Big Men of the House: 55 Book Story Bundle Box Set(206)

This year it was literacy. My goal was to get a book in every kids hands. The town held fundraisers for the library and we had people donate as many books as they could. We had a big book fair in the town center where we handed them all out to the children. It was very successful and kept my mind occupied from dwelling on the break up.



The day of the masquerade arrived and I had to go last minute dress shopping. Most of the shops were picked clean but I was able to find a nice flowing black dress that went along with my mask. Then I did my hair myself because every hairdresser in town was booked.



Afterwards, I sat at home watching the clock tick closer and closer to the masquerade and I thought that maybe I shouldn't go. While sitting in front of the mirror, I thought, what if I told my friends that I was sick and I couldn't make it? Then I shook my head. They wouldn't believe that for a second. There was no way I was going to get out of it. I sucked it up and finished doing my makeup.



I heard the limo honk outside and I checked myself in the mirror one last time. Once I was satisfied with my look, I ran downstairs and said goodbye to my step stepdad and mom. 



The limo driver opened the door for me as I dived into the car. "Hey Ella! We're glad you made it!" everyone said. There were five of us going and all the girls looked fantastic.



Jennifer spoke up, "Yeah Ella, we thought you might have chickened out. This is the first time you've gone out with us in a long while."



I tried to hide any indication that I was lying. "Oh no, I wouldn't have missed this for the world."



"Great! Let's have some drinks then!" Jennifer said, getting out a couple bottles of champagne. We all clinked our glasses together and toasted to an amazing night ahead.



Soon enough, the limo pulled up to Baker Castle. A guy named John Baker, was incredibly rich and he lived in Fremont his entire life. He built the castle on top of a hill looking over the whole city over fifty year ago. That's when he started doing the annual masquerade.



Back in the day, John used to invite the most powerful people in Nebraska. If you received an invitation, you were considered among the elite. Since he passed away, the city turned the castle into a hotel and tourist attraction. The castle asked for a sizable donation which in turn guaranteed you an invitation to the masquerade. It wasn't the most extravagant hotel in the world but it was the pride of Fremont. The masquerade was such a big deal that people would come from all over Nebraska and stay in the hotel. It was a big boon to the city.



All the girls stepped out of the limo and marveled at the castle. We had all seen it dozens of times before but it always managed to take our breath away every single time. We walked along the bridge that was over a small moat that surrounded the castle. It was so peaceful at dusk as we turned around and watched the sun set over our town. At that moment, I was glad I didn't stay home. I genuinely felt like I was going to have a lot of fun that night.



We entered the castle and were led into the main ballroom. We started at the top of the grand staircase and there we gave our invitations to the announcer.



"Ladies and gentlemen, I present Miss Ella Parks," the man bellowed to the grand hall. I walked down the stairs alone, holding my dress and making sure not to trip and fall. The hall was gigantic and there were tons of people dancing everywhere.



After the rest of the girls walked down, we made a beeline straight for the alcohol. The best part about the masquerade was drinking obscene amounts of alcohol and making a fool of yourself in front of the whole town.



Immediately, a few men in masks approached my friends and asked them to dance. "Jennifer turned to me before she was whisked away, "Hey Ella, I better see you dancing with a man tonight!" Suddenly, I flashed back to high school dances and waiting on the sidelines for a boy to ask me.



The one problem with meeting a guy at a masquerade is you can't see his face. They might have a great body but once they take that mask off, they're usually hideous. I stood by the appetizers and stuffed my face. I watched as the dancers flowed through the room, spinning around in circles. The masquerade was in full swing and I was captivated.



I felt a finger poke my back and I turned around to see a man with short hair, wearing a dark blue suit. His mask was small and black. It covered his entire face and it was hard to tell if he was attractive or not.



"My lady, may I have this dance?" He bowed before me and then held out his arm for me to take it. His voice was magnetic. I was speechless and I just stood there like a dumb girl, staring at him.