tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23149688467756879982024-02-14T15:16:59.919-08:00Romantasy Landwhere stories of love are made possible by supernatural circumstancesJackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-34667645269677908812024-02-14T14:33:00.000-08:002024-02-14T15:16:28.973-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Epilogue<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The next morning, while he was in the middle of packing his belonging to return home, Juan Paulo received the call he’d given up hope would ever come. The men who saw his showcase loved his music and drafted a contract to sign the band to their label. As soon as he was ready, they offered to pay the expenses necessary to record an album. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Throughout the call, he cast numerous glances in Talia’s direction ranging from grateful to suspicious. The timing of this was a little too convenient for his liking. She’d later tell him her “acquaintance” Carlos helped with the negotiations as his way of returning an old favor he owed her. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The caveat, which Talia wasn’t yet aware of-- their main studio was located back in America. Although taken aback by the news, she immediately decided it didn’t matter. Juan Paulo broke the news to her after finishing the call. Anticipating a long-distance relationship as the only option brought an ache to his chest and wrinkles in his forehead. Talia throwing him against the wall for a passionate kiss erased all of that tension, but only for an instant.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">“Wait, Talia,” Juan Paulo asked after slipping out of her grip, “what about Calypso? Your dancing? I don’t want you to resent me because I’m the reason you gave all of that up."</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She nodded, although it was more of an acknowledgment to her inner thoughts than his. “You’re right but this is something I’m also doing for myself.”</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m not sure I understand…"<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>A tiny hint of a smile lit up her face. “I think you do. Vanessa knew it was true before I was ready to accept it.” She shook her head. “It’s strange to think the people who saw me sing last night, even they knew I have not been myself. That’s why, before I perform for an audience again, I must… as you Americans say… ‘work on myself’ so I may be worthy of their admiration and support.” </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Both of them had a seat on his bed and she rambled through a list of ideas she'd cultivated over the past few weeks. Specialists she could see, group meetings she could attend. Once she finished, she took his hand and ran it along the scars on her elbow. His heart skipped. He knew Talia had never allowed anyone else the same opportunity and he prayed he’d never be foolish enough to betray that trust. “There will be times your career will put distance between us and we cannot be together all the time. But if I need you… if only to say ‘you’re doing fine’ or ‘everything will be all right’…”<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I will.” Juan Paulo reached toward her cheek with his opposite hand, pausing for a moment before she acknowledged it was ok, and stroked it. Another kiss wasn’t far behind, but just as quickly, it gave way to a heartfelt embrace that lasted more minutes than either of them cared to count.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">*<span> </span>*<span> </span>*</div> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>For Scarlet and Javier, this caveat came with its fair share of complications.<br /> Although it’d been years since he and his mother left America, a reluctance to return stayed with him. It took some coaxing from Scarlet to face those feelings head on and he caved. After further investigation, he learned that karma finally caught up with his father. His new family, which Javier suspected had some overlap with his old one, didn’t work out for him any better. This second woman had come from a large family and a network of friends within her community. So when they began seeing her less frequently and faint remains of bruises when they did, they sprung into action. They corroborated a domestic violence complaint against him and a prison fight signed his death warrant shortly afterwards.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Despite Scarlet’s unwavering support and insistence on accompanying him, her wellbeing and that of their child remained a constant in his mind. Her pregnancy continued to go well, but her growing nerves about motherhood made most days an emotional rollercoaster. Along with the other sirens, Javier brainstormed different ways to put her at ease. Whether they took turns staying with her in America or she stayed on the island and Javier made regular trips back to spend time with her. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">In the end, it was decided that Javier would participate in the studio sessions that required his input and Juan Paulo would handle the promotion for the record on his own. As much as he couldn’t bear to leave Scarlet’s side, he also wanted her to live in comfort and that could only be in a place and with friends she knew well. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>It became clear to both Juan Paulo and Javier that their lives were going in different directions. Luckily, their management team at the record label was flexible and agreed to whatever the terms they decided. Javier always had the freedom to return, whether it was part of the band or if he wanted his own solo career, once his affairs with Scarlet and their family were in order. The same courtesy was extended to Steve the drummer, who had been actively working with La Scala’s owners on their new business venture. Rumor has it that they’re planning a new “battle of the bands” competition to coincide with Calypso and Eclipse’s entertainment events.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">*<span> </span>*<span> </span>*</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>In addition to being partners in life, Amber and Alejandro are now
business partners, running both Calypso and Evangeline’s.</span> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-indent: 0.5in;">Their latest idea of growing an audience for Evangeline’s—establishing
an all-male dance crew led by Michel and Misha to rival the sirens.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Even
without Talia at the helm, this is sure to be an uphill battle.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> As for Calypso, </span>Emilia will take Scarlet’s place in her routines with Ruby during her maternity leave. She's also working on a number of fairytale inspired routines. She hopes one day to produce her own theme night, a dream Amber and the others can’t wait to usher into reality.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia’s future with the sirens of Calypso remains uncertain. While the others eagerly await news of her return, they plan to uphold her legacy as long as there are people to come see them dance. The club's future has never looked brighter.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I wrote this story a different way than my creative process typically goes. I'd usually get an idea and follow it from start to finish, perfect chronological order.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">With this one, I wrote whenever I was inspired and I'd figure out at a later date where they fit in sequence and whether I need something new to connect different scenes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">As such, this created one major problem I didn't have a solution for until now.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I had no idea how this story was going to end and I wanted to do more than getting the key couples together and ending it. And with this, I think I finally found the right balance between showing where the characters' lives are going and hinting at future possibilities. Cuz I really don't know where they'll end up 5-10 years afterwards. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Some ideas I do have for the times ahead:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">*The other day, I saw a flicker for a moment with Talia and JP while listening to Rob Thomas. He wrote a lot of his "Cradlesongs" album while his wife was going through a difficult illness and I can imagine JP being that source of comfort for Talia. And he could do a solo album similar to that or Ed Sheeran's "-" album, which was partially inspired by his wife, who was dealing with the double-whammy of pregnancy and cancer. Although the songs that would be shared with the public, Talia has the last say, naturally.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">*I don't know whether Scarlet is having a boy or a girl; I'll leave that for the reader to decide. In the future, I can imagine her and Javier touring as a musical act and she'll alternate between dancing to his songs or singing them along with him.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">*I also don't know whether Amber and Alejandro's sex life will be as kinky as her style is now or he'll help her revert to something a little more vanilla. If I ever explore that, I probably wouldn't be sharing it with other people, lol</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />*I'd like to think one or several of the sirens, after they've reached an age when they stop dancing, will work in the public sector with other women who'd experienced similar hardships.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">*And possibly, one day, the Calypso brand could expand to America and other countries. Clubs featuring troupes of female dancers. Although without the mob connections and prostitution, so the stage shows won't be quite as elaborate. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">For anyone who made it all the way to the end, thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Maybe in the near future I'll put together my own dream cast list if this ever became a movie or Broadway musical. But this is it for now.</span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-79757261272235541122024-02-09T14:22:00.000-08:002024-02-09T14:22:22.638-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 52- Open Arms and Open Hearts<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>Shortly after leaving Calypso, Scarlet told the others to go ahead without her. Javier offered to walk her home and the others said their goodbyes before parting ways for the night.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Ruby and Emilia swapped ideas for what songs to perform, whether they’d go up together or as two separate acts, for the duration of the walk. Although she hadn’t planned on it, Vanessa wound up spending this time watching Talia. This was an event she looked forward to every year as much as the rest of them, but she was missing the typical spring in her step. Her attention was also focused, almost exclusively, everywhere else but the path in front of them.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Lively chatter surrounded them on all sides. Couples or groups of friends gathered at the cafe tables. Buskers on every corner, each with instrument cases filled with fair amounts of cash deriving from a wide assortment of countries. Eclipse was two blocks away from Food Truck Central. Its various cuisines filled the air, combining into one very tempting sweet and spicy aroma. It was enough to distract Ruby and Emilia from their current train of thought. A new conversation, one that was more mouthwatering, took its place as a result.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia’s concentration wasn’t so easily broken. Her thoughts were no longer under her control and she made no attempt to amend that fact. She’d lived in the city for over a decade and made a multitude of memories in the process. Yet everything, even the most rudimentary details, reminded her of Juan Paulo. The places they got together in secret between rehearsals. The night she left in the middle of a show to act on her feelings for him. At the end of it all, she found herself at the place where it all began. The others went inside to sign in and select their songs, but she stopped short of going through the door. She ran her fingers down the wood grains as her mind wandered and she had to remind herself every few seconds to breathe.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Suddenly, the door moved away from her and she jumped six inches back, jostled back into reality. “Talia?” Vanessa came back out, closing the door and leaning against the frame. “What’s wrong?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Nothing, it’s just…” She shook her head. One quick deep breath later, she added, “so ridiculous… acting like this over one stupid American boy.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Reaching over to pat her shoulder, Vanessa flashed an understanding smile. “Come on, let’s have a drink. Ruby and Emilia are due to go on in a few minutes.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>An invisible force field typically separated the sirens from everyone else so they could go about their lives outside Calypso with some anonymity. The night of the big karaoke contest was the one exception. Between performances, a number of people came up to their table, offering kind words and small tokens of appreciation— a mix of flowers and jewelry from souvenir kiosks. Two schools of thought dominated the rest and it surprised Talia in ways she’d never expected. Amber had garnered a small following and she happily agreed to send their compliments her way. As for the other, a few patrons who’d come from the show earlier that evening expressed how long it’d been since they’d seen her fully enjoy a performance. After the stream of admirers ran dry, Talia remarked, “I never realized…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> "</span>Yeah,” Vanessa concurred, “you’re a great actress but you can’t hide everything behind that facade.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Maybe I am losing my touch…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa caught something in her tone and leaned across the table. “What are you saying?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I have to decide something. I need to see how the rest of the night goes before I make my final decision.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Almost startling Talia a second time, Vanessa grabbed the hand resting on the table and squeezed. “Just remember, you’re not alone. Whatever it is, whether you like it or not, we have your back.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Thank you. I will be sure to remember that.”</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPBNFKTaq3ABNk_yULfyJ07g-K5_YPv6bkK8KSQ3fDoD9-bgsMPoiQMeXDgZMb9MYS0-3FUdZojuXRS2OZUZEzRuJ4YkML4KZgBq7khIL6vH0vmOy1y4jR__1SfRQdS8ezt91-7Za1AOWfdwgHXQH_4xmOMfOGNNR-Pq3qYxRfHuhcoG_VjhIN0KZc0N9/s1280/3301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPBNFKTaq3ABNk_yULfyJ07g-K5_YPv6bkK8KSQ3fDoD9-bgsMPoiQMeXDgZMb9MYS0-3FUdZojuXRS2OZUZEzRuJ4YkML4KZgBq7khIL6vH0vmOy1y4jR__1SfRQdS8ezt91-7Za1AOWfdwgHXQH_4xmOMfOGNNR-Pq3qYxRfHuhcoG_VjhIN0KZc0N9/s320/3301.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(If only the Animal Crossing characters wore shoes..</span>.)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Ruby and Emilia came out next. For anyone in the room that had anything pressing on their minds, those worries fell by the wayside for the next three to four minutes. In a funny twist of fate, all of those rehearsals of Emilia learning the twins’ roster of routines wound up paying off in a huge way. They traded vocal lines from one section to the next and the one not singing was dancing. The chorus featured a lot of flamenco flair with quick circular arm movements and spins. When it came to the verses, they stuck to their specialties. Ruby had jive flicks and kicks in all directions; Emilia’s step work created the same visual effect but drew influence from the Emerald Isle. Had they had more time to prepare, they would’ve brought some cowgirl boots to match the country flair of their music. The applause and cheers they received moved across the room in waves. It was impossible to determine who received more praise. In the end, it didn’t matter. <br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Well done, both of you. Especially you, Emilia,” Talia beamed with pride as she pulled her in for a hug.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Thanks, Talia,” she replied, taking a moment to put the copper colored trophy on the table. It was shaped like a microphone stand and had “Summer’s End- Karaoke Champion” etched along the base. She turned back to face her, her mouth askew with confusion. “But why didn’t you compete?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I did sign up when it was first announced but after what happened between… I just couldn’t imagine doing this without him.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The MC from the contest swung by their table a short moment later. “Congratulations again, ladies. We’re going to close down in ten minutes so if anyone wants one last crack at the mic…” His eyes swept over all of them but the fact they lingered on Talia the most didn’t go unnoticed.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The other sirens spoke at once, their enthusiasm steadily growing over time. Words jumbled together and buzzed in Talia’s ears as she scanned the room. Juan Paulo was nowhere to be found. But before her heart could start sinking, something astonishing happened. It slowly dawned on her that the entire room was chanting her name. If it was possible, the reaction when she finally agreed was even louder.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As she discussed the details with the MC, Talia’s group of friends netted the majority of her attention. Once or twice she thought she read Juan Paulo’s name, shortened or otherwise, on their lips and the immediate response was a shrug and a faltering smile. Regardless of what their conversations entailed, she knew one thing for certain. This would be the final performance she gave for a long time.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XrD5s7-jI7fBrE4-avMacTa5GTSfMTjER2-K4-3wZvvFFqxOqWVBQ2Z8B8DjCS7sgdt9YoD2Io3kPvOdYseWeDQLi02XMpGS-bNPwxBE4lS_Da6Yo_cFFWKb-uZXysWD_1PFWRX2jMAIm9_QyNyFEPw0Jw3OjiPiRGm10jvBj7cYUkVKdgcqWhOuIcgU/s1280/3287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XrD5s7-jI7fBrE4-avMacTa5GTSfMTjER2-K4-3wZvvFFqxOqWVBQ2Z8B8DjCS7sgdt9YoD2Io3kPvOdYseWeDQLi02XMpGS-bNPwxBE4lS_Da6Yo_cFFWKb-uZXysWD_1PFWRX2jMAIm9_QyNyFEPw0Jw3OjiPiRGm10jvBj7cYUkVKdgcqWhOuIcgU/w400-h225/3287.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The song she chose was another duet between an all-male band and a guest female artist. On the monitors, different lines were assigned to the two singers taking part in the duet. Instead of following the screen’s instructions to the letter, she instead sang the lines that fit the message she wanted to convey. She had nothing to offer but love and forgiveness; if her feelings weren’t reciprocated, she would accept the consequences and move on with her life. As she transitioned from verse to pre-chorus bridge, her voice started shaking as countless emotions surged through her veins. Regret, sadness, but primarily, a desperate hope unlike anything she’d felt before. Her eyes closed and she poured every fiber of her being into the chorus. One or two words differed from what was scrolling across the screen, but nobody noticed. The sentiment remained the same.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia turned away, fixing her gaze on the blank wall on the far side of the room, to compose herself. As she inhaled to begin the next verse, another voice beat her to the punch and her heart leaped forward upon recognizing it. Quizzical whispers and murmurs cascaded through the audience; no one knew where the voice was coming from. Even the spotlight swirled aimlessly, unable to pinpoint its source. The only thing that registered with Talia in that moment was how Juan Paulo brought just as much passion to the lines he chose to sing.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The music hit its big crescendo in the same instant Juan Paulo stepped out of the crowd onto the catwalk. The widest smirk broke across Talia’s face. She stepped away from her microphone and let her body do the talking. But instead of the seductive moves she was famous for, the unbridled energy in her movements bent her body a million different ways. A strange yet beautiful combination of jazz and contemporary. Emilia had shown the other sirens the different styles of her own training over the past week. Compelling as this choreography was, how and when Talia found the time between Amber’s rigorous rehearsals to put it together remained a mystery to everyone.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The duet finally came into play for the final iteration of the chorus, both voices now singing as one. Talia’s heart thumped against her ribcage, sensing his presence drawing closer to her with each passing second. She leaned heavily into the character of the music to keep her ankles steady, but as long as he was there to catch her, crumbling wouldn’t have made any difference. On the last line, she finally found the courage to turn around.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Even with everything that happened between them, nothing had changed since the day they met. The warmth of his gaze told her he had no intention of leaving her again. Out of his back pocket, he pulled out an open envelope with his name scribbled across the front in her handwriting. Her hand clapped over her mouth; her 11th hour idea worked better than she could have imagined.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Reassuring her with a kind smile, he whispered, “I accept your apology… I’ve missed you so much.” Dropping the envelope on the ground, he reached with both hands and laid a deep kiss on her lips. After he pulled back, Talia did the one thing she’d been wanting to do for what felt like forever. She wrapped her arms around him and held on tight.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The room erupted in applause, the sirens barely audible above the rest of the crowd.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia broke away and asked, “Do you want to get out of here?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Talia, I thought you’d never ask…” He took her hand and together, they ran out the back door and made the journey back home.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Two months ago, she would have said otherwise. Now, there was no doubt. That night was the first time Talia made love— and it wouldn’t be the last.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>They returned to her apartment and all of the walls she’d put around herself crumbled in an instant. Contrasting with the previous instance he’d spent the night, Juan Paulo was given complete control of everything. Their lips were never further than a few inches apart as his thrusts sent a barrage of shivers through her entire body. Some in places she’d never felt them before and they took her breath away.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>But what truly set this time apart from all the others was the fact she didn’t just want Juan Paulo for her physical needs but the person she was when she was with him. On stage, she had been hailed as a goddess. With him, she felt human. More than anything else, that was what had terrified her about him the most. That kind of vulnerability exposed a weakness in her she wasn’t ready to face. But as she laid in his arms, staring into his eyes, she saw there had been nothing to be afraid of.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>For a while afterwards, things were quiet. Talia stroked Juan Paulo’s arm as if to commit every inch to memory. He ran his hand over her ear and through her mussed-up hair. A lot had happened in the time they were apart; it was difficult to find where to begin. Predictably, Juan Paulo took the chivalrous step to go first.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Emilia looked amazing tonight.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh… yes, she’s come a really long way.” Talia looked down and swallowed hard. “There will never be enough thanks for what you did for her.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>His quick response to that was a nod and a warm smile. But it just as quickly faded. “If you didn’t know any better, you would have no idea. But I guess that’s what you sirens are about. Always good at bouncing back.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yes, but it never should have happened. It was my responsibility. If I had known when I started this with…” Talia bit her lip. There was no way to proceed without disclosing her entire history with Rodrigo. She only foresaw one result if she did and couldn’t even bear the thought.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Once again, Juan Paulo superseded her expectations and confessed, “I know. I heard the whole thing from him.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Squeezing his eyes closed for a moment, he took a deep breath before recollecting his version of the events. “I left everything on the stage that night. It impressed the men from the label but I wasn’t proud of it. Javi took care of closing up shop for the night and I walked home with only my thoughts for company. After how I performed, I didn’t want to face anyone because I was afraid they’d see right through me. So I took shortcuts through the alleys. Vanessa got me acquainted with them when we went out that one night. That’s when I heard them…” <br /><br /><i>“You know, it didn’t have to come to this. You could have just left me and Talia to our business. But because of your meddling, I lost my arrangement with Talia.” <br /></i><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Juan Paulo shook his head with disgust. “The sheer arrogance… I know its kind well but never like that. I heard Emilia… her screams thrust me back into reality. I knew I had to get to her before it was too late. I’ve been carrying that knife for years, but I never pulled it on anyone until that moment. For every evil thought in his head, I would make him pay.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The hand stroking her hair clenched and shuddered at the reminder. It hurt but Talia was so caught up in the flashback it didn’t register. Offhandedly, she added, “he did pay… Amber and I saw to it.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Wait, what?” Juan Paulo gasped. He noticed his fist and immediately drew it back into himself.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Only the three of us know about this. Well, four including Alejandro.” She rolled her eyes but in a more playful way than she had in the past. “He’d wanted to take revenge on him for a very long time. Personal history going back long before we met. But he insisted we should not know the feeling of taking a man’s life. To my knowledge, Alejandro had only murdered one other but of course I only heard this from Amber.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Wow…” Taken aback, the tension in his frame relaxed. “I don’t know Alejandro as well as the rest of you, but I wouldn’t have known he was capable of doing something like that.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia tilted her head to catch his eye. After succeeding, she said, “I could say the same about you.” A question formed on his lips but she insisted on continuing. “The scar you left in his neck. Any deeper and he would have bled out in seconds. I know you love Emilia like I do but that tells me there was something more behind it.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah…” Without further prompting, Juan Paulo sat up in bed and told Talia about his sister. Whether it was her understanding and patience or the fact he’d had this conversation twice already, it was hard to be sure. He only knew that telling the story a third time was much easier. Only when he got to the end did his emotions get the better of him. He buried his face in his hands. No tears fell but his voice did enough crying to make up the difference. Talia leaned her head on his shoulder and rubbed his back. At the end of his monologue, there was an addendum he’d reserved specifically for her. “When Javi invited me to spend this summer with him, I almost didn’t come. I was in a really bad place, still grieving what had happened. Then I met you… and Emilia and the others… and I felt alive in a way I hadn’t in a really long time. Sometimes I still feel guilty that I’d found happiness in a life without her.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“If your sister knew what you did for Emilia, she would be so proud of you.” His response caught in his throat but a self-deprecating laugh quickly followed in its place. “When I was mad at you because I thought you wrote that one song about me… it was about her, wasn’t it?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He nodded. “And what Vanessa told me about those things about your past, I thought you were settling for less than you deserved. The same way she did. So if I saved you…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You have, Juan Paulo. It may have taken longer than it should have but I know I am better… I will be better, because of you.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Then it was Talia’s turn to dredge up the ghosts in her past. Nothing was off limits. On at least three occasions, she expected him to make an excuse to leave because he couldn’t handle it. This fear was never realized. In fact, it was during those moments Juan Paulo’s hand squeezed hers as they clenched on her lap. She got what she thought would be the hard part out of the way first: the truth about her promiscuity and how her legion of clients helped finance Calypso. She made sure to put extra emphasis on the past tense of this arrangement, a gesture Juan Paulo assured her wasn’t necessary. Only the future mattered now.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Hoping to offer additional reassurance while she paused to gather her thoughts, he leaned forward to kiss her on the neck. She moaned as blood rushed to her head. As much as she enjoyed it, the fire building in her belly made her uncomfortable. “Juan Paulo, please…” Her voice wavered until it broke, “please stop.” He quickly obeyed and she scooted away from him just enough to catch him off guard.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m sorry. Did I do something wrong?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She bowed her hand, self-consciously combing her hair out of her face. “No...” Picking her head up, she wiped away a tear with the heel of her hand. “No, I love you… so much. You are so sweet and I want so badly to… how can I explain? This makes me want to give myself to you again… and again. To where I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Juan Paulo replied, “all right. I think I understand what you’re saying.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I don’t want what we have, whether we’re together now or… I don’t want that to be everything we are to each other.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hey…” He waited until she looked him in the eye before offering another smile. “I love you too and we’re together now if you’ll have me. So whatever it takes to make you happy, tell me and I’ll do what I can to make it work.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia slowly closed the space between them and Juan Paulo allowed her the courtesy to explore on her own. She kissed him firmly on the lips, making the most of every second she allowed herself before forcing separation between them.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Without further hesitation, she went into the second half of her series of confessions. As she talked about her complicated history with her stepfather and her addiction, the back of her mind dwelled on her recent conversation with Amber. About how her body was “conditioned” to be receptive in uncomfortable circumstances. It made her realize another thing they had in common. Their pasts determined their sexual preferences and habits that were difficult to break. Falling in love helped her recognize that she didn’t want that physicality to define their relationship.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I admit—I really admire people like you and Scarlet. You have felt so much pain and were made to feel so helpless, but you’re able to move forward and find new passions. And what do I do with my new life? I’m still the same damaged girl I was when my stepfather overdosed.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I still feel bad about saying those things to you. That was out of line.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No, Juan Paulo, you were absolutely right. You were right about everything. I’ve lived a lot in this life but I still have a lot to learn. Especially about myself.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You’ll get there someday. I believe you.” Smiling with a light blush coloring her cheeks, she weaved her fingers around his and squeezed his hand in response.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Unbeknownst to either of them, the sun had begun to creep in through the blinds. They’d been talking all night. Vanessa was staying at Emilia’s to give them privacy so there was no outside stimuli to snap them out of their private bubble. But they eventually realized they had to get some rest.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>With a sigh, Juan Paulo said, “this has been the best night I’ve ever had. I’m just afraid I’m going to wake up and all this will be gone. Well, it’s going to be soon anyway. Summer is almost over, and this silly American boy needs to go make an honest living back home.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia smirked, “who says this has to end?” </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">She retreated under the covers and encouraged him to do the same. She flipped on her other side and pulled his arm until it wrapped around her waist. Resting in each other’s arms and listening to each other breath, a dream-filled sleep eventually overcame them. Although nothing either of them dreamed held a candle to what had just become their new reality.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Music:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Ruby and Emilia's duet</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"Timber" by Kesha (featuring PitBull)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>-if Ruby and Scarlet continue doing twin routines in the future, I imagined they'd dance to a lot of pop/country. This song is very poppy but the harmonica always struck me as country. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> -the style could combine those big flamenco arm movements with a little Texas two-step. Then of course some of the specialties of the performances as mentioned in the text</span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Talia and JP's duet</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"My Heart is Open" by Maroon 5 (featuring Gwen Stefani)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> -When I first heard this on their "V" album, I wanted SO BADLY for Gwen and Adam Levine to perform it live on The Voice. I can only assume (and blame) the reason it never happened on Blake Shelton because he and Gwen started going out and it would be odd for Adam to sing it with her instead</span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><span> -Another of those instances where I had the scene in mind, put the song in this context later on and did some editing to mix the two together</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><span>And this may sound really silly, but I still haven't completely figured out the ending of the story yet. I have a partial postscript written but it needs work. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><span>For the record, I did plan on ending the story with this long-awaited reunion between Talia and JP. I've seen a couple of movies that ended in similar ways. The second "High School Musical" movie and "The Biggest Fan" with Chris Trousdale. It always sort of annoyed me how a couple reconciles at the end of a movie with a few quick words or a song and the movie just ends. So I actually came back to this chapter a couple of months later because I had to add. And today, I was still adding more. I'd spent so many pages building all of this up, it needed to be hashed out properly.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><span>And yes, I could choose to end it here. But if anyone's fallen in love with these characters like I have, they're gonna be at least a little curious about how lies ahead for them in the future. What happens to them and their relationships after the screen fades to black. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><span>I'll let you know as soon as I have it figured out. </span></span></span></div></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-69033236846410360912024-02-06T17:55:00.000-08:002024-02-06T17:55:33.500-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 51- Something about the Chase<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As was the case every year, the final night of Calypso’s busy season coincided with the end-of-summer karaoke contest. Although Eclipse enjoyed a fair bit of success in its five years of operation, this cross promotion ensured a massive payout for both venues.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia considered bringing La Scala into the fold but through Javier, she quickly learned that wouldn’t be necessary. After Juan Paulo did the showcase for the label executives and heard nothing back from them, he lost all interest in performing. The other bands under contract made a valiant effort to fill the void left behind, but to no avail. La Scala closed to the public shortly after. Talia apologized to the owners, taking full responsibility, but they reassured her this was only a minor setback. They were already working on plans to draw extra business next year, including a “battle of the bands” competition among other musical prospects.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber briefly considered making a similar arrangement with Evangeline’s but the time wasn’t right just yet. Despite procuring a small following in a short time, The Underground remained too dangerous for garden variety tourists. Matters would have to wait until she discussed the logistics with Alejandro. It was too much to expect the complete eradication of the drug-fueled prostitution, but she hoped with his help, precautions can be put in place to keep the two worlds separate.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Without question, the big night was one for the ages. There were two last minute snags, but the record-breaking crowd was none the wiser.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet dropped out of all but one of the numbers she’d committed to. Despite the fact she was now taking in enough calories for two, she didn’t have as much energy for herself as she’d had in the previous weeks. Her participation in the karaoke competition would solely depend on how she felt by the end of the night.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Then in irregular fashion, Talia arrived five minutes before showtime. This caused additional apprehension because her solo was the opening number. While Amber didn’t appreciate Talia’s tardiness, her tone was surprisingly calm when she asked her about it. “You were the one who wanted to open the show tonight. If you can’t commit to being here on time…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I know, I know… I had another meeting with the brothers and I lost track of time.” Anticipating more questions to follow, she added, “they wish us luck on our show tonight. And there may be some more changes going into next season… some things still need to be decided but once they are, I will let everyone know.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As Talia got into position, Alejandro brought something curious to her attention. “My uncles messaged me two hours ago saying you’d left and to wish the rest of us luck. What else have you been off doing?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She shook her head but the eye roll that followed was oddly humorous. Talia’s attitude toward Alejandro had changed dramatically over the last few weeks; he’d confessed to the others on numerous occasions that he still wasn’t used to it. “There are no guarantees but karaoke this year may be a little different. Now you’re the one slowing us down. Start the music.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Offering a playful smirk of his own, he responded, “Right away, boss.” <br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><i>The curtains open, revealing the interior bar set from Amber’s show. Sitting at the baby grand piano, Talia plays along to the dramatic keys that open the first song. She gets up from the bench two measures later to take her position center stage. The hip hop beat is new territory for her, but she entrances the audience with her sultry demeanor and seductive belly rolls the same way she had since day one. Then as the tempo picks up, her pacing follows. She twirls over to stage left, sashaying her hips in slow motion to fuse cha-cha and belly dance, and repeats the pattern on stage right.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>A collective gasp rolls through the crowd, breaking into patches of excited whispers, when the music suddenly shifts into a new song at the conclusion of the first chorus. The curtains close momentarily. A light fog fills the stage, followed by the unfurling of a purple oriental rug. Talia reappears but she isn’t alone. Wearing a similar belly dancing outfit, but in royal blue, Amber joins her. Their other accessories include three bangles on their right arms and ornate headpieces with matching silk veils running down to their shoulders. The fog ebbs away. A landscape painting depicting a vast desert with a large castle in the background serves as their backdrop.</i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM0JX0N7QxGpAsy-DP7eQoSbPXPequcnZhRiERovV5rQ76qWw9NXLaXW-hhzo5elQijQnMxJsdGhxnci1zSJ88HsuFZ7xCZPsdYfnCJhHg07fI7vaa8DHGEizdSOazDeRqYsAYv6j5X_kljg4HGjbGXG-GQmK2iKuVXXoSAW1AGq0eixbP6HGcovr59S5/s1280/3299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM0JX0N7QxGpAsy-DP7eQoSbPXPequcnZhRiERovV5rQ76qWw9NXLaXW-hhzo5elQijQnMxJsdGhxnci1zSJ88HsuFZ7xCZPsdYfnCJhHg07fI7vaa8DHGEizdSOazDeRqYsAYv6j5X_kljg4HGjbGXG-GQmK2iKuVXXoSAW1AGq0eixbP6HGcovr59S5/w400-h225/3299.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><br /></i> <br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>These first two songs had a few key elements in common. Both fused hip-hop beats with poppy hooks and recounted a former life when control had been taken away under false pretenses. But the second was especially unique because it was by an all man band with a female guest vocalist—the first time Talia danced to a song led by a male artist. Amber introduced it to her after they handled the situation with Rodrigo but before discussing the details with Emilia. It took a little convincing but once Talia found herself in the story, she was on board—on the condition Amber performed the number with her.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The combination of their personal styles worked together so well, they left the impression they’d been dancing together for years. Bombastic hip-hop arm movements met the precise hand gestures of Bollywood. During the instrumental breaks between sections, they swayed their bodies side to side as if the rug under their feet was their flying carpet. Individually, they traded solos during the verses—Talia during the first and Amber the second—but the common ground they shared in their lives came through in their chemistry. It escaped everyone else’s notice but as the big finish approached, Amber noticed silent tears streaming down Talia’s face. She was too caught up in the moment to realize the same thing was happening to her. It wasn’t until after they took their bows and the curtains closed, they allowed themselves to break down in a cathartic embrace. Nobody said anything; nothing needed to be said. They simply shared a smile and began preparations for the next number.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyv2hQMYktGB7cmv9HEy-HDZK0MAlAlqxJ2W3dTKJY5qciYtMhK-JYUiAB_odwwZI6r0dqf06XYA228LcF-ZU9alfzTPF3FACuERO9nMlVcw8UeByi3xpT-YMYN7DvRmy96gVUmi0tGallcTHoGW9HAMwgvXdaqmCxfOxuLl9sWYL_79NDZ3FIYaYyMT9X/s1280/3297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyv2hQMYktGB7cmv9HEy-HDZK0MAlAlqxJ2W3dTKJY5qciYtMhK-JYUiAB_odwwZI6r0dqf06XYA228LcF-ZU9alfzTPF3FACuERO9nMlVcw8UeByi3xpT-YMYN7DvRmy96gVUmi0tGallcTHoGW9HAMwgvXdaqmCxfOxuLl9sWYL_79NDZ3FIYaYyMT9X/w400-h225/3297.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><i>The interior set is back on stage, the baby grand stage on the right and the bar setup to the left. With her back to the audience, Emilia stands alone between them. She wears a white blouse with flourishes of blue breaking its outline. A matching blue skirt adorned with jingling bronze coins sits just below her waistline. On the barstools, Talia, Amber, Vanessa and the twins sit to offer morale support. They also present a fun guessing game for the patrons; who will leave their seat to join her?<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Her right hand resting on her hip, Emilia shimmies three times with the percussive slam that begin the next song. She quickly turns 180 degrees and begins to dance. The fast-paced back-and-forth motion of her hips contrasts amazingly with her slow-motion cha cha steps as does the combination of her youth and confidence. The rare breed of confidence that typically only comes to those with years of experience.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia leaves Talia’s signature style behind and brings her classical training into the fray. She floats daintily on her toes, seamlessly moving between ballet and tap. The highlight and biggest crowd pleaser: a series of pirouettes in perfect sync with the record scratch stutter placed on the vocal. After proclaiming her destiny will remain exclusively in her own hands, Amber flanks her on her left and Ruby on her right. They move together as a unit as they retrace every step. In doing so, the music and all of the accompanying visuals will be impossible to forget.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4PM-vZH2K5keZDY6k1b0cuw8YO_McUN73VK6BrsooAidnpWxbrLj7GTmFk06OarsdBweo5evdhskMxox0Q-M_yWtovjBxNKZiUw-jBkqRDizXZiyIfMwYhILBUS2t0-vkqQfXVYmyfx5zSBD-WKMBEStkkOrsd0ZXcP5zI4zGKRdqHbZ8SeEmXFw1AFZ/s1280/3289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4PM-vZH2K5keZDY6k1b0cuw8YO_McUN73VK6BrsooAidnpWxbrLj7GTmFk06OarsdBweo5evdhskMxox0Q-M_yWtovjBxNKZiUw-jBkqRDizXZiyIfMwYhILBUS2t0-vkqQfXVYmyfx5zSBD-WKMBEStkkOrsd0ZXcP5zI4zGKRdqHbZ8SeEmXFw1AFZ/w400-h225/3289.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><br /></i><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><i>Everyone gathers around Emilia to congratulate her. Their voices jumble together in their excitement, each one indistinguishable from the next. Then one of the twins breaks away and walks over to the piano. She exhales as she sits on the bench. Then she starts playing a few chords without the support of a backing track. There’s a massive gasp from the audience when they realize what’s happening. The other sirens stop their chatter and turn their attention in the same direction.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She pauses and says, “this is my first time doing something like this so forgive me if it isn’t perfect.” She resumes playing, vocalizing soon following. Cheering quickly crescendos from the back of the room to the front when everyone realizes it’s Scarlet. She blushes, “thank you,” and starts singing a slower version of her song. Two lines in, Amber and Ruby clap their hands above their heads. They repeat this every other note until the rest of the room catches on. Scarlet takes a deep breath and hits the chorus with a massive outburst of emotion. As flawless as her playing, her voice maintains its strength the whole way through. Suddenly she stops and calls out, “now, Alejandro!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The lights fade to black but a spotlight flashing in different colors randomly shifts around. When the house lights illuminate, Scarlet is at center stage with Amber, Ruby and Emilia behind her. Each one is wearing a wig streaked with different mixtures of highlights. Honey brown for some and bright reds and oranges for others. A costume change had also occurred under darkness. Bare midriffs and belly dancing outfits are out; sparkling dresses with fringe running down the middle of the bodice are in. Big and bold choreography, seesawing a fine line between samba and salsa, catapults everyone’s euphoria into the stratosphere. </i><br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>While the others could have continued for much longer, the adrenaline boost Scarlet received from the cheering wore off after a minute. She finished the chorus before doubling over, panting heavily while wrapping a protective arm around her stomach. Someone must have signaled something to Alejandro because the music’s volume went down considerably.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Are you ok?” Amber patted her shoulder.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Panting from fatigue, Scarlet replied, “I’m fine. We’re both fine. Just overdid it, that’s all. I’m sorry…”</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Don’t be. That was amazing.” She turned to the crowd, “wasn’t it amazing?” They immediately responded. “Come on, let’s finish this.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Again, she and Ruby clapped on the beat and everyone else joined them. They sung the chorus and the venue shook as the rest of the room followed along. Scarlet pulled herself together and straightened her spine to face the back of the room. Tears streamed down her face; she was so touched by all of the love and support around her. <br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Alejandro escorted Scarlet down to the bar so she could have a front row seat for the finale. She beamed when she saw Javier sitting there waiting for her. Words failed her as he kissed her twice and brought her into his arms for a loving embrace. She barely heard him above the noise but hearing “I am so proud of you” capped off what had been a perfect night.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VQFYvHwYA6CRN2XFTpTYdxzY8j147C0Ics_NyCpdwP4sMxrjiGQ7_T1-KUgko3my2on0qNysfxBln41HgNJmxWg5x4snF332TM0_Jn8H6UEDLjeVawXgGRUSr8dOCqvnJT27ghJSZm8uolmqwkVMBbnJpERM9nGUS2FH9EyWdgHZkpHkPpIbtMbBlTDv/s1280/3296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VQFYvHwYA6CRN2XFTpTYdxzY8j147C0Ics_NyCpdwP4sMxrjiGQ7_T1-KUgko3my2on0qNysfxBln41HgNJmxWg5x4snF332TM0_Jn8H6UEDLjeVawXgGRUSr8dOCqvnJT27ghJSZm8uolmqwkVMBbnJpERM9nGUS2FH9EyWdgHZkpHkPpIbtMbBlTDv/w400-h225/3296.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Back on stage, the set changed one final time to one of the exteriors from Amber’s show. Gas lamps, organized in two lines to create the illusion of a street, led back toward the facade of the club entrance. The sirens followed Ruby’s lead, all wearing black dresses with red LED lights sewn into them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Even with all of the highlights there’d been so far, they’d saved the best for last. The choreography screamed Broadway karaoke musical while invoking nostalgia of a bygone era of pop diva music videos. The song encapsulated the theme of the night while promising an even brighter future ahead. All the while, the sirens took turns looking at each other; big smiles on everyone’s faces only served to increase their own.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>On a whim, Scarlet watched the audience for a few moments. It was something she did every now and then to gauge what the general response was. She couldn’t recollect a single night in recent memory when things were this lively. Then she noticed something curious happening in the midst of it. Alejandro was working his way through the people, stopping every few feet to say a few words before continuing to the next party. Whatever was being said, he left with a bigger smile when he departed than when he first met with them.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Javier whispered directly into her ear so she heard him clearly, “what do you think he’s up to?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I don’t know… it’s a first for me too.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After what had been a thrilling evening, the curtains closed for the final time. Everyone left on stage was gasping for breath through smiles so big their cheekbones hurt.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia was the first to say, “great show, Amber…” Talia, Vanessa and Ruby echoed her sentiment in their own way, exchanging hugs and high fives with one another.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Seconds passed slowly and a single word started working its way above the cheers. It wasn’t immediately clear at first but soon enough, the chants for Amber to give an encore roared above all other chatter.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Amber…” Ruby patted her shoulder, “they’re asking for you…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Wait, what?” She shook her head. But after listening for a few seconds, it finally resonated. “No way… I thought maybe Scarlet after the reception she…”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It isn’t like you to be so modest…” Alejandro had just joined them backstage and a hot blush broke across her face. “Come on, you deserve this…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You… you did this?” After getting a grip on herself, she exhaled, “ok… but I’ll have to sit down for this because I don’t think my knees can handle it.” She said her goodbyes to the others and promised she’d catch up with them at karaoke later. But even as she spoke those words, she didn’t fully believe them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-wvqIqnuAB2CQTOE1Dl3UeCq9UfiA1-ZAVdDTI4zynbgCLJtZCKHnqY_CPYJgXOwwPaSgfWYgtPEwLq5sXM94wejOtnopePqe6vrryDZ1hM23hmjxSoTr58LFIuo46r-DfI0eigsDd5msf2r_OBBPu4J66w8txddk1IZS2IJe-fpc3YiRLMrZOAB3CpL/s1280/3291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-wvqIqnuAB2CQTOE1Dl3UeCq9UfiA1-ZAVdDTI4zynbgCLJtZCKHnqY_CPYJgXOwwPaSgfWYgtPEwLq5sXM94wejOtnopePqe6vrryDZ1hM23hmjxSoTr58LFIuo46r-DfI0eigsDd5msf2r_OBBPu4J66w8txddk1IZS2IJe-fpc3YiRLMrZOAB3CpL/w400-h225/3291.