One x One Behind the Mask

[Cindella]

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She's a quiet girl, doing her best to get through the worst years of her life and college. Her father remarried to a horrible woman with two daughters in tow. They were constantly belittling her, but not when her father was around. As long as her father was happy, she could deal with their torment. But when her father suddenly died in a car crash, she's forced to live with the three people that she hates the most! Suddenly her life is turned upside down and she's practically their hand maid at this point. Her only escape is the elderly lady next door, her godmother Betty. He's the star of the college football team, the Ellendale Eagles. All his life his father pushed him to be the best, even went so far as to pull strings to get him the quarterback position. However, his life feels empty. But what was he missing? He was practically famous, with his position on the team, and he was dating the head cheerleader of Ellendale.In light of Ellendale's upcoming game against their rival team, the Riverdale Ravens, the college is throwing a bash to get the school hyped up. The theme is a halloween masquerade. For a chance to be someone else, they both go to see what the night will bring. When they meet? There's a connection that is undeniable, but when it comes time to remove the mask, will they be satisfied with who is behind it?
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[Cindella]

 
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Spoiler

Full Name: Annabelle Elizabeth ReedNickname: AnnieAge: 20Gender: Female5'4 | 127 lbs | Blue Eyes | Dirty Blonde Hair
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Spoiler

| Kind | Courageous | Graceful | Optimistic | Humble | Independent |
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--- Kind


She treats everyone around her with kindness. She selflessly serves others, making them feel good about themselves. Whether it’s her stepmother, stepsisters, or even their pets, she treats everyone–big or small–with respect.


--- Gracious


She doesn’t pity herself, dwell on the past, or complain that it’s over, but rather she gratefully delights in the fact that it happened.


--- Graceful


The times where she’s being scolded and yelled at, she doesn’t lash out or react. She meekly takes it and moves on; she doesn’t waste energy with petty fights, but rather focuses her energy on better things.


--- Optimistic


Things may not be perfect now, but she believes that things won’t always be that way. She knows that and had faith that things would improve.


--- Humble


When she goes out of her way to help someone, or make their day better, she makes sure that it's anonymous. She doesn't need credit for making someone smile.


--- Independent


She doesn't need anybody to help her get things done, as she's been taking care of herself (and her step-family) since her father died when she was fourteen.

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Spoiler

Status: SingleOrientation: StraightMother: Amelia Reed, 42 --deceased;Father: Luke Reed, 44Sibling(s): noneOther Family--- Step-Mother: Gabrielle Reed, 39


--- Step-Sister: Anastasia Reed, 20


--- Step-Sister: Gisela Reed, 21Other Relations


--- Godmother: Beatrice "Betty" Lynette, 72

Pets
--- Persian Cat: Lucifer
--- Irish Wolfhound: Bruno
--- Andalusian: Major

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Spoiler

Annie grew up in a happy home, with a loving mother and father who would take her out riding on the weekends when they could. Everything was pleasant in the Reed household, until her they found out her mother had cancer. For a year, she watched her mother try, and fail, to overcome the cancer that had spread. When she finally succumbed, Annie was only ten years old. After that it was just her and her dad. He was always smiling for her, even when she could see in his eyes that he wanted to cry. Times like those she would rest her hand on his cheek and tell him it was okay.

Years passed and pain gave way to memories. Her and her father had gotten back into their old routine; horseback riding, vacations... He even bought her her own horse! A dapple grey Andalusian stallion with a creamy white mane and tail. She had named him Major. Around the same time they also got a grey Irish Wolfhound, Bruno. She was glad that her father was happy, he even started seeing someone, and within a year he had remarried and she got two stepsisters out of the arrangement. She thought that it would be nice to finally have siblings, especially sisters. But she was wrong. They, and their mother, were constantly belittling her, but not when her father was around. As long as her father was happy, she could deal with their torment.
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However, all that changed when her father was killed in a car crash, on his way home from work, leaving Annie with them. They all but made her a slave after that. But, despite being raised in toxicity and emotional abuse, while attending a local college, Annie vowed to herself to be independent and strong-willed, by remaining kind-hearted and self-loving and not allowing the bitterness surrounding her life to overtake her and morph her into someone as cruel as her stepfamily. She makes the most of her misfortunes by remaining optimistic of the possibilities of a brighter future, keeping herself preoccupied with enforced housework and friendly bonds built with her pets, She felt she owed it to her father to make sure that her stepfamily didn't fall into ruins.
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[caij17]

 Full Name:  Daniel Shepherd


Nickname: Danny Age: 21Gender: Male5'11 | 175 lbs | Dark Brown Eyes | Dark Brown Hair


Personality


| Confident | Loyal | Simplistic | Generous | Introverted


---Confident


Knows his strengths and talents and can work off of them very well


--- Loyal


Considers family and close friends as the most important things in his life. Would do anything for them


--- Simplistic


Does not like to overthink situations. Tries to handle any problems with a direct approach


--- Generous


Gives his time and resources to people he feels needs his help


--- Introverted


Although he is part of the most popular groups and is constantly in the limelight in sports, Daniel doesnt always express his real thoughts as he is scared of what others have come to expect of him and how different he is inside


Relations:


Status: In a relationship (W/ Jessica Georgino)Orientation: StraightMother: Samantha Shepherd 52Father: Ramon Shepherd 52Sibling(s): Alisa Shepherd 9Other Family
---Other Relations


---

Pets
---Rabbit: Sir Gawaine


History:


Daniel grew up forced to follow his father's football dreams. His father,  who being a star athlete who got injured in the past, decided to push him to excel at Football. At a young age, he spent countless hours after school and on summer vacations out in the field. This hard training resulted in him finally making the Eagles first string as a mere freshman(with a little help from his father), and attracting the attention of the most popular girl in campus.


