The Fallen Boulevard;

The deal is set, the stakes are high,

The roulette is spun, the end is nigh,

With a smoking gun, receive the card,

A subtle irony on the fallen boulevard.

 

Choices in your hands, what will you choose?

A roll of the dice, or simply refuse?

To be or not to be, this will be hard

A dilemma to resolve on the fallen boulevard.

 

None can compare to your poker face,

A mask of disdain, a facade of sculpted grace,

Entrenched in prison, encased in a ward,

All alone on the deserted, fallen boulevard.

 

A sweeping fan, a closing dance,

Unwritten, misfortune may bechance,

The smiling crow, a silent guard,

On the setting, fallen boulevard.

Untitled III;

My words like burning embers

Flickering off the edge

Smoke in the desolate chambers

A lingering presence upon the stage

 

My eyes clouded with fallacies

That only I can see through

Thoughts laced with impurities

A cup of tea with a murky brew

 

I dreamt that one came to my aid

In my dreams of woven securities

You swept me far away from dread

Opened my door to endless possibilities

 

But I know that I’m only dreaming

The world continues to turn

My tears flow, past the bleeding

A beating heart that continues to burn.

 

 

 

 

Gossip Girl; my take: introduction

I have decided to foray away from my usual blogging topics and venture into something else that I have never, ever written. In fact, once upon a time, I would never have dreamed on writing about this series. But trying out new things can be fun, albeit a bit awkward. So, I’m going to put on my [most pleasant] thinking cap on all things metropolitan, and get straight to the point.

So why Gossip Girl? I once said that the series annoy me to no end-and it still does. For one, drama amongst highly bred young adults really don’t interest me. But yes, I do watch it. And the more I follow this series (thank you, Cindi haha) there is a minute, almost invisible connection. And, watching shows with an open mind enables me to slowly break down and analyze. At least you get to use your brain. Why do I still watch this show? As an amateur in this whole GG universe, I admit that I have only read the prequel novel, and am only following the 2nd season as it runs on the local channel now. So this upcoming entries I’m going to blog is plainly through my perspective of the series. If I get some facts wrong, feel free to correct me. (:

GG has a drop-dead gorgeous cast, I will give them that. But that’s not the reason why. Lets admit it, GG has a stunning array of people, and of course a library-worthy stock of personalities. The people make you cringe and stare in awe. As the story suggests, they are gorgeous, beautiful people. And yes they are. They have us in their impeccably groomed fingers. GG ensnares us with characters that might or do bear a significance in our lives. Maybe it’s true. We fall in love with them, and of course, we relate to these characters. Hollywood has made it evident that beautiful people have huge, out-of-the-world problems.

Gossip Girl has the most cliche of story lines, but with an old fashioned plot that holds the audience and never gets old. We have the elite girls in the elite school, the handsome boys that double for more than just eye candy, and also, the few ‘rejects’ that usually come out in their own way and pulls the story together neatly. And sometimes, it would be them that steals the spotlight, eventually, at least. We have: (the main stars, at least.)

• the winsome, model-esque Serena, the epitome of the all-perfect girl.
• the coiffed and devious Blair, one who always sought control.
• Jenny, a girl who is only starting out.
• the amateur author, Dan.
• either a very confused or simply one who bottles up many emotions-Chuck
• and the troubled Nate who steps up a notch by sleeping with a ‘cougar’. 

One unique twist to this series is that in GG, there is a narrator. The many endeavors of the main cast are told through a mysterious blogger with the alias of Gossip Girl. She unravels a seedy affair or two with a lilting voice that sometimes bears an advice, or a sardonic mocking edge. In the novelization, Gossip Girl spills all on her blog, where readers flock and leave comments. Nothing is too scandalous for GG; wherever there are canards, she will always be there. 

I’m sure it’s not too assuming of me to say that the Gossip Girl books are quite the bestseller. GG would be so thrilled. But I’m not surprised at its success, on paper and on screen. Acts of misconduct has never been so gripping. 

