The crowd was dense, but I was frantic, pushing and shoving. Everything was quiet, but I searched and fought through the cloud of smoke and the tight throngs of people suffocated me. The harder I fought the further I was from my goal. I found myself crying out in frustration and on the verge of tears. What am I doing?

The thought overtook me at the same time someone merciless shoved me hard in the chest. I fell to the floor winded and unaware. I choked while people rushed past, and I foolishly grabbed at their legs hoping for someone to stop. I called for help and I still heard nothing. As I hyperventilated, each breath constricting my lungs and throat, the passing crowd mocked me. Their faces were the only things clear. Their grotesque and demonic nature made me scurry away as they leaned closer. Eyes made of fire and an envious green laughed and spat at me. Anxiety nailed me to the floor. The world swirled and I clutched the ground, unsure whether it would leave me too.

The ground however, did not disappear. Black boots stepped into my blurry vision while I reached out attaching myself to them in hysterical hope for reprieve. My eyes traveled up the black clothed torso to unnerving blue eyes dousing my growing relief. Fear sobered me when I realized who it was.

It is a strange sensation to have my own screaming wake me. The orange light of midday filtered through my window as I heard a lawnmower echoing in the distance. My sweat dribbled down the sides of my mask as I griped my comforter around me. Lowering my trembling self back onto my pillow, I let go and took in a deep breath. My dreams were gaining intensity every day. This time with David… Despite how hot my room was, I shivered as something chilled me on the inside.

Climbing out of bed, I did the necessary motions getting ready to leave my little apartment. Today was the day I received fresh bandages. I wondered why they weren't billing me. Hospitals treat and then bill a person; that's the way it has always worked.

It took four tries to get my Jeep started and when I got to the hospital I strolled in and out in less than hour. The appointment left a bad taste in my mouth and my back had tensed immeasurably. The nurse had gasped when she strolled in, leaving quickly and without a word. The good doctor ignored the incident and supplied nonchalant that I would need plastic surgery.

As I left my mind drifted to a realization. It was during the sinking black moment when a male nurse bumped into me. Startled, I was pulled from my thoughts and looked into the nurse's eyes to apologize, but my lips froze with my words hanging off my tongue. He too, froze after a curious moment of trying to place me.

It was the same man that grabbed Marko. What was his name? The moment of clarity sent me mumbling a quick apology before swiftly retreating. His face twisted in confusion, I was gone before he came to the same conclusion as I. It was an awkwardness I could not afford. I felt my body sway unsteadily with every step I took. The lonely outlook of my life was something I would never want to face. I shoved it into the darkest recesses of my mind and I focused on the man that Paul knew.

Searching desperately for a name, I could feel my hysterical nature surface and in the nick of time, I remembered his name. Wilson. What the hell would the Lost Boys want with a nurse?

Slowly and step by step, I asked myself what Wilson had that benefited the boys. He could fudge medical records and... get someone like me to pay for free. It made perfect sense. The guys were, technically, a gang. Maybe they needed a connection in the hospital here, because of the fights they probably got themselves in on a daily basis, or maybe for easy drug access. Who knows?

Driving back home, my thoughts on Wilson slowly receded and my conversation with my doctor returned. My hands went cold and white clutching the steering wheel and deep inside my chest I felt something break and tear making me heave out breaths. Clarity eluded me as a tear leaked out of my eye. Shortly followed by another. And then, a horrid sob was choked out. This single sob caused more to surface. The dame that had been built for years broke, and I was beside myself. Pulling over blindly to the side of the road and into the dirt, I sobbed into my steering wheel, not bothering to turn off the car.

I shook as each vicious hiccup assaulted me. I sputtered in my own flowing tears. Why couldn't I just blend in?

I heard the weak beep of my Jeep's horn as my head forcefully hit it hard. I grinded my head into the wheel, body spasming. I was drowning.

Down... down... down... into the deep abyss where I felt no bottom and no safety but the constant sinking blackness. I sunk. I had no hope for rising above the undercurrent. I shook my head as the pressure built in my forehead. It was dark and the pressure was intense. Something had a hold of my feet, dragging me deeper and deeper into the ink of anguish.

Here I had no solace. No comfort... I chose this life because it was easier to be alone. I wanted no one and I thought I could do this alone. My parents had no clue about me anymore. Not their fault. Not their mess. I am a woman and I trapped myself. My flippant remarks pushed everyone away and now...

