Chapter 6: The Masquerade and Charades

I stood the next night in front of my full length mirror admiring myself for it took me near two hours to get ready for this party. I had decided to go, just for the little adventure that I rarely got to experience. I watched myself in the mirror a few more moments as I traced my floor length black dress which was strapless with my gaze, and it had sequins embedded in every inch of the material. There was a split on the side clean up to my hip and I wore black matching high heels. My hair fell in curls around my pale features and my mask was of a cat face. The black cat, I would be playing for the evening and I was hoping nothing would become too uncomfortable to put up with.

I had contacted the male by text and he told me to be waiting for a limo at the corner of 8th and 6th street which I planned to take a taxi to. He had told me that he wouldn't be in the limo but would meet me at the front doors of the old estate which was just outside of town. He had told me he'd be wearing a wolf mask, and gray tux; and I was free for the evening as I had dropped Alex off a few hours ago at his friend's house for the night. Everything should be set for the evening, and it was about time for my taxi to be showing up. I grabbed my small matching handbag and fur coat before scurrying out hearing it click in place behind me I knew it was locked. I made my way down the hall calling for the elevator; and as I waited I adjusted my coat and gloves' making sure everything was in order and looked decent.

The ding singled the arrival of the elevator and I stepped in knowing most likely the taxi was waiting for me down stairs, and I would not doddle anywhere. I soon found myself at 6th street waiting for a limo that I hope did exist and whole thing hadn't been some outlandish prank, and I also hoped it wasn't some other form of set up. It wasn't as cold tonight but still had a bite to the air for a light breeze passed through the area. I figured it had been around ten minutes since I had been dropped off, and I'd give it another ten and if no limo I was going home, for this was a little bit ridiculous. Though, as I ended that line of thought a set of pure white headlights illuminated the whole area, and it also blinding me in the process.

I closed my eyes and suddenly heard the car pull directly in front of me and came to a slight squeaky stop. I readjusted my eyes to the darkened area and realized it was the black limo parked before me, and I heard the driver door open and close as I glanced up seeing a little man came scurrying around the side mumbling apologies for being late. He opened the door for me and I slid inside. This had been the first limo I had climbed into which didn't have a owner or smells of liquor and smoke; it was nice. I settled myself back against the leather seat and soon the vehicle was in motion again as I looked to the driver. "You were instructed where to drive me?" I asked in a soft tone, so I would not offend the man somehow; and he promptly replied.

"Yes ma'am, Mr. Katashi comes to town now and then and uses our service. He told me to pick you up and bring you to the old Mercury estate house, I hear there is a big party going on there tonight, and it should be fun miss. Though don't worry I will get you there before you can say midnight for Cinderella." I near wanted to giggle at the man and how he spoke, and he was friendly kind, even though he was noticeably unschooled. Though as the driver had said they did arrive in no time and the place was fairly crowded; limos and cars lined the extravagant driveway as they dropped off guests. I felt suddenly a bit uneasy even though I had gone to parties before this one was a bit out of my league I'd have to guess.

It was soon my turn to exit my current transportation which we had dropped tickets off at the gate, and I joined the rest of the crowd which was hovering about the court yard chit chatting burning time before the doors opened I assumed. It wasn't but two minutes or less when someone approached me, his frame was tall but had a thicker build to what I was used to; his stride was confident but slow as he made his way to me. He soon stopped a couple feet away from me to where I could make out the features of his mask were indeed a wolf; especially it being a bit hard to see through my own disguise. I soon heard the familiar voice from the phone call yesterday.

"Glad you could make it Kagome, the cat portrayal suits you. I think my associate advised me right in calling you for an escort." His voice was smooth but deep, and though I am glad his associate had such confidence in my ability to handle this situation; if he even knew what it entailed. I heard him began to speak again as my focus returned squarely on my current situation, and I didn't really know what to make of this man or this place. "The house should open shortly the Mercury family has always made it a habit to be fashionably late." His tone then had been slightly sarcastically playful as I continued to watch him and he slid his hands into the pockets of his pants; which was the action of a nervous man.

I finally decided to break my silence and replied to the male. "I am glad your associate had so much confidence in me to refer me to another client. I hope I do not disappoint you in our brief encounter for the evening." I watched his shoulders fall in what I assumed was a shrug as he reached out and offered his hand out to me; I hesitated a moment before accepting the awaiting fingers which lightly engulfed mine. He guided me closer to the large wooden door way as if he knew they would open soon; I heard his voice vibrate the air around us again.

