~The Black Masquerade~

~Please bring Elizabeth back in~

Triston~~

I lead the man back to the table where we were all eating. I took my seat next to Madeline again and Zire sat across from me.

"Well heres all the people you wanted to see." I anticipated his next question, "Abby and Avelle are there, and there."

I went to my food, trying not to think about anything until I had something to hit.

Madeline leaned over, "Who's he?"

"He sees the past."

"Really?"

"He knew about our conversation, so I believe him... for now."

Madeline

So there was another. Another with powers and another who knew about us. Apparently news gets around fast. I didn't mind Triston and Avelle knowing, but that was enough. They were both nice and they weren't like all the other priss pots here, but I didn't know this guy. I didn't want him to know about me.

"I believe him," I said to Triston. "I'm just not so sure I trust him." Triston looked at me confused. I sighed. "I'm not sure I want all of these people knowing. It's just a little too weird for me. We sudden;y meet up at this grand ball, when we tell everyone about our powers."

"I know," Triston said. "I believe you." I smiled. Well, at least I wasn't alone.

"I'm not saying he's not a good guy it's just...I think I've opened up enough for tonight." I blushed a little. I hoped he didn't think I was a suspicious little girl. He laughed and I looked up surprised.

"People are starting to stare," he chuckled. "I suspect it's because we look like a pair of whispering old woman gossiping about the latest scandal." I smiled and waved to my mother, who was also looking at me, a discouraging frown upon her face.

"Oops," I replied. "Mother won't be happy at all."

I walk over to the two in the corner, Maddie and Tristan if I heard correctly. "Sorry, but I seemed to overhear you recent conversation."Their faces pale." Don't worry, I am one of you."

*I'll post in a little bit The.Dreamwalker.*

Johanna

I couldn't help but overhear what Madeline, I thought her name was, was whispering to a young gentleman, who's name I believed to be Triston.
"Felicity!" I whispered exitedly" Did you hear? They can see what we see too!" I pronounced the last words a bit too loud, and everyone at our table directed their attention to us. Felicity covered her face with her hands, afraid everyone would scream we were delusional and losing our minds. Strangely, they just stared, surprised. John, next to me, moved a bit on his seat.

I heard the girl Johanna practically yell the words I had been trying to keep secret. I looked at Triston. AS he seemed surprised, he didn't seem upset. Neither did Avelle. I wanted to scream and yell and throw a fit, but I knew that wouldn't be possible. The others just stared in shock.

"So what?" I hissed at the girl. How could she give away my secret. Didn't sshe understand my need for privacy. My need to keep things in the past. My need to just forget about this...this curse I had.

"Excuse me?" She asked confused. I could feel the tears. Why did she have to bring it up? While everyone else had these amazing gifts, mine was just torture. I only saw things I couldn't change. Like Brendan's death.

"So what if we have gifts? You shouldn't tell everyone like it's just about what you want," as I said these words I knew how selfish I was being myself. I just couldn't face it. "This is my buisness." I couldn't take this any longer. I was being a brat and I knew it.

"I need to be excused," I said, pushing my chair backward. I walked uickly for the door. Mother would be angry, but she would get over it. I couldn't face these people.

Avelle~

Johanna said our secret, practically yelling. I wasn't that upset; everyone on this table knew already but Maddie seem bothered. Triston stood up to go after her but I said, "I'll go, Triston. You stay here."

Without waiting for a reply I followed Maddie. She past the door and I knew she was going to leave. "Maddie!" I cried. "Don't go. Everything is fine."

She didn't turn around, but her pace slowed so I could catch up. "Maddie? Are you okay?" I asked. She turned to me and I saw the tears in her eyes. "Oh, Maddie. It's fine."

Her tears started to run even faster now. "It's all my fault. This isn't a gift. It's a curse!"

"Maddie..." I hugged her tightly. "Is this about Brenden?"

She didn't move. "Yes," she whispered under her breath.

"Don't worry, Maddie. It wasn't your fault. It was an accident. You didn't know what would happen."

She pushed me away. "But it is my fault. I killed him! Your brother, my cousin. I ruined your life. When he died I saw the change you went through. When you pushed everything, everyone away. And it's all my fault."

"Maddie. Don't blame yourself," I said sternly. "It was a mistake, and Brenden doesn't blame you for it. Please, let it go..." I hugged her again.

She cried, sobs shaking her body. "I'm sorry."

I stroked her hair, and we stood there for a few minutes. "Are you okay now?"

She wiped her eyes, a determined look in her eyes. "Yes, thank you , Avelle."

"It's no problem. I should have let you in. When Brenden died I was beside myself. I wasn't thinking of anyone else. Of that, I'm sorry."

I hugged her one last time, and she dried her tears. Then we walked slowly back to the table.

