The journey of getting to where I wanted to be was never easy. Throughout my whole school life I always kept myself to myself. I didn't care to partake in idle crap that would earn me my place. I didn't care about being popular.

My mind was always set on doing the very best and achieving maximum grades. I was forever grateful for meeting Ruby. A best friend like her, helped me to stay grounded. Whenever I steered away from the straight path, she was always there to guide me back. And I did the same for her.

Extensive amount of information was continuously stored into my brain, as if it was a warehouse of knowledge. It felt like the days leading up to my exams, I was starting to run out of space, like I couldn't take anymore.

Seeing my results; seeing what I had achieved, felt like I had won in life. The competition I had always been running in, I finally got to the end line.

My parents always wanted the very best for me. The moment I told them of my results, they were elated. They were shining with such proudness.

I drifted back to present time, I scanned around the table where my mum, dad and Ava were situated.

The evening had ascended, and to celebrate my results we ordered a takeaway feast, fit for a king. Selection of pizzas, chips and chicken wings were scattered on the table. Steam was emerging from the food and the fresh baked smell wafted its way to my nose, enabling me to salivate.

This was just what I needed. After months and months of stress piling on me, a calming evening dinner with the people I loved, was the perfect way to close the school chapter.

"Now that you've got your results, have you thought about which university you want to go to?" My dad asked, as he waved for me to take the mouthwatering food.

"Erm, I haven't really thought about it yet," I replied, taking a small bite out of the pizza slice. "All three of my choices have given me an offer."

"Oh Hannah darling." My mums face lit with pure delight. "That's amazing. When do you have to let them know of your choice?"

"I still have around four weeks to give my decision. I'm not going to worry about it yet." My heart missed a beat at the thought of deciding which university to go to.

I had whittled it down between Manchester and New York. The difference in distance was grand, but I didn't want to worry my parents. All I cared about, was making the most of the precious time, this time that I had to take in and enjoy.

Both my parents hummed, they knew not to press further. We fell into a beautiful silence as we all digested the scrumptious food. The mixture of flavour and spice tantalised my tastebuds. The feeling of satisfaction grew in me as I continued to eat.

"So, in other news," my dads voice filled the silence around the table. "We have been invited to a charity ball."

My mum, Ava and I both shot our heads upwards to my dad. Our interests were peaked and we leaned forward, waiting for my dad to explain further.

"A few guys sitting on the local council," my dad slightly chuckled as he realised he managed to capture our attention. "Are hosting a charity ball next week, they've invited majority of business owners and their family. But, it's not just any ball, it'll be a masquerade ball."

An audible gasp escaped my mouth and the corner of my lips twitched into a smile. I turned to Ava who was mirroring the way I looked.

"A masquerade ball? No way! Those types of ball only exist in movies and books," Ava rejoiced.

I nodded my head in agreement as this was the first time I was feeling excited about attending an event.

My dad hummed and nodded his head. "They are going all out. It's going to be in this grand venue in the country side and they've given everyone an opportunity to rent out dresses, suits and masks."

"We get to pick out our dresses and masks?" I happily gasped.

"All the women have been invited to go to a boutique, you can choose your dresses and get your hair and make-up professionally done." My dad tapped his fingers on the table, in a way of getting us girls excited for the ball.

I shot my eyes between my mum and Ava, we were all beaming and bobbing in our seats. Now that I didn't have school to worry about, I felt like I could truly relax and let my hair down.

***

The day of the masquerade ball had arrived. It was a cool summer evening and we were all prepped for the occasion.

My dad aced it with his slick black suit and black mask that covered his eyes. He was dapper and dressed like he was ready for a mission, like James Bond.

My mum had a sheer elegant aura surround her. A cream coloured, with a slight glimmer of gold, dress fell effortlessly on her. The bottom half swayed like a waterfall, made up of thin mesh. The top half was off the shoulder and encrusted with golden detail. A thin halo like hair band wrapped around my mothers beautiful brown locks. A golden mask, with butterfly details completed her look.

Ava came into my line of sight, and I was astonished at how beautiful she looked. Her dressed started with covering one shoulder, cinched at the waist, and flowed down on the bottom half. Her dress had a ombré effect, that went from black to a royal blue. Her hair was curled beautifully, like the brunette version of Daenerys Targaryen. Sliver encrusted jewellery and a matching mask put it all together.