What followed would be very different to what Danny was accustomed to. A million friends, late night parties, going to everything social with college barbie and the expectations of everyone that he would lead the eagles to the championship. Daniel wished he could just go back to the simple times where he played football for fun behind his house and spend time with his mom and sister. 

 

[Cindella]

Beep! Beep! Beep!
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Annie groaned audibly as she drew her head up from her pillow to glare at the searing green numbers on her clock.
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[ 4:30 AM ]
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Adjusting her weight, she pulled her left hand out from under her and slapped it down on the top of the clock, effectively hitting both the disarm and snooze button. With a sigh, she pushed herself up out of her bed, kicking her covers back as she did. She immediately regretted it, because it was the middle of winter! Annie's room was located up in the attic of her childhood home. During the summer, it was always too hot to sleep comfortably up there and during the winter, it was cold. The only in-between was when winter gave away to spring. Yawning, Annie trudged across the floor and down the stairs that were placed in the middle of her room.
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She made her way down the hall, and down another flight of stairs, towards the kitchen. Like most days, she woke up early and prepared breakfast for her stepmother and stepsisters, then she'd gather and do the laundry while they ate followed by the dishes after they were done. Sometimes if she was lucky, she'd have time for some toast and jelly before she had to dash out the door to make it to school on time. Today was not one of those days. Her sisters had her running around for the better part of the morning. By the time she was done, she barely had time to dress and brush her teeth before running out the door and to her truck. It was a 1955 rusted, dark blue, Chevrolet. It had been her first car she bought for herself. Between college and taking care of the family, she didn't know how she managed to hold a job to get it. But she did, and she was happy to have something belong to her, and only her.
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[ 7:15 AM ]
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She had just made it into the parking lot, fifteen minutes before her first class. Impatiently she looked around for a spot. She found one that was surprisingly close to the main building. However, as she attempted to turn into it, a bright red convertible Mustang whipped in, almost taking off her bumper. She slammed on the brakes, the sound of giggling reaching her ears, and looked in shock at who could possibly be that rude?
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[caij17]

6:45 am


Daniel was standing outside of his house. He was wearing his usual hoodie that he always liked to wear in school. Although it was quite small now, and made him look a little funny, he couldnt bring himself to part with it as it was his sisters old birthday gift for him. She had tried to save her best to save her money from her lemonade stand that year for the hoodie. Even if most of her sales had been from him.


"She's late as usual"he thought. Ever since they started dating, Jessica had made it a rule that they go to school together everyday, and leave together after both of their practices. Something the inner circle did she said. What bothered him was that she also insisted on using her car almost all the time. Since she was older than him,he frowned at the thought of some of the students gossiping that he was using her for her money. Her dad owns the local newspaper and her mom had a chain of convenience stores and gasoline stations around town. He didnt even know this when they started dating but his friends always remind him of being a lucky son of a. Some even suggested that he should get her pregnant quickly. "Can i really be Mr. Jessica Georgino he thought with a frown. 


7a.m.


"Sorry im late sweetie, hair like this requires a lot of maintenance you know." smiled Jessica as her car slowly stopped in front of him.


"Its fine. Something about winter always makes you wanna take it in you know. standing out here makes me think." responded Daniel as he got in the passengers seat.


"Sweetie you are so deep. But dont be thinking about art or sentiment or all that ok? you have a championship to win,and that game against the ravens, you know if you score the winning touchdown i might just have a surprise for you after the game." smiled jessica giving him a peck on the cheek.


"Its not that simple.. and besides im the quarter back."he frowned as they drove along. Approaching the school, Daniel saw Jessica speed up to reach the lone parking spot in front of the school. "Hey i think that car has first"he squinted. "Nonsense babe" grinned Jessica as she cut in the parking spot. "Queen bee always has first" she smiled before letting out a giggle as the car got in first.


Daniel looked over to the other to check if the driver was ok. He got out of the corvette first and walked over to say something but decided to stop midway. The last girl that he showed sympathy to for knocking over her laptop went on Jessica's hit list for a month. 