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The curtains opened one last time. Amber was sitting on the bench and Alejandro straddled himself over a chair on the other side of the piano. She couldn’t help but smirk. The last time they’d been together on stage like this didn’t go as well as she’d hoped but she knew without a doubt this time would be different.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She tinkered randomly on the keys before addressing the patrons. “Scarlet’s boyfriend took a little time over the past week to teach all of us the basics. Having this piano was my idea so it only made sense.” She looked up at Alejandro and returned his smile. “Someone once told me they’d like to see me do something authentic and personal. As much as I want to go on and on about how this person makes me feel, how I knew for sure I’d one day get to this place… this song is the one I want to do in this moment. If you know it, feel free to sing along. If not, count to three and clap on three.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Once they got the timing down, she started actually playing the song. Alejandro covered his mouth to stifle a gasp; he was immediately blown away by this unexpected show of talent. Little by little, the size of the world shrunk and Amber only had eyes for the man sitting across from her. She changed a few lyrics as she went along to make it personal to the two of them. Whether anyone noticed, she didn’t know and ultimately it didn’t matter. Alejandro finally had her full attention. Occasionally she’d concentrate harder in an effort to read his mind. As far as she knew, he could just have been beaming at her as part of the act.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After closing up for the night, Alejandro offered to walk Amber to the other venue, but she had other plans. “I think I just want to go home and rest. It’s been a crazy couple of weeks.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“All right, then. My offer still stands.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’d like that…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>No further words were exchanged until they arrived at their destination. Amber spent so many years dreaming about what she’d do if they found herself in this position. In a dense fog of euphoria and exhaustion, she’d forgotten them all. Instead, she decided just to thank him. “Tonight was amazing… all of us really left everything on that stage.” Unlocking the door, she said, “tell the others I’m sorry I couldn’t join them…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m sure they’ll understand.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She deliberated for a moment before saying, “well, good night…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber had her hand on the door, ready to push her way in when she felt a hand on her shoulder. “Amber…?”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She turned toward his voice and Alejandro started caressing her cheek. The smolder in his eyes was brand new; not even Talia had experienced its likes before. Hers closed when he leaned in and their lips found each other. When the opportunity arose, Amber inhaled as much air as her lungs would allow. Traces of Alejandro’s cologne tickled the back of her throat. The next thing either of them knew, she pulled him inside and enthusiastically shut the door behind them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">There's a lot to unpack from this chapter. It's the last one that takes place at the Calypso club so it had to end with a bang. Hopefully I succeeded.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Talia's solo:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"Paper Gangster" by Lady Gaga</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>-only up until the end of the first chorus<br /><span> -</span>Her typical belly-dance solo with some quick turns to the faster piano notes</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Talia and Amber's duet</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"Princess of China" by Coldplay featuring Rihanna</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> -apparently the music video for this song has visuals inspired by "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "House of Flying Daggers" among others. I haven't personally seen it but I was always curious why the princess's ethnicity </span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>-I originally had this as a Talia heart song where she gets super personal but thought it'd be nice closure to have her and Amber do it together. Elements in the lyrics fit both of their backstories and it gets kinda emotional to listen to sometimes</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>-Talia being a bellydancer was partially inspired by Mayte Garcia and her first project with Prince was "3 chains o' gold," which took place in Egypt so some of my visuals comes from that as well. And maybe a little of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Emilia's solo- later joined by Ruby and Amber</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"Unprotected" by Britney Spears</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Scarlet's solo- later joined by Ruby, Amber and Emilia</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"Hair" by Lady Gaga</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Group finale- everyone except Scarlet</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"Stronger" by Britney Spears OR "The Edge of Glory"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>-admittedly, I had trouble figuring out how to describe this number so I just left it at a few lines</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> -Britney Spears were very integral to Amber's playlist early on and that song came back into my life thanks to "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist". Where a character was fired for being the least productive coder, this was their kiss-off song and it was epic... when I played this song back today, I didn't get that epic vibe but the Lady Gaga song did so today. Either one could fit in this situation, depending on my mood</span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>Amber's encore</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>"You & I" by Lady Gaga</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><span> </span>-This was one of those ideas that hit me like lightning and I ran with it. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><span> -If this ever became a movie and I was able to clear all of the songs, I'd obviously have to change a lot of words. Probably wouldn't have the final bridge mentioning the three men. Instead of Nebraska, it'd be "my cool Calypso guy" (however cheesy that sounds) and 5 years "since I let you go". </span><br /></span></span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-74453529874847795852024-02-04T13:13:00.000-08:002024-02-04T13:15:07.644-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 50- Nothing Left of Yesterday<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The end of peak tourism season was fast approaching. Talia typically wrapped it up with a big showcase. Each siren was in charge of one routine, either one of their “greatest hits” or a preview of what they had planned for the following year. The one caveat was that they all had to fall under the same theme.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>For the first time, Talia handed the responsibility of coordinating this special night to someone else-- that person being Amber. She received the honor with an understandable amount of skepticism, but it didn’t take much to convince her. Talia’s biggest selling point: after extensive research, she concluded that Amber’s theme night was the most successful in Calypso’s history in terms of both money earned and customer satisfaction. She also conceded that the old formula had grown tired and stagnant so fostering fresh new ideas was essential to its future.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Two days of brainstorming with Talia and Emilia later, Amber knew exactly what she wanted. For starters, everyone who wanted a solo would get one. All three of them hoped Scarlet would finally have the courage to do one herself. Emilia considered her opening number from Amber's show but decided instead on the idea that came out during their first rehearsal together. She shared the song choice with Talia and she agreed that it was perfect for her. (“I admit. I was too protective of you. That is to blame for everything that went wrong between us.”) Amber would reprise her solo from her theme night. She also planned to bring back her old quartet routine that featured the twins, Vanessa and herself. Then in the end, everything would culminate in one massive energetic group number.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>While Talia and Emilia met with Vanessa to go over the details, Amber called Scarlet to discuss the same with her. The lukewarm reception she received once she finished her pitch caught her off guard.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Is everything ok?” Amber finally asked after a long pause.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, I’m ok. Listen, can we meet somewhere? I have to tell you something and I want to do it in person.”</span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">*<span> </span>*<span> </span>*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>With the exception of Alejandro, Calypso was deserted when Amber arrived. Scarlet was sitting on the edge of the stage, staring at her feet as they hung down. She noticed the grave experience on Amber’s face and she put on a reassuring smile in response.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You don’t have to be so serious. I promise it’s nothing bad… although it's kind of a big deal.” Amber exhaled, taking her time as she sat herself beside her. Beaming while looking down, Scarlet blushed. “I haven’t told any of the others about this so right now this is a little secret just between us. Even before I found out who you really were, I wanted you to be the first one to know…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Know what?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>A few happy tears fell as she said, “I’m pregnant.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh wow… um, congratulations, I guess? I mean, if you’re happy about it. I know how difficult it was for you the last time....”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, I know. I've been talking to Dr. Rodriguez and he said I should be okay this time. It's been a lot to process but I think... yeah, I am happy."<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Ok, good, then I’m happy for you…” Amber stuttered. She noticed how she’d rested her hand in the space between them on the stage and suddenly felt awkward. As “Amber”, she kept her warmest feelings locked inside and was never comfortable enough to express them openly. But on an occasion like this, “Carmen” wouldn’t have hesitated. “Um, I’m still not used to…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What? Showing any sort of affection now that you’re not hiding behind some new identity?” <span face="Arial, sans-serif">Amber opened her mouth to object when Scarlet playfully
rolled her eyes.</span> “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone you’re a big softie under that tough exterior.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber cracked a smile, “shut up,” before pulling Scarlet in for a warm embrace. She made a mental note to be careful of her midsection as she increased her grip strength. She wanted badly to articulate how much she’d missed having the close friendship they once had but never found the words. Scarlet offering equal strength in return was thankfully all the confirmation she needed that she understood.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After they separated, Amber asked, “So… when you were having stomach issues during rehearsal, it was this?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Apparently, yeah,” she shrugged, “I had really bad morning sickness for the first couple of weeks. The night of your show wasn’t even the worst of it, but I think finally things have settled down.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“That’s good… So, does Javi…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Not yet. I invited him to come by here later so I’ll tell him then.” Her smile dissipated as she added, “I’ve been wanting to tell you for a while but with all that’s happened, I didn’t know the right time.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m sorry but how did you keep something like this secret for so long? You’re usually bursting to talk about stuff like this.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hmm… that’s part of the reason I wanted you to know first. I didn’t want to make a big deal out of this until I was ready. Emilia and my sister would be fawning over me. Talia would be asking me a lot of questions I don’t have answers for yet. But with you, it’s the same reason I slept on your couch while I was figuring things out with me and Javi. I knew you would give me the space I needed until I was ready.” Scarlet paused as she read the clock in the back of the room, which read a quarter after 12. “And pretty soon, you’re going to be working with everyone on the showcase. I want to be part of it but I’m not sure how much I can be involved. The last thing I want is to overdo it.”</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Hey, don’t worry about it. Whatever you feel comfortable doing is fine by me. Any ideas?”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“I know how much everyone wants me to do a solo so I guess I’ll do that.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Again, only if you want to.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“No, really. I do. The routine I meant to do the other night is really important to show people. It’s the closest thing I have to capturing what I went through. Do you have any spare ideas for twin routines? I talked to Ruby about it on my way over here but neither of us could come up with anything.”</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Well…” Amber folded her hands on her lap, knitting her fingers tightly together. “I don’t know how much you’ve heard about this from the others, but…” She spent the next several minutes taking Scarlet through the series of events that unfolded between her and Rodrigo. The assault, Ruby reporting it to Alejandro (an overstep she’s now extremely grateful to her for) and going to The Underground with Talia to deal with him one last time. Through the course of this monologue, Scarlet placed her hand over Amber’s and squeezed whenever she cringed or her voice broke. In response, Amber flashed her a grateful smile and used the strength it gave her to press onward. “After that, I got an idea for a routine to sort of bring it to life… but it might be a little too cutthroat to show to the public.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Then, we’ll just dance it for ourselves. What did you have in mind?”</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> <span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span></span>“There’s one country song I like that would sum it up perfectly. Basically, two women find out the same man had been sleeping with both of them. Then they come together to exact their revenge.” She grinned in spite of herself. “Even for me, it’d be overdramatic. Alejandro would sit in for the object of your fury. Each of you would take turns stabbing him in shadow. Then in the end, he and the chair he’s tied to will slowly sink into the pits of hell.”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Scarlet stared at a random wall as she pieced it all together in her head. She nodded thoughtfully and smiled. “Some good flamenco choreography and it could be a real showstopper. But you’re right. It might be too much. Wouldn’t want anyone outside our circle getting the wrong idea.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Her attention strayed to her stomach. She rubbed it a couple times for good measure before securely wrapping an arm around it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have those some fantasies about our father. Putting him in his place for what he did to me. To both of us.” Sighing mid-exhale, she explained, “I learned something else recently. My first night back with my sister, the nightmare came back. After Ruby finished calming me down, she told me something she’d been holding back for years.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“What was it?” </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“She said she kept it from me for my own protection. But after what happened with Emilia, she decided it was time to tell me the truth about what happened when <i>she </i>left home. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Our father found out about Calypso from the co-owner of the strip club they ran together. He knew where I was and he was ready to come here in order to bring me back. Ruby tried to stop him so he attacked her. Somehow, she had just enough room to reach around and pull the gun he’d been keeping in his back pocket. And she shot him…”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Wow…” Amber gasped, shaking her head. She looked up toward Alejandro to gauge his reaction. He was at the bar doing paperwork as usual, but the rigidity of his upper body indicated he’d heard every word. “Alejandro was saying the other day how taking a life can change a person. I just thought Ruby was less approachable than you because she spent more time trapped in that house. Now it all makes sense…”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Yeah, it does.” Scarlet sighed, cracking a smile. “You know what we need after all this? A karaoke night. Eclipse is having their annual end-of-season contest in a couple of days. There’s still plenty of time if you want to sign up and join us.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“I don’t know…” Amber stopped short when she saw Scarlet’s sad puppy dog eyes. “Ok! I’ll think about it! Although I’m not sure what the point is. It’s not like I’d stand a chance against the reigning karaoke champions.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“So what?” Scarlet gave her a playful shove. “Besides, we do it for fun just like every other time we go.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Yeah right,” she scoffed, but could only smile. “Knowing you, you probably signed up as soon as the flyers went up.” Suddenly, Scarlet gasped and Amber braced her shoulder as if to protect her, “What, what’s wrong?”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Nothing…” She shook her head, dumbfounded, “I can’t believe I forgot about that. This baby has made me so scatterbrained.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“What is it?”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“The guy who runs the contest told me something interesting. How Talia signed up with a partner for the first time.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“A partner? Do you think it was Juan Paulo?”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“The signup sheet was first posted over a month ago. It wouldn’t surprise me.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“I hate to pay Talia a compliment but the two of them really did look good together. I asked her the other day if she wants to get back together but the jury’s still out unfortunately.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Hi Scarlet…” A smooth male voice called out to her from across the room. At first, it felt centuries away. When Scarlet adjusted her focus and saw Javier standing clear as day in the middle of the dance floor, a mix of emotions surged through her body. It was so overwhelming, each feeling impossible to distinguish from the next, she was visibly shaking.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Hey Javi.” Carefully getting to her feet and walking down the staircase off the stage, she slipped off her shoes before bulldozing her way into his arms.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Whoa,” he gasped as he fought to keep his balance, “you’re a lot stronger than I remember.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">After holding onto him for several minutes and passionately kissing him for a few more, she whispered everything she’d been holding back into his ear. Amber covered her mouth to hold back any outbursts threatening to come out. She and Alejandro looked each other; with all that Scarlet had been through in her life, they couldn’t have been happier for her. The moment her big news hit him, Javier was beside himself with joy and it was his turn to hold and kiss her all over.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Ok, that’s enough.” Amber groaned through her smile. To her shock and everyone else’s, Alejandro chimed in, “I know, get a room.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Scarlet broke away, giggling, “oh yeah? What about you two? Everything’s out in the open so there’s no reason you can’t…”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">In another unexpected move, Alejandro saved Amber the trouble of answering, “I’ll tell you what, Scarlet. When we’re all done for the season, I’ll ask Amber on a date and we’ll go from there.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Really?” Her jaw dropped open. Everything happened so fast, it was a lot to expect him to immediately return her feelings. But this prospect was a step in a direction she’d dreamed of for a long time, which was more than she could’ve asked for.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Like I said the other day, we have a lot to talk about. And I wouldn’t mind seeing if this leads somewhere…”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">On their way out, Scarlet told Javier about the karaoke contest. He doubted Juan Paulo would attend in any capacity but he vowed to do everything he could to make it happen.</span><br /><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">* <span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">By contrast, the other meeting wasn’t nearly as excitable. Emilia carried the conversation for the most part with the occasional abbreviated response from Talia and Vanessa. They smiled in her direction with equal enthusiasm but whenever they caught each other’s eye, they turned away or suddenly decided a different part of the room was more deserving of their attention. After what felt like the most awkward five minutes of her life, which was saying a lot considering how tumultuous the summer had been, Emilia had enough.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“All right!” She jumped to her feet, catching the others by surprise. “I’m not going to be another go-between for you two. You need to clear the air and you better be done by the time I get back with our lunch order.” While she didn’t slam the apartment door behind her, Emilia used enough force to stamp a period at the end of her sentence.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Vanessa smirked in spite of herself. “Seems like everyone has had a turn being the tactful one in our group.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“You were right, Vanessa… you were right about everything.” Like Amber before her, Vanessa had every intention of hurling a string of sarcasm at Talia in response to her comment, only to decide against it after observing her more closely. She held her body so tight that her larger-than-life presence had diminished. As had become habit for her, she rubbed the crook of her elbow in an effort to comfort herself. Then she looked her straight in the eye, admitting, “I have not been myself. I couldn’t tell anyone when I wasn’t ready to admit it to myself.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Talia showed Vanessa her scars and explained to her everything she had previously discussed with Amber. Vanessa gave the occasional one-word responses in between but otherwise gave Talia her full attention. When she was done, she sighed, “I know forgiving me is a lot to ask. I have done so many horrible things…”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“You don’t have to explain anymore, Talia.” Vanessa shrugged out of exhaustion more than anything else. Then she offered a smile. “It’s like one of our songs… it’s hard admitting to others we’re only human. And I think we can all say from experience that no one’s words hurt as much as the ones we tell ourselves.” She reached over to massage her back and Talia offered a grateful smile in return.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The rest of their time without Emilia’s company was mostly filled with silence. They took turns talking about the others and theorizing what they’d bring to the big show. Amber’s ingenuity and leadership came up more than once. It was hard to be sure whether Vanessa was more surprised of Talia’s complementary attitude or Talia relinquishing control so easily. Whatever the case was, the future of the sirens never looked brighter.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">However, somewhere in the midst of their silence, Vanessa couldn’t help but feel Talia was holding something else back. After calling her out on it, Vanessa assured her, “whatever it is, we can figure it out together. So, what are you thinking about? Is it about JP or…”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“That might just be a lost cause. Even if he heard everything… you didn’t see the way he looked at me when he came here with Emilia. Like I drove a wrecking ball through his heart…” She sighed, leaning forward with her hands clasped on her lap. “I never thought I’d let another man be my biggest regret. And not even a man that deserved what they got.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Well… he will be returning home soon so a clean break might have been the best thing…”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“That is true. He was only a tourist so there was no point to…” She caught onto Vanessa’s defeated tone, asking, “you don’t really believe that, do you?”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“What do you think?” She challenged her but Talia averted her gaze.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“I didn’t think so… I would tell you to go after him but that didn’t work so well the last time.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Yeah. The fact remains that I’m not you. I deserve someone that only has eyes for me.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“And whoever that is will be lucky to have you.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Thanks.” Vanessa waited for the blush to drain from her face before offering, “seriously, do you want me to try talking to him? I will if that’s what you want.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Hmm,” Talia bit her lip, “even if I said there was no point, I can’t stop anyone from trying. If I learned anything, I can’t control everything and it was foolish to think I could try.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Emilia returned to a more amiable and relaxed room and business resumed once lunchtime had come and gone. But during the in-between moments when Vanessa and Emilia gave each other their full attention, Talia’s mind wandered elsewhere. The situation with Juan Paulo had been weighing heavily on her conscience for weeks and it felt good to bring all of that out into the open.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">However, Talia had been giving something else a lot of thought over the past month. When her doctor gave her the okay to resume sexual activity after he prescribed a ‘hiatus’ for her, she had a long discussion with the brothers about her personal plans for the future. Even now, it was something she was on the fence about. If she decided to do what she was considering, how would she break it to the others? At the end of the day, she took away one thing that assuaged the mountain of concerns she had. If she decided to leave the sirens and start a new life somewhere else where she could get the help she knew she needed, Calypso would be in far more capable hands than hers had been for a long time.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">***</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">This scene underwent a LOT of changes, some were super recent (as all last week).</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I’d originally intended it as the twins doing a routine set to “2 black Cadillacs” and Ruby doing a solo to “Blown Away” (where this chapter got its title) while explaining to Scarlet what happened to their father.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Both are Carrie underwood songs and I see a really vivid story when I listen to both of them. I read one headline about “Cadillacs” inspiring a lifetime movie or series... I Googled but literally found nothing about whether or not it was actually made. The articles all date back 10 years ago. <br />That one is so vivid in my head, I literally see it on the “Dancing with the Stars” stage and it’d be a wicked tango/flamenco/paso doble.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Ultimately I decided all that was better off explained in conversation rather than devoting a lot of extra time to it. I also think I just wanted one last scene with Scarlet and Amber. I’d originally written Amber hugging Scarlet as her way of congratulating her but it didn’t feel true to her character. She’d spent all this time putting walls up and not showing affection openly. I hope I was able to make it more convincing in this version.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I’d like to think in another time or place, they could’ve been a couple and I’d love that for them. Although when I envision it, it'd probably be another mistaken identity thing with Ruby and she'd be the only twin that would return Amber's feelings... and it'd be a huge mess because Amber definitely wouldn't feel anything more than friendship for her.</span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-61933215508459583722024-01-26T18:52:00.000-08:002024-01-26T18:52:12.942-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 49- Crimson Smiles<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90TIPTrxFDt9Ygvsk1VIGask-2UnfmHXILu94oZAysLNY6FQD4PPPG_3KdaiVAuLOidEmR_WmjMkYpm62wIf8CxgYYG9SmFUc_WutCONQhJOLMU_NEI3fIbE3_hnl4YWKhbygn8T4KbivfYru0vXafWgdKVfqYVBGxLd-OqO1bs0Nv_o06dF8dDcP__Bs/s1280/3286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90TIPTrxFDt9Ygvsk1VIGask-2UnfmHXILu94oZAysLNY6FQD4PPPG_3KdaiVAuLOidEmR_WmjMkYpm62wIf8CxgYYG9SmFUc_WutCONQhJOLMU_NEI3fIbE3_hnl4YWKhbygn8T4KbivfYru0vXafWgdKVfqYVBGxLd-OqO1bs0Nv_o06dF8dDcP__Bs/w400-h225/3286.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Rodrigo awaiting his "sentence"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Later that same day, Alejandro sent the location Rodrigo was being held to Talia’s phone. A subsequent text read “let me know when you plan to arrive and I will meet you there.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber marveled, reading Talia’s reply over her shoulder as she wrote it. “So you’re finally giving him the time of day? I guess collaborating on a scheme together changes things, huh?”</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia scoffed but otherwise offered no further comment. Once the text exchange concluded, she sighed, staring down at the location’s coordinates, “I just hope I find the place. I’m not familiar with this side of town.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Let me see…” Amber leaned forward and read carefully. “Yeah, this is a rough section, but I know a couple of shortcuts.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“All right, you will lead the way then.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>With Amber’s guidance, she and Talia arrived at the row of abandoned warehouses that marked the east wall of The Underground. Their destination had an old sewage treatment plant next-door. If the broken-down buildings with boarded-up windows and doors ripped off the hinges weren’t indicative enough of where they were, the stench that hung in the air made that painfully clear.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia coughed, holding her nose. “How can you stand to be down here?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It may seem impossible, but you actually do get used to the smell. The mix of sewage and every body fluid you can think of… believe it or not, our bosses make the most money in this part of town. Only because the people who live here don’t know any better… or they couldn’t leave if they wanted to. They’re either steeped in debt with their pimps or they’re so addicted they can’t bear to leave when they know they’ll get a steady supply.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Anticipating an angry retort, Amber turned back toward Talia and braced for impact. It stunned her to discover that wasn’t the case. Talia reached for the crook of her right arm, making herself look smaller in the process.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hey…” Amber called over to snap her out of her head. “Don’t forget, we still have a job to do.”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“We have a job?” Talia regained her composure in an instant. “This is my fault. It should be my responsibility…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Listen, I didn’t offer my services just to be your escort. I have just as much stake in this as you do.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“That goes for me as well.” Alejandro strolled toward them, completely unscathed by the journey. A camouflage green vest sat atop his white shirt. The slight bulge under the right side caught Amber’s eye. The two of them made eye contact before Talia noticed he was there. He brought his pointer finger to his lips and she nodded in agreement. “Are you ready for this, Talia? I can go alone and finish this right now. You just say…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Fine. Fine. Let’s get this over with.” She stopped short of the door before adding one last comment absent of any nuance, “If we’re not back in fifteen minutes, follow after us. Otherwise stay here until I say you can come down.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Sure, I can do that.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia went inside but Amber lingered behind. She bit her lip, sparing Alejandro a few glances, but no words came out.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He quickly filled the void with a sigh. “This is only my second time doing this… doesn’t matter who the scumbag is. It doesn’t get any easier. It’s the reason my uncles didn’t want me anywhere near their business.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“So why not leave it to us?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He hissed, skeptical, “I know the horrors all you girls have had in your lives. It’s easy enough for you to act this out on stage but that is nothing compared to living with this on your conscience. I wouldn’t recommend it.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Have you ever regretted it?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Saving your life? Nah, I’d do it again if I had to.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Why? You barely even knew me.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“But I saw how hard you worked. Like you had something to prove. It’s a feeling I knew very well. But the way you never gave up and kept pushing to get what you wanted, I always admired that about you. I still do.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Wow…” Amber blushed, automatically turning away to hide it.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia peeked her head out of the door. “Are you coming or not?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, I’m coming.” Amber brushed her off, partially distracted. She waited until she was gone before exhaling. “Almost forgot why we were here,” she chastised herself.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hey,” Alejandro patted her shoulder, a calm solidarity in his eyes. “This will all be over soon, ok?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Right.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>It was impossible to know what was going through Talia’s head as she made her way to the stairwell across the room. Whether she dreaded what had to be done, reflected on her many regrets or looked forward to ending this whole affair. For Amber, the same walk felt like it took forever. Her heart thumped against her ribcage while each breath proved more stifling than the next. Despite it being midafternoon, it was dark enough inside to pass for nighttime. Several of the overhead lights had fallen from the ceiling. Various sizes of shards from broken bulbs lay scattered underneath them. Those that remained intact, their brightness had significantly faded. Some crackled and flickered, ready to give out at any minute.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Meanwhile, the lighting inside the stairwell remained a steady but eerily unnatural dusty yellow. The echo of the rusted metal staircases carried all the way down, each step louder and more purposeful than the next. Their final destination was two stories below the surface. The basement was empty except for the blindfolded occupant bound to a chair bolted to the floor and positioned so that his back was to the door. A single lightbulb was suspended over his head; its shine revealed the water damage that’d accumulated on the floor and the walls.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As Amber prepared to follow Talia’s lead, she held out a hand to stop her. The open palm transitioned to a single finger, indicating she needed one minute on her own. A request Talia was more than happy to grant. The reason behind it wouldn’t become clear until the whole affair concluded. <br /><br />Talia’s heels clacked against the concrete and carried through the entire floor. Inclining his head over his right shoulder, Rodrigo smirked, “you cannot fool me, Talia. I know that perfume anywhere.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She said nothing in response as she circled around before facing him head on. Right away, she noticed the scar on the side of his neck that’d barely begun to heal. The reminder of Juan Paulo’s heroic act produced a smile, but now wasn’t the time for ruminating. Crossing her arms and shifting her weight to her back leg, she said, “I just want to know why. You were to only deal with me. Instead, you hurt the one most precious to me.” She shook her head. “There is no forgiving for this.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Even without his sight, Rodrigo remained arrogant. “You were the one that backed out of our commitment. I had no choice but to take my business elsewhere. I was the greatest pleasure you ever had. So when you find yourself alone because no man can satisfy you like I can, just remember the reason why is the one looking back at you in the mirror.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The mix of horror and disgust on Talia’s face drained away all of the beauty the rest of her body naturally exuded. Her glare was so intense, it could have peeled the paint off the walls if any was left after the deterioration that’d already taken place. Once she recomposed herself, Talia beckoned Amber to her side and motioned to Rodrigo’s hands. She made her approach with more vigor and determination. Time now felt like it was racing.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Noticing the change in the atmosphere, Rodrigo grimaced, “wait, there’s someone else here?” Amber and Talia shared a glance and a nod. This whole setup was to catch Rodrigo off guard and they had succeeded.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Stopping at his back, Amber knelt down and pulled a knife from the sheath on the side of her right boot. She located his wrists under the ropes holding his hands firmly behind his back. Mustering up all of the courage and seething sarcasm she’d been keeping inside for this moment, she demanded, “in case you need reminding, my safe word was ‘Alejandro’ and that means you STOP!!” Two quick slashes later, blood trickled down Rodrigo’s wrists. A jaw breaking right hook was Talia’s sole contribution but it was all she needed. Rodrigo cursed both of them out at the top of his voice but it was all in vain. The two women raced back up the stairs in silence. It wasn’t until they were back on the ground floor and Alejandro passed by them Talia said, “finish the job, Alejandro. Then we can put all this behind us.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Two consecutive gunshots rang out five minutes later, by which time they were already headed toward their final destination for the night.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">*<span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After a little back and forth, Talia and Amber agreed that Emilia deserved to know the whole truth about Rodrigo’s connection to all three of them. They invited her to Amber’s apartment and sat on both sides of her as they walked her through the details. Emilia showed maturity beyond her years as she took it all in stride. When one was speaking, she’d spare a few seconds looking at the other. In both cases, there was nothing but strength and sincerity. This conversation was almost a bigger victory than Rodrigo’s fate. Emilia had come to regard both women on either side of her as sisters. The fact they found a way to form a united front for her sake, throwing their differences to the wayside, meant the world to her.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The title comes from the Carrie Underwood song "2 Black Cadillacs".</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Originally, it was going to be another twin routine for Scarlet and Ruby, but like many other ideas I had, I couldn't fit it into the final sequence of the story. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">More on that at the end of the next chapter... </span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-65553954162377026632024-01-25T19:46:00.000-08:002024-01-26T18:20:20.330-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 48- Coming up Strong<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia knew a big shift was on the horizon the following day when she planned to schedule a business meeting and the brothers beat her to the punch. She arrived at noon at the same boardroom they’d met with their clients and associates two weeks prior.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>First on the docket for this particular meeting: the policy of trading business transactions for sexual favors was suspended indefinitely. Despite Talia’s impassioned objections, laced with obscenities in both English and Spanish, this was nonnegotiable. One small concession was granted; what she did with her personal life was her prerogative and no one else’s. She was also shocked to learn that she was the last participant left in the program she’d created over a decade ago. Vanessa stopped after a first year while Ruby’s last time had been at the beginning of the summer season. She couldn’t have cared less about Amber’s record so she didn’t ask. She could only wonder why the others hadn’t told her themselves and what other things they hadn’t told her. While it wouldn’t have changed how she conducted herself, it was unnerving being the last to know for once.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The second order of business: the pressing matter of Rodrigo. He was currently being held in an undisclosed location. With or without her visitation, he would be “handled” by the end of the week. She gave a vague response (“I will think about it”) before making her way to the door.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Finally, the younger of the two brothers asked one question. “Do you fully understand why this decision has been made?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She scoffed, “all I know is Alejandro made this decision, not me. He never liked Rodrigo. Now he will hold the fact he was right about him over my head forever.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He held firm. “Alejandro may not be perfect. None of us are. But he is every bit the man our sister hoped he would be. He enabled Calypso to be a success, keeping detailed records of its finances. More importantly, he cares about his coworkers very much. So when he told us this Rodrigo had harmed one of the sirens prior to the assault two weeks ago, it left us no other choice but to ensure he hurts no one again.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What?” Talia gasped at almost a whisper but found her voice properly after clearing her throat. “Did… did he say who?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No. When we asked about this, he wanted us to remind you that keeping such information private was your policy.” Talia rolled her eyes but offered no further objections. “He did however say that another siren working on her shift reported physical evidence an assault had taken place. But again she asked for privacy and it was honored.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>It took Talia less than a second to piece it all together. She left the premises with a self-loathing she’d never experienced before in her life. The whole walk to her next destination, she spent berating herself. “It’s all my fault. They were right. They were always right.”<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What do you want?” Amber leaned against her doorframe, sizing up Talia with eyes puffy with lack of sleep. She’d braced herself for a more hostile reception, but Talia didn’t know whether or not to feel relieved when she found she was getting the opposite.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Can I come in or are you still busy assassinating my character with the others?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“This might be hard to believe, but not every conversation is about you.” Amber waved Talia inside and shut the door. “Me and Emilia are the only ones here. Everyone else left to catch up on sleep. We kinda had a long night.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“So everyone knows everything about you, Carmen or what name you go by now, except me?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Doesn’t feel very good, does it?” Emilia responded from the other side of the room. Her eyes were equally as tired and angry as Amber’s were.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m still keeping one or two tidbits for myself but otherwise that’s a fair statement. ‘Amber’ has become synonymous with my theatrical style on stage so I think I’ll hold onto that. I also like to think ‘Carmen’ died the day Evangeline gave me my new name “<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Evangeline?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“My mentor during my self-imposed exile. She’s the one who taught me about becoming a character when I perform.” She offered with an apathetic candidness. “She also encouraged me to rectify things here. Her final words before she bled out.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia gasped, covering her mouth. But when she gauged Emilia’s reaction, she was astonished to find no hint of surprise in her posture.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber sighed, “all right, tell me why you’re really here so we can put all this behind us. Just because I’m suddenly all open and honest about myself doesn’t mean I want to be all the time.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Right… I just came from a meeting with the brothers and I have some news. And some questions.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Ah, a direct order from the top. That’s not something that happens very often.” Amber regained her trademark sarcasm, which sounded like it’d just returned from a marathon sprint. “So what have we got this time?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Actually, something that might concern you. If my hunch is right. They did not name any names.” She quickly added, “would you like Emilia to hear?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“So you’re giving me a choice now? We have control of our destinies again?” Talia raised an eyebrow and Amber backed off. “I think I might have an idea what this is about. You should probably go, Emilia.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Are you sure?” She asked as she stood up.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I think so. Anything I haven’t told you, let’s just say it’s a lot just for one person to handle.” Emilia agreed. She said her goodbyes and left without looking at anyone.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Once she was gone, the Amber Talia came expecting manifested. “All right, start talking!” She demanded.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Show me the scars…”</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Unbelievable! You think Alejandro lied about this too so now you need to see the evidence? It wasn’t enough what he did to Emilia?!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I am actually amazed you sent her away. Depriving her of another weapon to use against me. Was that not what you’ve wanted this whole time?” Talia settled into the sofa cushion recently vacated by Emilia.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Do you really think she needs to hear that the same man that hurt her hurt me first? If you had any idea, would you have done anything that could’ve prevented all this? And people think I’m the heartless bitch of this group.” Sensing Talia’s hesitation, she rolled her eyes. “That’s what I thought.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Unprompted, Amber came to sit by Talia and flipped over her arms. Both wrists still had a hairline of a scar. “Not as vivid as they were but they singed for weeks. Zip ties aren’t exactly the best restraints for this.” She shook her head in disgust. “I really hate myself for not making him sign a contract first but even if he saw that I’d bolded and underlined my one rule three times, he wouldn’t have honored it. Bastard had no sense of humor.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What’s the one rule?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“The hallmark of S&M. If I say the safe word, stop immediately. He gladly settled for me when you were unavailable, but he was livid when I said the word. He screwed me so hard like he had a personal score to settle.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia nodded. “Yeah I can see why hearing that name being screamed out would bruise his ego.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Anyway, now you know.” Amber drew her arms back into herself.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You said you ran away when you were 14. What were you running away from?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>An uncomfortable groan escaped Amber as she preemptively wiped her eyes. “My mom was held in a rundown apartment complex in The Underground with several other women. One of the men she serviced wound up being my father. She wanted to run but they kept her addicted so she couldn’t leave. She finally overdosed so she could finally escape. Then her captors turned their attention to me.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber stopped briefly to grab hold of her legs and pull them into her chest. Talia eyed her warily, recognizing her body language as the same Scarlet used whenever she talked about what her father did to her. Squeezing her eyes shut, she moaned, “the others swore that talking about it would get easier every time and it feels worse than before…” But when she looked back at Talia, she saw something in her she never had before: sympathy. She nodded and that gave her the strength to finish.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Having an S&M specialty helped get me this job… Unfortunately, that choice was made for me way back then. They didn’t want to ruin my youthfulness with drugs so I was constantly bound when someone wanted to use me. I can only feel aroused when I’m tied up. As much as I hate it, my body doesn’t know any better.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“How old when you started?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“My body ‘matured’ when I was 11. I was only able to get away three years later because one of the men felt sorry for me. He snuck me out and pointed me toward what ultimately became Calypso.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Did you ever see him again?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Who knows? You might have seen him at some point… not sure how he knew the brothers would take care of me but he did have some sort of connection with them, I’m sure.“</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>For a while, neither said anything. Amber studied Talia as she stared off into space, contemplating. The sympathetic look in her eyes remained but with the silence, it started to become annoying. “Well, go ahead. Convince me why yours is the winning sob story. So you can go back to feeling sorry for yourself and the rest of us can just screw ourselves.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No… I was just thinking about my stepfather. He insisted on taking care of me while my mother worked to support us. As I got older, our relationship changed. I had my first experience of heartbreak, so he said to me, ‘no boy will ever be good enough for my princess.’ I believed him. He was so kind, always giving me gifts, saying I was beautiful and no one deserved me.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber scoffed, “right, because the rest of the world is evil and Princess Talia is just a victim. Excuse me while I throw up…” But when she returned her attention back to Talia, something seemed off. She showed no evidence she’d heard her. Her eyes were crazed as if she was disbelieving her own words.