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It's not masochistic per se, and it's from X-mas, but it's a cute little story about a stressed woman in a stressful situation. It ends very well, though, I think. How about you?

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Title: Silent Night

Dana found herself running a Christmas Party. People didn’t know her and the one person who invited her never came by once. After finalizing the food and décor she watched people dance to the classic tunes of the season. She’d not met her host, which was absurd. Not that she escaped anyone’s attentions, because she saw the way the old Congressmen looked at her in this velvety dress. They were sizing her up and her host wanted to see how she played the game. She was on parade.

She played the game all night, chatting with guests and dealing with the cheer without his help. It was as though he’d planned hard to turn her into a hostess tonight. The staff seemed to know who she was and that she’d help them under an alias but was told nothing more. Her host’s games were never-ending as she arranged drinks and provided good cheer.

Alan Svela was not forgiving when he told her to do things. Extortion was in his blood, but she didn’t understand his reasoning tonight.

She’d watched as every piece of mistletoe in the house was kissed under, and rejoiced when twelve-thirty came around. The party was only winding down a little. People were starting to disappear and with that the music became more distinct. Christmas music began to soothe her nerves a little. She’d given closing instructions to the staff already, June Alberta taking a moment for herself and letting Dana Eiseley take the reins for a little while. Her flowing dress was still soft against her legs but her feet were dying in the heels. She was a doll, painted for the night, and she knew she could leave.

She thanked the waitresses and waiters and began clearing the festive table decorations. The music changed to something more appropriate, something with more bass and the help came out to clean. A waiter put a bow atop her head and she smiled a little. She removed it and wiped her forehead with her free hand. People talked too much and warmed the room.

The Eagles were playing now, their music flowing through the hall louder than the guests only hours before.

She sighed and looked up. Mistletoe hung above her like a taunt, and as the help thanked her for her experience her smile was warm as she thanked them in return. When everyone left with a “Happy Whatever” she sighed knowing there was one person left.

He came into the room, carrying a rose. She was ready to leave him in the dust right now, but he made her stay for him. He didn’t speak until he was in front of her and presenting the flower to her. “You were lovely tonight. I saw everything.” She blushed and he smiled and looked right above her to the mistletoe. Her heart fluttered as he leaned in and kissed her. She hadn’t told him she loved him yet.

She feared she might say it aloud one day.

This feels more like an excerpt than a story--the way characters are introduced by name and nothing else, in particular. I feel as if there's the expectation that I should already know these characters.

Did you intend for this to be a stand-alone piece? If so, you might want to put a little more detail into characterization and how you introduce the various people whose names are mentioned.

Mreh, if you wanted us to rip your babies to shreds, we would have done so with glee and gusto. However, posting a snippet and asking what we think is a different situation.