Suspicious Night

Bright chandeliers lit up the room. The warmth at the town’s banquet hall mocked the roaring storm

outside. The sound of rain was muted by the classical music played upon the speakers. My head

leaned against the wall as I stared up at the stunning artwork on the ceiling, wondering where my

friend, Gabe, was. He had gone to get our drinks for more than fifteen minutes now. Maybe, he had

encountered his father, Mr. McCarthy, who might have taken him to meet some

other guests at their party. 

My mind spiraled through thoughts to why Gabe looked so upset for the past few days.

His brows never got a break and started to crease his forehead. Maybe it was time for me to ask if

everything was alright, but what was stopping me was the fear of knowing that Mr. McCarthy’s

resentment against me was influencing my best friend.

I was tuned out of my racing mind as I look down to see -limping towards me-Mr. McCarthy.

He was wearing a plain white suit and his face looked awfully like his son Gabe’s.

‘Why, Joseph you have cleaned up well. I could not recognize you, trust me when I say all that

facial hair was not doing you any good,’ he criticized. 

‘It is a pleasure to meet you too Mr. Omar McCarthy. I hope you don’t mind me asking if you have

seen Gabe around? I have been waiting for him to get our drinks for some time now,’ I spoke in a

rush wanting to get away from any conversation.

‘Ah, so my son is your puppet now, is he?’ he eyed.

I sigh sensing his intention to continue.

‘This is a small-town Joseph and you have grown up here yourself. Did that runaway mother of yours

leave you with no manners?’ McCarthy looked back at his wife, who was hidden behind his masculine

figure. ‘Aren’t I right dear? Now what would the town chiefs and elders say when they see my golden

boy running around for commoners like him,’ he gave her a phony curious look.

‘You did not answer me, sir,’ I gritted my teeth wanting to sound as polite. 

There were loads of events I kept to myself and some involve McCarthy. His selfish soul would not

think twice before crushing you. Mother knew that well enough. She used to work as their

seamstress, never once complaining to how particular they were about their clothing to create the

ideal reputation. The reminder of her presence still bore even after she had left; it was as if nature

did not want to forget the kindness and beauty she brought along. She had promised to come home

one night, and when she did not by morning, word had spread. Some neighbors said they had seen her

boarding a ship to France, while the rest said they had seen her jump from the ship. Rumors staying

rumors, she never came back. This is the reason why Gabe and I got so close. His mother kindly gave

me a place with them. We grew together, like brothers. Nothing between us other than

Mr. McCarthy’s name and his favoritism to his blood alone.

‘I had seen him somewhere in the back with an escort dear,’ Mrs. McCarthy’s voice polite, as she

points the direction for me from behind her husband’s back.

Grateful for not having to continue any conversation with her husband, I kissed her hands thanking

her before walking away. Penelope had pointed behind the dark green drapes. I slipped through to

the other side. My stomach automatically tied itself into hard knots. At the back of my mind,

a sixth sense told me something had gone wrong. I pushed the unjustified feeling behind and

continued.

 My vision took its time to settle to its new surroundings. There was a sense of claustrophobia brought

by the hushed chatters from the women in the small corner to the clicking of glasses from all around.

There was a dim light coming from somewhere afar. I felt the adrenaline cross my veins and my

heart raced out of my chest. Unrecognizable bodies blended in with their multicolored dresses

and masks. I squinted around looking for the white suit Gabe had taken hours to decide upon,

to make sure it matched his father’s. Soon my eyes settled upon his smartly fitted suit, his hair at the

back of his head looked all ruffled up. Looks like my friend had been drinking without me. ‘How very

unlike him,’ I thought.

‘Gabe! Gabriel!’ I shouted, my lungs seemed to have lost all their air. I jogged towards him, but the

nearer I got to him the further he went. He looked frustrated as he strode fast between the masses

of people who gave him no second glance. My curiosity was overwhelming me. Not being able to

control myself, I followed him disappearing behind another set of darker drapes. 

‘Gabe?’ I move with stealth, chocking all my saliva down. I felt a rise of tension in the atmosphere.

Moving the curtains away from my vision; I heard someone groan. The room felt deserted: high

windows let in the only form of light. I walked in midst of the room, my eyes searching for a soul in

sight.

 I opened my mouth to call for him again; instead, it got filled by a bitter taste, as a glistening red

droplet lands perfectly in mouth. I looked up immediately. Watching me closely were two pairs of

hollow eyes I knew so well. The sound of my ancient boots echoed through the room as I moved

backwards to get a better picture. 

I felt nauseous and as feet quivered underneath me. Her promise flooded back. I saw no movement

where she was hung upside down, the shock in the freckled face mirrored back at me. She looked

small enough to crawl in my arms. 

‘Mother…’ my voice numbed. 

‘Joe!’ I heard Gabe calling from outside the room.

Before I could make sense of what was happening, I felt a sharp pain in my chest.