Hide your face

Masks a story by Briana Leong

We live in a perilious world. A jungle full of traps. Masked hunters awaits stealthily, unseen and well hidden behind thick bushes. They wait, without drawing breath. Eager to see preys like us trip and fall. Every step was taken with trembling feet. You sense your doom in the air. Anytime now. Out of desperation, you call for help. Your voice coming out in an unrecognisable whimper. But aid does not arrive, it never does. They show no mercy. Anytime now......

My name is Norma Jean and I am a prostitute. Most of the time, you see me parking my Jaguar and walking to a party with diamonds and pearls. You might just feel a pang of jealousy, or maybe some anger even, for luxuries like mine do not go your way. Don't judge a book by it's cover, have you not learn that from your mama? A mask is what I am wearing, you see not the tears I poured, nor the pain that has pushed me so far to this point. Men come to me not to say "I love you" but "How much?".

My life was a strenous journey across hell. I was young, naive and nevertheless, an absurd fool. I was blinded by a man in a mask. With tricks and ruse, he left me clueless but in love. His mask was so pretty and his lies so true. He said he needs me, he said he wants me and he said he loves me,all those vows, it was irresistible to a young girl of 17. Soon, I was revealed the truth and his gruesome face. And his heart, who desires wealth above all else. His treachery runs deep. He pushed me, forced me, used me and took advantage of me. Then, he left me in world where money was able to buy sex. Alas, I was isolated in a whirling vortex of emotion.

Now, my world is like a masquerade party. I have been here so long, walking in circles, but I could not find a way out. This is a beautiful place with beautiful masked people. A party with neon lights, vibrant colors, mellifluous voices, seductive fragrances, glittering sequins, soft-felt furs and breath-takingly beautiful masks. A fatal sight. This stunning facade of twisted hearts. All kinds of attractions, these masks uses it to wield the greed that lays deep in you. Unable to resist, you drop into thier scheme. And then, they reveal their monstrous faces. That will be your last.

Right here, all good things in life cost you heartbreak. Everyone wears a mask, what you get is never really what it is. There is just so much more going on inside. Love is bought buy sex and friendship by money. Wealth, pride, power, these are the things that matters. Nothing is real anymore, it's all artificial, all plastic. Shiny and pretty, but cold hard plastic. Fooled by their pretty masks, they trick you, they hurt you, they abandon you. All that goes around comes around in this magnificient masquerade party. I dwell in this place.

You find no portent in this world. No warmth at all. Everybody is pretty yet cold, like a beautiful strand of light from spring's first morning, still clinging on to winter's chill. A chill that freezes your heart. You stand alone in a cage, watching the last light of sunset fade from the bars upon you and evil shadows creeping from the floor, going for you. You stand there waiting, without uttering a single sound, you know, you won't last long.

My turn is finally here. You see, no one last forever in this party and no one leaves here alive. As death nears me, threatening to take me away, I listen to my heart, beating so loud, it refuses to give in. My thoughts wander down memory lane, to when i first came here. I try to remember the face of my first lover, the one who brought me here, but it was all a blurr. If, if and if is all I could think about. I wish I was never here, I wish it was never me. My heart beats slow, I'm about to go. I hear laughter, bearing malice and cruelty, their ugly faces haunting me.

Light leaves my eyes. I bear no more hope when i left this place of masks.

p/s: My english paper essay (;