I flipped through the mail as I walked up the driveway and into the house. Most of it was bills, what else is new, and a magazine. As I tossed the mail on the countertop I saw an envelope fall from the pile onto the floor. I picked it up. The envelope was a deep crimson color and had a black ribbon tying it shut, and there was no return address on it. I ripped open the red card and sat down. It was an invitation.
You are cordially invited to a masquerade
To be held on Halloween Night 7:00pm
At the Hyde Manor
A fun night for singles
I read the invitation again. There were directions to the manor on the back, but everyone who lived in town knew where it was. There was so much controversy that surrounded that house plus the town was small. I didn't realize anyone had moved into the house recently, but the party sounded fun, a little creepy but fun. I called up my friend Jen to see if she scored an invite and to ask what she thought about it.
"I did get one! It sounds so exciting. A masked ball. Ohhh! It just screams enchantment and a night full of fun. So do you have a dress?"
"I didn't even agree."I pouted.
"Come on. You have no life. This would be a good thing for you. Plus lots of hot single guys."
I sighed, there was no fighting her, she always got me to go to events whether I wanted to or not.
"Fine. But I need an outfit."
"Yeah!" She squealed. "I love shopping."
The next day we went shopping for dresses, Halloween was in a day.
"How about this one," Jen said holding up a slinky blue dress.
"For you?" I asked as I sifted through the sale rack.
"No stupid. For you." She rolled her eyes around.
I turned around and raised my eyebrows. There was no back to the dress and barely a front.
"So what am I going as, a winter slut?"
"Fine. I'll try it," And she bounded into the dressing room.
I grabbed my finds and choose the dressing room next to Jen.
"I like it," She said to a simple black dress I had on. "It screams 'I'm dull and haven't been laid in forever'."
"Jen!" I yelped grinning.
"What. You haven't."
I rolled my eyes and looked in the mirror again, checking my body from different angles. It was dull and I hadn't had any action for a long time.
"So?" Jen said as she held her arms in the air and spun around.
"I like it. You look like you ooze sex appeal."
"Darling I know. You don't think it makes me look trashy."
I choose my words carefully.
"Only if you want it to."
"I don't know yet." She wrinkled her nose and watched herself in the mirror.
I always admired Jen's boldness and unique way of dressing. She had chosen a tightly fitting leopard print dress that hugged her breasts and hips and landed mid thigh. But the thing was she looked great. Her gorgeous tanned body was molded into the dress and her light brown hair swayed as she pranced around. She looked like a true feline on the prowl for some hot man meat.
"Ok," She said. "Now to find your dress." She scrunched her face, "That one isn't it either."
"I liked this one," I muttered.
"How about this?" She held up a dress. My eyes widened.
"On me?"
She pushed me into the dressing room.
"Yup."
I slipped into the dress and she zipped it up for me. I saw her eyes sparkle in the mirror.
"This is it." She said and clasped her hands over her mouth.
I looked myself over in the mirror. I looked pretty damn good.
"Ok. I'll do it. Now we need masks."
"Oh poo," She waved her hand. "Those are just to make you feel invisible; everyone will notice you in this."
I glanced again at the mirror. The dress had a large v-neck cut in the front and back. It showed pretty much all the goodies I was carrying. The rest of it was plain but clung to my body like Jen's dress and hit around mid thigh. I felt powerful in the dress and maybe the color being red helped me feel sexier too.
After we purchased our dresses we went over to about the only chain store in town, Joann's fabrics. We bought their pre-made sequined masks that covered our faces.
"I feel like the Phantom of the opera." I told her.
"He was sexy," Jen replied, "Well at least in the movie."
I just looked at her and hit the gas.
Work the next day was almost too much to bear. I was actually getting excited over the party on Halloween. I listened to the gossip around the office to see if anyone else had received the mysterious invitation.
"I think it's a prank. I bet a bunch of horny high school boys are doing it so they can get laid." Miranda sat back in her chair and filed her nails. "I don't think I'm going."
"Good," I thought.
"Why would you say that," Brenda asked.
"Haven't you noticed no guys were asked? It will be a bunch of girls. That's no fun, unless you're a lesbian." Her eyes met mine.
"Grow up Miranda." I sneered.
"You haven't been on a date in forever." She said matter-of-factly.
"I don't share my personal life with everyone because it's just that, personal!" She was irritating me. "There will be guys there," I turned my attention to Brenda. "I heard Brad is coming." Brenda blushed.
"He said he wasn't" Miranda pouted.
"He doesn't like you," I said and resumed working as she stormed off.
Saturday came and the hours flew by. Jen came to my house to get ready and we would walk down to the manor since it was the end of my street. Sliding into my dress I ran my hands over my body and felt an electrical charge. I peered out the window and saw the glow of the full moon. Night always did come early in the fall.
"Ready?" I asked as I applied my lipstick.
"Yup." She looked at me, "Wow. You look fantastic!!"
I smiled, "Got to make a good impression." My wavy brown hair flowed past my shoulders and shimmered in the light. My lips were a luscious red and my eyes smoky and sultry.
"Let's get going cat woman." I purred as I slid my mask over my face.
Grabbing her arm, I yanked her out the door and down the street.
"Girl. You are feisty tonight." She said.