A/N: OK fans of foxay, your order's finally ready. What I mean is, this is the 1st time Ms Bennett meets the most scrumptious Mr Fox Crane lol. Reader beware of er… alcohol use and profanities and references to violence… do I have to say that? lol
Masquerade. noun. a social function at which masks and disguises are worn
~Kay~
"Oh Miguel, this is soooo beautiful!" breathes Charity, looking around in fascination like Cinderella at the ball. It is quite spectacular. I take in the sparkling windows and floodlit paths and palm trees in the background. The sky is a strange reddish- orange shade that incidentally sets off the color of the mansion pretty well. But there's something bugging me real bad…
"Ede, this is the Crane Mansion," croons Jess, clinging onto the guy she's known forever- well a week to be exact. I give her a secret, disgusted look. As if Summers isn't aware of where he is anyway! She ignores me and continues with her pointless gibberish. "Doesn't everything look so perrrrfect, everyone?"
"No Jess, not everything is perfect. For instance, two sisters by the name of 'Bennett' not having a clue that this was supposed to be a soiree!" I retort angrily, not being able to stand her fakeness any longer. "Look at us! We look like we arrived fresh from a nightclub or something!" I eye her hot pink boob tank top and short white shorts, and my red boob tube and mini denim skirt distastefully. "Do you call this perfect?"
"I told you it's going to be a soiree! You could've dressed more appropriately if you just listened!" pipes Charity, her elegant snow white, off shoulder dress making me feel like a dreg. Hang that woman! Why does she always have to be righty right?
"Shut up!" I hiss to her back, but unfortunately, she's not the only one who hears that. Miguel slowly turns his eyes to me, letting frosty tendrils of dislike make their way inside me. I can mentally hear him snap: "Don't try any antics this time, Kathleen." I'm sorry Miguel, but I just can't forget my obstacle. She's in the way, she's in the way, she's…
"…so beautiful," whisper Eden and Miguel at the same time, gazing at her. It's surprising how much I can hear these days. A word softly spoken, a phrase whispered…
"…the Cranes are the wealthiest family in Harmony, you know." Unlike some other people. Like Jess.
"Jessie, where's Reese? I'm sure he's here somewhere. He has been invited, hasn't he?" I sneer loudly, hoping to embarrass her. I don't get the chance to revel in the satisfaction, for Reese So- boring Turkee appears in front of us in no time.
"My sweet Jess! You look stunning! Won't you come around and have a cocktail with me? 'Scuse me guys, you wouldn't mind if I steal my princess for a sec, would you?" Oh my god, what a geek. Always has been and always will be. He beams at us from behind those ugly square framed glasses, which he'd probably had on since he was born. I watch him dragging his somewhat crestfallen 'princess' away. Thank heavens and hells it's her and not me he's latching onto!
As I glance at the Cranes' large ballroom, I see formally clad people already gathering around for the first dance. Needless to say, Charity and Miguel join them at once, renewing their 'prom king and queen' status yet again. I recognize several people from college, but I'm simply not in the mood to socialize.
"I think I'd better go join em'," mutters Eden, nodding at the merry crowd. Eden my friend, I'll be damned nay blessed, if it isn't my lovely cousin you're after.
"Of course- go ahead," I say enthusiastically. He smiles uneasily and leaves for the room. It's better to try and steal at least the last few dances with her, rather than be stuck with a gal who freaks the daylights out of you, my pretty boy. So please be my guest- go get Charity off my Miguel…
I look around nonchalantly. Vibrant evening dresses and smart suits enter and exit my vision, and I cringe at the thought of being underdressed. But there's nothing else to do, but watch people being happy, happy, happy…
Interestingly enough though, one particular person soon comes into my attention. He's a suave- looking guy around my age, leaning casually on a semi- obscure pillar that's closer to me than the rest of the guests. There's something carelessly commanding about him, as if he could have whatever he wanted with a click of the fingers. He looks quite hot too, light brown hair framing a near- flawless face.
I gaze quietly at him, wondering who he could be, and why stately though he seems, he's standing alone unnoticed, hands in pockets with that lazy smile. Not as impeccable as Eden Summers, but definitely more charm and 'it'. Those brown eyes virtually ooze of endless summer nights and… sex appeal…
"Checking me out?" he calls out suddenly, making me jump. His eyes meet mine.