"I doubt you will be a disappointment, you already show signs of having good tastes and being well mannered so we shouldn't have any dilemmas while in each other's company this evening." As if on cue the old wooden doors leading into this brick mansion squeaked ajar; allowing new light to illuminate the surrounding court yard. The crowd had fell silent as they all seemed to hold their breath as the situation unfolded before their eyes. Soon a lean and lanky graying man wearing a tux and Phantom of the Opera mask stepped outside in view of all who had gathered; I heard him clear his throat as he prepared to speak his mind to the awaiting crowd.

"Thank you all for coming this evening, and those of you returning to my estate know this is my yearly charity event to help fund the child hospital down town; all of those who are new to this place I hope you find my home appealing to your senses; as my wife redecorates every year for this occasion and I do enjoy her time and work she places into this extravaganza every year. The theme this year as you know is masquerade, and I see many grand costumes out and about tonight. There are light drinks and refreshments provided, and this party ends at 11p.m; so enjoy yourselves and have a bewitching evening. The man disappeared back within the house, and the lights shining out of the doorway prevented the guests from seeing what laid beyond; and the dim lanterns provided little help in the situation of curiosity.

I felt my companion for the evening tug upon my arm as the gathering of people began to file in. I followed his lead and stuck close to the male as we soon entered the mansion, and it took my eyes a few moments to adjust to the blinding rays which came reflecting from the chandeliers above. There were rows of tapestries hung upon the walls depicting a variety of scenes from war to lazy days on the beach; the ceilings had silver and gold large ribbons dipping up and down like ocean waves around the chandeliers. Glancing down my gaze landed on polished black marble floors with white specs integrated within the stone to make it depict a image of the clear night sky. It really was quite a beautiful lavish lay out; oh how the rich had money to burn. I near wanted to chuckle at the irony but refrained myself.

I continued to let my companion lead me around not paying much mind to him as he greeted fellow guests he passed by. I soon found he had guided me to the bar and he was ordering a drink, and he glanced down at me and requested a red raspberry wine which was for me and a whiskey for himself. The bar tender soon handed me the wine glass and my companion the shot glass. I watched as he downed it all at once. Well, I learned at that moment my partner for the evening could handle drinking and likely disliked the crowd he was stuck in. I decided to remain quiet as I sipped on my own drink and turned about looking at the crowd of people since he had released his hold on me. Though my thoughts were soon interrupted as I heard his deep smooth tone, and oddly enough he had no accent like most people I had met along the way of this odd road I called a life.

"You seem quite mellow in this situation. You must be used to places like this." His comment was clipped short as another male and female approached us, and they were laughing lightly among themselves before they stood right before us. The male of the couple spoke first with a smile plastered to his tanned face; though only the lower half of his face was visible apparently my own companion knew who he was because I heard his voice first once more. "Garrett, surprised to see you here, Mrs. Jasper." I watched as the man I knew as Mr. Katashi inclined his head toward the couple.

Now apparently it was Garrett's turn to speak. "Of course, I always try to attend these gatherings, it would be rude of me not to considering who my father is." I heard him finish and a light giggle escaped his companion 'Mrs. Jasper'. I was already bored of these two, and if I had to take a wild guess, they weren't married, she was likely hitched to some older guy and was becoming an arm piece for this guy known as Garrett. I lightly shook my head as the circles continue among the rich; they really weren't any better than the poorest of the poor. My thoughts were broken once more by Mr. Katashi voice. "This is Miss Kagome, she was kind enough to be my companion tonight." I put on a light smile in greeting as all attention was now on me; I soon heard Mrs. Jasper direct a question at me.

"So Kagome, what line of work are you into?" It was a simple enough question but I had to always lie in the heat of the moment because it would draw too much gossip and scandals for any companion if I fessed up to my current line of work. "I own a chain of flower and boutique store in California." I idly stated as if I said it every day of my life. "I met Mr. Katashi when he hired me for a catering arrangement." I always liked killing two birds with one stone; and would leave most other questions dead in the water. I felt Katashi look at me, and I could just feel his piercing gaze on the top of my skull though I paid no mind as well as I could that was.

