The Undercover Journalist(Jones Sparrow and WhiteLily)

[WhiteLily]

"But Auntie, I don't want to go to the ball!" Clara protested as she was pulled out of the house and into the car. It was three days after Piedro's letter and Dianna was forcing Clara to go back to her home. The girl was stubborn as anything, but then again, so was her aunt,

"You are going, young lady! You need to be among the people again! They miss you! Besides, you have a beautiful dress and mask on the way that your father paid for. You. Are. Going!"

She said with a final tug Clara was clear of the house and in the car with Dianna. It would be a long, silent drive, and Dianna couldn't help but smirk. The hours went by quickly and soon Clara Dimonte was back at the Dimonte Villa in Venice. It was like a long lost princess was returning to her palace; Piedro waited outside with Antonio and the household servants. Getting out of the car, Clara extended her hand to guide her but quickly snatched it back when she felt her father try to take it. Stalking past him and into the house, Dianna looked at the confused and hurt Piedro, "She didn't want to come, and she doesn't want anyone guiding her. She is still waiting for Jones to take her hand." Piedro looked at his wife's sister and sighed, "This won't be easy, will it?" Dianna shook her head sadly and went inside to help Clara prepare for the next evening.

[Jones Sparrow]

Jones Sparrow looked at a wardrobe mirror. He wore his new suit and mask to see how it looked for tomorrow night's event. He longed to see the beautiful woman he hurt so badly, he wanted nothing more than to hold her, and tell her how much of an idiot he was. He turned to face Mico who was smoking a cigar. "What do you think?" He asked with a grin, posing as a model jokingly. "I'd tell you to stay the hell away from my wife, Sparrow before she latches onto you..." He said with a laugh, approving of the attire. "I'm nervous, Mico... The last time I saw her she was being pulled out of her father's meeting room screaming bloody murder... I hurt her." He said, straightening his bow tie in the mirror.

"I remember mistakingly asking you what she was like... You literally went on for two hours, about the little things she did in her sleep. You are obsessed with this woman. Not pursuing her would be a mistake! Take a chance, my friend! she's worth it!"

[WhiteLily]

Dianna stepped back and gasped as Clara turned in her full ballgown. The gold fabric shimmered in the light and made Clara's skin glow. The girl was thinner than she had been five months ago, her collarbone jutted high out of her skin, and her cheekbones looked like they would cut paper, but she was still beautiful. Dianna picked up the mask, a beautiful handmade one with gold lace and rhinestones, and tied it to Clara's face, "You look like a fairytale princess," Dianna gushed. Clara sighed, "I'll take your word for it." She untied the mask and handed it back to her aunt before turning around so Dianna could untie the dress. Once finished Dianna hung the dress on the door and placed the mask on the vanity. She wanted to say goodnight to Clara, but the somber girl had already taken her seat in an armchair by the window.

Nights were the hardest for Clara, what little vision she did have was taken away from her and she was completely alone in the black. She hadn't slept in a bed since that day, her heart ached too much at being alone even in the smallest bed she could find. Now she was back here, in the room that used to be theirs. Tears pricked at Clara's eyes and she swiped at them angrily, this was going to be a long night.

[Jones Sparrow]

Jones woke up slowly, and as always reaching for Clara's warm body... Which hasn't been to his side for five months. He sighed, sitting up on mico's family couch. He rubbed his eyes, realizing how his side felt so cold. He stumbled up, and walked to the window to see the view of Venice. The people were already out, and he wondered if Clara were walking the streets, holding the hand of another man, or shyly walking by... He would soon find out, because tonight will be the day he will see her... He couldn't wait for te moment he touched her, any part of the body. He didn't care.

[WhiteLily]

A knock at the door made Clara's eyes open slowly, "Come in," She said and her aunt came in, "Are you hungry?" She asked though she knew the answer. Clara hadn't been physically hungry for months, but ate what was in front of her after Dianna threatened to put her in the hospital with a stomach tube. Turning her head to the sound of Dianna's voice Clara nodded and stood. Her hand automatically went out in front of her and they walked together to the kitchens where the cook greeted Clara like a daughter she had lost. Clara couldn't help but let herself smile at the comfort of her old friends.

"Let's go get you ready, Clara. Take a shower, wash your hair. I've had ladies come to do your hair and makeup. I'll help you dress..." Dianna went on and on while Clara finished her breakfast. It had only been at the prodding of Dianna and the risk of worrying the cook that she had even finished half of the plate of food in front of her. "I'll see you soon." Clara said to the cook who hugged her again before Clara followed Dianna back to her room. Once in there Clara felt a rush of emotion; Where was Jones? Was he happy? Did he find someone new?

[Jones Sparrow]

Jones was back in his suit. He shaved, put on cologne and made his hair presentable... He couldn't remember the last time he spent so much time preparing. He straightened his bow and looked down at his watch. "When is this party to start, Mico?" He yelled from downstairs. "In a couple hours, Sparrow... I know you're anxious, but my wife and I will have to get ready too." He yelled. Jones sighed, looking at his watch again.

---

A few hours passed and Jones, Mico and his wife were ready for the party. Jones wore his mask, nervous and excited. It was now or never. He will either find Clara by herself, or in the arms of another. He sat in the back seat of a cab, traveling to the Dimonte villa, eager.

[WhiteLily]

Primped, polished and dolled up Clara stood in a waiting room alone. Her father wanted her to make an entrance when he announced her name. Feeling uncomfortable Clara kept playing with the ribbon of her mask. She knew where the door was and could hear the sounds of people arriving, laughing and greeting one another. It was nerve wracking to say the least.

[Jones Sparrow]

Jones made it to the party, taking in a big breath as he walked to the front door, showing security his pass. Once inside he noticed it was lively and fun. Everyone had on masks and suits... He didn't know who was who, but he will know Clara when he saw her... For now he will talk, eat, and drink.

[WhiteLily]

Piedro Dimonte stood at the closed doors to the ballroom, "Welcome everyone to my daughter's 23rd birthday!" He waited for the polite patter of applause to die down before he smiled, "Clara has so been looking forward to seeing you all again, as you know she has been ill these past months and was away at her aunt's to recover. Now, she is back!" There was applause again and Piedro stepped away from the doors, "Please welcome back to Venice, Clara Dimonte!" Two doormen opened the large doors slowly and Clara stepped inside with a polite smile on her lips. The doors closed behind her and the music began.

Clara was swept up in the sounds; people calling her name, music, talking... It was very confusing. She guided herself to a chair set up near the dance floor, her hand bumping the back gently, grateful that being blind made her intimidating to the young men Papa had invited. Old friends came and talked to her, she smiled and laughed at appropriate times, but she still felt empty and hollow.

[Jones Sparrow]

There she was. My god she was as beautiful as ever. He resisted the urge to run towards her, rip off her mask and kiss her. Instead he decided to wait a bit, then walked up to her. "Excuse me, Miss Dimonte?" He asked, his mouth going dry. "I know that you would care less than to dance with me, but I was told you knew what happened to a certain American that worked for your father..." He said, trying to see if there was even a hint of interest in her eyes.