Act IV ~ Masquerade: New Year’s Eve [Part I]
Inspired by UsaMamo Week 2024 - First Glance/Masquerade prompt. Due to a death in the family, I was unable to participate in UsaMamo Week 2024. In honor of UsaMamo Week 2024, my future chapters will be inspired by the prompts from last year.
https://www.tumblr.com/usamamoweek
December 31st, New Year’s Eve
Marcelina
“No, Papa. I will not do it. I can’t.” Marcelina protested!
“Marcelina, por favor.” Marco pleaded.
“We just buried Mama…now you want me to go to a party in her stead?” Marcelina asked.
“Caroline and Sienna were going to honor your mother long before her death, Marcelina. Her passing was unexpected by all of us.” Marco reminded his daughter.
Marcelina bit back her bottom lip bitterly as she sat defeated on the edge of her mother’s desk, her eyes again looking at her mother’s cherished rug. Mere moments after her father appointed her mother’s replacement as cultural attaché, he asked that she accept the posthumous Humanitarian of the Year award being presented by Infinity Corporation. A sigh escaped Marcelina; it was all happening so fast.
“No lo sé, Papá...I don’t know, Papa.” Marcelina said softly, looking at her father, her deep brown eyes locking her father’s. Her father’s eyes looked different, sadder, emptier now that her mother was gone.
“Marcelina…your Mama wanted this for you. She knew you would be her successor. I. know she wishes she had more time or was here to help you. But you can do this, mija.” Marco explained.
Her father was right; maybe this answered her prayer to the Blessed Mother…Please help me find the path and to take steps that honor your legacy. She glanced down at the red and golden wand resting on her desk, the sun glistening off the gilded symbol of Mars. She remembered the sister’s words to her that night…When the time comes, you will know what to do. What did she mean by that? Marcelina could not help but feel that everything would change this very night…
“Ok, Papa. I will do it. For you. For Mama.” She said with a soft smile.
Her father clapped his hands together in pleasure,
“Thank you, Mija.” He said gratefully with tear-filled eyes, “Your Mama…would be so proud.” He said, turning to leave, “I trust Tino will be escorting you this evening.” He said, giving her a knowing glance. Marcelina blushed and covered her mouth, trying to hide her smile,
“Papa…we were being discreet for your sake...as Ambassador.” She stammered.
“Well, if it was for my sake,” Marco said sarcastically. I see how you look at each other, Mija. It was written in the stars.” He said this comfortingly as he left the office.
“Written in the stars…” Marcelina murmured, looking out the window.
Cael, River, Reign, & Zak
The Heavenly King, Cael’s private helicopter, was high above the Paris skies. Cael’s co-pilot handled all the preparations to ensure that everything was in order when Cael, Reign, and Zak arrived for take-off. Cael soon had the helicopter in the air, and the trio arrived at the City of Lights within the hour. It was not long before they landed at Héliport de Paris-Issy-les-Moulineaux and made their way to the main terminal where River awaited them.
“River!” Reign exclaimed, throwing his arms around his friend and hugging her. River hugged Reign tightly and hugged Cael and Zak as they approached.
“Welcome to Paris, mes ami!” she said,
“What are you doing here?” Zak asked,
“You didn’t think I would miss an opportunity to see you guys when you all decided to make an impromptu visit to Paris, did you?” River responded with a wink.
“And getting a ticket to the biggest social occasion of the year event didn’t have anything to do with it either?” Zak teased. River pushed Zak playfully!
“Of course, it didn’t!” she said. “It was just a bonus.”
“Well, before we settle in, we have an appointment at Massimo Dutti in La Defense tonight,” Cael explained as they left the terminal.
“My office is there; I can get us there in a jiff,” River said, jingling the keys and pressing the button on the key fob. The horn of Quicksilver, River’s turbo-blue Audi RS5 Sportback, blared and its headlights flashed as it auto-started, “Hop in.” River said with a wink
Mina
The minuet third movement of Luigi Boccherini’s String Quintet, Op. 11, No. 5, sung from the strings of the Marine Cathedral, Mina Nilasiman’s priceless Stradivarius violin. Her dark hair cascaded like waves along the shoulder of her white cropped t-shirt, and her loose denim jeans hung from her hips. Her bare feet embraced the warm wooden floors of her home. Her dark eyes were hidden beneath her closed lids as her hand deftly strummed the bow across the strings while the other instinctively found each note to play on the violin tucked betwixt her shoulder and chin.
