After what seems like an hours drive, we arrive at a large and absolutely breath taking mansion. I find myself stunned by the entire view. The Mansion itself is painted in a lovely Seashell color. Brick walkway leading up to a long set of stairs that take you inside. Though not inside yet, I can already see an incredible amount of people. Many dancing, but a few laughing and making small talk.

My stomach turns a little. I haven't been to such a party in many months, simply out of fear that people will shun me. Though, I cannot honestly say that I care what they all think. It is my family that I worry hearing awful things about. As I snap out of my reverie, I realize that Lord Lawliet has already stepped out of the Carriage, his hand extended to take mine. I blush softly and take it quickly, tightening my grip as he helps me out. "Thank you, Sir." He bows his head politely, hand holding onto mine as he starts up the walkway. I follow behind him without a moment's hesitation, my heels clicking against the brick.

As we near the entrance, I feel my heart skip several beats. One slow beat..Several quick ones...then back to another slow one.

Suddenly, all of their eyes are upon us. Those who were merrily dancing seem to stop mid-step. Everyone that was chatting and laughing animatedly seem to abruptly halt.

Was it I that had caught everyone's attention? Lord Lawliet? Our coming together?

As twenty different thoughts bounce around in my head, I realize I'm staring up at Lord Lawliet. His face appears blank with boredom, but his voice is thick with worry. "Light? If you're frightened, we can go to a more secluded part of the room." I blink once, to snap myself out of this paralysis. My head lowers for a moment. I didn't want him to see how truly frightened I actually was. I wait it out for a few seconds, and then shake my head. "No...No, it's alright. Perhaps...a dance would take my mind off of it?" My head rises so my eyes meet his instantly. We gaze at each other silently. I feel my heart beat speeding up again as I wait for him to say something too me. Anything at all. Yes. No. Perhaps. Later. Anything.

He smiles, bringing our hands up so I can see. "What a wonderful idea." Our fingers lace together quickly and I feel a soft blush dust my cheeks as he pulls me through the massive crowd of people to the center of the dance floor. He places his other hand firmly on my hip. I return his gesture by resting my free hand on his shoulder. Then, as if we had planned this all out, we begin moving in sync to the sound of soft violin and piano music. As I hold on to him, I recognize the tune. Ave Maria, by Franz Schubert. I had played this song for family a few months prior. As a pianist myself, I find the song soothing to listen too. I feel a soft smile play on my lips at the memory, eyes slipping closed in peace.

Lord Lawliet chuckles and I feel his grip on me tighten as we spin around in a half circle. "You've heard this before?"
I nod and my smile grows wider instantly. "Yes. I've played it many times on the piano." "Have you.." My eyes open halfway, coming face to face with his.
It would seem the way my smile feels, is the way his looks. I can't help but blush again as I gaze at him.

"You're very beautiful, Light. But, you don't have to take my word for it. I'm sure you've heard it before." He leans in some and my blush deepens to red.
"How kind of you, My Lord." My head turns away slightly. I don't want him to think that I've rejected him. But, such a close proximity makes my heart start pounding in my chest again. Like a little boy playing with pots and pans in his Mother's kitchen. My.. I'm certain I look like a child myself at the moment.

As I turn back to see what damage I've done. I find him with the same smile on his face, as if I hadn't looked away at all. His lips part as he begins to say something, but is interrupted as the song changes and all at once, there are three men trying to strike up a conversation with him.

I can see he's in utter shock. But, I have little time to try and rescue him before they all drag him off. I hear small laughs, and a few deep chuckles of 'Who is the young lady with you, Lawliet?' Yet again...It would seem I'm a woman.

I sigh quietly, watching them until they've gone off to another part of the Mansion. Now what was I too do? Left alone in such a place, with very few who actually seemed to like me. I survey the room sheepishly, scurrying away from the middle of it. Perhaps then people would stop staring and whispering amongst themselves.

As I walk, I look up above me. A long twisting stairway leads to the second floor.
There I see a set of open glass doors. A balcony. The perfect place to escape all of this.

I Raise the middle part of my dress up, holding it delicately between three fingers as I start over too, and then up the staircase. One careful step after another. It seems endless until I'm finally at the top. As I start over to the open doors, I pass three rooms. I can only assume one is the master bedroom, one a closet, and the other a spare bedroom. But, I wouldn't know for the life of me.

I breathe out in relief, dropping my dress as I walk out onto the balcony. The ground is cement beneath my heels, but no sound comes from them as I walk over to the ledge, gazing out at those who haven't come inside yet, and those who seem to be headed more towards town.

The view itself is quite nice. Men boisterously laughing as they greet one another, women giggling and pointing fingers at men that are just now arriving. Children squealing as they chase one another around the yard. It is a truly a sight.

I lean into the balcony, eyes wandering over everything serenely. I decided right then I would stop worrying the rest of the night. About everything. Just, relax and enjoy my time here with Lord Lawliet. Once his friends returned him to me of course. As I stand up straight, plastering a small smile on my face. I notice a few men getting rather rowdy as they start back from town. I blink once as I begin to realize what they're doing. Throwing punches?

Gathering my dress, I hurry out and down the hallway, skipping steps and fumbling some as I go down the staircase. Why on earth would people fight one another like this? I had never seen anything like it in my life!

As I make my way out the front door, I see other people starting to gather round and watch. But none of them are trying to pull the men apart. Just cheer them on!
I squeeze through a few people, making sure to keep my dress close as I do. When I'm finally through them, I see the two men up close.

One is a raven haired man, fists flying as if he has been training for this one fight for years. His hair style and body type remind me of Lord Lawliet.
But, his scruffy looking clothing, blood red eyes, and wild smirk tell me differently.

For a moment...I can't even look at the man he's fighting.
He himself is just so handsome...I feel this instant attraction. One like I've never felt before. I breathe out to relax myself, cheeks flushing deep red as I watch him move back and forth gracefully. Then, all of a sudden, the man is hit and he stumbles backwards.
Right into me!

Yes, I call this the almighty cliffhanger. Enjoy it! XD

To all of you who have reviewed my first chapter so far...

Thank you so much!
I loved getting all of your reviews!

Oh and uh...something random here but... I highly recommend listening to Ave Maria
^-^.