𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 ❦ (𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐝)

Chapter 25

Even once I am back to the Sparrow Hall, the awful scene remains carved in my mind. Solazzo comes to the club every day and I keep him company. Each time I see him, I remember what happened that day. Three days go by before I can recover... or maybe I am just numbing up.

Tonight, I have to accompany Solazzo to the banquet. When I go backstage to the changing room, I see two girls inside. It's Rose and Cathy. They seem to be talking about something. Judging by their expressions, it doesn't seem fun.

"Cathy, what do you think about Arthur?" says Rose.

"Arthur? I never really talked to him... but I think we could get along," the brunette answers.

"Hmpff, all wrong! How can you be so naïve? He might look shy, but in fact, he is a real siren!"

Gossips? Wait... is she talking about me?

"Really? It doesn't look like it."

"How do you think he got his hands on Solazzo?" Rose retorts.

Cathy pouts. "But... that's what men like him do though, isn't it? Date showgirls or... show...boys."

"Even Madam Lana is scared of Solazzo! He doesn't let himself get hooked so easily! And this bitch didn't only get his hands on Solazzo, there are two men fighting over him..." Rose's face is full of contempt.

"Maybe Arthur is their type? Maybe there are more inverts than we thought among these men. We can't really help it..."

Rose chuckles. "You are so dumb. That's not the point. I'm not jealous of him! What I am saying is that Claire and Aria are just stepping stones for getting on top! And if you don't watch yourself, you will also become a pawn to his scheme."

Cathy frowns. Rose's words clearly have an effect on her. How can she blurt out such absurd things behind my back? Really...

"I will tell you another secret. Aria lost her chance to dance on stage because of this flirt!"

"What?" Cathy gasps quietly. "But I remember that Arthur defended Aria that day."

"Come on, think about it, who replaced Aria?"

I can't stand hearing her slinging mud at me. I am about to go confront her when someone walks past me and enters the room. I didn't notice that she was behind me...

"Rose, what are you saying!"

"Aria?"

Aria is a little bit taller than Rose. She looks down at the other girl. "You'd better watch your words, if I ever catch you spreading your stupid gossip!"

"Rose didn't want..." Cathy trails off timidly.

"Aria, I was talking about this philanderer. That's none of your concern!" Rose snaps back. She steps back, refusing to admit her defeat. The atmosphere is tense. They're not going to fight...are they?

Aria took my defense. I can't let her down and do nothing... I enter the room and stand by her side.

"You are telling lies about me. And that is my concern."

"Arthur? How long have you been spying on us?" Rose snarls.

"You were talking so loud that it wasn't really spying."

Rose peers at me then starts blushing. "I- I didn't make anything up! It's all true!"

Aria smiles at her. I would be scared if I were in Rose's shoes.

"Arthur helped me, so I let him get on stage. That's what really happened."

"I can see what's going on. You are teaming up against me, you pieces of garbage! We'll see who will have the last laugh once you get banned to 'the basement'! As to you, Arthur, you are nothing but a toy for these men. A little boy toy. You'll drop that arrogance soon!" Rose storms out.