"LUIS!" Sheridan screamed as she woke up in a cold sweat. Damnit! It
happened again! She woke up screaming for someone she didn't even know. It
killed her to close her eyes, let alone take a nap, and dream of a stranger
she would never find. Wiping away the tears, she got up from her bed and got
dressed in her costume.
Sheridan sighed as she slipped on her silver mask. She couldn't believe she
was actually going to a masked Halloween party. But as long as she didn't
bump into Hank, she would be fine. And besides, she wouldn't recognize him
anyway since everyone was required to leave their masks on. Sheridan was
dressed as a medieval princess. Her dress was a deep red and she was adorned
in silver jewelry to match her mask. Making sure her makeup and hair was
perfect one last time, she walked out the door of her cottage to go to the
party.
The ballroom was packed. Decorations were everywhere and there was a large
catered buffet. She smiled at all the wonderful costumes and all of the
couples. Suddenly, Sheridan felt alone. There she stood in the middle of the
dance floor and couples began to dance to a romantic song as the lights
became dim. A disco ball began spinning causing the floor to light up. As
her eyes adjusted to the dark, her mouth dropped open. Even though he had a
mask on, she recognized Hank chowing down as much food as his hand could
stuff down his throat immediately.
She turned around and began to quietly
walk away, praying to God he wouldn't see her. To late. "SHERIDAN!" A rather
loud and annoying voice yelled from behind her. "Damn." she muttered under
her breath. She put on her best fake smile and turned around to face her
worst nightmare. "Hi Hank." she said as politely as possible. "Hey
beautiful.." Hank mumbled through a mouthful of food as he tried to lean in
to kiss her cheek, but Sheridan turned her head away. "Care to join me in a
dance?" Before Sheridan could say no, Hank grabbed her hand and took her
into the crowd of people.
They got to the center of the crowd just as the song ended and the next one,
'The Monster Mash', came on. Hank started spazzing and trying to dance. A
crowd gathered around him and Sheridan backed up towards them as he made a
fool of himself. Luckily, Sheridan was able to sneak away.
She practically ran to a hallway and hid in it, hoping that she could make
her escape before Hank found her again. Then she heard footsteps. 'Oh no
please, please, please, don't let it be Hank!' "Hi there." a low and sexy
voice said. Sheridan opened her eyes and peered through her mask at the
stranger. It took all of her might not to let her mouth drop open in awe. He
was tall, dark and handsome...definitely sexy.
This man was dressed as the
phantom of the opera. Her mouth formed into a smile, followed by a weak
hello. "Now what's a beautiful woman like you doing out here all alone?"
Sheridan's smile got bigger. "I needed to escape from that party for a
breath of fresh air." "I know what you mean...what was with that one guy in
there? The spaz?" Sheridan laughed, an image of Hank wondering where she was
by now. She suddenly realized he might turn up in the hallway any second.
"Would you like to escort me outside?" she asked, hoping he would agree.
"I'd love to, your royal highness." Sheridan smiled sweetly then interlocked
her arm with his and they walked outside together.
Millions of stars were lighting up the night sky. It made tonight absolutely
breathtaking. "Come here." the man said, taking her hands in his and pulling
her in front of him. "What is it?" "Well, did you know that it's a tradition
on Halloween to kiss the person you are with under the full moon?" Sheridan
looked at him with a questioning look. "I don't believe I've ever heard that
before." "Well, there's a first time for everything." And with that, he down
his head slightly and captured her mouth in a heart stopping kiss.
Sheridan
finally pulled away, gasping for air. She looked through his golden mask
into his deep brown eyes and went back in for another fiery kiss. This time
when she pulled away, she bit his bottom lip, causing him to shiver. His
lips were burning and very tempted to kiss her again. But he needed to see
her first. "Take off your mask." he whispered. "Will you remove yours too?"
He nodded yes. Taking a deep breath, she slowly began to remove her mask.
"THERE YOU ARE! I have been looking EVERYWHERE for you!" Hank yelled
frustrated as he grabbed Sheridan's arm and began pulling her back inside.
