Act I ~ Clare
Clare’s delicate hands felt along the fabric of her organza gown, grasping the hem. The top of her gown was embroidered with diamonds, pearls, and beading. Her detached sleeves were shaped like white flowers, and her long blonde hair fell over her bare shoulders. Releasing the gown, Clare’s blue eyes glanced up from her dress and took in the sight of the grand palace that lay before her. Where was she? Her crystal-heeled shoes clicked on the marble floors as she turned about. She knew she was waiting to meet someone…but who? She turned one way, looking down one hall before turning another way and looking down another. “Serenity…” a familiar voice said behind her. Clare smiled, recognizing the voice, only to be blinded by a white light as she heard another voice.
“Grey skies over a setting sea.
Heartbreak sounds like a symphony.
Future memories at the thought of you...
Perfect moments of a desperate youth...
Sunlight burning into the moon.
Just like all of the things you do.
The way you got me,
Yeah, you're in control...
You can hypnotize me.
You hypnotize me.”
The song jolted Clare awake. Her alarm clock radio stared at her; its digital numbers showed the time to be 9:45 am.
"Oh no..." Clare groaned out loud as she reached for her phone. Notifications of missed calls and text messages covered the bunny ballerina wallpaper.
Letting out an exaggerated sigh, Clare dramatically dropped her phone on the bed. What was that dream? She wondered. Who was Serenity?
“You’re listening to Nouvelle Radio Jeune, and we’re playing 10 hits in a row! That was ‘Heart Hypnotic’ by Aurora d’Amour! Coming up next is ‘Timebomb’ by Mimi Starr! Stay tuned in with NRJ! They are 10, they are fresh, they never stop!” the announcer declared enthusiastically, interrupting Clare’s train of thought.
Clare reached over to the radio on her nightstand and switched it off. She grabbed her earphone case sitting next to the radio. She took out the white earbuds and slipped them into her ears. She grabbed her phone and sat up in bed as she opened her Spotify, pulling up the ‘Heart Hypnotic’ single by Aurora d’Amour and pressing play.
“Grey skies over a setting sea.
Heartbreak sounds like a symphony.
Future memories at the thought of you...
Perfect moments of a desperate youth...
Sunlight burning into the moon.
Just like all of the things you do.
The way you got me,
Yeah, you're in control...
You can hypnotize me.
You hypnotize me.”
Clare grabbed her plush bunny and hopped up on the mattress, dancing to the music before doing a half pirouette off the bed, onto the pallet, and onto the wooden floor. Dancing around her bed, Clare went to the dresser next to her bed. She tossed the bunny onto the bed, flung open the drawer, and rummaged frantically through the unfolded clothing. She found a fresh pair of black underwear and slipped them on, followed by a pair of black shorts. She grabbed a matching black camisole, removed her oversized ‘C’est la Vie – 2014 World Tour’ t-shirt, and slid the camisole over her head. She threw on a pair of comfy grey sweats over her shorts. Finally, grabbing a pair of black ankle socks from the dresser, Clare plopped down on her bed and slipped them over her feet.
“I don't!
I don't know what this is!
But I know I love it.
Baby, yes I know!
You got my Heart Hypnotic!
Ain't no letting go!”
Clare tumbled off the end of her bed onto the wooden floor as she reached under the pallet bed. She pushed aside empty bags of Brets chips, Bonne Maman Madeleines, and Haribo Tagada Strawberry gummies! Cans of Orangina soda rattled and clanged, rolling out from underneath the bed as if they were running away from Clare’s rummaging hand that swept to and fro. “Ah ha,” Clare said excitedly, grasping her black and white dance sneakers. Throwing her head back in triumph, Clare climbed to her feet, shoes in hand, and hopped around her room haphazardly to get her shoes on.
“I don't!
I don't know what this is!
But I know I love it.
Baby, yes I know!
You got my Heart Hypnotic!
Ain't no letting go!”
Clare raced to the bathroom where she brushed her teeth as quickly and thoroughly as she could before she wrestled her unkempt blonde hair into a presentable bun. Clare looked at herself, her crystal blue eyes sparkling. She smiled at herself in the mirror and rushed out of the bathroom! Luckily, her duffle had everything she needed for class save for a change of clothes. A quick rummage of her dresser again gave her an ensemble consisting of denim jeans and a rabbit sweatshirt combo that would work in a pinch!