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I didn’t think too much of it when he asked me to come into bed with him. He was a gentle lover, let me get comfortable and never went too fast. I loved that ecstasy so much.” She sighed before nervously rubbing the back of her neck. “He and my mother had problems. She said how he never loved her anymore and he said she worked so hard she was unable to make love when she came home. She found us in bed together. I was so in love with him I couldn’t bear to leave him so she abandoned both of us, saying how we deserved each other. I should have realized the truth… before he took everything else from me.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Self-consciously, Talia held onto her right elbow, squeezing down hard. Despite being on the brink of hyperventilation, her left hand was the steadiest part of her as she pulled off what appeared to be flesh colored tape running along the underside of her elbow. Sardonically, she explained, “you could say this is my cross to bear… I have not showed this to anyone. While the brothers had me in their care those six months, most of the damage vanished. But some scars never fade.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The veins in her right arm were darkened and corroded, particularly in her elbow joint. Talia tugged her arm against her body, just short of collapsing into herself. All of the remaining anger and resentment Amber felt toward Talia extinguished. “Those marks on your arm… my mom had them as long as I can remember. He got you hooked on drugs, didn’t he? Her stepfather?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She nodded. All the anger and tears came out as her accent became muddled from grief. “It was the only other thing we regularly did together. It got even worse after my mother left. The brothers found me searching his pockets for one last packet of coke. I struggled to break my addiction and they looked after me. In my recovery, I remembered one thing he always said to me. Sex is the best way to make money in a place like this. And the only thing in life that satisfied me like coke was sex. I overheard the brothers talk about money problems at one of their businesses. So I came up with the idea—I prostitute myself to find that high and I’d give them my earnings to make up for the money he took from them for the drugs. They refused at first until I showed them what I could do. They didn’t like it, but what choice did I have? I didn’t have any other skills, no way to make a living.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As she told the story, Amber rubbed Talia’s shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. Once she was done, they were both besides themselves. Amber finally found the perfect way to sum everything up, “We did what we had to survive.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia sighed, admitting, “I could never admit this to Vanessa but she was right. I have not been myself for some time because I realized that’s all I do. I survive. Juan Paulo made me question everything I thought I knew about myself but the short time we were together, I cannot remember being happier… The other night with Emilia, it reminded me he was a good man. But the way he looked at me, even if I wanted to fix the damage I did, I don’t know if I can.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What are you gonna do?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Nothing now… first, I want to hear your ideas for dancing.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Really? You’re finally letting me do something new?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It’s the least I can do. You told me your story and you let me tell mine.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Sure, uh,” her forehead crinkled as she said the first thing that came to mind, “each of us could pick a song that tells a story from the troubles in our pasts. Just for ourselves. Then, if we want to share it with the public, we can.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia nodded, tears dried under her eyes. “I think I know just the one. But first, we have one important matter to finish.”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I originally had another generic title for this chapter, but recently I changed it to what it is now.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It's funny looking back on how I came up with Amber's complicated backstory because the songs from Karmin's debut LP sounded like their own storyline... and I wound up not using any of those songs in the final story. Fully-fleshed ideas I couldn't find a place for.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"Coming up strong" was the only ballad of the 6 songs and the only one where the guy in the duo sings lead. Looking at the lyrics for the first time ever, I might have had the meaning completely wrong. I'd always heard it as the breaking point in a relationship and a reconcilation happens where they decide they're not going to give up on each other. (The actual lyrics sorta say the opposite... I hate when that happens :/ )<br />I had it in mind during a backstory. Carmen does a slow rumba dance for Scarlet after she miscarries to reaffirm she has her back. (This is going back maybe 10 years before the main story takes place- Their last nice little moment together before Talia comes into the picture). And I thought maybe I'd bring it into the final chapters of the story but instead it would be a smooth hip-hop routine like what NappyTab did with "Bleeding Love" on "so you think you can dance"</span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-83699597260304285872024-01-20T16:57:00.000-08:002024-01-20T16:57:08.266-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 47- Monster Aftermath<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /> <br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia saw the crowd off with a smile and a heartfelt thanks. Alejandro kept himself busy clearing the stage of props and equipment, but he did so with a shifty expression that made the lump in Amber’s throat throb uncomfortably. His attention was clearly on Talia and what she had planned next for him.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Once the venue was empty, Talia launched into her tirade. “You’re through, Alejandro. Now you will pay the consequences for your actions.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh no…” Amber barked in a threatening tone and rushed up the steps. “I don’t know what you think Alejandro did this time but…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Glad you could finally make it, Amber. Some of us were worried you wouldn’t show.” She threw a knowing look at Alejandro, who could only shrug and roll his eyes.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah because the last thing I had any interest in was seeing you give another smug performance like that. The act’s really getting old, Talia.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“The response from the audience tells me something else. They welcomed me back as if I’d never left.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Tsk,” Amber scoffed, “they come for a good show but don’t get to see the meaning behind it. Now cut the bullshit!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hmm, Alejandro claims you have changed but you are still selfish as before.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“That’s rich, calling me the selfish one here!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Despite Amber becoming more agitated by the second, Talia kept her flawless composure as she shifted the conversation elsewhere. “Yet you waste your time attacking me… don’t you even care about Emilia? Is she not the reason you came tonight?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Emilia…” Amber’s bravado vanished and the unevenness of her tone reflected that.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia cocked an eyebrow. “Remember starting that fight with Ruby when she interrupted your big night? Alejandro was too busy intervening he wasn’t paying attention to Emilia and she had no choice but to walk home alone. It’s fortune for her Juan Paulo was there to save her from her attacker. Or far worse would’ve happened.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Shit…” Amber gasped. She almost lost her footing in her half inch boots. Alejandro quickly rushed over to catch her before she completely lost her balance.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia ignored this and urged, “do you not agree that his negligence is punishable?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Alejandro rubbed Amber’s back in an effort to calm her breathing so she could speak. She closed her eyes tight and concentrated hard. “No… that’s not what happened at all. Vanessa and I both gave her the option to leave and she did. I never thought…” She opened her eyes and her train of thought screeched to a halt.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia, who’d heard all the shouting through the door decided she’d had enough. She warily analyzed the situation. Based on everyone’s expressions, no one anticipated the possibility she’d been listening to any of it. They’d been equally caught up in the excitement of the argument.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber took a step away from Alejandro toward her. “Emilia, are you okay? I just heard...”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah… all things considered, yeah, I am ok.” Then, in a move that drew a gasp from Talia, Emilia crossed the room to stand by Amber. She didn’t make eye contact with anyone until she dug in her heels. “You know what I just realized? When I joined the sirens, I was told repeatedly about our code and our rules. The big one was always ‘our past traumas are for us to tell.’ You are literally breaking your own rule just so you can win this stupid fight over me. This needs to stop now!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Somehow when Emilia shouted at the peak of her vocal range, the echo of her voice bounced off every corner of the building. It was enough to draw Scarlet and Vanessa out of the dressing room. Both were as stone-faced as the rest of them. Scarlet, after the pin drop moment passed, abruptly ended her conversation, “I’ll see you later, sis,” and hung up.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia sized everyone up individually before addressing Alejandro, “well, you were right, Alejandro. Amber took responsibility like you said she would.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“As I’ve told you many times, it is not my fault you do not trust my judgment. Now can we drop this ruse? No one is getting fired today.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Wait, what?” Amber gulped as her relief bled into her anger. “This whole thing was just an act?!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>On the other side of the room, Scarlet and Vanessa shook her heads with disgust. Too exhausted from all the drama to start into a rant of her own, Vanessa simply stated, “Why doesn’t this surprise me?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia echoed their sentiments to Amber. “Unbelievable… I really thought after what I went through that Talia could be honest with me. Yet here I am hearing her undervalue me behind my back. Again.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’d say ‘welcome to the club’ but honestly this is just sad. Not even Talia’s own protege is safe from her scheming.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Continuing the ongoing trend, Talia shifted the narrative once more. “So strange… you never take a risk for anyone else, Amber. Why now? And why was my act with Alejandro so distracting you forgot why you even came here tonight?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber blushed but ground her teeth to hold herself together. “I bet you’ve wanted to get rid of him for years but couldn’t find a way to do it. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time you’ve done something like this.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“And what is that supposed to mean?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You have no use for men besides sleeping with them. Meanwhile, Alejandro is willing to do everything for you and you don’t even care. But he’s done a lot for the rest of us.” She looked around the room and received nods from the other girls. When Amber turned back to Talia, she was staring at her feet, not looking at anyone. It was becoming clearer by the minute she was losing ground and running out of options.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Then she thought of something. In her view, it was ludicrous but for Amber, it might not be. “So this isn’t because you have some silly schoolgirl crush on Alejandro or anything?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“That’s… that’s beside the point.” She spared him a glance but not long enough to gauge his reaction. “You just can’t accept the possibility that there’s more to Alejandro than you’re willing to see. When you disappeared into your shell, did you even say thank you to him for making sure Calypso didn’t go under? No. You took him for granted like you always have.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Exhaling, Amber clenched both of her hands into fists at her sides. There was no way around it. “But I never did… even when I first came here as a 14-year old runaway. We were never more than friends or coworkers, but I knew I could rely on him. And yes, I developed feelings for him but by the time he was finally single and I worked up the courage to tell him the truth, I’d already lost my chance because of you.” In one final outburst of anger, she concluded, “you came and took everything I cared about. You fired Michel and Misha because you couldn’t have any men on your staff. You stole my idea to put on shows using dance and denied me a spot because I wasn’t sexy enough for your vision. But Ruby fit it perfectly. Scarlet finally had her sister back but there wasn’t a place left for me. I had no choice but to leave and start a new life somewhere else. It’s not like anyone would miss me, anyway.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Wait a minute…” Scarlet gasped, immediately drawing everyone else’s attention to her. “Carmen?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What!” Alejandro met the revelation with even more shock. “How did I not see this all this time…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber furiously wiped her eyes so she could see through her tears. By the time she regained her focus, Scarlet was all she could see as she threw her arms around her. She sobbed, “The night I had that nightmare and you stayed up with me… I thought that reminded me of someone I knew years ago but it was you this whole time.” She let go but held onto her arms with an iron grip. “This is why you always kept me at arm’s length? You didn’t want me to figure out who you really were?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I know how much having your sister back meant to you, but I was so jealous she outshined me at every opportunity... I didn’t want to be remembered that way.” Thinking it over for an extra moment, she decided, “It sounds so stupid now… I practically became the worst version of myself just so Talia would accept me into the sirens. And I went out of my way to not have any friends because I couldn’t handle that amount of rejection a second time.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet shook her head, still processing, “I missed you so much. I didn’t just lose my best friend. I lost a sister.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Except sisters tell each other everything… I never told you everything about myself. You were always an open book, but I feel bad I couldn’t find the strength to do the same.” Amber swallowed hard, bowing her head, “But… maybe now that the flood gates are open, maybe I finally can.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Are you sure? You don’t need to rush into this. We have all the time in the world.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber shut eyes and took several deep breaths; she hadn’t realized how fast her heart was racing in her chest. Finally, she nodded. “Yeah but not here.” She briefly exchanged glances with Emilia and Vanessa and wordlessly invited them to accompany her on the way out. For a multitude of reasons, she couldn’t bring herself to invite Talia and Alejandro along. She wasn’t ready for those conversations quite yet.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Amber?” Alejandro called out to her when she had her hand on the main entrance door. She turned back towards him, unsure what she’d find. Her heart fluttered when she saw nothing but sincerity in his countenance. “We’ll talk about everything later, ok? I’ll make this right.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Thanks, Alejandro. I’d like that.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The moment she left, Alejandro planned to turn on Talia to ask if she was satisfied with how everything went. Not surprisingly, the last sound he heard was the backstage door slamming shut.</span>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-27999178334642505612024-01-19T19:50:00.000-08:002024-01-19T19:50:26.768-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 46- Alejandro<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc0In44EYYqmJwzilEn-fZSXVwwhlTRsRjqU1Hc9xewic34PhxYBlYI3_Q9ulq53mtSl6cxPxEWbMGYz58RX92TD10Vz166dnidboO4-VIBwhPjl_cz9NPhvvrrTF2uNGI_7cBfWfRqmvtzJQTwWmzVyCzb1mffhfped1lCPZ9GptepRa18VWiN-eLErA/s1280/3284.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc0In44EYYqmJwzilEn-fZSXVwwhlTRsRjqU1Hc9xewic34PhxYBlYI3_Q9ulq53mtSl6cxPxEWbMGYz58RX92TD10Vz166dnidboO4-VIBwhPjl_cz9NPhvvrrTF2uNGI_7cBfWfRqmvtzJQTwWmzVyCzb1mffhfped1lCPZ9GptepRa18VWiN-eLErA/w400-h225/3284.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa knocked twice on the dressing room door before letting herself in. “Emilia?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She and Scarlet were seated by two of the vanities with their chairs angled toward one another. Scarlet massaged her arm. In her opposite hand, Emilia had a plastic water bottle pressed to her cheek. “Vanessa,” she smiled over at her.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa grabbed another of the chairs and moved it across from her. “How are you feeling?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“A little better… I’d been pushing so hard to have this dance ready for showtime. I guess I just overdid it.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Amber will be sorry she missed it. She’s on her way now.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“That’s good,” Scarlet replied, her attention still with Emilia.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Hoping to lighten the mood, Vanessa asked, “Do you think this is something you’ll pursue in the future? Bringing fairy tale characters to life?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Maybe.” She shrugged, taking a large swig of her water. “Right now, I just want to put that night behind me and move on.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Wait, what are you talking about?” Vanessa turned to Scarlet and back to Emilia. Both deliberately avoided her eye. “Something happened, didn’t it? That’s why we were shut out this whole time?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Talia probably separated us for her own selfish reasons, but I’m equally responsible. I wasn’t ready to talk about it yet.” Emilia admitted, the remaining color draining from her face. Vanessa held her breath as she waited for her to elaborate. Squeezing her eyes shut, Emilia finally explained, “When I left that night after you and Amber said I could go, Talia’s sex partner, Rodrigo…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“He didn’t… oh God, Emilia, tell me he didn’t…” Her lip trembled, tears already pouring down her cheeks.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“He didn’t, but he almost did.” Emilia wiped away her own tear. “JP was nearby and saved me before anything could happen. The bruises have all faded, but I still feel like I lost something.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa turned to Scarlet, livid, “that bastard, Rodrigo. I’m going to murder him!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She calmly interrupted, “According to Alejandro, the brothers now have him in their custody. I think he even said his own family turned him in. Something about a business dispute that hinged on him no longer having a seat at the table. It’ll be up to Talia what his punishment will be.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Why doesn’t that make me feel any better?” Vanessa hung her head, muttering behind clenched teeth, “Talia has the worst judgment when it comes to that guy, I swear to God.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The increase in volume outside the room thrust everyone back into reality as did Scarlet’s phone ringing.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hey little sis, how are you feeling?” She quickly switched the setting to speaker phone. “I’m in the dressing room with Vanessa and Emilia.“<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hey… yeah, I’m feeling a little better. I took some pills and made a hot bath for myself. That seems to be helping. So how was your routine, Emilia? Did it go well?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The music fully kicked in at that moment. Emilia’s ears pricked up upon recognizing the song. As if in a trance, she walked to the door and pressed her ear against it to listen in. The other two picked up the slack in the conversation and explained what happened in little detail. They took turns looking at her, waiting for some sort of response, but she was completely distracted by the world outside the door. A quiet conflict brewed in her heart as it slowly sank. Whatever comfort she’d received from Talia after her routine suddenly felt lightyears away. Her eyebrows crinkled and she whispered, “what are you up to now?”<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The reception Amber received when she arrived at Calypso was the last thing she expected. Half the room erupted in applause. Several people patted her on the back and at least a dozen offered to buy her drinks. It wasn’t until she agreed and took a bar stool, she realized what she was being congratulated on.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She mouthed ‘wow’ as Alejandro took the order and slid a blue margarita in her direction. “I can’t believe people liked the show that much…” she trailed off as she took a big sip of her drink.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It was a great show, Amber. You deserve a lot of credit.” Alejandro crossed his arms and rested them on the counter. As he watched her take tentative sips, it dawned on him that he wouldn’t need to do much to detain her. Unlike Vanessa, Amber was in no hurry to get backstage. “Is everything all right? You are a little distracted tonight.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I wonder… did Emilia enjoy doing the show with me or did I screw that up? Why else wouldn’t she answer my calls?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Alejandro tilted his head. “Where’s the Amber I know? Putting all this hard work in to get where you are. Giving up isn’t in your blood.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Funny,” she managed a chuckle, “Vanessa said the same thing earlier. But what’s the point anymore? She’s back with Talia. She won.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“That’s the one thing I’ve always hated about this business. You girls always feel like you have to compete. All of you have overcome a lot in your lives. That alone is something to be proud of.” He reached over and patted the hand closest to him. Before she could control it, a gasp escaped her lips. One look in his eyes and every inch of her body quivered and was consumed by flames. Afraid he’d see right through her, she turned away. “If you’re thinking about leaving us because you don’t think we appreciate you, you couldn’t be more wrong. Your last night here may not have been perfect but everyone still talks about how amazing it was.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Even Emilia?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Especially Emilia.” Despite how furiously she was blushing, Amber searched his eyes and found nothing but truth in his words. Both began opening their mouths to speak when a new song started playing on the speakers. Alejandro slowly backed away, his body rigid as a board. Amber followed his line of sight to the stage. He groaned, “Talia, on the other hand, she may have a few choice words to add. Excuse me.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He abruptly departed for the stage to work all the special effects. Amber’s heart sank when she also recognized the song playing over the speakers. As the number progressed, her uneasiness and insecurities were quickly overtaken by rage. She could only think to herself over and over. “She can’t do this… I won’t let her do this to him.” <br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia had half a dozen routines in her repertoire for whenever Alejandro had done something to make her mad. However, this time was different in one significant way. She gave him a more direct role in her performance.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>A thin fog covered the stage. Talia was surrounded by replicas of famous Greek and Roman statues. All of which depicted angels or men. She wore her favorite rhinestone studded red dress. A cape similar to the one Emilia wore in the previous number hung off her shoulders. Behind a gothic iron gate hung a large projection screen draping inches above the floor. During the verses, it showed footage that had been filmed years ago. They featured Emilia wearing a white blouse and cutoff denim shorts. One scene simply showed her from the back, slipping her hands into her pockets and searching as if waiting for someone to arrive. The other, she and Alejandro were huddled together. She looked down, blushing and laughing after he’d told her a joke and she settled into the comfort of his embrace. Both were night shoots where hazy spotlights were the only light source.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Meanwhile, Talia was in the foreground doing what she did best- speaking through her dance. When she wasn’t exuding sexuality with her scintillating belly rolls, every other step was tinged with attitude and self-assurance. The glares she occasionally threw off stage were accusatory; a crime had been committed and she was going to right the wrong. For an interesting twist, the lyrics, not the melody, determined the pacing of her footwork. The chorus switched back and forth between slow slinky samba walks and rapid cha-cha movements, accentuating every syllable of the song’s title.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The climax of the piece caught everyone by surprise except for the parties involved. Alejandro joined Talia on stage. She circled him a few times and his head followed her steps carefully. The story was all about goodbye yet when the chorus returned, both of them entered a hold and danced together. They stepped forward and back, ending each line with a hip wiggle, and repeated. On the third line, it was another quick cha-cha. Then they crossed the stage, dancing in three large circles. He attempted to lead her in more cha-cha but she forced him away from her so hard he fell. It was at the point in the music where everything suddenly stopped for three seconds before continuing where it’d left off. Talia belly-danced in front of him as he silently begged for her forgiveness. In the end, she gave her answer. She took off the cape and threw it on top of him. It was in the same manner matadors finished bullfights, except their capes draped over the corpses of the bulls they’d slain. <br /></span>***<div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Song: "Alejandro" by Lady Gaga</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">...I should note that I had the idea in my head for Alejandro before I decided that'd be the perfect name for him.<br />He'd changed a lot over time. He used to be the jealous ex-boyfriend or Talia's boss and at the end of the story, he decides to let her go and be happy. Somewhere along the way, he became who he is now. <br />And canonically, Fernando and Roberto (two other names mentioned in the song) are the names of his uncles but actually adding it in print would've made the reference to the song a little too obvious.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-92227583944544915262024-01-18T19:02:00.000-08:002024-01-18T19:02:48.419-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 45- Devoured Heart<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIrVz7YSxTRcyidxrkdu7-DZjnUnPBeHgJlv2ybAcmGUwWsYs1tfKQqmgStFdeDe-8JcTbZj2-Wc322XPhaal6-2vBu3ejgbIGBwxWwl-OLaVm4zvtnWtP7ENac3Sdr17XRKcl62IHuqByN76RZwzk34laLYV8bveqjj2pXqDYf7OCJZOqEeQE-CktKOU/s1280/3277.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIrVz7YSxTRcyidxrkdu7-DZjnUnPBeHgJlv2ybAcmGUwWsYs1tfKQqmgStFdeDe-8JcTbZj2-Wc322XPhaal6-2vBu3ejgbIGBwxWwl-OLaVm4zvtnWtP7ENac3Sdr17XRKcl62IHuqByN76RZwzk34laLYV8bveqjj2pXqDYf7OCJZOqEeQE-CktKOU/w400-h225/3277.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> When Alejandro gave the date and time of Calypso’s next big showcase over a group text, the remaining sirens immediately responded to confirm they’d be in the audience for support. Naturally, there was one exception. Rather than being “on call” to make an appearance of a patron, Amber decided her time was better spent elsewhere.<br /> Amber spent most of her time at Evangeline’s, occasionally with Ruby and Vanessa on site. Thanks to the revenue from her last show, Michel and Misha had the remaining funds they required to gain full ownership. They planned to host their own show to celebrate and she offered her assistance wherever it was needed. But as busy as she was, it was a secret to no one where she’d rather be.<br /> On the date of Calypso’s reopening, Vanessa noticed a significant change in the marquee and rushed to tell Amber. They’d had this conversation numerous times already so Amber quickly shut her down the moment she arrived. “I know what you’re gonna say, but I told you a hundred times. I’ve seen it all before. I have no interest in seeing Talia take a victory lap now that she has everything she wants. Again.”<br /> Still panting to catch her breath, Vanessa urged her, “Check your phone. The marquee changed this morning. Emilia is going to be debuting a new routine.”<br /> “What?” Amber looked at the screen on her phone and her heart sank. “I’ve already made a commitment to appear in a couple routines tonight. I can’t. Besides, it’s not like Emilia wants to see me. Pretty much given me the silent treatment since I had that stupid fight with Ruby.”<br /> “Yeah, but you know how Talia works. When she has something big planned, it’s all about secrecy. It creates a bigger impact.”<br /> “The Emilia I spent a month working with, she would’ve told me what’s going on. She stopped giving a damn about what Talia wants or needs. The fact I’ve heard nothing is all the confirmation I need.”<br /> “What happened to the Amber I know? She fought hard to get what she wanted and it was amazing once she did.” Amber only shrugged and resumed the busy work she’d been doing before her arrival—going down a list, making sure that bar was stocked, and all the lights and electronics worked. All the while, she went out of her way to avoid eye contact.<br /> Vanessa let this go on for five minutes before she could formulate the perfect response. “So that’s it, then. You’re just going back to being Carmen, the girl that ran away. Who’d rather hide out here instead of fighting for what she spent five years working for.” Amber shot her a “if looks could kill” glare but said nothing to confirm or deny her comments.<br /> Exhausted, Vanessa threw up her arms. “Fine… I’ll go. But do yourself a favor before your big show tonight. Take a good long look at the name in lights at the top of the building and remember what that person enabled you to be. I’m proud of her and I think she would be too.”<br /> After Vanessa left, Michel and Misha positioned themselves on either side of Amber. It was several moments before that fact registered with her. Focusing hard on the empty doorway to keep the tears locked behind her eyes, she responded, “I get what she’s saying but my mind’s made up.” She clapped her hands together and changed the subject. “Let’s get back to rehearsing. I have an old routine I want to bring back. I just hope I can remember how it goes.”<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /> Vanessa wound up being the only siren in the audience. After leaving Amber to her business, she contacted Ruby, who declined to come for reasons outside of her control. She’d already passed the word onto her sister.<br /> By the time she arrived, Calypso was half full. Some of the patrons that’d already been supplied with drinks broke away from their conversations and applauded her as she passed through. She offered a couple of smiles and nods as she made her way toward the staircase. Alejandro quickly finished his current drink order and rushed over to intercept her.<br /> “Really? We’re still keeping up the closed rehearsal pretense?”<br /> Alejandro extended his right arm to block her progress as well as escort her back to the counter. As he jostled a martini shaker and poured its contents over a line of four glasses, he explained, “this is actually more about Emilia than Talia. She was thrilled when we told her she’d be getting top billing tonight. Then nerves started getting the better of her when people started showing up.” He slid the glasses toward the anxious patrons at the far end of the bar and went right into Vanessa’s to-go margarita. “So I’m guessing it’s just you tonight?”<br /> “Yeah… Ruby is indisposed… at least for tonight, and Amber…” She hesitated to get the right words together. “I told her about the marquee change, but I don’t know… I can understand JP never wanting to come back here with what he’s been through with Talia, but she’d fought for Emilia for so long. It’s just strange that she’d give up like this. She’s so fixated on the fact Emilia hasn’t talked to her since the other night. It finally cleared the air between her and Ruby, but she still feels bad about the way she left things.”<br /> Her head still swimming with their last conversation, Vanessa absentmindedly took a sip of her drink. It was perfectly tart like always. Then she looked up to find Alejandro slightly hunched over the bar, staring at a random spot on the counter with his fists clenched until his knuckles bleached. More patrons were calling out drink orders and started to get irate when he didn’t acknowledge them.<br /> “Alejandro?” Vanessa eased her hand over his. When he finally met her eye, she asked, “what’s wrong?”<br /> “Nothing…” He shook his head and filled a rocks glass with ice. “Emilia will be disappointed that the others couldn’t make it. Especially Amber. Just before I came out here, she was saying she was super excited to show it to her.”<br /> “Do you want me to try calling her again?” She already started rummaging through her purse when he stopped her, “right now what I need you to do for me is fill the rest of these drink orders. Starting with this vodka tonic. I need to go back there to make sure everything is ready to go.” Vanessa slipped into her role as second string bartender as seamlessly as she’d done every other occasion she was asked. But even while her hands kept busy and the customers happy, her mind buzzed with numerous questions that would remain unanswered until the end of the night.<br /> To Alejandro’s amazement, the stage was completely set and ready to go by the time he arrived. The only job left to him was turning on the music and the smoke machine and operating the overhead projector, a new apparatus required for the night’s two main routines. Talia was the only one there to greet him. Behind the closed door, Emilia paced the dressing room, occasionally shaking her hands hoping to rid herself of the jitters as Scarlet responded to whatever concerns she spoke aloud.<br /> “How’s the house looking tonight?”<br /> “Lively.” He winced before adding, “Vanessa was the only one who came. Ruby isn’t well and Amber…”<br /> “Unbelievable.” Talia scoffed and started pacing herself. “I thought changing the marquee would do it, but she still treats this job like it’s a competition.”<br /> “Are you really making this about you right now?” His voice briefly reached a higher octave, unable to contain his disdain. Talia hissed, urging him to keep his voice down. He sighed, collecting himself, “so what’s the plan after Emilia goes out there?”<br /> She resumed her pacing. “Amber needs to be present for this to work. I can put off this new routine until then.”<br /> He considered mentioning how Vanessa offered to try calling again but thought better of it. “Fine, when this is done, let me know what you want to do, and we’ll work something out.”<br /> Alejandro glimpsed Emilia from across the stage. Her “deer-in-the-headlights” expression was gone. Through the curtains, she scanned the audience for the other sirens and sighed when she was only able to find Vanessa. Scarlet, who was waiting with her on the same side of the stage, squeezed her hand. They exchanged a few words that were inaudible over the crowd’s anticipation, but they were the last bits of encouragement she needed. She beamed up at her and caught Alejandro’s attention with a solemn nod. It was time.<br /> Once the hype track faded out and the crowd was all warmed up, Alejandro announced into the microphone. “All right, everyone. Bring your hands together and give a warm welcome to the bright new star of our company, Emilia de la Rosa!”<br /> Emilia closed her eyes, inhaled deeply and breathed out. “All right, this is it… time to finally put this behind me forever.” <br /><br /> <i>A light fog coats the floor, adding to the ominous undertones of the dark forest backdrop. On either side, barren trees, their branches curved toward one other, form a nightmarish cage. Emilia meets with a howl when she enters from stage left. She lowers her red hood, unties her cape and drapes the garment over her arm. Underneath, she is barefoot, donning a white lace gown. The wear and tear of her journey shows in her white stockings, full of snags and holes. She places her basket on the floor and her cape on top before approaching the brick wall. A pair of glowing yellow eyes appears and she jolts backwards. Just as quickly, they vanish and the howl reappears.<br /></i> <i> Bewildered, she observes her surroundings. In time with the music, the other girls enter from opposite sides. They linger in the background—where they will remain until their presence becomes necessary—to give Emilia full use of the floor. At the same time, a disfigured shadow appears in place of the evil eyes, mirroring Emilia’s flexing from her torso outward and back again. She addresses the audience, drawing attention to the creepy shadow and her unease about its movements. Her footsteps soft, she treads lightly towards the brick wall as if drawn to it. The shadow’s fingers stretch toward her and roll backwards, eliciting a trance. Emilia’s progress stops on her left foot, but her body continues forward into an arabesque, her raised right leg forming a straight line with her left.</i><br /> <i> Emilia feints losing her balance, only to fall back into the safety of Talia’s arms. Talia then lifts Emilia over her head, her legs pointing outward. With Scarlet’s aid, she helps her right herself at center stage. Taking hold of her raised left leg, Emilia rotates once clockwise before coming down on her right knee with her opposite leg jutting sideways. She lays down parallel to the audience and arches her back upward with her hand grasping her chest. Talia grabs her hands, pulling her off the ground to face the crowd again. Together, they dash backwards and gyrate their bodies accordingly when the adrenaline of the chorus hits them. Their movements are identical, but the flourishes Emilia attained through her jazz dance training make it impossible to look at anyone else.<br /></i> <i> </i><i>Swaying to the beat, the other girls retreat into the background for the duration of the second verse. Emilia engages the shadow in avid conversation. She braces herself against the brick wall. Her face lights up with joy and ecstasy. But this time when the shadow reaches for her, she backs away and runs off in the opposite direction. Her friends surround her once more. <br /></i><br /> As the routine progressed, Emilia began to feel the magnitude of the subject matter. Her sculpted eyebrows and light blue eyeshadow became less visible to the crowd as she dropped her gaze. Even her favorite bit of choreography—her hand clasped over her heart and her chest pulsating in time with a particular line of lyrics—had become less impactful. She drew backwards, her friends following her lead. Shakily, she looked to them in an attempt to ground herself. The change in her composure hadn’t registered with any of them. She inhaled, but her chest tightened up, allowing little oxygen through.<br /> “Am I having a panic attack?” she whispered. Incidentally, the jazz steps and pirouettes she planned for this verse omitted themselves from her memory. Talia took notice then and asked if she was all right. Between the droning of the music and the growing buzzing in her ears, Emilia didn’t hear her. Talia broke from the supporting ranks and rushed to block Emilia from continuing. As if in slow motion, Emilia fainted. Scarlet reached forward to help break her fall.<br /> A hush broke over the crowd, their concern more palpable after Alejandro rushed to the console to pause the music. Emilia revived within seconds of blacking out. “Emilia, are you all right?” Talia ran her fingers through her hair, frantic.<br /> Emilia took inventory of her surroundings, the concern on her friends’ faces. She caught her breath now that her chest had loosened up. “I’m fine,” she exhaled and leaned forward.<br /> “Emilia, I cannot allow this to continue. I really think…”<br /> “Talia, please, I need to finish this final minute.”<br /> Talia shook her head and opened her mouth to speak when Scarlet interrupted, “She’s right, Talia. Let her finish this. I can look after her while you perform your solo.” Her arm wrapped around Emilia’s back, Scarlet helped her to her feet. The rigidity in her stance, Talia quickly realized, couldn’t be argued with.<br /> “Just one more thing…” Running a finger down the front of her dress, Emilia undid the three buttons. The hidden layer of fabric underneath had a large starburst of red symbolizing a heart that had been ripped out. “Ok, I’m ready. Let’s finish this.” Both of them helped her to her feet. Talia eyed Alejandro and nodded. He sighed but returned her nod with the bravest smile he could muster before pushing play. The rest of the routine was flawless and ended with such a bang, the brief intermission was all but forgotten by everyone but the Calypso collective. <br /><br /> <i> </i><i>Without missing another beat, the dance resumes. Their fingers curling to mimic claws, everyone throws themselves into the animalistic choreography to become monsters in their own right. At times, acting as if they’d lost their minds, but the sick beats of the music could easily be blamed.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>For the grand finale, Emilia replaces her red hood and cape and removes a hammer from her basket. The creepy shadow wavers upon seeing it. Small chunks of cardboard fly everywhere as Emilia exacts her revenge. The hole left behind is the size of a softball. She takes one side, Talia the other, and together, they kick the prop, knocking it to the ground.</i><br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Even from behind the velvet curtain, the warm reception of the crowd reigned for several moments. Emilia panted, her hands on her knees, “I guess I’m not quite ready yet. I started having flashbacks and I just froze…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hey,” Talia put her hands on her shoulders, “I’m very proud of you, Emilia. You handled this with great courage. You should be very pleased with yourself.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She nodded, smiling, but had trouble getting more words to come out. Scarlet quickly interceded, anticipating another fainting spell. “Come on, Emilia, let’s get you some water. Break a leg, Talia.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Thank you. See you two after.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Alejandro turned off all of the electronics and effects and rushed back to Vanessa. She was on her cell phone, but her body language indicated it wasn’t going as well as she’d hoped. Her eyebrows knit together and her hands were shaking as she lowered it to her side. “Amber still isn’t picking up. Hopefully one of the people she’s with will give her the message.” She turned her attention back to Alejandro. “What happened up there? Is she ok?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, she’s fine now.” He stroked the back of his neck. “That caught all of us by surprise… Talia kept saying Emilia was rushing into this but she was insistent it had to be done tonight.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa narrowed her eyes. “Alejandro… what’s going on? Why am I getting the feeling there’s more to this than Talia wanting to keep her plans top secret until showtime?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He sighed. “Here, I’ll contact Amber. Maybe she’ll answer to me.” He dug for his phone behind the bar and dialed. “I can’t go into every detail but Talia isn’t happy with Amber after the way she left things the other night.”<br /><div style="text-align: center;">*<span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber just finished the dance she choreographed in Evangeline’s memory when her cell phone started ringing. She ignored it, focusing her attention on changing into the outfit for her next number. A short time later, Michel banged on the dressing room door. “Amber, Vanessa called both of our phones. She wouldn’t tell us what’s going on but it sounds like there’s been an emergency.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Her phone began ringing again and she finally relented. “Ok, fine.” She froze when she saw the new name on the caller ID. “Alejandro…” She answered, almost dropping it from her hands shaking. “Alejandro, what’s going on? Vanessa has been blowing up my phone. Something about an emergency?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, Emilia passed out on stage. She’s ok but you need to get here. Now!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>All of her bravado and the barriers she’d built up vanished in an instant. She put the phone on speaker as she finished getting dressed, trading her off the shoulder knit shirt and cutoff jeans for a leather skirt and a rhinestone studded black denim vest to match her boots.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh god… how’d that even… never mind. I’m coming, I need to tie up some loose ends here and I’ll be right there.”<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Alejandro looked up just as he was ending the call. Talia was standing at the top of the stage steps with her arms crossed. Based on her smirk, she’d overheard the whole thing.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“How’s Emilia?” Vanessa didn’t wait for an answer as she spoke those words. Finally having the opening she needed, she rushed up the stairs and left her coworkers behind.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Both stood in place for several seconds, staring each other down. Alejandro finally threw up his arms, exasperated, “Go ahead. Say I overstepped. But Emilia is still hurting and whether you approve or not, she needs all of her friends at her side.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Coolly, she replied, “I am just surprised. You were against me doing this from the start. Now it’s thanks to you I get the chance to do it tonight.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>”Maybe I decided that I have had enough of your keeping secrets and all the competitiveness. The only way we can move forward from this is to do it together.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hmm, meaning you would rather, how they say, rip off the Band-Aid than wait for the truth to come out later?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>”Something like that.” He shrugged it off. “All right, time to get all your props out of storage. But it has to be quick if I need to keep Amber occupied when she gets here.”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Music: "Monster" by Lady Gaga</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">If I could get anyone to choreograph this number, it would be Sonya Tayeh. She always did these cutting edge quirky jazz numbers on "So you think you can dance" that brought out the monster in everyone who worked with her-- and that's the ultimate compliment.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZignzEV9lCRFo5Mkfhd-lyd_gWVzEyl7dzGoSLyI9n8Z4mg7re8qf2sP5UoBLTSyJxgG5whMK7DDAyfNGt9AzSVHS-9prlCpJQMwqrSoyTCkZoSDN81PU1zV59H5dyIhQ0_AKiObk8Bu0GKZfEcZBvOv9p9ujBS_HljehrUEOmVs515Z0lFJR0_F7dZsx" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZignzEV9lCRFo5Mkfhd-lyd_gWVzEyl7dzGoSLyI9n8Z4mg7re8qf2sP5UoBLTSyJxgG5whMK7DDAyfNGt9AzSVHS-9prlCpJQMwqrSoyTCkZoSDN81PU1zV59H5dyIhQ0_AKiObk8Bu0GKZfEcZBvOv9p9ujBS_HljehrUEOmVs515Z0lFJR0_F7dZsx" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sonya (left)<br />Courtney and Mark dancing her routine "The Garden" (right)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-25712162920221680862024-01-17T18:48:00.000-08:002024-01-17T18:48:00.343-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 44- A Monster Undertaking<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nja9ZmZQUWqhRTxZOLDk9RjopjJ_uldu7_NfX-EA_UtP5_T_YnRa-UfnaZT4IOVQxcZCHHbG-J16ZoSA8lx0bKt9UvlrIY2EyPaH6F3muerBPcIWcsVuyGzRjgj8Qv2FsYtVy5ccZ94g5KgL3TAsna1Ul7AflDISPW8_CSDcE4EB2TPWm7S9VF9gfhvr/s1280/3276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nja9ZmZQUWqhRTxZOLDk9RjopjJ_uldu7_NfX-EA_UtP5_T_YnRa-UfnaZT4IOVQxcZCHHbG-J16ZoSA8lx0bKt9UvlrIY2EyPaH6F3muerBPcIWcsVuyGzRjgj8Qv2FsYtVy5ccZ94g5KgL3TAsna1Ul7AflDISPW8_CSDcE4EB2TPWm7S9VF9gfhvr/w400-h225/3276.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Through her habitual check-ins, Talia had grown accustomed to Emilia lying still in bed. So it was a genuine shock when she found her one morning not only awake and alert but sitting up. Her arms wrapped around her legs like a protective cage and her chin rested atop the gap between them. Her eyes were red and puffy; clearly she’d been up for a while, crying.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Emilia, thank goodness you’re finally awake. I was so…” She meant to rush to her side to embrace but Emilia’s shaky tone stopped her immediately.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Don’t! Just stay away from me.” She recoiled like she’d just been struck and inched a few inches back.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Emilia…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She promptly turned her back to her. “I have nothing to say to you. The whole reason he hurt me was because of you.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia gaped, opening and closing her mouth multiple times but she couldn’t get any words to come out. Before she could appeal to Alejandro, he was already two steps ahead of her.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Alejandro crossed the room in front of her and knelt down in front of Emilia on the other side of the bed. The tiniest of shivers ran down every inch of her body. Her eyes squeezed shut as tears poured down her cheeks and soft sobs vibrated in her throat.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hey Emilia…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“If you’re only here to defend her, I don’t want to hear it!” Her voice broke. She buried her face between her knees to muffle the sobs. Talia stood crying in the doorway, one hand covering her mouth while the other braced the wall for support.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I feel that some of the responsibility is mine. One of us should have been there to look out for you.” He paused in anticipation of another retort. When only sobs penetrated the silence, he added, “I also thought you should know that Rodrigo won’t be able to hurt you anymore. My uncles have him in their custody while he waits for his punishment.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“How do I know Talia isn’t going to just screw him again and get him off?” She rasped between sobs. A gasp escaped Talia’s lips as she flinched at the insinuation.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Alejandro took a deep breath, doing all he could to remain the calmest person in the room. “Listen, I’ve known this guy for a long time. There will be a line of people on standby to give him what’s coming.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>With an abundance of caution, he reached to lay a hand on the one nearest him. This time, Emilia didn’t flinch or move away. She lifted her head, revealing streaks of dried up makeup. She sniffled, “You promise?”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Cross my heart.” He raised his other hand to rest on hers and gently squeezed for a half a second. “We really are glad you’re ok.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“We?” She asked without an ounce of break.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He nodded, letting go before standing up and facing the open doorway. “Scarlet, if you’re awake out there, could you come in and help Emilia?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Scarlet?” Emilia’s tone colored with newfound confusion. All of the questions that bubbled up in her mind were dashed when she saw Scarlet.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Emilia,” she wrapped her arms around her shoulders, “I’m so glad you’re finally back.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What are you doing here?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It’s a long story. Come on,” she slowly helped Emilia to her feet and lent herself as a crutch, “let’s get you cleaned up.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Surmising the situation, Talia exited the room and stood out of the path leading to the bathroom. Neither of the two women spared her a backwards glance as they passed through.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet started the hot water in the shower while Emilia looked herself over in the mirror. The bruises on her arms and face had faded but aches and soreness remained. She removed the bandage on her forehead. The cut left behind by Rodrigo’s ring was gone. She ran her palm over the surface and couldn’t even feel a trace of it. Scarlet reached over to help her undress, but Emilia shrugged away. “I can handle it, thank you.