Mina knew the movement like the back of her hand, but today, she struggled with the subtle nuances of the piece. Most would not notice that Mina was not at her best, she knew. The music stopped abruptly as Mina stopped opening her eyes. A soft sigh escaped her as she lowered the violin and bow and looked out the window toward the Paris skyline. She glanced over her shoulder to the steaming kuhlar of chai that sat on the coffee table of her office. Her dark eyes watched the star anise dance in the almond liquid and the foam of tea swirl hypnotically in the pottery cup.
The room's silence was replaced with the crash of waves and swirling waters of the sea. Mina could hear inaudible whispers speaking to her,
“The seas are stormy…” Mina whispered.
She broke herself from the trance and looked at the violin. She walked over to the open case, where she placed the instrument and bow. Her bare feet padded on the wooden floors toward the chai. She raised the warm kuhlar to her supple lips and took a gentle sip, savoring the spices and sweetness of the tea. She took another sip before setting the cup next to a golden antique mirror.
Mina glanced at the mirror’s reflection, which rippled like a drop of water into a placid pond. She had the mirror for as long as she could remember; it was a family heirloom passed down through the women of her family until it came into her possession as a young girl. Slender digits caressed the gilded handle of the mirror as Mina admired its details, including the inlaid woman eternally transfixed to glance at her beauty in the reflective depths of the mirror. Grasping the handle, Mina lifted the mirror, looking at herself in the reflection.
“There’s something between this world and the mirror…” Mina said as if she were in a trance to her reflection. Her words were not her own, “For I have summoned you, and you are bound to me…my talisman, the Deep Aqua Mirror…” She said stoically, “What will you show me? What will I see?” She asked, and suddenly, everything went dark.
Mina opened her eyes and found herself in what used to be Paris…
“What in the world…” she murmured, looking at the destroyed Eiffel Tower.
The cityscape was drenched in the color of blood and shadow. A brooding wind swirled about the desolate city of lights, and she felt fear swell in her heart. Grasping the mirror in her hand, Mina looked about, seeing nothing but the destroyed city of Paris and the bodies of its citizens. Looking upward, she saw the sky darken, and the world around her began disintegrating.
“The world…is ending,” Mina said sadly.
A figure hovered above Mina in a flash of aquamarine light. Mina raised her hand to shield her eyes from the light. Squinting from beneath the palm of her hand, she looked at the silhouetted figure above her.
“The Silence is approaching…” a voice spoke to her. Mina lowered her hand as the figure came into focus; their voice sounded familiar.
“I know you…” Mina said as the figure revealed themselves to be Mina herself.
Mina looked at her other self in amazement. This other Mina’s hair was long and wavy like her own with tints of deep-sea green, much like the waves of the ocean itself. A V-shaped golden tiara rested upon her forehead, a tourmaline gem resting in its vertex. A similar gem with golden adornments was affixed to the seaweed green choker that wrapped about the other Mina’s neck, matching the same-colored sailor collar that fluttered above the shoulders of her white padded cuirass. Fashioned to the center of the cuirass was a deep ocean blue bow appended with a circular teal emblem. Similarly, an ocean-blue bow fluttered the lower back of Mina’s outfit. White wrist-length gloves with deep ocean-blue cuffs covered her clasped hands. Her seaweed green pleated skirt flitted about the windy but stale air from her waist, matching the ribbon-crossed high heels upon her feet. The other Mina opened her eyes and looked down at Mina with a gentle smile.
“By the gods...” Mina said in awe, “Who are you?” she asked.
“I am you. My name is Sailor Neptune,” the other Mina responded gently. Sailor Neptune’s smile faded, and she looked at Mina solemnly. “Mina, awaken. The silence is approaching...” she said ominously.