Wasn't this what I wanted?

I was freezing in 76 degree weather. I shivered as the sobs stopped, but the tears kept coming. My eyes were blind and raw. Probably the reddest and puffiest they have ever been and they ached with my head. My bandages inside my mask were soggy from the tears, leaving me uncomfortably itchy.

Breathe. Another Breath. Each one burned. I pulled back onto the road and focused on the blinding yellow lines of the road as they flashed past. A dull throb echoed in my head and I started to cringe.

The day flashed before me and suddenly I was at work pouring a cup of coffee. I had been next to silent all day. My coworkers stared at me as I silently sighed and poured. My hand shook as I put the pot back on the burner. My chest was still tight, but I picked up my tray and delivered the drinks before taking their orders.

My coworkers dodged me tonight. This was a first. A cloud hung over my defeated shoulders and I felt like slipping away into the night, losing myself in the surf of the ocean.

The night wore on and thankfully my shift was spent by 10. Slowly, I exited with the wind catching my hair and blocking my view. I hurriedly swept it behind my ear and suddenly I caught the headlights of five motorcycles rushing toward the parking lot. Paul was of course in the lead with a cheeky grin with his friends close behind. The other unknown rider was another blonde with a square jaw and hard eyes and a severe frown.

The engines died except for the unknown's.

"Hey," Paul greeted me, while I eyed him.

"You know, I think I will never understand how you know exactly when I get off of work," I replied. Dwayne for a split second grinned behind Paul.

"Yep," Paul readily agreed. My eyes clearly drifted to the rude biker behind Dwayne and I returned my expectant gaze to Paul.

"Jake- if you don't turn off your bike, I will break it," David spoke in a good natured voice as he took a hit from a rolled joint. I quickly glanced at Jake, who scowled as he killed the engine. Now surrounded in silence, I fidgeted with my hands.

"What you doing tonight, Ana?" Marko asked, not Paul.

"I'm going home-"

"NOPE! You're coming with us," Paul interrupted.

"Ummmm... Lemme see... No," I snapped before continuing to my car.

"Ahhhh! Come on! Come out with me and the boyzzz," Paul suggested while trailing his words. I paused and glared.

"So I can watch Dwayne nearly get hit by a car or have you desert me again? Ugh, no thank you," I huffed. Paul and Marko leapt off their bikes and blocked my path to my car.

"Come on!"

"It's not like we are going through town again-"

"We are going to the clubs!"

"What clubs would let you underage guys in," I fired back.

"We have our ways..." Paul grinned.

"We have a few connections..."

I glanced from one boy to the other before stealing a look at the other three bored bikers behind me. Considering how nice I felt not thinking or remaining on the subject of my lost cause, I started to waiver in my resolve. On one hand, I could have a self-pity party or a party to drink away my pains and pretend that nothing is wrong.

"After, we are hitting a sweet house party-"

"Where there is GOING to be a ton of hot and ready girls-"

"Dude, she's not interested in that," Marko interjected flabbergasted.

"Yeah dude, but I am so looking forward-"

"ANYWAY, it's going to be wild and I guarantee that you won't be left out or fearing for Dwayne's life..." Paul snickered while glancing at Dwayne behind me whose eyebrow quirked. "Besides, Paul won't abandon you tonight," Marko declared to me while Paul stared at him put out.

"But!-"

"Molly will always be available man, besides we gotta show Ana a good time, right Ana?" Both turned their attention to me. All those blue eyes staring into my own just screamed, Peer pressure's a bitch, ain't it? Having no choice in disappointing Paul, and even a little bit of Marko (whom began smirking), I nodded with a sigh. Paul cheered and I felt my day lighten up a bit.

"Here we go!" Marko ran to his bike as the others started to rev up, and I tried to grab my car, but Paul snatched my hand and forcibly dragged me to his bike. The other guys did not bother to wait and had taken off in a furious pace that even Paul had not dared to do with me.

"Paul! I'm still wearing my work clothes," I objected and he started his bike, while I slide on behind him.

"It won't matter. Hold on," he warned a split second before he took off in a maddening jerk. I cursed his name as he laughed at me.