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet got comfortable on the toilet seat lid; her fingers intertwined as she stared at the ground. “None of this would’ve happened if I’d been there. I left in the middle of JP’s set to come here…” She trailed off, not sure how to continue.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia stepped into the shower and closed the curtain, but she spent several minutes leaning against the wall as the hot water ran down her back. By the time she was ready to start washing up, Scarlet relayed as many details as she could while keeping her secret out of it. Giving Talia grief about JP, suddenly falling ill and giving a blow by blow of what Amber had planned for her show. The theatricality of Scarlet’s retelling made Emilia smile for the first time since she’d woken up, but an undercurrent of conflict remained. She couldn’t find her voice to speak it aloud, but she repeated in her head over and over. “That was the best night of my life. That monster is not going to take that away from me.” <br /><br /><i><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Slowly, the reality around her dissolves and she finds herself in the vision of Scarlet’s narrative. At the end of the final number, she exits the backstage and arrives in a haunted graveyard. Wolves howl. Long shadows cast over tombstones. Walking past all that, she enters the dilapidated side of town tourists aren’t meant to see. Buildings are in disrepair, walls of concrete in various stages of crumbling. The moonlight lighting her way is snuffed out by the shadow of her attacker but as she looks to either side of her, she’s relieved to discover she is no longer alone. </i><br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“How you want to handle this is your choice, Emilia.” Emilia shuddered with a gasp. She’d forgotten Scarlet was there or where she was for that matter. “You can take as much time as you need. There’s no rush to come back… that is, if you want to.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>With a newfound vigor, Emilia finished up. She stretched an arm outside the curtain to request a towel. She wrapped it tight across her body, emerging with remnants of her vision swirling through her head. Scarlet called for her attention several times, succeeding on the 4th attempt. She spared her a grateful smile and a nod before walking out. Talia and Alejandro jumped to their feet when she entered the sitting room.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Against her better judgment, Talia tried to speak, “Emilia, I…” and stopped after she backed away, wrapping the towel tighter around her.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I won’t forgive you… but I know what I want to do.” She allowed herself a deep breath and exhale to get her head straight. “I want to do a dance and I want you and Scarlet to do it with me.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I don’t know, Emilia, it’s too soon…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No, it has to be now. While all of this is fresh in my head.” She quickly added for good measure, “before I do anything else for you, I need you to do this for me.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia looked around the room to gauge everyone else’s feelings on this. She didn’t have to say a word. Scarlet and Alejandro both held themselves rigidly with no signs of flinching; she was outnumbered. “All right. Tell me what you need and I’ll make it happen.”<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Much to the surprise of all the parties involved, Emilia’s vision for her next performance came together in a matter of days. She approached each rehearsal with a fervor Talia had never seen in her protege before. It was, however, an attitude Scarlet had a lot of experience between Emilia’s time with Amber and the routine she’d previously proposed to her and her sister. This laser-focused determined version of her that only showed up when Talia wasn’t running the show— it appeared she was here to stay. While unsure about what this meant for the future, both parties agreed on one thing. Work provided Emilia the perfect distraction from what she’d endured and neither of them wanted to disrupt the state of calm it gave her.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Even during her downtime, Emilia left the texts and voicemails that had accumulated in her absence unchecked and unanswered. She didn’t know how much the others knew, but she was positive that she wasn’t ready to discuss it with anyone else. As much as this routine was about working through her pain, she needed it to explain those complicated emotions so she wouldn’t have to revisit every unpleasant detail.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After the first day, Emilia returned to her apartment with Scarlet in tow. Talia agreed to this without argument. Emilia required time away from her if she had any chance of being forgiven. But more importantly, her apartment was full of unpleasant reminders of that traumatic night and the sooner Emilia put it behind her, the better.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>This also allowed Talia more freedom to rehearse her own routine in secrecy. Alejandro hung around to observe but otherwise had nothing to contribute. As further details came together, he finally asked how this next show was to be promoted. Talia replied, “call it a comeback but make Emilia’s name the biggest on the marquee.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>In Emilia’s constant company, Scarlet found herself waiting on pins and needles. Everyone’s healing process was different, but she couldn’t help dreading the possibility Emilia couldn’t cope with her trauma and wound up quitting because of it.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Outside work, Emilia went about her day as if nothing had changed. The one exception was whenever she noticed the house Juan Paulo shared with Javier. She’d bite her left thumbnail and pace two or three times in front of it before proceeding onto her next destination. When Scarlet finally asked her about it at the end of their third day of nonstop rehearsal, Emilia shot back with an unexpected query. “Have you and Javi talked at all since you broke up with him?”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I didn’t break up with him. Things just got complicated and I needed space to think about some things…” She quickly added, “Javi knows all about what I went through and he knows I’ll come back when I’m ready.“<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Ok, good. I’d just hate for him to go through the same heartache JP went through with Talia.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“He’s been worried about you, you know. JP. I went to see him the day after to let him know you were on the mend.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She graciously nodded but continued her pacing. “I really want to go over there and thank him. I’m just afraid I’ll fall apart again if I do. And that I might not be able to stop.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Emilia,” Scarlet reached to comb a lock of her hair behind her ear, “you’ve shown us how strong you are these past few days. You’re capable of more than you think.” She reached into her purse and typed a quick text on her phone.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Hesitantly, Emilia asked, “what are you doing? You didn’t just…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After hitting send and putting her phone away, Scarlet said, “You know, I was always so self-conscious about overstepping or making decisions for people without their permission. It’s about time I changed that.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Emilia?!” A familiar male voice called into the street. Emilia spun around to meet it and her jaw dropped. She spared Scarlet a glance. Once the initial shock wore off, she flashed her a grateful smile. Juan Paulo peeked his head out of the door and the rest of his body followed. “How… how are you?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She blushed, taking the first step. “Doing better… thanks to you.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Both cautiously continued forward until they were an arm’s length apart. Then in a blink, they entered a long-awaited embrace. Emilia nestled her head against Juan Paulo’s chest, wrapping both arms around his waist. His arms lingered elsewhere, one around her back to pull her body into his and the other behind her head as he rested his chin on her part.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Her voice quivered as she cried her thank you’s. To her amazement, she only had a few sobs in her throat and spent the rest of this time soaking his t-shirt with silent tears. Once everything that had built up in her system ran its course, she found herself taken aback by Juan Paulo’s feelings about the whole affair. Thin layers of clothing separated their hearts and she felt his beating rapidly in his chest. His upper body, particularly his shoulders and the arm around her back, was trembling. This affected his breathing, which was shaky and the occasional indiscernible groan resonated in his throat.<br /><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>“JP?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He stuttered, “I’m just so glad you’re ok.” He squeezed tighter for a moment before releasing her. He rubbed her shoulders, staring at his feet to gather himself for a moment before explaining further. His throat tightened, making his voice sound hoarse. “When I saw you lying there, I was so afraid that…” He swallowed and forced himself to meet her eye. He wasn’t crying but the redness around the edges suggested he hadn’t had the best quality of sleep since they last met. “Maybe it’d be better if I just showed you.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia didn’t get his meaning, but she nodded and accepted his suggestion. Draping an arm around her shoulders, he said to Scarlet, “I promise this will only take a minute.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No, it’s fine. Take as long as you need.” Emilia looked to both of them as Juan Paulo escorted her inside. It dawned on her that both of them knew something she didn’t, but she wouldn’t be in the dark much longer.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">*<span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia emerged from the house five minutes later. Juan Paulo braced her shoulder and squeezed before letting her go. “Thanks for hearing me out, Emilia. Don’t be a stranger, ok?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Ok.” Emilia got halfway between him and Scarlet before adding, “promise me you’ll at least think about coming. The show should be soon.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Leaning against the open doorway, he forced a smile and gave a diplomatic response. “We’ll see. With everything that’s happened, I’m still not sure I’ll be able to go back there. But I promise I will think about it. Goodnight, Emilia. Scarlet.” He turned his back and closed the door behind him.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia went through her nightly routine without saying a word. This caused Scarlet to keep a closer eye on her, once again anticipating an emotional breakdown of some sort. It was only when Emilia sat up in bed with her arms wrapped around her legs she finally spoke her thoughts aloud. “How does he do it?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Do what?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“How does he carry that weight with him? He just carries on with his life without letting it hold him back.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m not sure if he gave you the same spiel but when he told me, he said that he wanted to live life as the person his sister looked up to, not the person that let her down.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Tsk, Talia would probably call that self-righteous BS.” Emilia hugged herself tighter. “But I have to admire how he’s handled that. I’ve treated this routine as another job so I can get to the other side of this. But what if I can’t? What if I go through what happened to you? One day I wake up screaming from the nightmare of it all.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet sat next to Emilia and rubbed her shoulder. “Look, the best advice I could give is to take things one day at a time. You can’t let fear keep you from doing what you love. And you can always lean on your friends to help you whenever you need it. That’s always helped me.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Beaming, Emilia leaned her head on Scarlet’s shoulder. “Thanks, Scarlet. I’m grateful I have you here with me. You’ve been so calm about all this and I need that right now. When I’m still figuring things out. I still haven’t been able to bring myself to check all the messages on my phone.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“The wonderful thing about being a siren— at the end of the day, it’s your choice which scars you show and which you hide. No one can take that away from you, not even Talia.”<br /><div style="text-align: center;">*<span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I really think it’s ready, Talia.” One final day of rehearsals was all Emilia needed to bring her vision to life. Everyone else had left for the day, leaving the two of them in the girls’ bathroom where they removed their stage make-up. “Could you pass it on to the others to come see the show tomorrow night?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’ll have Alejandro take care of it before I leave.” She deliberately avoided her line of sight, focusing on her reflection in the mirror. “Listen, Emilia,” Talia added with a clear air of caution in her tone, “if you reach tomorrow night and decide it’s too much, you can always cancel. Everyone would understand.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She sighed, resting her hands on her hips. “Talia, you promised you would help me do this. Why do you insist on doubting me?” She rolled her eyes and returned to her reflection. “I’m not the porcelain babydoll you think I am.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No, it’s…” She took a moment to collect herself. “It happened to Scarlet when she wanted to do her first solo. She panicked and walked out at the last minute. I just want you to know—whatever you decide, it will be supported.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Although not fully accepting that explanation, Emilia nodded. “I know. Scarlet still says it’s one of her biggest regrets not going through with that. But I’m not Scarlet, I’m not you, I’m not anyone but me. I have to do things my way. And right now, my way is pushing through this so I can put it behind me.” She leaned over her sink, holding tight with one hand with the other pasted to her forehead. Her breathing became more deliberate with each passing second as she shut her eyes. “I know what I went through was nothing compared to everyone else. He didn’t… but he would have if JP wasn’t there to save me. I’d been living with this for over a week to put every ounce of my pain in this routine. And when it’s done, I never want to feel this way ever again.” Her embrace with Juan Paulo flashed through her head when she found herself in the same headspace he was—feeling weak but yearning to stay strong in despite of it.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia opened her eyes to Talia reaching to brace her shoulder and she immediately flinched away. “Don’t touch me!” Her ankles almost buckled under her, but she saved herself. “Look, I appreciate what you’ve done, but I’m not ready to forgive you. I still don’t know if I ever will.” She couldn’t bring herself to say the words out loud, but the whole time she walked home, Emilia could only think about how much she would’ve loved Juan Paulo to be present tomorrow night and how it was Talia’s fault if he didn’t come.</span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-7421275365526766982024-01-15T17:04:00.000-08:002024-01-15T17:04:06.627-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 43- Confessions, Allegiances and Suspicions<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After Ruby left Evangeline’s, Vanessa and Amber spent the rest of the night in near silence. Between sips from their drinks, Amber exchanged pleasantries with her friends but otherwise stared contemplatively into the distance.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The two months Vanessa spent in her company provided useless in riddling her vacant expression. Was she still fuming that her plans had been foiled by Ruby for the umpteenth time? Or was it something else, perhaps guilt or regret over how she handled the turn of events? All Vanessa knew for sure was that Amber was a difficult person to predict. The last thing she wanted was to speak first and trigger a fight.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber led the way back to her place. Once she got there, however, she paused with her key in the door and tilted her head back toward her left. “Wanna spend the night? Or would you rather go back to Talia’s? I wouldn’t mind if you decided to leave.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Taken aback, Vanessa flushed, “No, it’s ok. I wouldn’t mind spending the night.” Amber responded with a grateful smile and opened the door. More silence followed as sleeping arrangements were made. Before Amber retired to her room, Vanessa asked the burning question. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but… how are you doing?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber sighed. Again, she turned her head just enough to make eye contact. “I’m not sure… I know tonight didn’t go the way any of us wanted. I blame myself…” Her hand clenched into a fist and she pressed the side of it into the wall. “I never wanted Emilia to see me like that. I wouldn’t blame her if she didn’t forgive me for it.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Emilia is a resilient kid. Better than any of us. I’m sure she’s fine.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Thank you… and thanks, for staying with me.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. I figured all those years you were just being difficult because you needed a friend to confide it. And I’m still happy to be that person for you.” Amber offered another smile but added nothing more before shutting herself in for the night.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The next morning Vanessa woke up to find herself alone in Amber’s apartment. While making herself a pot of tea, she found a curious note on the counter. <br /><br /><b>Hey Vanessa, <br /><br />Thanks again for last night. <br />Help yourself to whatever you need. <br />Ruby messaged me to meet her at the cafe so I thought I’d take her up on it. <br /></b><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Whoa, ok…” Vanessa ruminated for a while but couldn’t help but laugh. Never in a million years could she have imagined anything like this happening.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">*<span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet visited Dr. Rodriguez at his office for an official check-up, which confirmed her pregnancy. She left with instructions and a suggested shopping list of items to pick up at the local pharmacy. Each step she took, the truth sunk in further and she didn’t know what to think. As nervous as she was about the aspect of motherhood, it excited her just as much. After several minutes of playing around with baby names and wondering whether she preferred a boy or girl, she found herself at Javier’s door with no recollection of how she got there.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She shook her head, balking, “I hope this isn’t going to become a new habit.” Before she took a single step in the opposite direction, her last memory of Juan Paulo flashed through her mind. The haunted distant look in his eyes. Her hand slowly clenched into a fist and she knocked twice on the front door.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet tapped her foot, waiting patiently for a moment before knocking again. “Javi, JP, it’s Scarlet!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The door opened so fast, it made Scarlet jump. Juan Paulo gasped, “what is it? Is Emilia ok?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah. I mean, she’s ok as can be expected…” she trailed off when she noticed the state of the door. Juan Paulo almost ripped it off the top hinge in his urgency. “Can I come in?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Javi is bringing back some food before this afternoon’s rehearsal.” He mentioned in passing as he ushered Scarlet into the foyer, taking more care to close the door. “It’ll be a long day so we’ll have plenty.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No, that’s ok. I won’t be long. And I’m not hungry anyway.” A distinct gurgling in her stomach betrayed her. Blushing, rolling her eyes and smiling all within a second, she rubbed her hand across it to make it stop. Her face flushed a brighter shade after accidentally catching his eye and turning away. After clearing her throat, she recovered, “uh, can we sit down somewhere so we can talk?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Sure.” He escorted her to his room, sitting in his desk chair by the window while she sat on the bed.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Placing the pharmacy bag at her feet, Scarlet folded her hands on her lap and rubbed them together until the right words came to her. “I wanted to ask you something… when you left last night, you seemed a little distracted… like your mind was somewhere further away.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He turned away with a heavy sigh. Taking the briefest moment to wipe the edge of his left eye with the heel of his palm, he nodded. “What happened with Emilia… it hit kinda close to home.” He leaned toward the nearby shelf where he kept binders full of lyrics and ideas and pulled out a brown leather photo album worn around the spine. Sighing again after finding the page he was looking for, his voice quivered as he handed it over to her. “I can’t remember the last time I looked at this…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The left page had a collage of photos over the years from Halloweens and Christmases. Scarlet recognized Juan Paulo from age 6 to 16-17 with the sandy blonde hair and bright blue eyes. The girl he had his arm around in every photo had the same hair, but her eyes were a dark brown. As they aged, his smile remained the same while hers became more sullen. Then in the two most recent photos, she refused to even look at the camera.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>On the right page, instead of photos, there were two newspaper clippings. As soon as she read the headlines, Scarlet gasped, quickly readjusting her grip when the album nearly fell out of her hands. The first clipping was an obituary; the second, the conclusion of a criminal investigation. The perpetrator was sentenced to life without parole for first degree murder and several other charges including multiple counts of indecent assault.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“JP, I’m so sorry, I didn’t… I can’t…” She stammered, handing the album back to him.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Other than Javi, you’re the only other person I’ve told.” He traced some of the photos as more thoughts came to him. “My dad left us when I was 11. Mom worked two jobs, but we barely had enough to get by. It started with having less for Christmas, using cheaper handmade costumes for Halloween. But what really bothered her was no longer having the nicest clothes. Her friends were always on the cutting edge of the latest trends and she couldn’t keep up. We’d go to thrift stores and she dreaded that someone she knew would see her there.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Then something changed in high school. She started hanging out with people I didn’t recognize. Started getting nicer clothes and jewelry. A different boyfriend every week, or so I thought.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Then she started coming home late… sometimes out of sorts. She was resentful whenever I asked. We had a horrible fight the last time we spoke. That night, she never came home. I went out looking for her the next morning. The authorities were already there making reports. They found her in an alley, disheveled, bruises in all the predictable places.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Suddenly, he slammed the photo album closed and threw it against the wall as if it’d wounded him. Hunched over with his hands interlocked, he shuddered, “I couldn’t save her… I can’t save anyone.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet didn’t know if he meant his sister or Talia. Whatever the truth was, the change in how he acted around Talia after his date with Vanessa made a lot more sense. “You thought you could help Talia to make up for what happened?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He sighed, but quickly regained himself as he straightened his spine and combed away his bangs. “It’s stupid, I know. You can’t help someone if they don’t want to be helped. But I had to try.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I know… and you’re wrong, JP. You helped Emilia. You may have even saved her life. If that doesn’t change Talia’s mind about you, nothing will.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He laughed with a clear scoff in his tone but retained his smile. “I highly doubt it, but I appreciate the thought.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet rubbed her palms together, taking everything in stride, but couldn’t help but ask, “How did you do it? Keep this dark secret inside all this time?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He shrugged but started grinning as if Scarlet missed something obvious. “How do any of you get through each day with the traumas in your pasts? I choose which scars to show and which to hide, just like any of you.” In one smooth motion, he picked up the photo album off the floor and restored it to its rightful place on the shelf. “I want my legacy to be defined by the big brother she grew up admiring, not the disappointment that let her down.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Wow… you’re still better at this than the rest of us.” She picked up the bag and got to her feet. “If you and Talia see each other again, tell her what you told me.“<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Can’t make any promises but I’ll give it a try. I’ll tell Javi you stopped by.”<br /> At that comment, Scarlet’s right hand lost its grip and the pharmacy bag hit the floor. A bottle of prenatal vitamins rolled out of it. She hissed, “oh…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hang on, I’ll get it.” He quickly bent down to put the bottle back inside the bag and handed it back to her. Her face and neck burning red, Scarlet rubbed the back of her neck with her opposite hand. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. But you should tell Javi.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I know…” Scarlet took a few extra breaths to steady her heart and drain the color out of her face. “You’re actually the only other person that knows, other than my doctor. I’m not ready for anyone else to know yet. He told me that there shouldn’t be any problems this time but I’m still nervous…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It’ll be fine, Scarlet. You have a lot of people around you that care about you. You’re not alone.”<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I don’t expect you to forgive me right away, but it means a lot that you’re willing to at least give me another chance.” Amber said to Ruby as she met her at her favorite lunch spot.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Sarcasm cut through her matter-of-fact response. “Well, it’s the least I could do. I mean, after all the times I tried to get you to do something with me, I’d be a fool not to make the most of this opportunity.” While Vanessa was receptive to Amber’s plight, Ruby found it difficult to swallow. She let Amber say her piece at Evangeline’s, but left immediately afterwards, speechless. In truth, she needed more time for it sink in. “So, was this bitchiness just an act to keep us off the trail or do you actually hate me?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She folded her hands on the tabletop. “I kept my distance because I hated the way I left and didn’t wanted to be remembered that way. I hated that you were the girl Talia wanted. Who matched her vision. As someone who helped Scarlet pick up the pieces and start a new life, I hated that you had that same chance and didn’t take it.” Ruby looked up then and found Amber straining to hold back tears. “It took me a long time to understand that you do what you need to do in this town. But back then, it felt like a betrayal.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Ruby didn’t answer the plea in Amber’s tone but dropped her defensiveness. “That would explain why you would sometimes listen to my sister and not me…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“And it wasn’t just that.” Amber blotted the corners of her eyes. “I’ve given very few performances that were really personal to me. But they’ve gone unacknowledged because you always followed me with something better.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“All right,” Ruby crossed her arms, “aside from last night, name one other time this happened.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“My debut as a siren, ‘Evangeline.’ She was my best friend. I returned to Calypso shortly after she was killed and my routine paid homage to her memory. Yesterday marked the fifth anniversary of her death.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Ruby’s heart dropped into her stomach and whatever anger she had dispelled through her pores. “Why didn’t you tell me that? I would have understood…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Because I didn’t want everyone feeling sorry for me… and my reward for that was almost getting killed by Evangeline’s murderer ex-boyfriend. Alejandro went after me and saved my life when Isaac had me in a very compromising position. I never did thank him for keeping that a secret.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Amber, you talk about the bond you had with my sister and how you had her back for the time I wasn’t there. Why is it so hard for you to trust us to do the same for you? All of us sirens look out for one another because, growing up, no one else did.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hmm,” she pondered for a while before finding an ideal reply, “that sounds like something your sister would say.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What do you expect? You spend enough time with her, and that optimism rubs off on ya.” She not only managed a smile, but she meant every muscle behind it.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>For the second time in the last 30 days, all business at Calypso ceased. Although it was Talia’s doing on both occasions, she determined that operations would resume in a matter of weeks under her strict terms and conditions. Alejandro relayed her instructions through a series of texts, all of which were professional but detached. These included sentiments such as “closed rehearsals will be held onsite at Calypso and Talia’s residence” and “on opening night, your presence in the audience is highly requested”.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa concluded—and later confirmed with Alejandro—that she was barred from her own living quarters for the time being. Amber picked up on this as well and graciously offered her a place to stay. One peculiarity she hadn’t noticed and Vanessa caught right away: the two of them and Ruby received the same instructions. Scarlet and Emilia’s names, on the other hand, were absent under the list of addressees. It stood to reason that they would be involved in Talia’s comeback performance.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Having this “veil of secrecy” in place wasn’t a new approach for Talia. Considering how long she’d been away, it was only natural she wanted to make as big a splash as possible to reestablish herself. What was strange, however, was the fact none of them had heard anything from Scarlet or Emilia since the night of Amber’s showcase.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Texts to Emilia went unanswered and her phone went straight to voicemail. Given the current situation, Talia thought it was best to turn it off for the time being. The sedative had worn off, but the trauma she’d suffered was hindering her ability to fully regain consciousness. She woke up screaming from night terrors and Talia had to soothe her until she fell back asleep. Scarlet paged Dr. Rodriguez about this issue, but his only advice was to let it run its course. Amid Talia’s exasperation, Scarlet held firm, reminding her that recovery from trauma wasn’t a straight line. She quickly backed off and shifted her focus elsewhere.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Ruby gave her sister space for a day or two until curiosity got the better of her. She reached Scarlet on her first attempt. The resulting call was hectic and shorter than she would’ve liked; fortunately, she had the foresight to put it on speaker so Amber and Vanessa could listen in.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hey Ruby, I can’t talk long. Talia has us under a strict schedule.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“So you’re ok, then. I’m sorry if it sounds like I’m being over…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No, it’s ok. Don’t worry about me. Everything’s fine.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“That’s good.” Ruby paused, looking to Vanessa and Amber to see if they had anything to add. Both of them mouthed Emilia’s name. “Listen, none of us had heard from Emilia in days. She hasn’t answered her texts or phone. Is she there with you by any chance?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m not really supposed to say anything… yeah, she is here and she’s fine… considering everything…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Something in Scarlet’s tone produced a lump in Vanessa’s throat. But before she could act on it, Amber shouted, “Scarlet, it’s Amber. Can you just tell Emilia I’m really sorry for blowing up the other night? I let things get out of hand and I completely understand if she doesn’t want to work with me again.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The reply she received at first was staggered breathing with the occasional nondescript high-pitched inflection. Ruby gasped upon realizing, “she’s crying… Scarlet, what’s wrong?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Nothing… I’m just… I’m so sorry I didn’t make it for the showcase. I really wanted to be there, but I got mad at Talia about JP and I came here… this whole mess is really my fault.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Both Ruby and Amber said, “no” and were about to launch into their own dissertations about why that wasn’t true when Vanessa took the phone out of Ruby’s hand, turned off speakerphone, and walked to the other side of the room.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Listen, we can point fingers about who’s to blame later. Right now, your job is to do whatever Talia says, ok?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Breathing a huge sigh, Scarlet replied, “you’re right. Thanks, Vanessa. In that case, I’d better go. Could you… at least tell Amber that I really do have a good explanation for skipping out the other night? Something happened, something really good happened, and I want to tell her first.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Really?” She eyed Amber from across the room. “Ok, I’ll tell her. We’ll see you on opening night.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The three of them stood in silence for a minute. Just as Vanessa was predictable about being the practical one, Amber was the first to state the obvious. “Ok, I’m not the only one who thought that was weird, am I?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Definitely not.” Ruby scratched her head. “I know my sister and she’s usually an open book. Talia must be running a really tight ship.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“True, but not to this extent.” Vanessa paced around the room in what felt like slow motion with her arms crossed around her ribs. “Alejandro is with her, so she obviously knows how things went down the other night. The fight and Emilia leaving to get away from it. She’s probably just as mad at me and that’s why she’s kicked me out of our apartment. But she could’ve done that after our last fight. Something’s just not adding up and whatever it is, Talia is keeping us in the dark until the show.” She handed the phone back to Ruby, both acknowledging one another with a wary glance.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber asked, “Hey Vanessa, did Scarlet say something else about me when it was just the two of you on the call? There was a moment there…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, that was another strange thing. She said she wanted to tell you something and she wanted you to hear it first.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Well, I did promise to tell her something no one else knows. Maybe it’s something to do with that.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Ok. I just hope that’s all it is.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What do you mean?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I don’t know… I just have a bad feeling about all of this. It’d be easy to say we have to be prepared for anything, but I don’t think any amount of preparation will be enough for what’s next.”<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After returning from Juan Paulo’s residence, Scarlet asked Talia if she could stay at her place while she figured some things out. Talia agreed without hesitation and required no further explanation as to what these things were. Naturally, this came with one caveat: absolute discretion about what happened to Emilia. If anyone asked about her whereabouts, the alibi was that they were “busy rehearsing.” The only rehearsing that took place, however, was Talia working out choreography without music. It wasn’t long before Scarlet realized she was in the dark just as much as everyone else.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>In a bizarre twist of fate, Alejandro was the one person Talia provided with any specifics. Like clockwork, he arrived at the apartment each morning around 9 and they were in heavy discussions—all in Spanish—until sunset with a break for lunch in between. Despite the language barrier, Scarlet quickly became accustomed to different tones and inflections. Both sides kept things professional, but Alejandro would occasionally try to break the tension. Every now and then, someone’s name would be mentioned and no one was mentioned more than Amber. When this occurred, Talia had an air of contempt that permeated every square inch of the apartment. Alejandro, on the other hand, tried to dilute the tension with diplomacy. At times, his tone sounded apologetic, sometimes to the point of being defensive. It was also the only circumstance that resurrected the Talia of old, throwing insults like daggers.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Through all this, Scarlet’s pregnancy was one of the last things on her mind. The daily exchanges between Talia and Alejandro proved to be as engrossing as a soap opera. But every now and then, little reminders crept in, typically in the form of cravings. Thanks to the depot of food trucks, this was an easy thing to manage and it encouraged her to try cuisines she normally wouldn’t have considered.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>However, there was one night that caused her extra discomfort. Close to midnight, she had a sudden craving for street tacos. The small occupant in her belly appreciated it, but the rest of her body didn’t quite feel the same. She was in the bathroom, firmly planted on the toilet, until after 2am as the contents worked their way through her system. Once she cleaned up and laid back on the couch, her mind was too busy to think about sleep. She rubbed her belly, not round enough to be noticeable, and remarked with the kind of wry humor she’d heard Amber use hundreds of times. “That’s enough junk food for a while. I can’t afford to miss out on this much sleep every night.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>For the first time in ages, she thought about her last pregnancy and the one person that supported her through its short duration. The few memories she had of her old roommate were obscured by a thick haze. It took several moments before she was able to recall her name. She’d left shortly after Talia made Calypso what it is today and it wasn’t on good terms. Even though she’d reunited with her sister during this time, Scarlet remembered missing her terribly and blaming herself for her untimely departure. The specific details beyond that were lost in the haze and sleep finally found her before she could break through it.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>A few short hours later, Scarlet was aroused from her bed by two sudden developments. Alejandro arrived out of breath. Abandoning all pretenses and self-control, he explained that Rodrigo had been surrendered by his own family to the custody of his uncles. He awaited interrogation and, ultimately, punishment at Talia’s earliest convenience. The second development immediately put these plans on hold— Emilia was finally awake and fully conscious.</span>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-72943136319798526812024-01-13T21:13:00.000-08:002024-01-13T21:13:36.129-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 42- Where Have I Seen Him Before...<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber rested her back against the wall, her body rigid. Tears welled up in her eyes that she struggled to hold back. Meanwhile, all the adrenaline Ruby felt after performing her latest masterpiece disintegrated. Even while Emilia showered her with praise, she couldn’t bring herself to enjoy it seeing how destroyed Amber was. “I’m really sorry, Amber, but I tried to explain…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It wasn’t supposed to be you! Scarlet, she…” Amber’s voice broke. Pressing both hands to her forehead, she turned her back and forced herself to breathe in an effort to calm down. “Now everything’s ruined. All my hard work. Just one time, I wanted my ideas to leave the lasting impression. But once again, you stole my spotlight!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Her own euphoria finally wearing off, Emilia searched Vanessa’s face for reassurance, but only found exhaustion. With a sigh, Vanessa whispered, “I’ll be right back. Alejandro will be here soon for his routine congratulatory speech and he can’t be in the middle of this.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Although taken aback by this turn of events, Emilia remained strong. “You’re right. Amber would never live it down.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa quickly added, “Feel free to leave if it gets to be too much. Nobody would blame you.” She patted Emilia on the shoulder, “great job tonight,” and went through the curtain. Alejandro had already begun ascending the staircase leading up to the stage when she blocked his way. “I don’t think you want to come back here. Ruby and Amber are at it again.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He let out a long groan, letting it all sink in before saying, “I should take care of it.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Really,” she tightened her grip on the handrails, “you should go. It would only make Amber more upset if you saw her like this.” Back by the bar, a cell phone began to ring and neither party seemed in a hurry to answer it.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>From the sidelines, Emilia glanced back and forth at the feuding women as each spoke. On the off chance that she could help, she wanted to stay, but she was clearly out of her depth. Ruby crossed the room but kept her guard up. “I thought this was supposed to be a theme night. It’s about all of us. It’s Emilia’s first performance in a starring role.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Don’t you think I know that?” Amber gritted her teeth, trying to control her volume.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Then why did you want Scarlet instead of me? Why did you have to get her alone to talk to her? To offer her the friendship she always wanted from you?” Unwilling to answer, Amber turned away.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The shuffling of heels broke through the silence. “Amber?” She met Emilia’s query, her ire slowly dissolving into embarrassment. “Vanessa said I could go if I want, but if you want me to stay…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No, it’s fine, Emilia. It’s probably better that you leave. Sorry if this ruined the night for you.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Don’t be. Tonight was so much fun. Nothing could ruin it for me.” They smiled at one another but knew full well it was a half-truth. “Good night, Ruby,” she tacked on as an afterthought on her way out the back door.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Good night, Emilia,” she halfheartedly returned, her eyes still fixed on Amber.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Back at the staircase, Alejandro frowned, but gave in. “Are you sure you can handle this thing, Vanessa?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It wouldn’t be the first time,” Vanessa sighed, “or the last. I have to go. Besides, you should probably answer that call. It might be important.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh right, my uncles’ meetings conclude tonight…” He departed mid-sentence and took the important call into the office.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa sighed out of relief and disappeared behind the stage curtain. Not surprisingly, Emilia took her advice to leave and Amber hadn’t budged.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Ruby, meanwhile, had become more irate with impatience. Her voice cracked through her tears. “What'd I ever do to you to make you hate me so much?" Amber only responded by crossing her arms.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Okay, that’s enough.” Vanessa positioned herself between them. “Look, we’ve all had a long night. It might be best to sleep on it and we’ll touch base in the morning.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Fine by me,” Amber muttered on her way through the curtain to take her bow. To her disappointment, the club was deserted. She’d gotten so caught up in everything with Ruby that the silence on the main floor hadn’t registered. Panicked, her eyes swept over the bar. Alejandro was nowhere to be found. She withdrew backstage. “Great, he’s gone too,” Amber grumbled under her breath, but Vanessa answered, “He left to take what might be an important call. Trust me, you don’t want Alejandro to see you like this.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You’re right.” Her shoulders went slack. “I just thought… this was my chance and I blew it.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What are you guys talking about? Is there something I’m missing here?” Ruby demanded, her arms hugging her ribs.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber stepped forward with a shrug. “You wanted answers? Fine. Tonight, I’m giving you some answers, but first, we need a change of venue.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Saying no more, Amber led them back to Evangeline’s. Michel and Misha were counting their tips at the bar. Before they could say “sorry, we’re closed,” they recognized Amber and received her with open arms.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After exchanging pleasantries, she showed the girls to one of the empty tables and sat on her chair backwards. “Michel and Misha, we go way back.” They provided the drinks while Amber spent the better half of the night taking Ruby as far down memory lane as she had gone previously with Vanessa. There were a few remaining secrets she planned to hold onto. Ruby was attentive, nodding occasionally, but kept her poker face on the entire time. Once all was said and done, she took her leave without saying a single word.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Excuse me.” Emilia’s heart skipped when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Her ears were still ringing from the fight; it snapped her back to reality. The culprit was a young man close to Alejandro’s age, but with more muscle tone in his upper body. His dark eyes were almost black. He seemed familiar somehow, but she couldn’t quite place him. “You were really great out there.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Thank you.” She blushed, nervously combing her hair behind her ears.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“How would you like to go for some coffee?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Sure.” Her body relaxed—the tension of the argument now a distant memory. They started down the street. Emilia prattled away absentmindedly, unable to contain her excitement. “Was there some place you had in mind? Because I’d been wanting to try this new cafe that just opened up around the corner from my apartment.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After turning a couple corners, the man, who had trailed a few feet behind her, reached for her shoulder again. “Actually, I was thinking right here would be fine.” He spun her around, backing her against the alley wall, and kissed her. Automatically, her hands braced his arms. He leaned further into her mouth, his tongue wrestling with hers. A smoky whiskey smell lingered on his breath. She gasped, her arms wrapping around him as his lips grazed her neck.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hold on.” She dropped her arms when his hand started rubbing the inner part of her thigh. His arm wrapped around her back, pulling her body into his as his other hand slid under her panties. “Wait, I don’t think I like this…” He didn’t stop. In fact, a distinct murmur began building deep in his throat. “Stop!” She shoved him away.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The man’s chin stiffened as he ground his teeth. His pupils burned like furnace coals. “You know, it didn’t have to come to this. You could have just left me and Talia to our business. But because of your meddling, I lost my arrangement with Talia. And to top it all off, tonight, my family cut me out of their business because I’m only a liability to them.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The air of familiarity from before suddenly made sense. The blurry image in her memory of Talia entangled with a guy that wasn’t her ex-boyfriend cleared up. “That was you? In that alley with her? Look, I’m sorry about that. I had no idea what I was walking in on.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He shook his head. The sarcasm dripping from his lips made his voice raspier by the second. “That’s just too bad then, isn’t it? I don’t know about you, sweetheart, but I would like to finish what I started with her. All of you sirens are just sluts by trade anyway. It shouldn’t make that much of a difference, right?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>A combination of rage and acid built in her throat, but Emilia stood her ground. “That’s not true. I was never a part of any of this. I was just a back-up dancer until tonight.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hmm…” His elevator eyes sized her up. “Judging from your reaction that night, I should have figured you were a virgin.” He braced the wall with his hand inches away from her. Hesitantly, her eyes met his. “You look good enough to eat.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Before she could react, the man grabbed her wrists and forced her to the ground. Each hand pinned her arms down. She furiously kicked her legs, screaming, “Help! Someone, help me!” The sudden movement of his fists made her shut her eyes. The slaps and punches to her face, throat and torso stung more the louder she screamed. The gold ring on his right ring finger left an impression in the middle of her forehead, though not quite enough to draw blood. Her upper body struggled under his weight with little success. Finally, the pain got to be too much. Emilia found herself unable to move in spite of how much her mind urged her to.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Her attacker ignored this. He simply licked his lips and said, “I’ve never had virgin before.” The slow opening of a zipper pierced the air. Not far behind, an unrelated crescendo of footsteps thundered, arriving at a swift conclusion.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hold it right there, pig.” The familiar voice broke through the fogging of Emilia’s vision. Juan Paulo had a switchblade at the man’s neck. “Now back away, slowly.” He dug it in just enough that the edge of the knife drew a tiny stream of blood. Reluctantly, the man obeyed. “Straighten yourself out. Now, when I release you, you had better run like hell in the opposite direction. Or God willing, I will kill you right here.” Juan Paulo removed his knife and supplied an encouraging shove. Emilia’s attacker didn’t pause for even a second as he made a hurried escape.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia loudly gasped. Her body spasmed before collapsing into itself. Juan Paulo got on his knees, coming immediately to her side. “Emilia! Oh my… what did that monster do to you?” She only managed a whimper. He helped her sit up and wrapped his jacket around her shoulders.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No! Let me go!” She pushed against him before he took her into his arms.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Emilia, it’s ok. It’s me. It’s Juan Paulo.” He reached forward, parting her bangs to have a look at the impression. His stomach turned, but he held himself together. Tears streaked down her shivering cheeks. Milliseconds after the light of recognition rekindled in her eyes, her entire body seized up and she passed out in his arms.