I swallowed a giggle at the confused tone in his voice. "Well, aren't you a part of it, Garrett?" "I suppose I am, in a way.""So?" I prodded." 'So' what? I'm confused."

He turned back to me, and my eyes met his. Somehow, thinking these people were all rich and I was the poor one wedged between them like a sore thumb seemed a better alternative to this harsh truth. Literally, anyone...any kind of person could be here...I had no idea what that kind of person could be. Why did I ever want to come to this dance?Tears of fright began to well in my eyelids. I bit my lip hard, trying to sort through my raging thoughts. Masquerade regarded me.

I had hardly danced with Clarence when I realized just how lucky I was. He was graceful, but not stiff, like a lot of other dancers were. Knowing he wouldn't judge me, I felt very at ease. Though he kept me going at a good clip, he wasn't rude when I would slip or get confused. If anything, my mistakes fueled our conversation. "Ah, it would seem you've met your match, Miss Phillips," he grinned broadly. "It would seem so," I agreed, "Perhaps I don't swim so well as I thought."

Masquerade gracefully resumed waltzing, and I let myself be swept along, my lips still tingling from the sensation of his kiss.  If the expression on Masquerade's face indicated anything, he had enjoyed it, too. He seemed a little bewildered, and frankly, so was I.  How was it possible to be this happy? The music swirled around us as we moved in perfect harmony. Sometimes, we would happen to step closer and warm each other's face

I stood in the ballroom, my mind struggling to understand what I'd just heard. I'd had an opening? He distracted me? I shook my head. She must have just been angry that I danced with Masquerade. Still, her words had stirred up an anxious agitation in me. I couldn't put my finger on why I was unnerved. Nothing she said made any sense. Maybe her tone disturbed me. And her eyes! God, I'd never seen such an intense look in all my life. My stomach growled, reminding me that a meal waited for me. With one last glance to the gorgeous room, I moved into the main hall. Near the front door, a side hall led to the dining hall. As I walked to its grand entrance, I suddenly regretted not coming with the rest of the guests. With everyone already seated, I was going to look awkward entering by myself. My growling stomach assured me that momentary embarassment was worth it if food came after. The hall came into view and dazzled my eyes. Polished dishes, gleaming wal