The response on this story has been incredible! I really appreciate all the support on this... woohoo... you guys rock.
Well, I got a request to provide pictures of the girls dresses for the Masquerade. I have done so, to give you a general idea of what the dresses look like. The links are in my profile under the story name.
Chapter 22- Masquerade
The next week of planning, distributing of the invitations and the hype seemed to fly by for Hailey, Tyler and Reid. Sarah had convinced Kate in to helping them, and the three girls reconnected on a new level.
To Hailey things felt like they were finally getting back to the way they were before Tyler and everyone found out about the bet. She had to laugh thinking about the look on Reid, Caleb and Pogue's face when they saw Tyler's lip, and then the look on their faces when they saw Aaron's black eye and nearly broken nose.
Reid had congratulated Tyler on no longer being a 'pussy' as he called it, Pogue didn't say much, just a simple smirk and a head nod of acknowledgment, at least in front of Hailey, and Caleb gave him the authoritative, fatherly expression.
It was the night before Reid's party and Hailey was on her way to the dress shop after leaving Reid's house. She had finished the last of the decorations and was happy to see that it really looked as if they were going to have a Medieval Masquerade Ball.
She drove in to town stopping at the Starbucks to pick up a Carmel Macchiato; she was paying for her drink when a hand jutted out in front of her thrusting a card at the girl behind the counter. Hailey's eyebrows knitted together in confusion until she turned and saw the very handsome guy from earlier that week.
"Fancy seeing you here…" He smiled nodding to the cashier as she handed him back his card.
Hailey smiled and looked down at the warm cup in her hands, "Chase, hey…"
"So, what are you doing in town on a Thursday Night?" He asked.
"A friend of mine's birthday party is tomorrow, and I've got to pick up my dress…" She stated walking away from the counter with the older boy.
"I see," Chase gave her a small smirk. "So, Hailey, a beautiful girl like you can't be single, huh?" He asked carefully.
Hailey blushed and stood by the door leaning against the tall table, "It's complicated actually…" She looked down at her feet.
"How so?" Chase asked with a small grin adorning his lips.
"My ex and I are… kind of trying to work things out…" She stated, looking back up at him, her eyebrows knitted together. "I think,"
"You think?" Chase asked trying to hold back a laugh.
"Like I said, it's complicated…" She shook her head. "I didn't something really stupid, and really… wrong… and we've been spending some time together, and working through it…" Hailey rambled. She stopped talking and looked at Chase. "Sorry, rambling… I know…" She pursed her lips together.
"That's too bad though," Chase stated.
"How so?" Hailey took a sip of her drink.
"Too bad for me…" He pointed to himself and took a drink of his coffee, giving her a wink before he disappeared out of the café.
Hailey watched him disappear in to a crowd of people and shook her head. There was something about Chase that drew her to him, he had a little bit of mystery about him, but she wasn't going to let anything come between her and her feelings for Tyler.
She felt that she was meant for him and him only.
She felt the vibrating in her pocket and pulled out her phone, she looked at the name flashing on the screen and smiled.
"Hey Ty," She answered.
"Hey, what are you doing?" He asked
"Just about to go pick up my dress, what are you doing?" She asked him.
"Sitting a Nicky's with Reid…." She heard him say.
"That's cool, I just finished decorating for the party… Have I mentioned how huge his house is?" She asked looking through her purse to find her chap stick.
"Only about a hundred times since we started decorating and setting up for the party," Tyler grinned on the other line.
"Well it's like two of my parent's houses…" She remarked. "It's big…"
"I know," Tyler answered holding back his laughter. "Call me when you leave the dress shop, ok?"
"Ok, I'll talk to you later…"
Hailey walked out of the Starbucks and up the small shopping area to the dress store where she had picked out her dress. She walked in to the store and it seemed to be a bit darker inside than it had the last time the group had been in there.
She walked further towards the back where the cashier was and didn't see anyone. She only saw a box; a rather large box sitting on top of the counter.
Curiously, she walked closer to it, creeping up on the white box. She looked down and on the box was her name, written in perfect calligraphy. A small smile appeared on her lips as she pulled open the box and looked in to see a card with her name written on it, the same perfect calligraphy, and the dress she had picked out.
Hailey's breath was caught in her throat as she pulled out the card. She stared on the inside and immediately recognized Tyler's handwriting. She read through the card, and couldn't help but smile, her heart racing theatrically.