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Talia! Vanessa! Anybody, open up!” Juan Paulo battered the door. “I’m here with Emilia! She’s been hurt!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Having regained some color in her face, Scarlet answered the door. Even if she wasn’t under the weather, Emilia’s bruises and shaking alone would have turned her stomach. She gasped, “Emilia! Come in.” She supported his shoulder while bringing the door to a swift close. “You can put her in Vanessa’s bed for the time being.” He did as he was told, adding the blankets Scarlet handed him. The mascara she applied earlier in the evening, before she cancelled her plans to perform, smudged her eyes and her sight. Swallowing hard to ease the shaking in her voice, “Talia, you need to get in here…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The other bedroom door slammed against the wall within seconds of opening. Talia’s knees quaked, her hand over her mouth, but there was no hesitation. There were only tears as she shakily stroked Emilia’s cheek. “My Emilia…” Her bangs covered her shut eyes, but the angst was unmistakable.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Even Juan Paulo, who stepped back into the hallway, had to fight to hold back the hysterics to tell his tale. “I heard her screaming as I was returning home for the night. Pulling a knife on the creep was enough motivation to make him get lost.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet left the room for a box of tissues and to find her phone. She handled it to Talia. “Here, use this number. This doctor helped me years ago and I still keep in contact with him.” She took it into the other room where she’d be out of earshot. Scarlet wiped her eyes and sniffed back the snot building in her nose. “Ruby helped me… leave home after a really horrible night… when I came here, the brothers sent that doctor to examine me. Our father… he did a lot of damage… but that time when he raped me, he knocked me up… weeks later, I lost the baby.” She broke into sobs. Juan Paulo rubbed her back to offer reassurance, but she quickly recovered. She shook her head, speaking with almost an air of irony, “All these years later, even though it was conceived out of malice, I still haven’t forgiven myself. But sometimes when I need to talk, Dr. Rodriguez makes time to see me.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia returned briefly. “He’s on his way. I’m going outside to wait for him.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Dr. Rodriguez materialized five minutes later. He and Scarlet regarded one another, exchanging glances of respect, before he disappeared into the room with Talia.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The screaming started the moment she revived. “Get off me! Don’t touch me!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Emilia!” Talia braced her shoulders. “It’s all right. It’s all right, you’re here with us now.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amidst her panting, she looked up at her. “Talia?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“That’s right. That’s right, I’m here.” She securely wrapped an arm around her back, moving it up and down in a soothing motion.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The screams had dissolved into sobs when Alejandro came through the front door. Scarlet received him while blocking his way. “It’s not a good time, Alejandro. Talia’s in there with a doctor looking at Emilia. JP brought her here after someone attacked her.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Jesus…” Dumbstruck, he sank onto the sofa cushion next to Juan Paulo without noticing him there. He shook his head, staring into space. “Everything got so heated with Ruby and Amber. Vanessa insisted she could handle the situation and I received a call with some important news…. It’s my fault… I should have been there to walk her home.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“They’re fighting again?!” Scarlet exclaimed, but quickly covered her mouth and swallowed back the liquid building in her throat.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Are you okay?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She nodded, clearing her throat. “I’m fine for now… None of this would have happened if I didn’t pick tonight to get sick.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Nobody planned for any of this to happen, Scarlet,” Juan Paulo said. “The only thing we can do is hope I got there in time before any real damage was done.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She inhaled deeply, but the give in her stomach prevailed. “Excuse me…” Scarlet dashed into the bathroom, swinging the door closed behind her.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The moment Dr. Rodriguez reentered the sitting room, Juan Paulo and Alejandro leapt to their feet. He switched his medical bag to the opposite hand and calmly waved his right hand in a downward motion. His neat mustache crinkled with a reassuring smile. “Emilia will be fine. I gave her a sedative so she can get some rest. Hopefully that will aid with her mental recovery from this ordeal.” Both returned his smile but upon sitting back down, their postures resumed their previous state though with less foot tapping and tension in their backs.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Noting the empty space between them, the doctor inquired, “where’s Scarlet? I was hoping to discuss something with her before I take my leave.” The guys both pointed toward the shut bathroom door. Rapping on the door with his knuckles, he asked, “Scarlet?” Retching and gasping responded. He tried again, “Scarlet, is everything all right in there?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah,” she mumbled, following her response with a flush. “Come in.” She sat on the closed lid, her knees facing inward. Looking up, she asked, “Could you shut the door?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Of course,” he obeyed. After handing her a handkerchief, he knelt in front of her.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Thank you.” She wiped her mouth and bent over her knees. “This stomach bug has been killing me all day.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“May I?” He tilted her chin upwards and felt around her throat. “You look a little pale. How long has this been going on?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Since this morning. It was really bad this morning. I’d been on saltines and ginger ale all day, but it was only a temporary fix.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You looked fine a moment ago. I imagine these events have you a little rattled, given your history.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Suddenly remembering, Scarlet gasped, “Oh Emilia, how is she?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It’s hard to say. Physically, everything is fine aside from the cut and bruises. The young man arrived before any internal damage could be done.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh thank god…” Her shoulders sank. “She’s innocent. None of us ever wanted her to suffer like we have.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He nodded, but the furrow remained in his forehead. “So, what about you? It’s been some time since our last talk. Have there been any changes? Good or bad? Besides this ‘bug’?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She bit her lip. “I know I didn’t check in for our regular appointment this year. It’s just that… I didn’t feel like I needed it this time.” The smile proved futile to hold back at this point. “I met someone. Javier was such a sweet guy. Strong, but patient. And so kind.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I don’t mean to pry, but I couldn’t help noticing you mentioned him in past tense.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It’s complicated.” Her hands clenched together on her lap. “The nightmares came back. It was the first time I’d had sex since… I left home. I explained it to him, and he was so understanding... tonight was the first time I saw him in a month, but I guess I’m still not ready to...”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Dr. Rodriguez laid a hand on her shoulder. “You have nothing to be ashamed of, Scarlet. Few would be able to understand the horror you went through.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“The sex was amazing too… it was spontaneous and romantic… Rehearsing for this show came with a lot of nerves, but it was a good distraction from everything.” She stared at the wall, her smile blissful, “It was so perfect too. Something I’d been wanting to express for a really long time. But I guess I’m still not ready for that first solo moment.” Her composure dissolved upon seeing Dr. Rodriguez’s concern. “What? What is it?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He removed his glasses. “How long has this sickness been going on?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I don’t know. As much as I want to blame it on nerves, things have felt different the past three, maybe four days. What are you thinking?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Is it possible that this could be morning sickness?<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet gasped, immediately covering her mouth, muffling her “oh my god” exclamation. Then when she removed it, she beamed. “That would explain a lot.” Each attempt to say any more led to a fit of nervous giggles.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Satisfied, Dr. Rodriguez replaced his glasses and stood. “If anything else turns up, for you or Emilia, don’t hesitate to give me a call. It was good seeing you again, Scarlet. Take care.” Alone with her thoughts, Scarlet rubbed her arms to erase the remaining goosebumps.<div style="text-align: center;">*<span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia came part of the way out of the room. “Juan Paulo?” He stood up just as quickly as he had earlier when the doctor left. “Emilia wants to see you before the drugs finish putting her to sleep.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Sure, ok…” Despite Dr. Rodriguez’s reassurances, his entire body tensed up and slowed the pace of his stride considerably. He glimpsed Emilia and the shuddering of his heart compelled him to hold the archway for support. Her cheeks had bleached with scattered black and blue splotches. Where Rodrigo’s ring had cut into her forehead, a bandage now concealed it.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh, Emilia…” he gasped, lost for words.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Her closed eyes scrunched, her hoarse voice asked, “JP?” With difficulty, she opened her eyes and immediately tried to sit up.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hang on.” He rushed over and knelt by the bed, pushing her down gently enough for her to get the idea. One hand held hers while the other stroked the top of her head. Her breathing had slowed, but the pulse present under Juan Paulo’s grip was still very quick. “Doctor’s orders, you should be resting.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I know,” she sighed. Her bright blue eyes flickered occasionally with anxiety, but they slowly grew heavy with drowsiness.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“So he says you’re going to be ok.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah…” She struggled to meet his eye but succeeded in adding the most crucial detail. “You stopped him… he didn’t get a chance to…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Thank goodness…” Because he was caught up in the moment, Juan Paulo didn’t realize his voice broke with that statement. Emilia and Talia did; they shared a glance and conflicting emotions emerged in both of them. “I’ll just let you rest then. Do you need anything else before I go?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You saved me… No, I’ll be fine here. Thank you.” Finally, after a healthy exhale, Emilia drifted off to sleep. Juan Paulo swallowed back the lump in his throat, leaning over to kiss Emilia on the top of her head, before returning to his feet. Talia met him there, her eyebrows askew. He answered the anticipated question before she could speak it. “I forget who said Emilia is like a little sister to all of you. I guess that company now includes me.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He had his hand on the doorknob when she added, “Juan Paulo, I…” She ground her teeth, pausing for a moment before the right words came to her. “Thanks from me as well. For saving her life.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Well, you know me, Talia. Always trying to be the hero.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet was the last to see him leave, during which she noticed something peculiar. His steady breath was somewhat jagged and every few steps, he took a brief moment to regain his balance. But what took her aback the most— his far-off stare burning a hole in the door, as if he’d seen a ghost. She couldn’t put her finger on it but something in her gut told her there was more on his mind than the scene he was leaving behind.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Talia?” Alejandro lightly tapped on the door frame outside the second bedroom. “May I sit with you?” She nodded. Her hand absentmindedly combed through Emilia’s hair as she slept. “How is she doing?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“A little better...” She wiped her eyes quickly.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Did she get a good look at the guy?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“That’s what makes this hard. That indentation on her forehead? That’s from a ring I gave Rodrigo ages ago. I took him in the alley the night I broke it off with Juan Paulo. Emilia saw us. This was his revenge for her interrupting.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You know, I always said Rodrigo was no good. He was always too eager when you gave him ‘the call’.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yes, I remember you telling me that several times. I was never the best listener.” She shook her head. “Juan Paulo was so good to me when we were together. All I could think about these past couple weeks… how I refused to listen to him when he said I was meant for better than this. This life that I live.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You really like him, huh? I see the way you look at him. Something was different about you, a good different, when you were seeing him.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You always think you know me so well… but this time, Alejandro, I must admit you are right.” She hung her head. “He was never like any of the other guys I’d been with. I was afraid that maybe he wanted to change me, but… he only wanted me to be the best version of myself.” Emilia gasped, prompting Talia’s posture to stiffen, but she simply rolled over in her sleep. “So what brought you here so late, Alejandro?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“My uncles contacted me tonight about the results of their negotiations. Rodrigo is cut out of his family’s business. I came in part to warn you and the others, but it seems I was too late. I just have to tell them what happened and they will see to it that he’s handled.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Resigned, Talia nodded. “Whatever punishment is carried out, I need to be there. So I can be sure he will never hurt anyone again.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Alejandro’s memory flickered back to Amber’s own altercation with Rodrigo and decided to redirect the conversation to a more pressing matter. “I was also planning on reporting to you about Amber’s theme night. Everyone involved was amazing. Emilia handled herself especially well… before everything else happened. Before Amber and Ruby got into that fight.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Amber…” She groaned. “What was the problem this time?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“She worked really hard on this project with the other girls. She just didn’t count on Ruby coming in Scarlet’s place and that the crowd would be chanting her name instead.” He quickly added, “Amber did her best routine in many years. She looked like she brought herself to the stage. Not hiding behind another character.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“She’s probably so consumed by this irritating vendetta of hers that she has no idea Emilia left.” Her knuckles bleached at her sides. “Such recklessness. I cannot overlook this behavior in favor of her talents. Not anymore.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Wait a minute, Talia.” A month ago, she wouldn’t listen to anything that came out of his mouth. But because she was being unusually receptive, Alejandro was determined to make his voice heard. “I’ve been watching her in rehearsal. She’s been very good to Emilia. She’d certainly taken her thoughts and ideas into account. Something you failed to do the one time she pitched you a routine.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hurry up and make your point,” she grumbled.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“This was just an unfortunate accident. A temporary lapse in judgement that could happen to any of us. Amber isn’t all bad. She just feels misunderstood and wants us to see the person she is. On her own terms.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Well then,” she paused as she assessed his new attitude, “if she’s really as good a person as I’m led to believe you think she is…” She coyly flashed her eyes at him. He swallowed with no choice but to nod and agree. “…she will accept the responsibility if the wrong person is blamed for her actions.” </span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“But who?” Before he could formulate a list of possibilities, he met the eyes boring into his forehead. “Really?”</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The title of this chapter is a reference to a song that plays a major role in a later performance. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Like with several of the chapters, I'd written most of this years ago and spent the last 2 years touching things up, making connections to other story points and so on. Alejandro's comment "you really like him, huh" was one of the earliest sparks of a story I had and it was a long time before I figured out how to get there.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I'm not sure if I was working on this chapter at the time but when I was listening to "Eyes Wide Open" by Ashlee Simpson a couple years ago, the scene with Emilia played in my head like a movie. So vivid it was scary- the song ended and I'd be gasping for air. The only bit of trivia I found about it online was her saying in an interview how it was about her fear of having a ghost in her house. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Don't know why but I always interpeted it as #MeToo statement long before any hashtags existed. Being a survivor of assault and recognizing that someone else in your day-to-day life had gone through it. They're still in the denial phase of their grief and you're at a loss about how to help them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Again, I want to stress that none of this is autobiographical. But the way I put myself in the shoes of my characters, it certainly feels that way. Especially in editing.</span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-8972229975909095422024-01-12T21:24:00.000-08:002024-01-12T21:24:07.002-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 41- Raising Hell<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3-VlOD2wTVoJ5hSEMKcC4fbennUfgM69AjpKZclkkFyFaJD1NW31XbTr8kv0B8Z9Lwf-MQLXC_ZYRX_zgjk5zlAiZDTPpHH_NLy5kRb1JpV9NX-AqEJUDESp6oNG800qYme7PWErBhCWBjQ8ASBPTm5JLXo5jiEsP9t9ugz2txLHbf6qMZXtGOM4aaSA/s1280/3271.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3-VlOD2wTVoJ5hSEMKcC4fbennUfgM69AjpKZclkkFyFaJD1NW31XbTr8kv0B8Z9Lwf-MQLXC_ZYRX_zgjk5zlAiZDTPpHH_NLy5kRb1JpV9NX-AqEJUDESp6oNG800qYme7PWErBhCWBjQ8ASBPTm5JLXo5jiEsP9t9ugz2txLHbf6qMZXtGOM4aaSA/s320/3271.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"Would you love me if I ruled the world..."</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>During her untimely departure from La Scala earlier in the evening, Scarlet contacted her sister to stand in her place for the remainder of the showcase. “I don’t want Javi to get the wrong impression, but I just couldn’t take any more. Talia really did a number on JP and she’s gonna hear it whether she wants to or not.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Juan Paulo’s spirits improved as the evening went on and his material took a turn for the better by the time Ruby arrived. Once or twice, Javier caught her shaking her head as she thought, “what was Scarlet going on about? JP looks fine to me.” It was when he entered the home stretch Ruby finally found the answer she was looking for. Not only was each song about what could’ve been and feeble attempts at moving on, but he went as far to use troubling phrases like “I’m losing my mind” and being “set up only to be knocked down.” Some of the best songwriters have made names for themselves with gravelly voices and women were attracted to them for that reason alone. However, in Juan Paulo’s case, his voice sounded less sexy and more strained. It was the most difficult performance he’d given in his life. He fought his hardest to keep his complicated emotions in check and he wouldn’t know until it was over whether he succeeded.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The set ended around 10 o’clock at night. Juan Paulo managed a quick and polite “thank you for coming” to Ruby before going into the office to meet with the executives.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Javier patted her on the shoulder. “It was good of you to come, Ruby. It means a lot.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Her cheeks flushed, “Wait, you knew it was me the whole time?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What? You think I can’t tell my own girlfriend from her twin?” He smiled with such ease despite his disappointment. “I was looking forward to us seeing each other tonight but I understand if she still needs a little time.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Wow, you really are too good. I’m so sorry about Scarlet. Next to Emilia, nobody was more invested in Talia and JP as a couple than her.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah,” he scratched the back of his neck, “I mean, most days he is better than this. Maybe it just hit him that the summer is almost over, and he wanted to accomplish something, you know.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“So, what? Does he go back to America when the season’s over?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh yeah. He’s starting college in the fall to support his mama but she insisted he try once more to fulfill his music dreams. It’s a long story.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Guess I shouldn’t be surprised. He has such a good heart. I wonder if Talia knows anything about that.” She crossed her arms, staring off into the distance.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m sure she knows he’s only here for the summer but maybe not about school. Who knows what those two were talking about when they were together?” He checked his watch. “It’s getting late. I hope Scarlet made it to Amber’s show.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh yeah,” Ruby gasped, “She told me she was going to talk to Talia but maybe I’ll stop by Calypso on the way there.” She jumped off the stage and raced for the exit.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Give her my best, ok?” He called after her just before she vanished through the doors. Juan Paulo reappeared shortly after with some good news. Their spectators enjoyed the show and would reach out in a couple weeks when they made their decision. Despite this, he looked as defeated as he had during the sadder parts of the set. Deciding not to press his friend for further details, Javier commended him and sent him on his way while he stayed behind to pack up their equipment. Juan Paulo needed one important thing right now—some alone time to clear his head.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Back at Calypso, the show had just ended and the audience couldn’t be more appreciative. Slowly, the roars transformed from hooting and hollering to chanting demanding, “Encore! Encore!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber was beside herself with pride. She beamed at Emilia. “They loved it. They want more. I couldn’t have done this without you.” Shaking with enthusiasm, she threw her arms around her. Vanessa gasped, covering her mouth. She’d never seen Amber so uninhibited and happy.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia broke away, her nervous giggling indicating that she’d been caught off guard as well. “So, what do we do now? How do we follow that?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I really wanted Scarlet to be the one to finish things off,” Amber scrolled through her phone, “but she hasn’t called. Not even a text message. Hopefully everything went ok with Javier.” The volume of the crowd suddenly picked up and the encore chants reverted to cheers. “Wait, maybe that’s her now.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The newcomer raced up the stage right steps and bent over, hands on her knees, panting.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh good, you made it. All your stuff is in the dressing room ready to go. Anything else you might need is near the front of the warehouse in the back.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She stuttered amidst catching her breath. “My stuff? But…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You came all this way, Scarlet. The least you can do is go through with it. Besides, listen to that crowd. You don’t want to disappoint them, do you?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Wait, what did you… but I’m not…” Ruby managed to open her eyes and kept them firmly fixed on the floor. She knew how she and her sister were hard to tell apart without their contrasting highlights, but Amber never mistook one for the other.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>But even while she tried to explain, Amber was too hyped up on adrenaline to get her meaning. She got behind her and practically pushed her into the dressing room. “If you need anything, we’ll be at the bar celebrating. You missed a hell of a show.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Her heart thudding against her ribcage, Ruby investigated the box of items sitting at Scarlet’s station. Under the mess of wigs, there were glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark bangles. Noticing the electronics sewn into the black dress on the clothing rack, the light-up props made more sense in her head. After getting dressed and suiting herself up with the bangles, she placed a call on the phone attached to the wall that was a direct line to the bar. Despite her misgivings, she kept up the pretense with Alejandro so he could arrange the lighting scheme. Before hanging up, he added, “and Scarlet, I’m glad you came out tonight. Amber is thrilled.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She hung up without saying a word. She buried her face in her hands and groaned, “oh god, Amber will kill me if she finds out.” She took a few deep breaths and resigned to her fate. It took her a few extra minutes to wheel the set pieces off stage. The last remaining detail: the music. She examined the tracks on the disc to see which one fit her look the best and the choice was immediately clear.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Music started pulsing through the speakers and the crowd grew louder with anticipation. Utilizing the control panel under the counter, Alejandro opened the curtains and activated the strands of light hanging from the ceiling. The lighting aspect of this contraption was designed to synchronize with the rhythm of the beats. It only worked well with EDM so it’s only been used a handful of times. They flashed together for the first couple of bars. Then they rapidly cascaded from front to back numerous times until they all went out. After which, they blinked together on every other beat.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Thanks to the red LEDs in her dress, Ruby was the only other thing visible on stage. She kept her face as neutral as possible. She held her arms out, locking them at the elbow, as she pivoted her waist from side to side. All of this enhanced the robotic vocal delivery. One flick of the wrists later, her bangles lit up as well. She paused for a moment just before the chorus took off. As Amber had done in her number, Ruby treated her arms like the hands of a clock. In her case, she had her left hand at twelve o’clock and did a full revolution with her right arm until they met together above her head. On the next beat, she moved them apart and braced her head on both sides, titling her body to the left three times. Following this, she brought her arms in front of her midsection, one arm tucked against her ribs with the other pointing outward and then the other direction. And the whole pattern repeated for every chorus.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>If it was possible, the audience still had more than enough energy to show their appreciation. Emilia shook her head, almost speechless, “wow… when did Scarlet even have time to put this together? And how long have we had those lights in the ceiling?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I actually have no idea.” Vanessa shrugged. “Whenever it was, I wasn’t there that day. Talia certainly never mentioned it. She thinks this sort of thing is a little tacky. So only….” A thought popped into her head and her heart stopped. She whispered, “oh no…” She turned toward Amber and she gulped. Judging from the drop-dead stare on her face, the aftermath of this mix-up wasn’t going to be pretty.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Despite the flames of anger licking her insides, Amber found herself equally as entranced as the rest of the crowd. The whole thing felt like a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie. All that was missing were backup dancers and lasers. When Ruby arced her arms down from her head before the signature choreographic section, lasers could jut outward from the ends of her fingers. It’d start with her on stage alone, followed by two more and by the second chorus, there’d two dozen girls moving together like an army of androids. Then because of one or two lyrics referring to a downpour, it’d be outside in the pouring rain and the drops would roll off like nothing.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She snapped back into reality when it was all done and the crowd was chanting “Ruby! Ruby!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Ruby?” Emilia gasped, taken aback. “But how…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, I’d like to know the same thing…” She dejectedly replied, her eyes narrowed toward the stage. To herself, she added, “…how could I be so foolish to let this happen?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As soon as Alejandro drew the curtains closed and started closing things down on his end, Amber took off for the stage. Vanessa cursed under her breath and followed her with Emilia close behind. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Music: </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"Heavy Metal Lover" by Lady Gaga<br /><br />As was the case with "Starstruck," the fantasy aspects of this performance were my original intentions for it. That was before I decided it'd be too complicated to have dozens of backup dancers also working here. How would all of these secrets stay secret for so long? <br />The funny thing about this song was that I didn't get it the first few times. Then once, I played it twice in a row because I wasn't paying it full attention the first time. I'd had a soft spot it ever since. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The dress Ruby wore for this number (as well as the dresses featured in "Mannequin" and "E.T.") was inspired by my favorite cosplayer in the short-lived SyFy series "Heroes of Cosplay", Victoria- aka Scruffy Rebel. <br />I saw this costume maybe 10 years ago but it left a strong impression. But I kinda forgot that her Tron-inspired dress didn't have green lights in them, lol</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oizRXvqh5bBFesMGgM0FZ2huqsDJssjT190SoYTcYEyVaDUD-ESGL4d8YAzAtbGaEvKCbWrC98206AiHrWeJJ3_Tt7alFhqP0nmsl0ZPQKORYcehAm2idjiIbigAXmkyEqx5eZCjDNTW3kfeZKG2lMnjywYq9cZCkP6fTzuvgel7DkzYvvgvlzcFkIkK/s900/Victoria%20Tron%20dress.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="582" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oizRXvqh5bBFesMGgM0FZ2huqsDJssjT190SoYTcYEyVaDUD-ESGL4d8YAzAtbGaEvKCbWrC98206AiHrWeJJ3_Tt7alFhqP0nmsl0ZPQKORYcehAm2idjiIbigAXmkyEqx5eZCjDNTW3kfeZKG2lMnjywYq9cZCkP6fTzuvgel7DkzYvvgvlzcFkIkK/s320/Victoria%20Tron%20dress.jpeg" width="207" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(All credit goes to @ScruffyRebel on Twitter & Instagram)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-2339326092592448112024-01-11T18:25:00.000-08:002024-01-11T18:25:19.800-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 40- No More Asking Permission<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzIFL66e0tnh6cU16IFMDH2Q7ZoXpDBX34yHZ_29ApBOYorAKLiU-CJSIJPj5zPSGl6XmX6HuX7qV-IR0RTIw9hRU5dRSdmHhEDhNXheK5-DdVuhfEGdfXl_QpA8Ki4uFqfC3X6466rJCOHcpGoOB-5XYv7JZ_hPVuOrwcyOIZxlCn5tVUhCf5XdExzId/s1280/3266.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzIFL66e0tnh6cU16IFMDH2Q7ZoXpDBX34yHZ_29ApBOYorAKLiU-CJSIJPj5zPSGl6XmX6HuX7qV-IR0RTIw9hRU5dRSdmHhEDhNXheK5-DdVuhfEGdfXl_QpA8Ki4uFqfC3X6466rJCOHcpGoOB-5XYv7JZ_hPVuOrwcyOIZxlCn5tVUhCf5XdExzId/w400-h225/3266.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"A bad kid... the way they made me."</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><i> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber rolls her eyes, groaning, “those toilets are obscene. If men can’t find the decency to clean up after themselves, they’re not allowed in here anymore.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Amber?!” Vanessa gasps, “how long have you been here? When’d you even get back?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Not long.” Brushing off her query, Amber removes her jacket and throws it over her shoulder for Vanessa to catch. She quickly stows it in under the counter, unable to contain her shock with her mouth agape. Emilia wears a similar expression; blush spreads across her cheeks as she gets the bigger picture.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Under her jacket, Amber has a leather vest with a black laced corset underneath. Her stockings, the lace cuff barely visible above her boots, are attached with straps running down both sides of her legs. She walks over to Emilia. Stopping a few feet away, her hand rests on her hip. Emilia gulps but quickly regains control of herself. “You heard everything?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah.” She then smiles and reaches over to pat her twice on the shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. It’s not like you’re the first sob story to come in here.” Amber turns her back and makes her way to the stage. In the meantime, everyone within earshot is treated to a speech she’d give hundreds of times. A rock instrumental accompanies her. The chords shift and the overall intensity builds as a result.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I hear it all the time. When we can’t meet the needs of others, it’s always our fault. We let them down. We’re blind to their flaws. To see that we deserve better than what they put us through.” She casts a soft glance of sympathy toward Vanessa, who looks away. Emilia observes this and shifts her gaze back to Amber. The energy in the room changes as her words hit home and become more personal. “We bring ourselves down because we don’t meet the expectations of the other people in our lives. Well, I’ve got news for you. That’s their problem, not yours.” Without making the cognitive decision to do so, Emilia nods. Her eyes cloud with tears, which clear as soon as she blinks and short streams trickle down her cheeks.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Satisfied with her point firmly made, Amber smirks and flips her hair. She takes a stick of gum out of her breast pocket and chews it until she blows a bubble the size of a baseball before popping it and pulling it back inside. Mid-chew, she says, “let me show you how it’s done.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The volume of the music goes up as Amber dives into the box of props. Vocals come into play, all of which relate back to Amber’s speech. How people are assigned meager roles by the people around them and their true selves are never allowed room to shine. Two choices are left to everyone. Either you can surrender to those expectations or rise above them.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After several moments of rummaging, Amber emerges holding two batons. She takes center stage, clenching one in each hand as she shuffles left to right for a spicy salsa. The volume decreases as she adds, “me, I’ve always been the bad kid. The girl everyone made narrow minded judgements about the moment they met her. Fearing I’d lead the innocent down the wrong path. Thinking I only put myself first.” Arms crossed over her chest, she spins in a circle and comes down on one knee. She pops another bubble; in the same breath, she flicks the switches on the batons to activate their LED lights. Two red rings on each side pulse in a pattern similar to a turn signal- innermost first, outermost next, both go off, then start the sequence again.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The music builds back up. Amber rises to her feet and winks in Emilia’s direction. In a dizzying display, Amber uses every trick in her arsenal. She throws the batons in the air, spinning them in opposite directions and catching them behind her back. Positioning her arms at three and seven o’clock, she spins one leg in a circle over her head, rotating the baton at seven while keeping the one at three stationary. Then pulling both in tight with her arms crossed, she spins around twice and stops on a dime to raise her right hand in the air. For every trick, Emilia and Vanessa hoot and whistle. When all was said and done, ravenous but appreciative applause erupts from both of them. <br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Wiping the sweat off her brow, Amber folds her gum back into its foil wrapper and replaces it in her pocket. She slogs over to the bar and throws down the remaining margarita as if it was just a tequila shot. Amber smiles through her gasps. “I’m not proud of how I obtained the funds to buy and restore this place but, in the end,, it was worth it.” After taking an extra moment to catch her breath, she addresses Emilia, “it took a lot of guts to do what you did tonight, kid. Be proud of that.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, I took the first step and left him. But I don’t know where to even begin… where do I go from here?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“A good friend of mine took me under her wing when I had nothing and taught me everything she knows. In her memory, I want to be that person for others.” Briefly, she catches Vanessa’s eye and points, “after this, I’m not taking in any more strays, got that? Any girls that come through here, we make them feel like they’ve got a safe place to call home, give them the tools they need to thrive and send them on their way. Understood?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Fighting not to crack a smile, Vanessa nods. “Got it, patrons are ok but no more roommates.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Good. Besides,” she wraps an arm around Emilia, “this one’s special and we gotta start her off right.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Together, all three clean up the place and the scene fades to black as they exit stage left. <br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The lights come back up one last time and the story finishes on the street view, Amber’s bar in the far distance. There is no more dialogue. Only synchronized footwork to the last song. It’s a celebration of many things. Womanhood, taking control of your own destiny, new beginnings. The possibilities are endless.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Similar to Emilia’s solo performance, a multitude of dance styles are on display and bleed seamlessly into each other. The verses alternate between cha-cha and salsa, swaying hips and legs back and forth as well as side to side. The pre chorus, all three shuffle upstage with samba walks. Then for the chorus, the rapid-fire kicks of jive for Amber and Vanessa in the back and step dance with a little balletic flair from Emilia, commanding front center stage effortlessly.<br /> As suddenly as the number begins, it also ends. A velvet curtain falls on the scene, drawing everything to a close.</i><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Well,” Talia finally said after Scarlet communicated that she’d finished, “that’s quite a story, I must say. But will it really be exactly like that?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“The introduction number was a little too ambitious with the little time we had. Our last show was almost a month ago. Alejandro made adjustments where he could but even with his budgeting skills, he can only do so much. Amber did one last job to finance the show and that covered all the expenses plus the month we lost. At the very least, we’ll break even this year. If everything went perfectly, we have a good chance of coming out ahead.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She raised a slight eyebrow. “I assume all those tricks were well rehearsed, then?”<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Exhaustively. And there wouldn’t be actual alcohol in the drinks for the show. Of everyone</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">, Emilia worked the hardest to show Amber she could rely on her for future projects.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Right…” Talia picked herself off the ground and dusted herself off. “Thank you for telling me everything.” She had her hand on the doorknob to her bedroom when she asked, “where would you have fit into this?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I honestly don’t know.” She shook her head, half exhausted, half wistful. “Possibly some time before Amber makes her grand entrance. My idea probably would’ve made more sense for an encore…” At the reminder of where she’d been that night and where she currently wasn’t, she gulped and her grip on the toilet seat tightened. “I should be there now…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What about Ruby? If she wasn’t part of the show, as Amber wanted it, how she’s spending the night?” “No idea. I left so suddenly. I think I told her to watch the rest of the showcase in my place and to meet me at Calypso afterwards.”</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Music:<br />"Bad Kids" and "Scheibe" by Lady Gaga</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">...if I'm being honest, "Bad Kids" didn't come out quite as good as I hoped it would. I knew for years it was the song I wanted to use for Amber's solo. But I could never get a visual together that would translate into words. All I could think was some sort of music video with tight synchronized choreography a number of female artists would put on MTV, whether it was Madonna, Pat Benatar or Gaga. </span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-57596072393038109872024-01-10T17:18:00.000-08:002024-01-10T17:18:56.930-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 39- Love and Revenge<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQc3jRkVd2f3t94yBe3HSMZ69ae4SUwqkbMIsZC367bsPqFa1LTr5Kt1wbSvhkY-v7IXydtSH4WHquuzEQNiG-FnUL20drccgf2wQF1jSLnaDRTJhLFpOLvj2SFRnUVB3zKBTH6fvsqekNUNf2NwQCck-ViIikeUB0B3qhT3ii2PZme4TM4z_W_Gdby7-/s1280/3265.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQc3jRkVd2f3t94yBe3HSMZ69ae4SUwqkbMIsZC367bsPqFa1LTr5Kt1wbSvhkY-v7IXydtSH4WHquuzEQNiG-FnUL20drccgf2wQF1jSLnaDRTJhLFpOLvj2SFRnUVB3zKBTH6fvsqekNUNf2NwQCck-ViIikeUB0B3qhT3ii2PZme4TM4z_W_Gdby7-/w400-h225/3265.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I want your revenge..."</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><i><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Inside the bar are three different set pieces. To the far left, there is a small elevated stage with a microphone stand. A jukebox and a box at least three feet tall overflowing with various props and paraphernalia for open mic nights lay just to the left of them. On the opposite side, the three large signs hanging above the well-stocked bar make a big first impression on Emilia. Between the one declaring that women drink at deep discount prices and the other two listing daily specials with a peculiar theme (Maneater Mojito, Manicure Margarita, etc.), she knows she’d found the solace she craved. The doors to the restrooms are situated in the middle. A pair of angel wings are painted above the ladies’ room. Meanwhile, on the men’s side, a dartboard hangs just below the lettering.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The six stools at the bar are empty, but she isn’t alone. Wearing a black dress ornate with fringe crisscrossing from her collarbone to her hips, Vanessa is keeping busy behind the counter. She selects one of the tequila bottles off the top shelf and throws it behind her. Quickly, she reaches behind her back with her left hand and grabs it. Emilia gasps, holding her heart, and exhales with relief. With a wink, Vanessa throws the bottle up again. It makes two revolutions before landing upside down in her grasp. She loads one generous pour into a shaker and slides it to the opposite end of the counter. Next, she grabs the triple sec, having it perform a cartwheel behind her back, before pouring half the amount into the shaker. Finally, she removes a bottle of lime juice from the mini fridge under the bar. On the beat, she shakes it three times into the shaker and stows it back underneath. Vanessa emerges with three margarita glasses and places them in a pyramid formation. After shaking the cocktail shaker furiously for 10 seconds, she pours its contents into the top glass and the overflow fills the two beneath it. Gingerly, Vanessa removes the top glass and slides it over to Emilia. She takes a quick sip from one of the remaining glasses before vaulting over the counter onto the main floor.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa sashays her hips side to side, the fringe swaying at twice the speed, as she comes forward. Planting her feet, she snaps her fingers three times, each snap occurring at a different coordinate as she draws a giant Z across her body with her hand. Keeping one eye on Vanessa, marveling at her every move, Emilia reaches to sample her drink. She coughs, the drink a little too potent for her palette, and slides it away. Vanessa offers a sympathetic shrug but continues about her business.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The next stage is curiouser than the last. Vanessa reaches behind the counter and comes out with six darts, a thumbtack and a piece of paper riddled with pinholes. She attaches the paper, featuring a picture of a young man with dark hair, thick eyebrows, a big smile over a goatee and his arms crossed over his chest, to the center of the dartboard. Emilia attempts another sip, almost choking with surprise when Vanessa throws her darts. The first lands in the guy’s forehead, followed by one in each arm. In quick succession, she throws the remaining three below the belt in close proximity. Mouthing ‘wow,’ Emilia takes a gulp and clears her throat to force the margarita down. She grins in spite of herself.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa disappears into the ladies’ room, returning a short moment later pulling a massive clothes rack behind her. Emilia cranes her neck for a better look; her eyes expand with astonishment. Negligees, corsets and every article of lingerie under the sun in a multitude of colors occupy every hanger. Choosing one at random, Vanessa hangs one of the articles over her front and shows it off like a model on a catwalk. She turns back around and does the same with a second. The number closes with another dance break, but with added conviction. Her sultry samba walks meld perfectly with the quickness of her cha-cha laden footwork. <br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia reaches into her wallet and pulls out a few bills but Vanessa waves it away. “That’s not necessary. The drinks are on me tonight.” She grabs a rag from the bucket under the counter and cleans off the surface.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Thanks. Nice place you got here.” Emilia gazes around the room to take in the decor. The picture pinned to the dartboard has long rips running down the length of it from the excessive abuse.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh no, it’s not mine. I’m just looking after it for a friend while she’s out of town.” She wrings out the rag and throws it over her shoulder into the sink. “So what’s your story?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“There isn’t much of one to tell.” Emilia cups her glass with both hands.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Please,” Vanessa rolls her eyes with a playful smile, “you reek of lighter fluid. There’s gotta be a story to go with it… it’s at your discretion of course. That’s the rule of thumb around here.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia chokes down another sip and pushes her glass to the side. Folding her hands while leaning her elbows over the edge of the counter, she explains, “I dropped out of school and ran away with my boyfriend. He promised he’d take care of me so I’d never have to work a day in my life. I found today that the jerk was cheating on me!” She passes the back of her hand across her eyes but her anger bubbles over like lava. “With MY best friend. We were engaged. Then the wedding invitations we ordered came today and it had her name on them. Everything I had saved from our time together, it’s nothing but ashes now. All that’s left behind is the ring.” She reaches over for another healthy gulp and shoves the glass further away from herself.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Whoa, hang on, you set your whole house on fire over this loser?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What? No, it’s all in a trash can down the alley from here.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Ok, good.” Vanessa pats her chest to steady her accelerated heartbeat. “I was about to say I wish I was that badass when I left my disaster of a relationship behind.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>For a brief moment, Vanessa disappears into the ladies’ room and comes out with an 18x24 cork board. The top of it read ‘wall of shame’. “If you have a picture of the bastard in your wallet, you can add it here.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What is all this?” Emilia marvels.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It’s become a growing tradition around here. All the women who come through here with a story of heartache and betrayal contribute to the wall.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“So what’s the story behind yours?” Emilia asks as she pins a picture of the two of them next to the man from the dartboard.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Let me show you.” Vanessa takes the rag she threw in the sink and wipes the makeup off the right side of her face. The area below her right eye still has remnants of black and blue from a shiner. Emilia covers her mouth to stifle a gasp.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa shrugs and lays the cork board on the bar in one fluid motion. “And that little fashion show catwalk I was doing… that’s how he always got me to take him back. Gift me the frilliest lacy lingerie and bam! I’m back in his bed like the whole thing never happened. But the next time he doesn’t come home to a clean house with dinner already made for him, or worse, he gets jealous when he catches me talking to another guy, it happens all over again.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“If it’s over, why are you still holding onto all that?” Emilia asks as Vanessa crosses the room to put the cork board back in its proper place.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Lingerie with this quality? It’d be a crime to throw away but I see your point.” After going into the ladies’ room and coming back out empty handed, she adds, “After my friend convinced me to leave his sorry ass, I swore I’d never be anyone’s Cinderella again.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Amen to that!” Emilia runs over to the microphone on the other side of the room and declares, “this next song goes out to our exes…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa finishes her sentence, raising her glass up high, “Without whom, neither of us would be here together tonight.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia searches the jukebox for the perfect song. Meanwhile, Vanessa dives into the box of props for the perfect accompaniment. She emerges with a bandanna tied around her head and an old broom missing several of its bristles. Peeking over, Emilia’s jaw drops. “There’s so much in there.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, another part of the tradition here. For anyone who’s interested, we have everything they need to roast their exes.” Emilia digs her own bandanna out of the box and ties it up tight. “Ok, I’m ready whenever you are.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia takes the mic and Vanessa takes the floor for the first verse. She diligently sweeps the dirt in front of her, wiping the sweat off her brow. But as the narrative of the song shifts away from being an agreeable lover, Vanessa spins the broom with the same dexterity she demonstrated earlier with the liquor bottles. The broom soon drops to the floor and Vanessa shifts her rapid-fire footwork directly on top of it. Observing this, a grin creeps across Emilia’s face as the perfect idea for her own solo materializes.