Tell Me a Story

Chapter 20

"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt," I said, trying to suppress a smile.

Red's guests were still seated in the living area, some with laptops, but most with notebooks. Papers were scattered across the coffee table, mugs of tea occupying every empty space. 

Before I entered the apartment, I could hear their voices chattering away. The click of the lock had immediately silenced the cacophony of conspiracy theories.

"I wasn't expecting you to be home this soon," Red said, sounding more civil than I expected. Maybe she had her 'company' manners on.

"Don't let me stop you." I walked into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water. Red watched me, looking hesitant as she continued speaking. "So, Corrine, you were talking about Metropolis?"

"Yes," Corrine, a short woman with dishwater brown hair to her waist, replied without hesitation. "You see, they say her name came from the song 'Radio Gaga' and the video is full of Metropolis references."

The group nodded and let out a collective 'ahhh'.

"Metropolis?" I said, pulling up a stool, enjoying the flash of horror that appeared across Red's face.

"Oh yes, it is a German sci-fi film from the 1920s. In the movie this working class woman is chosen by the elite society to give life to a robot. Tons of pop singers have alluded to the film in their music videos."

I nodded, waiting for the connection to mind control, since I assumed that's what this was all about. The woman seated next to me leaned over and loudly whispered.

"We're discussing Lady Gaga and Monarch symbolism. It's so obvious she is part of their larger mind control projects, it's practically pointless discussing her." 

Corrine, the first woman who spoke, looked hurt.

"Not everyone has been studying this as long as you, Diana."

Diana snorted. "True. You did come to the first meeting in a leopard print skirt."

"Let's not attack each other ladies," I said, not sure what was happening, but eager to stir the pot a bit. "That's what they'd want."

Every one turned to look at me, sitting up on my stool. It took everything I had to keep a serious face.

"She's right. I apologize, Corrine." Diana looked at her watch. "And we've taken advantage of Red's hospitality enough this evening. Should we pick up on this further next week?"

They all nodded and began gathering up their papers. Corrine looked up at me as she stuffed a stack of papers in her backpack. "You could join us if you like."

"Thank you, Corrine." I looked over at Red, her normally pale face full of color, and smiled. "I just may do that."