Bold are thoughts…Italics are enfaces, other languages, and focused speech
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“I can make it, just a little bit more.” The petite girl passed the point of no return and she let go of the bar. High in the air on the practice trapeze, Rosetta was airborne. This was the moment she loved the most. When a person let go on a trapeze this high up, swinging as fast as she did, they enjoyed a brief few seconds of weightlessness before they were forced to obey the laws of gravity. Rosetta couldn’t have been happier because it felt like she was flying and to top it off her target was heading straight for her with perfect timing.
“I can do this. I know I can”
Rosetta closed her eyes and her body coiled back like a snake in midair. When she felt like the moment had arrived, the petite girl sprung forward and did a three pronged vertical spin that spanned no more than two seconds. The redhead came out of her spin with only one arm facing out to catch the bar. A few months ago she wouldn’t have been able to grab the incoming bar but her strength training made this stunt possible.
“I did it!” called out Rosetta but her victory cry was premature. Just as the bar came within catching distance…she missed. The failure was like a blow to her stomach. “Not again.” thought the redhead disappointingly as she watched the trapeze bar get farther and farther away.
The girl fell down to the safety net and landed with a bounce. After her body settled into the ropes she looked upwards at the swinging bars and let out a sigh. “Next time for sure.”
“Your call that a devil’s spiral?” came an irritated voice out of nowhere.
“I almost had it.” replied Rosetta without finding out where the voice came from.
The redhead was only met with silence, which suited her just fine as she stared at the ceiling deep in thought. Her musings was interrupted when the safety net began moving. The cause eclipsed her view of the ceiling in the form of black haired Chinese girl with a disappointed look upon her face.
May looked down at the redhead and let out a sigh. “Shouldn’t you have gone home by now?”
Rosetta didn’t answer, she rolled away from the inquiring girl and jumped down from the safety net. May followed her movements to the bench where the redhead grabbed a bottle of water and refreshed herself. “I just trying to perfect the routine you thought me.” said the after she finished her drink.
“Then you have a long ways to go.” May jumped off the net to talk to Rosetta on the ground floor. “One.” The girl held up her index finger. “Your release was way too early and two.” May pointed up her second finger. “Your movements were not wild enough, and three.” May held up her third finger. “Why the hell are you practicing when you should be out having fun or going home to see your family?”
Rosetta sat on the bench. “For the first one I had to compensate for my lighter weight than yours, for the second one, my movements were as crazy as it gets and lastly, where do you get off telling me that when your still standing here to scold me when you should be having fun or going home.”
“But scolding your is fun and as soon as you get your butt moving I’m heading home as well.”
“By all means, don’t let me keep you.” Rosetta said as she headed for the door with a very persistent May close on her heels.
“You don’t have to be bitchy because I’m just trying to look after my partner.” For the first time May had a partner she really connected with on stage and the girl was getting irritated that Rosetta was trying to brush off her concern. For the last week the redhead had been acting depressed and the hours she stayed to practice even amazed May who was always known to keep a brutal regimen. “Would you at least tell me what’s got you so preoccupied?” Rosetta still didn’t say anything and May sighed. “Why do I bother?” said the Chinese girl to herself.
The redhead finally stopped and turned around. “I’m not trying to be mean but its just some personal stuff that’s got me under the weather and it doesn’t concern you.”
May was hurt by the comment but she would never admit it. “Like what?”
“Do you really want to know that bad?”
“Ya.”
“Its my mother, she’s been cheating on my father.”
May didn’t know what to say, her curiosity had her wanting to know but she didn’t really have any idea what she was going to do with that kind of information. “That’s too bad.”
May meant that sincerely but the way it came out sounded sarcastic. “See, not your problem.” said Rosetta as she turned around and headed for her room.
The oriental girl stood there dumbfounded. She was normally a person who didn’t care what other people thought about her but in this instance it really bugged her. “That’s what I get for being nosy.”