Maybe I hadn't noticed it, or maybe I just enjoyed being this close to Paul, but we had magically caught up to the others. They daringly darted around corners and did not bother to stop for stop-signs nor stop-lights. I screamed at Paul the first time, but I knew that I was the farthest thing from his mind right now. The guys whooped and screeched, cutting each other off. The only one not participating was Jake. He continued to focus on the wet road glistening from the streetlights and did not seem to give a shit for much else.

David suddenly drifted in front of the bike and Paul had to swerve unsteadily to avoid getting hit. My grip tightened unimaginably and I felt my heart drop. Too scared to even properly react with a scream, Paul laughed and then growled gunning it to David, who was giving both of us an amused backward look. Every time Paul tried pass, David would swerve in front or try to "nudge" us to the side. Each attempt David's eyes would look into mine specifically, trying to test my limits. I held myself in check. Since this guy feeds on reactions, I won't give him the satisfaction.

After what seemed like the twentieth time, they stop and we made our way down Culters Avenue towards Santa Clara's clubs. Slowing, the boys pulled into the lot next to The U and I glared at the offensive line of staring people. Their puffed up, teased, hair-sprayed, curled, side-ponytails, and gel made me cringe. The scene reeked of false bravado and mind-numbing self-advertisement. I was appalled yet not so surprised that they brought me here in my work clothes. I would never get in with brown cords and a black crew neck shirt.

Climbing off their bikes, I made this thought known as the crowd gawked at the boys. The boys ignored my comment and I glared at them in annoyance. The boys wore their usual dark colors with an odd tear here and there. Jake had a dark green utility shirt that was frayed on the ends and his attitude bubbled over because his eyes swept and licked the line of girls with an aggression that was disturbing to behold. Marko had somehow managed to coax a girl to his side with one finger. She had dark brown hair with a well placed highlight around her face. She smirked and flirted as he kissed her knuckles.

The wind played with my hair, blowing the long strands into my face. The others moved past me in a show of leather jackets and tough-guy attitude that I was a bit of ashamed to have arrived with. Paul may have the usual fucking-around strut, but had the determined don't-fuck-me walk like the others. I felt others eyes suddenly, each one of the girls assessed me in an ugly look. The men would comment about my appearance and would then laugh. The girls would "berate" the guys, but they too fought their own laughter. I began to freeze up.

Too much too soon. How could I ever do this?

Just as I was about to bolt and become just a memory of the night, David glanced over his shoulder as he walked and gave me the shit-eating and expectant look. He challenged me with a grin and a glint in his eyes, daring me to follow. I felt fire and boldness in my blood. I could not hide despite any good reason I might have. My relationship with Paul was reliant on my ability to handle his gang. No pussying out.

Unglued, I found myself moving quickly with the boys to the front of the line. The crowd watched in dubious envy as they let us in. The bouncers eyed me in curiosity but did not linger. My appearance wasn't even a question!

Hell- I could use a drink now.

Paul started to do his funky dance-walk with a fist pumping into the air to the vibrating base. The club was below us with a large glowing green bar and green lights shining upwards on the walls. There were black curtains covering the private sections were friends gathered and drank around their table. Mirrors were located on the ceiling making the club seem bigger than it was.

Dwayne laughed at the kissing faces Marko and his girl were making before smacking Marko's ass as hard as he could before quickly running down the stairs and into the thick crowd. Marko looked around murderously before being overtaken by a boisterous and dancing Paul. Paul successfully separated the love-birds and left me behind with a stalking Jake and observant David. David motioned with his pointer and middle-finger over his shoulder to follow him. We obediently followed and entered the crowd. At first, the crowd parted before us and soon it closed in.

Effectively in a couple of moments, I had lost Jake and David. Girls would dance and if they just so happened to see my mask their eyes would widen and they would freeze or misstep. The crowd started to notice and surround me. I tried to keep walking, but the more I fought to get through, the more they noticed and said unpleasant things.

A girl with a bright yellow and green dress had her eyes closed so she did not see me try to move past. She continued to do a butt shimmy and as she swirled around she lost her footing. Her eyes opened.

"OH MY DEAR GOD…" She exclaimed as the crowd laughed at her horrified reaction. I exhaled harshly and pushed past her into more staring eyes.

"What the hell…"

"Is this a joke?"

"Ummmm… ok?"

