Author's Note: "This is the first story I have posted. Please let me know what you think. I have a lot more stories, most only half done. If the comments are positive or helpful, I hope to add them here soon."
***
Chapter 1: The Mask
Rosa couldn't believe how stupid she was being. Not only was she risking her college education, but she could get blacklisted from her dream job for this. All because of this stupid mask! She could hear it taunting her from inside her suitcase, daring her to put it on. Rosa was smart enough not to take it out on the bus ride home. Still ...
It had been a lucky break, this archeological internship in Central America. Rosa dreamed of becoming an archeologist, and the chance to see an actual dig was not one she would pass up. The head archeologist even showed her one of their greatest finds - a remarkably well-preserved wooden mask: brown with narrow eye slits, a mouth with sharp, carved teeth, and horn-shaped protrusions on the top. According to the archeologist, it was found with a unique carving: A demon-like creature, muscular with the large breasts of a woman and the genitalia of a man. The archeologist believed this was some little-known god/goddess of fertility or strength - one that was possibility forbidden to worship.
The second she saw the mask, Rosa felt drawn to it. Something inside her told her to take it and put it on. The thought didn't leave her mind for the entire trip, but the Archeologist wouldn't keep taking it out of its case for her - to do so would risk damaging it. The last night of her internship, Rosa did something unthinkable: she broke into the collection and stole the mask!
It took all her resistance to keep from putting on the mask right away, she wanted to get back home to her apartment first. When the bus stopped, she ran out as quickly as she could. Barely taking time to turn on the lights, Rosa yanked the mask out of her suitcase and stared at it.
The urge to put it on was overwhelming, as if there was a voice in her head commanding her to do so. She lifted the mask to her face, having no idea what would happen. She felt the cool, smooth wood against her skin and ... nothing.