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The girls cross paths, exchanging a high five before switching places. Holding onto the ends of her bandanna with both hands, Emilia feigns innocence and forgiveness with a doe-eyed gaze. It isn’t long before she throws her headwear to the ground and stomps on it. Jumping over the broom, she tap dances vigorously like she’s celebrating over someone’s grave. Vanessa steps away from the microphone, clapping and cheering her on.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>For the big finish, Emilia and Vanessa come to the center of floor together. They synchronize their steps, first with cha-cha, followed by tap and jive. They complement one other like partners who’d known each other for years. But slowly, the euphoria wears off and Emilia runs back to the bar. Leaning over the side, her tight grasp bleaches her knuckles and she gasps to catch her breath. Vanessa shuts off the music and rushes over to comfort her.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What’s wrong?” She rubs her back.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Between sobs, Emilia says, “this is the most fun I’ve had in ages. But sooner or later, I have to face reality. I burned all my bridges and I have nowhere to go. I barely have enough money for a month’s worth of rent.”<br /><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>“Don’t worry, we’ll figure something out.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“If my parents find out what happened, I’ll never hear the end of it. They told me going with him was a mistake.” She wipes her eyes and spins back around. “I used to be their perfect little girl. Now I’m just a big joke.” <br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Excuse me, but that’s bullshit...” Slowly, billows of white smoke seep from under the bathroom doors. A guitar revs somewhere in the background. Wearing a chained leather jacket and thigh high boots on skinny six-inch heels, Amber shoves her way through the door on the men’s side. </i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>***</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Music: <br />"Bad Romance" and "Judas" by Lady Gaga</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">...originally, I meant for this show to completely revolve around Gaga's "Born this Way" album. But things evolve over time as they tend to do. <br />These two songs always felt kinda similar to me in terms of structure so I thought it'd be cool to put them together. Plus, "Judas" is my favorite off the album so I was hoping to integrate it in this somewhere.</span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-35670199227363762024-01-09T13:55:00.000-08:002024-01-09T13:55:12.491-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 38- Meet me in a Safe Place<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRVt1bzUse2q0SDCIMKzoMYSnmSS_UkHuxqZ2M5udQ_M53Uq7LureJR7cAYtqbv75JRL0bNcfr1JZXbV2RD1WIicuBLiAtr4LTYdp9jGHsGkd8beN4alBjOx4UiRg-_8Z9g-e5eL0_rHVqVZiS4bDCmXrkHTmosmxq6_sAYEfdxt9YV7BzpAssxR0JpA2/s1280/3263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRVt1bzUse2q0SDCIMKzoMYSnmSS_UkHuxqZ2M5udQ_M53Uq7LureJR7cAYtqbv75JRL0bNcfr1JZXbV2RD1WIicuBLiAtr4LTYdp9jGHsGkd8beN4alBjOx4UiRg-_8Z9g-e5eL0_rHVqVZiS4bDCmXrkHTmosmxq6_sAYEfdxt9YV7BzpAssxR0JpA2/w400-h225/3263.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">"I won't deal with your lies anymore..."<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br />(Note: The narrative in the following chapters derive from Scarlet’s imagination unless stated otherwise)<br /> <br /><br /> <i> </i><i><span> </span><span> </span>As an electric guitar revs in the background, the three bedrooms of the three main characters come into view. On stage left, Vanessa urgently rummages through her closet and dresser to pack away as many of her belongings as she can fit into a large brown suitcase. At center stage, Amber sits at her desk scribbling a ballpoint pen across a sheet of paper. Then stage right, Emilia meticulously removes photos from an album, throwing some to the floor with more fury than others.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber has full control of the spotlight when the song officially begins. The scratching of her pen matches the song’s tempo with remarkable precision. Amber’s letter, as it turns out, is an invitation to Vanessa. An invitation to escape an abusive relationship and stay with her. The next four lines serve as a call and response. On lines one and three, Amber instructs everyone in earshot to follow her lead. Then on two and four, the light around her dims and illuminates Emilia and Vanessa, voicing their reply verbally and through mirrored crisscross footwork.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>A knock on the door startles Vanessa, prompting her to move faster. She reviews the address on Amber’s letter and slips it into her bra before climbing out her window onto the fire escape. Amber opens her closet, revealing multiple black dresses and tops with a wide range of leather boots lining the floor. She spends the remainder of the scene deciding what to wear before making her own departure.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Finally, the spotlight gives its full attention to Emilia. She smashes multiple picture frames and loads a cardboard box with items that had sentimental value at one time. Everything from ticket stubs to photo-booth keepsakes to lingerie and stockings. Her phone rings multiple times. She glares in its direction but otherwise refuses to acknowledge it. Church bells peal in the song’s final moments. She opens her closet. Its only occupant: a wedding dress tatted like a doily around the neck and sleeves. She stares it for a few seconds before cramming it into the box. The last thing to go is an engagement ring. She rips it off her finger and drops it onto her bed. Box under her arm, she exits, slamming the door closed behind her.</i><br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hold on, hold on…” Talia demanded, ejecting Scarlet from her train of thought. “Emilia was engaged? She never told me this.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet rolled her eyes. “Yeah I said that too and I’m sure she’d say this to you as well. You never asked!“ She quickly discovered she’d pushed herself too far and reached back over the toilet. Only dry heaves came out. Once everything relaxed again, she explained, “she also said on multiple occasions how you decided what role you wanted her to play without asking.” The stunned expression on Talia’s face, eyes staring into space and mouth hanging open, was almost hilarious. She inhaled, ready to add a follow up question with a sense of urgency but Scarlet cut her off. “She’s still a virgin. Actually, that’s one of the key reasons why things didn’t work out between her and her boyfriend. She wanted to wait and he couldn’t.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh…” Talia nodded, letting this revelation sink in. Then her mind quickly went in a different direction. “So Amber makes herself into the hero that saves everyone? Creating the sirens when I was the one…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Let me tell the story and you can decide that for yourself later.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Did she explain her role to the rest of you? Is there any truth behind it or is this another act?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet shrugged. “Amber never explains the reasons for the things she does. All I know for sure is that she wanted us to feel comfortable enough to tell our own stories. Show a vulnerable side the audience has never seen before… can I continue without interruption?” She heaved one more before Talia gave her a go-ahead nod.<br /><br /><i><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia finally answers her ringing phone as she enters an empty alleyway. Its only two occupants are a metal trash can and a flickering streetlamp. Gingerly, she lays her phone down on the lid of the trash can. With a flick of her wrist, her white babydoll dress with black trim transforms into a black dress with white trim. The song serving as her counterstrike blasts through the speakers. Her lips sneering with defiance, all of the words she’d held back through the course of the relationship pour out of her in a steady stream of catharsis.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>At the same time, her footwork tells a different story. She executes each movement with meaningful precision, all while maintaining a sense of grace and beauty. Various techniques of ballet, stepdance, tap, jive, and contemporary blend together seamlessly into one unique style. And thanks to her quickness and cleverness, no two sequences are identical. With pointed toes and bended knees, she sways from side to side. Sometimes she completes the sequence with a flurry of taps. Others, she flicks her kicks outward and spins like a top into a dazzling pirouette. For the transitions in between, she leaps into a split jump, flipping forward or from one side to another. Her flexibility, whether in her jumps or her turns, is perhaps the most awe-inspiring aspect of the spectacle.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She picks her phone up in one hand while the other transfers the contents of her box into the trashcan. The fury within her grows hotter with each passing second. Once the box is emptied, two items remain: a matchbox and a bottle of lighter fluid. She douses the open trash can, strikes a match and flicks it inside. Just as the contents inside burst into flame and the lightbulb in the streetlamp finally bursts, Emilia shuts her flip phone and declares, “I am so done!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After the flames die, leaving only ashes in their wake, Emilia’s expression slowly shifts from triumph to panic. She takes a step back and gasps, “oh god what have I done?” Pressing a hand to her forehead, she paces back and forth. “What do I do now? I don’t have anywhere to go. I can’t go home. Mom and dad told me what a big mistake this was, just running off with him and getting married. Even if I begged, they’d never take me back. ‘You made the bed, you have to sleep in it,’ they’d say. ‘Being impulsive is going to get you into trouble someday.’”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia reaches into her purse, fanning open all of the money in her possession. “Not enough to pay for rent but it’s at least enough for a drink. After that, I’ll figure out what my next move is going to be.” She puts her cash away and smooths the wrinkles out of her dress. “I just wish there was a sign, something to tell me I didn’t make a huge mistake.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Slowly as she departs the alleyway, a new melody begins echoing through the air. Emilia follows the sound, her stride quickening with a resurgence of anticipation, and stops as soon as she uncovers its source. Her jaw drops. “It’s beautiful…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The building at end of the main drag combines elements of old and new architecture. The wooden facade has an awning held up by pillars on either side. In the open area beneath, there is room enough for two rocking chairs or a pair of bar tables with accompanying stools. The whole structure, painted a pale bluish-green, looks like it was lifted from the reenactment of a Wild West shootout— except in pristine condition. The rest of the building behind it is more modern with 21st century brick and concrete giving it additional integrity. Stretching across the oval roof sitting atop the awning, a neon sign with bright red lettering reads “Aphrodite’s Sanctuary.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As Emilia makes her way toward it, the music crescendos and everything else fades to black as the ongoing scene transitions to the next.</i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>***</i><br />Music: <br />"Electric Chapel" by Lady Gaga (opening sequence)<br /><span> -the setup would be similar to something you'd see on "Glee" or MTV back in the day</span><br /><br />"I'm so Done" by Alexis Grace (Emilia's solo)<br /><span> -a unique fusion of ballet, jive and Irish step dance. Some of the moves in my head, I saw years ago from an Irish dancer on a competition show "World of Dance" that featured Michael Flately and other dancers from around the world as judges<br /></span><span> </span>-the music video for this song is on YouTube. It's nothing like the vision I developed in my head but the idea of it was really fascinating. Alexis (who left American Idol in 9th place in season 8- WAY too soon) is in two roles where she plays the good girl and the bad girl. <br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-29130885806990284602024-01-08T17:37:00.000-08:002024-01-08T17:37:06.466-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 37- Accepting Your Phantoms<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /> <br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet kept her promise. She told her sister she’d be performing in her first solo when Calypso reopened to the public and showed off the dress Vanessa designed for her. It was black, decked out with rhinestones, and had a skirt, layered like rose petals, running just short of her knees. What made it extra special: thin ribbons of LED lights sewn into the fabric. The palm sized battery pack controlling them, which clipped to the dress’s belt, had switches that changed their color as well as how frequently they flashed. While Scarlet disclosed the idea Emilia had for a future twin routine, for which they would need to dye their hair to an identical auburn, she gave away no further detail regarding the show that was right around the corner.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Ruby respected this pretense of maintaining secrecy, but she’d had the pieces put together long before her sister’s return. Amber was getting what she’d always wanted— one night at Calypso without her so-called interference—and she was giving it to her. She was done with the constant bickering and decided to accept what fate had in store for her.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She’d never admit it to anyone but in times like this, Ruby was jealous of her sister. Even when they were in school, Scarlet was the one everyone wanted to hang out with. Her face was always marked with an infectious smile that drew boys and girls to her like moths to a flame. On the other end of the spectrum, Ruby carried herself with a quiet confidence but lacked her sister’s personable disposition. Working at the strip club helped liberate the extrovert that slept below the surface. In a bizarrely twisted way, the years of abuse at the hands of her father helped make up for the years Scarlet’s shadow left her lonely. Yet despite these feelings, Ruby would gladly lay down her life to ensure their father never hurt Scarlet again. She accepted her lot in life and the accompanying pain without hesitation; Scarlet suffered worse because that choice was made without her consent.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Finally, after three solid weeks of brainstorming, rehearsing and tweaking, the big night arrived. However, it came with a last-minute snag. Javier kept Scarlet in the loop about the band’s upcoming showcase for a group of top record executives. Both, as it turned out, were set for the same time slot on the same night and neither could be rescheduled. The executives had an opening in their schedule that night and the next chance they’d be available was long after the end of the summer season. Amber was adamant that their show had to be on the date she’d chosen months earlier; the reasoning behind it, she disclosed to no one.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After Scarlet finished explaining her dilemma, Amber pleasantly surprised her with her response. “Go to the showcase and support your boyfriend.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“But…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“We can handle things here no problem. And if it ends early, you can always swing by just in time for a last-minute encore.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Really?” She blushed. Overwhelmed, she hugged Amber with a resounding “thank you!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet spent so much time trapped in indecision over what to wear that she arrived at the showcase a few minutes late. All of the tables were pushed against the walls by the entrance. The only three chairs left on the floor were in a row five feet away from the stage. The two executives, both men in their mid-50s, sat at either side of La Scala’s owner.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet deduced that she’d missed the introductions and the band was midway through the first song. She kept her footfalls soft as she occupied the back-right corner of the room, which happened to be the exact spot Talia stood the night of the big breakup.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Turning her attention to the activity on stage, everything appeared to be exactly as she’d left it. Javier’s sleek smile still took her breath away and his tan skin had a warm inviting glow. Juan Paulo remained a confident front man, performing one of the many songs she’d heard dozens of times. It wasn’t until the second song that things took an unsettling turn. Phrases like “I’m getting over you” and “she’s a liar” had replaced the compliments that had come to him as easily as breathing.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The final straw was the return of the song she’d heard in its beginning stages the morning after the breakup, before her nightmare drove her from Javier’s bed to Amber’s couch. Her stomach churned with the anxiety that put ice in her veins. Just as quickly, the ice dissolved as a contemptuous fury consumed her. Her vision blurred as tears formed behind her eyes. Unable to withstand much more, she wiped her face with her arm and shoved her way through the doors. She rushed over to Talia’s building, calling her sister for a quick favor on the way.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Talia!” Scarlet pounded with rapid success. “Open up! We need to talk!” Instinctively, she grabbed the doorknob to throttle it. Quickly, she realized it was unlocked and wasted no time letting herself inside.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia, who jumped in response to the intrusion, sat in the middle of the sofa in the common room. On the coffee table, a freshly uncorked bottle of red wine and stem glass, filled almost to the brim, were her only company for the evening.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After taking this in, Scarlet muttered her comment with so much sarcasm that she surprised herself. Somehow, the amount of anger brewing inside her had grown so hot she’d lost all sense of discretion. “Pity party for one, huh, Talia?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia squinted as if she was looking at a creature with two heads but didn’t know which one to focus on. Maintaining her stance, she took a healthy sip of wine before speaking. “I’ve been away from Calypso longer than I thought. Which one are you again? Were you the one with red highlights or the blonde highlights?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet blushed bright red but remained firm. “It’s Scarlet. The solid hair color is just temporary. It’s for a new twin routine Emilia will be teaching us soon.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Emilia?” The glass in her hand shook so suddenly she lowered it to keep from spilling. Even a month later, she spoke that name with a sense of reverence.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, she had an idea for Amber’s show with a lot of costume changes. Both agreed it’d work better for us.”</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Clearing her throat and running her hands down her front to compose herself, Talia turned away. She crossed her ankles at an angle leaning away from Scarlet as she sipped her wine in silence. Her lashes were highlighted with mascara and her hair had the perfect amount of curl to it, but the way she carried herself told a different story.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, that’s right. Everyone has moved on just fine without you. JP is doing his audition for the executives tonight. He’s still hurting but at least he hasn’t given up on himself.” At the sound of his name, Talia choked on her wine and put down her glass as she coughed to clear her lungs. “I’m sure if Emilia wasn’t doing the show tonight and saw what I just came from, she’d say the same thing I’m thinking. You ruined him! You ruined him with your petty selfishness.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Through her peripherals, Talia observed as Scarlet began pacing the room. The vigor in her stride had her convinced she’d soon burn a hole through the floor. She’d witnessed similar tirades from Amber and most recently from Vanessa, but Scarlet was the last person she imagined seeing this way.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Want to know what the worst part about this is? What you did made me question my own judgement. I let my fears and stupid nightmares get between me and Javi. We were so happy and I finally let my guard down for him. But I’m still that frightened girl that ran out of their father’s house at 15.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet reached down and inhaled the remaining contents of the lone wine glass. “I don’t know why I even came here to tell you all this. Amber’s show is tonight. Her and Emilia and Vanessa are waiting for me and I’m not about to let them down like…” Suddenly, Scarlet’s stomach gurgled in response to the wine and she reached her mouth in what felt like slow motion. “Oh god…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Quickly as she could, she shuffled her ankle boots across the floor until she reached the bathroom. The next several minutes were spent hovering over the toilet bowl, purging herself of the wine and what was left of her lunch from hours earlier. As she caught her breath, Talia walked over and reached to rub her back. Scarlet jerked away. “Don’t touch me!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m sorry…” She sat down and backed away until her back rested against the bathroom wall furthest from her.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Once she regained herself, Scarlet rummaged through the vanity for a spare cup and swished some mouthwash around before spitting it into the sink. She flushed and gasped the thoughts reeling in her head into reality. “I thought all these unsettled stomach issues were just nerves… maybe I’m coming down with something.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It’s ok if you need to stay for a while. Nobody else will be coming. I only got the wine in case Vanessa and Emilia come back here and they want to celebrate a job well done.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet raised an eyebrow. “And Amber? She may have given herself a supporting role, but this show started with her idea.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You’re right.” She chuckled in spite of herself, “that will take a little getting used to. Amber being in charge of a whole production. Of course, she left Ruby out of it on purpose.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Well, my sister really doesn’t feel like fighting with her anymore. So many times she’d bent over backwards to get on her good side. The only thing she hadn’t tried was just staying out of her way. It may not make sense in your mind but it’s kinda freeing not trying to control everything.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia nodded but added no further comment. Instead, she redirected. “How are you feeling?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet shut her eyes, concentrating on keeping her breaths even. “As long as I can keep myself distracted, I might be able to get through this.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Tell me about the show. Knowing Amber, it’s sure to be a spectacle.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It is but in a different way from what you’re probably thinking.” Her lips curled into a smile and she recalled the production as if it was a movie playing inside her mind.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">No specific songs come to mind, but the chapter title is a play on a band name. "Phantoms" is actually the album title and Acceptance was the band.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">During one of my recent listens, I imagined these songs as a breakup album Juan Paulo wrote after Talia broke up with him. Just for fun. He's prolific but not at this particular level. The phrases mentioned in the band section did come from "Take Cover" and "Getting over you" but they're generic enough they could come from songs elsewhere. <br /></span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-34947067100520809762024-01-07T12:21:00.000-08:002024-01-07T12:21:18.897-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 36- Praying to Live Free<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUUSKENNNKKg5HDjeuBeV866ko-_gwC1f4xVq4phsBgFpeNSTrVNDjrKR_Yb48A6uINjBbcXWML-53xnLaorTCDgAifrovlNw7BKFX0Kb15Ji93QBvkM-Z2HTiIB_dB5AEEIQbzumGJrwJdOx-XORV54Y-W5jWJKgf5anyYmh9gxRnRx3QFJFbyZhbMrD/s1280/3258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUUSKENNNKKg5HDjeuBeV866ko-_gwC1f4xVq4phsBgFpeNSTrVNDjrKR_Yb48A6uINjBbcXWML-53xnLaorTCDgAifrovlNw7BKFX0Kb15Ji93QBvkM-Z2HTiIB_dB5AEEIQbzumGJrwJdOx-XORV54Y-W5jWJKgf5anyYmh9gxRnRx3QFJFbyZhbMrD/w400-h225/3258.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Scarlet's living her best life</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa returned to Calypso the following day. Alejandro brought her up to speed the moment she arrived. “Good to see you, Vanessa. Amber messaged to let me know she’d be late. It sounds like Emilia’s routine is coming together really well.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“That’s good…” She sighed as she laid her purse and her elbows down on the counter.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Before the silence between them grew too awkward, he addressed the elephant in the room, “So, how is she? Still not talking to you?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah… the good news is that the flow of random strangers has stopped. It’s just been her and Carlos for the past day. He hasn’t given me much to go on but at least he’s someone I know we can trust in case something comes up.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He nodded thoughtfully. “He is a good man… one of my uncles’ oldest friends. If they weren’t so busy with ongoing meetings… well, they’d be grateful someone like him was looking out for her in their place.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“They can’t postpone just to check on her?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Not with these meetings… they focus on the next five years of business and possible personnel changes to go along with that.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Noticing how Vanessa’s lips pursed with interest, he quickly steered the conversation back to Talia before further questions arose. No matter whose perspective it came from, it wasn’t his story to tell. “I’m assuming there is some bad news as well.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa hissed to express her discomfort, “Well… whatever plan she had to keep herself numb to her feelings, she had to put it on pause. At least until the pain resides.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Pain?” Alejandro gasped, but before he could ask further, she clarified, “monthly women’s pains.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh…” Realizing he was blushing, he quickly cleared his throat and excused himself before returning to the office.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa leaned forward, sighing again as she recalled the state of things before she left. Through the course of the night, Talia’s cries of pain had woken her up multiple times. Then while she gathered her things before leaving, whispering from two distinct voices were barely audible through her walls. One was decidedly downhearted while the other tried its best to be optimistic.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As a courtesy, Vanessa knocked to inform the others. “Hey Talia? I’m leaving now for rehearsal. I know you’re still mad at me but if you need anything, I can pick something up on the way home.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The door opened slowly, her heart skipping in response. It sunk when Carlos was the one peeking his head out the door. “I have everything handled, Vanessa. You have nothing to worry about.” He allowed her room for a proper glimpse. Talia deliberately avoided eye contact, staring at the floorboards. She was sitting up in bed, her bent legs still covered with a layer of blankets, with her arms wrapped around her knees. A white cord, to what Vanessa could only guess was a heating pad, stretched from under the blanket covering her stomach to the nearest outlet. Even without makeup and her hair in slight disarray, Talia still radiated beauty. But her self-confidence was so diminished, the signature aura that dazzled all who laid eyes on her was all but gone.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Ok, thank you…” Carlos walked her to the door, assuring her in passing her he’d help in every way he can. It was his way of repaying Talia for her assistance with his “performance issues” two months ago.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">*<span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Calypso saw a whirlwind of activity over the next several days. Amber and Emilia were nearly inseparable as they played different ideas off each other for the show. There would be three different sets: the back alley where Emilia did the opening number, the interior of a club where the bulk of the story took place and an exterior street view for Amber’s solo and the grand finale. As they experimented with different songs for various sequences, Amber said more than once how she wished they had a full script to set this show apart but wasn’t having any luck. A day or two later, Emilia came to rehearsal with three notebook pages full of ideas. While her character arc was completely fleshed out, she was unsure about the others.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“If the others just speak from experience and improvise, there’s a lot of potential for encore presentations. It would be a slightly different show every night. I also thought it’d be cool if we played off each other… not just attacking our exes but showing how we’re a group of friends that lift each other up.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“So, kinda like a ‘sisters before misters’ type of thing?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia screwed up her face, somewhat confused, “I’ve never heard that phrase before, but I can’t think of a better way to put Talia’s philosophy.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia’s name didn’t come up nearly as often as it used to, but when it did, an awkward silence filled the void until someone changed the subject.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Have you figured out your character yet, Amber?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I have the song picked but I’m still working out the minor details…” She eyed Scarlet over by the bar stools where she was having a spirited conversation with Vanessa.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Ever since her falling out with Talia, Vanessa’s face had gained a few wrinkles from excessive worrying. Scarlet was the only one who asked her for any updates, but with so little to report, both of them lost the desire to dwell on something that would only depress them.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Through her regular texts with Javier, she asked about Juan Paulo once every day. The only response he could muster was a variation of “he’s keeping himself busy with his music.” Beyond that, she regularly filled him in on the progress with Amber’s show. Her enthusiasm was so palpable, even in print, Javier encouraged her more than once to ask Amber if she could join in. Whether they were messaging for 10 minutes or 10 hours, Scarlet abruptly ended the exchange every time he brought this up. Vanessa didn’t think too much of this until one day when Scarlet rushed into the bathroom with her hand clutched over her mouth before she could complete her latest reply. She peered over at Javier’s last text, which read: <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You performed with me no problem</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>How hard can a solo be?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Amber really wants to work with you</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>She won’t say it but when she taught me that dance I could tell she did it to make sure you were happy</i></div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa started toward the bathroom when a startling realization made her take pause. For the first time in several days, the stage was completely silent. Amber was next to the stereo console, her pointer finger firmly on the pause button. Emilia asked Vanessa, clutching her fist to her chest, “is everything ok?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa opened her mouth to answer but Amber quickly stepped in, “no… it’s not. I should’ve known this wasn’t going to be a perfect solution.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa studied the knowing glint in her eyes and asked, “what do you mean?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I thought Scarlet would feel better if she stayed in touch with Javier even if it was just texting. I think we’re at a point where that isn’t working anymore.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I don’t understand,” Emilia shook her head, “I’d been at your place almost every night and she seems fine to me.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah but after you leave, she chooses that exact moment to stop texting him and call it a night.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Unbelievable…” Emilia groaned, “I thought we were finally at a point where we can talk to each other about everything.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa rubbed her shoulder. “You need to remember, Emilia… Scarlet has been through much more than most other people can begin to imagine. My abusive relationship with Richie was child’s play compared to how she and Ruby grew up.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber turned her head down, rubbing her own arm out of nervousness. Emilia tilted her head for a better look, just barely able to notice the blush that colored her cheeks.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What are you thinking, Amber?” Emilia asked. Vanessa held her breath, anticipating a comment about her own past. Even though she was the only one privy to Amber’s former identity, she still kept the full extent of her past under lock and key. Ultimately, she was disappointed, but not wholly surprised, about her pivoting in a different direction.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“As much as I want to blame Talia for Scarlet not getting the chance to work through her pain, we don’t have any time to waste on that.” When she finally resumed eye contact both of them, Amber’s face was marked, not with smugness, but with sympathy, catching them completely off guard. “As much as this show needs another role, Scarlet might need the opportunity more.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa added, “Just going off this last text exchange with Javier, she’s still struggling with the idea of leading a solo. That might be what’s really upsetting her.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Almost on cue, their conversation was interrupted by a toilet flush from the ladies’ room. While Scarlet run the taps, Amber quickly delegated, “I think I have an idea that might work. Emilia, we’re going to do something a little different tomorrow. We’ll need to arrive here a little earlier to get everything set up.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Sure, I can do that.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Vanessa, I need you to come by my place so you can be there when Scarlet wakes up. I’ll text you when we have everything set over here and you can come on by.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Sure…” She studied her face and, again, tried to discern the glint in her eye. Even though working with Emilia had made Amber more of an open book than she used to be, she still hadn’t lost that flair for unpredictability.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">*<span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The nervous excitement Vanessa and Scarlet felt on their way to Calypso the following morning evaporated into awe the moment they walked through the doors. With a little help from Alejandro, Emilia and Amber transformed the stage into a catwalk. Spotlights lined both sides of the foldout walkway. At center stage, a microphone stood lonely, eagerly waiting to be wielded.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet thoughtfully paced the room, taking in every detail for several minutes until she was able to compose a coherent thought. “So, what’s all this?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber replied, “we’d been working hard for a while. I thought it’d be good to take a day off to let loose and have a little fun.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You know, Amber, you could’ve just come to karaoke with us all those times I asked you. You didn’t have to do all this.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Actually,” she stepped forward to partially close the gap between them and handed her a CD case, “I’m not doing this for me. You get to choose the first song.” Scarlet studied the cover art and immediately recognized it as the music for Amber’s soon-to-be theme night. “By now, you should be familiar. Which of these is speaking to you right now?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Really, Amber, you’ve done more than enough for me lately. You don’t…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa interrupted, finally finding her voice, “come on, Scarlet. What have you got to lose?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet turned to Emilia and saw an equally encouraging smile.<br /><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>“Ok, fine. One song.” She handed the CD back to Amber. “Track 6.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Smiling with her lips but otherwise keeping the rest of her face neutral, Amber responded, “coming right up.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The song began as a sad ballad. The narrative brought Scarlet back to the first time her father snuck into her room in the middle of the night to cut her hair short. A sob lingered in her throat from the memory of him saying “now none of the boys will look at you the same way again” as well as numerous times she lied to her friends about “forgetting” to take out her gum before bed.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The tears streaming down Scarlet’s cheeks soon dried up as her voice slowly gained strength and resolve. After the first chorus came and went, the ballad transformed into an up-tempo empowerment anthem. She removed the microphone from its podium. As if possessed by the music, she strutted down the runway with reckless abandon. Her legs automatically performed her signature “blink or you’ll miss them” cha-cha steps. The biggest surprise, however, was the killer stare in her eyes. The other girls looked at each other, mouthing “wow” before returning their full attention back to the catwalk.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber bit her lip, strategically covering her mouth with one hand to hide her smile. Not only did the music work its magic for Scarlet as it had for her on numerous occasions, she found herself tripping through a daydream. She imagined how this number would fit in the context of her show. Scarlet would start singing in the shadows of stage right and the spotlight slowly illuminated her figure. She pictured her as she was the day she arrived: fishnet stockings full of holes, eyes bleeding mascara, skirt torn at the hemline. Then when the dramatic change occurred, lights would flash rapidly as she did a quick costume change. Once the lights settled down, she’d be at center stage in a gorgeous black dress ending in a mullet skirt accented with matching lace. She’d wear a wig of long flowing hair and parade herself with unshakable confidence.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The other numbers they had planned for the show so far flashed before her eyes but sprinkled between every other instance was Emilia’s original idea. While her song choice didn’t work for the show, the quick-change motif had a lot of potential to create some incredible show-stopping moments.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Amber? Hey Amber!” She shook her head out of the fantasy, discovering that Scarlet was calling her name. “I asked how you liked it. That was ok, right?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah,” she quickly cleared her throat and paced while maintaining perfect eye contact, “that was more than ok. You’ve never looked better.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa interceded, “you looked like you were thinking hard about something. What’s on your mind?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She held her right pointer finger out in front of her and waved it a couple times as she gave an abridged version of her epiphany. Omitting her thoughts on Scarlet’s wardrobe, she explained Emilia’s quick change idea and how it could be used to distinguish between the performance numbers and everything else in between them.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia’s mouth hung open, her face aglow with joy that her first idea still had a use for the show. But after Amber finished, she added, “That sounds amazing… but I don’t think it’d be a good idea to use it too much. If every number used a quick change, the audience will learn to expect it and it’ll stop being a surprise after a while.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hmm… I think you might be right. Less is more, after all.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The rest of the day was spent holding a marathon brainstorming session. The tracklist was narrowed down to six songs- a solo for each of them, a duet between Emilia and Vanessa and a large group number as its conclusion. The quick change would be reserved for Emilia to open the show with a bang and the epic finale. Scarlet asked where her number would fit in and Amber assured her there was plenty of room for flexibility. “It could be halfway through the show or it could be an encore at the end.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia and Vanessa supported this but were sure to remind her they’d still love her even if she got cold feet at the last minute. She acknowledged them with a gracious nod but spent nearly every minute since watching Amber as her head teemed with too many questions to count.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Before turning in for that night, Scarlet finally asked, “hey Amber, how is it that you know me so well but we never spent more than five minutes in the same room together?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She rested her back against her bedroom’s archway and crossed her arms securely under her chest. “I’m not sure what you mean by that.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“That whole story you pictured for me in the show… that was the exact image in my head. Except for the costume change. That’d be a little much.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Right. Look,” she stared at her feet hoping to gather her thoughts and edit them so she wouldn’t give herself away completely, “just because I focus on myself all the time doesn’t mean I’m blind to what everyone else is doing. I’ve overheard enough conversations you’ve had with the others even I know your backstory by heart.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>A nervous laugh escaped Scarlet before she regained control of herself. “I’ve told a lot of people, haven’t I? At least it gives them a little comfort that they didn’t have it as bad as I did.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“That still doesn’t make happen what happened to you ok.” Noticing the slight break in Amber’s tone, Scarlet refocused her eye line on her. Amber kept her deeper emotions hidden without exerting any effort but felt comfortable enough to offer a rare compliment. “You are the nicest person I know. The fact you started out in such a horrible place while still having generosity and compassion in your heart, I admire that more than I can…” She turned away to wipe away her tears.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Are you ok?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah,” she cleared her throat again, still fidgeting, “old demons …”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Will you tell me about them sometime? I promise it’ll stay just between us.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber took an extra moment to make sure she was composed before looking back in her direction. Her tentativeness put Scarlet on edge and the longer it went on, the more she doubted this conversation’s future. For a brief moment, she asked herself if she truly believed sleeping on Amber’s couch for the last few weeks was going to change anything. “Sure…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What?” Scarlet gasped, “really?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“After we put on the show, I promise I’ll tell you everything.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>What happened next took both of them equally by surprise. Scarlet threw her arms around Amber for a hug. “It means so much that you’re trusting me like this.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>So many thoughts ran through Amber’s head and none of them came out. She’d wanted this for such a long time and at long last, it felt everything she’d prayed for was finally coming true.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Before they left for their separate corners, Scarlet announced that she was ready to move back in with her sister tomorrow while swearing to keep a tight lid on what they were working on.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber nodded. “Thank you. I mean, no offense, but the only way I want to see Ruby anywhere near this show is in the audience.”</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Music: "Hair" by Lady Gaga</span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-88720957557146984532024-01-06T16:44:00.000-08:002024-01-06T16:44:03.225-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 35- Starstruck<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wThyphenhypheneU7xQt9Lsy3cUYZvt9ovFKUHxM3LPeVo9f3qBA6AuT5Tp2UCXdQ8vs01_eQf9EGMDiBatglu5wIvG6DJjuBjTYOGjonTRCbR2QeHNC5JGn4M-aBj4sLAX2PxrKpwnVeGB54RMHtp5uKsAMWscGZqsCZHuKPbAtUc5JKnxb-ceUCD2txUnQqCExqd/s1280/3255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wThyphenhypheneU7xQt9Lsy3cUYZvt9ovFKUHxM3LPeVo9f3qBA6AuT5Tp2UCXdQ8vs01_eQf9EGMDiBatglu5wIvG6DJjuBjTYOGjonTRCbR2QeHNC5JGn4M-aBj4sLAX2PxrKpwnVeGB54RMHtp5uKsAMWscGZqsCZHuKPbAtUc5JKnxb-ceUCD2txUnQqCExqd/w400-h225/3255.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This scene doesn't take place in the dark...<br />but this looked too cool not to use for the screenshot</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After Emilia’s departure, Amber spent the next several minutes readying the stage for her own rehearsal. Emilia took her suitcase and clothes with her, leaving Amber to place everything else back in storage. While doing so, she deliberately kept her eyes on what she was doing. Alejandro’s smile moments earlier was fresh in her mind. It was hard not to consider the possibility he was still watching her. Her heart thudded in her chest and her palms started gathering beads of sweat. Despite this, she kept her hands and her breathing steady as to not give anything away.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She finally allowed herself a glance in his direction when she reached the final item (the partition) to remove from the stage. In predictable fashion, his eyes were firmly on his work arranging the bottles behind the bar. He’d moved some of the more expensive spirits into the back and replaced them with a legion of cheap flavored vodkas. She mumbled, “Of course”… before shutting herself inside the storage unit.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber rested her back against the wall and sighed heavily. It was extremely rare to be alone at Calypso with Alejandro. But as much as she wanted to tell him everything she’d held back over the years, she knew the timing wasn’t right. Through a series of texts, Vanessa had brought her up to speed regarding Talia and the current state of affairs. A lot of uncertainty about the club’s future hung in the balance and it was up to the rest of them to make sure things didn’t end up in shambles. Amber could only laugh at the irony. “If Talia did her job as our fearless leader, we wouldn’t have to question whether or not we can stand on our own without her.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Roughly 10 minutes later, Amber returned to center stage. The props she brought forward included a large pair of headphones and a makeshift DJ turntable. She was still figuring out the outfit for this particular number, so she just wore the black camisole, stilettos and tights from her duet with Vanessa. As she focused on what she needed to do, the echo of Alejandro’s feet up the steps made her heart skip a beat.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What’ve you got happening up here, Amber?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Coolly, she flipped her hair and walked past him to the stereo to set up her music. “A little idea I’d been brainstorming for my theme night… but I only have a vague idea of how this would fit into the storyline.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“So, what? You’re thinking of something like a play or a musical?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She sifted through the sleeve of CDs to keep her hands steady and her mind focused. “Something like that. The goal is that at the end of the night, the audience will learn something new about each of us they didn’t know before.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Ah, very nice. Do you mind giving me a little preview?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Her breath caught. She mentally berated herself into snapping out of it, but kept the façade intact. “Don’t you have paperwork or inventory to take care of?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m good for a little while. Besides, my eyes need something a little more interesting to look at than just numbers and labels.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber bit her lip but managed to hold back the growing blush in her cheeks in time to respond. “Sure, do what you want. Could you at least get off the stage so I can work?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Sure, can’t wait to see what’s next.” She met his gaze, which paired with another pleasant smile, before turning away and finishing her setup. Deep down, she wished she had something more concrete to show off for Alejandro but she wasn’t about to let this opportunity go to waste.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>To kick it off, she strutted back toward the turntable with the slightest bit of wiggle in her hips. Once behind the table, she mimed some record scratches while holding the headphones to her ear with the opposite hand. One of the verses in the song rattle through terminology any DJ worth their salt would know. All the while, the lines dripped with cheesy innuendos. For the chorus, she broke away and brought out her inner sex kitten with lots of shimmies and hair flips. She kept an allure in her eyes and her lips locked into a flirtatious smile.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Meanwhile, the back of her mind tripped through a series of fantasies before settling on the one that had become her favorite as of late. She imagined being on stage alone with Alejandro with only a single spotlight above them for a light source. He was sitting in the café chair from her routine with Vanessa. At one point, she sits across his lap and gives him the sexiest lap dance a person could manage while keeping sex barely out of reach. His eyes and smile would marvel at the beauty of her curves and his hands would slowly reach out to wrap around her ribs. In her chats with Vanessa, she revealed how fantasizing helped keep her sane as the siren lifestyle wore on her more over the years. She never went into full detail on what they were about. She only revealed how they helped her cope on the nights she dreaded going to work and thanks to the blindfold, her clients were none the wiser that her attention wasn’t fully with them.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>By the time Amber willed herself back into reality, the song had reached its end. She spied Alejandro over by the stereo hitting the stop button before the album progressed to the next song. Her heart sank when she realized not an ounce of excitement registered on his face. In fact, he seemed hesitant as he approached her. Was it concern or disapproval? Neither option was particularly appealing. As he inhaled to speak, she answered for him, “Let me guess… you didn’t like it?” She swallowed upon recognizing the smallest break in her voice.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He’d clearly noticed because his facial features softened in an effort to cushion the blow. “It’s not that I didn’t like it. I just don’t think this sort of thing is you.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She rolled her eyes yet the amount of disdain she’d normally give was half its typical intensity. “It’d be good enough if it was Talia, but not for me…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hold on, that’s not what I mean. Here…” He jumped off the stage and brought one of the chairs from the main floor up with him.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>A glimpse of the fantasy flashed through Amber’s subconscious before she shoved it into the back of her mind. Over and over, she lectured herself, “knock it off, you have to hold yourself together.” Clarity of mind resumed, but with each passing second, she feared her façade was fading away.