Boston That Evening
“I wonder what’s taking so long?” Sora had been sitting in the doctor’s office since they arrived. After a short introduction with Dr. Everett, someone who Sora considered an all business type of woman, the doctor pulled Layla away to start on X-rays. They were gone only a short time but Sora didn’t mind. She used these quiet moments to reflect back on the day they spent together. It was the perfect day as far as the brunette was concerned. After they talked in the morning and enjoyed a short but very intimate moment, both girls spent the day like any other young couple. They talked about nothing and everything, Sora would entertain Layla with stuff the blonde missed out at Kaleido Stage and Layla would tell Sora about the Broadway scene in New York. It was more enjoyable than both realized and before they knew it they had to leave for the hospital. It had been an enjoyable day so far. They may have lived together for a brief time but it was always like an impromptu staring contest, unlike this morning, which was spent like good friends.
Sora smiled. “More like girlfriends.”
The door to the office opened and in walked the woozy looking blonde. It was one of the only times Sora had seen Layla without her usual elegant poise. “Are you okay?” asked a concerned Sora.
Layla nodded and sat down in the chair next to the brunette as the doctor retook the seat at her desk. The blonde tried to put up a brave front and attempted to act more stable but Sora saw through it immediately and she didn’t waste any time by taking Layla’s hand supportingly.
Dr Everett saw the move and smiled. The two girls introduced themselves as colleagues and friends but the intimacy of their relationship was as easy to recognize as night and day. “I’m Sorry if the test were somewhat hard but it was necessary to get all your blood works and shoulder scans. The trioxcilin is probably making you dizzy but it necessary for the treatment.”
“I understand doctor, I’m just glad we can get this over with soon.”
“Now I need to discuss what we are doing.” the doctor reached down and picked up Layla’s clip board. “I want to start you on the electrolyte stimulants as soon as possible. They are prepping for the surgery tomorrow which is going to be around six in the evening so I hope you have everything in order for the admittance?”
Layla nodded. “I have everything I need for the stay.”
“Good, then we can began immediately and I may be able to bump up the surgery for sooner.” Dr. Everett set down the clipboard and looked at the blonde. “There is just one more technicality that needs to be worked out. Our hospital policy only allows for family to visit patients staying in the post ops wing.”
It was Sora’s turn to speak up this time. “Oh, is it a problem if for me to stay?”
“Are you related to Ms. Hamilton?”
Sora shook her head. “No.”
“Then I’m going to say your not allowed to visit Layla once she’s admitted.” Dr. Everett hated being mean but rules were rules and she always did things by the book.
Layla heard this and her stomach sank. She knew this surgery was dangerous and she would never admit it but the whole thing was terrifying her. So many things could go wrong and the one thing that gave her strength to go through with it was knowing Sora would be there with her. Now she was being told that might not be possible and she couldn’t have that. “Are you sure doctor, Sora is not just my friend.” To emphasize her point, Layla reached down and covered Sora’s hand with her own and gave it a light squeeze.
The move caused Sora to smile shyly. Since they started exploring what it meant to be a couple, the brunette was surprised just how open Layla was being about their relationship.
“I’m sorry Ms. Hamilton but we can’t make exceptions for girlfriends.”
Sora nodded and turned towards Layla. “Its ok Layla but I’ll visit you as much as I….” what ever the smaller girl was going to say was cut off with Layla sudden outburst.
“She’s not my girlfriend.” Layla didn’t know what was compelling her but she needed to have the other girl there when she needed her the most. “She’s my fiancée.”
“Huh?” said Dr. Everett as she stared at Layla with a incredulous look upon face. “Fiancée?”
Sora was also staring at Layla with a shocked expression. Layla then gave her a covert look that told the brunette to play along. Sora took the hint and looked at Dr. Everett. “It’s true, Layla asked me to marry her.”
“I asked?” whispered the blonde before she straitened up and stared at Dr. Everett seriously. “That’s right, I asked her to marry me and it was very romantic.”
“Okay.“ said Dr. Everett slowly. They were both horrible liars and she wanted to laugh at their efforts but she decided to be lenient for once. “In that case I think I can issue you a badge that will get you pass to the post ops wing.”
That made Layla let out a sigh of relief. Sora on the other hand had a million watt smile plastered to her face. “Is it really okay?”
“Fiancées do meet the requirement.” Dr. Everett shrugged. “This is Massachusetts after all.”
