The only decorations were the masks on our faces. The boys wore heavy wooden masks that were secured with thick straps. The masks covered their entire faces, and gave a sense of foreboding. It would be impossible to recognize anyone behind them. Not that I knew any of them anyway. Every mask was identical, and every boy wore the same black tuxedo. There was no way to tell one boy from another. I thought we were being tested. As if they boys were all spying on us, waiting to see how we would behave with a boy when we didn’t know where our One was.

In contrast, the girls’ masks were delicate, made of expensive lace that matched the color of our gowns. The mask covered our eyes and cheeks, leaving only our lips exposed. The intricate and one-of-a-kind designs of the lace blurred the rest of our facial features. Although I had spent much so much time with the girls in The House, it was difficult for me to identify them behind their disguises. I glanced at Calla, realizing had I not known what color her gown was, I probably wouldn’t be able to recognize her either.

I followed the rest of the girls in a long line to the other table. We had been instructed to enter silently, but I could almost hear the thumping of each girl’s heart as we walked through the carnivorous room. When we reached our table, we waited for everyone to stand beside their chair. The boys stood, silently waiting for us to sit.

Sarabeth, wearing a black ball gown, stood between the tables. She motioned for everyone to take their seat. Speaking without a microphone, she welcomed the boys to The House.

“It has been a long time in coming.” She paused to smile at every face the room. “But the night is finally here. A few reminders before we open the ball.” Sarabeth made eye contact with everyone at our table. “Remember girls, you are to stay put. Please do not get up unless you’ve been asked to dance. This will help the boys remember which girls they have already danced with. Boys, no matter how excited you are to dance with your One, please be kind as you dance with every girl in attendance. You will get to dance with your One at the end of The Promise Ball.”

I wouldn’t call Sarabeth a teacher, but like every teacher I’d ever known, she seemed to have the ability to read minds. It was warm, sitting there in the long gown. I eyed the refreshment table, thirsty for a cup of punch.

“One more thing, boys,” Sarabeth said. “Please do not forget to offer the girls snacks and something to drink throughout the evening. It will be a long night for them. We want them to keep their strength up.”