Free Monster's Ball :Shadow In Time by Priscilla Poole Rainwater Page A

replied, beginning to sway back and forth to the beautiful song the siren in the ballroom was singing. “We should keep in touch, Rena. I have a boutique. I do one of a kind designs for full figured women like us, and I would love to have you model for me someti...” her voice trailed off as her face suddenly went blank and her jaw nearly hit the floor.
     
    “Medusa, what's the...” Rena stammered, watching as the snakes on the woman's head stood on-end, pointing directly at something, or someone, behind her. Looking over her shoulder, she didn't see anything out of the ordinary, then turned to face her friend again just as her eyes turned as black as a lump of coal. Creeped out for the first time that evening, she said, “Medusa, you're scaring me.”
     
    “Oh my.....it's him, I KNOW it's him, finally.” the immortal stammered, alarming Rena even more.
     
    Shaken at seeing a Goddess so nervous, Rena licked her suddenly dry lips and said, “Him, who's him?” Turning in her chair to look around again, she continued in a tremulous voice, “Which one, there's lots of guys here.”
     
    “Shhhhh, he's coming this way, I can feel him. Turn back around!” Medusa hissed, sounding more like a nervous teenager than a feared Gorgon of mythology. “What do I do?” She pleaded, further astonishing her companion. Reaching for the Ouzo, she poured another shot with hands that were shaking.
     
    “First, put this down.” Rena said as she turned to face her, then took the glass from her hand and placed it back on the table. “Look at you, why so nervous? I mean YOU, of all people. Well...you know what I mean. You've been around the block and back for eons. Just play it cool. If he's human, I'm sure he's just as nervous as you are.”
     
    “Excuse me.” a soft, male voice suddenly seemed to beckon them.
     
    Turning her head again, Rena looked up to see a rather nondescript man standing there. Looking to be in his mid-forties, the man was dressed as Sherlock Holmes, complete with hat, cape, round spectacles, and pipe. To her he looked remarkably like an eccentric professor she had had in college, who had enjoyed dressing in costumes for whatever period of history he happened to be teaching at the time.
     
    Pushing the spectacles up his slim nose with one finger, he spoke in a shy voice. “I'm terribly sorry to interrupt, but would you like to dance with me?”
     
    “Who, me?” Medusa stammered.
     
    “Yes” the man replied, looking as if he had already braced himself for rejection, and had planned to beat a hasty departure if need be.
     
    “I would love to!” Medusa gushed, the color of her eyes returning to normal. Practically leaping to her feet, she extended her hand, hesitated for a moment, then leaned over and gave Rena a peck on the cheek. “I'll keep in touch. Well, that is if Thoth doesn't have to do the memory-erasing thingamabob on you.”
     
    “I hope so, you've been wonderful company, Medusa. Thank you so much for making me feel welcome, and...well, easing me into IT. You know what I'm talking about.”
     
    “Don't mention it, dear. By the way, avoid that incubus, or any others of his ilk, like the plague. A little tip for you: You can always spot one by that sleazy, sly little grin on their face. It never fails to materialize, once they spot a potential victim. They can't seem to help it. If you see that grin, avoid all eye contact. Don't even converse with him.”
     
    “Ok, and thanks again. ”Rena replied with a smile, then watched as the new couple disappeared into the ballroom.
     
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                                                                                   Chapter 7
     
    Wandering around the mansion, Rena was still fascinated by the beings around her, beings that