“Dark nights under the setting sun.
Bright lights, come we're the only one.
I've got this vision.
How it's supposed to be
There's a fortune teller,
telling you and me!
Your light is beaming inside of you!
That's how you mesmerize me too!
The way you got me,
Yeah, you're in control!
You can hypnotize me,
You hypnotize me!”
Bouncing her head to the song, Clare left the apartment, locking the door behind her. She hurried down the steps and sprang out the door of her apartment into the wintry Parisian air. Clare’s breath steamed as she stuffed her hands in her pockets, a bright smile on her face. Her carefree smile soon turned into a frown as her stomach grumbled. With her frantic routine to get out of the house, of course, she forgot to grab breakfast! Clare groaned, biting her bottom lip. She glanced back at the apartment, wondering if she should go back in. Clare’s eyes lit up as an idea came to mind, and with that, she was off down the street!
“I don't!
I don't know what this is!
But I know I love it.
Baby, yes I know!
You got my Heart Hypnotic!
Ain't no letting go!
I don't!
I don't know what this is!
But I know I love it!
Baby, yes I know!
You got my Heart Hypnotic!
Ain't no letting go!”
Reaching the end of the street, Clare turned and made her way to Av. Félix Faure. Turning the corner, she pulled out her phone from her pocket and sent a text. A moment later she got a response and Clare excitedly broke into a faster stride down the street, passing the nearby Starbucks.
The smell of warm espresso and pastries made her stomach growl even louder, but Clare ignored it as she walked down the steps leading into Créteil-Pointe du Lac. She brought up her monthly pass on her phone and managed to catch the Metro just in time!
Clare breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed into an empty seat on the train. She felt she'd make it on time, maybe a bit early for a bite! She smiled to herself as she reached for her phone as her favorite song reached its bridge.
“I...I don't know what this is...
But....You got my Heart...Hypnotic...
I...I don't know what this is...
But...I know that I...I love it.
I don't know what this is...
But...I know that I...I love it.
I...I don't know what this is...
But....You got my Heart...Hypnotic...”
Clare looked out the window of the train, listening to the song. She remembered practicing and dancing to Aurora's music for as long as she could remember. There was something about her music that gave her the motivation she needed to work towards her dream of becoming prima. Clare scoffed at the thought, feeling a bit down. She couldn't even get out of bed and attend class on time. She lowered her eyes, her hands absentmindedly playing with each other as the song finished.
“I don't!
I don't know what this is!
But I know I love it.
Baby, yes I know!
You got my Heart Hypnotic!
Ain't no letting go!
No letting go!”
The song made Clare feel better and reminded her of how far she had gotten. She smiled to herself, feeling like her dreams were achievable after all. After a few spins of the single, Clare hurried off the train and up the stairs onto Pl. de l'Opéra. Clare caught her breath, glancing toward the Paris Opera. She couldn’t believe her eyes! It was Aurora d'Amour!
It turns out it was just a Chanel advertisement mounted onto the Opera, but Clare was still impressed. Her mouth open in awe, Clare absentmindedly crossed the street towards Café de la Paix.
“-lare...” a muffled voice called to her, “-lare!” the voice said, “Clare!” the voice rang out again, a delicate hand waving in front of her face catching the attention of the awestruck blonde.
Clare blinked to see Zharia standing in front of her. Zharia wore a green apron tied around her buttoned white double-breasted chef’s jacket, the Café de la Paix logo hidden beneath her apron strap. Her long dreadlocks were wrapped in a low bun, her beautiful dark eyes sparkling, and a smile forming on her berry-colored lips as Clare smiled back at her, blushing in embarrassment at being starstruck. Clare took out her earphones, put them in the case, and stuffed them in her pocket. Clare was glad to see her friend and hugged her lovingly.
“Zharia!” she said happily.
“Good morning to you too!” Zharia said with a gentle laugh, hugging Clare, her warm cheek to Clare’s cold forehead,
“I see you like the new ad featuring your favorite singer.” Zharia teased as she and Clare ended their embrace. Clare blushed again.
“They put her up last night,” Zharia said, looking at the advert.
