Saving The Devil

10. How I Met Die BabaYaga

It's been one week and I still couldn't shake the feeling.

I swore once again to never drink until I was 21 and to never speak of that night again. Shak was reluctant to oblige and even though it meant nothing to him I was truly grateful that he did, because every time he mentioned that I "petted the kitty" or "visited the forbidden Kingdom" I had to use all my restrain not to choke him into oblivion.

Although whenever my mind had wondered away on its own, I found my fingers magically floating to my lips while other times it found that spot around my wrist. Sometimes it's almost as if some force still held on to it.

As soon as I caught up with the wild feelings however I quickly banished it with my powers of sanity.

Today was officially the last day of Tia's silent treatment so I had planned on telling her the good news I got from Rowland, but for some reason she was grumpy all week. As a matter of fact anyone would have to thought that she was the one who got stood-up by her best friend.

So the news could wait I thought, time for some best friend magic.

"Hey Kevin, can you do me a favor please?" I batted it my lashes at him. "You see, since the club is empty and Tia has been sulken all week" emphasis placed on the 'all'. "Would you mind playing a song to cheer her up?" He looked skeptical but I could tell he was weighing it on his mind.

"What's in it for me?" He cocked his head.

"I don't know...a certain Russian flavored candy" I stepped aside revealing a percky little frame downstairs who waved up at him.

"Alright, alright!" Bingo! "But if Boss find out-"

"I'll throw in private dances from the Twins as well!"

I explained the plan and shot down the stairs, time was a essence and I still needed a little help from the girls.

Tia was pulled to the centre table and Derek brought over her favorite drink. From backstage I could hear her protesting but I knew this would be worth it. When the lights went out I heard her yell 'guys come on', followed by a big hush from Natasha, our trusted bodyguard, who kept her seated.

1...2...3...

The spotlight came on and Tia's hand shot up to shield her eyes as the light settled on her.

"Natasha what is this?"

But she didn't need an answer because spotlight #2 came on and landed on me, dressed in a black hat, a blue button down long sleeve shirt, a white t-shirt, 3/4 of a pants, glitter gloves and glitter shoes.

The song started and I twisted my leg twice then threw my hat out to her, she began laughing then and there.

By the chorus she was up and shaking her hips. Kevin and Chello too. Natasha was on the counter and the twins were grinding against Derek.

Maybe that's why we didn't hear the doors open.

The way you make me feel
(the way you may me feel)
You really turned me on
(you really turn me on)
You're knock me off of my feet my baby
(you knock me up offa my feet)
My lonely days are gone
Ooo it ain't nobody's business
It ain't nobody's business but mine and my baby! Oouu!
(Make Me Feel>Michael Jackson)

The song came to an end and I finished in a split. Chello giggled, screaming again whlie everyone was clapping and cheering for me to go on.

I gave 4 neat bows and thank you's with each one, before heavy, loud claps joined the others. As the club went graveyard silence, the claps seemed to shake the very building itself.

From the stage, it was hard to identify who's hands were making those thunderous vibrations but I was certain it wasn't Bradwitt.

"Michael himself would be proud, wouldn't you say Bradwitt?" and 3 more figures appeared beside the first. "Natasha, Chello Papa zdes' (Daddy is home)" and in the blink of an eye, they were both statues at the foot of Goliath. "Have you been good to Bradwitt?"

"Yes Papa!" They answered in sync.

"And has he been good to you?!" Chello's head nodded more enthusiastic than Natasha's. He switched to Russian and questioned them some more.

I was no language expert but from the look Chello sent my way I knew I was the current subject of said questions.

The mountain of a man strode down and extended his hand, offering me aid to dismount from the stage. He took in every corner of my body then spoke to the other men. Whatever he said made them join him in laughter and I stiffened feeling offended.

"No need for that pretty one" we settled at the bar "You just got yourself new regulars." he patted my hand which he had yet to release. "Celebrate, yes girls?"

"Yes Papa!" and everyone joined us at the bar.

"What will you have....?"

"Deandra" I filled in "and I'll just have some water."

"Well D-yon-dra, water it is."

"And you?" I said getting his attention. "What do they call you?"

The bar went silent.

"Die BabaYaga" he replied, accent thicker than before "Or in your words" he looks me dead in the eyes "The Boogey Man" and with that he kissed my hand, placing it on my lap, all the while turning to receive our drinks.