"No-o," I laugh nervously. Well done Kay! Go on, blush like a poppy! Of course he didn't catch you goggling at him! I walk slowly towards him. Well it'd seem lamer if I simply took off now. Better to go and confront the source of your self- mortification. At least in this case…
"Um, I thought I've seen you before at college. You seem kind of familiar?" Which is partially true, more or less. I do vaguely recall seeing his face from somewhere. But that isn't the reason for my staring…
"Yeah you might have. Only I left Harmony a couple of years ago. I'm Nick. Nick… Swann," he adds, holding out a hand.
I shake it, thinking his name suits him well. Nick Swann- now why do I like the sound of that? Why do I like the look of him?
"I'm Kay Bennett," I reply, making an effort to appear cool, calm and collected. Whether it's actually working is another story.
"Kay Bennett? Heyyy… you're Ethan Winthrop's half- sister!" The smile remains in the eyes, but an impious crinkle appears at one corner of his mouth. Does he know me?
"I'm Jessica Bennett's sister," I say dryly, "As well as Noah Bennett's."
"Wait… a… minute. Noah Bennett- I knew him. He here?" Nick inquires, scanning the room.
"No. He's boarding at Med. College. All he does is study."
"I see- always been a brain, hasn't he?"
"Oh yeah. He's our great academic in the family, y' know?"
"Taking the 'right' road, ultimate parents' dream…? He suggests.
"You got it!"
"I've an older bro too- E- Ian. He's always been Mommy and Daddy's boy, just like your brother. Do you reckon it's some kind of first- come- first served- thing?" he whispers conspiringly, making a face.
I smile in agreement. Don't know why, but I'm starting to like this guy…
Just then, Charity and Miguel dance past- Eden's eyes following them, and most of the female population in the party's eyes following him. I can't help but look at Miguel. He looks so damn fine in that white suit, dark brown hair shining, eyes full of an adamant, relentless love… for Charity.
"Ah. So I seeee. Someone's nicely hitting on Mr White Suit over there," I hear a voice drawl behind me.
I blush and turn around. "He's taken," I protest abruptly.
"Pity," he clicks his tongue with a shake of the head. "There's undoubtedly something about you that resembles him…" Yeah, I know what you mean, Nick.
There is an obvious pause.
"He loves her, but I want him. I've loved him way longer than she ever did! But she's leeching onto him even after she found out he isn't her…" Oh. I bite my lip in embarrassment, noticing that I sounded a little too loud. Although it did become lost in the music and the hum of voices around me.
"Sorry," I mutter. "I just threw a bit of a spac attack, didn't I? I don't know why I had to go and pour forth my ravings to you- I'm, I'm really sorry…"
"No need!" He says smoothly, holding up a hand. "I understand. Everyone has his or her out- of- reach dreams and I'm certainly no exception. All we poor asses can do is try and give 'em our best shot huh? We'll get what we want in the end…"
"But it seems there's nothing else I can do to get Miguel away from my… mop of a cousin! I've been trying to do that for seven long years!"
Almost out of thin air, Nick produces a small bottle of wine and two crystal glasses on a tray. He smirks seductively at me. And we hit the 'drink of the devil' straightaway.
"Maybe you could plant a bomb in her angelic white number," he drawls mock politely, guffawing soon after.
"Great idea! Do you have the phone number of the nearest explosives dealer? Coz that would be hugely appreciated," I snort, giggling. Omigosh, am I giggling? How disgustingly Jessish! It must be the wine…
Little do I notice that Nick Swann's arm has been around me longer than I imagine. As he leads me into the shadowy balcony, little do I realise that I have forgotten Miguel, even if it was for such a tiny, little while…
To be continued…
*****
A/N: Whew I hope Fox didn't sound suss or something! I'm going to call this chapter 'Masquerade'. Think u know why… Thanx heaps to brendaboo02, chocolate babe, svata2004, Maxx, MahoganyMiss, yy and theroxrules4eva for their reviews:
brendaboo02: Well there u go! Fox just met Kay hehe. And there's more!
chocolate babe: Foxay u want… foxay u (might!) … get!
svata2004: I'm glad u're liking it! :) Thanks 4 ur review!
Maxx: I'm glad u think so! And ur right- I think they should get some time on TV
too.
MahoganyMiss: {giggles wickedly} Hehe. That was the most um… the only way I
could think of to get her away from Julian (so he could be with
Eve!) Thanx as usual for ur review- I always look 4ward to them :)
yy: lol. That song's so catchy it's in my head at the moment! Thanx 4 ur comments!
theroxrules4eva: To therox or not to therox, that is the question… I like therox too
and u'll have to keep on reading to find out what happens between
her and Fox!
Remember, feel free to criticize, comment and suggest. Thank u!