The next post on this would be on the characters-I hope to give each of them a page each if possible. Wish me luck. (:

Secondhand Serenade

At the darkest chapter,
Shines a beacon of purest light,
The air is caught, a sighing fiddle,
Voices congregate, as one unite.

There is none but his nimble grace,
Fingers performing the unscripted act,
His engaging smile, leaving no trace,
The written secret, expertly kept.

His voice, a lilting chanty,
Eyes of garnet etched in marble stone,
A debonair with a sinful ancestry,
Skin of ivory, cold as bone.

Yet his song is meant for one,
A soul in Eden’s finery,
To enrapture her, his quest is done,
A secondhand serenade in lasting memory.

This was written about 2 weeks back. Narrative poetry is so in now for me. I write whatever my inspiration conjures. (: 

untitled; part 12

Whoa, should have done this shortening-thing earlier on so that my lengthy posts doesn’t occupy the whole space of my blog. Anyway, there’s room for improvement. Definitely.

Enjoy!

-

The unfamiliar taste of the liquid was far more than Jared bargained for. He set the shot glass down and coughed, his eyes watering instantly. Whatever it was, it certainly wasn’t his type of beverage. In fact, he wondered why did he agree to come to the club at all.

            A dance track that he recognized as Lady GaGa’s ‘Poker Face’ boomed from the speakers, circulating the space with invisible waves. The music seemed to shake the foundations of the club with every beat, resonating with his heart and tuning his ears to near deafness. He had to get out of here, but it would be rude.

            All around him, bodies pressed against each other as the people danced in unison as a single wave of motion, their moves different but oddly synchronized. Jared blinked at the rapidly changing lights and felt his stomach sinking.

            “Nate, I really have to leave.” He looked in Nate’s general direction. But Nate was so engrossed in his conversation with another guy that he didn’t even bat an eyelid when Jared shouted his name. He decided to leave the place without further notice. Nate can call him later.

            Jared eased his way through the throng of dancers, not bothering to apologize because he doubt that they would even notice. He was almost at the exit when someone barreled into him, nearly casting him off balance. He steadied himself and stared at the supposedly drunken dancer.

            “Grell? What the heck are you doing here?” he had to shout over the din.

Untitled; part 11

Disclaimer: I so, totally do not own Sebastian, William and Grell. Not like I want to own Grell anyway.

-

It was a rash act, and it was rather stupid. The rain plastered her hair to her face, and her clothes weighed a ton now that she was entirely drenched. And the rain kept coming. It fell like tiny bullets, each one falling against her already battered form. She pushed her wet hair from her face, and squinted into the distance.

            The remaining pedestrians were huddled under umbrellas, trying to stay dry. Most of them sought refuge in the nearest bars and cafes. She must have looked like a mad woman to others.

            She walked until she could not bring herself to move anymore. Her legs gave way beneath her, the remaining strength she had ebbing away. She didn’t know where she was, and the rain didn’t improve the current situation.

            Now what? It hurt so much, but there were no tears to shed. She couldn’t cry. Her father was almost a stranger. He was absent as long as she remembered. Yet, the thought of his soul brought her up short, the last standing tribute of the man she will never know. He who gave up his life to save his daughter’s own.

            “It’s a tranquil day for one to be so despondent.”

            The speaker held an umbrella over her head. It was black. The man in question was clad in a black trench coat. He had genteel grey eyes behind silver framed glasses and hair that was unmistakably silver.

            “Come, let us seek someplace warmer. I doubt you would object.” He reached down and took her arm.

untitled; part 10

It’s finally here, eh? My deepest apologies, as Madame Michaelis was… busy.

-

Jared was surprised that Annaleigh Webster would want to dance with him. She excused herself to go to the restroom after the first song, and a lady in red took her place. It was when he had taken a few steps did Jared realize the problem.

            “Holy Jesus!” Everyone around him scowled at his choice of swear words, but he didn’t care. His eyes were fixated on the red lady, who was anything but a woman. His hair was so fiery red that Jared’s eyes watered just by looking at it. The man was dressed in a similar style like Sebastian, except that he failed to carry off the flair like he did.

