Shakespearean Story

Chapter 25

   (Sorry this was late. My AO3 was under maintenance so I couldn’t upload here on time. I hope you guys will enjoy this chapter)!

   We had already finished packing and our apartment was nearly empty. The furniture was covered with white tablecloths. I was kind of sad, leaving this home that we've had for 30 years. But it reminded me of Lestat. Painful memories plagued me the more I spent in this house.

   I brought along Lestat's stuff. I needed them. I couldn’t leave them behind. I sat on a chair that was covered up as Claudia played the piano. I tried to ignore it. It reminded me too much of him. Playing the piano was the last thing he did before he died. I could see Claudia looking at me every so often, but I turned away. Usually I would've smiled and complimented her on her playing. But I couldn't. Not now anyway.

   Lestat was the reason why she learned how to play the piano. She should at least remember that.

   "Look what we've got." Louis said, walking in with our two canaries, who were in their cage. I named one canary Blanche, since she was a little white canary, and the other Dorée, since she's a golden canary.

   "Let's set them free." Louis suggested to Claudia. I glared at him a little. They were technically my canaries since I was the one who named and took care of them. Now I didn’t even get to have a say about them. Just like how I never got to have a say when Lestat died. Claudia agreed as Louis walked away. I sighed and gazed at them, tearing up knowing I'd never see them again.

   The bell rang at that moment. "It's the carriage!" Louis shouted. I stood up, ready to leave as Claudia began to set Blanche and Dorée free. I heard commotion by the door, so Claudia and I ran in to see Louis getting choked by someone. Claudia screamed and Louis was able to free himself from the person. Louis ran and picked up Claudia as I followed closely behind.

   When we got upstairs, there was someone there playing the piano. I gasped, realizing who it was. Tears formed in my eyes, seeing that my love was still alive.

   "Listen, Louis. There's life in these old hands still. Not quite Furioso. Moderato? Cantabile, perhaps." Lestat said. Lestat looked unrecognizable. His hair was no longer blonde. His skin wasn't white. His skin was wrinkled. But it was him. That's all that mattered. As he played, he gazed at me. With one look, I knew he knew I missed him and wanted him back. I know he can read my mind.

   "How could it be?" Claudia asked, hiding behind Louis. "Ask the alligator. His blood helped. Then on a diet of the blood of snakes, toads, and all the putrid life of Mississippi, slowly, Lestat became something like himself again." Lestat explained in a low whisper. I felt horrible. I took a step forward, wanting to give him some of my blood, but Louis stopped me before I could.

   "Claudia, you've been a very, very, naughty little girl." Lestat whispered, menacingly. Oh yeah. That was Lestat.

   Lestat stood up and Louis ran with Claudia. I stood behind and watched Lestat disappear, reappearing behind me and throwing Louis to the wall. He started to go after Claudia. I watched everything unfold, wanting Lestat to get his revenge. I truly did love Claudia, but I would never trust her again. He lunged at her. I looked over and saw Louis grab a light.

   "DARLING LOOK OUT!" I shouted. I was too late. Louis threw the light and it shattered, setting Lestat on fire. "NO!" I screamed. I ran towards him as he screamed, but Louis grabbed me and Claudia. "NO!" I wailed.

   "LESTAT I'M SO SORRY! I'M SO SORRY, MY LOVE!" I screamed, sobbing afterwards. I wanted to stay behind. If he dies again, kill me too. I stood there, but Louis grabbed my arm, forcing me to run.

   Smoke began to fill the stairs as we ran out. I saw as the fire began to spread. I ran behind Louis and Claudia, lifting my dress. I wiped my tears away, as they were blurring my vision.

   We made it to the boat as it was about to sail. We made it just in time. As the boat began to sail away, I looked at the disastrous fire that spread everywhere. Sobs echoed out of my mouth, knowing Lestat was once again dead. He died before I even got to say anything to him. I didn't get to tell him I loved him.

   Claudia killed him the first time. Now, it was Louis who killed him. My trust towards him has now left, never to be regained again.

   (Can Lestat and Charlotte catch a break? I hope you guys enjoyed this! See you soon)!