𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 ❦ (𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐝)

Chapter 22

After leaving Mr. Iero's secret mansion, I can't help but to think about what happened. When I arrive at the Sparrow Hall, my feelings are even more complex and confused. That keeps me awake.

I feel a bubbling in the pit of my stomach, but most of all I am still flustered. I can still feel the large shape of him beneath me, his hand on the small of my back. Then my body recalls the sensation of his arm in my hold, when I was sitting next to him on the couch.

I watch and rewatch what happened in my mind, hardly believing ut actually occurred as it contrasts so much with the relatively tranquil flow of the encounters I have had with Mr. Iero.

After rolling over and over in my bed all night long, I almost arrive late at the rehearsal the next day. Madam Lana lashes out on me for the whole day. The night falling is a relief that frees me of her clutches. I am starving when I leave the stage ; I am strolling in the hallways when a hand drags me on the side.

"Arthur, follow me. I kept some meat for you," Claire tells me.

"You're the best, Claire! I am so hungry I could eat for two." I swallow my dinner; in the span of 5 minutes, my plate is empty. But hardly had I set it down that we are led backstage. Everything seems normal : cacophony and chaos as usual. I have a hard time to keep up with everything that is going on.

But then, I hear the sound of cries mixed with reproaches getting closer.

"I told you to get lost if you ever got into trouble again!" I recognize Madam Lana's voice. I step closer. What happened? Who is in trouble?

"No, Madam, please. It was an accident, I swear..." Aria whines softly. "It won't happen again! Please, don't fire me!" She cries. Why is she so afraid? Is it so bad to get fired?

"Did you think I was your mother? Did you think you were in a foster home? You are useless! Put her in the basement!" Madam Lana growls like a lioness and two strong men try to take Aria away.

Aria muster her forces and steps toward Madam Lana who steps back. She is about to get mad...

"Please, Madam, I can do more! I will do whatever you want! I will make you earn lots of money, I can treat men well, I could do anything!" Aria begs desperately. My heart shatters but Madam Lana cackles and doesn't move.

"I don't want to go..." Aria's voice dies off. Banning Aria in the basement... is it to punish her? What kind of punishment would terrify Aria so much?

As everybody is focused on her, I move closer to Claire. "What's in the basement? Why is Aria so scared?"

Claire glances at me. "The 'basement' is how Madam Lana calls her brothel. That's where she sends the girls who get too old or disobedient. It's the worst that can happen to the girls of the Sparrow Hall. Mafioso's girl, nothing is better."

I am speechless. Aria turns to us. "Lily... Claire... Someone, please! Tell her that I won't cause any more trouble!"

Claire considers it then decides to ignore her and looks away. The others weep quietly, stay quiet or hold themselves back. No one is defending her... Should I?

If I don't, I will regret it my whole life. Those eyes will haunt me. I can at least give it a try. My conscious will not let me watch this injustice passively.

I step forward, just a little. "Give her another chance, Madam."

Madam Lana turns around slowly and looks at me ferociously. "And why should I?"

"Well... She is a good dancer with a unique personality."

"I will not let myself be influenced so easily, young man. I will leave you another chance to convince me. Choose your words carefully. If you have nothing better to say, you will go with her. Men will love the both of you... quite literally."