"Well, that is nice dear. Garrett darling, let's go find Todd and Anne they are always such fun." I watched as Mrs. Jasper wrapped both arms about Garrett's and her companion simply patted her hands and I heard him simply state. "Alright dear, Katashi, pleasure as always." I watched the male's incline their head to one another as the couple took their leave across the marble floor. I shook my head again and glanced up at my own companion who was still watching them stroll off, and I watched his head shake as well and near wanted to giggle. I was glad someone else did notice what type those two were as well.

Though my humor was short lived as his sight came down on mine before he spoke again to me. "You seem good at covering your own ground." The words were neutral to my ears, and not really annoyed or impressed. My shoulders fell in an undignified shrug before I decided to answer him, and I smoothed a invisible wrinkle from my dress. I decided to return my gaze up to the male who I didn't know what he looked like with that wolf mask covering his features; I couldn't help but imagine a bushy eye brow rose up at me over the situation.

"I always have a couple cover stories in my pocket, wouldn't look too well if I came out and said I was a high class hooker, would it? I also made sure to make the location far away from here so they could never try to piece it together. I've done this for a good while, and plenty long enough to know when to dot my I's and cross my T's." I took a long sip from the wine glass I still held to shut myself up, and I was a bit nervous but clamped down tightly on my emotions so they couldn't run rampant with my tongue. I was hoping this glass of wine would calm my own nerves before I did slip something I shouldn't in this situation.

"Well, there shouldn't be many I know here, most my contacts and clients are in bigger cities." I wasn't going to ask anything after he made that comment, and I would keep my mouth shut unless he needed me or asked something of me. I might have been playing a cat tonight but curiosity wouldn't be the downfall of me tonight. It did make me feel a bit better that he couldn't see much of my face, which I hoped was a mutual annoyance with him as well; but then again I couldn't even see his hair color, he knew mine. I near wanted to scrunch my nose but the sound of a familiar melody filled the air and caused the crowd of people to quiet down. I set my near empty glass down on the counter as Katashi decided to take a seat at the bar. I near sighed at the sight of him doing so.

This looked like this was going to be a boring evening after all as I adjusted my gown and idly sat on the seat next to him; watching the crowd in the same way he did; or well he might have decided to doze off as far as I know. A few minutes later when I actually did think he was sleeping and I was watching the couples swirl by in a turn of colors as their partners danced them across the floor; he decided to speak once more. "I'm sorry if I am not a lively companion, I am actually waiting on someone which is why we are mainly here to begin with." His voice slightly spooked me out of my boredom as I just nodded casually in the gesture of letting him know I heard him. If I could sprawl myself out across the bar in a un-lady like fashion of protest, I certainly would have.

I decided to break the ice between us once more as the silence was scratching on my nerves. "So why did you even need an escort then, if you were just meeting someone here?" I glanced at the spot where his face would be if there wasn't a wolf disguise in its place. He was silent for a long moment, and I figured he might not answer me so I looked back out over the couples who were twirling on the dance floor as each song played out. My foot tapped lightly to one beat or another before he suddenly spun on his stool and faced me. I turned my attention to him a bit nervously wondering if I had annoyed him though, and I watched his mouth open, the only part of his face a could see besides his chin and words began falling out.

"I'm Mr. Katashi, I run a series of businesses from restaurants to car dealerships. I am supposed to be meeting a client here tonight to discuss a partnership deal. I dragged you along so I would look less suspicious sitting around at a bar twiddling my fingers." His words came out in a rush, which I figured was anxiety on his part. I took a chance and reached out with a gloved hand and patted his own hand which rested on the bar. This guy was far more nervous than I thought I was and I wasn't going to push him on anything.

"It is alright, Mr. Katashi, crowds aren't my cup of tea either, but sometimes I like looking at some of the wealthy fools, and no offense of course to you; and see a blow-fish or jelly fish, because some of these guys when they puff up they remind me of a blow-fish and the women are like jelly fish wrapping their tendrils around some unsuspecting rich sucker...unfortunately it is always about the money." I reached for my drink once more and finished it in one tilt of the glass. I don't know how he would take my outspoken mannerism but I had done sealed my fate one way or another.

