As I was gathering my things from the funeral store something fell out of the envelope Arthur gave me. A small yellow sticky note?
My eyes widened as I read over it. Arthurs hand writing.
-PS WEAR A MASK THIS IS A MASQUERADE FUNERAL -

Well then......
I turn to make my way towards the front desk as the clerk stares at me.
" Do u perhaps by any chance have a black masquerade mask? And maybe black
Hair dye."

An hour later my hair is dyed full black. I'm wearing a black silhouette mask. Topping it all off with some dark lip stick and a black dress.

No one would know it was me.
I glance at the time it's now a quarter until noon. I wasted so much time on my outfit that I might be late for the funeral gathering.

Thankfully when I arrived the guests were just filing in. I enter the mansion elegantly. Trying to stay discreet as possible. Just hoping I don't bump into anyone familiar like ace and Arthur. I don't think I'm ready to face them yet.

The funeral room was full of.treats and refreshing food. All of the snacks themed black to match the vibe. I head over to the snack table and pick up a chocolate cupcake with black icing. Just as I turn some random guy in a mask bumps into me. Nearly making me drop my cupcake.
" Oh goodness I'm sorry! "
I smile and nod at the man. He's tall yet slender. Pitch dark brown eyes. He was wearing a black tuxedo matching his dark blue mask. The mask covering half of his face.
He was handsome.....
" Um I.....
I am truly sorry um what's is your name may I ask."
I'm about to respond when I bite my lip. Knowing telling this boy my name could cause trouble. What if this boy knew Arthur? He would notify him about my presence. I don't want to draw attention.......

" My names uh....
I'm sorry I can't say -"
The music turns on as every one makes there way to the floor. It's a sad depressing sound....
One that Arthur taught me a while ago. Of course he would play something like this at a funeral. Some people begin to hold each other close embracing the sound as they slow dance.
" I'm guessing you don't want to tell me your name: that's just fine. Looks like I'll be calling you 'milady' for the rest of the night "
The boy reaches his hand out waiting for me to take it. I'm skeptical at first knowing arthurs probably lingering around: awaiting for my arrival. He has no clue I dyed my hair . I look like a totally different person. At least if I'm seen dancing with this boy I can't get caught.

The boy grabs my hand as he pulls me close. I can feel my face turning red a bit as we slow dance. The boy doesn't take his eyes off me once. He spins me around and pulls me close. I stumble a bit: an attempt to keep up with his pace.
" It's alright your doing great."
I look into his eyes and just stare into his soul . The song still playing in the back round as we dance passionately.
It felt different from any other guys I had danced with.
Finally the dance ends as the guy escorts me back to my seat. Everyone sits down silently waiting for the host to give his condolences for the deaths of what I called family.
The host Arthur.
I glance around and tap my table impatiently. Arthur was knowhere to be found.
The handsome boy stands up fixing his tie on his tuxedo. I'm confused at first but my mouth drops as he heads to the stage.
No way .....
The boy I just danced with grabs the microphone and reads off his condolence letter.
" Three months ago I lost four of my friends during our gang war. Becks , Josh, Jake and deangeline. They were all so young and innocent. They didn't deserve to die. May they rest in peace and in return we shall let there names vail in prosperity."

As the boy continues to talk it is suddenly clear.
The reason I didn't see Arthur tonight.....
Was because I was too busy slow dancing with him to realize he was right in front of me this whole time.
Finally his speech ends as he comes back to the table to eat. I eat silently: my head down the entire meal. Just hoping Arthur would not notice who I really am.
" So...
Where are you from?"
I glance up at Arthur nervously. Okay okay ......
Cant say the real thing or else he might put two and two together. Use your brain Marianne. It's time that you start lying.

Clearing my throat I begin to speak
" I'm from Alabama."
Arthur grins sending off a deja Vu vibe as I try to act normal.
He stands up grabbing my hand. I gulp as he drags me away from the crowds.
Arthur leads me to the garden there's a bunch of roses and tulips. I back away a bit. I'm allergic to roses.....
Only Arthur knows I'm allergic....

Arthur smiles as he picks up a dandelion instead. He leans in putting the small flower behind my ear.  As if he knew I was allergic: as if he knew who I was behind the mask. His body so close I can feel his breath.

Then to my surprise a smile forms across his face. His hand rubs my cheek softly. I knew not of what he was going to do or say.

" Did you really think I wouldn't realize the girl I fell in love with was right in front of me? Marianne Carter Lynn."

My face flushed instantly as I realized how dumb I am. Of course Arthur was going to realize who I was .....
I ducking forgot to change my blue eyes to green with the eye contacts in my bag.
It blew my cover I guess you could say.
Arthur takes off his mask and tosses it aside. Then He stares at me waiting for  me to do the same. 
My covers blown.....
Might as well.
I slowly remove the mask off my face holding it to my side. Arthur and me still giving each other eye contact as we both stand there. Waiting for someone to break the three months of silence that has postponed our reunion.