SCENE 8

It was already the first of November and first fall of snow touched the ground starting the long days and nights of winter. First of Novembers normally would be the All Saint's day and after that the All Souls day then the Hallows eve. This is what the people always wanted especially for the kids because they can go trick ad treating in their neighbors. They would usually dress in scary costumes then visit the neighborhood and test whether their neighbors are afraid of them then they get a prize for that. It is also the time for pumpkin carvings and building scary sets and sometimes others would go ghost hunting.

The third week made the students of GA busy. They were preparing for their acquaintance ball. A masquerade ball. Everybody went hunting for their outfits and attires and the others are busy setting up the venue. The party is on the 20th of the month. And they still have 3 more days to go to finish everything. While preparing, they had fun and despite of all the stress and fatigue they still manage to enjoy each other's company. They were times that they had to change the set because it looked so overly designed. And that made Sumire furious. She was the chairman for the venue. She designed every hall with pink and girly stuff. That made the boys reacts detestably. They soon came up with an idea of redesigning it and, made it similar that of old European architecture with a touch of creep. After having done with the venue, everybody was delighted to see that. Tomorrow will be their party. They still have one more thing to do. They had to prepare themselves.

On the night of the 20th, Mikan didn't go at the Jazz club. She made her excuse and she was relieved by her band mates for the meantime. She was messing with herself at home. Actually, she's making herself up and prepare for the ball. Few touch of foundation, a pale blush, brown shadows to match her brown eyes, and pale pink lipstick. There was nothing much to put on her face because she looked so stunning in those very small touches. She let down her usually-pig-tailed hair and let it flow down to her waist. She was dressed in white, the dress that Sumire and Hotaru gave her. She let her hair fall on her back and looked at herself in the mirror. She must admit that she really looked so beautiful. But she just smiled humbly.

The clock on her wall strikes at 7 and she must get going. She had a final look of herself in the mirror, picked up her white purse, put on her mask and went to the party. She already knew that she was late so she rushed her steps towards GA. But she really is going to destroy her get up if she stresses herself but then she has no choice. A car stopped beside her and opened its window. It was Hotaru.

"Come on in Baka!"Sumire and Hotaru exclaimed. So Mikan went inside the car with them and went to the party.

"I'm so excited!" Permy giggled. "A guy asked me to be his date. He is from our department. Well… you see… it has been quite a while since we knew each other and I think.. it's the right time… uhmm.. Koko and I are going out." Sumire giggled. "By the way, who will be with you guys?" she added.

"I'm going with that blonde boy.. Ruka." Hotaru said.

"NO WAY! No!! is this really true!? NO as president of RUka-Natsume fan club.. I protest!!" Sumire was shocked.

"Well. We can't do anything about it anymore" Mikan chuckled.

"What about you miss pretty girl in white?" Sumire asked.

Mikan gave Sumire a smile for a reply and made her friend to give a stern look. "Don't tell me…" Sumire gasped for she already knew. "No way!" They both laughed. They arrived at the venue. Sumire was escorted by Koko who asked her and Ruka with Hotaru.

"Ruka-kun. Have you seen Nat-kun?" Mikan asked in a concerned tone.

"so far. I wasn't with him when I went here" Ruka replied.

"oh, I see. I guess he's not coming"

"nah. He will. I know him… and if he didn't Im pretty sure he's gonna die with your friend's Baka gun"

Hotaru slapped his arm and they left.

Mikan was alone for a moment standing there and keeping quiet. She was looking for him in her mind and she was about to feel disappointed when somebody whispered in her ear from her back.

"I'm sorry I am late." It was a familiar voice to her and she turned around to see. It was Natsume dressed in very elegant attire. Black suit and bow tie. He looked so very smart in those pieces of clothing. He looked so cool and fresh and attractively handsome. His face was so clean having the shave and haircut. Just like a Prince. He was so close to her and she could even smell his aftershave and cologne. That really made Mikan linger for his magnetic appeal.

"You are so beautiful, Mikan." He said as he touched her lightly on her cheeks and made Mikan quiver. "Will give me the honor of making you as my date this evening?"

"A deal is a deal." She was so certain about it. Natsume only smiled and offered his arm and escorted her inside the hall. Everybody is already there and enjoying. Friends chatting, couples flirting and teachers yawning. There are candles lighted everywhere which made the venue romantic instead of haunted.

After the dinner, the couples went in dimmed places to share little sweet nothings. Some danced and had drinks for themselves. All sorts of dances were enjoyed by the GA students. Then, in the middle of the very high energy party the music suddenly the music changed its tempo. The DJ played a sweet dreamy song that was meant for lovers. Some of the dancers went into their seats and were catching for air. But there was only one lady who stayed in one corner and silently watching at them. The music was dreamy that one of the staff dimmed the lights and left only the candles flickering in the dark. Couples gathered in the dance floor and enjoyed the moment. Mikan was a bit envious with them so she had a pale smile on her lips. She was dreaming for a prince charming to bring to the dance floor but then he's gone missing. Few moments Natsume approached her and asked her to dance. But then she thought it was already the end of the song so she refused. But Natsume her by the hand and signaled the waiter to tell the DJ to play his request. Natsume took her to the dance floor and her favorite music started to play. She used to sing that song and made lovers dance but not her. And now her dream came true. He held her by the hand in a waltz hold. They gazed each other in the dark and moved with the rhythm of the song. Mikan was still trembling in his hold so he tighten his hold and pulled her a bit closer which made her quiver. But he just smiled to see that shy expression of hers.