The comments picked my ears and my fragile self-confidence. My shoulders suddenly felt heavy and a pain blossomed in my head. Everything swam around me and the spaces in between filled with a fog further disorienting me. My mask became an ugly visage for the monstrous creature beneath.

Enter Paul. "YO! Ana!" Paul on top of the bar, a bartender looking particularly angered, with Marko and Dwayne dogging two bouncers was the situation that greeted me. I felt the crowd lose interest in me for a brief moment, only to feel their surprise as I made my way to the rowdy gang. Paul had somehow managed to knick a bottle of whiskey and now was liberally giving shots to any girl who passed his way. He laughed and shook off the bartender as she attempted to snatch the liquor back. A whiskey over rocks was being nourished by David and without turning away from Paul's performance, he held out a single shot towards me.

No questions, I just let the liquid pleasantly burn its way down my throat and warm my body. I squelched the cough in my throat and sat heavily next to David who had yet to look at me. Paul leapt into the crowd nimbly with Dwayne immediately swiping the bottle. "Hey!" Paul lunged and Dwayne danced away chugging what he could. Next to me a man was pushed off his stool, giving Dwayne room to sit happily while pouring me another shot. A slight grin twinkled back as he lifted the bottle back to his lips.

"Cheers," he murmured taking a sip as I rushed to down my own. The extra fire burned through me again. My fingers and toes warmed and a pleasant sensation whirled in my head. Marko's arm appeared between Dwayne and me grabbing the bottle to quench his thirst. Wiping his mouth with his coat jacket and simultaneously swallowing, Marko let out a slight hiss. I turned around to regard him curiously.

"Never liked whiskey much," Marko provided. The lights flashed around us in bright reds and blues. The air became heavier.

"What do you like?" Paul slunk behind Marko and successfully reclaimed the bottle before escaping to the dense and throbbing crowd. Marko twisted to see Paul run off before turning back to me with a snicker.

"Blood!" Marko winked and tore into the crowd. His long curly hair was lost in the crowd, but I could still make out Paul sauntering up to a couple go-go dancers. They liked him as much as he liked the attention.

"Another drink?" Dwayne asked politely and I nodded with a blink. This is the most he has ever said to me. I glanced over to David only to find his seat empty. I scanned the club for him, but he had effectively disappeared along with Jake.

"They like to vanish. They'll be back," Dwayne yanked my attention back to him. A cute bartender poured us a couple more shots. Dwayne smiled at her forcing her to pause and smile back as she left the bottle of vodka for us. Turning to me, he smiled and fingered his shot.

"Thanks for sticking with me." Dwayne dipped his head in reply. I felt oddly comfortable with him despite how little I knew about him. Him speaking must of meant that he was just beginning to become comfortable with me as well. "You don't really say a whole lot do you?" Dwayne grinned and shrugged before turning his dark brown eyes on me.

I was content to stare at how long and beautiful his eyelashes were curtaining his eyes. Maybe I should have not so obvious in checking him out, but a smirk became more pronounced on his nice broad face. Shooting down the shot while keeping eye contact, he smacked his lips at me. "You can check me out anytime," he leaned toward me before slipping out of his seat and into the crowd.

I palm slapped my forehead and I screamed on the inside. Great! I took the shot greedily and poured myself another. Embarrassment does not even cover how I feel. My cheeks would be bright red right now if I had any skin left. I wanted to hide in the crowd. I glanced at it, but I rejected the idea almost as quickly. I'm brave, but I'm not that brave.

I nursed the shot in front of me while surveying the crowd. I didn't belong. Steadily, the abandoned chairs were reclaimed by others who would glance at me in nerves and curiosity.

The bartender snatched back the bottle of vodka while I stared down at my glass. I didn't bother to fight to get the bottle back. The liquor already had its affect on my body and mind and I relaxed against the bar.

"Hello," a man with dark hair slide into David's seat. I didn't look at him. I could tell I wouldn't like anything that he had to say. "Are you too good for me to say a simple hello?" I sighed slightly before gazing at him. He was average height and size, but had nice full lips. His green eyes stared back at me expectantly.

"What do you want," I flatly answered. The club went black and neon lights flashed on with a few green strobes dancing around the room.

"I'm just wonderin why you're here," he announced. His smile was entirely too sweet for me to not understand the insult. I frowned and felt my rough skin rub against my bandages.

