The Masquerade (Closed)

[BeautifulDream]

Lillian Meeker
Age: 24

Lillian sighed as she stood next to her husband, her arm linked through his. He was discussing the financial downfall of the country with his best friend… well at least she thought it was his best friend. The mask they wore made it very hard to recognize anyone. Even she herself was hidden by a Peacock styled mask. But then again.... it was a Masquerade. She gave a smile when her husband, Harrison, attempted to joke, she tried to pretend to be happy.

You’re standing in a new top fashion dress on the arm of one of the wealthiest men in this country, how can you not be happy?

Money could never buy her happiness, she would have been satisfied making her own dress, but Harrison wouldn’t have anything off it. Instead he went out and purchased a blueish purple gown with light green threaded into the skirt. It was a beautiful dress she had to admit, it’s straight edged neckline that was enhanced by the bundle of blue feathers, it’s skirt that was ruffled with satin, it’s train that made of more feathers. Her masked was just as expensive, it covered most of her face and had small gems lining where the eyebrows would be. She loved the dress and mask, but she didn’t need them.

She was lucky to be his wife, why he ever asked her, she wasn’t sure but she should feel lucky. His father started one of the largest banking company in the country and since his passing Harrison now runs it. Harrison himself wasn’t a bad man. He was very attractive, even now in his black half mask and dark crimson hooded domino covering his head. And he wasn’t abusive like most other men. He never belittled her or treated her like anything less than his equal.

So why wasn’t she happy? Because he never touched her. Outside of public events she could barely hold eye contact with him. She never understood why he was so reserved when it came to her. He wouldn’t explain it, but in the six years they have been married, they have had sex maybe ten times. She wanted to feel loved, not like just a trophy wife to show off. She wanted to know what passion was, but he would never teach her.

That’s why she intended to cheat on him….

 

[kareemtyrell]

"hello miss " came the deep voice of John shepard. He is a young man of 25, invited to the party through his fathers connections. He really did'nt want to be here . How ever since he was, his eyes spoted the women in a peacock mask . From the voice underneath the mask beside the woman it seemed Mr harrison. He does not know them personally but heard that his wife is really pretty . He walked forward .

 

[ashlynn_rae]

Lisbeth Brewer, 23

Lisbeth's green eyes swept across the room, desperate for something to relieve her barely-concealed boredom as her husband spoke with a few of his friends about one of his latest cases. Jonah's voice droned on and on, further irritating Annabelle with every syllable. Jonah and Lisbeth were fairly new in town and Jonah was making his way up the ranks of one of the most lucrative law firms around. For this reason, Lisbeth very rarely saw her husband and, when she did see him, it was for a quick tumble in the bedroom before he went off to another meeting or another late night at work. Lisbeth was a trophy wife and a vessel for his sexual relief and nothing more.

Lisbeth could hardly stand to be around her husband for long and his rough grip on her waist at the moment only served to further agitate her. She was thankful for the gold mask she wore which helped hide her irritated facial expressions. Jonah would be furious if he could see how blatant her lack of interest in his work was--it would be socially inappropriate and she would normally have gotten an earful about it that evening. However, not only was her mask hiding her face, but Jonah's schmoozing was going well and, with the champagne flowing, he was in a great mood.

Lisbeth was a picture of innocence and perfection in her white pearl-encrusted gown, her golden curls cascading around her bare shoulders and the gold and white mask adding a glow to her skin. She was used to having all eyes on her when out in everyday life, but this was magnified tonight with the addition of the air of mystery of the ball and the fact that she was still relatively unknown to the public eye.

"Darling," she said to Jonah when he finally paused for breath, "Let me get you another drink." She forced her lips, painted in a pink lipstick with a gold tint, to curve into a slight smile as she took his empty champagne glass with her gloved hand. He nodded his assent, but still made it difficult for her to disentangle herself from his grasp and walk away.