Zharia liked Aurora d’Amour but she was not a superfan like Clare. Zharia did listen to her music when she was baking at the café. She looked to Clare, who was staring at the ad again. Zharia shook her head and cleared her throat to get Clare’s attention, raising a white bag and paper coffee cup for her friend. Clare’s eyes dazzled, overjoyed at the sight of the bag and coffee cup. Her stomach growled loudly. Zharia looked at Clare’s stomach and giggled, handing Clare the bag.
"Un croissant au chocolat et un cappuccino frais. Fait par moi,” A chocolate croissant and a fresh cappuccino. Done by me, she said proudly.
Clare reached into the bag, taking the warm croissant in her hand, taking a hungry bite, and smudging her cheek in chocolate. Zharia shook her head and wiped the chocolate from her friend’s cheek, cleaning it off on her apron.
“Your French is improving! You're learning fast for only being in Paris for about a year.” Clare commented. Zharia beamed proudly and winked.
“I’ve had a good teacher,” she said before nodding her head towards the Paris Opera, “You better get going.” She said with a wink.
Clare was busy taking another bite when she realized what time it was.
“Oh no!” she said with her mouth full.
Clare took a swig of her cappuccino before putting her croissant in the same hand as the coffee cup. She reached into her pocket, pulled out a balled-up wad of Euros, and put them in Zharia’s open hand before running off. Zharia uncrinkled the Euros and looked at Clare as she ran off,
“Clare! You gave me too much!” she said, realizing she had more Euros than what a croissant and cappuccino cost!
“Merci! Zharia!” Clare said, waving her croissant as she ran off towards Palais Garnier.
Zharia smiled gratefully and put the Euros in her apron pocket.
“Bonjour, Zharia!” a voice called out to her.
Zharia turned to see a handsome young man approach her,
“Bonjour, Aurele.” She said, approaching him.
Aurele smiled cheerfully, adjusting the black leather messenger bag on his shoulder and ran a hand through his curly chestnut hair. He wore a dark suit, his single-breasted blazer buttoned over his white pin-striped shirt. His patent leather oxfords tapped on the pavement as he joined Zharia in front of the café. Zharia crossed her arms and looked at Aurele proudly before adjusting his lapels and patting them softly,
“And where’s our tie?” she asked with a knowing glance. Aurele patted his pocket where it was rolled and tucked away neatly,
“I got cappuccino on my tie last week,” he confessed.
“Well, let’s get you some fresh cappuccino and something to eat before you head off to the Louvre, and be sure not to get any on your shirt,” Zharia said.
“Oi, m’dame. Thank you, Zharia,” he said, following her to the café entrance,
“Do you have lunch?” she asked, “Zharia…” Aurele groaned.
“Zharia, nothing. We’ll get you something for lunch, and you’re just in luck; I made a fresh batch of beignets,” she said matter-of-factly.
“You don’t have to do that, Zharia,” Aurele protested,
“Nonsense, I insist,” Zharia said as they went inside.
Clare had to wait for the break in class before she could enter the Salle Petipa. She bit her bottom lip as she nervously entered the room greeted by a stern glance from the ballet mistress.
“Clare Esper, you are late…again,” Madame Javelot said with a knowing glance, pointing to the center of the dome room.
Clare trudged forward defeatly only to feel her body lunge forward as she toppled over onto her knees. Clare looked over her shoulder to see Lilita quickly tucking one leg behind the other. Clare gathered herself up, wincing at her scraped knee as she hobbled slightly to the center of the room. Lilita covered her mouth to stifle her laughter, a couple of ballerinas standing with her followed suit.
“Lita!” Madame Gardenia snapped at the girl as Clare passed by her, “As étoile, I expect you most of all to uphold the discipline, respect, and harmony of the Opera!” she said admonishing the dark-haired dancer,
“Of course, Madame Javelot, my apologies.” Lita murmured,
“I should not be the only one you’re apologizing to, Ms. Fairemont,” Madame Javelot snapped,
“Yes, Madame,” Lita said dejectedly, her dark eyes looking into Clare’s teary blue eyes,
“Désolée,” she said flatly, crossing her arms. Clare nodded half-heartedly accepting Lilita’s apology. She couldn’t help but feel that she had it out for her.