"Fuck off," I spat. I downed the rest of my drink as he chuckled.

"You see there are some girls out there that have the good sense to stay inside the house. Now you are out and with a mask. Why don't you take it off? What's underneath it," he asked and my body became hot. I slowly backed out of my chair only to bump into another man. He was tall and had a dark complexion. The stranger stared down at me with the same predatory white smile. I glanced around and a small group of on-lookers grinned back at me with the same damned curiosity as the first. They wanted to see a freak show.

That freak show was me.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I replied with as much strength as I could. He laughed.

"Well, we can't figure out why these guys are here with you," a girl chimed in with ugly red bangs.

"Look at that dumb mask," another brunette snapped.

"Did you really come here straight from work?"

"It's no surprise that you're here alone." I froze, but the offensive words kept pouring out.

"Are you someone's unwanted little sister?"

"Shouldn't you be in the hospital?"

"What happened to your face? How did you fuck it up?"

"You're creeping the girl's out; just go home sweetheart."

The abuse was more blunt and numerous than the usual at Bill's and was still flying at me with a startling speed. I started to lose my footing before I remembered one thing.

"Right! Bartender! Get me a double shot of your cheapest whiskey!" I hollered and miraculously the woman bartender quickly served me. I downed the shot, asked for another round as I heard them continue to talk to me.

"Oh, I get it! An alcoholic!"

"She'd have to be one."

I downed the other just as quickly and sputtered at my speed. I gestured for another round, but stared at it with the stillness of a brick.

The crowd had moved away, but that didn't discourage other mean comments.

"Nice mask," one Mexican remarked.

"Not Halloween yet," a handsome blonde smirked at me.

"Nice mask," another said.

"Is it Halloween already?"

Give it a fucking break!

The bar started to tilt ever so slightly and I knew that once I stood the world would be more confusing and hateful than it was sitting. I may weather the storm, but confronting all of those looks could break me a part. I sighed and resigned myself to my fate. Suddenly Paul and the others pushed other people out of their chairs around me just as quickly as they appeared. The men were affronted, but knew better than to challenge.

"Howz it going sugah," Paul slurred. I tilted my head to give him a blank look.

"Wouldn't know. You left me," I snapped. He frowned.

"Sorray!" Marko interrupted before leaning against Paul. Marko bit his finger nails and gave me his best doe eyed look. "We got caught up in the bottle," he said while gesturing to the empty bottle in hand. My eyes caught Paul's.

Can I trust you? I wanted to ask telepathically. I hoped Paul could read me, but the mask prevented so many understandings and quiet nuances that spoken discourse would not allow.

Damn, I need another drink.

And just like that, Dwayne next to me provided a shot of green liquor. I turned to him, but he wasn't facing me and continued to take his shot.

Paul jumped into my field of vision. I ignored him and took my shot, once again feeling cotton filling my body and mind. Instead of leaving me be, he grabbed my arm and hauled me out of my chair.

"HEY!" I yelled at him with wobbling knees and he grinned back at me.

"Come dance," he said while waving at the daunting crowd.

I glared daggers. "Fuck that."

"Ahhhh! Come on! Lemme make it up to you," he pleaded. My body began to sway from the alcohol. I was mad, but I knew dancing with him would feel good. Paul softly reached for my hand and I let him lead me to through the crowd.

I stared at his hand that held mine. I refused to look up at the spinning wild world of flashing bodies and lights. His hand was a cold surprise that anchored me. Paul stopped where had decided felt right so he began to rock out unabashed. I did not watch him; instead I let my movements and felt rhythm take over me. I flew into the beat and all the worries became melted butter. Cold hands took my own warm ones, moving me at his will. I spun and swam.

Ana.

My eyes were lazy and glazed. The crowd moved slowly and the music came from far off in a horrid buzzing. I couldn't tell if it was the alcohol, but the room was a dream. I could taste illusion. Yet…

Paul still had my hands and in a trance, he spun me. The world was slower than my mind yet I could move no faster.

Ana!

The scream tore my gaze from Paul and at a white spot light.

In the light was someone I knew. Someone I hadn't seen in years.

Lori-Ann, my dearest and most decidedly dead friend held her hand out to me. A moment passed of suspended belief. Then, I spotted what was wrong with her image. She had no eyes.