"Crazy bitch, you could have scratched my car " shouted Jessica while walking over and handing her bag to Daniel to carry. Daniel gave a sort of im sorry dont mind her look to the driver of the other car as the couple walked slowly towards the school doors. "That was pretty rude of you. She had the right there"he mumbled. Jessica shrugged her shoulders and gave him a smirk. "People need to be put in their place, especially nobodys i cant even name"

 

[Cindella]

Annie sat there for a moment, taking the time to calm her racing heart. She hadn't expected her pulse to pick up so quickly, or sweat to bead her forehead. She didn't even hear the driver yell at her, all she could see were headlights and the sound of crunching metal replayed in her mind. Her knuckles had turned white from how hard she had gripped the steering wheel. She looked down at her truck's clock to find out how long she sat there.

[ 7:23 AM ]
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"Damnit!"
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She cursed to herself as she threw the truck in gear and looked around frantically for a spot to park. She found one, a couple minutes before her class was to start. She hurriedly pulled in and slammed the truck into park, grabbed her bag of books and keys, before booking it across the campus. It was this moment that she was thankful that her class was extremely close to the front of the building. So she made it on time, but barely. The moment she sat her books down on the desk was when the bell rang. She breathed a sigh of relief as she sat down at the back of the class beside one of her friends. The teacher, Professor Norell raised his brow at her, but didn't say anything as he started the lecture for today. She opened her grey messenger bag and pulled out her laptop. As soon as she had logged onto it her messenger popped open. It was her friend.
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baron-von-awesome: Cutting it close?
Annie-Reed: I got cut off in the parking lot, Georgino almost crashed into me.
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baron-von-awesome: Yikes, you ok?
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Annie-Reed: Yeah, I'm okay.
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baron-von-awesome: Good. I see you still haven't changed your username.
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Annie-Reed: I still haven't figured one out...
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baron-von-awesome: Then I'll pick one.
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She quickly turned her head from her computer to stare at her friend as he started typing rapidly. Seconds later he looked up and gave a wicked grin at her before returning his gaze to the computer.
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baron-von-awesome: Yes?
sweet-cheeks: sdlfkjdf
sweet-cheeks: Nice try Alex, but no.
baron-von-awesome: Awe D=
writing-rebellion: There, happy?
baron-von-awesome: Yes.
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She shook her head as she watched the professor pace the floor. He was lecturing about one of the historical museums in Italy. She smiled, thinking that it would be amazing to get to travel and see things like that. However, her smile faded as she noted that she would probably never have that opportunity. From then, the rest of the class passed in a blur and before she knew it the bell was ringing. She stood up and put her laptop back into her bag and waited for the rest of the class to pass by her. Her friend spoke up behind her.

"Did you hear about the party that's being thrown? It's going to be awesome and we have to go."
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She looked back at her friend like he had grown another head, but decided to indulge him.

"Where's it at?"
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[caij17]

The Eagles locker room -4:30p.m.


"Allright everybody, good work out there."said the Eagles coach. "Were gonna finish early today so you can prepare for the party tonight. Try not to drink too much.. Im looking at you Johnson"


The Eagles team each opened their lockers as some went to the showers first. "Hey Danny. what kinda mask you wearing? Did Jessica pick the gayest one just for you like that costume last halloween?" snorted a player as he tapped Daniel on the butt.


"Both your jokes and your blocking arent funny Cody" countered Daniel while he was using his phone. " But Jessica doesnt want us to go to that party. Something about the committee not following her suggestions." 


"Thats too bad man. I was hoping you could wing man for us. All the hotties from Ellendale gonna be there. Might just get lucky" said a third voice. It was Tony Johnson, the teams wide receiver. " i mean we understand your side though, id rather be huddled up with Jessica Georgino too instead of being at some wierd mask party" he continued as he started performing a wierd sexual dance.


" Yeah that party is just perfect for you Tony. Nobody has to see your pug face so maybe you do have a chance"laughed Daniel before his phone suddenly vibrated. he skimmed over the new message and rolled his eyes. "Looks like Jess changed her mind. Guess ill be seeing you guys at the party. "


Outside the school -5pm


Daniel stood in front of one of the schools statues. Jessica had texted earlier that she had to go home  to prepare for the party early. That left Daniel without a ride home.


"Do i have enough time to walk or should i take the bus?" he pondered. "Damn if i knew she would have gone without me i could have asked one of the guys for a ride.. guess ill start walking and catch a bus if i see one" he clicked his tongue as he passed by the parking area, he gave the truck there a once over. "This was the truck Jes almost hit this morning" he thought wondering who the girl who was driving it was. He didnt get a good look at her face this morning. "Is she a freshman?"

 

[Cindella]

[ 2:18 PM ]
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"Are you going to go?"

Her friend shrugged as he picked through his packed lunch, stopping only when he found a small container of pudding. He ripped it open and ate a couple spoonfuls before he spoke.

"I'll go if you go."