She took her time moving around the crowd, pausing once in a while to exchange compliments with some of the other women at the masquerade and ducking her head to avoid the gaze of the men in the crowd. She finally reached the table where the seeming endless sea of champagne was being served and took two glasses, depositing the empty one. Lisbeth paused to take a sip of the golden, bubbly liquid as her eyes swept the crowd.

She stopped as she caught sight of a woman with dark hair piled softly on her head, wearing a beautiful, vibrant green and blue mask and dress, decorated with feathers and gems. Lisbeth couldn't keep her eyes off of her, that is, until she felt the woman's eyes meet her own. She ducked her head, feeling a slight heat rise up her neck that she was sure had nothing to do with the champagne.

 

[BeautifulDream]

As Harrison continued his rant to Tomas, who was now actually confirmed, Lillian slowly pulled her arm out of his. She cleared her throat as she placed her hand on his shoulder. "I wish to look around since you're busy.... if that would be alright?" She said softly into his ear. He simply nodded bearing no mind to what she actually said. She honestly could have said she was going to find some hot young stud and he wouldn't have noticed. She shook her head slightly as she turned to walk away, she hated how she became invisible when he talked work.

Lillian knew if she wanted to find passion, tonight would most likely be the best time to do it. Everyone was in high spirits as they laughed and danced around in their colorful outfits and mask. She thought it would be wonderful it would be. Finding a man who wants nothing but what she wants... to be touched. She would insist that they kept their mask on so who they were wouldn't be an issue. She figure finding a man would be easy.

After about twenty minutes of walking around, she learned it wasn't easy. Every suitable man was with a woman. The ones that were not were completely drunk, she couldn't find passion in that. She wouldn't have drunken sex. She was about to give up when she noticed a remarkable looking woman in a golden dress by the champagne. Even though she couldn't see her face she imagined this girl was beautiful. The dress fit her like perfectly, out lining her curves. Lillian felt envious of the beautiful woman. Lillian was tall and thin but she was far from curvy. She had narrow hips and a small waist, her breast were decent but not huge. The girl quickly moved away and was lost within the masks. Lillian tried to see where she was going but it was hard with so many people.

She felt obligated to speak with the woman, although she was not sure why. Slowly moving throughout the crowd she made her way toward the champagne table to see if maybe she hadn't gone far.

 

[ashlynn_rae]

Lisbeth panicked slightly as the woman started to move towards her. She wasn't sure why--Lisbeth was confident, perhaps a bit too confident--and was not easily swayed or startled. However, in this instant she felt something she didn't usually feel--nervousness. She ducked away slightly, moving to the opposite end of the banquet table.

You're being absolutely ridiculous, she told herself. What is the harm in meeting new people? Why are you suddenly acting like a young girl discovering an attractive man for the first time? You never even acted like this when you were a young girl!

Lisbeth took a large sip of her champagne--about half of the glass or so--in order to calm her nerves before turning around again. The woman in the peacock mask was approaching her and there was nothing left to do but to engage the beautiful woman in conversation.

"Hello," she said, curving her lips into a smile, one that was definitely not forced this time. Her green eyes scanned the woman's elegant, willowy figure. "Your dress is absolutely stunning." She meant the compliment, but also offered it as an excuse as to why she had been blatantly staring.

 

[BeautifulDream]

Lillian picked up a glass of champagne since she was next to the table. She took a sip as she turned to survey the area, her eyes scanning for the woman in the golden mask. She almost choked on the sip when she noticed her glancing around nervously nearby. She swallowed hard as she watched the girl approach her. She quickly gathered her herself. If it was one thing she was good at it was pretending, so acting confident was easy.

Hello, your dress is absolutely stunning. The girl's voice was sweet and sound full of innocences. She gave the girl a polite smile before bowing her head slightly. "Thank you, yours is very gorgeous as well." She held her black gloved hand out to the girl. "I'm... um.." She thought for a moment. Maybe she shouldn't give the girl her name, they were all hidden behind mask so she'd never really find out the truth. "I'm Rose, how do you do."