I jerked out of Paul's grasp, tripping over my feet and rushed away from the sight. The world caught up with me astonishingly fast. I glanced back and suddenly I saw the vivid blackened oozing holes where her eyes used to be.

"Ana?" Paul struggled to follow me. I was in hysterics, pushing my way through while glancing back at the now empty spot. My body was cold.

Ana…

I stumbled… Oh great! Now I get drunk. Great timing body…

"Ana," Paul called.

Ana! I focused on not tripping, but suddenly it became difficult to move my feet. Somehow I managed to get to the exit, and nearly fell out of the club. Taking two more steps, I clutched my freezing body.

I felt her behind, breathing into my ear. Her cold breath kept me from looking. I didn't move and neither did she.

Run before it's too late.

A loud bang from behind made me jump. I turned quickly only to see a harassed and confused Paul. I stared back with no answer. Sighing, he approached me- the scared rabbit. Paul said nothing. He stood beside me, looking out at the darkened sky. I watched his face, ever mindful of how I ruined his fun. I could never explain what I had seen, but there were no questions that I was confronted with. He accepted my stiffness and knew whatever it was would be lost deep in myself.

"Drunk yet," he asked. I took stock of my shock and the buzzing in my head and limbs.

"Yep," I replied. Paul's eyes and crooked teeth sparkled at me.

"Let's go back in," he said nudging my arm. I took in a deep breath and willed myself to be stronger. Or drunker, both would do just fine right now.

The return to the club was not as bad as the first time. Paul guided me through the crowd with a firm hand and disregarded the various ladies that threw themselves at him which was quite funny to witness. Somehow, the boys had landed a table in a semi-secluded corner and where hammering down shots. Jake was present and unreadable.

"Heyyyyy thur! Take oneeeeee!" Marko sloppily wiped the dribble on his chin. Paul took one for us both and we clanked the glasses together. The alcohol was disgusting, but strengthened the blurriness around me.

The more shots we took, the less I remembered and thought. I hated thinking. I don't like to do it anymore.

I came to my sense's when I realized that we were outside getting ready to leave on bikes.

"We really shouldn't be driving," I hesitated. All of the boys chuckled.

"Nah, Ana. That's only you," Marko said. I believed him. He looked so convincing with his smile and honesty. I nodded and climbed on behind Paul. Paul muttered something about holding on before we jerked. I scrunched my eyes real tight as the boys began to holler. I was gonna vomit everywhere… Paul wouldn't like that. Keep your eyes shut, I ordered my eyeszies.

Ha ha! Eyeszies…

I began to take a nap, but as soon as I started to ease myself into the nice back of Paul, he moved away. I blinked.

"Look at this freak. Can't even hold her booze," Jake laughed as he poked me.

I am not sure what happened next. Something took hold before I knew what was happening.

I was staring down into the face of an astonished Jake. I was snarling at him with all my temper. The last straw had broken. Too much stress I guess. My mouth moved with a will of its own.

"I am tired, Jake. I am tired of all the comments! I am tired of all the names! I am sick of jerks like you who have something to say. You have no clue of what I gotta suffer through each day. What YOU think is hell will never NEVER come close to my shit. This mask is going to be my grave- a gravestone in every relationship. Do you understand what that means? I have to live with the pain that I am going to be alone. I have no power. No control," I said in a voice laden in thick incomprehensible emotion.

"I am tired of staying silent when all I want to do is scream and fight. And you wouldn't believe the fight I have left in me! The years of pretending of not hearin or carin... I am done! I have had it up to here with everything, fate, people, and you. I'm not gonna put up with your shit or anyone else. If you so much as say ONE more thing about me, with your eyes, actions or comments, so help me I'll rip your goddamn balls off and feed them to you." Jake was still, indecipherable, and I had the notion that something held him back.

I stood up and willed myself not to trip. Something like embarrassment crept up my neck in a blush as the silence grew awkward. I walked away and noticed David paying me a great deal more attention. He stared and his gaze cut through me, picking me a part piece by piece of what made me tick. A chill grew in the air. David's interest was not something I particularly wanted to capture. I only wanted a point to be made. Put pen to paper and meet his challenge.

I paused where I stood and defiantly met his eyes square. David did not temper his concentration and my anger meant little to him physically. I was no threat. However, I could not describe the depths of his eyes. Layer after layer, he scanned.

