It had taken you a while to remember which of your friends called themselves the porcelain doll. In fact, you hadn’t remembered at all until you pulled out your yearbook to check, and saw the familiar face peeking out from the back of your class photo, painted in white. Jiang Ning San, the youngest of three girls, had needed a way to distinguish herself. Her entire life, she was thrilled with the idea of dressing up, and when she discovered her mothers old Geisha photo’s, she immediately adopted them herself. Every chance she got she would powder herself white, with red lips and black eyes, and smile secretively at any man who noticed her. Even when she wasn’t able to do this, she almost always wore her lips and eyes as dark as possible whilst at school. When she was 16, she formed a dance group at school and called themselves the Dollies. She was the leader; the Porcelain Doll.
You wonder how you had even forgotten her; how you hadn’t recognized her name on the white and gold invitation in your hands. The invitation declares that you are invited to a party; a masquerade ball. It gives an address and a contact number. It also opens up, revealing a page full of fine print and detailed instructions. You vow to read it later, if you decide to go.
You mention it to your partner, who convinces you it’ll be fun. You never really go out together anymore, and to be honest, a little fun could be exactly what you need.
So you agree to go.
You arrive at the address easily; it wasn’t exactly hard to find. Apparently, the Porcelain Doll had done well for herself. The place, whether it was rented or her own, was obviously expensive and lavishly decorated. White petals and gold leaf decorated the walk-way leading up to the huge, white building. Their were lights and water features all about the grounds, and music which reminded you vaguely of a French carnival played, although it had a strange kind of beauty you wouldn’t have usually placed within France or the carnival. In deed, you would likely have never placed it to the earth.
You and your partner are greeted at the door by a small woman in Geisha make-up and a flowing gold kimono. You assume this is your host and accept the greeting warmly. You thank her for the invitation and move into the room, as directed by her.
You expect it to be a dance floor, but it’s far too small. You wait to see what will happen next as more and more guests file into the room.
Eventually, the last of the guests arrive and the doors are shut. The Porcelain Doll steps gracefully up onto a stage at the front of the small hall.
“My friends,” the hostess addresses you. “Thank you all for coming to my party. However, as I’m sure you’re aware, this is no ordinary party. Each of you has a disguise; this will not leave your person for the evening. If you don’t have an alternate name for yourselves yet, choose one now or take a name from the top hat on your way out. You will be this name for the evening. Your masks will not come off, and you will not divulge your true identity to anyone. Tonight, you are completely anonymous.”
You smile at the idea. It sounds like an interesting one.
“As for the nature of the party,” she continues. “As I stated in the details of the invitation. Anything can happen here tonight. There are several dance floors and dozens of bedrooms. By accepting the invitation you give your consent to partake in whatever the night has in store for you.”
Your smile fades. Your eyes dart to your partner. You didn’t know this would happen.
“Anyone wishing to change their minds, you are welcome to stay in this area. There are bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs. If you remove your masks, you are disqualified from the activities; anyone who does not wish to participate, go upstairs and remove your costumes. The doors will open in 12 hours; at 8am tomorrow morning. Until then…”
Her red and white mouth grinned as she spread her arms.
“Enjoy the ball.”
Two large doors behind you open up to the rest of the building.
“Ladies through the first door, gentlemen through the left,” she instructs. “Remember, if you don’t have a name for yourself, take one from the top hat.”
You nod to yourself and head towards the two doors.