“The silence?” Mina asked watching Sailor Neptune unclasp her hands. The Deep Aqua Mirror appeared in a flash of light between Neptune’s open palms and looked at the antique mirror forebodingly.
“You asked what you would see in the mirror, and it has shown what will come to pass...” Sailor Neptune said, “Awaken…for the time is near. Gather the three talismans…”
Mina gasped only to find herself back in her office. She lifted the mirror, knowing she held one of the three talismans her dream asked her to gather. She glanced out the window of her office toward the blue sky,
“What did she mean by awaken?” she murmured. How and where was she going to find the other Talismans?
Clare
“I can’t believe it!” Clare exclaimed to Himeko, Karine, and Chasity, followed by other excited murmurs from her company. Madame Javelot clapped her hands to get her dancer’s attention.
“Yes, yes, mes danseurs. We have officially been invited to the New Year’s Eve Gala by the Opera’s most generous benefactors, the Infinity Corporation.” Madame Javelot confirmed with a stern look, “Remember, you are a member of the representing the esteemed company of the Paris Opera Ballet. I expect nothing except the best from you.” she said sharply, “Decorum and discretion are key.” she explained eyeing her dancers, “Now.” she said with a warm smile, “Go, dress in most dazzling finery and have fun. Have a happy New Year! Class dismissed.” she said with a wave of her hand as she left the dance room.
The dancers gathered their things and hurried excitedly out of the dance room. Clare, Himeko, Karine, and Chasity huddled together giddily.
“I can’t believe this is happening!” Chasity said,
“It’s the social event of the season,” Karine responded fervently
“What will you even wear tonight!” Clare said, her mind racing with ideas of what she wanted to wear. Jean-Yves approached the four women,
“Well, this year’s theme is masquerade. Formal attire and masques are the dress code.” He said, having looked up the event on his phone.
“A masquerade! How elegant!” Himeko squealed
“Evie, are you going?” Chasity asked; Jean-Yves shook his head ‘no.’
“No, parties aren’t my thing. You four have fun.” H said as he slung his duffle over his shoulder and left the dance room. Chasity watched Jean-Yves leave disappointedly.
“We have the rest of the day free; maybe we should go shopping!” Karine suggested. Chasity’s face lightened up!
“Yes! Let’s go to La Defense! My family recently opened another jewelry boutique, and my mother is throwing a grand opening sale!” Chasity exclaimed.
“That means we can shop for outfits for the gala and get some accessories!” Himeko chirped as she grabbed her bag. Karine and Chasity followed suit,
“C’mon, let’s go get changed and catch the Metro,” Karine said. Clare went to follow but remembered she forgot to grab her bag! Clare scurried across the dance floor, picking up her hoodie and stuffing it into her half-opened bag.
“Clare, we’re gonna leave without you,” Himeko called out
“No, don’t! Wait for meeeeeeee!” Clare whined, chasing after her friends.
No one noticed that Lilita had remained behind. The young woman stepped gracefully and thoughtfully to the center of the room, where she stood placidly, watching Clare hurry after friends and listening to the girl’s footsteps grow quiet, leaving silence as Lita’s only companion.
Zharia
On December 26, Zharia and Blason presented a tense vision for Infinity Corporation’s New Year’s Eve Bash to Myrrhina Fluere with Infinity Media, who spearheaded the big occasion. After carefully reviewing their menu selection, adjusting, and receiving a generous increase in their proposed budget proposal, Café de la Paix won the bid to cater the most sought-after event of the season!
Zharia and Blason spent less than a week sourcing and prepping ingredients. The day before the event, Blason, and the kitchen staff were busy making red wine reduction, Lobster Bisque with Cognac cream and chive oil, duck foie gras macarons in Fig Compote, and Duck Breast à l’Orange with Grand Marnier Jus and spiced red cabbage. Zharia tended to the desserts, including her specialty Champagne Sorbet with edible rose petals, Mont Blac, and petit fours, which consisted of chocolate truffles, madeleines, and lemon tartlets.