            “Oh, aren’t you the most wonderful dancer tonight!” the red haired guy practically sang as he took Jared’s hand, which Jared felt his eyebrows shooting up into his hair and into oblivion.

            “I-I beg your pardon sir?”

            “Do dance with me! I have yet to find a lady partner who is just as charming as you.” Much to his aghast, he smiled widely at him. He must have too much to drink.

            Jared meant to say just that when a familiar man rapped the other’s head smartly with his knuckles. He came into view, and Jared recognized him immediately.

            “I have had enough of your behavior for one night, Grell Sutcliff. This certainly won’t do,” the man snapped, his heavy rimmed glasses flashing. Grell? That name was oddly familiar.

            “You’re William, isn’t it?”  It was impossible to forget a guy who magically appeared in your house at night. And the name Grell was nagging at the bottom of his head. It sounded familiar but at the same time it was lost on him.

Wicked Lovely

The clock strikes at the midnight hour 
Bringing in the voices of a forbidden chanty
It taints the air, stiff and sour
A wordless change as daylight’s remedy.

The chiming bell heralds his coming
His footsteps that echoes off the wall
The rustle of his heavy robe, whispering
I sense him even without his call. 

Our solemn, formal exchange 
Cups of tea shared in the room
By the candlelight of vivid orange
A warm luminesce from the dismal gloom.

Engaging with eyes of striking sapphire 
He removes his blank mask of porcelain
That hypnotic smile, only he can acquire
His wicked loveliness that none can attain.

-

Nothing to do with the novel. Was inspired by….. shh.

Play the guessing game

I’m compiling a list of songs that suits the main characters from my untitled story. I won’t say that the songs fit 100%; some is entirely my opinion. Feel free to suggest any songs that may fit any character you like.

Meanwhile, this song here is titled ‘Desperado’, originally sung by The Eagles. I also like Emi Fujita’s cover of it. So, who is the character to carry this song? (:

Desperado, why don’t you come to your senses
You’ve been out ridin’ fences,
for so long – now.
Ohh you’re a hard one.
I know that you’ve got your reasons.
These things that are pleasin’you
Can hurt you somehow.

Don’t you draw the queen of diamonds boy
She’ll beat you if she’s able.
You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet.
Now it seems to me, some fine things
Have been laid upon your table.
But you only want the ones
That you can’t get.

Desperado,
Ohhhh you aint getting no younger.
Your pain and your hunger,
They’re driving you home.
And freedom, ohh freedom.
Well that’s just some people talking.
Your prison is walking through this world all alone.

Don’t your feet get cold in the winter time?
The sky won’t snow and the sun won’t shine.
It’s hard to tell the night time from the day.
And you’re losing all your highs and lows
aint it funny how the feeling goes
away…

Desperado,
Why don’t you come to your senses?
come down from your fences, open the gate.
It may be rainin’, but there’s a rainbow above you.
You better let somebody love you.
(let sombody love you)
You better let somebody love you…ohhh..hooo
before it’s too..oooo.. late.

I have found a site which has a discussion on the song’s meaning. 

And this particular comment caught my attention:

 

It's pretty direct, I think. (:

If it’s too small, a click on it will lead you to a bigger version.

untitled; part 9

Thanks to Norah, the two us can ensure this story’s uh… existence. Haha. (: Thanks for being such a great help.

If you want romance (there will be, but er, shaky ones), you got to help pitch in some ideas, because our first romance novel is Twilight.

<3

-

She stared, wide-eyed as William pulled out a long, spear-like weapon out of thin air. It was long, like a metal pole that reminded her of the ones used by animal police to safely nab the animals without putting them under too much stress.            

            “It’s a death scythe,” he said to her. “In this situation I suppose that explanations come later.”

            “Who is it?” she whispered. Her eyes never left his scythe.

            “I do not know, but I’m willing to take a wild stab that he is your demon.” He spoke the last few words with a kind of resignation that was lost on her.