 

[ashlynn_rae]

"Annabelle," Lisbeth said, giving the woman her older sister's name without a second's hesitation. She wasn't sure why, but she felt that giving a fake name was something she should do. It wasn't as though it mattered what her name was anyway...the whole point of a masquerade was hiding behind a costume and she would hardly have been recognized by anybody anyway.

"And thank you," Lisbeth said, gesturing to the dress. "It's not my typical style, but I suppose that's what tonight is all about...being what you aren't." She smiled and took a sip from her champagne. She swept her blonde curls over her shoulder and glanced around the room.

"To tell you the truth, I've actually been bored out of my mind tonight," she said. "Listening to a bunch of drunk men drone on about work and politics has been absolutely tedious. I was just about to go out to the balcony and get some air. Would you care to join me?" Lisbeth looked up at the slightly taller woman through her long lashes, already glad to have met her. She was immensely grateful to see at least one other woman at the ball who wasn't hanging on her husband's arm or looking around at the other women with a haughty expression on her face.

 

[BeautifulDream]

Annabelle. She wondered if the name she gave was just as false as Rose, the name she called herself. She glanced at the girl's dress again, admiring how it pushed her bust together and made them stand out. The color of the dress made her skin radiant. Even though she really didn't know what her face looked like she knew this girl was beautiful.

She glanced at her own husband at the mention of drunk men carry on about work and politics. She doubted Harrison even noticed she was still gone. He probably believe she was still right behind him, nodding as he made an argument. She cleared her throat and took a sip of her own champagne as she turned back to the girl.

Fresh air seemed nice. She gave the girl a half nod before lifting the trail of her skirt. "I'd love too... fresh air sounds splendid." Lillian replied with a small smile. "Please, lead the way."

 

[ashlynn_rae]

"Perfect," Lisbeth smiled at the other woman. She set down her empty glass of champagne and didn't pick up another one before heading outside. She was beginning to feel the tiniest bit lightheaded, which was unusual because alcohol didn't normally work its effects so quickly on her. Lisbeth tucked a stray curl behind her ear and checked to make sure Rose was following her.

Though she had never been to this home before, Lisbeth had mapped an escape route as they arrived, just in case she became overwhelmed and needed to get out. The two women pushed through the crowd easily and escaped through a large side door. The door led to a dimly-lit garden path which was all but deserted, save one couple writhing against a tree, the woman's skirt hiked up to her thigh. Lisbeth turned away, glad that her husband had not decided to take those same liberties with her...at least not yet.

Lisbeth and Rose walked to the gazebo, out of the direct line of sight of the house (and the snogging couple). "I already feel better," Lisbeth said, leaning against the railing of the gazebo and turning to study Rose. In the moonlight, the other woman's skin seemed almost translucent and ethereal. Lisbeth shook off the sudden, overwhelming urge to brush her fingers against that skin. "Thank you for accompanying me out here. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who was tired of the party already."

 

[BeautifulDream]

Lillian watched as Annabelle walked away, watching how her hips moves as she took each step. How strange, she thought to herself, she never took interest in the female body before yet her she was watching this woman so closely.

She tried to stay right behind her as they passed through the laughing crowd. She felt a strong hatred for the happy people. Why couldn't she laugh like that? Why couldn't she feel that type of bliss? She grew up in a family that thought it better to be known and to accomplish then to enjoy life. Her family never had fun, the men worked and the women remained close and quiet.

That's also what Harrison expected of her as well. She was to be seen but never standing out. So she had grown accustom to remaining silent.

Once they made it out the large doors and away from the sound of music and chatter she notices a couple in a lustfilled embrace. She glanced away quickly, it was one thing to have that desire, but to act like that in public? Yet at the same time the thought of doing something like that sounded so intriguing. As they reached the gazebo she took a seat on the wood bench, glancing up through her mask Annabelle . She nodded slightly as she smiled warily.

"I've never been one for parties." She glanced down and lowered her voice. "Then again I'm not really one for being around people."

