The Eye of the Beholder

The beast’s mouth was open in a snarl. Pearly white and razor sharp fangs were barred; the acidic saliva dripping from them was almost visible. Dark, feathery fur covered the beast’s face, save for the black, dog-like nose, and the empty eyes. Nothing but hollow blackness was visible from the sockets, but it seemed as if something real, tangible, or even just a secret, lurked somewhere inside.

“What’s wrong with this one?” Benji demanded, sounding impatient and oddly muffled.

Only when I heard his voice did the hypnotic effect of the mask break. I turned away from the Beast mask to watch my friends bicker.

Benji, tall and lanky, towered over Trisha’s five feet, four inches, his face covered by a V for Vendetta mask.

Trisha rolled her eyes and gave her boyfriend the meanest glare she could manage. The look was misplaced on her. With her round face and generally happy demeanor, it was impossible to look menacing. She knew this, and added a pout to her expression that could melt even the coldest heart.

She put her hands on her hips and retorted, “It’s prom, not Guy Fawkes’ Day.”

She turned her back on him, her dark brown hair whipping out behind her. She couldn’t really be angry, but she could feign it pretty well. Unfortunately for her, Benji and I were both familiar with the act.

He replaced the mask on its display and rolled his hazel eyes at me.

“Trish,” he said softly. The effect of his tone of voice on my friend was obvious and immediate. I could see her breath catch from across the room and the blush creep across her cheeks.

He put his hands on her hips and whispered some things in her ear.

The cutest couple in the world didn’t have have a chance compared to them. I didn’t know whether to be disgusted by the PDA or not. Whatever their flaws, I would do anything for my two best friends.

Smiling, I turned back to the masks. I’d always planned on skipping prom, because of what happened to my mom, but I had to admit, a masquerade ball did sound pretty cool. If it was any other dance, on any other night, I probably would have gone.

That didn’t mean I wasn’t looking forward to this prom night. Oh, no. I’d been waiting all my life for this prom, for this cursed night, to finally come.

I would finally get my chance for revenge.