On the day of the event, Blason added the finishing touches with smoked salmon tartare, beef tartare, Roasted Filet de Boeuf in red wine reduction, Pommes Anna with glazed vegetables, and Oysters Rockefeller with champagne sabayon. At the same time, Zharia layered the Opera Cake and helped the kitchen staff with the cheese board selection and baking fresh bread before it was all hands on deck to get the food transported to the venue at the Louvre.
Zharia used a flour-powdered arm to wipe away the sweat on her brow, leaving a chalky streak on her forehead. Blason chuckled, approaching Zharia wearily, watching her massage her clammy palms together and the staff get everything in order in the vans. Zharia smiled softly at Blason.
“What’s so funny?” she asked with a smirk. Blason motioned to his forehead,
“Your choice in makeup.” He teased, watching Zharia feel her face and looking at one of the silver-plated serving trays, seeing the white floor streak on her face. Blushing, she grabbed the towel tucked in her apron, wiping her face clean before giving Blason a knowing glance,
“Ha, ha.” She grinned before tucking the towel back in her apron and crossing her arms, “We have a busy night ahead of us.” She said, hoping to move past her awkward moment,
“I was thinking we could let Mathieu and Gaby take the lead for the event,” Blason responded, looking at the kitchen staff. Zharia looked at him, surprised,
“Seriously?” she asked, looking to Blason in astonishment, “Blaise, this is a big event. I’d think you’d want us to be there.” Zharia protested,
“I do, Z,” Blason said abruptly, looking at a perplexed Zharia,
“Look, I received an invitation to the New Year’s Eve Bash; I was hoping you’d accompany me as my date,” Blaise said sheepishly, rubbing his head and looking to the Paris streets.
Zharia’s face softened with a gentle smile as Blason glanced at her from the corner of his eye,
“I’d love to.” She said, accepting his offer.
Myrrhina
"On the last day of 2020, we revisit one of the year's most troubling stories. Earlier this year in May, renowned archaeologist and anthropologist Dr. Morgana Maragdos announced her summer expedition where she would continue researching and excavating ancient ruins discovered by her small scouting team in the Arctic Circle last year. Artifacts from last year’s expedition are currently being studied at the Louvre."
"Dr. Maragdos, a leading figure in Archaeology and Anthropology, reached new career heights when she made groundbreaking discoveries of physical evidence of long-lost civilizations that bridged the gap between Greek Antiquity and the Roman Empire. Her findings in Asia, Greece, the Middle East, and Spain provided invaluable insights into these transitional periods, earning her critical acclaim, including the 2019 Ladislaus J. Bolchazy Award for her exceptional contributions to understanding ancient civilizations. Dr. Maragdos was part of a 20-member team of fellow archaeologists, anthropologists, geologists, biologists, surveyors, and support staff. Contact with Maragdos and her team ceased in September. The expedition was in part funded by the European Climate Monitoring Initiative in addition to funding from prestigious academic institutions and grants. The expedition was abruptly halted under mysterious circumstances following their last distressing transmission about unexpected atmospheric disturbances and severe blizzards. Since their disappearance, extensive search and rescue operations have been underway, but the harsh Arctic conditions have continuously thwarted efforts. Rescue teams face extreme challenges due to low visibility and relentless storms. The scientific community has rallied in concern for the missing team, highlighting the perilous nature of fieldwork in these remote and unpredictable environments. As 2020 comes to a close, the search efforts persist with undiminished hope, though the challenges remain daunting. Families of the missing have been provided ongoing support, clinging to hope despite the weeks of uncertainty. Dr. Maragdos was awarded in absentia during the 15th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage earlier this year, where she was honored with a UNESCO Medal for Scientific Achievement. We promise to update you on this developing story as the new year begins. Our thoughts are with the families and colleagues of Dr. Maragdos and her team during this distressing time. In other news, Heliologists have discovered unusual activity on the Sun. Several sunspots have appeared on the Sun’s surface –”
Myrrhina turned off the TV in her office as her phone rang. Swiveling her plush burgundy leather office chair, she pressed the speaker button on her office phone.
“Ms. Fluere, Mr. Luciano Amare is here to see you,” a voice said over the speaker on Myrrhina’s office phone.
“Thank you, Gemma. Send him in.” Myrrhina responded.