Clearing her through she looked back at Annabelle . "Tell me a little about yourself... if you will. What brings you to the party?"

 

[ashlynn_rae]

Lisbeth smiled grimly, taking a seat next to Rose. She found herself not wanting to tell the other woman that she was married, but that was silly. She was twenty-three years old...it would be stranger for her not to be married. "My husband," she sighed, rolling her eyes. "He's attempting to work his way up the ladder, so he's here to talk to all the important people. And show me off, of course...his perfect little wife, the accessory to show what an upstanding man he is." Lisbeth felt an immense sense of relief to finally be able to vocalize her complaints about her husband. There was no way she could have talked to Jonah or his family, and her own family would just tell her that being the "good little wife" was her duty as a woman and she should take pride and be thankful that such a successful man chose her to be his wife.

"I'm sorry...you didn't come here to listen to me complain," Lisbeth said, ducking her head slightly, suddenly aware that she had said all this to a woman she hardly knew. Although, there was something about her that made Lisbeth trust her intrinsically. She actually regretted giving Rose a fake name, and wondered if the other woman had done the same. Lisbeth suddenly realized that she was incredibly drawn to this woman, felt differently than she had in getting to know any of her other friends.

She shook herself inwardly, glad for the dim lighting and hoping that it didn't show the flush rising on her cheeks as she realized that she had been staring at Rose. "And what about you? What brings you here?" Lisbeth leaned forward, genuinely interested in the woman sitting next to her.

 

[BeautifulDream]

Lillian listened as she Rose spoke about being a trophy wife and gave the girl a smile before patting her on the hand. “Don’t fret, I don’t mind.” She pulled her hands back into her lap quickly. She was never really one for touching, it went back to how she was raise. She couldn’t believe she touched the girl so easily. She glanced down at her hands sitting in her lap.

“I know how it feels to be a trophy wife. I’ve been one for years. To have your husband satisfied but to never find peace for yourself.” She couldn’t believe she was being so honest with someone she never knew. She couldn’t believe as those words just spilled out of her mouth.

She cleared her throat as she glanced up at the girl. “Oh dear, look at us ranting about our husbands.”

 

[ashlynn_rae]

Lisbeth started at the touch of the other woman's hand on hers. Rose drew her hands back quickly, and Lisbeth wondered if she had felt the same spark of electricity where their hands made contact or if she had completely imagined the whole thing. It was unlike anything she had ever felt before and Lisbeth didn't know what to make of the mix of emotions going through her. The simple answer was that it was the alcohol getting to her, but she knew that wasn't the true reason. Lisbeth was suddenly, acutely, aware of the small distance between them.

Lisbeth shook it off and placed her attention back on Rose. She nodded, agreeing with every word the other woman was saying. A smile tugged at her lips as she looked at the other girl. "I can't tell you how refreshing it is to talk with you like this. It feels so good to meet someone of such a similar mindset as mine. I feel like I've known you for years." Lisbeth hesitated a bit at that last statement, not wanting to sound too strange or forward, but enjoying Rose's company so much that she couldn't help herself.

"So tell me, Rose. If you weren't a trophy wife, weren't married at all, and could do anything you wanted...what would you do?" Lisbeth found that she wanted to know everything there was to know about the mysterious woman.

 

[BeautifulDream]

Lillian gave a small smile as she kept her eyes facing away from Annabelle. She let her eyes take in all of the flowers in the garden, they were beautiful. They looked so soft and delicate. She didn't want Annabelle seeing the longing in her eyes as she exolained her dreams to the woman she only just met. "Well I wouldn't be here, that's for sure. I'd go somewhere I have never been, perhaps somewhere sandy with a lovely beach. I've always wanted to go to the beach." She sighed softly as reached out and plucked a small flower, holding it in her palm.

"When I reach this new place I want to find love. True love, not I 'think' I love you stuff. To feel your heart swell when you see them. To ache when you can't. I want to feel passion, desire, something. I just want to feel alive."

