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Monday, July 03, 2006Chapter 27 Watching Plays and winging it fine, dudesDisclaimer where not my characters still stand Firmly. No perversion, so don’t sue me. Armand is the dark haired vampire before Lestat. He’s much older than him, now it’s 2005, he could be 500! Louis took me to meet him and watch a show the troupe had set up. It's been some time since they met, Louis does not always see the shows. Supposed to be a different one each night. “None of that bringing innocent virgins onstage. He promised. When we were in France, that had been his style. Here, the taste isn’t towards the grotesque, so he’s ensured that even teenagers can watch. If not I won’t let you see it.” “Sheez man,” I grumbled. I’m no small child. Meanwhile to take the heat off me as the focus, I thought how special my friend looked in Victorian suit, Lestat’s one. It was deep blue ( that’s almost black), golden sequins and designs curling down the lapels. I was wearing a party frock, which I just salvaged from my mount at home. Chelsea’s mom had given to me last Christmas. My dad’s gift as well, silver studs of seagulls. I have not seen him for 2 months. Oh Lestat, only you taught me how to be in touch with my heart. I missed him. He would give nice and happy comments to cheer us. “Stat wants to get me a dress.” I recalled those words on the fragrant letterpad. “Nice. Then you shall be feminine fatale,” Louis replied, smiling, teeth exposed. It’s his extremely hyper mode smile. (he suppresses this as he really hates being a vamp) “So when will he send it?” “When it’s ready. I said I want blue. Hey I’m starving. Let’s eat!” I pulled the gentle and slow motioned man to hurry. Another nearby café for Black Forrest. The lady at the counter knew how to speak French, so they conversed for a while. Louis’s French was slow and deliberate. He held eye contact. She was smitten. I kept teasing, but he ignored me. If you carry on like that, I will not order. I don’t have to eat, Krys. Is it only when he is with his own countrymen that he is more confident? I said sorry sorry and put on my most contrite expression. Louis came back 15 minutes later with a smaller piece on my plate. Looked smug. He drank the mocha coffee. Then we went to watch Armand’s play. I forgot the longish title, it was about a fantastic dream. A wonderful choreography. We chatted with Armand for a while. He let us go unharmed. I could reassure the blond that he was not a devil. Louis hoped I could accompany him for another play tomorrow night. “Hmm, sorry Pointe. I can’t. I have a project tomorrow. It might stretch into the night. Go with my friend. She loves operas.” (I didn’t want to see it, knowing his style, bound to be the really waily types) “But I don’t know her, Krys. She’s not my friend,” Louis said anxiously, green eyes clouded over, tense. He vehemently stated that his only love was cherie: Claudia. No one else. I knew I couldn’t push him on that. But I succeeded, as he wouldn't hear of wastage. My recommendation was Nina, a golden eagle. They hit it off right away.I hoped he would mix around without our help. Yay. ************* Stuck on the project, I began a draft for Pup-beloved. His letter had been at the bottom of the huge stack. The doctors wanted him to rest and not fret about investments, so they were still directed here. Sometimes we had to phone those people and inform them Lestat was away on a long trip. He had not left any instructions on what to explain to them, so it would be confidential. I didn’t want to write about this and make him worry. Hello Lestat, Sorry this is late. Thank you for making the effort. We’re fine. Since I’m on the comp, I got this printed. Throw you a question: my teacher, why do you hate each other? Armand asked after you. Your previous letter was really long. Nice. We like reading them, your calligraphy prints. You’re much better than a PC! I can send to this address right? I hope it isn’t lost. I’m sorry about Sirena. She sounds like a good person. Is she ok? You’ve always been a support for others. Isn’t that tiring? I think there should be two- way reciprocation. I read Blackwood Farm. In it you and Merrick helped Quinn with the ghost. Didn’t you freak? (Maybe I asked before, but I’ve forgotten) Here’s Pointe-chan’s pic with your blue coat. Then his own brown and gold one, green too. That’s me in the red dress. It’s called a Cheongsam. Try to pronounce that, haha. What do you think, are we photogenic? Send us a pic of yourself when you’re better. I wonder if your eyes will glow. That is why Quinn and Mona are constantly in glasses. I love your eyes, violet. Miss you so much! Oh, about the night you left. I was too upset to notice that you were impassive. In fact perhaps it’s why my instructor tells us to control ourselves. You did a good job. Don’t blame yourself for the awkwardness. No one is perfect and I understand your intentions. Did you feel stressed coz your writing was really transformed? Now my group is at Melissa’s house. Here’s a mental image: Mel is a little yellow dog, Jojo- a poodle, got two wild dogs of a different color, me and KC. We’re doing a huge project and presently out of ideas. How does our environment affect a person? The nature versus nurture debate. We can get nurtured to become leaders. And I haven’t practiced maths! I’m going to fail! Wish me luck. Tomorrow there’s a big exam on the country’s political system. The subject was 4 weeks long only and they want us to do a test! Gotta go! Write me update soon. What are you doing? It is mean that they left you alone all the time. But you can spend time with yourself just as well, reading and enriching your mind. Love you: Bianca April 1st Hello Louis and dearest Papillion, Happy April fool’s greeting! My writing changed? So this is my normal handwriting. I had more time, I think. It’s ok if you’re busy. I understand. I am comforted that you forgive me. We vampires need to be more generous of heart like Shapers. I admire you guys on your control. I got your letter just as I was leaving. Lucky right? flattered, I’m better than a computer’s font! Woohoo. One question at a time. But I have so many things to tell you, so it’s gonna be messy again. This is David’s house. He has many of them in Europe. Now he seldom returns to England. I liked that big homely mansion. Especially the large red armchair. Do you notice I often harp on this? Maybe not to you children. Sorry, I’m digressing. Ok, introduce you to my friends. Arkos, Dino, Salvador, Pallia. 6 of us, including myself and my occasional flirt-love. Louiiiieee, jealous?? Serves you right for not writing. Pallia is the only female. Arkos is Greek, and the rest are Romanian. Romania is a legendary stronghold of our kind, but so far only two. France seems to have more. Yes it can get tiring at times when my love and affection is not returned. I’m glad you respond. I should treasure those who do that. It helps plenty. I was not afraid of the ghost. I had company. How to handle The supernatural, which is different from werewolves and fleshed creatures, you must stand firm. It hurts me remembering the whole night I wept, nursing my loss: my dearest sister Merrick. The willing ones die early. Do not ask Q about this ok? It is best untouched. If you don’t engage in exorcisms, there’s no need to fear. Don’t play with ghosties. Let’s give you a picture of ‘ my house’ . Many rooms, three floors. All of us have a private room each, 2 dining rooms, 1 kitchen spotless one. But it’s seriously deficient, you’ll be sad. Hardly any food except for some cans of soda. I prefer mineral water. No alcohol. I wish I can go home now, feeling super homesick. The doc will arrange for everything and check on me. I really can’t stand another needle. It is agonizing. The good thing is I’m no longer in constant pain and nauseous. Still I will soon go mad in this house! I am all alone. I thought I could go out with them, but they didn’t wake me again. Armand and I no longer nurse this grudge. Hope I’m convincing, my child…it’s just that we are rivals. He is the dark while I’m the light. I don’t know, I suffer pains and problems like everybody else and yet people are jealous of me! I try to be positive and take action and responsibility (of course not all the time). Right now I’m in a depressing downturn. We had very diverse ideas. How do you interprete? My point of view is: he is more stiff and conservative than I. You know I hate it when people don’t agree with me. Why why? Once we tried to kill each other. I wanted to drain his blood dry! That is true and I won’t hide it. Marius was livid when he found out. Then he went to push me off the tower. But knowing Amadeo, he wouldn’t tell you due to his nature. He’s a ladies’ man. Bianca, once we shared intimacy, but it’s over between us. We can still cordially talk. We won’t fight like cats, rest assured. A preter is a creature of change. I cannot stand stagnation. I’ve another 6 months! 9 months for the full treatment. I miss you so badly that I want to fly there now. Joking. Humans freaking on seeing the famous Lestat up there. Oh God, is this the end of the world they wonder? I guess I recovered much faster from the fresh air. I am so acutely lonely. I try to make it clear that I’m open, friendly and equal. But the others fear me. It is a barrier. The Vampire Lestat, aloof and cool and distant. Ok blue dress. Yay. I was digging in my pack when I saw my diary. It is therapeutic recording my feelings. Sometimes I see ghosts. Unnerving and freaky! Luckily not here. The photos are sweet, yes, you’re photogenic. Here’s a photo with Sirena. She calmed down enough. Not better, she is still confined in that ward. I can’t visit her so I call. I think we should keep to paper because the reception is too poor to talk. Ohhh, I’m so bored. The tv programs are dull. I didn’t bring any books along. I’ve finished David’s collection of detective archives, since I am super fast and efficient! Arrogance, can’t help that, hahaha! What do you think-- I’m only 21! Forever a youth so I’m still like you at times, kiddy and naughty. Kinda enjoy the advantage. I am so happy listening and reading your life. I feel cold now. But it is summer. Countdown to come home. By the way did anyone find the Chirac flower? Don’t blame yourself if you cannot. Je t’aime my fledge and your family. I think there’s someone outside. Good to hunt! I fed well, a large man. Um! Yours truly and God Bless: Lestat It was heartbreaking. Poor guy. “ Why are they so mean to him? He’s not so proud. Don’t they read his books?” I spoke up. Louis sighed and clasped one sheet to his chest. His maker did not like solitary time at all and often preferred it when others socialized with him. If only we could fly over there to see him right now! “No no. We can’t. Finances are tight. And we can’t help him being there. He has to learn how to cope alone,” Louis answered, catching my hand. I felt like crying, because my close friend had always supported people. This was no way to be treated! After a pause the calm guy collected his thoughts and said, “We haven’t found anything. Lestat’d just become more worried and get worse. Maybe he is happier now.” I didn’t buy that. Suddenly it popped out, “Louis. Could I tell you something? Don’t—don’t be mad….” He opened his palms and his beautiful pupils connected with me. I said meekly, “I think I felt Gabrielle that time. She’s somewhere here. But not now.” He did not speak for a long time. I noticed that his fingers waved over a page. “Do you want to tell ‘stat about it? It would be wonderful. And meanwhile, we could work on asking her to talk to us. She has not spoken to us personally for a long while.” Louis started to make a draft of a reply immediately. Actually our language skills improved at excellent caliber during these months updating Brat Prince on happenings here on Freemandling. Lestat requested that we write by hand. His next three letters were almost the same, how much he felt lonely, his great deep longing for a kinship among his own kind, Switzerland’s sceneries (when he got the chance to wander, usually dragged back by a bodyguard!), the cocktails and therapies. On the 12th letter, he sounded better: September 20 Hey guys, Quinn too (help me convey how much I love him will ya), I’m still miserable in this huge empty house. My mood is better though. There’re fireworks outside tonight. I wish I had a camera to capture this! I love fireworks. Remember I wanna be one. Bianca-chan, the dress is finally finished, it’s marvellieux and of such softness. I wanted to weep when I ran my hands over. I cannot wait to see you in it! Merci for all the latest news. So Louis, will you go with someone to the hotel? Don’t want to waste the prize. Congratulations, Marcus. I knew you could do it! Your hard work is showing. By the way I enclosed some handmade chocolates. Tell me if they’re nice. There’re fifteen flavours! No there isn’t any change in my pals here. So far, only Pallia is all right. She doesn’t shy away when I chat with them. David and her will answer all my whines, pleas and requests. Infer: I’m not demanding. We finally got cable last night. But I prefer to watch Dvds. There was this movie called Minority Report. I was confused by the plot and the screaming was terrible. Did you see that before? Sirena came to live with us. She’s coping well. I’m thinking of bringing her to Marius or my other bosses. What do you think? I honestly don’t mind another fledge but I am too busy to help her. Oh yes thank you for the correspondence with my agents. They can mail or fax to me now. Cool! Don’t worry. I won’t be stressed. I can handle it. You’re welcome. Do you feel closer to me when you read my letters? Just wondering. I want to see these papers when I return to your side. I am faithfully keeping all of yours. Cher, I love your poetry. I revel in them! I’m getting more mushy by the hour, sorry. Goose pimples… To Quinn, good luck in your studies. Are you going to make games? That’s so tough huh? I peeked in an institute. So much work to do. I put my email add on top, so he can contact me, but I won’t be opening it very often. As always, miss miss you guys so much! Puppy prince (he stuck a doggie pic here) Sep 26( Violet ink) To All at home: Happy birthday, Chelsea. Timed it just tonight coz her special