            William strode over to the door, and motioned for her to follow. Rebecca dreaded for the worst, and her fears were confirmed when the door opened to show a tall, dark figure standing in the hall. He appeared as if he was waiting for them to emerge, and his eyes were heavy with the color that burned in the unlighted room.

            “I should have known my negligence would pay the price-eventually.” He directed his stared towards William, and Rebecca shrank back from his piercing gaze. For the first time, he looked like the demon he was, his cold anger radiating across the room in strong surges. Tonight, he was as what his title suggests.

            “Negligence? Coming from you, I thought there is naught but perfection in your line of work.” William’s tone was bitter to match his.

            “Is that a trace of admiration coming from you? I am quite flattered that you would pay me a compliment, William T. Spears.”

            “You know fairly well that my use of formality with you is necessary… After all, do you intend for me to use your sort of language when I converse with you, demon?”

            William’s tone was flat. She could tell that courtliness aside, he did not bother in concealing his repugnance and hatred.

            “I do not wish to fight you in the presence of a lady, particularly her.” Sebastian nodded in Rebecca’s direction. “It would be best if you hand her over to me.”

            William’s black look did not reside. “I do not harbor trust in you. You needn’t remind me, how many souls you have taken, how many people you have beguiled. A whole century may have passed or more, but why should a demon turn his habits now?”

            “My contract with her father remains valid until she dies. I do not harm my subjects.” Sebastian smiled widely, and there was a glimmer of teeth.

            Before anyone could reply, the doorknob turned, and the door swung open. The next event that unfolded occurred in a particularly sluggish manner.

            Jared’s form slowly materialized before them, his attention focused on his keys. He turned to close the door, and looked up to see the three of them standing in his apartment.

            With lightning speed, Sebastian drew two knives from his coat, and with the accuracy of a knife-thrower, cast them in Jared’s direction. William matched his speed; his scythe deflected the silverware from Jared’s head with a resounding clang like thunder.

            “-ck!” Jared exclaimed, his face as pale as alabaster. He remained plastered to the door, his eyes the size of golf balls. “Sweet merciful Christ!” he looked at William. “Aren’t you that attorney? What the hell is that trash-picking stick? Sebastian, what the crap?” Once the shock was over, he appeared more irate than mortified.

            “Do not worry, Jared.” Sebastian said breezily as if they were conversing over a game of poker. “I am merely talking to William Spears. About Rebecca.”

            “I can see that,” he snapped. “And who exactly are you?” he said to William, whose hackles rose with Jared’s voice. “Are you an unknown relative of Britney Spears that I should know of?”

            “He’s a Death God.” Rebecca’s whisper reached his ears effortlessly.

            “Please tell me that I’m being Punk’ed.” He clapped a hand to his forehead.

            “Save the introduction for later,” William said brusquely. “Neither do I intend to throw around my time with a demon.”

            Jared could almost see electricity crackling over their heads.

            “Okay, people-” realizing his mistake, he hastily backpedaled on the word, “-gentlemen. Lets not get too worked up over this, okay?”

            William straightened his glasses. “I won’t be. I will now take my leave. Only Grell Sutcliff takes such… drivel into importance. Very well… demon, I will trust you with this matter, regardless. Unlike you, I take no sides in my actions.” Relinquishing his hold on Rebecca, he strode towards the door. He afforded one short glance before the door shut with a click.

            Rebecca felt the pangs of shame biting at her again. She remained in the same spot where she had stood, her arms wrapped around herself.

            “I’m not mad.” His low voice was only for her ears. Jared, still looking as annoyed as he was, stomped off to his room and shut the door, putting on a show of emotions.

            “Well, he clearly is.” She sighed. “I’m so sorry, everything has been so taxing for me lately. It just keeps coming, one thing after another, and I don’t know how to deal with it. I wish I could just block it all out, and have a moment of peace.”

            Sebastian looked at the closed door, and back at her. The fire in his eyes had resided, the color dulled to a deep maroon. She was still afraid of him, afraid that his calm composure was a cover and that he will turn on her when she was the least aware. But if he was under her father’s orders, should he be harmless-at least to her? Yet she couldn’t help but wonder if their contract continued to last after her father’s death.