Johanna

I got up, when the two young ladies walked back to our table.
"I'm sorry," I cried out. "Believe me, you were not the only haunted by what we see," I was whispering, now. The crowd around us was too involved on their own conversations that did not noticed our small disagreeing.
John quietly nodded. Could the rest see the same things?
Felicity raised her hand to my arm, in a silent sine for me to sit down. I sat, as friendly commanded and waited to hear the poor girl answer.

Madeline

I nodded. I knew she was sorry and I knew she felt horrible. I just couldn't believe my secret was out. I was glad Avelle followed me. She understood, more than any, what was going on.

"It's alright," I replied. "I over-reacted." I blushed a little. I had. Triston was obviously shocked. He seemed to be the only one listening to our conversation now. I smiled at the girl. She had been excited. She had found more with similar gifts to herself. Who was I to take that away from her? How selfish I could be!

I sat down and tried to act like I hadn't madea scene earlier. Great, I thought, I was turning into one of them. Those girls who create all the drama they just love to be in.

"Are you really okay?" Johanna asked. I nodded my head.

"I'm fine," I replied. She said that I wasn't the only one haunted by visions. Well, I was the only one who saw people die, people I loved, and couldn't stop it. I couldn't stop any of them from coming true.

I wasn't hungry. I wanted to be alone now but I knew I needed to stay and mingle. If I talked to anyone it would be Avelle. Avelle or Triston. I sighed and watched the others. I knew I shouldn't have come to this ball. I just knew it.

*Uh. my next post will come tomorrow. Sorry computer restriction.*

my comp just died so I may be a long time inbetween posting

Ever

She hurried away from him, but not before she head him cursing under his breath. A small smile touched her lips, he had made her feel special, and she had reveled in it.

But she did not deserve it, she wasn't special. She had done things that still haunted her every night. She would wake up screaming in a pool of sweat, reaching in the darkness for someone who was not there. And he never will be again.

She looked behind her, he had laid his head against the window, a look of defeat on his face.

She sighed and turned back around and headed for him again. I know I'm going to hate myself for this.

When she was close to him again he glanced up and saw her, "What brings you back, milady?"

"I cannot bring myself to leave you looking like a sad, lost puppy," She smiled a warm smile. "And I have also realized that I do not know any other gentlemen here, so it would be improper to have them escort me to dinner."

"Are you offering me your arm tonight," He asked, his eyebrows arching.

"Just for tonight," Hers eyes alight with mischief. I hope this will not haunt me.

For the sake of the storybook I'll post even though I have nothing to say. ):

Madeline

Everyone talked excitedly. I had basically spoiled Avelle's night by running out. I knew she didn't enjoy these kind of things, but still. I felt horrible.

"I'll be back in a moment," I smiled to the others. My smile was as fake as my comment. I wasn't coming back in here. I was going outside.

I walked swiftly from the room, my dress swishing behind me. Outside the air hit me with a forceful blast. I closed my eyes and sighed. This was where I needed to be. Outside, under the stars. Not with the giggling girs who were excited because some good looking snobby rich man paid attention to them.

I looked up at the stars and smiled. They were so beautiful. More beautiful than anything I've ever seen. I wish I could be beautiful. Just like those stars. I wasn't ugly, but I knew I wasn't like those bouncing blonde girls inside. I sighed and sat on a small bench, playing with a loose string on my dress. I just wanted to go home

Avelle~

I watched as Maddie left again. I sighed quietly. She blamed herself for so much yet nothing was her fault. Sometimes I wished I had visited her more after Brendan's death; perhaps she wouldn't blame herself as much. I decided I would let her go this time. A sudden tap on my shoulder made me turn around. I saw a messenger. What is he doing here? He motioned me to follow him.

"Miss Avelle?" he said nervously.

I give him a crisp nod.

"Your father requires you to come home immediately. There has been a death."

My heart stopped and my eyes widened. Another death? "W-who is it?"

"Apparently a baker's son. Your father said you were close to him and might have some clues."

My head was spinning. What was happening? "I shall leave right away."

I hurried back to the table, excused myself and left. Then I remembered Maddie. She would want to get out of here. "Maddie?"

She turned and looked worried when she saw my face. "What's wrong, Avelle?"

Quietly I said, "There has been a death." She gasped.

"Who?"

"My... Friend. Adam Leeton. I must leave immediately and thought you would like an excuse to get out of here." I said with a small smile.

Relief showed in her face. "Let's go."

We walked swiftly to the carriage where a coach was waiting for us. Then we heard, "Wait! Miss Madeline!" We turned and saw Triston running after us. Or, rather Maddie. "Where are you going?"

I gave a big sigh and said, "Get in, Triston. I'll explain on the ride and your future power may come in handy." he nodded, confused.

When we arrived I saw my fathers dark frame. "Father?"

"Avelle!" he said. "Madeline?" His gaze turned to Triston. "You are?"