Why was she telling the girl this? She didn't know her. Why would she be so open about her most secret want?

Lillian turned to face her, admiring her green eyes as she turned her mouth up into another smile. "I'm sorry... you probably thing its silly."

 

[ashlynn_rae]

Lisbeth smiled, entranced by what Rose was saying and she found herself nodding along. "Oh, don't feel embarrassed at all," she said. "I don't think it's silly in the least to want something true and honest, particularly in our world where most relationships are about convenience and appearances." Lisbeth blushed lightly, grateful once again for the dim lighting.

She watched the other woman gaze down at the flower she held in her hand. The twinkling lights that lit the garden caused Rose's chestnut hair to sparkle and the gems on her mask and dress to shimmer. She felt totally and inexplicably drawn to the other woman in a way she didn't fully understand herself.

"I guess I would say that I want the same thing. On both accounts, actually. I've always wanted to travel," she laughed lightly, meeting Rose's eyes with her own. "Jonah would never let me go off alone, though, and he could never leave work for more than an afternoon to take me anywhere." Lisbeth shrugged lightly, pushing her blonde hair back over her shoulders. "In fact, he's probably having a fit now, wondering where I am," she smiled mischievously at Rose. "To tell the truth, I don't actually mind making him worry too much. You are far better company."

 

[BeautifulDream]

Lillian let out a small chuckle at the mention of their husbands. She doubted Harrison even knew she was gone. It wouldn't be the first time he had forgotten about her... and must likely wouldn't be the last. But that was how Harrison was, so caught up with social standings with no time to see that his wife was miserable.

She sat the small flower down on the bench next to her before folding her hands neatly back into her lap. "Forgive me if this is too... well personal. But I am curious, if you had the chance to leave your husband would you?" She asked keeping her eyes down on her hands. "I mean if we are so unhappy, why don't we leave?" She scoffed at herself, why even think such a thing? Lillian knew she very well couldn't leave Harrison. Where would she go? How would she live?

But that doesn't mean she can't dream about leaving. She wondered if Annabelle wanted to leave as well. Maybe we could run away together... she thought as she looked up at the garden. "Annabelle, if someone came up right now and offered to take you away, would you go?"

 

[ashlynn_rae]

Lisbeth's breath caught in her throat and she paused for a moment to collect her thoughts before answering Rose's question. She plucked the flower off the bench and twirled it lightly in her fingers. Lisbeth smiled lightly before looking back up at Rose.

"Absolutely," she said, being completely honest with the other woman. "I would leave in a heartbeat...if I knew where to go. Truth is," Lisbeth sighed, unsure how to put her confusing thoughts into words. "Truth is, it would depend on who was willing to take me away. I mean, Jonah's an animal, but at least he leaves me alone most of the time. I'd sooner stay than go away with a man that may turn out to be even worse."

Lisbeth looked fully into Rose's eyes, entranced by the sadness and longing she saw there. "What about you? Would you ever leave?" Lisbeth bit her lip gently, awaiting Rose's response.

 

[BeautifulDream]

Lillian smiled softly. "To be with someone who would actually acknowledge me? If someone actually cared about me offered to take me away, I'd leave the moment the opportunity came."

She stood slowly moving to stand against the railing, turning to face Annabelle. Her mind full of thoughts of leaving, thoughts of being love. She wanted to be touched like she meant something. She wanted to feel desire. "You'll have to excuse my bluntness, it could be the champagne talking, but you are a very beautiful woman. I can see it even though I haven't seen your full face. If I was man, I'd treat you with respect and love. Your husband must be blind if he can not see the treasure before him."

She chuckled quietly, smoothing down her skirt. "All I would ever want back is the same. But... but I am not a man." She said as she shook her head. She knew she shouldn't speak like that. It was foolish and would probably make the girl uncomfortable. "Forgive me, I am sorry. Champagne makes me a little crazy. I suppose I've had one too many drinks."