"That is a interesting analogy to describe us rich fellows. Though a sucker fish would be more accurate, as we tend to suck the blood from everything around us." I digested his words and watched him throw another shot of whiskey down his gullet before his tongue darted out and licked his lips in anticipation or nervousness I'd never know; though his next words did surprise me a bit. "Let's take a whirl around the room for show eh? What else do we have to do but tap our heels and twiddle our fingers." I didn't have the chance to even protest if I wanted to as he rose up swiftly and grasped my upper arm tugging me on my own feet and swung me onto the dance floor with him on my heels.

The newest sound just began to blare into the room from the live band in the far corner, and it was a simple waltz which was I graceful for and I felt one of his large hands upon my waist and the other palm to palm as he guided our joined hands away from our bodies. I put my other hand on his shoulder as he began waltzing me across the floor, quite well for his larger size; his movements quite graceful and smooth as he guided me about the room among the other couples who were lounging in each other's arms. I easily kept up with my companion as he moved me about the marble floor in a flurry of colors and brief brushes of clothing. He was making me dizzy as he spun me any chance he got, and though he always brought my body back close to his as he drew me back in.

I figured he was attempting to lose his nervousness on the dance floor and it felt like the longest song of my life as I felt my stomach give a rumble of complaint from being handled roughly on the dance floor. When I thought I would have to ask him to stop the music ended and he strolled me back to the bar and made sure I was alright sitting back in my original spot. I heard him take a deep breath as the bar tender slid him another drink into his reach. His overall demeanor seemed a bit better, more relaxed now as I watched him watch the crowd. There was just something about him that was familiar; I didn't quite know what it was. I've known too many people, too many faces, and voices; everything always just blended into one another at times.

The words were on the edge of my tongue to ask the bartender for another drink when a man approached our location at the bar, and he had a young blonde lady on his arm who was dressed in a simple maroon floor length dress which had spaghetti straps. She looked too young but some girls looked fifth-teen and were twenty-five, and I wouldn't ask, it was none of my concern. The man on the other hand was in a purple and green suit with a joker mask shielding his face, and his companion held her mask in hand seeming none too thrilled about it. They approached with a cheerful atmosphere about them and were soon before us. It was Katashi who spoke first in greeting and the others returned the salutation. I was hoping this might be the guy Mr. Katashi was waiting on so things would maybe calm down a bit afterwards. I had drowned out their casual conversation losing myself in my own web of thoughts; though at hearing my name I looked back at Katashi who had been the one to mention me. I had caught on then that he was introducing me and I simply smiled toward them.

"Miranda dear, why don't you take a walk with Kagome a few minutes while I talk a bit of business with Katashi for a while." I heard a light giggle out of this woman known as Miranda and watched her nod her head before she reached out to me and casually locked her arm with my own and tugged me away across the room. I didn't know what to make of it, and it was suspicious. If it was just business what did it matter if us women were there. I was reluctantly strolling along side of this cheerful blonde, who had a soft voice and a quick giggle. She was chatting about random girlish things, which wasn't much interest to me, but I politely nodded my head when needed or said a curt no or yes. My mind was still at that bar wondering what was so secret that I had to be dragged off listening to mindless chatter.

I was still stuck on the fact in my brain that I swore up and down that I knew Monroe from somewhere, he wasn't a past client, that was a sure check off the list; but his demeanor and posture just leaned me toward a male I might have knew several years ago. Maybe if I could get him to take his mask off, I would know him then. I released a light sigh which caused my companion to think I was tired so she tugged me over to a bench and we sat together. Her next line of chatter though caught my attention greatly, and I focused fully on her, listening. "Monroe and I had a mild fling a couple years ago, we didn't work out and I figure mainly because I am too much of a chatter box, who loves shopping and makeup. I swear I think I bored him to death sometimes." She quit talking randomly and I glanced out across the room where she was looking toward; the two men were where we left them, as they leaned against the bar chit chatting. She began talking once more.

"He is a decent guy, I've known him near three years, so if you considering getting serious with him, it takes time but if you have the patience he is worth it."She smiled at me and I just returned the gesture; though if only she knew she was so far off that she'd fall off the edge of this story line. It was my turn to look across the room at the two males. I tried watching their mouths move but could barely make anything out. Something just felt odd about the whole situation, and I wanted to know what it was. I figured we had been gone from them for about ten minutes and it was about time I crash their little party. If I was stuck here for over another hour, I was going to try and figure something's out; although I didn't know why considering this would likely be the first and last time I'd ever see this guy again.