She rolled her eyes and stabbed her fork into her noodles, swirling them in a circle. She honestly hadn't given much thought about going, moreso that she didn't really like parties. She made a noncommittal sound as she raised the fork to her mouth. She heard him curse at her under his breath and she couldn't help but smile. They had been friends ever since she arrived at the school a couple years ago. She didn't know what to do, or even what she was going to college to major in, but she was there. Alex had been the first person she met along the way, having helped pick up his books for him when some jerk came by and knocked them across the floor.
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[ 5:03 PM ]
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Annie breathed a sigh of discontent as she stepped out of the building. Classes were over and unlike most people, she was sad. It meant that she had to go home to her stepfamily. If they weren't paying for her college tuition, she probably would have left after graduating High School, but she also felt she owed it to her dad to make sure they were okay. Looking up at the sky, she shook her head. Aside from wondering about the impending mountain of chores she'd have when she got home, she thought about the party that Alex had brought up earlier. It was being held at an actual venue, not a frat or sorority house this time. She wished she could go, but she had a feeling that her stepmother wouldn't allow her to. 
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As she walked down the sidewalk, she caught a view of someone standing near her truck. Frowning, she hoped that they weren't laughing at it, or worse; defacing it. However, she decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and quickened her pace towards them. When she was just a few yards away, she started to call out but hesitated. She recognized him from both the almost-accident and from in the hallways at school. Daniel Shepherd. Ellendale Prep's star football Quarterback. Clearing her throat, she continued forwards.

"Can I help you?"
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[caij17]

Daniel jumped a little bit after hearing a voice behind him. he quickly turned around and looked at Annie. "H-hey there"he stuttered. He realized he might have looked wierd standing in front of her truck just staring at it. "Its a nice truck.. I mean im surprised since a girl is driving it, but thats pretty cool.. and..they dont make em like this anymore.


Before Annie could answer he continued to speak first. "Listen about this morning.. I'm sorry about what happened. Jess.. well, she's a bit stressed about stuff lately.. and you know.. um. whats your name?"

 

[Cindella]

Her brows shot up, and her eyes widened slightly in an apologetic manner for startling him when he turned around. She followed it by a small smile before walking all the way up to him and her truck. She started to reply, but was quickly cut off by him speaking up again. Confusion passed through her at what he could possibly want with her. After all, he was the start of Ellendale and what was she? Mostly a wallflower. She didn't say any of this, and just let him speak, recalling many times that some people just vented to her about random things. It made her feel good that people could talk to her about things that were bothering them, even if she never got a chance to reply before they left again. So that's what she let him do, speak until he was done.
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"I'm Annie, and don't worry about earlier. I should have been paying more attention." She said with a small smile before stepping towards her truck.
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She fished for a moment in her bag for her keys, when a thought occurred to her. Why was he alone? Usually he had Jess within arms reach, or two or three of the other teammates of his football team following him around. Finally snagging the keys, she pulled them out and looked back up at him, her blue eyes scrunched slightly with her confusion.
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"What are you doing by yourself? Usually you're always with someone."
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---
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Meanwhile, also exiting the building, as they had taken a long time in the bathroom to make sure their hair looked nice, walked out two cheerleaders. Ashlynn Rhodes and Kiersten Michaels. Ashlynn was the shortest of the two with long blonde hair and brown eyes, whereas Keirsten was the taller one with dark brown hair and blue eyes. They pushed past the timid freshmen, uncaring if they were knocked down or not. Not like they could see them, as their noses were buried in their phones. Their car was near the front of the lot, but had a view of Annie's blue truck, as there wasn't many other vehicles left in the parking lot. Ashlynn lifted her head, reaching for the car door and looking around at the same time, and gasped, almost dropping her phone. Kiersten looked to her, annoyed.

"What?"

"Is that Daniel?"
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Kiersten turned her head in the direction her friend was looking and her blue eyes widened.

"Oh em gee! Who's he with?"

Ashlynn shook her head in response and rapidly started texting on her phone, sending a message to Jessica.

omg u r not going 2 believe
this u know that girl who
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almost hit u today in the
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parking lot well shes with daniel
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[caij17]

Daniel looked at the girl's face closely when she replied. He found it odd that he hadnt noticed her before, nor did her name ring any bell. She was pretty. If Jessica was beautiful like a long stemmed red rose, this girl in front of him was different. She was like a sunflower. "the hell am i comparing girls to flowers now" he whinced before he heard her ask what he was doing here alone.


"yeah, Jess was my ride home but something came up with her.. So im probably taking the bus"he answered before taking a few steps back. "It was nice meeting you..Maybe ill see you around school." he gestured with a wave of his hand. he wanted to talk with her more but he had to be careful too. Too many people in the school liked to gossip, and most were Jessica's "friends"

 

[Cindella]

She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, feeling like she was being evaluated. Biting the inside of her bottom lip, she turned her face away from him. She remembered another girl in one of her classes that had spoken to him before. Jessica had practically run her out of school. A few weeks after the incident she had transferred. However, upon hearing that he didn't have a ride home, she knew she couldn't let her fears of Jessica's backlash prevent her from helping him. Besides, it would only be for a few more semesters, then she was hoping to be able to graduate and go overseas. 
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"Hey, wait! I can give you a ride if you want? I don't mind."
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She gave a smile as she motioned towards her truck.
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[caij17]

Daniel smiled at her offer. It would be nice not to wait for the bus, and at the same time talk with this girl. He could see she was different from the other girls in school he is used to talking with.


