Chapter 2 Behind The Mask part 1

Eva

A few years ago, I earned my master's degree in journalism. After facing some setbacks, I was a bit older than the average student. However, I loved writing; it was my passion for life, at least until my life took a new turn when I turned twenty-five.

I currently work for an online magazine called Stranger Things, where I write about a variety of topics, from strange disappearances to the possibility of alien existence. I have a fascination with the unusual because I, myself, have become a bit unusual. My job allows me to nurture my creativity and engage in research and investigative work, which I enjoy the most, as I love learning and exploring. These reasons make this career my perfect fit and second home, with Katie being my first home.

I have long, very dark, ash blonde hair and bright, sage green eyes. I have pale skin with a few tattoos and piercings. I don't post photos of myself in the magazine unless I'm wearing a disguise, because I prefer to keep myself hidden as best as I can. I even use a pseudonym, too. It's Midnight Rose, because I'm a night owl. I always have been. Plus, there's beauty in the night. I chose a rose because it's beautiful, yet has a certain harshness represented by its thorns, and also, roses are pretty resilient, just like me.

I live in an apartment building with my good friend Katie Smith. Katie has dark brown hair and bright blue eyes. She's so bubbly that it's infectious. We met freshman year of high school/college, and have been best friends ever since. She's my only family. I was an orphan and knew nothing about my family. All I know is that they're all dead, and I suffer from nightmares as proof. I grew up in the system. I was smart and hardworking, so I was able to put myself through college. Katie is finishing up her Master's in Education while substitute teaching at the local high school. Even though she's a few years younger than I, we get along wonderfully.

Katie comes in holding a box. "Hey girl, you got a package."

My eyebrows shoot up, "Really?" She throws it at me, and I begin to examine it. "Funny, it has no return address. I wonder who sent it?" Katie suggests that I open it to see if there's a note inside. It's a plausible idea, so I quickly opened it. I pull out a golden, ornate mask. "Wow, it's beautiful."

"Hey, Eva, look, there is a note!" Katie cheered.

I take it and read it aloud. You are cordially invited to "Experience The Night," a Masquerade Gala at St. John's Cathedral, this Friday night, from dusk till dawn.

"Sounds interesting. You should go for your work because it might give you some cool ideas for a story," Katie said.

"Katie, I'm not going alone. You're coming with me." I won't go if she doesn't come with me.

She sighs, "But they only invited you."

I respond, "The fine print says may bring a 'guest'." So we went shopping. We found our dresses and a mask for her to wear. We both chose red dresses. Mine was a mermaid-cut floor-length dress with golden beading and appliques. Hers was a red, floor-length, A-line dress that fades to black towards the bottom. I always feel out of place when I dress formally. I feel like I'm playing dress-up. Before I knew it, it was the night of the gala.

"Damn, you look hot! If I were into girls, we wouldn't be leaving right now," Katie exclaimed, as she saw me leave my room.

I can't help but laugh, "Haha, you look sexy yourself." Katie is boy-crazy still. She chases after romance, but it never pans out for her. I'm the opposite. I don't look for love. I'm more career-driven. I figure love will find me at some point. I'm only turning 26 later this year, so I've got plenty of time. I date occasionally, don't get me wrong, but there's yet to be anyone that I'd trust with my life, especially after how things ended with Victor Van Clay. Until that day comes, I'm fine being a happily single loner.

Katie and I hop into my car, ready to see what adventures tonight brings us, as we head over to the gala. I opted for no purse, since my dress had pockets. I snapped a few pictures of us outside and in front of the church. When we get inside, we are blown away. I take many pictures of the elegantly decorated interior. There were tables for dining and a dance floor. There was also a more intimate area, with small high-top cocktail tables. Guests were standing around them; I assume that's where we hang out ooutuntil the hosts have us move to the dining area. I'd been to a few fancy parties, so I understood basic etiquette.

"This is just, wow," she said.

"I know, right? Just stay cool and follow my lead," I replied, to show the confidence that I lacked.

Katie scans the room, "Check out these guests, they're all hot!"

"Katie, they're just people like us," I retorted, but I'm not so sure that they're all like us. I have this odd feeling that begins to creep into my soul.

"Eva, very sexy, beautiful people. No wonder they invited you. You fit right in."

I roll my eyes, "Whatever." She can be so over-the-top.

"Come on! No, you're one of the hottest people here. The sexiest woman, by far!" she says, as we move through the throngs of people.

I squeezed her hand, "You have to say that because you're my best friend."