It occurred to me that I had surprised him.

Ha! I surprised the ominous David. Laughable in itself, but I was drunk enough to believe the thought.

Ice blue fighting green eyes. Something had changed within the group dynamics. I was like a little kid who had somehow grown up faster than anyone had anticipated. I didn't know the gravity of the changes I had forced upon them. The group had no idea what to do; their leader was stoic.

Time to go.

I did not look to Paul or anyone as I found my feet hurrying to the front door of some random house. A heard a slight shuffle before Paul jumped in front of me. His eyes deep and serious stopped me dead.

"I'm sorry," he said without a hint of a smile or tease. My crying mind stop in mid-weap and I peered at him with meaning. I had nothing to say. His sorry did nothing for me. My reality would never change. "Can we start out new?" Hope became a wild-fire. A part of me awoke and life changed, but I didn't understand.

"Sure," I breathed. He smile could have made me glow. Maybe it did… I'll never know.

Together, he made me skip with him up to the door way and open it unannounced. The party-goers stared at us in amazement and amusement.

"HEYYYYYYY," they cheered with him. I smiled. No one paid me any special attention. Paul was the source of all of their entertainment.

"WE NEED BEER!" Paul ushered me through the noisy room towards the kitchen. Inside was a keg. Just what I needed!

"Your turn milady," Paul said handing me a cup. He filled it up to the brim before helping himself to one.

"HEYYYYYYYY," the crowd cheered again as the rest of the lot entered. Paul and I toasted before chugging the entirety of our beers. Paul was refilling my own while I let out some amazing burps as the boys came into the kitchen. For a moment, Dwayne regarded me and turning away without a comment. Jake kept himself as far as he could while still keeping his cool. Marko was too drunk to care. Behind the group was David who eyed us while smoking his cigarette. As I was handed my drink, David finally lost interest before turning his attention to the assortment of liquors by the sink.

Paul and I stepped out of the way for the others to get their fill, but that regrettably meant that we were to be close to David, who was for all intensive purposes making the most complicated drink. His hands were experts. I could not catch the liquors and mixer's that he chose for his drink.

He's done this before…

Music that I knew like the back of my hand came on. "Journey," I breathed turning excitedly at Paul. We grinned in unison subsequently darting to the living room. I felt a part of the crowd as we jumped, sung and used each other as duets.

Songs that I knew and loved came and went. Before too long, Paul had left to get me another beer. I laughed with some girls over a guy who went head first into his friend's crotch.

"What an idiot," a girl with pretty brown eyes shaking her head while looking at me in the eye. I nodded and felt some pleasure at having some interaction with someone other than a jack-ass.

Paul returned with Dwayne in tow. "Here ya are," he said handing me my drink. I slurped it a little bit, as the girl beside me laughed.

"Taste good?" She teased with gentleness that I did not expect. I opened my mouth to say something, but a loud responding burp came out. I shied my eyes and face away immediately, but a good natured laugh had my eyes return to the group. Dwayne and Paul shared a glance and I knew something unspoken passed between them. I bet they would start to see who would catch her interest first.

"I'm Shay," she introduced. Introductions were made accordingly.

"Soooooo…. Shay, it looks like you could use another drink. Wanna come with me so I could make ya another," Paul asked like a puppy-dog begging his master to come watch what he could do. Shay paused in surprise before sending me a questioning look of permission. Usually, this kind of stuff I shied away from other girls. I understood reading between the lines, but I hated this kind of interaction. Shay, however, seemed to understand the gist of the situation. But I was not Paul's keeper.

Or lover…

The slightest of nods I gave her before she smiled at him cutely. "Sure," she replied. He took her delightedly by the arm before escorting her to the kitchen. No more time would be spent with Paul tonight.

Taking a rather large gulp at that thought, I saw Dwayne consider me. His dark eyes contained just as big of a mystery as the rest of the boys. In a way, the companionship with him was easier than anyone else of the group. Paul was hard because I cared for him romantically.

Shit- I was making a mess of things already.

What could I say to Dwayne? What is he interested in?

I voiced the latter to Dwayne and he silently contemplated my question. Before I could get a decent answer, three young and definitely drunk guys staggered at Dwayne and me. Dwayne's noise flared at the pungent smell of alcohol.