“Now,” Madame Javelot said, turning her attention to Clare, “Miss Fairemont’s unacceptable behavior aside, Ms. Esper, your conduct must be addressed as well. You have acquired a bad habit of being tardy as of late,” she said as she strolled to the center of the room.
Javelot’s hair was a mass of luscious curls that fell to the shoulders of her mesh pink top that covered her matching leotard. Her brown tights were close to a perfect match to her sienna skin. Clare noticed Himeko, Chasity, and Jean-Yves out of the corner of her eye, feeling a small bit of comfort seeing her friends. Madame Javelot’s coffee-colored eyes met Clare’s blue ones,
“Well?” Madame Javelot asked, “I don’t think you’ll get your answers from Ms. Tsukino, Ms. Vale, or Mr. Monahan,” she said knowingly.
“Uhhh. I’m sorry, Madame Javelot,” Clare stammered, “I haven’t been sleeping well,” she admitted.
“Well, Ms. Esper, I hope I will see an improvement now that we’ve had this little chat,” Madame Javelot said.
“Yes, Madame,” Clare said, nodding.
Madame Javelot smiled “Good,” she said approvingly, “Shall we resume class?” she said in a hushed voice to Clare.
Clare looked to Madame Javelot, who was smiling at her. Clare nodded enthusiastically with a bright smile. Madame Javelot clapped her hands sharply.
“To the barre, mes danseurs!” she ordered watching the dancers hurry to barres around the room.
Himeko, Chasity, Karine, and Jean-Yves narrowly skirted Madame Javelots knowing glance and took their place next to Clare placing their hands on the bar awaiting direction from Madame Javelot.
“Un, deux, troix!” Madame Javelot shouted starting the music.
“Clare!” Chasity said in a sharp whisper.
“We texted you when we left the apartment. We were trying to keep you from being late.” Himeko whispered as they all began to extend their legs to the front in unison slowly,
“I know.” Clare sighed. She wasn’t sure if she should mention it but why wouldn’t she with her closest friends? They moved their legs to the side next,
“Why do I smell chocolate?” Himeko asked sniffing the air. Clare bit her bottom lip and looking guiltily at her friends,
“Why you!” Karine scolded.
“I know.” Clare sighed again.
“I can’t believe you stopped off at Café de la Paix! No wonder you’re late!” Chasity whispered,
“I didn’t get breakfast, I was hungry.” Clare whined as they stretched their legs back, “Well at least you had breakfast.” Jean-Yves chimed in,
“Evie!” Himeko, Karine, and Chasity snapped. Jean-Yves cowered under their glares,
“Leave him alone.” Clare said defending Jean-Yves, “Evie is right.” She added, “I had to eat something.”
“So, you text my brother asking for breakfast. You can’t keep texting Blason like that, he’s the Executive Chef of the Café!” Karine said reprimanding her.
“I didn’t text Blason!” Clare protested, “I text Zharia.” She said sheepishly correcting Karine.
“That doesn’t make it better, Clare. Zharia just started as Sous Chef and is responsible as Pastry Chef. Don’t ruin it for her.” Karine said concernedly,
“I know. You’re right.” Clare whimpered feeling bad.
“Abaresques!” Madame Javelot said with another sharp clap of her hands. The group stood in plie while extending their other leg directly behind at a 90-degree angle.
“What’s been going on with you lately?” Chasity asked concerned.
“I haven’t been sleeping well, like I said.” Clare repeated what she told Madame Javelot, “I’ve been having weird dreams too.” She said thoughtfully, “They so real…” she whispered.
“What kind of dreams?” Himeko asked,
“Ms Tsukino, Ms. Vale, Ms. Argent, Ms. Esper AND Mr. Monohan.” Madame Javelot barked with a sharp glance saying less talking and more practicing.
Class and rehearsal were followed up by another nightly performance of the Nutcracker for the holiday season. Clare, Himeko, Jean-Yves, Karine, and Chasity made their way to the Metro.
“You know, we should be stretching,” Jean-Yves protested.
