Page 69 of Isabella and the Slipper

Chase looked at the clock again. Almost eleven. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked around the outside of the gym once more. She was coming, right? He didn’t want to hold out too much hope, but this meant more to him than he wanted to admit.

Five had become his confidante. His best friend. And he wanted her to be more. His phone chimed, and he took it out to look at the message.

On my way now. Sorry it took so long.

Relief lifted the tension from his shoulders.I’ll be by the entrance.

I’m wearing a teal dress.

Can’t wait to see you.

He adjusted his black mask and began walking toward the front doors.

“Chase!” A voice called out, and he turned to see Delilah coming at him in full force. Her dress took up the whole hallway. She must have shopped for hours to find it. Or maybe she paid someone to make it for her. He wasn’t sure, but he did feel a twinge of guilt for leading her on.

“Hi, Delilah.”

“Your date still hasn’t shown up?” She made eyes at him. “Must be fate.”

“She’s coming right now. In fact, I need to go meet her at the entrance.”

Delilah pulled on his arm. “Come on. Stop pretending. I know you wanted to come here with me. You can stop being coy. Let’s dance.”

He wriggled out of her grasp. “Sorry, I told you. I’m here with someone else.”

Delilah put her hands on her hips. “Then where is she? Huh?”

The doors opened, and Isabella stepped in. At least, he thought it was her. Her hair was piled on top of her head, a few curly tendrils falling down. And it was a deep red color. She wore a teal dress that showed off her figure, and she had on matching slippers. A masquerade mask with a large black feather extending up adorned her face. She nervously bit her lip.

“There she is,” Chase said under his breath. He walked away from Delilah. As he neared, he couldn’t help but smile. “You made it.”

Delilah followed after him. “Her? This is your date?” Her screechy voice grated on his nerves.

He didn’t even turn to look at Delilah. His eyes couldn’t get enough of Isabella. “Yes.”

Delilah made a disgusted snort. “Why, she’s so plain.” When he didn’t respond, she grunted and turned on her heel. “Well. I never.” She stalked off down the hallway, leaving him alone with Isabella.

He suddenly felt nervous and a bit shy. “Five?” he said, tentatively.

She nodded. “Sorry I’m so late.”

He itched to touch her, but he tempered his desires. “I understand.” He glanced toward the gym. “Want to go in?”

Isabella gave him a smile. “Okay.”

They walked down the hallway. “You look lovely,” he said, feeling like a tongue-tied little kid.

She blushed. “Thank you.”

When he opened the door for her, the music grew louder. The gym was decorated in light and dark purples, with clusters of balloons on the walls and hanging from the ceiling. Streams of fabric hung, coming out from a large cluster of balloons in the center like spokes on a Ferris wheel. White twinkle lights adorned the walls. A live band played on the stage, the strains from the song “Imagine” by John Lennon rang out.

He took Isabella’s hand. “Want to dance?”

“Yes,” she said, a little breathless.

He pulled her out onto the dance floor and placed one hand on her back, taking his stance as he had learned in dance class. He began moving to the music.

She peered up at him through her mask. “You’re a good dancer.”

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