I noticed him immediately. Even in the dark smoky bar, I could see his emerald eyes—the sharp green in contrast to the black mask he wore. I didn't even want to come tonight, but my best friend insisted. A masquerade party would be fun, she said. I was looking for the exit when my eyes locked on his. I stared for a moment too long. He pushed off the wall he was leaning against, and he walked toward me. My heart started to pound.
"Can I buy you a drink?" He asked in a deep gravelly voice.
"Su-sure." My voice was trembling.
He smiled at me. A little crooked smile. The kind that makes your knees weak. He called the bartender over and made our drink order.
He turned back to me, "I'm Edward." He said as he kissed my hand.
"Bella," I responded. My stomach was full of butterflies.
"Bella. That's a beautiful name." The bartender brought our drinks, pulling me back to reality. "Cheers." He said, clinking his glass into mine. When we had finished our drinks, he leaned close and whispered into my ear, "let's get out of here." I could only shake my head, yes. I would have followed him anywhere. He took my hand and led me toward the door. We got separated, but he turned to wink at me as he walked out of the bar. I fought my way through the crowd and made it outside. He is nowhere to be found. I ran up and down the sidewalk looking down the alleys and asking a group of people smoking under a streetlamp if they saw where he went. No one had. He disappeared into the dark misty night.
Of course, he disappeared. I go back inside the bar and decide to order another drink. Then I am going home. My best friend is nowhere to be found. I can only assume she has left with her conquest for the night.
The bartender approached me, "You're Bella, right?"
"Yeah."
"That guy left this for you." He handed me a napkin.
Meet me at home. Come to the bedroom wearing nothing but your mask. I love you. -Edward