She couldn't remove herself from his grip. "Wait!" the masked stranger tried
to say, but it was pointless. Hank had pulled Sheridan back into the packed
ballroom. And unfortunately, she had not pulled her mask off fast enough.
Sheridan tried with all of her strength to run back to the masked stranger,
tear off her mask and kiss him again with passion. But it was impossible.
Even though Hank was a loser, he was still stronger than her. A tear
streamed through her mask and down her cheek. Twenty-four years she had
waited for the precious moment of finding true love, and in twenty-four
seconds it was taken away from her. Now Sheridan was forced to dance with
Hank. Even though Hank kept stepping on her feet, she didn't notice. No,
Sheridan's eyes were to focused on the tall dark stranger that was now
dancing with a petite brunette. Tears burning her eyes, she pushed herself
away from Hank and ran from the crowd. By this time though, the man had
noticed her too and ran after her.
He grabbed her arm and turned her around to see him. "Please don't leave
before I've had at least one dance with you." he said, not releasing her
hand just yet. "Don't pretend you want to be with me. Why don't you go dance
with that brunette again?" Luis bit his lower lip to keep from laughing. "My
lady, the beautiful young woman you saw me with," he began, watching her
face grow angrier. "was my little sister." Her mouth dropped open.
Sheridan's tears fell, but now they fell because she was happy. She reached
up and kissed his cheek softly. "Please forgive me, I'm sorry I became
jealous. And I would love to dance with you if the offer is still open."
"Oh, believe me, it is." he grinned,t taking her hand and leading her to the
dance floor.
The time when I was down and out, no lovin’ in my life.
This angel came and brought about a meaning of so right.
Took my black and lonely days and turned the light with his loving ways.
He’s my wonderful.
Everything a girl could want to love and all I need.
Yes he’s my wonderful.
He must have been sent from up above just for me.
Gotta have him close to me each and every night.
To give me that security of dreamin’ him delight.
Love has got a grip on me, oh so tight.
Hope he never lets go.
By this time, the entire crowd had gathered to watch them dance. But Sheridan didn't notice them. With this man, she was blind to everything
else.
He’s my wonderful.
Everything a girl could want to love and all I need.
Yes he’s my wonderful.
He must have been sent from up above just for me.
Cause I don’t never wanna be freed from this lovin’ care that most people
never see.
And at night I pray that I’ll have my way and hand your love for eternity.
He’s my wonderful.
Everything a girl could want to love and all I need.
Yes he’s my wonderful.
He must have been sent from up above just for me.
No one could ever do for me the things he does cause...
He's my wonderful.
Everything a girl could want to love and all I need.
Yes he’s my wonderful.
He must have been sent from up above just for me.
(repeat 4x)
The music stopped and everyone clapped and cheered. Hank was too busy eating
to notice or really care about what was going on.
Sheridan stared up into the mans eyes. Sure, he was a complete stranger, but
Sheridan felt like she knew everything about him except his name and what
his face looked like behind that golden mask. What he looked like didn't
really concern her though...he was probably even better looking without it.
She couldn't take it anymore. Grabbing his hand, she pulled him outside with
her.
Fireworks were going off and it made the atmosphere romantic. "Please, I
need to know who you are. Take off your mask." He kissed her with all of his
might. "I can't wait another second." she said, her breathing irregular. He
took off his golden mask, making Sheridan even happier. This man could stop
traffic. She melted in his arms. "Now it's your turn." he smiled, rubbing
her silver mask with his finger. Sheridan slowly removed her mask, careful
not to mess up her hair.
As soon as he saw how beautiful she was, he
captured her mouth in a fervent kiss. "What's your name?" he asked
breathless. "Sheridan." she responded. "What's yours?" "Luis." he whispered
quietly. Sheridan smiled, knowing that she had found the man of her dreams.
"Happy Halloween, Sheridan." "Happy Halloween, Luis." "Seeing as it is
Halloween, Sheridan, what's the one thing that scares you the most?" Luis
asked curious. "The thought of never meeting you." She stood on her toes to
catch his mouth in a love-filled kiss, neither of them ever wanting to let
go.
THE END