I don't usually go to these kinds of parties, but this year the thought of getting dressed up as my secret fantasy character sounded fun. I hate not having a boyfriend to go with, but ah well, at least Mary will be here, I sigh. I needed some excitement in my life just about now. I really want wild abandonment. I want to do more than just dress the part. I want to live it even for just one night. Then I can go back to my mundane boring life.
Knock, knock, knock, my knuckles rapped on the hollow wooden door. An eerie, mournful tune filtered through the open windows. A slight breeze made the sheer curtains flutter. A cool misty fog billowed out as the door slowly creaked open. A shiver of excitement raced through me. Was this going to be a blast or what, I smiled to myself.
"Yessssss," A low masculine voice rumbled.
Standing at 5'4", I looked up, way up, at the man, or should I say giant before me. Opening my small purse, I nervously dug around and finally pulled out a tattered invitation. "Here," I thrust it toward his outstretched hand. His black fingernails look creepy against his pale skin. I quickly dropped it and pulled my hand back as if he had germs.
He inspected the invitation, and motioned me inside. As I passed him, I heard him mumble something. Startled I looked back over my shoulder, not sure, if I heard him right. Shaking my head, I entered the house.
I walked through a dark entryway, cob webs clung to the ceiling and antique furniture. Fog danced and swirled at my ankles, parting as I moved further inside. A multitude of candles created a soft glow of intimacy, almost cozy in the haunting decor. Screeches and screams broke through the buzz of conversations. It was not a large party, only about 30 or 40 people. I don't know how I'm ever going to find my girl friend. I don't think I would know my own brother if I saw him. I looked around and the costumes were great. Across the room, next to the fireplace was Count Dracula, appropriate, I chuckled. Next to him was Bill Clinton...now who in their right mind would want to be him. I laughed quietly. A dominatrix dressed in black leather had her back to me. I wish I could have been that bold. She turned and waved. I looked around and no one seemed to pay any attention. I looked back at her. Her waving became more frantic. Me, I pointed to my chest. Yes, she nodded. I looked at her more closely, could it be...then she winked. Oh my goodness...Mary, I whispered, my hand flew to cover my mouth confining the giddy laughter tumbling out. A grin spread across my face. Her newly colored, long curly black hair jiggled as she nodded. What a difference! She gave me the A-OK sign...and mouthed, great costume. I looked down at the skintight fawn colored pants, thigh high leather boots and the oversized poet's shirt worn braless and the top three buttons undone to allow a glimpse of my ample cleavage. The outfit complimented my voluptuous body. A red sash about my waist and the glicining of the steel sword made me feel as powerful as the Pirate Queen I fantasized about being.
We came together hugging, giggling like two schoolchildren.
"Is this great or what?" Mary said.
"The best, I soooo needed this." I sighed. "O.K. Spill, I had no clue you wanted to dominate men?"
"Hahaha," she laughed. "What about you, miss pirate queen! You want to dominate just as much. We just fantasize about it in different ways."
"You got me. I do, after putting up with their chauvinistic attitudes all day at work. I would love to have one night, just one night to be the one in control."
"Be careful what you wish for," Mary stated.
"Like I could ever get the nerve," I laughed softly. Thinking of the possibilities, a slow mischievous smile spread across my face. "Hey that's the second time I heard that tonight." I said puzzled. Mary laughed.
We walked over to the food table, famished. There before us was an elaborate display of some of the most scrumptious delights. I reached toward the shrimp and something bumped me from behind. I lost my balance and pitched forward. Seeing the table loom closer I tried to break my fall by placing my hands upon the table. Suddenly a strong arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me upright. Startled at the abrupt change in direction I fell into his chest. His exotic and spicy cologne filled my senses. Oh man, I nearly fainted at the delicious aroma.
I stammered, "Umm. Excuse me..."
"No, excuse necessary," he whispered in my ear. "It was ALL my fault."
Shivers tingled through my body. I looked up to see a wicked grin and devilish eyes gaze at me. I realized that I wanted to be pressed tight against him. I moved to separate us. He gave me a slight squeeze and let go.
"I can see that everything is just fine here," Mary said. "I'll just be over here...table...food...hungry." Shaking her head she turned, picked up a plate and began to fill it." She mumbled under her breath, "O.K. I can see where I'm not wanted."
"What did you say?" I said distracted and looked at her.
"Oh, nothing, " Mary smiled.
I winked at her. "Just a minute Mary," I said as I turned to look at the man that saved me. "He's gone," I said sadly and looked at Mary again. "I don't even know his name. What was he wearing? I never got a chance to see!"
Mary's infectious laughter filled the room. Now all eyes were on us. Blushing, I hushed her. Only making her laugh harder. "Mare" I pleaded quietly, "Shhhhhh, everyone is looking at us."
"You are too funny. What is it you do remember about Mister tall dark and handsome?"
"He was?" I grinned
"Umm...very"
"Oh my goodness...How will I ever find him?"
"Well, I guess I could tell you." she teased. With that statement, she turned and walked away. I could hear her softly laugh at having the upper hand.
"Mare," I pleaded. "Tell me." I followed her.
"Come on lets check this place out. It's my turn to find a man."
"You're not gonna tell me are you?"
"Nope, Not yet, but I will."
I sighed deeply, "Ahhhh, that's not fair."
We walked through the house. The fog creeps around our legs. The cobwebs and haunting music really created a ghostly atmosphere. There were several small groups of costumed guests chatting. The low hum of conversation was jovial and spirited. It seemed that everyone was having a good time. We continued down a hallway to another room where there was music for dancing. The dance floor was crowded. Thirsty, we looked around, hoping to find a refreshment table. There in the corner was a large punch bowl. We stepped up to the table and poured ourselves a glass of grotesque green liquid. To parched to care about the color, I downed the cup all at once. I was amazed at the fruity flavor. I could tell that someone had spiked it. It was too good and went down to fast, if I'm not careful I will be drunk in no time. My final thought, just another shot of courage, I poured myself another cup full savoring the sweet taste.
Mary and I moved away from the table to check out the dancers. There were some great costumes here. It was fun to see what everyone's secret fantasy was. There were several rock stars, a few dead presidents and some actors, the usual. The music was intoxicating. My body began to sway to the beat. Mary had already grabbed a partner and was dancing with Mr. Biker Man. He was gorgeous, long blonde hair and a mustache. I took another sip of punch and something bumped my arm, sending the contents out of the cup and away from me, thank god. I look down hoping nothing spilled on my shirt. Relieved, I turned to look at who bumped me.
I know that wicked grin. I smiled. "Could you watch where you are going?" I flirted.
"Oh, I am." He teased. "Would you like to dance?"
"Sure," I smiled. He reached for my cup and took it, setting it on a nearby table. Then he escorted me to the dance floor. Just as we started to dance, the song ended. A slow, sensual one began. He moved closer and encircled my waist pulling me close. One arm reached up to his shoulder and the other rested on his chest. His hand covered mine. We circled slowly around, gently swaying to the music. I could smell his cologne and it was doing crazy things to my brain. I looked up into his light brown eyes, an unusual whisky color. His hair tied back with a leather string and neatly trimmed beard were dark, almost black. The contrast was striking. I pulled away to get a better look at his costume and laughed aloud.
"It looks like we have the same fantasy!"
"Indeed," he replied with a wink. He gathered me close again and we continued dancing.