“Ohhh Evie, enough!” Karine groaned,
“Karine! Evie is just trying to help,” Chasity said in his defense,
“I’ve had enough ballet today! We’ve been performing the Nutcracker for weeks. I was late for class, again! Madame Javelot lectured me,” Clare pouted,
“I love the Nutcracker,” Chasity said happily,
“Of course, you do. It’s your favorite production,” Himeko teased,
“And my leg hurts from when Lita tripped me,” Clare interjected,
“All the more reason to stretch. It only takes about 15 minutes or so,” Jean-Yves said matter-of-factly as he reached for his phone from his coat pocket and began playing a game on his phone,
“What are you playing?” Himeko asked,
“Mission the Road,” Jean-Yves replied,
“I love that game,” Clare said excitedly, watching him play,
“I was reading about the creator. Her name is River Clearwater, and she is from London. It’s rumored she’s a genius. She’s around our age and got an internship with Infinity Corporation here in Paris. Her mother is the Chief Medical Officer of Infinity Medical,” he explained, all while not breaking eye contact with his phone,
“How do you know all of this?” Chasity asked,
“I read an article about it in Liberation,” he said, closing the app after losing his last life in the game,
“Oh, I remember Bastian and Papa talking about her! He saw Papa at the office when he interviewed her for Liberation,” Clare said,
“Infinity has grown since the company acquired the Grande Arche in La Defense,” Jean-Yves said, adjusting his glasses as he pulled up the article and showed the girls the picture of River. Clare, Chasity, Karine, and Himeko all huddled around Jean-Yves and his phone to look at the article,
“Oh, she’s pretty,” Clare said as the group broke their huddle and continued walking, “I want to be cute and smart like her. Making money off mobile games is so fun, my mom is a doctor of a big corporation,” she said dreamily,
“Your mom’s a famous chef,” Chasity laughed,
“Oh yeah,” Clare said with a grin. Her stomach growled, “What I would give for one of her omelets…” Clare said hungrily with a grin,
“You and food. I swear,” Karine teased,
“I can’t help it,” Clare said,
“Just be glad Madame Javelot didn’t smell the chocolate croissant you had before class. You’re lucky she only has heightened sight not heightened smell like Himeko.” Chasity remarked, pointing at Clare,
“Mmm, it was so good. I wish tonight’s performance was at the Garnier; we could have gone to Café de la Paix,” she said,
“Clare,” Chasity said, giving Clare’s stomach a teasing poke. Himeko’s phone dinged, and she pulled it out of her coat pocket, checking her messages,
“Oh, my goodness,” Himeko said happily,
“What is it?” Chasity asked,
“It’s Jasper!” Himeko responded gleefully. The group gathered around Himeko in excitement at the mention of Jasper’s name,
“I miss him so much!” Chasity exclaimed,
“Me too!” Karine said,
“He was a great dancer, I wish he would have stayed with us,” Jean-Yves said half-heartedly,
“Me too,” Clare added, “What did Jasper say?” she asked,
“Jasper and his partners opened a new bar and want us to come for the show!” Himeko said excitedly,
“That sounds like so much fun! I didn’t know Jasper was opening a bar! What’s it called?” Karine asked,
“Café Bar Amazone,” Himeko replied with a grin,
“Oooh, that means they have food. We should go,” Clare said,
“It’s already pretty late,” Jean-Yves objected,
“Live a little, Evie,” Chasity encouraged,
“Clare had a bad day. I think this would be a great way to end the night,” Karine added,
“It’s not far from here,” Himeko said, looking at the details, “We can take the Metro and be there in 20 minutes just in time for the show,” she explained,
“Plus, we can support Jasper!” Clare said happily.
“As long as we don’t drink,” Jean-Yves said, agreeing reluctantly to the impromptu night out.
The group of friends hurried down the Metro steps, catching the 5 train in the nick of time. They were soon at Café Bar Amazone, huddled around a cozy table at the front of the stage, and treated themselves to food and drinks from the menu.
“We were lucky to get this table; this place is packed,” Chasity observed,
“This pasta is amazing. I never tasted tea so good,” Clare said with her mouth full,
“Clare, you shouldn’t be eating like that,” Chasity scolded while Himeko shook her head at Clare in feigned disappointment.
“I think I’ve burned enough calories for today,” Clare justified, sipping her tea, “At least we’re not drinking,” Clare added.
“We had to agree not to drink otherwise Jean-Yves wouldn’t have stayed,” Karine said.