-

“A demon and a Death God? You are messed up.”

            Jared ate his spoon of macaroni cheese, but his taste buds weren’t responsive today. Despite how hard he had tried to avoid being caught up in the whole Sebastian-drama, now it appears that he couldn’t get out of the pit. Now a Death God added into the mix, Jared felt his panic rising. The presence of such beings in your life doesn’t spell longevity. He was mad, but he can’t afford to be mad for long. Everyone runs out of steam eventually, and he got over it the following day.

            Rebecca lowered her head. She hardly touched her soup, and it was noticeable how thin she was getting.

            “There’s nothing I can do, and you know it.” She picked up her spoon. The restaurant was buzzing with mindless chatter from its customers. Waiters bustled around with plates. Cutlery clinked all around Jared, and he tried his best to ignore the knife next to his plate. The idea that they could be used as weapons now was very off-putting.

            “Death Gods and Demons, sounds like a novel Dan Brown couldn’t get to write.”

            “William Spears was there when Sophie died. He and another Death God took her soul away that night. I crashed into him and sustained that bruise you saw. He cured it some time ago.”

            He gaped at her, resembling a fish out of water. At least a small part of life’s mysteries was slowing unraveling. At the mention of Sophie’s name, his heart did a flip in his chest. Time to change the subject.

            “William seems like an uptight prick. Anyway,” he popped another spoon of food into his mouth, “I’m not that bothered about William. Surprising, eh? Maybe Death Gods don’t irk me that much. I’m more concerned about Sebastian. Number one problem: he’s a demon. And that pretty much sums up what I have to say. You can’t trust him. He’s probably the most conniving git the world has ever seen. You haven’t seen what he does, the sadistic crap he pulls off on people who hurt you-or protect you. He is a fiendish monster, and don’t mind me saying this, but in his case, looks can kill.”

            Rebecca opened her mouth to speak, but he waved his spoon.

            “I know your father made a contract with him. But he’s six feet under now. Does Sebastian adhere to this agreement or will he slack off? If he tires from his farce he may ultimately turn against us. Or rather, you. Then he will come after me. Huzzah.”

            “Sebastian-”

            “Yes, Sebastian is… what? A demon. It’s rather freaky, the way he shows his affection towards you, and yes, my skin crawls. But he is probably acting on behalf of the contract, putting on a charade, you know the drill. For Pete’s sake, he’s a demon.”

            “I’m saying that,” Rebecca frowned, “I don’t know what to think. I just felt…loved for once in my life, but that doesn’t mean I love him, get it? I don’t even know how it feels like, to be honest with you. It’s such a pain sometimes when you think about it. I had a lot on my plate lately.”

            Jared took a sip from his cappuccino. He paused, tasting the coffee on his tongue before saying, “You are definitely the weirdest girl I have ever met. But screw it, neither do I really get the meaning of love, anyway.”

            She raised an eyebrow, but to his relief, she allowed herself a small smile. Jared was aware of how rocky their friendship was; a boat stranded in the churning ocean. They had to endure the surging waves and the bitter storm, and he knew it wasn’t over yet. He still couldn’t believe that even friendships had to go through tests and challenges. Until his best friend became most-wanted in the Land of the Dead. Which didn’t sound particularly uplifting at the moment.

            Being the closest guy companion to her, Jared always felt that he was responsible for her, like an elder brother. All this while, he felt that he could protect her. The ball was in his court. Yet now, Jared began to feel that part of his responsibility was ebbing away. He thought of the otherworldly powers surrounding Rebecca, and felt a lump in his throat.

-

The elevator pinged as the doors opened to the ground floor. Rebecca traipsed out while a Korean couple entered, their prim outfits clashing with her simple throw-on assemble. She went to their small letterbox and slid the key into the hole and turned. Peering through the flap, she saw two crisp, cream-colored envelopes, the only mail that they got today. She took them and proceeded to make her way up to their apartment.