The intercom on the surgeon’s desk chose that moment to go off. “Doctor Everett, we have the X-rays at radiology like you requested.” the doctor nodded and stood up. “If you’ll excuse me I’ll be right back.”
Fool and Passion were sitting on the doctor’s desk watching, like always, with amusement. Both girls were still oblivious to each other’s guiding spirit but they could each see their own other worldly pests. “When were you going to let us in on this joyous news.” said the two spirits at the same time.
Both girls rolled their eyes at the same time. When the doctor left the room, Sora turned towards Layla. “Fiancée?”
“I’m sorry Sora, it just kind of popped out of my mouth.”
“It okay, just a little strange.” Sora couldn’t help but laugh nervously.
“I really hope you don’t mind. When I heard that you wouldn’t be allowed in I kind of said that without thinking, hoping she would let you stay. To be honest I don’t know if I can go through with this without having you by my side.”
“Of course you can Layla, you can do anything.” The brunette believed Layla said lied about being engaged for her benefit. Sora was so excited by the prospect of what the surgery would mean that her heart absolutely sunk when she heard she wouldn’t get to be there to cheer Layla on.
“Your wrong Sora.” When Layla said this it snapped the smaller girl out of her thoughts and as soon as she got the other girl’s full attention, the blonde continued. “I’m not as strong as I make myself out to be. After I found that little girl I used to be deep within my heart I realized that I can’t go on living my life without relying on others. This surgery is terrifying me more than anything I have ever faced in my life. Not because it’s dangerous but because if it fails I’ve lost my last chance of returning to Kaleido Stage and at this point in my life I don’t think I could live without that.”
Sora was surprised by this confession. “Layla?” whispered the smaller girl questioningly.
The blonde shook her head and continued. “That’s why I need you here every step of the way Sora. I need your presence to motivate me and above all else I need to have your support.”
“You will Layla, believe me when I say that my whole heart is behind you.”
“I’m glad.” Layla let out sigh of relief while Sora reached out and took her hand.
Fool leaned over and whispered in Passion’s ear. “I never thought I’d say this but I feel like I’m intruding.”
“Hush you, this is what I live for.” whispered Passion back.
Sora smiled when she saw that Layla relaxed. “Look on the bright side, I’m engaged to the great Layla Hamilton.”
Layla let out an uncharacteristic giggle. “What can I say Sora, I had to make you mine.”
“That’s why when you proposed with those puppy dog eyes I couldn’t help but say yes.”
“Puppy dog eyes?” Layla laughed even harder. “I have you know I’ve never used puppy dog eyes in my life.”
“I’m sure you have and with those sky blue eyes I bet you could get anything you want.”
Layla shrugged. “Your right, I did get you to say yes didn’t I.”
They both enjoyed the banter but it was cut off by the arrival of Dr. Everett. “I’m sorry if I interrupted anything but here are your test results.” the doctor held out a large white envelope. “Lets get down to business shall we.” said the woman as she sat down and started explaining the coming procedure.
Kaleido Stage Dormitory
Rosetta was doing her dumbbell exercises when there was a knock at her door. She debated on whether of not she should get up to answer it. When the knock sounded again she finally got up to get the door and she wasn’t surprised to see who it was. “May?”
The Chinese girl who became Rosetta’s mentor stood on the other side of the door nervously. “Hi.”
Rosetta wasn’t in the mood for company, least of all the girl who didn’t know the definition of tact. “It’s getting kind of late, can you come back some other time?”
The black haired girl scoffed at the not so subtle hint. “I’m not leaving until you feel better.”
“Why do you care all of the sudden?” Rosetta said peevishly.
“I’m trying to be nice so you don’t have to be a bitch about it.”
“Wow, Is calling me a bitch your idea of making me feel better?”
May’s eye twitched in frustration. “Look Rosetta, I’ve never been good at being chummy but I’m trying my best. The reason I’m doing this is so I can see my partner be her normal optimistic self. All this moping around is even depressing me.”
That pushed Rosetta past her limits. “I’m sorry if my bad mood is inconveniencing you.” after the redhead said that she grabbed her door to slam it.
