Cinderella, The Return of Genevieve (5 page)

“Oh come on, don’t make that face. This tunnel hasn’t been used in years. Besides, it doesn’t look like what you’re
imagining.” He reached out his hand to her. Reluctantly she took it, and climbed down the ladder.

Cinderella lowered herself to the floor as gently as she could, and when her heels hit the concrete
with a click! She lifted her eyes and a track of lights went for what seemed like miles down the steel tunnel. It was clean, without water, no sign of rats, waste or trash. The tunnel reminded her of some secret path the military might use to a secret laboratory or prison.

“Told you it wasn’t what you thought.”

“I didn’t know sewers could be this clean and fresh.”

“Well it’s a secret tunnel. Not
even the Elite know about it, or the humans. It’s protected by a charm, always has been.”

“Like that speakeasy in Germany.”
Hip bumping him.

“Oh, that was fun. The fashion in that era was
just…hmmm…anyway word on the street is that Liza is dating the prince?”

“Yup. Unfortunately. I don’t know how she pulled that off. He’s so cultured and intelligent. I don’t think Liza knows anything
about…”

“Trust me
dear, it has nothing to do with her brain.” He patted her hand like a concerned father.

“Patrick doesn’
t seem to care much about looks. Well, I should say maybe it be just temporary for him.”

“We can never know a man’s heart ca
n we? He may seem one way to you, or even act a certain way for you. We don’t know his secret thoughts or desires. Are you on a first name basis with the prince?”

She shrugged. “He loves art and wants to see mine.
”

“I read an interview in Debonair, he is infatuated, deeply with the arts.
They had a spread of his home and his collection is massive. The guest house on his property is solely for art. Have you been to his gallery in Paris?”

“No, I didn’t know he had a gallery.”

“Listen.” Rueben turned to her as he seemed enlightened with a thought that seemed grand to him. “If you get a chance, show him your work. That could be your ticket out of this slum of a life.”

“That will never happen. I doubt Mother would allow
it.”

“You kill me with your lack of optimism.
I don’t know whether to slap or coddle you… Leave it to me.” They continued walking. “When did you get to speak with him? How did he find out about your talent?”

“The day that you found me…I was in Manhattan and he seen me at the Musique and we talked.”

“If you were in Manhattan that day, what were you doing in the local market?”

Cinderella laughed. “
Patrick is very demanding. I had to run away. Can you imagine what would’ve happened If I’d been caught with him? Sun room for sure. He talks a lot. He wouldn’t let me leave. Trying to see my face and everything.” She nodded and laughed.

“You like him.” Rueben teased.

“Maybe a little. But it would never happen. And I’d be killed for sure.”

“Oh but isn’t that the best love, forbidden love? So much passion and energy goes into those types of relationships…it’s worth dying for don’t you think?”

“I wouldn’t know, and I’m not all that willing to die over him.”

“Bull! You like him, that’s why you can’t stand to see Liza with him. Why you think about him
when you wake and before you sleep. Why you have that portrait of him in your room.”

“Rueben!
” Slapping his arm. “How did you know about the painting? I hid it.”

“Dear Gen, have you forgotten who I am? I seen everything in your past, all the important things that have happened to you. And his face was one I seen in your memories. He’s reached that barren heart of yours
.”

“Then why are you asking me all of this if you know the answer?”

“Wanted to see if you’d tell me.”

“Same old Rueben.”

They slipped on their masks as they were getting closer to the club. Rueben’s mask was black with gold winged horses galloping on top. Hers was made out thin gold, with cat ears and a small ruby dangling on her nose.

Lingering,
classical music drifted through the tunnel and became louder and louder as they got closer to the club. There was a large circular door with two guards standing in front dressed in all black. Both the guards were bald and at least 6’ feet tall. They had large muscular arms and looked very stereotypical and intimidating. As we approached they both hissed. Rueben hissed back, showing his fangs. This was a part of gaining entrance into the club.

“The Casablanca Lily?” One of the guards ask
ed in a gruff voice.

“Blooms at night.”

The guards bowed their heads and stepped aside. One of them pounded a heavy fist against the door and they began to smoothly open without making a sound.

The doors led to a dark hall
. There was no way of telling whether there were walls or more tunnel. A yellow light at the top of the stairs flickered on and a door sat just below it.

What am I getting myself into? Cinderella thought. This can go terribly wrong for me and then what? The Sun Room…a weight of worry began to press down onto her ch
est and she closed her eyes trying relax. How can I relax with the threat of the Sun room looming over my life? Just relax! You can do this, you’re out already, just relax and enjoy yourself. Enjoy this day. Appreciate it, Rueben will not let you down, he will not let you die and you are not alone in this life anymore. Cinderella quickly reached for Rueben’s arm and clutched it as if her life depended on it.

“Listen.” Rueben turned to her, “if you want we can leave. But I’m warning you, you look absolutely stunning. If we hadn’t been such great friends, I’d have you
for myself. There will be hundreds of guys in there and I know they will fall all over you. So silent that human fear that still lives in you and relax. You’re Genevieve remember?”

And for a moment, Cinderella remembered when Genevieve was alive and fearless and fun. Full of adventure and risk, living for the day instead of tomorrow. And that’s what she wanted to channel, who she used to be and who she wanted to become again, at least for tonight.
She looked up and past Rueben’s black mask and into his glimmering green eyes. “You’re right.” She nodded. “Everything will be fine. I have you again and I trust you with my life and I know you won’t let anything happen to me.” She knew he would do everything in his power to help or rescue her. She would wager her life.

“That’s my girl. So let’s party like we have never done before!” He grabbed her chin and pressed his cool lips against hers. And as if he were transferring energy or courage through his lips, Cinderella felt a rush of adrenaline and she was okay.

They moved up the steel stairs, her shoes clicking and clobbering up, towards the light. Rueben rapped against the door and a rectangular peep hole opened and two black eyes stared out.

“Would you happen to have the time?” The raspy voice behind the door asked, eyes never blinking.

Rueben nodded. “Precisely, 4 o’clock.”

The peep hole closed and the sound of about ten locks being undone echoed in the room or hall where they stood. Cinderella wondered what the extra precaution was for, and then remembered the dangers that could come. Weres, humans, if the Elite caught wind of this day club, they would definitely come and destroy them all. She had more than a sun room to worry about.

There were more stairs to climb, and they seemed to go on forever. Another peep hole slid open, eyes staring out at them, looking from Rueben to Cinderella. “$100 for two.” The voice was smooth and feminine.

Rueben reached into his pocket and pulled a wallet out, it was attached to a chain that connected to one of the belt loops on his pants. He handed her a bill and the door opened up to them.

Music began softly filtering into the hallway, rich violins,
a violist and a cellist. Cinderella wondered what kind of party still danced to waltz music. They rounded a corner, through gold silk drapes. The lighting turned into a deep red as they entered the room filled with vampires, the lighting became gold and warm. It was dim and the music continued to softly sway the cool air around them. And the voices around were loud and echoed in the room with high ceilings and concrete walls.

“This is the club?” Cinderella stood on her
tippy toes and whispered into Rueben’s ear.

“Yes and no. This is actually the waiting room, until the club opens.” He looked down at his sparkling watch and said, “We have about an hour and a half to go. The club doesn’t actually open till 8
a.m.”

There was a big bar at the furthest wall, three tenders stood behind it, rag in hand, wiping the bar down every time they exchanged money for a drink. “Even the bar tenders have to wear a mask?”

“Yes, it’s important to protect their identity too.”

Vampires were gathered in groups, everyone dressed in Victorian era clothes with some sort of edge to them. A tall lengthy woman, wore a sheer black dress with beaded detail to conceal her private parts. She wore a big feathery hat that was situated sideways, with a dark veil draped over her face. Another vampire wore a pink bustier with a slinking crush velvet skirt
that was short in the front and long in the back. Her thigh high platform boots shined like a wet trash bag. Some of the outfits were incredible and some, just bad and trashy. Genevieve hated when vampires dressed trashy, according to the human world that’s all vampires were, trashy and selfish, evil creatures of the night. They’d evolved since then and where much better.

Rueben le
d her by the hand to a cubby hole that had the sign, ‘RESERVED,’ dangling in front of it with a chain in place to keep those who did not belong out. There was an attendant that stood by, wearing a silver mask and white serving gloves. He wore the typical butler uniform and when we approached him, he bowed deeply. “Sir Beauchamp.” He removed the chain and held out his hand to Cinderella, “You look rather enchanting this lovely day, Madame.” His head bowed again, she took his hand and he helped her up one then two steps into the reserved lounge area.

Cinderell
a laid across the chaise, facing the crowd, kicking her feet up, her elbow perched on top of the only arm of the chair. She felt like a queen, staring out at commoners. A few men and women gazing and pointing at her.

“They’re trying to figure out who you are. I always come here alone.” Rueben said,
he sat in the armchair to her left.

“I thought your identity is kept a secret?”

He tapped his finger against his mask. “This is my identity. You wear the same mask to establish your identity here. It’s very rare that people change masks. Especially if you want to make a name for yourself.”

“
So what’s your name here?”

“What it’s always been, Rueben.” He brandished a wide grin, flashing teeth and fangs.

The servant came back, and approached Rueben. “Would you like the curtains drawn?”

“No, leave them open.” He looked over at
Genevieve. “Gen, Love, what will we be drinking tonight? Have you had the blend before?”

“Blend?”

“Yes, its half O+ and merlot.”

“We do offer a few other blends, one O+, chocolate and merlot. It’s very popular
amongst the ladies. We also offer a blend of Champaign as well.” The server interjected with a pleasant smile.

“Oh, I’ve only had O+ before, but since the occasion calls for it, I’ll try the chocolat
e blend.” She smiled to the servants lightly bowing her head. “Thank you.”

“B
ring us a bottle of your house merlot too. And two glasses of your half and half—bring those out first, please.”

“Yes sir. Will you be having dessert?”

“Raspberry layer cake, do you have that today?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Thank you.” Rueben smiled then sat back in his chair. “Oh, I’d like a cigar as well.”

The servant bowed his way out of their cubby hole and disappeared into the crowd. While they waited,
Genevieve stood to her feet and stood on the top step and looked out over the crowd. This place was obviously an old industrial building and where there were once windows, they had been covered with cement. For it to be such a building, it didn’t give off that vibe, what with the string quartet belting out Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky and Mozart. Thick strips of garnet cloth hanging from each corner of the ceiling, all meeting together in the middle. The Victorian furniture, within each private cubby hole and below the row of lounge area, there were tables for those who had not reserved the private quarters, a candle burned on each table with a floral center piece, it was like a huge dining room.

People were gathered at tables, corners everywhere along the room talking and laughing enjoying their time. Waiters and waitresses weaved through the crowd holding drinks and desserts.
Genevieve finally came to terms with the excitement that was aching to burst from her and she had finally left all worry alone.