Myrrhina stood up from her plush burgundy leather office chair, which accented her mahogany desk. She slipped the deep green jacket of her pantsuit over her golden yellow blouse and ran a hand through her mousy brown pin curls as the door opened. Grabbing a jade compact from the desktop, she opened it up and checked her maroon-tinted lips, closing it as the door to her office opened. A sly smile formed on her lips as Luciano entered.
Luciano entered Myrrhina’s office, a deep navy suit adorning his tall, muscular frame. His white dress shirt unbuttoned a few buttons from the collar, exposing his neck, collar bones, and chest. His dark hair reached the nap of his neck, the stubble of his 5’oclock shadow adding depth and edge to his square jaw. His stunning blue eyes locked with Myrrhina’s as a sly smile formed on his lips.
Myrrhina glanced at Luciano across the room as she stepped away from her desk toward the large panoramic window of her office, which gave her a stunning view of La Defense.
Luciano silently followed Myrrhina to the window, standing behind his hands and gently grasping her waist. Myrrhina raised her arms before her head, tilting to look back at Luciano.
The two looked at their reflections in the window. Myrrhina’s eyes glowed in violet light, and Luciano’s eyes responded in kind, glowing yellow. While the two stood silently, their reflections spoke instead.
“Is everything prepared as we discussed?” Luciano asked,
“Yes, Lord Danburite. Everything is prepared for tonight.” Myrrhina responded,
“Good, I will not accept failure. This is all for the revival of the Great Ruler.” Luciano said in a solemn tone,
“I understand, Lord Danburite,” Myrrhina responded,
“I don’t think you do, Fluorite.” Luciano said cooly, his reflection reaching around Myrrhina’s, turning her so her eyes met his, “Sailor V has awakened and has stopped most if not all of your Phantoms.” Luciano explained.
“Sailor V?” Myrrhina asked, “Is that who she is?”
“That is the epithet the media has been fed; it seems to be sticking even the so-called soldier of love and justice has claimed it for herself,” Luciano said with a smirk.
“Should I have the Phantoms focus on eliminating her?” Myrrhina asked. Suddenly, Luciano’s face turned grotesque, starting Myrrhina as the hand of his reflection grabbed Myrrhina by the throat. The real-life Myrrhina gasped for air,
“Sailor V is MINE, Fluorite.” He snarled through gritted teeth, releasing Myrrhina, who gasped for air as Luciano stepped away from her.
“You have your orders.” He said, straightening his jacket.
“Yes…Lord Danburite.” Myrrhina said dutifully as she composed herself watching him leave the office.
Luciano strolled past Gemma’s desk, winking at the smitten secretary as he took the elevator and exited the building. Standing under the structured canopy of the Grand Arche's exterior lobby, he turned and headed towards CitizenM.
“Lucy?” a voice spoke behind him. A smile formed on his lips as he turned to look over his shoulder,
“Aurora!” He exclaimed, outstretching his arms, embracing the one and only Aurora d’Amour.
“Hi!” she said happily,
“Here to see Myrrhina?” he asked.
“Of course. Did you leave her office?” Aurora asked, running a hand through her blonde hair.
“Yes, I’ll be escorting her as my date to the New Year’s Bash since you turned me down.” Luciano teased, tapping Aurora’s nose.
“Lucy.” Aurora said, crinkling her nose teasingly, “I’m going to London, you know that.” She said, pushing him back gently. Luciano pressed his hand to his chest for dramatic effect, causing Aurora to laugh,
“Ahh so it’s these acting skills got you on Plus belle la vie?” Aurora winked
“Oh, so you follow my career?” Luciano said in a surprised tone,“How could I not when it’s all you talk about?” Aurora teased,
“Daggers, Aurora,” Luciano said, grasping his chest feigning chest pain,
“You’ll live. I’m going to see Myrrhina. Mimi is taking my place for tonight’s event, I’m going to review any last-minute tour details for London before my flight.” Aurora said as she entered the Grande Arch building.
Luciano waved to Aurora through the glass doors, watching her disappear behind the elevator's closing doors. His smile faded from his lips. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a deck of tarot cards. With a flick of his wrist he drew a card from top the deck and smirked.
“The Chariot. Fate is converging, and opposing forces will come together as fate has ordained.” Luciano whispered, tucking the cards back in his pocket, “Soon you will be mine, Sailor V.” he said as he walked off into the distance.
In Westfield Les 4 Temps, Clare joined her friends at Le Muguet Jewelers.
“It’s about time, Clare,” Chasity said,
“What took you so long?” Karina asked,
“I had to find the perfect dress for tonight,” Clare protested, reaching into her bag and pulling out a stunning sheer silver gown!
“Wow, Clare, you outdid yourself,” Karina remarked,
“Isn’t it great? I tried on so many dresses, and then I found this one.” Clare chirped, looking at the dress.
“What took you so long? We agreed to meet here so we wouldn’t miss the opening sale,” Himeko said exasperatedly. You’re always late!” she growled.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it,” Clare said feebly, clutching the dress tightly.
“What’s important is that you made it,” Chasity said reassuringly, much to Clare’s relief.
“You’re right,” Himeko said sheepishly.
“I called my mom, and she’ll give you an additional discount on the sale. C’mon!” Chasity said excitedly, leading the girls into the store.
“Wait for me!” Clare said as she fumbled with her dress, trying to put it in the bag
Clare abruptly crashed into something, trying to follow her friends, and fell backward onto the floor. Clare winced in pain, rubbing her head, realizing she had crashed into someone!
“Je suis vraiment désolé! I’m sorry!” she exclaimed as she gathered her dress off the floor, stuffing it in her bag. Clare looked up to see Reign standing over her, rubbing his chin.
“You should watch where you’re going, " he said annoyedly, looking down at Clare. Clare blushed at the sight of Reign. His blue eyes and dark hair seemed so familiar and enchanting. Her heart beat hard in her chest, and her face flushed warmly.
“Are you okay?” Reign asked, reaching down and extending his hand to Clare. Clare smiled and half-nodded as she took Reign’s hand. Reign gasped as he saw a vision of a woman wearing a white gown, her face obscured. ‘Endymion…’ the woman whispered, reaching out to him. Reign blinked and was back in the mall, holding Clare’s hand.
“I’m fine. Thank you.” Clare said again, slipping her hand out of his
“Clare!” Himeko called out, “Hurry up!”
“Coming,” Clare said, unable to break eye contact with Reign,
“Reign?” Cael said as they, with River and Zak, approached. Clare looked to Cael, River, and Zak before moving past him and into La Muguet.
“Who was that?” Zak asked, watching Clare run into the jewelry store.
“Some clumsy girl. She crashed into me,” Reign said dismissively, trying to shake his vision. He turned, looking to the store. “Clare,” he said to himself.
“Let’s get back to the apartment to prepare for tonight,” Cael suggested. The group agreed and turned to leave. Reign couldn’t help but look back at the store before following his friends.
Clare watched Reign and his friends walk away before turning to see her friends staring at her. She blushed and lowered her eyes, smiling embarrassedly.
“Clare, who was that?” Chasity asked in astonishment
“His name is Reign,” Clare said dreamily.
“Reign, that has to be a nickname or something,” Karine said
“I feel like I know him…” Clare whispered reminiscently,
“From where?” Himeko asked curiously,
“A long, long time ago…” Clare said yearningly as if she were someone else,
“Clare?” Himeko asked. Clare blinked and smiled at Himeko,
“Oh, nothing…” Clare said, “Let’s see what’s on sale.” She said, turning to look at the display cases.
“Chasity?” a voice called to the girls. The group turned to see Chasity’s mom approach them with a warm smile,
“Hi, Mom.” Chasity greeted, hugging her mother tightly before turning to face her friends, “Mom, you already know Clare.” Chasity said,
“Of course! Hi Clare! How are Irene, Ken, and Sebastian?” she asked, hugging Clare. Clare hugged Chasity’s mom, “Hi, Mrs. Vale, they’re all doing great!” Clare responded cheerfully,
“Please call me Maylis.” Chasity’s mom responded,
“Mom, these are our friends, Karine and Himeko,” Chasity said, introducing the two,
“Nice to meet you.” Karine and Himeko said in unison,
“Chasity has told me all about you, and I’m glad to put the names to the faces,” Maylis said as she turned on her heels, gesturing to her boutique,
“Welcome to the La Muguet,” she said proudly, walking towards one of the displays in the center of the store,
“Come, mademoiselles, allow me to show you our regalia,” Maylis announced. The girls excitedly followed Maylis, “As my daughter has undoubtedly told you, everything is on sale, and since this is a big occasion for you girls, I am giving you an extra discount on anything in this display. So please let me know what you like to look at.” She said, tapping the glass with a wink.