Though things just got more interesting when a young clean shaven blonde male wearing a simple black tux came strolling up to Miranda and I; and it made me near want to giggle, but I refrained as this young man was soon upon us with a dashing smile across his face; his attention was on me for some reason and I then knew why after Miranda spoke. "Kagome this is Derrick, my brother." I could see the resemblance now of how blonde hair and blue eyes ran in their family. My thoughts were interrupted again when Derrick decided to speak up.

"Good evening sister you are looking well and it is a pleasure to meet you Kagome." He gathered my hand into his own and placed a kiss upon my glove; talk about old fashion, but that was the way with some of these families. He soon released my hand and turned his attention back to his sister and began chatting with her. I zoned out focusing mainly on the two males across the room again, and it was becoming a slight annoyance; like an itch in a spot that you can't quite reach. Though my focus was soon forced back onto my current situation as I heard Miranda say something was a wonderful idea. I looked at Derrick who had his hand out toward me in an invite and I pieced it together of him wanting a dance.

With a mental sigh I reached out and accepted his hand and he tugged me up out of my seat. His fingers came to rest on my hip as he guided me onto the floor before the next song began; it turned into a much quicker beat than the first one I had danced to, and it seemed this guy Derrick was taking advantage of it as he pulled me close against his body and began rapidly leading me across the dance floor. His steps were swift and accurate as he twirled and twisted me about guiding our movements in a series of circles about the room. I think we ended up catching the attention of a few other guests for the floor seemed to clear out for the most part. I didn't have the chance to look as he continued to wrap me about his form and lead me into the next series of steps that he seemed appropriate for the section of the music.

I thought Katashi was good at getting me dizzy this guy would likely win the gold star for that category. I was sure I would near be sick but luck was with me again as he suddenly stopped with the music, which had me leaning backwards in his arms. A succession of cheers and claps broke out across the room as he straightened me up and I was blushing like a school girl who had just got her first kiss, to know I was put on the spot this badly in front of half of the higher class in Philadelphia. I removed myself out of his reach only to look over and see Katashi himself strolling to us. He really did look like a stalking wolf in that moment, and it wasn't a moment I wanted to be a part of, who knows how he would handle this particular situation.

Derrick had a smirk clear across his face as he went to guide me back to the sidelines basically though Monroe would have none of it as he stood in front of both of us. "Thank you Derrick but I do believe I can escort my date back to a comfortable location." That is all I heard out of Mr. Katashi as he grabbed my arm and near hauled me to a nearby door which led outside into the cool night air. All that was running through my mind right now was, I was likely going to get the lecture of my life for some reason. He suddenly halted our movements and here came the barrage of words falling from his razor like tongue.

"What in the world did you think you were doing? Did I not tell you earlier I was attempting to stay fairly unnoticed, and when I said I didn't need any suspicions thrown on me." I watched his hand go up and I near thought he wanted to hit me but he didn't he pulled his mask off which was likely irritating him and was hindering his current lecturing expedition. Though before he could return to throwing a fit I cut into the one sided conversation, to give him a piece of my own mind, even if it meant making things worse.

"I didn't see you get dropped off with some random chatter box, and I wasn't hired to be a baby sitter. I was hired to dress nice, look pretty, flash smiles, pretend to be someone I'm not. I was not on contract to think I would be gossip lady of the day; I was supposed to be on your arm, in your company, and lingering about being your companion. So it is not my fault some other man decided to sweep me off my feet because I looked quite bored." I studied his features now, he had midnight black hair which was unruly from the mask he had just stripped off and green eyes that was haunting my emotions at the moment; and he was lightly tanned but not noticeably so. Besides that crease line that was a sign of his agitation hovering on his forehead, he was quite a handsome male; too bad he probably wanted to fire me on the spot and even worse I still didn't know why he was familiar to me.

My hand came up as I peeled my own mask off which revealed my pale features; and caused my curls to dance about my shoulders and across my face. If he wanted to be agitated I could look annoyed too. I saw him studying me a moment in the dim light of the nearby lanterns without my mask on now before he continued his onslaught of words. "I had given you fair warning I was waiting to meet someone, and what did you think that I could amuse you and him at the same time, when he was my primary reason to be here?" I near wanted to growl at him for some reason, the guy went from someone I near pitied to wanting to throw a frying pan at him.