            Jared was already eating his scrambled eggs and toast when she entered. His eyes tore away from the television screen.           

            “What’s in our letterbox today?”

            She tossed one envelope to him, the one with his name printed carefully across in cursive calligraphy. Nothing compared to William’s quick, masterful hand, but presentable nevertheless. She slit hers open with the letter opener while Jared proceeded to tear his open with his hands.

            “Oh great, the Websters are inviting us to attend their daughter’s coming of age ball.” He squinted. “Jesus, they could have just written this thing in sane handwriting. Okay, Mom and Dad want me to do this photo scrapbook thing to commemorate their sweetheart’s 18^th birthday. Or is it 21? I can’t read the loopy crap.” He rolled his eyes. “Rich kids, huh.”

            “That’s surprising. They want me to perform.” Rebecca looked up from her own invitation. “They know I could play the violin.”

            “Erm, the word gets around. Would you stop denying that you are a horrible violinist already? I have heard you play, and that’s definitely not garbage.” Jared had taken a couple of guitar, piano and drums lessons back during high school, but he originally meant it as a hobby before considering it as a real career. Rebecca however, was initially supposed to take up a career in music; she was sent to piano and violin lessons before he did. But it was later that she made the decision that she wanted to do photography as well. Still, Jared was amazed at her ability in playing both instruments-it was always a sensation, a thrill that he knew that he may never achieve.

            “Alright, if you insist.” She continued reading the card. “And it’s formal. Black tie.”

            “Aw, crap.” Jared groaned. “You know I hate dressing up like an idiot. What is it with these people? Do they know what kind of suffering are they putting us through? And we have to dance, for heaven’s sake. I can’t even do the samba.”

            Rebecca laughed, but she too frowned at the paper as if it was smeared with sludge. “I can’t dance.”

            “How are we supposed to master the art of humiliation in one week?” Jared finished his breakfast. Swallowing his last bit of egg, he was struck by a thought.

            “You know, I have an idea.”

-

“This is the worst form of idea ever imagined,” Jared muttered, tugging at his coat. “Why did I ever accept this invite?”

            “Because they pay top dollar?” Rebecca inspected her hair in the rearview mirror.

            “Or rather, it’s because Sebastian had to conveniently appear when we were mulling about how to dance?” he grumbled. “I swear that he was smiling with mirth. He just loves to humiliate me further. I still stand by what I said about him before, though.” The town car jerked to an abrupt halt, sending him crashing into the window with a thud. The driver hastily turned his laugh into a hacking cough. Jared grumbled incoherently to himself throughout the rest of the journey.

            The hotel was furnished to perfection. The lobby was a wave of gold and silk, complete with a red carpet leading the way to the main hall. Drowsy music wafted through the doors, while doormen bowed the guests in such a synchronized manner that it bordered on eerie. Apart from that, it was like stepping into a real-live fairytale. It only took Rebecca a moment to realize that she was never going to have something as elegant as this ever. Jared had pieced together a black suit with a cravat and the same shoes he used for any kind of ‘formal’ events. He held his bag in an almost protective manner. His entire outfit was almost brand new-almost because he had only wore parts of it once, and the rest were like some sort of white elephant in his wardrobe. Black tie affairs were his exact brand of private hell. Rebecca carried her violin case in her hands, trying to keep her fingers from sliding off the handle. She could barely remember the last time she picked up that instrument. Her lessons felt like centuries ago. Her dress was a halter inky black number, a gift from her friend from fashion design in college. From what she gathered, she was slowly making her way up in the dog-eat-dog world of fashion, ever since she graduated with Jared and her in the same year. Wrapped around her waist like an obi belt was heavy silk brocade with floral detailing, with the remaining fabric left to hang free behind her back. Brisk walking was impossible.

            Immediately, a smartly dressed man-whom Jared couldn’t decide whether was he a waiter or a butler-led them to meet the Webster family. As he shook the father’s hand and bowed to his wife, it was as Jared expected: a guy who looked like a baron with his perfectly made-up wife in a ridiculously expensive Chanel dress. What he didn’t presume was how friendly they were. Their daughter, Annaleigh, was a pretty young woman in champagne gold chiffon, not too heavily accessorized, and with hair that was obviously styled by a professional. She smiled at Rebecca and Jared.