In more words than necessary he asked her to be his date at the Masquerade. She was told to meet him dressed in the gown that she had chosen at the top stairs of the Garwin Manor. She pulled the dress out of the box as the card told her to do and found a small box at the bottom.
A red velvet box.
She hung the dress over her arm and pulled the box in to her grasp. She opened it and felt her eyes immediately sting with happiness. The necklace that she had looked at just days ago was staring back at her.
She looked up to see the store owner smiling back at her and helping her place the dress back in the box and giving her a bag to carry the large box home in. Hailey walked to her car on cloud nine. She was in complete shock.
She drove the entire way back to Spencer, and didn't know when or how she got there; it seemed like a miracle that she made it home in one piece. She was walking up the steps when her pocket vibrated she pulled her phone out and answered the call immediately.
"I thought I told you to call me when you left the shop?" His voice was coming from right behind her.
She turned around and saw him walking up towards her, hands stuffed in his pocket, hair messily hanging down in his face, and a boyish grin on his face. Hailey couldn't resist the urge to smile. She shut her phone and watched him glide up the stairs expertly.
"You are amazing…" She whispered as he got closer.
"I can't take all the credit…" Tyler stated looking down at her. "It was originally Reid's idea, but I gave it a little finesse…"
Hailey grinned up at him and smiled, "You're still amazing…"
Tyler felt a small blush creep up on his cheeks, "Meet me at the top of the staircase at 9 o'clock…"
"I'll be there," She stated as he leaned down and placed a kiss on her temple before walking in to the school and disappearing. Hailey sighed heavily and looked up at the sky, "I don't deserve this," She whispered up to the heavens. "But thank you…"
Hailey was so excited for Friday to come. Not only would this prove her amazing party planning skills, but she was going to be Tyler's date and this meant more to her than she even knew was possible.
She was so busy Friday tying up the last few loose ends with the DJ, catering, and all of the last minutes details that she didn't even notice that Reid hadn't made it to school that day, until she walked in to the cafeteria to see their table was missing a person.
"Where's Reid?" She asked walking up to the table that she still didn't feel a hundred percent comfortable sitting at.
"He's… uh…" Caleb started to say.
"Playing hookie… you know Reid… it's his birthday… he thinks he's better than God right now…" Tyler answered with a small smile, picking up for Caleb.
The truth was Reid's ascension was early this morning, and the blonde boy was completely exhausted from receiving his fully matured powers. He stayed in his dorm room sleeping, trying to rest up for his party later that night.
"The girls tell us that this party is going to be amazing…" Caleb stated changing the subject.
"I hope so, I really worked hard on making it fabulous… not just for Mr. Cocky-and-Arrogant, but for anyone who was invited." She gave him a once over and smiled.
"Well I can't wait… I love any reason to party…" Pogue interrupted and gave her a grin. "I'm sure it'll be great…"
He speaks! Hailey thought excitedly. Pogue hadn't said much to her since everything between her and Tyler and Aaron took place. Though, Pogue was a man of few words, at least around her anyway.
"Thanks, I sure hope so…" She reiterated. "I'm gonna go get something to eat, I'll see you later…" She tossed them a simple wave and got in to line.
The rest of the day seemed to soar by for her and she found herself getting ready. She had found the perfect mask the Sunday before the party, and was excited to get all dressed up for the ball.
Sarah had forced her to hand over the reigns for the last few things to the guys to finish up, since this was their best friend's birthday party, so that they would have an adequate amount of time to get ready.
The three girls had found a salon in town that would take all three of them and do their make up. The girls met up at Kate and Sarah's dorms, their dresses hanging up along with all of their accessories.
Hailey drove them to the salon and within the next two hours the three were ready to get dressed and get to the party. The party formally started at eight and it was now seven. The three of them would be "escorting" the birthday boy in to his own party.
He had arranged for a limo to pick them all up at the dorms and bring them to his house, where they would enter through the grand hall, together.
Sarah's dress was a very feminine gold color, with a gold bodice and cascading ruffles and was a bit snug around the top and middle, as it slowly got looser towards the bottom. Her mask was a glass and gold mask accented by the gold glitter around her eyes and cheeks.