"Mikan…" he started. "You are so beautiful tonight." And Mikan terribly blushed in his words. She was left not speaking at all. But heart beats louder than words.

They filled the dance floor with so much romance but so wholesome and tender. The other lovers just did their own business and so as with Natsume and Mikan.

They gazed in each other's the eyes not losing a contact. They were so near and could smell each other's breath. Mikan's heartbeat was never idle. But Natsume was so calm and relaxed still keeping Mikan not tensed. He suddenly moved towards her and held her in his arms… so warm… and put them on his shoulders and he slid his hands around her waist. Now they are so close and almost embracing each other. That really gave the both of them warmth in the cold night. They were keeping each other so safe and secure.

The dreamy jazzy music lasted for about 8 minutes and it was extended for 55 more seconds using the sweet alto saxophone, deep double bass and brush kit. It was so romantic that you can never say the song was too long. The dancers even felt it was so short to enjoy being in their lover's arms. The music wasn't in hurry when it faded out. The light turned on slowly but still dimmed a bit. Dancers went back to their tables and fusion was starting to play. Mikan and Natsume were not in a hurry to unlock each other. Natsume gave her time to compose herself then he took her back to her table. There was no rush with things but only in the heart that beat like distant drums still pounding so hard inside her chest. When they reached the table, Sumire was the first one to greet them. She also had a dance with Koko. Hotaru was blushing madly for the first time because she danced with Ruka.

"Tangerine. That was awesome!" She whispered to her giggling and teasing her when Natsume excused himself for a phone call. He went out to receive it. But Mikan only gave a faint smile hiding her blush.

It was already 1 in the morning. Some students went home or maybe went out for more gigs to attend to. But Mikan and Hotaru were already a bit tired except Sumire. She still wanted to go to the Ultra Cosmic Rave House to have some party. Mikan excused herself so Sumire went out with other girls. Sumire was a bit afraid to ask Hotaru so she did not mind. Alone, Mikan walked her way home. She was at gate of GA when somebody called her from behind. It was Natsume.

"Mikan". He stopped her. "I'm sorry I stayed long on the phone." Anyway, you're going home? Let's go!"

"It's ok Nat-kun." It's quite near" She protested.

"Hmmm… 5 blocks is very near for you eh?" "Come on!" He took her by the hand lead her towards his car. This time, he is not with his driver. Mikan didn't argue anymore so she slid inside his luxurious sedan and they rolled down the busy streets of Japan.

"So…He started. Did you.. ummm.. Enjoyed the party?"

"Yes. It was more terrific than last year. It was… well prepared this year." She answered then silenced. Actually, that was not the real answer. She was afraid to tell him that she felt like in heaven tonight. The dance suddenly came across her mind. But she shook herself to forget about it. It was nothing worth a meaning. That was only a dance.

They reached her apartment. The lights were out and the doors were locked. She forgot to tell her landlady that she will be at a party. She didn't have any keys and disturbing her landlady would be impractical. Natsume waited there for her.

"Darn!" She muttered to herself. "What am I gonna do?"

"Any problems dear?" He knew that she was in trouble. "Seems like you were locked out tonight…"

"It's ok… I'm perfectly ok."

"I don't think so. Come on. I'll cover you."

"No. I'll be fine."

"Stop it Mikan." His voice was very cold. "Come inside the car." She had no more arguments. She went inside his car without a sound. They rolled down into a very high society street. Just like Beverly Hills. They stopped by in front of a huge five star hotel like that of Ritz. It was very expensive even only the façade. They went out of the car and went inside. Everything is…elegant. They went into the counter to get some keys. Actually, card keys. They made their way on the elevator and moved up to the 15th floor of the hotel. The penthouse. Mikan was a bit nervous when they went inside the room. It was huge! The living room tripled her room. There was hi-fi equipment. Big TV screen, stereo, big sofas, warm lights, remote controlled windows, paintings and lot more.

"Have a seat…make yourself comfortable."

She was still very silent of what she is seeing now. He went inside the kitchen and turned the percolator on. He made really aromatic coffee and toast. He went back to the living room and saw her stand in front of the big windows of his penthouse. The entire city could be viewed from there. So vast and some parts are lighted. It was so beautiful. Her own apartment do have a window but not that wide with fascinating view like his. All her stress fade away and she was relaxed.

"Good thing you don't have fear of heights." He chuckled. "I can't stay so long in there". He brought with him a tray with 2 mugs and a plate of toast. He put them down on a small coffee table near the window. It was a bit cozy. He gave her, her mug and she enjoyed the strong but sweet aroma of the liquid. She was about to doze off now but then her senses were awakened by that pleasant odor. She sat on a chair and brought the liquid to her mouth. It was hot and invigorating. She made a small gulp and felt the hot liquid running down her system.

"Thanks." She finally started talking.

"Welcome Mikan. You can stay here overnight if you want."