Beginnings in Winter

Word count: 999 words.


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Josephina was furious. She had just witnessed her boyfriend of three months kiss another woman. Mind you it was not a friendly peck, but rather a full blown passionate embrace. She decided to deal with it later since it took months to plan this Winter Masquerade and nothing was going to stand in the way of its success.

The rented ballroom radiated a sense of otherworldliness as a result of strategically placed crystal creations that reflected the light of the chandelier and candles. The ballroom was also decorated in shades of purple and black, the theme of the evening. The women took the whole "masquerade" theme to heart while most men opted for the usual tuxedo and simple mask. However, there had always been exceptions to the rule and this time was no different. The men who chose to disguise themselves more elaborately had people craning their necks in an attempt to discover who they really were.

"Looks fantastic," someone breathed into her ear and she spun around to see who had startled her.

"Ian! You scared me!" She lightly slapped his chest. Ian was one of her closest male friends. They were inseparable growing up and Josephina always thought of him as the brother she never had. He was tall, with a lightly toned body that revealed his obsession with sports that never really rubbed off on Josephina, despite his repeated efforts and attempts at bribery. However, lately those feelings were going in another direction which caused her many sleepless nights.

"Sorry. But the party looks fabulous, you've really outdone yourself." He said, his eyes focusing on her costume; an off shoulder gown in shades of purple with match arm length gloves. Her trademark blonde hair was hidden under a long, black wig.

"Speak for yourself. What on earth inspired you to create that?" She asked, staring at his costume in amazement. He was wearing an outfit that belonged to some kind of fantasy world. A floor long black robe with intricate silver designs, with long black wings attached to that back. Upon closer inspection, namely Josephina touching the feathers, she was stunned further to discover that they were real. A spiky black and white wig hid his chestnut hair and a pair of grey contacts to hide his original hazel eye color completed the ensemble.

"Thanks 'Phina. Would you believe sleepless nights watching black and white movie reruns?" He chuckled. Josephina looked satisfied with his answer and he breathed a small sigh of relief. He wanted the timing to be perfect when he told her the truth about everything.

"So where's that boyfriend of yours?" As soon as the words were said, Brian walked up.

"Hey, fantastic outfit man! Where did you find it? Must have cost a pretty penny." Brain extended his hand. Ian glanced at his outfit and frowned. He was in a tuxedo and didn't even have a mask on, for Pete's sake! Brian lowered his arm uneasily at the sight of the frown. He felt panic rise in him at thought of kissing that curvaceous red-head. In his defense, she was stunningly sexy in that outfit and he was weak willed by nature. "Ah, well, anyway, I think I hear someone calling me. It was great seeing you again Ian, hope you enjoy the party." With that, he turned and walked away in a random direction.

Ian frowned and turned to his best friend and was alarmed. She looked rattled, and it took a lot to rattle Josephina. Immediately a wave of anger and protectiveness surged through his body. Heaven help whoever hurt her, for he wasn't going to show any mercy.

"What's wrong? And don't give me a flimsy excuse," He added when she opened her mouth to reply.

Closing her mouth, she turned and began crossing the room. He followed, concerned by the change that happened to his usually bubbly friend. As soon as they reached the doors leading to the garden, Josephina stepped out onto the frozen silver landscape.

"'Phina come inside, it's freezing." Ian called out as he followed her deeper into the secluded haven. His only answer was the sound of her soft sobs. Alarmed, he increased his pace until he saw her shaking form. He turned her around gently and listened with growing fury at what Brian had put her through, culminating with his actions that evening.

"Sh, sh..there there..its going to be alright," He comforted her gently. A part of him wanted to go after that man and crush him but another pointed out now was a good time as any to tell her the truth.

"Do you trust me?" the tone of his voice made Josephina look up from where she had been flooding his robe with tears. Meeting his eyes, she nodded firmly. Releasing the breath he didn't know he was holding, he stepped back slightly and told her the truth. The pact one of her ancestors made with him to watch over his family and its descendants in exchange for something else. Ian decided that those particular details of that were for another day. He didn't want her to hate him for what he'd done. Right now the main story was more important.

When he was done, he looked at her nervously as he waited her reaction and answer. He didn't have to wait long.

"So, to sum all that up, you're a centuries old guardian spirit who's been watching over my family and who's fallen in love with me?" She asked incredulously. He nodded.

"Wow...I always thought that there was more to you than meets the eye. But this takes the cake. And the icing on top"

Ian looked at her nervously. "So what happens now?"

Josephina's eyes softened. "Ian, you're my best friend. But this is too much to take in at once. I need some time."

His eyes lit up in hope. She didn't reject him!

"I'm not going anywhere," He said, as he drew her closer for a hug.