After appreciating the beauty radiating from my family, I took a quick look at my reflection and was astounded. I opted for a deep green dress, it had undertones of black shimmer. It was off the shoulder, the sleeves clasped around the top half of my arm. It followed the neckline which was plunged. The bodice wrapped tightly against my body and the skirt part of the dress flowed, creating layers and pleats, adding volume. Intricate detailing of flowers were spiralled along the bodice, flared out towards the skirt.

My light brown hair was weaved into a waterfall plait, which was then tied into a bun. A jet black hair piece, with specks of shimmer adorned my locks. Matching earrings and a necklace added to my look. I went for a simple black mask with speckled sequins, to complete everything and make sure it was all put together.

We pulled up to the venue which was surrounded by acres of greenery, and right in the middle sat a grand building fit for a royal family. The walls were grey with moss splattered in some areas, creating an old look to it. As a family, we walked up the cracked stairs, that were lined with mantle pieces that had fire roaring from it.

We entered the building and I was instantly welcomed to a flash of brightness. The main hall was brightly lit, golden hues bounced from the shiny cream floor. A symphony of violins created a soft melody, which mixed with the chatter of people.

My mouth gaped open as I took in all the sights, sounds and feels of the room. It was like a scene from a movie, I didn't expect something like this would happen in real life. I was glad to be part of this as it was all for charity.

After adjusting to the surroundings, my dad introduced us to various people. Ava and I aimlessly nodded our heads and laughed amongst the people.

"This is so surreal," Ava whispered in my ear.

"I know right," I whispered back, agreeing. "I thought balls like this only existed in movies and books."

As we fell deep into the main hall, right in the middle, is what seemed to be the dance floor. A vast amount of people partnered up, were swaying side to side creating a wave of movements. They seemed to be letting the music take over their body.

The distant sound of my parents voice were welcoming people, I turned around with Ava, only to notice they were happy to see Mary and Brian. Like always Lexi pondered around behind, almost as if she didn't want to be there.

For some reason I was anticipating on the arrival of Zac. My head bobbed up and down, side to side, past the people scattered across the hall. I was close to giving up, till he finally made an appearance.

The breath had been taken away from me. The temperature within me started to rise. I was taken back at how handsome and dapper he looked.

He styled a plain black shirt, with a superior slim fit black blazer. One side of the blazer was covered in fine detail of sequins that had a dark green undertone, almost similar to the shade of my dress. He paired it up with slim fitted trousers that sat perfectly. He soft wavy locks fell perfectly in places, creating beautiful waves that made me want to run my hands through.

His mask that sat on his face, concealed his true identity. If I was non the wiser, he could have easily been mistaken for a model. But I knew that familiar stance, the way he walked around in a relaxed manner, with his hands in his pocket.

My parents realised Ava and I were separated and waved for us to join them. Steadily we made our way and Zac's alluring pupils locked on to mine.

He froze in his spot, as if he had been slapped across the face, losing the ability to formulate words. Just past his mask, his pupils were dilated, like they were burning with desire.

For a brief moment, it felt like it was just us two in the building, alongside the melodious tones from the violins. The angelic symphonies were grappling us, almost as if any second it would have brought us together.

"Hannah and Ava," Mary's voice captured me back. "You girls look absolutely stunning."

"Thank you," we both said in unison.

"Zac hunny, why don't you take Hannah for a dance, it's every girls dream to dance at a ball like this," Mary innocently suggested, her wide smile stretched her lips whilst waiting for her son to agree.

I nervously gulped the saliva that formulated in my throat, after gaping at Zac for so long. My heart hammered against my chest like a drum. Deep down, a part of me desired to be in Zac's hold. After a few seconds of deliberation from him, a sadness washed over me as it seemed like he was going to decline.

He then took two large strides towards me, closing the distance between us. I patiently waited for him to fill the silence.

Zac extended his hand towards me and drew me in with his deep green pupils. "Would you do me the honour and dance with me?"

A scorching fireball was expanding within me. Internally, I cursed at myself for feeling this way, but I wanted it. In that moment I didn't care about the people around me. I didn't care about Melissa.

For once in my life, I wanted to do whatever I desired and made me happy. I took a short breath in and exhaled out. I locked into his entrancing deep green pupils.

"Of course." Is all that my mouth as I placed my hand into his...

A/N

Another slightly long chapter, but this is also slightly different, a lot of description in this, but what did you guys think of the dresses.

I am terrible a describing! So I hope I did okay!

Hannah and Zac are going to dance!!! Will everything go smoothly?

Comment, vote and share!

Love _xxAMxx