"Hey! So, me and my buddies were wonderin," the smallest of them began. He had nice clothes, but everything else was lacking.

"WE- were wonderin," another chimed in.

"Why YOU were invited," the smallest finished. They smirked together and choked back their laughs. Dwayne and I were statues. The gang did not realize that they had passed into no-man's land. I felt a deep part of me roar. The roar carried fire to me instantaneously. I didn't feel my mouth move, but I heard it well enough.

"Why don't you and your thinning hair fuck off before I decide to improve your appearance by shaving the rest of it?" The smallest man glared at me before self-consciously running his hands through the remaining follicles. I could have smiled in triumph, but they wouldn't have seen it.

"This is coming from a girl who is wearing a mask? Who the hell does that?"

"A freak- that's what," the middle man quipped. I felt something inside drop in my stomach. It made an acidic splash that echoed through my body.

"Can I even call you men? Three idiots harassing me seems more appropriate." Dwayne shifted. I did not look at him further.

"Why don't you go fuck yourself?"

"Dude! Who would want to tap that?" I felt heat. Me snapping- was a mere moment away.

Then Dwayne decided to save the day.

Dwayne stepped between us, facing them with his back to me while I glared daggers.

"Boys," he addressed them quietly. "Get out," he ordered, but I heard the veiled threat. They glanced at each other before giving me a death glare. It was a silent Mexican standoff, of which I knew I had the advantage. From the outside world it was mere moments, but it felt like an hour before they decided to slink away out the door.

Glancing at each other, a sigh escaped us at the same time. It caused a wearied and drunken grin on my face.

"Thanx," I said. He continued to eye me. I turned and began to walk away when I heard his reply.

"You're welcome," he offered. I felt like the words did not grace his lips enough. I turned back around. His face was devoid of emotion, but I wasn't uncomfortable.

"You know…" I began as his eye continued to stay on mine. "As much as I hate this mask, I will say it has given me one blessing." Dwayne's eyebrows shot up and waited patiently for me to finish. "It's easier to have no one know what I am." Dwayne stilled and mulled over my words. It occurred to me that I said something significant; I just simply didn't know what.

I left Dwayne. The night blurred until I found myself completely without any good sense.

Slipping around the corner, I felt my feet tangle like string and I soundly fell to the floor of the empty room. I was too tired to giggle at my idiocy. My exhausted eyes shut and I found the floor quiet the ideal area to sleep away from the loud crowd outside. A crowd I would never fit into.

Dammit! Stop. I can't keep torturing myself. Let the booze take me, no guy here would touch me. I am too much phantom of the opera.

The image of me singing on a stage made me grin. What a thought! Everyone would love me then. How could they resist me?

A giggle scratched my ears and was followed by another ear-cringing one. It pulled me out of myself and I lazily rolled to my side to see who was in the room with me. It was dark so I couldn't see very far (especially with the world spinning like this) but I could see two- no three forms in the dark. Two slithered around each other, one arm reaching out to another form that casually leaned against the wall. The leaning form was bigger than the others and distinctly male. He watched the two snakes dance upon each other with a detached air. Hands and arms reached for him but he was unmoved. I was about to get up and let them have their ménage-a-trios, when a flash of a small lighter light up the face of David.

Shadows flickered across his demonic and dramatic façade. His cheeks were lengthened and eyes were set deeper by the lighters flame. The cigarette perched in his mouth smoldered a lovely red as his eyes glanced up, but they weren't blue…

Yellow cat-eyes flashed for a long moment as he observed the two women. Wow, he really is a monster.

Get out… The words seemed to be whispered yet I heard nothing. Fear and anxiety hit me as I scrambled to get up and out the door. My chest tightened as I stumbled to the doorway.

Shut the door. The command made my head swim and body shake. I glimpsed the girls approach David as the door quietly closed. I stood still as I exhaled painfully.

David scares me.

I giggled. "What a freak," I snickered before staggering down the hallway.

A preview has been made for the the Masks We Wear. The link is on my profile and I hope u like it.

I understand that it's been some time since my last update. My apologies to you readers and fans. My excuse is life, but when isn't it the excuse? I also understand that some may not review due to my last post titled A Message From Our Sponsors. It was a creative piece and I hope it doesn't effect your decision negatively to review this chapter. Please, do review. I would really appreciate it.