He was about to hop in when his phone suddenly vibrated. He removed it from his pocket and checked the new message


♡JESSIE♡: 


Hey sweetie. Are you home yet? What are you doing now??♡


Daniel squinted at the message and slowly brought his head and looked around. To his left he saw Kiersten and Ashlynn slowly walking away in the distance. "Ahh thats why.." he pouted after putting two and two together.


"Sorry but I cant accept the ride. I just cant be seen with yo.. people like you"he said shrugging his shoulders before picking up his pack and slowly walking away. "Better not go to the party tonight.. you wouldnt feel welcome there". he frowned and shook his head. He couldnt have another one like what happened before on his conscience.Knowing Jessica, if Annie attended the party, something terrible might go down.

 

[Cindella]

She opened her door and put her bag inside, just as he got the message. She turned to look at him and saw the upset expression on his face before he spoke to her. Hurt flashed across her face at his words as he frowned at her. People like her? Chest tightening in sadness, she cast her gaze to the ground as she felt a tingling in her eyes.
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"Oh, okay.."
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It made her wonder why everyone treated her like this, when she'd never done anything wrong to them before. However, she didn't hold it against him, maybe he just liked her truck and didn't want to be cramped inside the front with her. She looked up upon hearing him walk away, she quickly wiped her eyes and raised her chin. She wouldn't let his words bring her down, things would get better. She turned and started to get into her truck when he spoke to her again. His words about her not going to a party did draw a response from her.
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"Wasn't planning on it anyways."

She then got in the truck and shut the door and sat there for a few moments, getting over the hurt that his words caused. She found it very strange as to why she was so upset over it, but decided not to think about it. Jamming the keys into her ignition, she started the truck and pulled out of the parkings space. Throwing it into gear, she took one last glance back towards Daniel's figure walking away. With a shake of her head she let off the brakes and eased down the lot towards the exit.
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[caij17]

Daniel looked at the clouds outside the bus window. Day was turning to night and the clouds covered most of the sky. "Why do i feel this bad." he groaned remembering the scenario earlier. His words might have been a bit harsh, but he was saving her a lot of trouble he thought. Daniel slowly departed the bus and walked two more blocks to reach his house. He needed to hurry up and prepare or he would be late.


7:05p.m.


"Wow dude more than half the school came! Hows that for Eagles support?". "Did you see some of the freshmen this year?Maybe some are up for making out with a first stringer eh?" It was Tony and Cody talking outside the party. 


"Where are your masks boys? Its the whole theme for this you know." said the teacher that stopped them at the entrance. "Oh Jessie told the whole team she would be providing us with em, here she is with Danny now." replied Cody pointing behind them to the couple that got out of the Corvette. 


Daniel and Jessie didnt talk much on the way over. Daniel knew if he told the truth she would over react and Jessie had her own way of dealing with girls that talked to Daniel without involving him. It felt like a stale mate which worried Daniel because he had to somehow admit he talked to Annie in order to explain to Jessica to lay off. What surprised him though was that with this whole problem, deep inside he was hoping she would show up. 

 

[Cindella]

Annie sighed as she leaned up from her current task, scrubbing the kitchen floor. Her mind wandered to the conversation she'd had with her stepmother just after arriving home....
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---
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Walking in the door, she had just dropped her keys onto the counter in the kitchen when her mother yelled for her from upstairs. With a sigh, she dropped her back off in the kitchen and made her way upstairs, just as her mother screamed. She threw open the door, her eyes wide at what could have caused such a scream from her. However, when she got inside, she could only see her stepmother standing on top of her vanity in a pink robe, her hair in curlers. She smothered a smile before speaking.
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"What's wrong?"

"There was a mouse!" Her stepmother's voice pitched at the end.
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Annie giggled a little as she watched her stepmother. All of this was over a mouse? However her stepmother didn't think it was silly at all. She glared daggers at her before climbing down and advancing on her.

"Well, since you think it's so funny, then you can spend the entire night cleaning the house. Or else... I'll stop the money going through for college!"

Annie's smile disappeared at the threat and she set her jaw. She wondered if going to college was even worth taking her family's abuse. 
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Wiping her forehead with the back of her hand, she looked up at the clock. It was 7:00 PM. The party had surely started by now. She leaned back down and continued to scrub the ground for a few more minutes as she thought about it. She'd never been one for parties, but this one was rumored to go down in Ellendale history. She paused in mid-scrub, her eyes cast about the room.
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This was the house she had grown up in with her mother and father. It would always hold a special place in her heart no matter where she went. Gripping the brush, she felt a tear start falling down her face, realizing what she had just decided. She didn't need a house to remember her mother, she would always be with her. Smiling now, she threw the brush into the bucket and ran upstairs to get dressed. She was going to the party whether her chores were done or not.
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---
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Twenty minutes later, she had pulled together what she thought was a great outfit and rushed out the door. She grabbed her keys to her truck, but then stopped. Someone would surely recognize her in it... and what was the point of a masquerade if they did? Dropping her keys back into the dish, she let herself out and ran across the street to her next door neighbor, Betty. She rang the doorbell a few times before the elder woman answered the door with a warm smile.
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"Annie, it's so great to see you. What brings you to my house so late?"