"Just because I simply danced with another guy you act like I was having sex with him on the dance floor; now that would have been something you could throw a fit over, paying me to have sex with another man." I couldn't believe I was bickering with a client, we were outside in the cold night air, arguing over something fairly pointless and we barely knew each other to begin with. I took a deep breath and moved several feet from him before talking again. "This is fairly a waste of time Mr. Katashi. We aren't children, and we shouldn't be arguing like them. If you disapprove of my actions I am sorry, that is just how it turned out. I didn't think simply dancing with another male would cause half the guest to have their attention on me, if I had known he would whirl me about like that I wouldn't have danced with him." There, that was it I was done, if he wanted to keep this up I would walk right back in that door and out the front, calling a taxi and going directly home.

I patiently waited for him to say something, letting him stand there like an idiot digesting what I had said to him and about the whole situation. He looked at me with a blank look on his face as if he was composing himself; I then heard him release a sigh and watched him as he ran his hand over his hair as if soothing it back. "I am sorry I raised my voice to you, I have been under a lot of pressure lately and didn't really desire to come here. If you like I can pay you and we can part ways. My business here is complete and I have no want or need to stay here longer than needed." I watched as his lips formed a thin line, near frowning over the situation at hand. I took a deep breath and brought my shoulders down in a shrug. If he was done then I was done, and this wasn't really a scene I loved to mingle in.

"If that is your decision then let us depart and save each other some misery." I simply stated as I walked back to him, and he simply looped my arm into his as we strolled back inside and made our way to the front door without being spotted. We stood under the porch over hang as I watched him ring two different cars, which was kind of odd but I shrugged it off; likely just going two totally different directions I figured. Though I couldn't help but to break the silence after this odd night of events; I didn't want us to end on total awkward terms. "You are a decent dancer Mr. Monroe, and thank you for choosing me to be your companion tonight, I hadn't ever been to such a lavish party." It was a simple statement but I meant it, and I hope he knew that. I felt his gaze on me as we hovered a few feet from each other and I continued to look out into the near complete darkness of the court yard.

"I'm a decent dancer? You are the one who kept up with Derrick Chaster. That guy has a degree in dance." I near wanted to break out in a giggle over his words but simply smiled. If I had been a smart mouth I would have said who doesn't? Though I didn't want to spoil our last few minutes together. "If the situation had been any different as of late Catherine, I would have likely enjoyed an evening with you, but as I said I am under heavy pressure as of late to get results in a transaction I am working on." I sighed and glanced to him, and it was a pity on how we had to meet and under the situation, but such was fate.

"That makes two of us..." I mumbled beneath my breath as I saw him step toward me and reached out with a paper in hand. I accepted it and saw it was a cashier's check for the money we had agreed upon. I tucked it in my bag even though I hadn't felt like I earned it; my gaze once more shifted to him as I outlined his good looks one more time with my eyes. In another life, maybe so, but not like this or here. I tugged my fur jacket closed which I had picked up on my way out the door. Life was too temperamental for even me sometimes, and I didn't know where each day would take me, but tonight was a cruel irony, for showing me a guy I could never have and making me think of a possible life with him.

"Thank you, who knows maybe we will have a rain check someday to try this again, fate tends to throw odd curves at us sometimes." I smiled and looked away from him as I heard the first limo pull up, it was for me. I took the few steps over to the car and Justin beat me to it and opened the door; I slid inside and I watched him lean over slightly to look in at me. I believe he wanted to say something but he didn't and simply said "Goodnight Kagome." At that he closed the door and the limo was on the move; I released a heavy breath that didn't know I had been holding. It had been a long time since a guy affected me like that, and impacted me in a way that I didn't want it to ever happen again, yet it did; though I had the comfort of knowing I would never see him again; which that was for the best.

My gaze stayed locked on the outside world as it zoomed by and before the time could feel long to me we came to a stop and the driver assisted me out of the car and bid me goodnight at the same spot he had picked me up. I stayed in that spot until he pulled out of site and the whole situation felt like a dream now, like it never happened at all. I began walking, and for once enjoying the comfort of the constant tapping of my heels against the sidewalk as I made my way home. Yes, this was one memory I needed to fade away, because it left a longing in me for a life I would likely never have. Though that was a good thing, as independence and isolation tended to be my best friends as of late. I shook my head as I made my way back to my apartment building in silence.