Chapter 12: Masked.

~Melissa’s POV

“Don't tell me you're still thinking about him.” Tracy mumbled, putting a comb through my hair as her breath caressed my neck. It's been days since I last saw Aiden, and I was starting to get worried. His last words still lingered in my mind, eating the depths of my soul. Having no one to confide in was hard; Tracy wouldn't understand, and my mother would be terrified.

How would I explain the whole theory of mates and how important it was for me to go with him? A soft sigh escaped my lips as I pictured Tracy styling my hair in a messy bun, getting me all pretty for the end of the semester blow out. “Tracy, you know I don't like attending parties.” I explained, almost suffocated by the tightness of the dress hugging my body, “I don't think I belong there.”

Tracy pressed her palms on my shoulders, “You have every right to be there, Melissa.” she pointed out, her voice firm and unwavering, “Get him off your mind for tonight and loosen up. I'm sure he's alright.” she added, adding a finishing touch to my whole appearance. “And we're all done.” her wide smile almost warmed up my cold heart, but with the strange things happening around, It was hard to smile genuinely.

“How do I look?” I asked, turning to face Tracy. There was one thing I've wished for ever since I was little, It was a chance to picture myself just once. To know what I looked like, how my eyes were and how my smile slowly widens. I had no idea of my body shape, but it seemed like big clothes would go better with anyone. My closet was filled with them, but Tracy here….had decided to clothe me with something that was taking my breath away.

My whole body felt heavy, like I was adorned with jewels, a lot of them. I've always liked piercings, so I had about three done on my ears. Feeling a cold touch on my neck, I reached for it and smiled, “It's beautiful.”

“You deserve beautiful things, Melissa.” Tracy chimed in as she walked out of my room. Unlike me, Tracy was a heavy dresser, someone who loves skimpy outfits and mini skirts. As I strode out the room, I envisioned her hips swaying as she walked; she looked so freaking hot. I would take my shot if I were a man.

“Tracy.” My mother called out, a warm smile on her lips as she enveloped Tracy in a warm hug, “You look beautiful.” she sized Tracy's whole outfit, and I pictured a slight look of disapproval on her face. I cleared my throat and approached them, “Mother, we'll be back before midnight.”

An incredulous stare appeared on my mother, Hazel's face as she nodded stiffly, “Alright, Melissa.” her voice trembled slightly, but she walked towards the kitchen, “Before midnight. Be safe.”

“Alright, mother!” Tracy yelled, slamming the door as soon as I walked out. She wrapped her hands around my arms, leading me towards her car, “You're going to have the best night of your life!” she squealed, opening up the door for me. I bit my lips and sighed, “You tend to forget that I'm not completely blind, don't you?”

She waved her hands in the air and shrugged.

Unlike me, Tracy was from a very wealthy home. Blessed with both parents, she was a bright kid—sassy, hot tempered, sweet and naughty. Anyone standing in her way should be ready to be roasted. Taking a drive with Tracy could be a physical kind of nightmare.

The windows were completely open and the loud music kept on blasting my ears. Shaking my head softly, I leaned towards the window and pictured the bustling streets of the city I grew in. Like always, people were busy with their daily activities and nature was just as beautiful. Feeling the cold gust of the wind on my face, my mind flashed back to my visit at the beach and how Aiden made the beach a memorable place.

My lips stretched, forming an arc as I tightened my grip on my mask, “Almost there?” I asked, straightening my back as I envisioned Tracy moving into the parking lot. We were still on the street, but I knew it would only take about three—

“We'll be there in three minutes.”

Minutes.

For the end of the semester blow out, I'd the chance to be a normal girl, not the blind one that gets bullied and ridiculed almost all the time. Placing the mask over my face, I flipped my attention to Tracy, picturing the silver mask on her face, “Do you think red goes well with my outfit?” I asked, slightly uncomfortable, “I..feel…”

“Don't be nervous, Lisa.” Tracy said as we strode into the hall, loud music blasting through my ears. Not just the music, there were yellings, the heavy smell of smoke and sweat. It was like a whole new world and Tracy was already loosening up, swaying her hips to the beat of the music. She ran her hands through her hair, screaming and jumping, “Lisa, c'mon, feel the heat!” she yelled through the music and I tried to loosen up as well.

The sight was all too beautiful; neon lights, round tables, drinks, strippers, the party literally had everything. My gaze landed on a group of guys hanging out together and I swallowed, feeling their eyes on me. They were just four, but they traumatized me since my very first year. They made sure my whole life was a living hell.

However, I could sense that their gaze wasn't one of disgust. Envisioning them, all I could see was lust and desire, a sly, disgusting smile hanging on their lips. I averted my gaze and walked away, losing Tracy in the crowd.

“Hey.” A voice said out of nowhere and I flinched, placing my hands on my heart to stabilize my heartbeat, “What…in the world”

A cheeky smile was plastered on his face as he tilted his head, “Haven't seen you around here.” he pointed out, circling me with a glass in his hands.

“It's a mask themed party. You shouldn't know who's behind the mask.” I pointed out, walking away, but he dragged me softly, breathing against my neck, “but I would like to know you.” he said, tracing my arms seductively, “There’s really no crime if I take a peep.”

“No!” I spat, moving away, but he was quick to stand in front of me, blocking my escape, “Just like I thought, you're the blind wrench.”