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Sit down for a minute and catch your breath.” Amber wordlessly obeyed. By a stroke of luck, Alejandro took the reins of the conversation so all she had to do was nod. As he spoke, he paced back and forth with his hands folded behind his back while occasionally making eye contact with her. This new dynamic was similar to that of a teacher meeting with a student after class to explain how they weren’t living up to their potential. “This has nothing to do with Talia, I promise. This is about how you want to present yourself. What I just saw, I’m sure I’d seen half a dozen times before. I thought the whole point of this thing was to stretch into new territory. Give the audience something they hadn’t seen before.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She stared down at the ground. “This is why it’s so frustrating spending so much time in other peoples’ shadows. It makes you forget what you want for yourself."<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Sounds like something you and Emilia have in common. She’s told me time and again that she feels like the little sister everyone feels the need to protect. What about you?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber caught his eye then, noticing a slight raise of the eyebrow. “What?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What do you feel is your role in the group?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Besides always being second best?” She scoffed. She stood up and walked to the opposite side of the stage. Her arms crossed around her chest, a little tighter than she typically would to keep her composure. “Since the day I got here, I’ve always felt like an outsider. The bad girl.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hmm… now that’s the kind of routine I’d like to see from you.” She faced him again. That wonderful smile of his was back. Amber felt her chest swell up with warmth, but again managed to keep her true emotions from reaching her eyes.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>By the time Alejandro helped Amber move all of her props back into storage, it was a quarter past one. It was the first day in a long time she’d really enjoyed herself. She just had one pressing issue that needed to be resolved before she could continue forward.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some unfinished business from last night I need to take care of.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Unfinished…” He stuttered, “did everything not go well last night?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber couldn’t help rolling her eyes, but an odd playfulness came out of her as she reassured him, “keep your shirt on. it’s nothing I can’t handle on my own.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Well, would it be all right if I asked for a little more information? I already have enough on my mind to worry about. My imagination is the last thing I need to lose control of.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>A sarcastic laugh escaped Amber’s lips as she responded in her thoughts, ‘That makes two of us.’ Between Alejandro’s complexion and the beads of sweat forming above his brow, a familiar sight back when Calypso was on the brink of going under prior to Talia’s arrival, she took pity on him and offered as much as she could without revealing too much. For her sake and Scarlet’s. “I had to call my session short when Scarlet stopped by asking if she could spend the night.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Man,” he sighed, “I knew she was taking this thing with Talia hard, but I never thought…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Alejandro…” She interrupted, accentuating the seriousness in her tone.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Ok, I’ll let you finish.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“She’s ok. She just needs a little space to work through some things. You don’t have anything to worry about.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What makes you so sure? It isn’t as if you spend a lot of time together.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’d say you have to trust me but that might be asking too much. If you’d rather get the full story from her, go right ahead. But in case you’ve forgotten, Scarlet isn’t Talia. None of us are. She’s overcome many things and she’ll continue to do so.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Alejandro slowly picked his jaw off the floor and composed himself. “I believe you… that was a pretty nice thing for you to do.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Her lips curled into a crooked smile. “Tsk, tell me something I don’t know.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber spent her entire walk home on that single phone call. Her client was still a little put off by the interruption, but he calmed down when she explained the details. Except in emergencies, clients were bound by confidentiality, so she conveyed some extra details Alejandro didn’t get to hear. How Scarlet’s past was now affecting her present and she needed to sleep on someone’s couch to get her head straight. The contract was finalized just as her building came into view—with Scarlet standing out front with a suitcase.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber hissed and the voice on the other end called attention to it. “Tell you what… I’ll come to you. See you in 10.” She quickly hung up and trotted toward Scarlet. “Um… mind telling me what this is all about?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m sorry,” Scarlet bowed her head, “I know I should have run this by you before I did all this. I just thought I’d crash here for a few days while I figure things out.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber averted her gaze and let out a heavy sigh as her hands found their way to her hips. “Did you talk to Javier like I asked you to?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah. I mean, I texted him. He and Ruby are up to speed with everything.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Good…” Amber strode past her and opened the door for her. “I did say you’re welcome for as long as you need, and I hold myself to that. I just want to be sure I won’t have to worry about my door being broken down because nobody else knew where you were.” Scarlet bit her lip while Amber’s attention was elsewhere. After reading the note from that morning, she was able to recognize when Amber was using sarcasm to mask her true intentions. She may have been putting emphasis on how this would be an inconvenience, but the fact she didn’t immediately say no told her what she needed.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You might want to stay out of my room. It’s still a bit of a mess, but otherwise feel free to help yourself to all of the facilities. I have to go finish what I started from last night. Ugh,” she groaned as she went through her drawers to grab a few trinkets and ties, “I’m so glad this is the last time I’m doing this. I never thought I’d make another house call after what happened last time.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hey, wait…” Scarlet immediately abandoned her suitcase and ran after Amber, who was already halfway out the door. “Do you want me on standby as your wingman?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber whirled around. “What are you talking about?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It’s something I do with Ruby. I may not be in the apartment when she has someone over, but she asks me to have my phone nearby in case she needs assistance. She’s never had to use it, but I always insist on it. It’s the least I could do for everything you did for me last night.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber quickly turned away to hide her blush. “Ye…yeah, sure. I’ll probably be fine. I’ve had this one a few times before, but if it’ll make you feel better, sure.” With that said, she pushed herself forward before she could respond further with a “thank you.”<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber’s session went as planned. She even enjoyed herself despite the fact all of her limbs were restrained. The payout made the whole ordeal worth it. She called Scarlet to reassure her everything went fine. Once that was out of the way, she ran through her plans for the day with an amendment or two. “You’re on your own for lunch, but I can bring back dinner. Is there anything special you want?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“As long as it’s nothing spicy, I’m good with anything, thanks.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh, and Emilia is supposed to stop by later tonight. If I’m not back by then, accommodate her however she needs, even if it’s just giving her feedback.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Ok, ok, you got it. You’re really excited for this, aren’t you?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No offense, but any chance I get to do something that doesn’t involve your sister is exciting. Later.” She abruptly hung up then. The smile that stayed behind was impossible to shake off until she returned to Calypso. Part of her even wished it and her upbeat attitude could stay forever, but she knew they couldn’t. Not until she was absolutely ready.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Alejandro looked up when Amber reentered the building. He called over, “I got what I needed from Scarlet. The story checks out.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Great… now if you don’t mind, I have work to do.” She avoided his gaze when she said this, but she missed the knowing smirk he wore in doing so. Scarlet wasn’t the only person that day who found the secret code for her signature sarcasm. As the album played over the speakers, she laid on the stage on her stomach, her feet crossed in the air, as she jotted down notes. But while the ideas flowed seamlessly, the transitions proved elusive. Frustrated, she left without a word to Alejandro, who’d disappeared back into the office.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He did however leave a note at the bar reading: “Great job today. Looking forward to seeing more tomorrow. P.S. Emilia’s favorite is tandoori chicken from the Currying Favor food truck.” She rested her hand on her heart. Today felt like a dream and she hoped with everything in her that she wouldn’t wake up for a while.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Food in hand, she started the trip home. A few blocks away, she heard a vibration that built as she drew closer. It was obviously music, but typically Calypso was the only place where it played that loud. Her apartment came into view a minute later. Light peeked through the closed curtains. Her door was open by the smallest crack.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“That’s strange,” Amber wondered as she tiptoed closer, “why does this feel like a scene from a movie where all this anticipation builds up…” She slowly poked her head inside and she was stunned almost beyond description.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The music in question came from a stereo Emilia had brought over with an MP3 player nestled in its holder. In a flash, she did another costume change. This time, pulling two ribbons apart changed her schoolgirl uniform into her vest from the start of her previous routine. The whole set up was an even feistier version of the cheerleader routine, but Emilia took her notes about not smiling and embodying the essence of the song’s message. The chorus had footwork Amber could only describe as Riverdance meets Swan Lake, Irish step fused with ballet.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber stood in the doorway completely unnoticed for the entire song. She was tempted to interrupt somewhere to say that was good for now, but she honestly didn’t want it to end. So she waited until Scarlet turned off the stereo before she gave herself away with slow applause. “Now that’s more like it. I think we have our starting point.”</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Music: "Starstruck" by Lady Gaga (feat. Space Cowboy and Flo Rida)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span>-What took place in the fantasy sequence was my original plan for the scene. I decided maybe a year after I originally wrote it that it was the wrong move. It'd be way too forward for Amber's character to literally give Alejandro a lap dance- especially when she's biding her time to come forward about everything</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The song at the end of the chapter- that'll be a surprise. But it's from someone from American Idol I bought an EP from on iTunes.</span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-41214236328692796172024-01-05T19:35:00.000-08:002024-01-05T19:35:37.083-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 34- Picking up the Pieces<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqXaRur7niy1SRXdmZOsJeof_nKopx1Zhb3BSj6sXFiR9P4tZAntMZfDOKdsCMD8Sh5RgWw_9bAbil7PBvzzZ37C_voarJdjFWw2p2Aoi-VrDOjNcpqujwYLqvNMuXAPu7jz2OCbkDyMhW1pAmH6YgRfpbpoS5NTPm8gBThdm4UW_9cEJhH6P42-dyCjU/s1280/3227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqXaRur7niy1SRXdmZOsJeof_nKopx1Zhb3BSj6sXFiR9P4tZAntMZfDOKdsCMD8Sh5RgWw_9bAbil7PBvzzZ37C_voarJdjFWw2p2Aoi-VrDOjNcpqujwYLqvNMuXAPu7jz2OCbkDyMhW1pAmH6YgRfpbpoS5NTPm8gBThdm4UW_9cEJhH6P42-dyCjU/s320/3227.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"I can be good..."</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRg102xbzUNfq9EFUyKXLjhGbA0UxEfT8aLSvnoE3_RIis5KavJnFZhpxlOYJBlUYeZfnXIkNu0OuqScWeaL60X4tRCNTW1oHwTfujlSQQmruyGN6fltLwCdXChk00t496nECouw_maZX-VNW6LoU4nL6ExfFHB8nVGV4C__zs1B-SeBH300Ebwq_WVyBj/s1280/3228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRg102xbzUNfq9EFUyKXLjhGbA0UxEfT8aLSvnoE3_RIis5KavJnFZhpxlOYJBlUYeZfnXIkNu0OuqScWeaL60X4tRCNTW1oHwTfujlSQQmruyGN6fltLwCdXChk00t496nECouw_maZX-VNW6LoU4nL6ExfFHB8nVGV4C__zs1B-SeBH300Ebwq_WVyBj/s320/3228.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"...unless you wanna be bad."</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After several hours of dreamless sleep, Scarlet woke with a start around 9 o’clock the following morning. Several questions arose from her initial panic when it wasn’t immediately clear where she was and how she came to be there. She quickly reached for her phone on the nearby end table and the pieces slowly fit back into place. “Right… I’m on Amber’s couch because Javi…” The rims of her eyes itched with tears upon seeing “1 new voicemail” on the display along with 2 texts, the most recent one reading “text me if you need me, mi amor.” She wiped her eyes and the moisture that’d begun to accumulate under her nose. “He’s too good for me…”<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Not wasting another moment, she listened closely to the voicemail. “Hi Scarlet, I’m just calling to see you arrived home safe. Listen, if you don’t want to talk and just need time alone to think, that’s ok. Just promise me you’ll try to take care of yourself. I’m always here if you need me for anything. With love, your Javi.”</span></div></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />Again, Scarlet mumbled, “he really is too good for me. Maybe I should tell him everything’s ok.” But after going through all the steps to call him back, she stopped short of hitting ‘dial’. If she talked to him, it’d be difficult to keep from crying and she didn’t want him to see any more of that side of her. Texting, she decided, would be a lot easier. After all, that’s how their relationship started in the first place.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hi Javi- I’m fine.</i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Amber offered me a place to stay the night.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sorry for leaving so fast.</i></div></i><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>A few seconds of staring at her screen later, he replied.<br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Glad to hear you are all right</i></div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Once that was cleared up, she made several attempts to elaborate on her apology, but never successfully sent out an explanation. He finally messaged her back, apparently noticing that her typing was going nowhere fast. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You don’t have to worry about an apology.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I understood why you had to leave.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She swallowed back the lump in her throat and forced herself to send another response. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I don’t deserve you. But thank you. I’ll stay in touch.</i></div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She put down her phone on the coffee table and heaved an exhale as she bent in half. Things have become such a struggle and she was finally able to lighten the load off her shoulders. When she picked herself back up, she found a piece of paper on the table she’d completely missed.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The note read: <br /><br /><b>Scarlet, <br /><br />My casa is yours for as long as you need it. <br /><br />From Amber </b><br /><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>P.S.<br />Your boyfriend kept waking me up with his calls. You should let him know you got here all right. Just because Talia lets her past get in her way doesn’t mean you should too. <br /></b><br /> <br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hmm…” Scarlet studied the letter, somewhat bemused. “Amber’s comments almost sounded like friendly advice…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Her phone rang before she could think on it any further. It was her sister. “Hey Ruby…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Where the hell are you, Scarlet? Javi came by last night looking for you. He said you ran off and you weren’t picking up his calls. I tried you a bunch of times after he left, and you didn’t…” Ruby ran out of air mid-sentence and had to catch her breath.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet seized this opportunity to skim through her call history because her home screen had no mention of Ruby’s calls. Not including the call accompanied by the voicemail, there was a record of five missed calls after midnight, two from Javier and three from Ruby. A third call from Javier was accepted after a temporary break in the action. That conversation went on for exactly five minutes. Before she could compare the time stamps of his voicemail and the text she replied to, another text from Javier appeared and it gave Amber’s note context Scarlet hadn’t anticipated. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Tell Amber hi for me.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I feel like I still owe her for the Rumba routine she taught me the other day.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Of all our work on stage it’s the one I’m most proud of.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It showed the audience what I saw in you from the start.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Scarlet?!” Ruby shouted, trying to regain her sister’s attention. “Damn it, Scarlet, answer me! Are you ok?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Although her mind was still submerged in confusion, Scarlet recognized in the first few seconds of her answer that she was still stuck in a haze.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, yeah I’m ok… hang on, I’m on my way back.”<br /><div style="text-align: center;">*<span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After touching base with Amber, Emilia arrived at Calypso two days after their previous meeting with an old-fashioned tan suitcase by her side. She wore a white collared shirt with a navy vest and matching skirt. Her black ankle boots rested at the bottom of fishnet stockings. She swallowed hard before pushing the door open. Part of her expected Talia to be waiting for her and any hope of starting a new chapter immediately extinguished.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Once inside, that wound up not being the case. The only other soul in the building was Alejandro, sitting at his usual place behind the bar with ledgers spread out in front of him. However, in Talia’s stead lingered a sadness that made her absence more final than she’d anticipated.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hey Alejandro, do you need any help?” She asked as she approached the counter.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Emilia! It’s good to see you. No, I’m fine, thanks. It’s very sweet of you to offer… what do you have going on over here?” He pointed to the suitcase, his voice breaking with a newfound intrigue.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m going to show Amber what I’ve been working on and I wanted to come prepared.” After thinking for a moment, she added, “you don’t have any other props I could use by any chance?"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He quickly closed the books and locked them in the office. “Sure, tell me what you need and I’ll get it out of storage for you.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Are you sure it’s not too much trouble? You seem a little busy.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No problem at all. Besides, I’d been at work since sunrise. I could use the break anyway. So what should I look for?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia listed a handful of items as they walked side by side to the back storage unit. His eyes were red around the edges, so his previous statement hadn’t been an exaggeration. Despite this, his good-natured demeanor remained intact. “I’m sorry you have all this extra work to do…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Emilia, you don’t need to worry about me. All this is just part of the job. Vanessa already offered to help with the scheduling, so we’ll be fine.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Ok. I just don’t want you to feel like you have to lie to protect me.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Understood. That’s a promise.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The two of them emerged 10 minutes later with a hospital room partition, a small table to lay the suitcase open and a small easel with a dry erase board. As Alejandro helped her set everything in place, Emilia mentally recalled the part of her conversation with Amber involving Alejandro. As casual as she could manage, she asked, “So what’d you think of Amber’s show the other night? Maybe it’s because I’ve been doing a lot of the same routines at rehearsal lately, but it felt like the best thing I’d seen in a while.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I really don’t like last minute changes like that. Talia and Amber might enjoy the unpredictability. But as the Americans say, ‘it could turn into a logistical nightmare.’” Catching Emilia’s bewildered expression, he explained, “Sometimes you can’t help but overhear some of the conversations from the tourists that come in here.” Returning to her original question, he said, “It’s almost like… something about you being here brought out that spark in her. And a few weeks before that, when you did that number with the twins. You have that spark that makes everyone want to do better.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Except Talia… if what happened the other day is any indication, nothing I could do will ever change who she is.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Eh,” he playfully nudged her shoulder “I wouldn’t sell myself so short. You talked her into bringing me into a performance, remember? It may have been short-lived but at least it was something.” Just as quickly, his optimism dissipated. He stared into space with the kind of seriousness Emilia had only seen in him a couple times. “It’s a sad truth about life. As much as you wish people can change, they have to be the ones to make that choice.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia used the temporary silence to consider her new partnership with Amber, but also her perpetual refusal to work with Ruby despite the time they spent together. She paused halfway through scribbling her title on the dry erase board and thought aloud, “what if that happens with Amber? Will things be different with me and her than they are with her and the others?”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Nothing is for sure, Emilia. Personally, I’d stay out of the gossip. I’m sure you’ve heard rumors from the others but the important thing I want you to worry about is making your own choices. She has her relationship with the others and she’s wanted this partnership with you for a long time.” He looked up toward the entrance just as Amber arrived, the main door squeaking closed behind her.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>He smiled and raised a hand to wave hi to her. She quickly nodded when she met his eye, immediately turning her attention back to the vast display on stage. “I’ll just get out of your way then.” Alejandro hopped off stage. “Room’s all yours, Amber. I’ll be in the office if you need anything.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Sure, thanks.” Without another word, he crossed the room and promptly shut the office door behind him.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Loud enough for only herself to hear, Amber grumbled as she shook her head, “unbelievable… Talia’s out of the way and it’s still like she owns this place.” After that brief lapse, she composed herself as she approached. “How’s it going over there?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hey Amber!” While she put the finishing touches on her setup, Emilia unloaded every little idea about this routine that had accumulated in her brain over the past two days. “Just imagine a smoke machine going on the side of the stage and I emerge from the mist as the song kicks into gear. I was also thinking instead of a curtain, I’d come out of a magician’s box—dark blue but adorned with stars. The rest of the stuff here was all I could manage on short notice. I really want to start getting things together.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber’s eyes skimmed over the props present on stage. In addition to the curtain was a small table, which held an open suitcase full of clothes, and a large white board that read: “MAGIC SHOW! Starring…” in print. In script beneath, it read: “Whoever you want me to be.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Huh,” Amber mused with a smirk creeping on the right side of her face, “Such eagerness… sounds like this will be quite the show.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia began the music and immediately got into character. In the same three seconds it took Amber to recognize which song it was, she slowly covered her mouth with her right hand to hide her reaction. She’d only spent a few hours with Emilia in the time she’d known her, but she never imagined anything like this.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Despite the suggestive lyrics, the routine began innocently enough. Emilia employed all of the tricks she’d acquired from her jazz training. A lot of quick turns and spins. Leg extensions where her legs went up so high, the rest of her body had to lean at a 45-degree angle to keep its balance. Half the time, her fedora (bejeweled in a band around the middle) served as an extension of her lines and the other half, it was a prop she tossed in the air or rolled down her arm. Each time, she caught it long before there was any danger of it hitting the ground. All of this happened in the first 45 seconds and Amber marveled at every second.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Then things took an interesting turn. For a brief second, Emilia disappeared behind the partition and emerged in a form-fitting lacy white corset. She did another leg extension and a spin. During which, the top of her garment flopped away from her and a flicker of black was briefly visible under the bow. The lyrics dabbled back and forth through opposing phrases. Again, for a brief instant, Emilia went behind the curtain and emerged in something new. This time, it was a black flapper dress with a line of shimmering fringe draping from the bottom. More staccato jazz nuances followed. The only difference was the way Emilia batted her eyelashes and pursed her lips. Amber succeeded in keeping her face neutral as the performance continued. In the confines of her mind, meanwhile, a flurry of activity took place for the remainder of its duration.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Scarlet!” Ruby shot up from the sofa in the living quarters when her sister slipped inside their apartment.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Seeing Ruby’s anxious approach with arms open wide, Scarlet’s back hit the wall and she cringed into herself. “Please don’t…” Recognizing this guarded position from yesterday, Ruby immediately backed away. “I’m sorry. I’ve just been so worried…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I know… I just couldn’t come back here last night after…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What? What happened?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet quickly wiped her eyes in case the tears started coming up again. “I dreamt that he found me… Javi was lying in a pool of blood… it seemed so real.” She covered her mouth to muffle any screams that might come up. Instead, all she found was hyperventilating.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Maybe you should sit down before…” Ruby tried again to approach, but even slowing her pace wasn’t good enough.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Don’t tell me what I should do! Every time this happens, we go through the same thing and it never helps me. That’s another reason I went over to see Amber instead of coming back here.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You stayed over at Amber’s? Hey, wait…” Scarlet brushed past her so fast, it took a few extra seconds for it to register in her brain.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>To keep herself busy and out of her sister’s line of sight, Scarlet spent the next several minutes washing her face and rummaging through her clothes.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Ruby leaned against the door frame, slowly taking it all in. “Amber let you crash on her couch last night? That was nice of her… if it was me, she probably would’ve slammed the door in my face.” She didn’t know whether she meant that as a joke or a savage opinion; regardless of the motivation, Scarlet offered nothing in return. She redirected, “What are you going to do about Javi? I understand Talia ditching JP, but Javi has been really good to you. I don’t want to see you lose that because of our bastard of a father.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I know,” Scarlet exhaled, “I’m still figuring that out too. He did leave me a voicemail and a text… so I texted him back. We’re still going to stay in touch, but I don’t know if I can…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet stared down at the mass of clothes she’d piled on her bed and took a few deep breaths. Slowly, Ruby reached toward her arms and rubbed them to ease the shaking. “It’s ok… we can figure this out together.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet sniffled, swallowing back her tears. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, Ruby, but don’t you think we would’ve figured it out already if we could?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Ruby thought over what this implied and she didn’t like it any better than the current situation. But for her sister’s sake, she was willing to do anything to help. “I think it might be good for you to take a long hot shower. And if you still want to go through with whatever you’re thinking once you’re done, I’ll support you all the way. Even if it’s something I can’t be part of.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet spun around and hugged her sister tight. There was no verbal “thank you” but Ruby accepted it as a substitute. In one sweeping motion, Scarlet grabbed her towel and a change of clothes and disappeared into the bathroom.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>With a huge smile on her face, Emilia panted, “so, what’d you think?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The anticipation made Emilia’s entire body shake with excitement like an overzealous puppy. “How’d I do? Did you like it?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Trying to let her down easy, Amber let her trademark sarcasm take over as she came on stage, “Well, if your goal was to make something that’d make Talia freak out, I think you made your point. I swear, the two of you have this weird mother-daughter dynamic going on and this felt like a teenager getting back at their parents for not extending their curfew.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia ground her teeth. “You’re right. She’d never let me do anything like this. I just thought that’d be a fun showcase for your production.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, but…” Amber sighed, slowly crossing her arms, “what do you want people to know about you after watching this? The point of this show is for us to show who we really are. Just by watching this, I wouldn’t know who you are. This either says you are still trying to find yourself or you’re trying to be mysterious and trust me, you’re not seasoned enough to make mysterious work.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Ugh,” Emilia threw up her arms and started pacing. “Honestly, I thought this was the kind of thing you wanted. Between the lingerie and The Underground… I’m always doing what other people want, but they never want to hear what I want to say. Why did Talia hire me at all if I’m not allowed to have a voice?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber nodded, thoughtfully. “Trust me, I know it’s frustrating to have your creativity stifled.” She walked behind the partition, finding a tearaway of the vest and skirt from the first verse. The suitcase was full of different costumes, including a schoolgirl uniform and a sexy nurse’s outfit.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I figured I’d do different costumes every show to keep people on their toes.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I mean, it’s a cute idea, but I don’t think it’s the best thing for you. Maybe for Scarlet and Ruby… I set them up with a routine a little while ago, but I never imagined anything like this where they’re doing that whole Gemini thing.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Which one?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“The one with the jewel thieves.” Amber quickly turned the conversation around before follow-up questions arose. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. Not everyone gets it right the first few times. And just from watching your other routine with the twins, it’s clear they believe in your ideas. You’re not alone in this.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“So now what? What do you think I should do?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber raced over to the stereo and picked up the sleeve of CD’s on the nearby shelf. “We might need to start from scratch. If that album doesn’t work for you, we’ll have to find something else that will.” As Amber slowly flipped through pages, it didn’t take long for Emilia to realize some sleeves were empty. Each had a note stating the album title, artist and the track listing attached, but also had in bold lotters FOR AMBER’S USE ONLY- DO NOT TOUCH. Emilia looked at her with an inquisitive expression and Amber quickly added, “Talia has stolen some of my songs over the years. I finally decided to take back the music I’m super attached to so she doesn’t turn it into something so good anything I do will come up short. The alien routine I did the other night came about after she stole another song with the same idea behind it… it didn’t even work the way she wanted it. So, I lost that song for nothing.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia acknowledged her plight with a nod and they continued forward. She recognized the next two albums from her own collection. As she traced her fingers over them, Amber noted, “Vanessa wanted to use some of these for her birthday, so I left these for her.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I have these too, but I haven’t listened to them in years.” Her eyebrows crinkled for a moment before she said, “Track 2 on this one has an interesting title. I kinda wanna see what that one’s about.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber followed her line of sight and murmured, “Huh, not sure if I remember this one… sure, put it in and we’ll find out.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As Emilia set everything up, Amber’s chest swelled with warmth and she reached her heart to keep calm. Even if this was another mistake, she was ecstatic that her vision of working with Emilia was finally becoming a reality. The song began with a monologue, giving Emilia a little extra time to take center stage and revert her wardrobe to the white corset. She closed her eyes and let the music move her. Her arms spread apart, but there was very little movement below the waist. There was a bang-bang-bang just before the chorus hit and Emilia braced her right hip and shook it on the beat. Slow motion cha-cha followed and became the mainstay of the dance. The lyrics, astonishingly enough, fit Emilia’s life at Calypso and how everyone had been so overprotective.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Once the song ended, Amber clapped. Emilia blushed, rubbing her neck. “I mean, it’s probably not a good fit for the show but…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It’s a perfect fit for you. That’s good enough for now. After we’re done with all this, that’s the first thing we’ll work on.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“But we still don’t have a number for the show…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber started pacing, letting whatever came to mind be spoken. “I still think you need to do something that’ll endear you to the audience, give them something to root for. If there was maybe something like your cheerleader routine, but instead of playing the victim, you’re taking ownership of your life. I’m guessing it was about an ex-boyfriend?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, we were going to move in together. Then he found someone else. After I caught him cheating, he tried to win me back, but it was too late. I was so done with him at that point…” Suddenly, she gasped, “Oh my god, I think I have a song that’ll work. But it’s by an indie artist so…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“So what? Talia isn’t here to disapprove, is she? No, that’s exactly what we need to pump some new blood into this place.” She quickly checked the clock in the back of the room. It was well past noon by this point. “Tell you what. Tonight, we’ll listen together, and we’ll figure out the next step.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Cool, awesome!” Emilia rushed over and threw her arms around Amber. “Thank you.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber let her stay in the moment for a second before breaking her grip. “Yeah, ok, that’s enough touchy-feely stuff. I’ll see you later.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Ok, thanks again.” She gathered her articles of clothing back into the suitcase and ran down the steps. Halfway down the floor, she looked to her right, “see you tomorrow, Alejandro!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You too, Emilia. Glad it worked out for you today.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber froze and turned in the direction of his voice. It was hard to be sure from so far away, but it looked like he was smiling.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Music: </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />"Government Hooker" by Lady Gaga</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span>-I'd originally planned to use this song for Emilia's number in Amber's show and ultimately changed my mind. I couldn't in good conscience make it work for someone as young and inexperienced as she is. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> -Also, the whole idea of quick changing between outfits was loosely inspired by the movie "Chicago." Roxie always wore white and was the innocent girl. Velma was the one with the edge and wore a lot of black. Part of me can see them being two sides of the same coin. </span></span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>"Overprotected" by Britney Spears<br /><span> </span><span> -The paragraph in the story before this song is played was true. I picked up that album for the first time in years to play all the way through. I didn't remember anything about the song itself but the title sparked my interest. No joke- it was a perfect fit. I do something with it later in the story but I wish I did better. If only there was a way to download what I visualize in my head exactly as it is so other people could experience it with me.</span><br /></span></span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-4279110846927906922024-01-04T16:28:00.000-08:002024-01-04T16:28:27.621-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 33- Give Your Heart a Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmMph77Y0I7XGMhW5Ndygj-3l1yOsUCGz3hnpmjDrBgNiQTEF5iCDrg360zAHgwN9a3kSoicWHkajDbKNC_bExikVcbrCxCv3b35GlUyd6D9kGbSVRqvhDSdMhDcmDqm5VXDYsqNHGuTG9DzT6S-9qxtADSqyN47c-08I1X04FLcwlcGUfMYl81K-J14X/s1280/3252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmMph77Y0I7XGMhW5Ndygj-3l1yOsUCGz3hnpmjDrBgNiQTEF5iCDrg360zAHgwN9a3kSoicWHkajDbKNC_bExikVcbrCxCv3b35GlUyd6D9kGbSVRqvhDSdMhDcmDqm5VXDYsqNHGuTG9DzT6S-9qxtADSqyN47c-08I1X04FLcwlcGUfMYl81K-J14X/w400-h225/3252.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>It was still in the middle of the night, but Scarlet felt well rested when she awoke. It had been such a trying day and the security of being in a lover’s arms made it feel inconsequential.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She turned into Javier, stroking the bangs away from his forehead. He looked so serene and peaceful, just as she felt. But as those absentminded seconds turned into minutes, she realized something was out of place. There was no rise and fall in his chest. She blinked. Shakily reaching her hand over, she shook his shoulder. “Javi? Javi, wake up.” Her chest tightened; the warm feeling displaced by icicles forming in her veins. Her breathing became harsher with each failed attempt. “Javi, c’mon, wake up. Please wake up.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Your precious Javi can’t hear you now.” Scarlet’s throat had become so dry, she coughed after gasping in horror. Although it had been years, there was no mistaking him.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No… no… please.” Moving back as far as she could, the headboard left her with nowhere to go. Her vision blurred as she fought all temptation to look him in the eye. She thrust her hands over her face, scrunching her body into a ball, as the heavy footsteps raced towards her. His hand grabbed hers and she thrashed, fighting with all her strength to break loose. “No! Let me go!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Scarlet! Scarlet, wake up! You’re having a nightmare.” Her throat rasped painfully, thanks to the blood curdling scream that followed. “Scarlet, baby, it’s okay.” Javier carefully peeled her hands off her face. “I’m here. It’s okay.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Panting, Scarlet arched her neck to scan every angle of the room without turning the rest of her body. The door was closed. Nothing appeared to be out of place. Outside, nothing of consequence—just the usual street noise of chatter and rustling garbage bins. Scarlet managed a gulp, knowing she couldn’t avoid it anymore. She peeked through her eyelashes at Javier. Eyes wide with concern, he hesitantly reached a hand toward her back, which she immediately slapped away. “No, don’t touch me!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Okay,” he inched away as far as the bed’s width allowed. Scarlet hugged her bended knees to her chest. Not caring that she wasn’t alone, she allowed herself to break into a fit of hyperventilation while her body convulsed against her will. “Do you want to talk about it?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She gasped, tears starting to leak through the corners. “I really don’t. I thought… I thought I wasn’t going to have this happen anymore.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“When was the last time this happened? These night terrors about your father?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“A long time, I don’t even…” She shoved the covers off and jumped out of bed. “I have to go. He can’t find me here.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Why would he?” Her tone quickly changed from worried to paranoid. “Is he stalking you?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No,” she barely managed to zip herself back into her dress, shaking from head to toe, “Ruby said she took care of things, so he’d never come after us. But I saw him here just now. He killed you so he could have me to himself. It’s the only way he’d ever let it.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Scarlet, that was nothing but a dream. Please don’t go.” Seeing her go through the motions, refusing to look at him when she gathered her things, it hit him that she wasn’t going to listen. “At least let me walk you back home.” He put his jeans back on, leaving his shirt on the floor. Slowly, he caressed her cheek. “He really did a number on you, didn’t he?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She sniffled, a whine lingering in her throat, “You have no idea. The last time he raped me, the night Ruby helped get me out… he knocked me up. I lost the baby weeks later and I still hate myself for it. If he ever found out, he’d kill me.” She collapsed into Javier’s arms, sobbing. He tried again to wrap his arms around her and for a few seconds, he succeeded. “Don’t,” she pulled away, “please just leave me alone. I’m too broken. Nobody will ever love me.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I do, Scarlet. So much. It was your spirit that I fell in love with, not where you came from.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She nodded, but held fast to the decision she’d made, “I’m sorry, I have to go,” before shutting the door behind her. With so many flashes of her distant past coming back to her so quickly, Scarlet knew there was only one place she could go—somewhere that would never remind her of any of it.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">*<span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Standing at the ground floor of her complex, she took a deep breath, wiping away residual tears and rapped on the door. “Amber, it’s Scarlet! Please…” Before she could finish, a barrage of noise erupted from within, including a slamming door and the jingling of metal chains.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The door cracked open enough for Amber to peek around the corner, one door chain still in its stopper. Incredulous, she shifted her eyebrows. “What’s wrong?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Can I come in?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Regaining her composure, Amber said, “Hang on.” She turned her head around and the rest of her body followed suit. The door slammed shut. The last chain was undone and another door, most likely the bedroom door, slammed against a wall. Scarlet gasped, leaping backward when the entry door flung open and a tan-skinned man with stubble, likely in his early 40’s, stumbled out. Annoyance reflected in his eyes as he fumbled to pull up his zipper.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Come on,” Amber escorted Scarlet inside with a slight hand on her shoulder, hoping to distract her from her latest sex partner. She noticed not a moment later that Amber’s wrist still had handcuffs dangling off it.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m sorry if I came at a bad time,” she started as Amber made her take a seat on the common room sofa. She wrapped her robe around her body tight to keep her black lingerie from peeking through.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Not wasting any time, Amber demanded, “What did he do to you?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What did he do to you?” Amber crossed her arms. “If he hurt you, I swear I’ll kill him.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh, no,” Scarlet reached a hand toward her, “Javi didn’t hurt me. That’s where I came from, but this has nothing to do with him.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Then what is it? And why come here instead of back at your sister?” She still had her arms crossed, but she slackened her overall stance. Expecting Scarlet to look up from the ground in her direction, she averted her gaze to avoid locking eyes. Using her peripheral vision, however, she realized with the bottom falling out of her stomach that that wasn’t the case. Scarlet pulled her knees to her chest and hugged them, shaking. Sobbing soon followed.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It just feels like no matter how many years go by… or how far I run, I’m never going to get away from him.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Shit…” Amber cursed under her breath. Scarlet raised her head to find Amber staring off into the distance. “Hold on a minute.” She rushed into the other room and returned with a couple pillows and a heavy off-white blanket. “It’s not much, but they’re the best I can do on short notice.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Thank you.” She wiped her eyes as Amber draped the blanket over her shoulders. Meanwhile, she took a seat on the adjacent chair.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I guess you don’t want them to see you like this after all this time.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It’s the one place I know his memory can’t find me. Also, I don’t want to scare Emilia. She’d been through a lot lately and I don’t want to add to that.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yes, of course.” Amber nodded, staring at the ground with her hands knit together.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Are you going to take care of that?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Of what?” She looked up just enough to spy Scarlet pointing at her wrist with the handcuff still attached. “Oh, right.” She pulled a pin out from behind her ear and used it to jimmy open the lock.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Is this a normal thing for you?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m just too lazy to look for the key.” She caught the cuffs before they could hit the floor. “Do you need anything? Do you want to talk some more? Or something to drink?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I think I’m just going to get some rest… if the nightmares don’t come back and wake me again.” Scarlet added with a sigh, “I mean, I’d understand if you said no, but would you do me a huge favor? Stay up with me? At least until I fall asleep.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Taking a deep breath, Amber allowed herself a glance. Scarlet’s eyebrows arched upward, professing innocence. “I guess if it’ll make you feel better.” She shrugged it off with a monotone response. However, there was a completely different story unfolding on the inside once she moved her chair closer to Scarlet. On the one hand, she was so happy. She’d missed the days when she still went by the name of Carmen and Scarlet was her best friend. But at the same time, she hated that it could only be temporary and that it had to arise from such a terrible situation.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet’s shaking finally stopped when she drifted off to sleep and her breathing leveled off. Hesitantly, Amber reached over and rested a hand on the blanket covering Scarlet’s arm. If she noticed any difference, there was no indication, but considering how complicated her situation was, it was probably for the best Scarlet didn’t learn the truth just yet.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The chapter title derives from my favorite Demi Levato song but only because I was struggling for a title. <br />Too bad because it's a good song that would fit pretty well in the story. Maybe not for this character, though.</span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-90101627534888334702024-01-03T20:02:00.000-08:002024-01-03T20:02:17.887-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 32- Contingency Plans<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcoQ4pgxK3renXGE7CgphfxrVz-zancoluTmZU5ciGHrU1bDFhL8o7LeDDIYvdGD6cEUX3Q3IIyKWpVJj_45FyGGNf_EquM7Yb4yD0w_dS69MsYaF5gpAswp-DMOLRwtGKwQ0cEhs_M0S9VlyYPYepoN2dW_5p1uGo4dgN9E6iCoQBASQoKI5AP1lQjM9/s1280/3244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcoQ4pgxK3renXGE7CgphfxrVz-zancoluTmZU5ciGHrU1bDFhL8o7LeDDIYvdGD6cEUX3Q3IIyKWpVJj_45FyGGNf_EquM7Yb4yD0w_dS69MsYaF5gpAswp-DMOLRwtGKwQ0cEhs_M0S9VlyYPYepoN2dW_5p1uGo4dgN9E6iCoQBASQoKI5AP1lQjM9/w400-h225/3244.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet didn’t waste any time knocking. She pushed through the door Ruby left ajar in her distraction, nearly colliding with Talia’s latest conquest. A gasp involuntarily escaping her lips, she cringed into herself and stumbled to the side so he could pass. She didn’t get a proper look at him but his height and the amount of hair on his arms made her think of her father. An illusion she fought to extinguish.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Scarlet?” Ruby stood up to go to her, but Vanessa placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her. “What?” She murmured back to her, slightly annoyed.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Just give her a minute…” Vanessa reassured her. Ruby turned back toward her sister, seeing her countenance more clearly and reluctantly nodded. For several moments, Scarlet rubbed her arms as they crossed tightly around her ribs. She took a few deep breaths, each one feeling like an eternity, until her shaking ceased. After receiving a soothing pat from Vanessa, Ruby asked, “are you ok?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet nodded, slowly collecting herself. “I’m sorry, I thought he… you were right. I shouldn’t have come…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hang on, I’ll come with you. Call me if anything changes, Vanessa?