“Hey!” called out the oriental girl as she stuck her foot in the doorway, unfortunately for May, Rosetta already proceeded to slam the door catching the taller girl’s foot in the process. The next words out of May’s mouth was a high pitched wailing. “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.”
Rosetta gasped out in shock. She didn’t mean for that to happen and it made her feel like a monster. “Oh god, I’m so sorry.”
May stopped her screaming long enough to give Rosetta a death glare. “That hurt dam it!”
“It was an accident, please come in and I’ll get you some ice.”
The other girl let out a breath to calm her raging temper. “Fine.” grunted May as she hopped on one foot into the apartment.
Boston Regional Medical
“And that is pretty much what we plan to do.” said Dr. Everett as she finished the tour of the post ops wing.
Having already heard what they planed to do in the surgery, Layla was already prepared for what they were going to do. Sora on the other hand was green in the face. “You can’t be serious doctor?”
Everett was confused. “About what?”
“You really can’t be planning on doing that to Layla.”
“It’s part of the process.”
“But stripping the muscle from the bone and then trying to reattach it like that with the whatever it’s called.”
“Electrofiber stimulant.”
Sora shook her head to get rid of those less than pleasant thoughts. “Yes, that.” The brunette realized this operation was more serious than she originally thought. “That sounds so dangerous, are you absolutely sure Layla will be okay?”
Layla stood by quietly throughout Sora’s conversation with her doctor. The smaller girl’s concern touched her deeply and she couldn’t help but smile fondly at the lilac haired woman. “I’ll be ok Sora. Dr. Everett is highly qualified and I’m sure everything will be fine.”
“Layla is right.” assured the doctor. “I know your worried about your fiancée but I’ve fully prepared for this operation and I’m sure it will be a major success.”
Sora blushed at the mention of their little white lie. She might have had her misgivings about this whole thing but she had to have faith. “So what now?”
The doctor turned to Layla. “Now we get you on your meds. If you would follow me, I’ll get you set up in your room.” They all started walking towards the blonde’s assigned room when Layla stopped. “Something wrong?”
“I forgot my bag of stuff I’ll need for my hospital stay. I packed it this afternoon but I got distracted and forgot to bring it.”
The doctor looked at her watch. “I’m sorry but we need to get you started now.”
Sora cut in. “I’ll go get it for you Layla.”
“Are you sure Sora?”
The brunette laughed lightly. “It’s what I’m here for.”
“Than you.” said Layla as she reached into her purse and produced her hotel and car keys. “Here, take the Mustang.”
“But I don’t have a license.” replied Sora out of earshot from the doctor.
Layla leaned over and whispered in the brunette’s ear. “I wont tell anyone if you don’t.”
Sora clutched the keys and bowed slightly. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, you can count on me.”
The doctor interjected. “When you get back you can pick up you badge at the front office.”
“Arigato.”
“Drive safely Mrs. Hamilton.” said the doctor jokingly. She smirked when she saw Sora’s face turn a dark shade of red. Everett then turned to Layla, who was doing everything to not make eye contact with her. “Or will it be Mrs. Naegino.” This time Dr. Everett laughed when she caused Layla to blush as well.
Rosetta’s Room
Rosetta returned to the living room with an ice pack. She watched as May carefully inspected her swollen foot. “I’m truly sorry.” said the redhead as she handed the oriental girl the cold ice pack.
The taller girl placed the pack on her foot gently, she tried her best not to whimper but for her best efforts a sound akin to a dog’s growl escaped from her lips. “If you truly sorry then you can make it up to me by telling me what happened.”
“Your not going to let this drop are you?”
May shook her head. “Now tell me.”
“As you know my mother is also my agent but I’m not the only client she has. She travels around a lot doing one deal after another for the other people she works for so she rarely ever goes back home. My father on the other hand works for a small firm in France, so at least he’s always there when you need him. He’s always been a kind man that looked after all of us. Dad was actually the person who bought me my first Diablo. It was only after my mother saw that I had talent did she push me to practice and later do it professionally. My family life early on was not a very good one. Mother and I were always gone and father tried his best to keep in touch.” Rosetta smiled sadly. “He is kind of a push over type which always suited my mother because she can be very demanding. I always thought they were happy together but I was wrong.”
