Masquerade

You stare at the party before you. Glamorous. It’s exactly like a scene out of any fairytale. Chandeliers dangle from the high ceiling, weighed down by diamonds and crystals. Although they hang still, it still seems as if they are threatening to fall down.
The floor reflects the light from the chandeliers. The walls bounce the voices back and forth. Each heel that strikes the floor is accompanied by a clack. You hear the countless conversations swirling around you, but you don’t understand any of them. All the voices and words blend together in one giant murmur.
Long, gorgeous gowns trail the glossy floor. Every girl on the dance floor wears a mask corresponding with her dress. Every boy wears the same penguin suit costume, each with a mask concealing his identity. The room is full of mystery and unanswered questions as everyone peers curiously at one another, wondering who exactly they’re dealing with.
A penguin suit walks up to you. Although the mask covers his mouth, you see the twinkle in his eyes and hear the smile in his voice. “You seem familiar,” he says slowly.
You return the smile. “Is this how you try to pick up girls?” you remark playfully.
He doesn’t reply at first. You see his eyes studying you, sure that he’s still smiling.
Under his gaze, you try not to squirm. Instead, you lift your chin, straighten your back, and lock your own eyes to him.
“Would you like to dance?” he asks you, holding out his hand for you.
You briefly glance down at his welcoming hand before taking it. “It would be my pleasure,” you reply, excited. The moment his hand wraps around your own, your palm grows sweaty and your heart beats faster.
And so the two of you dance. It’s graceful; rhythmic. You aren’t touching him, but you still feel his warmth emanating off his body that it almost seems as if your body is pressed against his. He breathes. You match your own to his. The butterflies within your stomach rampage in circles.
You can’t keep your cool for much longer. A grin permanently paints itself on your face along with a rosy red color gently brushed onto your cheeks. Unfortunately, the mask covers your transparent feelings.
The song ends. The two of you step away from one another. His warmth you felt, however, remains lingering on you.
“I’ll be right back,” you squeal, your voice an octave higher than it was prior to the dance.
“I’ll be waiting for you,” he replies, fairly amused. He’s taken a liking to you.
You turn and hurry away, trying to regain your composure. It’s difficult, considering you can’t seem to concentrate on anything other than Mr. Penguin Suit.
Accidentally, you bump into someone while your mind is preoccupied.
“Sorry,” you say, looking up at the person you just ran into. Your eyes widen and your jaw drops as you see a replicate of yourself. Or, so it seems like a replicate.
She has the same dress as you. Maybe not exactly the same, but an extremely similar one. Her mask is very similar as well. She has the same hair color as you; the same shade of skin, the same height. You feel like you’re looking in a mirror. The two of you look chillingly alike.
The only aspect different between the two of you were the eyes. As she holds your stunned gaze, you notice her eyes are deeper and darker compared to your own glowing set of carefree eyes. Her eyes don’t show surprise. Instead, they’re knowing and understanding. Very different from yours.
"You’re--" you start, trying to place a name with her hidden face. Before you can finish, a large crash interrupts you. The moment of truth.
Heads turn toward the fallen chandelier in the middle of the dance floor. Shattered glass is scattered everywhere. The guests stare at the chandelier in horror before panicking. They begin to run for the doors.
You bring your attention back to the look-alike girl. She lifts her mask and reveals a smile.
"--Love," you finish.
"And you’re Infatuation," she responds.
Glancing across the dance floor, you see Mr. Penguin Suit staring back at you, clearly puzzled. He doesn’t know which girl he danced with earlier in the night.
"He’s not searching for you," she says before slipping the mask back on. Her voice is soft, gentle. You can’t make a noise as she walks away toward a confused Mr. Penguin Suit. He gives you one last fleeting glance before giving Love his undivided attention.
You look the other way and notice another boy in a mask and a penguin suit costume staring at you curiously. Slightly raising your mask, you grant him a smile as you drift toward him.
The other boy isn’t your problem anymore. A new set of butterflies, giggles, and heartbeats are awaiting for you. Of course, he’ll mistake you for Love like they all do, but you’re alright with that now. You’re used to the quick, thrilling moments you’ll shortly share with him. It’s who you are.