I know the exact moment you see her.
Perhaps I wouldn't have known but for the distinct change in your demeanor. Perhaps I shouldn't have known even then, but for some reason I do.
As far as I can tell you're infallible, undeterred. But for the breath of one person.
You excuse yourself from the floor, calmly urging me to dance with a random body on the packed dance floor and I pretend to do so as I watch you walk away.
I understand; I've been there before.
I smoothly maneuver my faceless dance partner to a better position, amused that I so easily keep you within my sight, even as a twinge of guilt rushes over me for not being able to let it be.
She's there, standing near you yet so far away it's almost painful to watch, and I'm not really surprised that she has no face. She's a plastic shell of tousled hair and artfully applied makeup, wobbling on shoes she'll never quite fill.
She looks uncomfortable, you look a bit smug, and the sight of it makes me smile because what may have been a moment shrouded in awkward animosity has fallen victim to general apathy. And there's no better revenge than cool indifference, feigned or otherwise.
She says something to you, her features haughty and even a bit spiteful. I tense in reaction, frowning at the sudden urge to see her plastic faΓ§ade shattered all over the floor.
But then you smirk at her more directly and say something I can't quite make out from so far away. She looks shocked then a bit wounded, her nondescript features barely managing to convey an emotion beyond insipid condescension.
Then you're walking away from her and I'm following, my eyes intent on her as she stares at your back, her mouth slightly parted as if she wants to say something yet can't quite find the words. I glance away as she manages to snap her mouth shut.
I brush by her, and she by me, and the quick glance she spares me is blank and naΓ―vely superior. I ignore it and walk in the direction you disappeared, my intentions becoming clearer with every sharp click of my heels. I'm stalking you; you're now my prey.
I find you at the end of a hallway, your hand resting against the wall, your head bent forward in obvious concentration. You're breathing heavily, your shoulders tense, your fingers digging into the wall with just a bit too much purpose. But you're in control and recovering quickly.