“It’s Monday, we have class, rehearsals, and another week of performances!” Jean-Yves interjected,
“I know, I know,” Karine said and sipped her tea while nibbling on a piece of dark chocolate. She picked up the menu and looked it over, “I think it’s very clever to pair foods with specialty tea. Blason may like the idea for the Café,” she said thoughtfully, “Did you know one of Jasper’s partners runs a herb, spice, and tea shop that supplies the bar?” Chasity asked,
“This menu must be his idea. This dark chocolate goes great with this Indian black tea. Clare’s pasta came with Sri Lankan tea,” Karine said, putting the menu down.
A huge abstract neon sign in green and yellow illuminated the stage. The dimly lit club was complemented with sultry magenta lighting. The sounds of clinking glasses, plate clatters, and the bustle of idle chatter brought the bar to life. A drum roll signaled the show’s beginning, and the bar went dark. The audience applauded as the music began, and the spotlight illuminated the stage, revealing Jasper, who posed dramatically, wearing a bowler hat tipped over their face. Dark-colored lips surrounded a dazzling smile. Their bare chest was hidden beneath a dark blazer with fur lapels, high-waisted pants, and platform shoes with a bowtie around their neck. They moved their hips to the music, lifting their hat, and revealing their dark, blue-shaded eyes. They locked eyes with their friends seated at the front table, winked, and sang as if they were singing to only them,
“Willkommen.
Bienvenue.
Welcome!
Fremde.
Étranger.
Stranger.
Glücklich zu sehen, je suis enchanté.
Happy to see you!
Bleibe, reste, stay.
Willkommen,
Bienvenue,
Welcome.
Im Cabaret, au Cabaret, to Cabaret!”
The crowd applauded at Jasper’s introduction.
“I love Cabaret!” Karine said happily,
“Meine Damen und Herren, mesdames et messieurs, Ladies and Gentlemen!” Jasper announced, quoting the famous play, “Guten Abend, bonsoir, good evening! Wie geht's? Comment ça va? Do you feel good?” they asked, pointing at Chasity, who blushed and covered her face as a spotlight appeared on her, “Yeah, I bet you do,” Jasper said with a wink as the spotlight disappeared, “Ich bin euer Conférencier; je suis votre compère. I am your host! Und sagen,” they said, posing once more and sang,
“Welcome! Im Cabaret, au Cabaret, to Cabaret!”
“Leave your troubles outside! So, life is disappointing? Err? Forget it! We have no troubles here! Here, life is beautiful!” they said theatrically. They pointed to the table where Clare and company sat, “The girls! Are beautiful!” they said, strolling across the stage, “Even the orchestra is beautiful!” they said, disappearing off stage as the band played the instrumental of Willkommen.
“That was electric,” Himeko said, “Jasper looks amazing,” Clare said as they applauded with the audience until the stage went dark again.
“The French are glad to die for love,” a woman’s voice sang, “They delight in fighting duels,” she continued in a sultry voice, “But I prefer a man who lives and gives expensive…” she paused as she appeared on the stage, the crowd applauding her, “jewels,” she said with a crinkle of her nose.
The woman wore a top hat over her red, victory-rolled hair draping over the should of her black tuxedo. Soon the band began its bombastic intro and the woman danced around tipping her top hat and digging her hand in to throw silver glitter confetti into the air.
A kiss on the hand may be quite continental!
But diamonds are a girl’s best friend!
A kiss may be grand but it won't pay the rental!
On your humble flat!
Or help you feed your, ‘rrrow’ pussy cat.
Men grow cold as girls grow old!
And we all lose our charms in the end…
But square cut!
Or pear shape!
These rocks don't lose their shape!
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!
“Bonjour, mes chéris,” Jasper whispered, joining Clare and her friends at the table, as the band broke played their musical interlude.
“Jasper!” the group greeted them excitedly,
“Tiffany’s!” the woman shouted as male dancers presented her different types of jewelry!
“I’m so happy you guys could make it!” Jasper said happily,
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world. I wish we could do numbers like that at the Opera,” Clare said,
“Cartier!” the woman squealed as she held out her wrist with a diamond bracelet and broke into a sample of Material Girl by Madonna, “Cause we are living in a material world and I am a material girl…Ah come and get me boys ow!” she teased her male performers as they danced on stage.
