Hard Time's

Traitor

The baroness stays close to you as you lead her to your room you switch the light on and walk over to the four-poster bed turning it down for her. She quickly gets in the bed which you secretly find amusing most people might find the situation uncomfortable but not her. 'G'night.' you switch off the light and go over to the bed getting in the other side. You lay on your side looking into the dark night sky your face illuminated by the moonlight. The baroness twitches then does so again a few seconds later. 'Baroness?' you speak quietly. The Baroness is lying on her back staring at the canopy above. 'I don't like the thought of vermin running through my home and that includes the rats as well as Cruella.' she sighs and turns on her side with her back to you. Another twitch. She's having trouble sleeping she keeps picturing the rats.

There is no chance of you sleeping if she keeps twitching. 'Well, there are no vermin in here of either variety, just me.' You roll over so you are looking at the back of her head. 'I could try something to help you sleep, if I may?' The baroness snorts. 'It's too late for a drink.' she chastises you. 'I was going for a more natural remedy.' you say softly. This is a risk. You slide closer to her and shift her long dark locks so they don't tickle your face. The Baroness hasn't protested so you carefully slip an arm around her waist the silk of her nightgown is fine and cold. The baroness stops twitching she's tense now and you wonder if you've done the wrong thing as you hold her. She relaxes then you feel her wriggle a little so she can be closer to you her body is pressed against you. You wait till she falls asleep and you place a soft kiss against her naked shoulder then join her in sleep.

When morning comes you find your positions have changed during the night. You open your eyes the first thing you see is a close-up of her breasts, your head is on your chest. Perhaps you should feel awkward but you realise her arm is around you and you feel her stroking your hair. You almost don't want to move but your hand twitches over her waist and she immediately stops. You yawn and sit up the baroness is faking sleep you look at your clock it's 5.15 am. You know she's awake and she looks so beautiful you can't resist you reach forward and gently touch her cheek. 'Baroness.' you whisper. 'We're going to be late.' The Baroness pretends to have just awoken. 'I suppose we can blame that on the carry-on last night.' her morning voice is husky.

You give a sympathetic smile. 'Well, if you still don't feel comfortable in your room then you are welcome to sleep here tonight again.' You get up and start getting ready for work. 'I might.' she says more to herself her eyes following you as you dart around to get ready.

There is a buzz in the break room and you drink your tea overhearing a co-worker. 'Almost ready to put her Spring collection out, can't believe she is still intending to use Estella's piece after she fired her.' At this, you look confused. 'Estella's piece?' The young woman nods. 'Yeah it's her masterpiece for the show.' The woman looks at you remembering you are new. 'She never puts anyone's name on the designs anyway, claims all the credit.' she is sympathetic. You nod. 'Excuse me.' you quickly leave. It doesnt matter if your name is on it or not, surely there is a mistake she wouldnt have Estella's dress as her main attraction. Not over yours.

'Baroness.' you enter her office upstairs she is wearing a black jumpsuit today with a matching black hair wrap. '(y/n)' she replies formally. 'I just heard a rumor I mean it's crazy Im sure but there's a buzz amongst the staff that you presenting Estella's design.' The baroness quirks an eyebrow. 'My design, they are all my designs (y/n).' You close your eyes in annoyance. 'Okay, your design that you had Estella stitch.' The Baroness accepts this word choice. 'Yes, I am.' You look hurt. 'But I thought....I thought that I would be designing the main piece?' The baroness had been playing with a pen between her two fingers. 'Yes, and Im sure you will another year but Estella spent a lot of time and my money on it. It also cost a fortune to make with the beading.' she sits her pen down. 'Is that all?'

"Guess you didn't cheat

But you're still a traitorGod, I wish that you had thought this through
Before I went and fell in love with you"

That's when it hits you, you're useful to her but she doesn't have feelings for you she's using you just like she used that other poor girl. Well, what did you expect? Looking over things you had more dignity in your fantasies when you were a stripper. At least then you knew the price you were paying not lured in by false hope you'd ever be a proper designer. 'Im waiting?' the baroness sounds annoyed now. You feel tears sting your eyes but you wont give her the satisfaction. 'Fuck you.' you manage to choke out. She raises her eyebrows at you. 'I beg, your pardon?' you storm out of there shoving several mannequins on the way.

You take the baroness's car to Hellman Hall and grab your bag mascara tears run down your face. A glimmer catches your eye you catch your reflection in the mirror walking over to it you scream and punch it hard. It shatters and blood runs down your hand. You hate yourself. Now you're back to square one with nothing to show for it. So you head back to what you know. 'Well look who it is.' Louis your former boss greets you. You look a mess and your hand is still bleeding. 'I need my old job back.' Louis snorts. 'You walked out, you know how hard it is to get a place here. I replaced you with a younger girl she's bringing the punters in.' You swallow. 'Louis please I need a way to make money.'

Louis looks sympathetic he's not really a bad guy. 'Look Im sorry there's nothing I can do I can't afford to take on another dancer at the moment Im really sorry (y/n).' he goes behind the counter and lifts a small brown envelope. 'It's your last wage, I kept it here for you. Im sorry (y/n)' You nod wiping your tears and take the envelope. 'Thanks Louis.' You turn to leave when you come face to face with the woman who has been tormenting the baroness. Cruella. She smiles at you. 'I thought you were never going to join me. I almost lost hope.' she's holding two shot glasses and offers one to you. You look at the glass then her. 'Fuck it.' Not like things could get much worse. To her delight, you take the shot, clink glasses with her, and swallow.