"I was wondering if I could borrow your car? There's a masquerade party for the Eagles tonight and... I didn't want to be recognized..."

The old lady smiled at her, then raked over her outfit choice. She tsked and shook her head.

"Well, you can't go to a party dressed like that. Come on in... I have something that might fit. My granddaughter likes to keep some of her clothes here, so I think that they might fit you."

"Oh, Betty, I couldn-" She started before being cut off by the lady shaking her finger at her.

"Nonsense." Betty replied, walking into her house and down the hall. Annie took that moment to look around the house. It was like a second home to her, even some of her pictures decorated the wall. She smiled at the memories she had here. Betty's home had always been an escape from her real world. She could just come there and relax, not having to wait hand and foot on anyone.
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"Here we go..." Betty was saying as she walked back into the living room, holding an armful of clothes.
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[ 8:09 PM ]
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Annie trembled slightly as she pulled up in a yellow 1971 Lotus Elan. She pulled into a parking spot just down the block, as it was hard to find one closer. Drumming her fingers on the wheel, she looked over at the mask in her passenger seat. It was a white laced one with rhinestone on it, and would cover most of the top of her face. Betty's granddaughter had fashionable taste, so she was able to find something completely different from what she normally wore. She wore a shimmering blue dress that ended just above her knees paired with a clear, pair of flats with rhinestones sprinkled on the toes and heels. Her long blonde hair had been pulled into a messy bun on her head. She sighed as she contemplated leaving. No, she'd come this far. Smiling, she grabbed the mask and placed it on her face before stepping out of the car and walked towards the building.
​

 

[caij17]

-7:45p.m.


Crowds of people gathered in front of the big stage inside the great hall. Almost all the cliques had attended the party and even with the masks one could still distinguish which group was which easily due to the way they acted.


The eagles were all present on the stage as their coach was making his final speech for the upcoming game. the cheerleaders were also to the left near the band. Finally in between them was Daniel's dad. He always attended any event that involved the eagles and even had a spot on the bench during games.This was due to the fact that he was old friends with the coach. They had played together during their youth. He also had ties with Jessica's dad. 


"So are you two getting married soon? Its ok to get married during college you know, it will be tougher when Daniel turns pro and will be more busy"smiled Daniel's dad turning to Daniel and Jessica. "We can set up a summer wedding.. hell it could even be out in the school football field."he grinned giving Daniel an elbow to the stomach.


"Maybe we should hurry.. sweetie here is just so popular, girls cant seem to keep their hands off of him." smiled Jessica twirling her hair and looking at Daniels eyes through her mask. "Annie was it.. maybe i should try to be friendly with this one" she whispered in his ear before stepping off the stage. she headed over to a group of cheerleaders and crossed her arms. "Anyone see her yet?"


"Its a bit difficult recognizing her with the masks dear.. but if shes here.." "answered Ashlynn "this plan.. her life will be over"


Daniel descended the stage with his team. he looked over to Jessica and saw her huddled together with the other cheerleaders. "I hope those girls arent planning anything"he shrugged before his arm was grabbed by his dad. "Daniel, this was the guy i was telling you about. smiled his dad leading Daniels hand to shake with another mans.


"I heard a lot of good things about you Daniel. Saw some tapes too.. "grinned the man shaking his hand. "Good grades and even dating the only daughter of the Georginos.. might get married next year once she finished college first"added Daniel's dad. Daniel just stood there and nodded at them silently. "I'll be watching the Raven's game Danny.. keep this up and there might just be a contract in the works."


Daniel said his obligatory goodbye to the scout.He slowly walked out to the balcony and leaned against the lone table that was there. With the prospect of a championship and a future contract with a pro team, why was he feeling so.. lacking. He remembered the girl with the truck again. "Annie.. " he said remembering her name. Why did he feel like he needed her. Wasnt his life already perfect? 


Just as he thought this he saw a yellow Lotus park a bit far off in the distance. "Never saw that car in school.. It would be bad if some of the Ravens decided to crash their party and issue some sort of troll challenge. He heard it had happened a few years ago. "Just a girl.."he added seeing one person get out of the car. he leaned over to get a closer look but was suddenly put in a loose chokehold by an arm. "The partys inside man!"the voice said dragging him from the balcony to the door

 

[Cindella]

Walking across the manicured lawn, she fought hard not to run back to Betty's car. In her mind, she had been replaying the conversation between her and Daniel. It was strange how nice and inviting he was one minute, and then cold and harsh the next. She wondered what message he could have received to make him act that way, as he had been fine up until that point. Another thought flicked through her mind. Why was she even here? Was it for him? Of course he was extremely good looking, but that wasn't all she liked in a person. Even though he was a jerk to her, it seemed like they clicked for a moment. Selfishly she wanted to know if it would lead anywhere else, but she wouldn't step into another girl's territory, no matter how her heart felt at the idea.
​

