Masquerade

Rain fell gently outside, the scent mixing with the hay and Chrysanthemums. Fires crackled in the fireplaces throughout the room, barely audible above the string quartet's warm up. The combination of scents and sounds always made her think of fall.

Jane smoothed her hands over the silken folds of her gown. The fabric was a brilliant blue that matched the color of her eyes. Her chestnut locks fell in waves to her shoulders. She fastened her diamonds at her throat and around her wrists. Finally satisfied with her reflection, Jane secured a mask over her eyes, silently cursing the stupid tradition of the fall masque. Then again, it was somewhat fitting, since she had been wearing a mask of sorts for some time now. She was tired of pretending she was okay, like the past hadn't happened, hadn't been devastating to her.

Jane entered the ballroom alone, plastering a fake smile on her face. She was departing from her usual tradition of being escorted in on the arm of a handsome man. For the past three years, it had been the same handsome man. Jacob.

Jane willed the tears not to fall as she thought back to the last time they were together. He had picked her up early for their date, excited to show off his new ride. When he opened the door for her, a single red rose rested on the passenger seat. Every time they were together, he always brought her one.

They talked excitedly as he eased the car onto the highway. Then Jake's need for speed clouded his better judgment. He lost control of the car, careening into the concrete barrier before shooting off into oncoming traffic. They were struck head-on, the impact flipping the car. It skidded on its roof to the side of the road.

Jane still dreamed of that night. Her screams still echoed in her ears. She was able to escape from the car, somehow managing to drag her battered body through the hole left when half the windshield shattered and broke away. Jane tried to save him, but Jake was still trapped inside the car when it caught fire.

Two firemen had to physically restrain her from the wreckage. She sank to her knees, overcome by the sobs racking her body. She begged for his safety, offering to take his place if he would be spared, wishing with all her heart that she could have him in her arms one more time. Not one day went by that she didn't ache for him, feeling tremendous guilt that she was the one who survived the crash.

Jane tried in vain to shake the images from her head and enjoy the celebration, but the memories were too strong. Particularly tonight...the accident was three years ago tonight. She quickly slipped from the ballroom, seeking refuge in the library. This was her favorite place in the house with its leather couches and tall bookcase full of classic first editions. A fire burned in the corner of the room. She pressed a button, opening a panel in the wall to reveal the hidden bar. She poured herself a glass of brandy before melting into her favorite armchair, sinking into its plush cushions.

She didn't remember closing her eyes, but she must have slipped into a booze-fueled dreamless slumber. Jane sensed someone else in the room. Opening one eye, she saw a man dressed all in black, his long cape brushing the floor. He wore a Guy Fawkes mask that covered his entire face and his hands were encased in thick leather gloves.

As he walked toward her, there was something familiar about the stranger's presence and the way he moved. Glass clinked on the bar as he helped himself to the brandy in the decanter. Jane closed her eyes again, pretending to be asleep, as Guy made his way toward her.

He knelt before Jane, snaking his arms around her waist. Jane breathed him in, the combination of his musky cologne, brandy and smoke intoxicating. Guy nuzzled at her neck, weaving his fingers tightly through his hair. He pulled her against him, feeling the heat of her body and her pounding heart against his chest.

She lowered her head to his, but he moved away before their lips could meet. Guy shook his head sadly. "You should be more careful what you wish for, Janey."

That voice... It was so familiar. But no one called her Janey anymore, not since the accident. Guy brought her close again and whispered in her ear urgently. Then, as quickly as he appeared, he was gone.

Jane opened her eyes, completely disoriented but feeling so much...lighter. As she stood, a blood red rose fell from her lap. She smiled at the sight and quickly tucked the bloom behind her ear. She threw open the library doors, leaving her mask behind, ready to rejoin the party.