“That was one of the reasons why I left. I love the freedom here. It’s a dream come true. All of you being here made it that much better. Thank you for coming,” Jasper said tearfully, squeezing each of their hands,
“Black Star. Ross Cole. Talk to me Jasper Morgan, tell me all about it!” she exclaimed.
“The show must go on,” he added with dramatic flair before joining the redhead on stage!
“There may come a time when a lass needs a lawyer!” the woman sang with Jasper grasping her waist as she posed again, ‘But diamonds are a girl's best friend’ the female chorus sang, “There may come a time when a hard-boiled employer!” the woman sang as Jasper twirled her about, ‘Thinks you're (awful nice)’ the chorus sang, “Oooo, but get that ice or else no dice!” the woman growled pointing at Clare, “He's your guy when stocks are high but beware when they start to descend. Diamonds are a girl's best, diamonds are a girl's best, diamonds are a girl's best friend!” the chorus sang as the number ended with Jasper and the redhead bowing and disappearing backstage.
The show went on well past midnight, and the group of friends found themselves huddled outside waiting for their rideshare,
“Karine and Evie, just stay with us tonight, and we can go to class together tomorrow. It’s late enough as it is,” Chasity insisted,
“I knew this wasn’t a good idea,” Jean-Yves said tiredly with a yawn,
“It was worth it,” Karine admitted,
“It was fun,” Clare chimed in cheerfully with a yawn,
“But we are going to be so tired in the morning,” she added as she stretched.
A woman’s scream echoed into the night sky, scaring the group,
“What was that?” Himeko asked. Clare looked around concerned,
“It came from over there,” she said, looking down the street, feeling her feet take her in that direction,
“Clare!” Chasity said, grabbing her arm,
“What if they need help,” Clare said sadly,
“You can’t go alone,” Karine said,
“Come with me,” Clare pleaded,
“Maybe we should just call the police,” Jean-Yves said,
“What if it’s too late?” Clare argued continuing towards the direction from whence the scream came.
“We’ll go with you,” Chasity said as the group hurried down the street.
Reaching the corner and looking down the alley, they saw someone or something holding a woman in the air, strangling her,
“What is that?!” Karine asked in horror. Clare watched in horror as the woman struggled against a shadow! Wisps of shadow danced in the night air. It was hard to see where the creature started and ended,
“Dear, God!” Chasity said in disbelief. The woman reached out to Clare,
“Help…me,” she cried. Clare froze. She had seen this before.
“We have to help her!” Clare said hysterically,
“Clare!” her friends yelled, chasing after her as she ran towards the shadow,
“Stay back!” a voice cried out, causing the group to stop in their tracks. A low growl escaped the creature, and a beam of light flew past it, causing it to drop its victim, who was pale and emaciated. The beast roared into the night, “Crescent Beam!” that voice cried out as another beam struck the monster, igniting it in light and causing it to erupt and disappear!
Clare and her friends stood in awe, looking up to see a woman standing with her arms crossed on the rooftop above. The woman wore a blue, white, and red sailor suit with a red chest bow and a navy sailor collar hanging over silver-laden epaulets. Her navy pleated skirt swayed in the breeze. With a graceful bound, the woman joined the group on the ground, her navy ankle-strapped heels clicking on the pavement. She looked at the group,
“Are you okay?” she asked, her blue eyes looking them over from behind her red mask, “Y-Yes,” Clare stammered, “But that girl…I think she…she.” Clare tried to say, pointing to the woman who lay still where the creature left her,
“Call an ambulance,” the woman ordered walking over to the girl, kneeling beside her. Jean-Yves, still shocked by the ordeal, managed to call the ambulance. Clare stood with Himeko, Chasity, and Karine, watching the woman wave her gloved hand over the girl,
“Venus Power, Love Crescent Shower,” she said softly, showering the girl in sparkles of light. The girl’s color returned, and her worn appearance was lively once more, a peaceful sigh escaping her as she breathed normally. The woman sighed in relief and stood up, “She’ll be okay,” she said, turning to Clare and her friends,
“Who are you?” Clare asked in wonder. The woman smiled, her blonde hair flowing in the wind,
“I am the sailor-suited soldier of justice, Sailor V,” she said, and with that, leaped into the air and disappeared into the night.
“Sailor V?” Clare whispered looking out at the night sky.