“What happened?”
“About two weeks ago my father caught my mother cheating on him.” The redhead sat down in the chair next to May. “Dad decided to surprise my mother with a visit to her apartment in Paris and that’s where he caught her.”
“Ouch.”
“I know, that’s what I said. Mother told me my dad lost it and attacked the man she was with.” Rosetta laughed sadly.
“Why is that funny?”
“If you knew my dad you would laugh too. He’s a bit on the short side to be picking fights.”
“I guess that’s where you get that from.” joked May.
Rosetta’s eyes narrowed. “Are you saying I can’t fight?”
May smiled and held up hands in placation. “Easy there tiger, I only meant the shortness.”
“Oh.” Rosetta sighed. “Sorry, I guess I’m wound up a little tight right now.”
“Its understandable.”
“I just can’t believe my mother did that to him. I never thought she was the kind of person that would do that. It makes me wonder if she’s been doing this for a long time.”
“So what do they plan to do?”
Rosetta kicked her legs back and forth. “What everyone would expect, their getting a divorce.”
May tried to sympathize with Rosetta but it was hard. Her parents would sooner see the world end than get a divorce. “How are you taking it?”
Rosetta looked at May. “Fine.”
The oriental girl started to laugh obnoxiously. “Sure you are.”
“So I’ve been a little preoccupied.” the redhead shrugged. “It doesn’t really affect me so much, I hardly see either of them anyway. I’m really just been pissed at my mother right now.”
As if by summons the phone started ringing. It rang several times and Rosetta didn’t move an inch to go pick it up. May looked at the other girl strangely. “Aren’t you going to pick that up?”
“Why? It’s probably just my mother.”
When the phone stopped ringing May spoke up again. “That was rude, she’s probably just trying to talk it over with you.”
“That isn’t why she’s calling.” said Rosetta knowingly.
“Then why?”
“She wants her job back.”
May was confused. “Her job?”
Rosetta nodded. “Yep, I fired her.”
It all made a lot more sense to the taller girl. “Oh.”
Things were quiet between them for several moments before Rosetta started talking again. “Do you think I’m a horrible person for doing that?”
The black haired girl shrugged. “I probably would have done worse. Things will blow over in time.”
“Maybe.” said Rosetta skeptically.
“Trust me, give yourself a few days away from your thoughts and everything will move on and you’ll be back to normal.” the redhead nodded in response and May just had an idea. “Your not going anywhere then?”
“Nope, I’m staying here.”
“Awful waste of a vacation if you ask me, especially when no one will be around.”
“It’ll give me a chance to perfect the devil’s spiral.” said Rosetta as she reached over and poured herself a glass of water from the table pitcher.
“How about going on a trip?”
“Huh?” the red haired girl was curious as to where this was going. “Where to?”
“My house. I’ve been given hell by my family for not visiting them more often and they made sure that I would come back during the break. To be honest I could use the company. My brothers can be a hand full and it would be nice to have a buffer.”
“You really want me to come?”
“Yes.” responded May as she pointed to her swollen foot. “It’ll give me a chance to sick my brothers on you for hurting my foot.”
Rosetta wasn’t sure. “I don’t think I should…”
May interrupted the petite girl before she could refuse. “You don’t have a choice!” Her animated outburst made her accidentally put too much pressure on her foot and she winced. “If you think I’m going to let you mope around here by yourself then your crazy. Maybe if I take in a hard luck case like Sora would then maybe I’ll get enough good karma to avoid getting my foot slammed on.”
The smaller woman smiled. That was just May’s way of saying please and she accepted. “Sure, sounds like fun.”
Layla’s Hotel Room
The light came on in the room and Sora stepped into Layla’s bedroom. She was looking for the bag she helped the blonde pack this afternoon and she was trying to remember where they put it. Her search came to an abrupt stop when she spotted something shiny on the vanity counter. Sora reached down and picked up the object in between her nails.
“What is this?” The metallic object appeared to be a very tiny nail filer. “It must belong to Fool but since when does he do his nails?”