day is on Tuesday right? I bought a card. I went shopping for these colored stationery, the set of pens I’m using now, wrapping paper. There were three huge bookstores just waiting for me to sweep in majestically. I felt super materialistic boosted when I entered. I managed to do some wrapping. Hey Bianca to your questions: 1) You heard news from my mother? I didn’t notice that in the other letters. Thank you. Please ask her to come. She knows but why isn’t she here? 2) Nope the Mayfairs are not vampires. Only Mona is. Rowan is a doctor and she and I don’t love each other. Used to, but we barely spoke for years already. I don’t know if she remembers me… 3) I’m all better. I have giddy spells on some nights, but I won’t pass out very long. I want to come home! I refuse to stay here anymore, even if it’s good for me. How could you ever think I should extend my stay here? So sad. 4) Sorry, too over-emo there. I am coming home whether anyone protests or not. That is final! Yay, October! I cannot wait to come back. Did you like the new stamps on the envelope? I mentioned that you collect them, so she made an exception. It’s the newest issue of dogs. I bought a large pack of foreign philates which I will bring back together with the dress. Then an email from him: guess what? I can come back! The flight is October 2, so I will reach there by 22:00 Oct 3! Many presents! Want all of you to wait for me, lots of things to carry. And I forgot how to go from the airport. See ya soon! Joyful and exuberant Stat ---------------------------- Before he came back, Lestat gave us a surprise ring. I yelped when he spoke, “Cherie.” His voice was unmistakeable, despite all the static. “Brat! I miss you so!” I cried, my tears coming. “Coming home right?” He laughed. I couldn’t Read his mind. “I won’t talk too long, you can’t hear me clearly anyway. Yes I am coming home tomorrow. Come and receive your Master.” “Is that a command?” then I passed to Pointe and Quinn. Louis and I walked into the Central airport. The number of people was dwindling. We figured it would be easy to detect his presence. He is too illuminous to neglect seeing! My friend wore light pink and had left his chest exposed. Black, brown, colored. No blond! Why didn’t Lestat pass me a telepathic message? Had he missed the plane? He was scared of dying in a crash. That was one of his phobias. Suddenly, Louis gasped, pushed his fringe behind his ear. Look. One figure didn’t melt into the crowds like the others. He was in all black, curls, brownish skin. He stood out. Charismatically he smiled, revealing shiny teeth. Hair held back by ribbon. “Hey. What took you so long to see me? I was here, but you guys turned in all directions but here,” he started saying. I held him tight. Lestat reciprocated, kneeling and cuddled me. His electric blue eyes met his love’s. “Still irresistible. Come, help me with all the stuff.”Back to reality, the men picked up the shopping bags and we walked to the cab stand. He was quiet and fell asleep when we were inside for 2 minutes. It was midnight when we finally got back. I yawned. “How does it feel to be back?” I said. Louis set down the luggage bag and locked the door. Lestat flopped down beside me and put his head back. He sighed long. “Wonderful. I loved the books so much, I bought them. One is cats, the other-- animals. Here,” Lestat opened the colorful plastic bag. I grinned. He had also got a charm bracelet with many silver bells, fastened that on. The poet sulked that his was only a thick pen set. “You’re biased.” Teasingly jealous of me. “What? The books, we can all share. What’s wrong? I ran from shop to shop and convinced them not to close while I hurriedly selected these,” his Maker replied in good humor. “I wish I could own those stores, man! Lots and lots of merchandise… and the chocolates. Oh noooo!” Lifted out a crushed golden box, damp and sticky. Looked like a tank had run over it. Lestat’s hands covered his cheeks in dismay, exclaimed in a dramatic voice, “It’s ruined! The security must have—they didn’t put it back. We have to eat them now.” I licked my fingers. “It’s ok. You meant well,” the other guy said. The almonds were disintegrating. So we gorged ourselves full of chocolate. I noticed that Lestat’s coat was so large they flapped loosely about him. He’d lost much weight. He heard my concern. It is alright. They are one size bigger. I did take care of myself. No custom made, this was the smallest. Later I dreamed about something and I did not hear him until he called me aloud. “Sorry. What is it?” “Your dress. C’mon, wear it. I hope it is fitting. If it can’t I’ll get the dressmaker to alter it later on.” I smiled, took the box and went upstairs. Baby blue dress in two layers of skirt and petticoat. Lying in yellow tissue. |