 
​

No, she was here because she wanted to forget about him and his cruel words. To meet someone that was kind to her, without knowing who she was. A smile formed on her face as she pushed forwards across the remainder of the lawn, and up the stairs into the building. Once inside, her jaw dropped as her eyebrows shot up in wonder. The inside looked like something out of a fairytale. So much detail went into just the building of the walls that she felt that she could get lost in there just marveling at the details. Although it would be nice, she wasn't here to gawk at the finer things in life. 
​

 
​

Turning around, she headed out of the lobby and towards the entrance to the grand hall. Inside, the room was split into two levels. The upstairs, where the lobby entered into, which had a ten foot walking ring around the top, then there were two curling staircases that led to the bottom floor where people were dancing, and refreshments were lined against the right side of the wall along with a stage hugging the back wall. She had felt a few people stare at her as she came in, no doubt she looked completely different. Even she didn't recognize herself in the mirror. She smiled to herself and descended the staircase, looking towards the stage where many people were gathered. Her eyes flicked through each one onstage, wondering who they were, until her gaze fell upon the one looking the most uncomfortable. She gave him a smile before continuing her descent down the stairs.
​

 

[caij17]

"Dude, Seriously If Blake cuts early to the right, Its too much a gamble if you cant get rid of the ball"  said Cody. Some of the players had gathered back on stage and left their dates, which was fine for the girls because they seemed to be preoccupied with something else. Daniel just nodded and stared blankly at some of the drapes across the huge hall. He wondered how much the school had spent on setting this event up. He looked at the drapes again"yellow" he thought before being reminded of the girl he met today. Had what he said been too much? Why was he putting this much thought into what happened? 


"I need to lighten up and just enjoy the party" he shrugged, pushing the earlier things aside. Practice tomorrow would be heavy due to how near the big game was and it was better for him to have a night to simply unwind." Maybe Jess would want .. hmm?" he blinked through his mask. He saw the girl who was going down the stairs smile at him.. at least he thought it was at him. He thought for a moment about it and then decided to walk towards her. There was something about this girl, the way she looked in that dress and mask that made him curious.


"Hi there.. Do i know you?" he said softly tapping her on the elbow so she would turn around and notice him. As she turned he looked at her eyes through the holes in her mask. "Do you go to Ellendale?" he added

 

[Cindella]

As she finally reached the bottom step, she cast her gaze around the floor. There were already many people down there, some dancing, others just standing around, but her goal was the refreshments table. It seemed like it'd be a safe bet to stay near it, however before she could make her way all the way through the dance floor, a touch on her elbow caused her to pause and look back. Unable to tell who it was, she gave a smile and turned towards them. Maybe this person could get her mind off about how lousy of a day it had been. When he asked her if she attended the school, she thought about lying and saying no, but she's never been that good of a liar.
​

 
​

"Well, if you did, I very much doubt you'd be asking if you knew me." She said with a laugh, "And yes, I do go to Ellendale. Go Eagles."

She could have smacked herself.
​

 
​

Go Eagles?! Way to make yourself a fool.
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​

However, her face showed no signs of her mental war going on, and instead she changed the topic, hopefully to make him not think she was idiotic.

"This place is really beautiful. I'm really impressed by all the work went into designing it."
​

 

[caij17]

Daniel's face smirked behind his mask when she said Go Eagles. "Well arent you a bit of a dork" he thought to himself trying to figure out who it was inside the mask of this girl. He was lying to himself if he said he wasn't attracted to her. There was something about her. It was similar to the girl with the truck, but somehow also completely different. He would have asked her to dance but that would only bring about Georgino destruction and chaos.


"Yeah it certainly is, I cant believe the school committee pulled something like this off.A  lot of the Alumni must have pitched in" he answered looking  at the decorations almost directly above them. "Im actually an Eagle" he said crossing his arms. He knew the dance had a sort of unwritten rule to not reveal oneself when mingling around, the whole point of a masquerade, but he wanted to impress her. " Do you belong to any club in school?" he continued. He was sure she wasn't one of the cheerleaders.


At the other end of the hall, where the cheerleaders gathered, Jessica turned her head. "hmm where did Daniel go?" he said out loud glancing at the different people with masks. She started walking with her friends following her to the middle of the grand hall. They had hatched a plan to totally embarrass the girl Daniel talked to today, but assuming that she didn't show out of fear, She had moved on to her other plan. "I need Daniel for this" she frowned continuing to search for the quarterback in the crowd.

 

[Cindella]

Her brows rose as she looked up at him, he was a great deal taller than her, as he spoke about being an Eagle. A grin graced her lips for a moment as she listened to his attempt to make himself seem cool. However, that didn't seem to impress her much, as she could care less for what he was. Normally, it would have been a deterrence and she would have opted out of the conversation right then, but she felt a strange magnetism and wanted to see why; mostly out of curiosity.
​

 
​

"Well, then I guess I have you to thank for the party. I'll admit, this is my first time going to an event like this."
​

 
​

She awkwardly rubbed the back of her neck, wondering if she was making herself seem weird for bringing it up. But she was being honest, this was all so new to her and she wanted to try everything. However, her thoughts were interrupted when he questioned her about clubs she might be in. She was actually part of a few clubs, but not any that she thought he'd find acceptable; especially with him being an Eagle. So she made a noncommittal noise and looked down with a nervous laugh.
​