Karine, Chasity, and Himeko huddled around the display counter, pointing at the rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Clare idled on the opposite end of the counter, looking at the various baubles until a sparkle caught her eye, and she eyed a necklace with an ornate golden pendant. The pendant had a star engraved in its center with a golden gem; on each point of the circumference, four gems were affixed. Maylis walked over to Clare, watching her admire the pendant. Without saying anything, she reached into the display and removed it from the neckstand.
“I know that look,” Maylis said, gently nestling the pendant in her palm and showing it to Clare. Clare looked to Maylis and looked at the pendant again. Something about it just spoke to her, “Go on.” Maylis whispered.
“Maylis, I couldn’t,” Clare said in dismay,
“I insist,” Maylis said as she dangled the necklace in her hands and unclasped it, motioning Clare to come closer. Clare smiled and leaned forward, letting Maylis clasp the necklace around her neck.
“Thank you,” Clare said gratefully, feeling the cool metal touch the skin of her breastbone.
Clare joined the other girls and showed them her necklace. Maylis smiled as the girls admired each other’s jewelry. She saw another girl looking at a nearby display case from the corner of her eye. Maylis didn’t see the girl come in and walked over to her, watching her look at the jewelry.
“Hello there.” Maylis greeted. Lilita turned to look at Maylis and gave a half-smile with a curt wave of her hand. Maylis gasped, taken aback by Lita’s resemblance to Clare.
“I was just looking. It’s all beautiful.” Lita said, admiring the various pieces of jewelry with a soft smile. That was until she saw a necklace with a baroque, heart-shaped pendant. Lita’s eyes sparkled as she eyed the gilded, deep crimson enamel with an amethyst marquise-shaped gemstone in its center.
Maylis smiled as Lita eyed the pendant eagerly,
“It’s a beautiful pendant.” She said in a soft tone.
“Yes…it is…” Lita whispered with an eerie smile.
“Would you like to see it?” Maylis asked as she slipped the necklace off the mannequin neckstand. Lita’s eyes watched the pendant hungrily as it danced in Maylis’ fingertips before resting in her palm, “Well?” she asked inquisitively, presenting the necklace to Lita. Lita’s eyes slowly rose from the pendant and bore into Maylis’ eyes. Maylis lost her smile and shifted in discomfort under Lita’s gaze but couldn’t bring herself to look away, ‘Give her the necklace.’ A voice whispered in Maylis’ mind. Maylis hesitated but soon outstretched her hand, letting the necklace fall from her grasp and curl into Lita’s palm.
“Mom?” Chasity called Maylis. Maylis blinked and took a breath. “Mom, are you okay?” Chasity asked. “We’re getting ready to go, " she added. Maylis looked around the store and at her hands before clasping them together. She wondered what she was doing. Was she talking to someone or helping them? Maylis looked at Chasity and smiled, dismissing the confusiona and unease she felt.
“Of course, Chasity. Have a wonderful time, " she said, stroking her daughter’s cheek. Chasity touched her mom’s hand lovingly and smiled.
“I’ll see you later.” She said as she went to leave with her friends.
“Be safe,” Maylis called out softly, feeling her unease reemerge watching her daughter and her friends leave the store.
The girls passed Lilita, who stood alone by the mall railing. She watched Clare and her friends disappear into the crowd before glancing at her clenched hand. She opened her hand to the heart-shaped pendant in her palm. The amethyst flashed with eerie darkness as Lilita clutched it tightly. She looked off into the distance, her eyes darkened before she turned and walked away.