Lost In A Masquerade

By Susan J.

My friend Rick and were invited to a masquerade ball. I was still unsure of my costume. As I looked at myself in the mirror, Rick came into the room.

"You look beautiful Nina!" he said.

"You really think so?"

"Yes. Red becomes you/"

"You sure it's not too much?"

"It's perfect. The person who made it did a great job. It's exactly like that Elena wore in the fandango scene. How do I look?"

Rick was dressed in a red velvet dress that I wore as a bridesmaid in a wedding. His mask was red with sequins and red feathers. It was a perfect match for the dress.

"You look beautiful, but don't you think your mustache is a little out of place?"

"Honey, I shave my mustache for no man, and speaking of men, maybe we'll both get lucky tonight," he said with a wink.

He picked up my mask from the dresser.

"Come, I'll help you with your mask," he said.

"Okay."

He helped me put on a simple red mask. He tied it so it wouldn't fall off.

"I can't help but think of that scene in 'Zorro the Gay Blade'," I said.

"What scene?"

"When the gay Zorro and Florinda are in the bathroom and he's trying to take the necklace off of her and he says 'I hate masked balls, don't you hate masked balls. If one has balls why mask them?'"

We started laughing.

"Come on, let's go," Rick said.

"Let's go."

We left for the party. When we arrived there were a lot of people already there. We entered the house and we saw many people we knew. We were greeted by the hostess, Olga.

"Oh, you both look great!" Olga said as she hugged us both.

"Oh, you look so beautiful dressed as Cleopatra!" Rick told her.

"Thank you. Oh nina, that dress is beautiful!"

"Thanks." I said.

"Come and have fun!"

"We will," said Rick.

We went further into the room full of people.

"Isn't this great?" Rick asked.

"Yes it is."

"Oh my goodness."

"What?"

"Zorro is here."

"You liar."

"Look over there and tell me what you see."

I looked in the direction that he pointed to and sure enough there stood Zorro.

"When will I ever learn not to doubt your word?" I said.

"Never, but guess what?"

"What?"

"He's on his way over here."

At that time the Olga the hostess made an announcement.

"Attention everyone. You are not to reveal you're identity until after midnight. If the character has a name then use it. Okay now, everyone have fun."

The music started playing. Zorro made his way over to where we were standing and stood in front of me. He leaned towards me.

"Be careful Senorita, there are dangerous men about," he said.

"Well, if you see any be sure to point them out," I answered.

We smiled at each other. He took my hand in his.

"I am Don Alejandro Murietta, better known as El Zorro," he said.

"I am Elena Montero."

"It's a pleasure."

He kissed my hand as I curtsied.

"This is my friend known as the Lady in Red."

He and Rick shook hands.

"Would you both like something to drink?" Zorro asked.

"I would love some iced tea," I said.

"Nothing for me right now, thank you," said Rick.

"I'll be right back."

Zorro walked away and towards the bar.

"Did you see his eyes?" I said.

"Did you see his butt!" Rick said.

I slapped him on the arm as we laughed.

"I think I'd better circulate. Good luck."

He kissed me and left. Zorro returned with our drinks.

"Thank you," I said as he handed me my glass.

"There is a small table over there, would you like to sit and talk?" he asked.

"Yes, that would be nice."

He gently touched my back and guided me over to the table. We sat down.

"This party is something else," he said.

"Yes it is."

"Your friend, you and he aren't…"

"No, we're best friends. He works for Olga at her restaurant."

"Really. So what do you do?"

"I'm a secretary. And you?"

"I go from town to town fighting injustice."

We started laughing.

"You have the most beautiful eyes," he said.

"Thank you."

We spent about an hour talking. The band started playing a song by Ricky Martin called "Spanish Eyes". Zorro looked at me.

"Senorita Elena, will you do me the honor of dancing with me?"

I would love to, Don Alejandro."

We walked onto the dance floor and started dancing to the upbeat tune. While we danced, I didn't notice that Rick had requested that a certain song be played. When the song that we were dancing to was over I suddenly heard the first few chords of the next song. Zorro and I both looked at each other because we both recognized the music.

"Well, I'm up to the task if you are?" he said.

"Why not?" I said.

We walked to the middle of the dance floor and started dancing the fandango dance from the Mask of Zorro. I wasn't too familiar with the steps, so I just followed his lead. When we finished the dance everyone applauded. Rick came over to us.

"Bravo! Bravo!" Rick said.

"I'll get you for this," I told him.

"I know you will," he said laughing. He kissed my cheek.

Zorro and I went and sat down.

"It's almost midnight," he said.

"Is it really?"

Midnight came and it was time for the masks to come off. Rick came over to me.

"I knew you would need my help taking off this mask," he said.

"Yes, thanks."

He untied the ties of the mask and I took it off.

"I've got to go and unmask the Man in the Iron Mask," Rick said as he left.

I looked at Zorro.

"Well…. What do you think? Should I put the mask back on?" I said.

"No. You are very lovely," he said.

He took my hand and kissed it.

"What is your real name?"

"Susan."

He took off his mask. I looked at him and thought to myself 'no it can't be'.

"And what is your name?" I asked.

"Jose Dominguez."

I could see it in his eyes that he was trying to hide something, but I said nothing.

"It's nice to meet you, Jose."

"It's nice meeting you too, Susan."

"I need some air, it's too hot in here," I said.

"We can go outside if you like?"

"Yes."

We got up and walked outside to the garden. The scent of roses were all around us. The night air was cool and the moon was full and bright.

"It's a beautiful night," he said.

"Yes it is. I love the smell of roses."

"So do I."

He stood in front of me and did the rose trick from the movie. I smiled as he handed me the rose.

"You are very talented Antonio."

"Thank you…….Antonio?"

"Yes. Antonio."

"When did you figure it out?"

"I knew it the moment you took off your mask. Don't worry I won't let on that I know who you truly are."

"Thank you."

"Who do you know here?" I asked.

"Olga and her husband."

"They are very nice people."

"Yes they are."

We could hear the music from inside. A slow song was being played.

"Would you dance with me?" he asked.

"I'd like that."

He took my hand and pulled me close to him, and we began to dance slowly. He lifted my head so I could see his face. We stared into each other's eyes. He gently kissed me at first, and then very passionately. Suddenly I felt someone shaking me. I opened my eyes and saw Rick standing over me.

"Come on wake up! We've got to get ready for the party." He said.

"Damn! It was all a dream?"

"Must have been one hell of a dream?"

"It was."

As I got up from the couch I still could smell his cologne. Was it a dream of what might happen? Could be. Never question a dream especially if it felt that real.