right? Since I now look like one, I need to be in the water. And I want to start with a clean slate with you, with every anger you have to me gone. So put all your annoyance and anger to me when you throw, okay? And I'm hoping when I get out of the pool, we'll be okay... we'll be friends – or more than that, I hope!" John explained.
"Why?" Chandria said. "Why are you going this far?"
John smiled, "I told you... I like you, Chandria."
It sounded crazy to Chandria. But she was touched nonetheless that John had this crazy idea. She wanted to believe him. But she was scared that John might repeat what he did to her so she decided to have a bet with herself. If she hit the target in three tries, then she'd forgive him. If not, then... Chandria grabbed a ball and hurled it towards the target.
Swish!
The ball didn't even come close to hitting the target. Chandria's hands were shaking so she tried to calm herself. She took a deep breath and then took another ball.
Pop!
The ball hit something but not the target. Chandria looked at John and saw that he was already looking at her. He smiled at her, smiling very sincerely at her although he looked ridiculous right then. Chandria felt John's sincerity so she smiled back at him. She grabbed another ball.
Pop! Splash!
Chandria hit it! John fell to the pool while Chandria was so shocked that she hit it that she almost didn't hear the applause behind her.
"Good job, Ria!" Elizabeth said.
"Yeah, nice throw," Wolf said.
Elizabeth, Alvin, Alexis and Wolf were actually watching what was happening. They were just hiding so the two wouldn't notice they were there. Alvin walked by the edge of the pool and helped John out of it.
"Nice one, bro," Alvin said. "I'm impressed you're actually doing this for a girl."
Alexis also walked over and she handed John a bathrobe.
"Yeah, well, Alex helped me," John said. "Thanks again for the help."
"No problem," Alexis said. "So Ria, you forgive John right?"
"So is this what you two talked about during the Basket Boys Night?" Chandria asked.
"Yes," Alexis answered. "And don't dodge the question please."
"Will you forgive me, Chandria?" John asked.
Chandria sighed, giving in, "Yes, I forgive you."
John smiled. He and Alvin bumped their fists in triumph and congratulations.
"Finally," Elizabeth said. "Now everything's right in the world again."
"And the stress over the foundation day is over," Alexis agreed. "What I need right now is a vacation."
"We still have that plane tickets we won on the engagement booth," Wolf said. "We can go somewhere if you want."
"There's a long weekend coming up," Alvin said. "We could all go on a trip. We could use the vacation."
"Yeah! Let's go!" Elizabeth said. "Don't hog Lex to yourself, Wolf. Sorry, but we're going too."
"Well, I don't think Tito will let Lex go without us with her anyway," Chandria said.
"Then you and John are coming too, right?" Elizabeth asked.
"I'm in," John said as he took a towel to dry his hair. "Chandria?"
"Sure," Chandria said. "I could use the break."
"Then that settles it!" Elizabeth said. "We are going on vacation!"
||Vacay time! Suggestions where they should go? Haha! Anyhow, if you want to see what yung peg kong masks nila during the ball, just visit BA's Facebook page because I uploaded it there. <3 || XoXo