Chapter 9: The Masquerade

It was a bright and sunny Friday. The sun shone brilliantly with white and fluffy cotton candy clouds drifting across the clear blue sky. It was the perfect time to appreciate the wonderful weather, but everybody was busy shopping at the mall.

Yes, they are all busy doing last-minute shopping and preparing for the upcoming Masquerade party that will be held on Saturday in the residence of Guadalupe Purification Banal. Some skip work and classes just to prepare for the said event.

The masquerade ball is the most prestigious event in San Lorenzo and it was only held in October by the wealthiest families. There is no need for an invitation to attend. Everyone is invited regardless of their social status, and it is the best opportunity to meet people in the higher class. It's not common that everyday people in the lower class get to talk or even get close to people from the higher class. 

Business tycoons came to the party to meet up and close business transactions. Some influential people came there to market themselves to the investors. Aspiring celebrities who want to have a big break in showbiz meet renowned talent agents and be discovered. Even arrange marriages are being negotiated in the same event. 

Poverty-stricken maidens who want to live a fairytale life hoping to meet their rich handsome prince. For them, it is their ticket way out of their penurious lifestyle. Sometimes, the masquerade ball is used as a secret rendezvous for syndicates to conduct their illegal transaction. Different people, different personalities, and different classes come together with different goals. 

At the university campus...

Edward was on his way to attend his chemistry class when he accidentally bumps into Ella.

"What are you still doing on campus?" Edward surprisingly asked Ella.

He notices that Ella is wearing a jumpsuit and hand gloves that are covered in grease. She is carrying a toolbox, and she is filthier than before.

"Let me guess. Your motor is broken again," he said while raising a brow.

"Edward, it's Friday. What is so surprising about that? We have classes on Friday that is why I am still here," she exasperated. "My motor is not broken. I have an automotive mechanic class earlier," she explained.

"Wow, do you want to become an automotive technician just like your brother Lucas?" Edward astonishingly asked her. It is rare to have a female mechanic in the province, and he is quite impressed by her eccentric personality.

They both walk along the empty corridors heading to their next class.

"Well, we already have a small mechanic shop. I just want to expand it and have it officially registered with certifications. It's not much, but it's a start for my family," Ella proudly said giving Edward her sweet smile.

This is the first time Edward saw her genuinely smile. Ella is more comfortable focusing on her inner thoughts and ideas. She is never expressive. She is the serious type that rarely smiles.

Edward stares at her trying to look into her eyes underneath the thick glasses until he notices that Ella is starting to feel uncomfortable with him, so he decided to change the topic. 

"Did you notice there are only a few students and professors present today? They are all busy preparing for the party."

"And why are you still here? Aren't you going to prepare for the party? Ella curiously asked him.

"I'm failing my chemistry class, so I need to do a remedial exam. How about you, aren't you going to the party?"

"Nah, it's just a waste of time and money. I don't have the luxury of both time and money," she frankly said.

"If you are worried about the money, I can help you out with the dress..."

Ella declines Edward's offer even before he finishes his sentence.

"I'm also busy with my part-time job." she quickly replied and walks faster almost leaving him behind.

"C'mon, not every day you get to attend a masquerade ball besides everybody is going to be there," Edward insisted, and he walks faster to catch up with her.

"No, thank you. I have lots of important things to do," she said as an excuse.

They both walk faster along the corridor as if they were having a walkathon. Ella is trying to get rid of Edward while he continues to follow her around trying to convince her to attend the party.

"There is going to be a concert, and I heard that a well-known celebrity was going to be there too," Edward persistently said to her while panting and trying to catch his breath.

"I don't know much about showbiz."

Ella's heartbeat was shallow and fast with a heavy breath as she continues to walk faster. Edward could not take it anymore and decided to stop chasing after her.

"There will be lots of delicious food out there. The all-you-can-eat buffets and they are all free," he said with a big smile on his face.

Ella suddenly stops walking and turns her head around to face Edward who is currently catching his breath. He walks towards her and stands in front of her.

"Nice try, Einstein! Do you think that you can lure me using food as bait?" 

Edward tries his best not to laugh while watching Ella's reaction. He knew that somehow, he was able to convince her by simply mentioning the foods that will be served at the party she just doesn't want to admit it. He places his hands on both sides of her arms and gently squeezes them.