            “I was there, at your exhibition. The moment I saw you guys I knew I had to get you two for this event.” Her voice was cordial, her eyes kind. Jared sighed internally with relief. He took out his camera.

            “Say cheese.”

            As he took a few shots of the family together, Jared was dimly aware of Rebecca being led away to prepare for her performance. He saw her face, her brow furrowed with utmost concentration as she maneuvered her way through the crowd in her cumbersome gown and heels. Jared wandered around to take random pictures of the majestic hall. No doubt the family had dished out the works for such interior decorations. He and Rebecca could have used the money for a year’s rent and still have room for more. Jared tugged at his tie, which was taking on the sensation of a choker.

            “How the hell do people wear this and carry it off,” he muttered to himself, adjusting the lens.

            Sebastian was standing by the stairs, the embodiment of perfection, the crème de la crème. Dressed in his usual black, a waistcoat and cravat, he blended in seamlessly with the rich and prominent socialites. For the occasion, he had on glasses with a fine chain. A gaggle of starstruck girls had already gathered around him, flirting brazenly with the dignified stranger, who-Jared knew too well-had eyes for only one person.

            If you knew what he really is, Jared thought. Would you still cozy up to him?

            Meanwhile, Rebecca and the small group of musicians were seated and ready. At the signal, she began to play, accompanied by the troupe. Her fingers shook slightly, but she kept her gaze focused and her poise still and composed. She thought of her lessons as a child, and later, with Jared. There was a flash from the corner of her eye; Jared’s camera going off. He paused to look at Rebecca through the camera. The accustomed disordered appearance of Rebecca had evaporated for this evening, replaced by a grace and composure that was unusual to his friend. He took in her eyes, dark with makeup, and her lips, redder than he would ever imagined. Her black hair was un-styled except for a glittering flower pin. Tonight, anyone would have called her beautiful. He blinked.

            The melody reached its climax; the rhythm picked up its pace, and slowly as if releasing its breath, fell back into the smooth calm that heralded the conclusion. It was over.

            They took a bow, the audience applauding them politely. It was Rebecca’s cue to depart from the stage as the rest sat down again, falling into another slow number. The crowd instinctively moved into pairs and began a waltz. She saw Jared being approached by Annaleigh, who asked him to dance with her unabashedly. Her friend’s face turned deep red, but he accepted. She was fixated on the floor lest she were to loose her footing. She had scarcely taken five steps when a statuesque figure emerged from the dancing crowd, his smile winsome enough to rival the entire hall of women.

            “May I, my lady?” Sebastian was clearly enjoying himself. She decided not to ask how did he manage to score an invitation.

            “I simply can’t refuse now, right?”

            “Absolutely not.” Without waiting for her reply, he swept her off the stairs and onto the dance floor effortlessly. For a couple of times she felt as if she had almost tripped under her dress, but Sebastian’s arm never left her waist.

            “Haha,” she said as they passed Jared, his face worked up with concentration while dancing with Annaleigh, “You could handle everything, don’t you, Sebastian?”

            “Of course.” He pulled her a bit too close than she had bargained for. She involuntarily tightened her grip around him so that she wouldn’t fall. His face was inches from hers; his red eyes glinted. “And I must say, you look absolutely ravishing tonight. Just how I would have imagined you to be.”

            “Thank you.” She smiled warily; her footing was rather unstable at the moment. “And you look… well, elegant, I guess?”

            The music plunged to an abrupt halt; Sebastian tipped her backwards, and her head reeled when the world turned upside down. She gasped and gripped his arms. He inclined forward, eyes meeting hers with a vampish smirk.

            “Too elegant for a demon?” his teasing words were only for her ears. She stared at him in a daze. If he were a vampire it would be too easy for him to kill her in this position.

            “Just… don’t drop me.”

            He lowered his head, so that his lips brushed her neck.