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Sure, of course. Thanks for checking on us.” She offered a smile, but her tone was completely devoid of enthusiasm.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Suddenly, Alejandro came charging up the stairs, catching all of them off guard. “Where is she? In there?” His rhetorical query hung in the air as he raced down the hall and started pounding on the closed bedroom door. Out of nowhere, he kicked into a flurry of Spanish. Whether he was irate or highly concerned, no one had any clue, but they noticed one curious irregularity—he’d referred to her as “Natalia,” something only his uncles or her clients did. Vanessa warily faced the twins, pointing behind her back with her lips forming a question mark. Both of them shook their heads, equally as perplexed as she was.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Continuing on his dizzying tirade, Alejandro read off his phone as he scrolled through multiple screens. Supposedly, a few of Talia’s clients had contacted him and voiced various concerns, so this visit was a welfare check more than anything else.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>A menacing groan reverberated from inside the room. The door opened for half a second before slamming shut. Out of the temporary opening flew Talia’s bedside table lamp, which would have smacked Alejandro in the face if he hadn’t ducked. She spouted an array of obscenities in Spanish back at him. At one point, Vanessa gasped and covered her mouth, drawing glances from everyone else in the room. She bit her lip and clarified for the twins how it was essentially a threat of bodily harm to Alejandro that would permanently make bathroom functionality extra difficult for him. Her reaction made him roll his eyes and mumbled his reasoning behind the gesture to himself.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Rubbing the back of his neck and assessing the situation further, he took extra care with his phrasing as to not escalate the tension any further, “Ok, I will take care of Calypso for as long as you need the time away. And if I make any mistake, you can tell me about it later. Sound fair?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Her response was muffled, but she accepted his offer.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Just do me a favor and make sure you order in food every now and then. However you do that, I leave for you to decide. I brought you a little something for breakfast so if you just open up for a second…” In the chaos, the girls completely missed the fact he’d brought a takeout bag with him. He held it up to the door, being careful to stand far back for his own safety. Once again, the door opened for a split second. Her hand grabbed the straps of the bag and she hastily pulled it inside before shutting the door.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Alejandro exhaled and promptly brushed himself off. “And don’t leave your front door unlocked all night. Do what you want with your life, but that doesn’t mean it’s ok to risk everyone else’s lives with that type of carelessness.” More Spanish followed, but it appeared Talia had calmed down as well and agreed to Alejandro’s suggestions. The distinct squeak of mattress springs confirmed she’d settled back into bed.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Turning back toward the other three, he said, “let’s go. We need to work out a plan for the upcoming Calypso shows.” The response wasn’t immediate, so he introduced more sternness to his tone, “Now!” One by one, all of them agreed. He held the door for Ruby and Vanessa but noticed how Scarlet was still rooted in place. Her eyes lingered on the door, hoping to see Talia emerge despite knowing deep down it wasn’t going to happen today.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Scarlet?” He asked. She turned his way, quickly noticing his face had softened as much as his tone. “Come on, you can’t do any good here. Not when Talia isn’t ready to listen and face herself.” She nodded, unable to say a word, as she let Alejandro escort her and the others back to Calypso.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>When Scarlet returned to Calypso with her fellow sirens and Alejandro, the change in the atmosphere was immediately apparent. She’d been on the premises without Talia on numerous occasions, but the mere possibility of the club’s activities having to move forward without its leader sucked the air out of the building. Gauging everyone else’s pessimistic expressions, they were clearly experiencing similar feelings.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The three of them brought chairs out from the storage shed out back and arranged them in a semicircle in the middle of the floor. Alejandro leaned his back against the edge of the stage as he stood across from them. Ruby and Vanessa both offered to reach out to their contacts—Vanessa with her former dance students and Ruby with the other strippers from her father’s old joint— in case they needed more group numbers to fill the void left by Talia.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Through the course of the discussion, Scarlet stared out into space. Words and phrases flew in one ear. Her head buzzed with countless thoughts about her father and how his abuse had her convinced for years that she couldn’t love anyone, including herself. Then she met Talia, a person who’d suffered through hardship but refused to let it define them, and she believed for the first time she could put a lifetime of pain behind her. With Talia being bested by her personal demons, what was to stop the same thing from happening to her too?<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Alejandro thoughtfully nodded, considering the comments thus far, and suggested, “let’s do what we can with the dancers we already have before bringing in anyone new. Emilia already has enough to handle with Amber and whatever project she has up her sleeve.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The sound of Emilia’s name snapped Scarlet out of her daze. Her entire body let out a gasp before the air escaped her lips. “Wait, what about Emilia?” She turned toward her sister, her eyes wide with panic.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“That’s the other thing I was going to tell you over the phone… Emilia knows everything. And I do mean everything.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh God…” She slumped forward to bury her face in her hands. Ruby rubbed her back as she gave her the rundown of the previous night’s events. Vanessa filled in the blanks, eventually taking over for the journey to The Underground and the state of their apartment upon her return.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Once she was caught up, Scarlet paced the room in what felt like slow motion to those around her. She shut her eyes tight and focused on her breathing. Although riddled with angst, she found some of the details curious and didn’t hesitate to call attention to them. “So, you were the one who called Amber? Did she thank you?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Ruby shrugged. “In her own way. You know her.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Right… did Emilia seem like she was ready to quit if you hadn’t agreed to bring them together?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Honestly, I don’t know, but I wasn’t going to take that chance. Otherwise I’d never forgive myself.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“And this project Amber is working on, what do you know about it?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa interceded, “I know the music she has picked out for it but not much more than that. But now that she has Emilia like she’s always wanted, that’ll help boost her amount of creativity for sure.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Circling back to the task at hand, Alejandro concluded, “in the meantime, we still need to fill in the time in the schedule. I think Amber will want Emilia to focus on her thing, so she’ll have to stay out of the sets for a while.”<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> * <span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Despite the others’ reassurances, Scarlet found herself plagued with uncertainty for the remainder of the day. By the time she returned to Javier’s place, Juan Paulo had turned in for the night. Javier was vague about the details while the two of them rested together in bed, but it sounded like Juan Paulo spent much of the day working on the same song from that morning.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You’ll be moved with how much passion he brings to the ending but also… you can tell something’s broken inside him. It just isn’t the same like it was. And with the showcase coming up in a few weeks, this couldn’t have happened at a worse time.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What showcase?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“We got a call about it earlier today. Apparently, someone Natalia had connections with, they have roots in the music business and want to help us possibly cut an album.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Javi!” Scarlet beamed, “That’s amazing! You must be so excited.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yes. It would be amazing… if JP can get himself together in time… how’s Natalia? Did you get to talk to her?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No… I wanted to but everyone seems to think it wouldn’t do any good. Once Talia makes her mind about anything, there’s not much you can do. I really thought JP was making a lot of progress, but it ended the same just like it always does. Maybe it’s just impossible for people to change.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Javier rolled toward Scarlet and kissed her lips a couple times in an attempt to alleviate her mood. She kissed him back, but only halfheartedly. He leaned away, softly asking as he combed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “If you’re not up for it tonight, we can just sleep. Whatever you feel like doing.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No… no, I want to. I need some sort of distraction. It’s been a long day and I don’t want it to be a long night too.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Javier planted his lips on Scarlet’s neck, kissing repeatedly as he eased his way inside her. She gasped with pleasure before making a conscious decision to do so. Her arms reached around his back and she held on tight as his thrusts increased in momentum. Before long, she cried out in ecstasy and blood rushed to her head. The heat was so incredible her vision grew fuzzy and sleep came to her soon after.</span>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-81730630025323765372024-01-02T12:31:00.000-08:002024-01-02T12:31:08.846-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 31- Far from Ordinary<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOt832-NpvCigdklIrdpk8ytfLaswaIQWwUGHsG96ZEXGpFM8vQ792lO96s1tjECu_MiXsGDSMOQkwuRKox9VOJ_BcQvuffNRwkNZSiLmXENxJ8Ng-tT87F_QWrx2y6KaOH6M2qax4OfQACq-HqKsu4Wwk5zYOIxPPWQzGZwU6bZCFBE7OYDe6wSmsSFw/s1280/3250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOt832-NpvCigdklIrdpk8ytfLaswaIQWwUGHsG96ZEXGpFM8vQ792lO96s1tjECu_MiXsGDSMOQkwuRKox9VOJ_BcQvuffNRwkNZSiLmXENxJ8Ng-tT87F_QWrx2y6KaOH6M2qax4OfQACq-HqKsu4Wwk5zYOIxPPWQzGZwU6bZCFBE7OYDe6wSmsSFw/w400-h225/3250.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The fragments of sunlight peeking through the blinds woke Scarlet the following morning. She rolled over expecting to meet Javier for a kiss but found a sheet of paper in his place. The beautiful script read: “you looked so beautiful in your sleep it seemed a shame to wake you. Out rehearsing with JP. See you soon. With love, your Javi.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Aww,” she cooed as she held the note in front of her, “he’s so romantic. I don’t deserve him…” She didn’t have to steep herself in thought too long before dismissing her skepticism. She’d never felt happier or more complete than she had the past few days and she wouldn’t trade this time with him for anything.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As she readied herself to take on a promising new day, Scarlet perceived not one but two voices inside Juan Paulo’s bedroom. One started singing and she gasped. Since she began spending more time at the band’s rehearsals, she’d been treated to a new song from Juan Paulo nearly every morning upon her arrival. She could only shake her head, admiring how prolific he was, and wish she could one day bring the same dedication to her dancing.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As she inched her way down the hall to hear better, her cell phone rang. She hastily picked it up on the first ring as to not give herself away. “Ruby,” she whispered so harshly she was almost hissing, “could you call back later? JP and Javi are working out a new song and I want to hear it.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Scarlet, listen. You missed something major last night and I need you to…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Shh! I’m moving closer. You need to hear this too.” Ruby silently agreed and listened closely.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet slowly cracked the door open for a better look. Ocher streaks of sunlight produced an intriguing contrast with the oak furniture and pale-yellow walls. Javier sat on the edge of the bed, his hands folded on his lap and his head angled upward. It was when she panned over to Juan Paulo and noticed a distinct difference in his tone she realized something was wrong. He held his acoustic guitar across his lap and strummed it with the same fervor, but his eyes lacked focus. At first, they appeared to search for an answer he couldn’t find. As more lyrics came into being, it was clear he was the one who was lost.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You ran away, wish I could take back what I had to say. You were my sun, now all I have is rain. It was all for you…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scarlet covered her mouth to muffle an involuntary scream and staggered backwards, reaching for the other door to catch herself. After shutting the door, far louder than she’d intended, she half whined into the phone, “Ruby… she didn’t…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, she did.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I don’t understand. She came to our show last night and they left together. What could have happened?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What always happens, apparently… you weren’t expecting the four of you to exchange vows at a double wedding or anything, were you? I can see Emilia dreaming that up but not…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“No…” She fought to keep her voice as even as possible while fidgeting with the fringe at the bottom of her dress. In truth, the thought had occurred to her once or twice, but she never dwelled on it for too long. If she grew too attached to the idea, it’d be twice as devastating if it failed to manifest into reality.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After her sister had maintained her silence for over a minute, Ruby took a deep breath before continuing, “I hate to continue the bearing of bad news but there’s more.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“More?” Scarlet’s voice cracked. She rubbed her cheek to scratch a tickle when she noticed she’d started crying. “Where are you? I need to hear this in person.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m heading over to their place right now, but I’m not sure it’s a good idea for you to be there right now. Not if Vanessa was right about fearing the worst…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I don’t care! I can’t just sit here and do nothing.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>A sudden knock on the door nearly made her jump out of her skin.<br /><span> </span><span> </span>“Scarlet? Everything ok in there?” asked a concerned Javier, his voice muffled by the door separating them.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>It dawned on her that she’d completely forgot about whispering. She quickly ended the call, “I’ll be there in a minute,” before Javier opened the door.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Scarlet, what is it?” She turned away to wipe her eyes, but it was already too late. “Oh, I guess you heard…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, I need to see my sister for the rest of the details.” On her way out she stopped by the other room where Juan Paulo was still sitting at his desk with his guitar. “JP…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Hey Scarlet,” he purposely avoided her eye, pretending to tune his guitar to keep his hands occupied.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Is there anything I can do?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“It’s sweet of you to offer but no…” He picked up his head and leaned forward. “Emilia tried to help last night. But then I heard from her this morning and she apologized up and down about how she couldn’t.” He put on a brave smile but judging by his reddened eyes and dark rings under the lids, she didn’t quite believe him when he added, “I’ll be ok. This isn’t the first time my heart’s been ripped out of my chest.” She could only respond with a nod before exiting the house.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Ruby had just finished the call when she arrived at her destination. She took a deep breath, bracing for impact, as she banged on the door. “Talia, Vanessa, it’s Ruby. Open up!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Unsurprisingly, it was Vanessa who answered. She yawned, “Come in, Ruby. Feel free to make yourself comfortable because it might be a while… if she makes an appearance at all.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Ruby skimmed the place. Her purse leaned at an angle as she shifted her weight to one side. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I expected this to be a war zone. Were you up all night cleaning the mess?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“If I’m being honest,” she said as she had a seat on the sofa along the back wall, “I’m not quite sure what happened between midnight and when I got up this morning. There’s still scratches and dents in some of the walls, but the place is remarkably pristine compared to what it was.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Ruby sat on the cushion next to her and listened intently to her version of the fight she had with Talia. She nodded regularly and offered the occasional shrug; knowing Talia as she did, a tantrum wasn’t unexpected. She searched the room for any remaining shards of glass from the mirrors, but there were none. Both had been mysteriously replaced sometime in the early morning hours.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Oddly enough, the remaining evidence that would take more than elbow grease to erase made her think about her sister. More than a decade later, Scarlet still carried invisible scars from the atrocities their father did to her, and they always resurfaced in the form of nightmares. Since she met Javier, they’d gone into remission. She shared these thoughts with Vanessa once she came to the end of her recollections. “I really haven’t been Talia’s biggest fan these past few weeks, the way her personal drama has been impacting the rest of us. But now that I’m seeing all this, I can’t help wondering about the scars she’s been hiding under the surface. It’s enough to almost make me feel sorry for her. Maybe if she had a better way of dealing with her pain than taking it out on the rest of us, I’d be more sympathetic.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa stifled another yawn. “Believe me, she’s dealing with it. Kept me up half the night.” Almost on cue, ravenous cries of ecstasy pealed through the closed bedroom door. Ruby’s eyes widened as she panned between Vanessa and the door. Before she could formulate a question, Vanessa replied, “how everything got cleaned up so quickly, the only person who has that answer is Talia and I doubt she’ll be forthcoming with the logistics. Since our fight, she’s kicked into full Spanish while speaking with her ‘visitors,’ so she clearly wants to keep us in the dark.<span> </span><span> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span>“Yeah…” Ruby sighed, “times like this make me wish I knew the island’s native language better than I do. I think the only person at Calypso that does is Alejandro and he’s definitely the last person that needs to be brought into this situation.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Agreed…” Vanessa echoed the sigh. Images flashed in her head about the fights Talia’s had with Alejandro over the years and it made her shudder. If anything could be worse than what she’d recently witnessed, it’d be the end result of yet another attempt on Alejandro’s part to fix things.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Through the night, Talia reached deep into her black book in hopes of finding some measure of solace. Two months after that demoralizing night with Carlos, she once again found her thoughts dominated by regret and self-loathing. But since her sex drive has recovered its full stamina, she planned on using it to ease her mental anguish. Staggered apart at varying intervals of time, her “visitors” helped clear out some of the damage and tidy up the loft. In exchange, she performed whatever sexual favors they requested from her bag of tricks before parting ways.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>However, her ultimate goal for the unforeseeable future remained her own personal secret. She was too embarrassed to speak it aloud in any language. Even if she did, no one would understand it. Despite her past reservations, she accepted that Juan Paulo had been her best chance at happiness. If she ever found the nerve to apologize, she feared she’d done too much damage for him to forgive her. The only way she could conceive of fending off the pain she felt in her heart was to experience an instance of rapture so potent that she’d pass out shortly after. Not much different than an addict regularly dosing to maintain a long-lasting high, she wanted sex to be her gateway to a perpetual stupor. That way, she could sleep her life away until the hurting stopped. Even if it took forever for that goal to be realized, Talia was willing to pursue it.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">JP's song: "I did it for you" by David Cook<br />(The lyrics mentioned aren't identical to what's in the song, but it fits the melody playing in my head. There weren't many songs on that album I really liked- this one was easily my favorite, followed by the opening track, "Declaration," which I see as an album opener for the band in the story)</span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-19243708632235261132023-12-29T15:03:00.000-08:002023-12-29T15:03:31.957-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 30- Whistling a New Tune<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Whenever Talia had a huge fight with Alejandro, Vanessa would come back to find a dump sitting in place of their apartment. Condom wrappers and various unmentionables strewn around the sitting area and Talia’s bedroom. She’d be up half the night cleaning the mess while the bedroom door remained closed, cries and gasps on the other side so loud she had to crank up the volume on the stereo in her own room just to tune it out. Even when she was in disarray, Talia still carried on like she had control of her life.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa arrived back home a quarter to midnight to find Talia sitting in the middle of the living room sofa with destruction scattered all around her. The greatest casualties: the bathroom mirror and the ornate one from her bedroom, reduced to glass shards. Instead of condoms, there were various articles of clothing, most of which looked brand new, flung in every possible direction, almost giving the impression her shopping bags had exploded.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As for Talia herself, her lax posture gave no indication that anyone else had entered the room. Her entire body was slumped forward, her face buried deep in her hands.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa took everything in stride as she traversed the room, choosing to keep most of her thoughts to herself. She peeked into Talia’s room, finding all of the drawers in her dresser ripped out. Their contents were spread all over the floor, the bed, even hanging from the lighting fixture in the ceiling. After throwing her purse into her own room, Vanessa leaned against the door frame and heaved a heavy sigh. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were the one who was broken up with.” Talia shakily inhaled, her throat raspy, but otherwise didn’t respond.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As Vanessa went about her business dressing down for bed, she filled Talia in on her recent “adventures” with Emilia (who called Vanessa shortly before she arrived home to check in) and Amber. Occasionally she’d raise her voice to ask if she was paying attention but nothing verbal came from the other room. It wasn’t until her teeth were brushed that she checked on Talia again. Her line of sight wasn’t angled toward the floor anymore, but she continued staring into space.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Seeing her friend in this state made Vanessa’s chest cavity ache, but after a long night of offering a sympathetic ear to Emilia, she didn’t have the mental strength or desire to take care of anyone else tonight. Before she knew it, the tact she usually had for these kinds of situations was completely gone.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Listen, Talia. You made this bed for yourself a long time ago. It’s about time you slept in it. I’m not fixing anything for you anymore.” The moment she turned her back, her ears picked up the faintest jingling of jewelry from across the room.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia had shot to her feet, but her ankles were shuddering uncontrollably. Her voice was ragged as she gasped, “why should you stop now after telling all those personal details to Juan Paulo so he could try and fix me? Information you had no right to tell anybody!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“What was I supposed to do, Talia? Stand by and let you waste away your life being unhappy with yourself? What kind of friend would I be if I…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You dare to call yourself my friend after what you did? No, you are a traitor.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Not giving an inch, Vanessa nodded with absolute certainty. “And you are the most selfish person I’ve ever met. I’ll always be grateful to you for helping me all those years ago, but since that day, you’ve only thought of yourself. Calypso isn’t just a place for you to air your dirty laundry. It’s about all of us mending our scars and making a better future for ourselves. But you’re too afraid to let go of your past because unlike the future, it’s a narrative you can control and spin a thousand times over, so you’ll always have an excuse not to try!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Talia nodded, finally saying after letting it all sink in, “so… I’m both selfish and a coward? Fine. I see how it is.” As she strode toward the bedroom doors, her expression remained neutral and it put Vanessa on edge. She may have found her second wind for that speech, but her four-inch height advantage meant nothing against a furious Natalia if this escalated into a fight. Thankfully, it never came to that. Talia stopped in front of her long enough for Vanessa to see eyes red around the lids and makeup smudged from crying before she locked herself in her room.</span>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314968846775687998.post-86393982004354458032023-12-28T16:29:00.000-08:002023-12-28T16:29:01.189-08:00The Sirens of Calypso- Chapter 29- Tickets to more than her own show<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoOLIj7lUTf9UUYJozWatSjRKgJdl9MKI5uidNjvIILnH9OriHotiTLkTQwQNsIOamSdZCdy0huoIpFEE0Mv1sVWOd2mQOgIJ7oMIJMUvxpGYiVZAyDyrpczsBvZju0CmWsZR02yBGeRz63MQztMSBOi1kEEr_6igBs8ruudxd7yuqCG9sLw2ufR85yoO/s1280/3225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoOLIj7lUTf9UUYJozWatSjRKgJdl9MKI5uidNjvIILnH9OriHotiTLkTQwQNsIOamSdZCdy0huoIpFEE0Mv1sVWOd2mQOgIJ7oMIJMUvxpGYiVZAyDyrpczsBvZju0CmWsZR02yBGeRz63MQztMSBOi1kEEr_6igBs8ruudxd7yuqCG9sLw2ufR85yoO/w400-h225/3225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber had to go ahead to make sure everything was set to go, leaving Vanessa with the daunting task of escorting Emilia to the venue. Turning her head in different directions at regular intervals, she remained vigilant about their path of trajectory as well as their surroundings. This was her first time making this journey without Amber’s guidance and with Emilia by her side this time around, her level of apprehension was twice as high. In an effort to ease her conscience, she added, “just as a precaution, when we get into the thick of it, maybe it would be best if you kept your eyes towards the ground.”</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia nodded, obeying immediately. After they turned a few more corners, she noticed a sudden increase of litter. Shreds of women’s clothing, mostly lingerie. Occasional patches of white powder. Foil wrappers of various colors. Then, to her alarm, several used condoms. At which point, she grabbed onto Vanessa, who told her to shift her gaze downward and avoid making contact with anyone they might run into.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Streetlights grew scarcer as they neared their destination. Every other corner had scantily clad girls propositioning anywhere from one to five men. Some of them were being shoved into walls as men assaulted them from behind, gagged so their screams couldn’t be overheard. ***<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>All of this gave Vanessa the incentive to increase their walking pace. The only saving grace was Emilia following her instructions to the letter, so she missed the worst of it. Across their various conversations, Amber had told her about how The Underground specialized in S&M. After seeing just a glimmer of that forbidden world, Vanessa couldn’t for the life of her understand how Amber could handle those kinds of mind games. Even for someone as sexually experienced as she was herself, it was too much.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Unfortunately, when she resumed her duty as navigator after the multitude of distractions, Vanessa couldn’t tell one street corner from the next. Music was playing far in the distance, but the streets were so intertwined with one another, it was impossible to discern the proper direction. She sighed, realizing she had no choice but to ask one of the “locals” for directions. When they found one that was free, far away from the majority of the action, Vanessa advised, “Emilia, keep your attention on me and let me do all talking.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Sensing their approach, the girl cocked a curious eyebrow, “You two are Calypso girls, aren’t you? Always dressing to impress. What brings you to this dingy side of town?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Do you know where we can find Isaac’s old place. Amber invited us to tonight’s show.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Sure,” she exhaled a puff from her cigarette, “just keep on this road for a couple blocks and it should be on your right.” Her eyes were bloodshot and caked with eyeshadow. “Why she’s trying to create an honest business in a place like this is beyond me.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa dismissed her comment with a shrug and a canned response. “Amber has her own reasons for what she does, but they make sense to her.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The girl kept babbling like she had a larger audience to impress. “And as much as we dislike Amber for what she did in the past, Natalia is no better. She gives prostitution a bad name by actually enjoying what she does. This is not meant to be a life choice… or something you voluntarily give into.” She studied Emilia a little closer and shakily pointed, “Either this one is a complete sociopath or she’s putting herself at risk being in Natalia’s company. As well as ours.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa quickly positioned herself between the stranger and Emilia. “Maybe Amber’s plan is to change things here too. So nobody will have to resort to any of this anymore.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Highly unlikely. To make change, you need power. Even if she had Natalia in her corner, your bosses… the main anchor of their business is in this neighborhood. They’d lose serious investments if this neighborhood cleaned up. Most of us, we’re forced into this business because our bosses get us addicted to drugs that come from your bosses’ associates. Whether she accepts it or not, Amber can’t change this neighborhood. In one form or another, prostitution will thrive and we’ll remain slaves to the system.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As Vanessa tried to lead Emilia away, she asked, “what did Amber do that you hate her for?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After a smirk and slight cock of an eyebrow, she answered Emilia’s query, “If you really want to know… she got one of our best girls killed.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia gasped and all of the color drained from her cheeks. Noticing the sudden change, Vanessa took immediate action. “Thanks for the help. C’mon, Emilia.” She quickly secured an arm around her shoulders and led her toward their destination.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Once they got far enough away, Emilia exhaled the breath she’d been holding. She whispered, “That’s not true, is it?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Not exactly. Isaac used to own this place that Amber’s friends have been trying to take over for the past five years. His girlfriend was Amber’s roommate. Isaac killed her when he found her in bed with another girl. Then after Amber debuted as one of our sirens, he tracked her down with designs to kill her too.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh my…” Emilia freed herself to brace against a crumbling brick wall nearby. “I need some time to process this.” Vanessa rubbed her shoulder to ease her panting and shaking. “What happened after that?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Isaac ceased to exist after that night. Having support from the brothers and Alejandro can come in handy with a lot of sticky situations. After what Isaac did, not just to Amber, but his girlfriend and her lover, he couldn’t be allowed another opportunity to exact his revenge.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Revenge?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“He blamed Amber for his girlfriend’s change in sexuality. I imagine that’s what led to this rumor that she’s a ‘ladykiller.’”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>For a reason she couldn’t explain, that word stuck out in Emilia’s mind. Coupled with the curious fashion choices of the residential streetwalkers, she imagined the lot of them spontaneously breaking into song like something out of a modern movie musical. And they’d spin a couple of verses about all the wrongs Amber had committed in her short-lived time in their neighborhood. It was amusing in a morbid sort of way. But this wasn’t the time or place to be amused so after taking a few extra moments to regain her composure, she resumed the conversation.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“And what about what Talia believes of Amber? She says she’s talented but doesn’t know how to be a team player. Ruby won’t come out and say it, but I’m pretty sure she believes Amber’s only concerned with herself.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You’ll just have to decide for yourself what you believe, Emilia. You never truly know a person until you get to know them personally.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, you’re right.” She noticed Vanessa had stopped walking and followed her line of sight. Except for the neon sign overhead, the rest of the old building had clearly seen better days. Some of the shutters were hanging off the hinges, all of which were in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint. The siding, in varying shades of gray, was half old and half new. Its most curious feature, in Emilia’s opinion, was the door, which looked like the entrance from an old Western saloon.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After taking it all, Emilia shrugged. “It’s not a looker but the place does have a certain charm to it.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanessa could only shake her head. “If Talia knew this was where we were, she’d have an aneurysm. At least when Alejandro pissed her off, she had a certain M.O. so I knew what to expect. This is going to be something else.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Makes me glad I didn’t follow through with trying to get those two together. If things went south, she might have completely forced him out of the business. I couldn’t imagine dancing with anyone else behind the bar.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia shrugged and took a deep breath, knowing what she had to do. “Maybe you should go and check on her. I can handle things from here.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Are you crazy? I am not leaving you alone in this place.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I won’t be alone. I’ll be with Amber.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“But…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Look, she’s wanted this collaboration for so long. She wouldn’t be foolish enough to risk all that the moment she gets what she wants.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Finding herself out of excuses, Vanessa relented, “Well… that’s a good point. But call me as soon as you get home so I’m not up half the night worrying about you. Promise?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, promise.” She quickly added as Vanessa began to take her leave, “for the record, I hope the home you come back to isn’t too bad.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Thanks…” she halfheartedly replied. Knowing Talia for as long as she has, the next 24 hours at minimum were going to be hell. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*<span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /> <br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Nobody was sitting at the bar or any of the pub tables. The crowd of fifty plus surrounded the stage, cheering the performers on. The two guys, if not for their slight difference in height, appeared identical in their movements. Their smooth footwork and the fluidity in their arms could only be described as “graceful.” Their bell-bottom pants and open shirts accentuated their features just as well.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia immediately recognized Amber as the girl in the middle. Her top gave way to a little cleavage, matching her mini skirt as if they were one garment. Both were a dark brown, a few shades lighter than her hair color, with varying patterns of striping that almost matched her skin tone. Compared to her club attire, it was less flamboyant and ultimately proved she could exude her degree of sexuality without having to try too hard.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The sway of her hips, during her samba walks as well as her quick cha-cha steps, kept precise time with the music. When she wasn’t moving, their clasped hands and arms formed complicated crisscross patterns that they navigated like professionals. The guys fawned over Amber when they weren’t supporting her with their partnering. She received their fawning with flirtation that Emilia found to be very playful. The lyrics, much like the rumors, passed her off as a snob, but she didn’t see it that way. She just saw three good friends enjoying themselves, encouraging the crowd to feel the same.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Everyone paid for their drinks and contributed to the tip jar on the bar before making a hasty boisterous exit. Emilia quickly got out of the way and waited patiently next to the bar for the three dancers to reemerge through the drawn curtain. The high of the performance made those 10 minutes pass in no time at all. Amber hugged the guys, Emilia heard her call them “Michel” and “Misha,” one at a time, lingering in each hug for a few seconds.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Thanks for coming tonight, Amber.” Michel, the taller of the two, made his way to the bar. “We couldn’t have done this amazing thing without you.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I’m happy to help whenever I can. You know that.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia made the decision then to approach the stage. Misha helped Amber into her jacket and spied her. She blushed, but he just smiled and cupped Amber’s shoulder with his hand. “Your guest is waiting for you.” She looked down and the edge of her lip curled into a smile. He patted her on the back and left them alone. Amber approached the edge of the stage and knelt down to Emilia’s eye level.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I was getting a little worried. Where’s Vanessa?"<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I told her to check on Talia and I’d be fine here on my own.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“And she believed you? That’s surprising.” Emilia’s face turned red and puffed up. Anticipating her next statement, she clarified, “I mean, everyone else has been so overprotective of you and insistent that the two of us could never be alone in a room together. I just never expected to get everything I wanted because you were the one bold enough to make the first move.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Thanks… I think… she was kind of on edge about what she’d come home to so I thought that was a better use for her time than being here babysitting me. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve washed my hands of Talia. I’ve had enough of her petty excuses.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber crossed her arms and cocked her head sideways. “I guess I should ask about what happened between you two, but it can wait until we’re back at my place.” She jumped off the stage to take her place beside her, “Just do me a favor and try to keep up.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As they left, Emilia took one last look at the old building when the name on the neon sign caught her attention. “Who’s Evangeline?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“An old friend that’s not here anymore. She taught me to embrace the Underground lifestyle and it made me tough. Sometimes I wonder if she’s proud of me or if she’s even watching from where she is.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Did you love her?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“She was like the big sister I never had… she kissed me once when she was drunk and I didn’t pull away. Maybe I did, I don’t know.” A moment of silence followed before she resumed the conversation, “how much did Vanessa tell you on your way over here?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Not much, just a little about what happened with Isaac. She felt the need to defend you to me after one of the local girls mentioned an ugly rumor.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“The ‘ladykiller’ rumor.” Surprise didn’t register in her tone. “After our business started picking up, fewer street corners are being occupied by girls I used to waitress with. Things are getting better around here, but there’re always going to be a few who take part in the BDSM practices popular in The Underground.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia’s eyes were wide, but she quickly mastered herself. Their eyes met again and Emilia immediately waved off whatever concern she may have had. “I’m okay. It’s just been a crazy night.”<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* <span> </span> *<span> </span> *</div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Bras and panties were strewn throughout the loft’s main room. Emilia also observed, with some apprehension, a couple blindfolds, frayed scarfs and a pair of handcuffs hanging off one of the chairs. Amber grimaced, promptly removing the handcuffs from view. “Why don’t you get the kettle boiling while I straighten up and slip into something more comfortable?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Sure.” On her way to the kitchen area, she peeked into the bedroom. Comparatively, it was immaculate as if it hadn’t been lived in for days.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber returned to her side just as the kettle began to whistle. She had traded her clothes for leather black lingerie, dark stocking feet and a white shrug sweater. Emilia took half a step back, looking her up and down. “I think you’ll like this tea. It’s full of flavor and very sweet. At least I like to make it sweet.” She added two teaspoons of sugar to each mug before stirring in enough milk to turn their contents white. Once they got relaxed on the sofa, knees inclined inward, she asked, “So what changed your mind?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia stared at her steaming tea, unsure where to begin. “I really looked up to Talia. Even before I auditioned, I wanted to dance like her. What she did tonight… who breaks up with someone who’d do anything for them only to hook up with some random guy in an alleyway? I thought she had more class than that.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Nearly choking in response, Amber quickly put down her mug and grasped onto her seat cushion “Hold on, hold on. Shit! She broke up with him? Un-freaking-believable!”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She shrugged her shoulders before taking a sip. “What makes you say that? I mean, hasn’t she done this hundreds of times?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, yeah, but it was never this serious. Shit…” Her grip loosened but the head shaking continued.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Emilia, meanwhile, remained confused. “I didn’t think you cared that much about Talia’s love life.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I don’t.” She covered her face with one hand. “But Alejandro has spent years chasing her. Since the day he met her. Just this once, he deserves someone who actually gives a damn about him.” Her eyes, darkened by anger, widened with horror the next time they met Emilia’s.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh my gosh…” A tear formed and began sliding down Amber’s right cheek before she caught it. “How long have you liked him?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“A long time... He and his family were so good to me when I came here. Just because she had the million-dollar idea to save our business, it’s all about Talia and what she wants. What she needs. What about my needs? I get two nights a week to be a star on that stage and I’m stuck with the same tired routines.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“You’re not the only one... I had an idea the other week, but she said it was too unpolished. Now I’m starting to think it was too tame for her to get behind.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh, that’s right. I remember. So, what was the inspiration behind it?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“An ex-boyfriend that my friends warned me about. I put in a lot of time with Scarlet and Ruby and we had so much fun. I just wanted to contribute, you know.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Yeah, I know that feeling all too well.” Amber shrugged, equally demoralized. “Maybe if this good mood of hers lasted a little longer, I could have run my latest idea by her and had a better chance of getting it approved.<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Interest piqued, Emilia asked, “What is it?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“A theme night. We wear leather clothing and accessories and dance to songs that empower us.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She raised an eyebrow. “So you’re dressed like this to get inspiration?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber looked down, using the shrug to cover herself. “Oh. Vanessa likes to lay around in lingerie, so I thought I’d give it a try. It can be very freeing. Good for creativity too.” She collected herself before continuing. “I don’t know what the other girls have said about me, but I’m not my reputation. I’d actually give anything to get away from it.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Why do you do it then?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“I had to lower myself to this level just for Talia to consider me worthy of the ‘siren’ brand. And clearly, that’s the kind of girl Alejandro wants.” She trailed off, staring into the distance. When she came back to the present, she asked something she’d been dying to bring up all night, “Did he… say anything about my performance tonight?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“He seemed more concerned about the schedule being changed without his knowledge. But he did say it’s been a while since he’d seen you enjoy yourself up there.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>She nodded thoughtfully to herself. Emilia waited for further comment, but none came; either because she was absorbing the compliment or reflecting on why that hadn’t been the case for a long time. Despite her bravado, she was slowly gathering the fact Amber had her own insecurities buried deep inside. Then she offered, “If you want, I can talk you up to Alejandro and maybe…”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Tsk…” Amber rolled her eyes, “should have figured being a virgin made you a hopeless romantic.” Seeing Emilia avert her gaze with flushed cheeks, she added, “ok, I’ll stop with the self-righteous comments. I appreciate the thought, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First, we need to put on a kickass show. Things have been so chaotic lately that’s probably the one thing Alejandro wants the most right now.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Agreed.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>At different times, both of them took sips from their tea. Thanks to their engrossing discussion, their drinks had cooled down to lukewarm. Amber shrugged it off and gulped the remnants in one fell swoop. “This might be asking for a little much after all you’d witnessed tonight, but would you be up for stepping outside the box a little?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Images of the girls from The Underground and Talia having sex in the alley flickered through Emilia’s mind. As rattled as she was, she knew that she had to keep an open mind. Amber had impressed her so much with her dancing and she didn’t want to let her down the moment she joined her. “Um, sure. What did you have in mind?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Sensing her hesitation, Amber gently leveled it with her. “I was thinking you could be the opening act.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Oh wow… nobody’s asked me to do that before… I’d love to.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Great.” Amber grabbed one of the CDs sitting on the side table and handed it to her, “give this a listen and do some brainstorming over the next couple of days before we begin rehearsal. It’ll be the main soundtrack for my theme night idea. Personally, I think this album is her best work. It’s very theatrical but under all that flash, there’s plenty of good substance to work with.”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>“Ok, cool. Thanks.” Emilia finished her tea and gathered herself to leave. She had one hand on the door when she added, “I know I’ve been saying a lot tonight that I don’t want to be treated like I’m helpless but would you walk me back? Just this one time?”<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Amber’s entire face lit up like it would be her greatest pleasure, but she quickly dialed it down and coolly said, “sure, if it’ll make you feel better. Let me just get my shoes.”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Music: <br />"Ladykiller" by Maroon 5</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">- I'm sure my interpretation is probably wrong but when I first heard this song, I thought Adam Levine was warning other girls about an ex-girlfriend of his. He could just as easily have addressed his warning to other guys with designs of dating her. <br />But I swear, if this story was a musical, it would be my own version of the Jailhouse Tango from "Chicago" and take place in the Underground streets, performed by the other prostitutes as the others try to avoid them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"Tickets" by Maroon 5</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">-occasionally on Dancing with the Stars, they'd have routines where there's a girl and two guys either dancing together or swapping in as her partner. In this case, it would be a samba</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And just because I have nowhere else to put this bit of trivia, part of the reason for Amber's "origin story" came about- I bought pop duo Karmin's EP after seeing them perform on Ellen and almost all of the songs felt like they could be part of the same story. <br />In the end, though, I don't think any of those songs wound up becoming part of the actual story. Although I could easily see Amber dabbling in hip-hop with the likes of "Told you so". If she had a happy dance scene, that song would play. <br />I'm also kinda disappointed "I'm just saying" didn't manifest into anything, although "Tickets" would probably have similiar moves.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Evangeline's namesake came from a song by Juliet Simms from The Voice. Her All or Nothing EP has a good range of music, but that one always stood out. It gives me major 70's vibes... and it made Evangeline seem like the type of girl that both men and women would fall for. But again, that might be my perrsonal interpretation.</span></div>Jackie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.com0