"Please don't say no and think about it first. I promise you that it will be fun. Try to unwind and loosen up once in a while," he softly speaks. 

Ella didn't say a word. She didn't want to argue with him anymore, so she simply nodded her head. Edward taps her shoulder before walking in the opposite direction to his chemistry class. Ella remains standing in the corridor still contemplating what he said and before Edward enters the classroom he turns around and said...

If you decided to come to the party, I'm going to wear a blue cashmere suit and Roman Greek Mythological Venetian Mask," he said and winked at her.

Edward wants her to easily identify him, so he told her what he would be wearing. A masquerade ball is a big event; everybody will wear a mask. It would be difficult for Ella to recognize anyone if she doesn't know what they will be wearing before the event. It is like finding a needle in a haystack.

After classes, Ella went straight to her part-time job. She is working as a cashier in Happily Ever After costume shop. There are different clothes for rent and sale for different occasions and events. From birthday and party accessories, Halloween costumes, wedding and prom dresses, and anime cosplays to sexy lingerie and naughty toys. They have everything even masquerade gowns and masks. People in the lower class came there to get their masquerade costumes of good quality at very affordable prices.

It was a very busy day for the shop since everybody needs a costume for the upcoming masquerade ball. Ella was busy attending to the customers when her friend Bruce arrives bearing gifts.

"Bitch, I knew you were here. I came by to your house, and your cute brother told me that you did not come home," he exclaimed and raised an eyebrow.

"Of course, I am here. I have a part-time job," Ella sardonically said.

"You should be preparing for the party. You deserved to enjoy life once in a while," Bruce seriously said trying to convince his friend.

"Can you blame her for being a workaholic?" Salome butts in the conversation upon entering the shop. "You bitches are too loud that I can hear you outside the shop," she said with a cheerful smile on her face.

"Let me guess you are also on duty tomorrow?" Bruce stared at Salome with a smirk on his face.

Salome works as an event organizer and is normally the one who's organizing the masquerade parties. 

"No dearie, I'm free as a bird and I am going to attend the masquerade ball as one of the guests," Salome excitedly said to him.

"How about you Ella, don't tell me that you will be working tomorrow?" Bruce inquisitively asked her.

"Bruce told me that you met a cute guy last time you attended the masquerade ball," Salome teases her.

"Yeah bitch, you never told me his name. Who is the handsome devil?" Bruce said looking very anxious.

They both stood in front of her on the other side of the counter and excitedly waited for her to reply until one of the customers interrupt their conversation.

"Are you going to buy something? We are waiting in line for a long time."

"Seriously bitch, that's what you're going to wear for the masquerade ball? That dress doesn't look good on your dark complexion. Go try on another dress," Bruce said to get rid of the customer.

Ella and Salome discretely giggle as they watch their gay friend try to get rid of the customers falling in line at the counter. Ella was about to gracefully exit the hot seat when Salome stops her from leaving.

"You're not getting away that easily Ella, now tells us what happen that night," Salome gleamed at her waiting for her answer.

"That was a mistake. I shouldn't have come to that party," Ella said with a disappointed tone.

"Oh C'mon, I thought you said he was nice and very cute," Bruce said with a doubtful look in his eyes.

"I was drunk and I must have been hallucinating thinking that he is cute," Ella sheepishly said to them. Her face suddenly turns red. She starts to become self-conscious and dodges their judging eyes.

"We've been friends like forever bitch. You can't fool us with your trickery." Bruce's eyes darted at Ella.

"Yeah bitch, we know you more than you know yourself. You are not a good liar, so stop trying to be one," Salome's voice increases two pitches higher than usual. 

Ella took a deep breath and releases an audible sigh. 

"He is just too good to be true and if he found out who I am..."

Salome knew what was in her friend's heart and she can read her like an open book. 

"Are you afraid that he will not like you?"

Bruce places his hands over Ella's shoulder and gives her some encouraging words and moral support.

"I know that it's very unlikely for a rich man to fall in love with a poor woman, but if you are given a chance to become a princess for a night don't you want to see your prince once again?"

They have a few moments of silence waiting for Ella's response. Ella looks at her friend and realizes what they are trying to convey until she finally made her decision.

"Fine. I will come to the masquerade ball!"