I close my eyes and I begin to fall into a deep sleep…
I walk into a bright room, which is filled with people, all dressed in ball gowns, and all wearing masks. I look around at them and I am suspicious of their glares. I walk further into the crowd and a tall, dark-haired man greets me. He has a black mask on his face but his eyes are familiar. I move closer to him and he lunges forward as he pulls me towards him. I gaze up at him as he slides his hand around my waist. He leans down and he whispers.
“I have been waiting all night for you.” His British accent rings in my ears as he begins to move with the music. I dance fluidly with him as he strokes my hair. He spins me around and I catch everyone staring at us. He flashes me a pearly white smile and I grip him tighter. The music picks up pace and my mystery man does too. He is dancing very quickly and I am surprised that I am keeping up with him. He smiles at me and my heart begins to race. He pulls me even closer and now there is less than inch between our faces. I take a deep breath as I continue to dance with him. The music fades out but he maintains his rhythm. Everyone is staring at us but I do not care. All I can think about is him and his piercing blue eyes. He suddenly halts and I gaze at him. His eyes see right through me and I am eager as to what his next move will be. He slowly takes my hand in his as he slides off his mask with the other. I gasp as he reveals himself. Michael leans in and he whispers into my ear.
“Alanna, it’s me that you need. Please forget about Adrian, you know that you love me too.” I jolt back from him but he pulls me back. I am speechless, as I stand frozen. I quickly turn my head from him and I begin to stare out at the people of the party. I try to focus on them but my heart is pounding and I want to run away. I glare up at Michael as he begins to fade away. I hear his voice faintly.
“Love me, I am the one.” He disappears and I am left alone in the crowded room. I begin to walk away but I am blocked. Several women are standing in front of me and they are making it impossible for me to leave. I quickly turn around and to try leave again. However, as I do more women meet me. Their faces look angry and all of them are shaking their heads at me. I shift around nervously and I do not know what to do.
“Bitch, tramp, whore…” The women shout. Their harshness surprises me and I feel awful. I try to compose myself and they stare at me. I look desperately around as I try to find a familiar face. I spin quickly around and then back again. My eyes begin to get fuzzy and I lose my balance.
“Alanna, Alanna…” I jolt from the bed and I open my eyes quickly. I stare around the room and then I see Adrian kneeling at my bedside. I quickly straighten myself out and I give him a brief smile.
“Baby, you were shouting in your sleep.” I blush as I remember my vivid dream. I try to shake off the image of Michael as I glare at Adrian.
“I was?” I say, playing dumb. Adrian smiles at me as he stands up from his position on the floor. I quickly slide myself out from the bed and I take a position next to him.
“Anyway, it is time to get ready for tonight. I have bought you a new dress it is hanging in the closet. I hope you like it, baby.” I smile at him and I move a little closer. Adrian pulls me in and he gently kisses me on the lips. As he kisses me, a sudden flash of Michaels face enters my mind. I quickly open my eyes and Adrian notices the emotion on my face.
“Is everything okay?” He asks. I shake my head briefly and I reassure him that everything is fine.
“Yes, I am still a little sleepy I guess. I will go and get ready okay?” Adrian smiles at me, and he leans in again but this time, he kisses me softly on the cheek. As he turns to walk away, I grab his arm and I pull him back. He widens his eyes at my actions, as he stands motionless. I stand on my tiptoes as I pull his head towards mine then I lean in and I kiss him. We bask in that moment until Adrian pulls back.
“Not so sleepy anymore,” He says in a sarcastic voice. I smile at him and then he walks away. I watch him leave and I hear the brief slam of the door. I quickly make my way over to the closet as I wonder about my dress. I walk into the closet and I switch on the light. I rummage through the clothes that hang on the rail as I search for the dress. The screeching from the hangers as they slide along the railing is deafening and I cannot seem to find the dress. I franticly look around the closet until I notice a white Nina Ricci box lying on the floor. I smile at the sight of it as I walk over. I march out of the closet and I place the gift box onto the bed. I quickly undo the ribbon that is tied around the box and I gently lift the lid. I cannot contain my smile as I slide the dress from the box. I walk over to the mirror and I hold the floor length, light pink, diamond incrusted gown against my body. I smile again and place the dress onto the black dressing table. I quickly rush into the bathroom and I jump into the shower. As the hot water drips down my body my mind flashes back to the dream that I had earlier. Why was I dreaming of Michael? I have no reason to and it is not as if I was thinking about him. I shake my head and I remember his words. He wanted me to forget Adrian and be with him. I am confused to why I would dream about something like that. I love Adrian but now Michael and my dream plague me.