Kate's was a deep purple, with a corset like style, and a ball gown hoop skirt. She wore a dark black and purple mask that was a classy resemblance to a Mardi Gras mask. The purple was played off by her eye shadow, and gold jewelry.
Hailey's dress was a black bodice top that laced up the back with a modest sized skirt that clung to her hips and fell down with a black lace over top of it. Her mask was a black and white mask that had an almost matching black piece of lace that covered part of her face. Sarah had helped her put on the necklace Tyler had gotten for her and the three girls were ready to go.
They made it down to exiting the dormitory without forgetting a thing. The black limo pulled around as the girls waited patiently for Reid. He emerged from behind them looking debonair. His all black outfit screamed for attention, his white tie and platinum tie clip adding to the effect. His mask fit him perfectly; it was mischievous looking, among other things.
"My ladies…" He greeted them with a bow and a fake British accent.
The girls laughed and they piled in to the luxurious limo that awaited them. They chatted briefly on the way there but prepared for their entrance. Reid stood in the middle his arms linked with Hailey and Sarah, as Kate linked her arm with Sarah's.
Reid walked in to the open double doors and the music was turned down and the party goers looked to the doors to see Reid walk in with his three lovely escorts. The whole room took in a breath as he walked in down the red velvet carpet that was sprinkled with tasteful gold confetti.
Reid glanced over at Hailey and gave her a meaningful nod; she had done a spectacular job. The place looked absolutely perfect. He saw two of his best friend's standing to the side smirking at him from behind their masks. Reid dropped Hailey's arm and she stood in her spot as Reid walked Sarah and Kate over to Pogue and Caleb.
He gave a courteous bow and reclaimed Hailey's arm, he held his hand up to the DJ and the DJ started spinning the next record, and the party continued as Reid walked Hailey further in to the house.
"You did an amazing job…" Reid stated as they walked towards the center of the floor.
"I just wanted everything to be perfect…" She smiled looking around.
"Well everything will be perfect once you get that ass of yours up those stairs…" Reid stated nodding his head in the direction of the grand staircase.
"Wish me luck," She whispered as Reid walked her to the bottom of the stairs and placed a kiss on her cheek.
She glanced over his shoulder as he lingered back in to the crowd being sure to grab a glass of champagne as they were passed around. She held up her skirt as she made her way up the steps, her eyes were concentrated on her feet, hoping that she wouldn't slip and fall. She glanced over at the large clock, it was almost nine o'clock.
She reached the final step and glanced around the party looking for a sign of Tyler anywhere. She bit her bottom lip, probably ruining her lipstick as she did so, but not really caring. She bounced on the balls of her feet as the clock his 9:03 PM, and still no sign of Tyler Simms.
"Looking for me?" His deep, gentle voice came in her left ear; his hot breath on her bare shoulders.
Hailey turned around and stared up at Tyler. Those piercing blue eyes stared back at her from behind a mask that was very similar to Phantom of the Opera. She smiled and he smiled back, "I was…" She answered back.
"Well look no more," He smiled at her.
"Thank you," She whispered to him, they were inches apart and Tyler could barely hear her words over the thumping of the intense music.
"For what?" He asked pulling her in to his arms.
"For this, for everything…" She stated, looking up in to his forgiving eyes.
"I can't fight what my heart is telling me," Tyler stated as he pulled her in for a meaningful kiss.
Hailey stared up at him as she pulled away slightly, she couldn't help but smile, "You are so amazing…" She whispered her tone full of happiness.
"I don't care about what happened in the past…" Tyler's hands were grabbing her hips firmly. "All I care about is you," He stated shaking his head.
Hailey didn't know what else she could say to this; she grabbed his face in her hands and kissed him as hard as she could. She felt complete as he pulled her against his body. Their masks clashing a bit, but neither of them cared.
The only thing that tore them out of their intense kiss was some hooting and hollering coming from the bottom of the stairs. Tyler blushed and Hailey tried to hide her face as Reid, Sarah, Caleb, Pogue and Kate cheered them on at the bottom of the stairs.
"Come join the party…" Reid called up to them.
Tyler lifted his chin to his best friend and Hailey smiled. Tyler grabbed Hailey's hand in his and interlaced his fingers with hers; he escorted her down the tricky staircase and was greeted with two flutes of champagne.
"Let's go…" Sarah grabbed Hailey's hand and pulled her out on to the dance floor.
After what seemed like hours of dancing Hailey was forced on stage to say Happy Birthday to Reid, as were all of his close friends. She was the last one and she smiled down at her group of friends.
"Well, birthday boy…" She laughed in to the microphone. "We've been through hell and back, but we came out alright, huh?" She asked. Reid nodded his head in agreement as Tyler rolled his eyes. Hailey had downed one too many flutes of champagne. She held up the glass she was holding at the moment, "To best friends, boyfriends, and the like…" She held up her flute and took a sip of the champagne. "Happy birthday, Reid…"
Everyone cheered and gulped down their glass.
"Now, it's time for the cake…" She stated as the doors to the kitchen flew open.
"Cake?" Reid asked as she walked off the stage handing the microphone back to the DJ. She grinned and Tyler wrapped his arm around her middle.
"What kind of birthday would it be without a cake?" She asked.
The large wedding like birthday cake was placed on a large table lined with flutes of champagne and a cutting knife, "Go on…" Sarah pushed Reid towards the table.
They all sang Reid 'Happy Birthday' he cut the cake and they put the cake on serving trays as the waiters and waitresses brought them around. The group got back to dancing when Hailey held a finger to Tyler.
"I'll be back…" She grinned stepping away and back to the champagne table.
Hailey picked up a two more glasses of champagne and was ready to head back to her date when someone stood in her way. She tried to see who it was but their mask covered the majority of their face.
"Hello Hailey," A familiar voice said, a bit of arrogance behind his tone.
Hailey's eyes narrowed slightly as she looked deeper in to the mask, "Chase?"
"Good eyes, darling…" Chase gave her a wicked little grin.
"What are you doing here?" She asked him quietly trying to make sure she didn't draw any attention to herself or the random party guest. "I don't remember your name on the list of invites…" She stated.
"I was a last minute invite… Reid and I go way back…" Chase smiled.
"Oh, well how are you liking it so far?" She asked.
"Killer party…" He stated without even blinking.
"Didn't do to bad, did I?" She asked taking a nervous sip of her drink.
She had never felt nervous around Chase before, but in this atmosphere in her good friend's house, she felt very uneasy around him.
Chase brushed a curl out of her face and smiled at her, "So who's the lucky guy?" His hand trailed down to the diamond necklace around her neck.
Hailey looked over his shoulder and saw Tyler hamming it up with Reid on the dance floor, "Tyler… Reid's best friend…"
Chase's face looked a bit amused with the news and sickeningly sweet smile adorned his lips, "Well, didn't know baby boy had it in him to get such a lovely young lady…" He let his finger linger up to her chin and made her look up at him. "Do let them know I said hello…"
He turned to leave, and Hailey caught him by the arm, "Why don't you come over and say hi?" She asked carefully.
"Not such a good idea," Chase stated before disappearing in to a crowd of people.
Hailey felt stumped after this and watched as the sea of people made him literally disappear. She shook her head and took a sip of her champagne and found her way back to Tyler.
Tyler wrapped his arms around her middle and brought her in to a kiss, she smiled against his lips and pulled away, "What took you so long?" He asked taking the second glass in her hand.
Hailey ignored his question and gulped down the rest of her drink. She pulled him to her lips again and Tyler forgot all about his previous question.
The night dwindled in to the early morning and the group of seven shooed the remainder of the party out of the house so that they could get some sleep. Reid instructed them all to take a guest room as he took his old room.
The last thing Hailey remembered was walking in to the dark room, and that was it. She woke up the next morning with a pair of strong arms wrapped around her middle. She rested back against a bare chest and took in the scent of his familiar cologne.
It felt great to be back in his arms, she turned to face him, to see that he was awake, smiling at her. She grinned pressing her lips to his.
"How long have you been awake?" She asked him.
"Awhile," He answered.
"Why didn't you get up?" She continued her small interrogation.
Tyler didn't say anything for a moment as he pulled her closer to him, letting his lips linger by her ear, "I was enjoying having you in my arms again..."
Her green eyes lit up placing a kiss on his lips, "I want to stay like this forever…" She whispered laying her head against his chest.
"If I have things the way I want them, we will…" Tyler whispered kissing the top of her head.
As per usual, DON'T REVIEW!!! ;) Man, I love reverse psychology, now I know why my mother used to use it on me all the time!