 
​

"I thought the whole point of this event was the mystery?"
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​

She looked up from under her lashes, a smirk on her face as she did. Then, before he could attempt to pry anything else from her, she asked:

"Would you like to dance?"
​

 
​

As soon as the words left her lips, she wished she could cram them back in. Sure, she knew how to dance, but out in front of everyone? Anxiety twisted in her gut like a snake. But it was too late to take them back, so she looked at him expectantly, waiting for his answer.
​

 

[caij17]

Daniel was caught off guard by her offer. He wanted to say yes but the thought of Jessica completely exploding in this grand hall made him shudder. Why were they dating anyway? was it because people expected them too. Would Jessica even give him a second look if he weren't the Eagle's quarterback? Daniel wondered if the chance he had now was the thing he actually wanted. To actually give himself a choice to like somebody he wanted to like.


"Can you hang on just a sec?" he said raising his index finger in front of her before walking away. He saw one of the Eagles players head for the door. "Ryan that you? Its Danny" he exclaimed as the other guy turned around to greet him.


"Hey Danny.. Sorry man I gotta go.. Roxy and me had a huge fight this afternoon, now she's calling me to come over. You know how women are .." answered Ryan in a hurry.


"Yeah man tell me about it.. Hey listen, since your going can i borrow your mask?" asked Daniel


Jessica and her clique stopped at the center of the dance floor. Her drones scoured the area for Daniel but he was nowhere to be found.


"He could be doing weed in the bathroom with some of the other players.. I heard Ted brought some from Colorado" suggested one of them 


"No.. He doesnt do that" answered Jessica with an angry face. "how dare he leave me alone like this at an important event. I swear if I wasnt so kind.." 


 At around the same time, Daniel appeared in front Annie again. "Hey its still me" he said with a smile before extending his hand and continuing "I'll take that dance now"

 

[Cindella]

She watched his face, reading the hesitance and... fear? It puzzled her momentarily, but she just brushed it off as him being nervous about his dancing. Maybe she should rescind her offer, but as she started to, he held up his finger at her, excusing himself. A pang of sadness washed over her, reminding her again of this afternoon, but she refused to let it get to her and remained optimistic that he would return. After he had left, she looked around the room, checking to see what the others were doing.

---
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​

Keirsten frowned as she put her hands on her hips. When Jessica was upset, everyone was upset. Guys were so stupid. She was just glad that she didn't have to deal with one of the boys. She hadn't come out yet, but definitely had a thing for Ashlynn. She knew the other girl was straight as an arrow, so she didn't pursue anything more than intensely platonic friendship with her. She turned her head to look at Jessica, a horrified look on her face.

"You don't think he could be... with that Annie girl?"

Ashlynn gasped in horror at the thought, her manicured hands flying to cover her mouth as she looked from Jessica to Keirsten. Why would she suggest such a thing? It would greatly upset Jessica if that were the case. But before she could give Jessica a chance to completely freak out over the thought, she offered an idea.

"She's got two sisters, you could always ask them to see if she came and what exactly she's wearing!"
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​

Her wide eyes turned to their leader, hoping that they wouldn't be judged too harshly for Keirsten's outburst.

---
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Annie noticed Jessica storming around angrily, her clique buzzing around her like agitated hornets just waiting to strike. She turned her gaze from them and turned herself away. She didn't want to be anywhere near her when she lashed out. As she turned, she found herself face to face with the Eagle from earlier. She almost didn't recognize him from the different mask, but the outfit, and his words, revealed it to be him. She gave him a smile, pleased that he had returned, and led them out to the dance floor, where only a handful of other couples were dancing. She almost rolled her eyes at the cliche of a slow song that started playing, almost seconds after his return. Not that she minded, but it made her incredibly nervous. Turning to look back at him, she gave a nervous smile and offered him a way out of a slow dance.

"We can wait for a more upbeat song, if you're not comfortable with this one."
​

 

[caij17]

Daniel was surprised that changing masks was enough to throw off his scent. He had seen a couple of Jessica's friends look around and realized the possibilty of what was going on. Daniel  sighed and thanked  God most of the team decided to wear the same Eagle colored suits to show their unity.


"I might just be playing with fire here" he said to himself as Annie brought him to the dance floor. He looked at Annie intently admiring how she looked. As soon as the slow song started, he noticed Annie's reaction and heard her words.


"Nah.. this is fine" he replied. he summoned all his courage to slowly step forward so that there was little space left between them, then he put his right arm around her lower back  "Stop me anytime you want to" he whispered as he slowly started dancing with her. His left arm followed and reached under her right almost to her shoulder from behind.


Daniel never felt the emotion he was feeling right now. It swelled up inside him like a geyser and made his jaw shake a little. It was scary and exciting, and most importantly, it made him feel happy. He had completely forgotten about Jessica's search for him, about the upcoming game and his future plans. He didnt want the dance to end and what made it funny was that he hasnt even seen this girl's face yet..