Big Time Cinderella

Chapter 5

JAMES'S POV

"Dude, you're not okay, just admit it. You haven't been acting like yourself." Kendall said, handing me a drink.

"I'm fine, honestly." I replied, sipping the drink. "Like I said, I've just been thinking about some things.."

"Like what?" Kendall asked, almost disgusted that he didn't know.

"Just, just the fact that I'm alone." I said.

"James, you're anything BUT alone. Do you know how many girls here tonight want you?!," He turned me around to face the crowd, "Look at all the people! And you practically have your pick of any of them." Kendall continued as Logan and Carlos came to stand beside us.

I sighed, looking out into the sea of people. They all looked like every other girl I had been with. Stuck up and rude. Not that I really cared, it would just be nice to have someone who actually loved me for who I am, not for the fame.

"So, the irresistible James Diamond, which one do you want?" Logan asked as I continued scanning the room.

And that's when it happened.

"Her." I said, pointing to the staircase.

She had to be an angel. The light reflected off of her elegant white dress and it almost hurt my eyes to look at it due to brightness. Diamonds and jewels glistened, making her stand out from everyone else.

"I want her." I said again, pushing myself away from my friends and through the crowd.

TORI'S POV

"God. I stand out. I'm going back home." I said, trying to turn to leave but Savannah grabbed my arm.

"You look amazing. You're not leaving." She said, pulling me down the stairs.

I groaned.

"What's wrong now?!" My friend asked, sounding annoyed.

"It's these stupid shoes. They keep slipping off my feet. They're getting Old.." I trailed off.

"Which is why you should've worn different shoes." Savannah said, pointing to her feet.

I rolled my eyes, taking the last step of the staircase and walking across the floor.

Suddenly I felt a body run into me, almost knocking me down.

"I'm sorry." We both said in unison, turning around to face each other.

I felt my stomach fill with butterflies.

Even though the stranger was wearing a mask I knew exactly who it was.

James. Diamond.

Silence filled the space between us as we looked into each others eyes.

"Well.." Savannah trailed off before slowly backing up and turning to leave me alone with James.

"Um, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to run into you like that..." He finally said, extending his hand.

"It's okay. I'm sure it happens a lot in crowded rooms." I joked and smiled. He smiled back. His perfect smile.

"I saw you walk in and was wondering..." He ran a hand through his hair nervously, "Would you like to dance?" He asked and I smiled, taking his hand and replying with a Yes.

I followed him to an empty spot on the dance floor. We held each other close as we swayed to the music.

"So, who are you exactly?" He asked, looking into my eyes.

"A person."

He laughed, "No, I mean what's your name?"

"Isn't this a masquerade? These masks are meant to keep our identities a secret." I smiled back at him and he gave up on asking me questions.

The night got away from me, laughing, talking and dancing with James.

We were yet again swaying to the music and I looked into the crowd the best I could, seeing Savannah and Logan talking. I smiled to myself thinking about how amazing and memorable this night would be.

I closed my eyes, taking in James's intoxicating aroma. He was so perfect in every way.

I opened my eyes to see Savannah frantically trying to get my attention. I gave her a "What do you want" look as James and I continued to dance.

I saw her mouth the words "We have to go." and I pouted, mouthing back "Why?!"

I noticed her desperate look as she mouthed "Marisol is leaving the girls here and going home. She's making sure you're still there."

I felt my eyes grow wide as I started to panic. I pulled myself away from James.

"I'm, I'm so sorry." I said, turning to run away.

James grabbed my arm, "What's wrong? Where are you going?" He asked.

"I really have to go. I'm sorry." I said as our skin lost contact. I could feel him running after me and pushing his way through the crowd of people.

I quickly made my way to the stairs, running up them. I made it halfway before tripping and Falling, causing my shoe to slip off and tumble down the steps.

I didn't worry about getting it, I just stood back up, continuing to run.

I felt part of my dress rip on a decoration and I turned to see some of the sparkly white material hanging on the banister.

I also noticed James at the bottom of the stairs.

JAMES'S POV

She was perfect.

She was all I wanted.

And she was running out of my life, literally.

I stood at the bottom of the staircase, watching her leave as I felt something hit my foot. I bent down and picked up the object.

A black and white converse shoe with a heart drawn on each toe part of the shoe in Sharpie marker.

I looked up, still able to see my mystery girl and I took off up the steps. If anything I at least had to return her shoe to her.

While running up the steps I also noticed a piece of fabric. The same fabric of mystery girl's dress. I grabbed it also and continued running after her.

I made it to the parking lot.

"Hey! I found your-" I was cut off, noticing that the parking lot was bare.

Mystery girl was nowhere to be found.

"...Shoe." I finished before sitting down on the curb and examining the two objects I was holding in my hand.

A shoe and some fabric.

She was it.

She was my missing half.

I just knew it.

I had to find her.

I NEEDED to find her.

Even if it was the last thing I did.