Sora dropped the mini filer back on the desk and resumed her earlier search. She finally spotted the bag wedged partly under the bed. Sora got down on her knees and pulled out the suitcase. She was about to get back up but then she spotted something white laying under the bed. She debated whether or not she should be snooping around Layla’s belongings but curiosity got the better of her. The brunette turned to the side and reached under the bed and grabbed the white object which was also soft to the touch. When Sora pulled it out she saw that it was a old and worn white bunny.
“Wow, Layla owns a stuffed animal.” Picturing the blonde with the fluffy toy was so amusing she couldn’t help but laugh.
“Shiroi usagi.” said Sora to herself, using the Japanese words for white rabbit. When it came out of her mouth the brunette’s earlier mirth disappeared. The toy was very soft to the touch and Sora ran her hands over it lovingly.
“I’ve seen this before but where?” thought the girl as a sense of déjà vu overtook her.
Fool floated above Sora to avoid her attention. He was about to make a snide comment regarding the rabbit but then he remembered where the bunny came from. When Sora stopped laughing he wondered if she remembered as well. “To think Layla still had that all this time.”
Later at Layla’s Hospital Room
“Where did I put that dam file.” said Passion as she drummed her fingers on the bedside desk near to where Layla sat with an IV coming out of her right arm.
The doctor was checking the drip to make sure it was coming down at the right levels. “This should do just fine. Make sure you don’t move around and dislodge it very much.” Dr. Everett noticed that Layla hadn’t stopped squirming since she got in the room. “Something wrong?”
“I don’t like hospitals very much.”
Dr. Everett nodded. “Coming from a healthy person like yourself, I’m not surprised. You probably haven’t spent more than a day at a hospital in your life.”
Layla winced internally. That wasn’t why she hated hospitals. Images of her mother slowly wasting away before her eyes popped into her mind. The blonde tried hard to shut out those unpleasant thoughts.
The doctor was oblivious to the shift in mood but Passion knew right away what Layla was thinking. “Try to look at this more positively madam. This hospital stay isn’t about grief, it’s about hope.” Layla nodded her appreciation of Passion’s words of encouragement.
Dr. Everett finished her adjustments and stepped back. “My job for the time being is all done. I’ll be going, you fiancée should be back any minute now.” When the doctor turned around Sora stood at the door with a suitcase and one hand held behind her back. “Speak of the devil. Did the front desk give you any problems?”
Sora shook her head and pointed to the badge that was on her shirt. “This got me through okay.”
The doctor started laughing. “I bet it did.” said the woman as she headed out of the room.
Layla was curious about Dr. Everett’s odd behavior. “What did she find so funny?”
The brunette smirked and walked closer so Layla could see the badge. There on the badge was Sora’s picture they took earlier but what caught the blonde’s attention was the name inscribed at the bottom of the tag. “Mrs. Hamilton?”
Sora shrugged. “Your doctor has a sense of humor.” The brunette put the bag down but kept her other arm behind her back. “Does that hurt?” asked the smaller girl who was referring to the IV coming out of Layla’s arm.
“Not really.” answered the woman. The blonde finally noticed Sora’s concealed arm. “What do you have behind back?”
The lilac haired girl had an impish grin on her face. “Do you mean this?” said Sora as she produced the white rabbit from earlier.
When Layla saw her bunny in Sora’s hand her eyes grew twice as large. “My…I…What are you doing with that?” stuttered the blonde as her face turned dark red.
Sora patted the bunny on the head. “You mean this little fellow. I found him all alone under your bed and I thought it would be nice for him to come along and say hi.”
“Please Sora, what if people found out.”
The brunette laughed. “You tell people I’m your fiancée but you get all flustered over a stuffed bunny rabbit.”
Layla crossed her arms over her chest and pretended to mad about Sora’s teasing.
Sora held the rabbit in front of her face and started talking in a playful voice. “Don’t be mad at Sora. She’s was just worried about me mommy.” It did the trick and Layla could no long hold her composure. When Layla started laughing, Sora turned the rabbit around and congratulated it for job well done.
“Just put it in the bag before the doctor comes back.” said Layla when her giggles stopped.
“Awwww don’t you like it?” