Whispers Turn

Tonight, Sherilyn was a vision in white, her dress fitted at the top and flowing freely at the bottom, the silk fabric catching the light and creating a halo effect around her. 

She wore a mask that covered only her face, with a rose painted on the left side, while the right remained a blank canvas. 

There was an innocence about her, yet tinged with an air of mystery. But the mystery wasn’t intimidating. On the contrary, it drew people in, making them want to peel back the layers and discover more about her. 

On stage, she danced gracefully, as if floating in water, embodying the essence of a rose. 

She was as pure as a rose, untouched and unadorned! 

She didn’t interact with the audience. And she didn’t need to. She was the ethereal fairy, and the people below were mere mortals in her presence. They looked up to her, willing and eager. 

Directly facing the stage, Gilbert found himself mesmerized. 

The drums started thumping softly, and just like that, the fairy shot up into the air, nailed at flawless split, and snagged a ribbon dangling down. She then circled the stage. 

“Wow!” 

“Here she comes!” 

The crowd erupted into cheers! 

Because the ribbon had its limits, she didn’t pass by the booths, causing Gilbert’s gaze to darken, his Adam’s apple bobbing with a hard swallow. Suddenly, he felt irritated by everyone else in the room. Those eyes on her were far too bold! 

Gilbert picked up his glass, tilting his head back to drain it. He stood up and headed backstage without waiting for her to leave the stage. 

After waiting three or four minutes in the hallway to the service corridor, Gilbert saw her holding her dress and walking toward him with an ethereal grace. 

“Hey.” A few steps from her, Gilbert positioned himself in her path. 

Behind her mask, Sherilyn paused in surprise. Was he talking to her? Could Gilbert have recognized her even with the mask? No! If he had recognized her, he wouldn’t look so calm. 

Clutching her dress tighter, Sherilyn feigned composure but said nothing. If she said anything, she would have her cover blown. Instead, she curtsied in thanks and moved to walk past him. 

10:18 

“Wait!” Gilbert was there specially for her. He wasn’t about to let her walk away just like that. In desperation, he reached out and grabbed her arm. 

Sherilyn gasped in shock, instinctively wanting to shake him off. But remembering he didn’t know who she was, she forced herself to remain still. However, her eyes, visible above the mask, widened in alarm. 

Gilbert was stunned by her look. It felt familiar somehow. Then, realizing his inappropriate action for a first encounter, he immediately let go. “Sorry, I was too forward.” 

Sherilyn breathed a sigh of relief internally, grateful he had released her in time. Otherwise, there was no way she could’ve kept her disguise. 

“Hello.” Gilbert stepped back, respecting her personal space, and extended his hand, “I’m Gilbert. May I offer you a drink?” © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“Shh.” Before he could finish, Sherilyn raised her hand, placing her index finger on Gilbert’s lips to stop him. 

Gilbert froze, not used to being shut down like that. He couldn’t see her face behind the mask, but he sensed she was smiling at him. So, he complied, staying silent. 

Then, she walked away. 

“Hey…” Gilbert attempted to stop her again. 

“Mr. Gilbert!” Luckily, Colin arrived just in time, anxiously blocking his path. “Mr. Gilbert, remember our agreement? We’re in the middle of the dance competition, and although this toast is for you, we need to keep up appearances, right? Could you please wait a little longer?”