Jeremy and Kip waited nervously in their rental tux for Alex and Violet to come out of the bathroom. He chuckled at remembering the way they approached them with their hair swishing behind them and their hands on their hips. Before he and Kip knew it, they had dates to the masquerade ball.

The click of the door knob perked their attention. Alex came out first. The rich purple of her dress formed to her body and stopped just above her knees. It was V-shaped in the front, where Jeremy tried not to look too long, and the rest of it was backless except for a few criss-crossing straps. He then looked to Kip who was less subtle with his jaw open as he gawked at Violet. She wore a white flowing one-shoulder dress that reached the floor. Jeremy smiled when he saw Violet wearing a lacey black mask while Alex wore an identical white one. Yin and Yang.

When they arrived to their destination, the girls hurried inside the building as snow billowed around them and covered their open toes.

"Why do these things have to happen in the winter?" shivered, Violet.

They all handed their coats to the coat-check and made their way to the packed ballroom that transformed into a rave-like party that was dimly lit except for the flashing twirling lights. Despite the upbeat club-like music, Kip and Violet had their arms around each other as they danced in a slow circle. Alex felt good in Jeremy's hands, and they moved in sync. It seemed the more he saw her, whether when they were hanging out or when they were working on their project, the more beautiful she became. He took a deep breath. No guts, no glory. He gingerly put his finger under her chin and leaned in. Immediately, she backed away.

"What are you doing?"

Jeremy was at a loss of words.

"I need a drink."

And with that, she walked briskly off the dance floor.

________________________________________________________________________________

Jeremy found Kip and Violet on their way to the line for the photobooth.

"Have you guys seen Alex? She took off on me."

They both shook their heads.

"I'll go with you to look," offered Violet.

As they maneuvered their way around masses of people and booths giving out candy, smoothies, coffee, and alcohol, Violet gestured to the door to the stairs.

"Let's see if she went to the second floor," Violet said. They walked through and climbed up the stairs to find the other door locked.

Jeremy hurried down the stairs and tried the first staircase door. It didn't budge.

"Damn it! Who was the idiot that messed with the locks? Do you have your phone?"

"I left it with Kip. This dress doesn't have pockets."

Jeremy huffed, "I left mine in my coat."

He took off his mask, his earlier frustration coming through as he turned to Violet.

"What's Alex's problem? I mean, she's not holding a grudge against me, is she?"

Violet took off her heels and gasped softly when she gingerly put weight on her feet again. Before she could say anything, Jeremy continued.

"I thought she liked me, but when I tried to make a move, she ran away."

Violet sat on the stairs, "She does."

He sat down next to her, "Then what's going on?"

Violet looked at him. "Since we're going to be here awhile..."

*What do you think Violet is going to share with Jeremy about Alexis? Share your theories in the comments!*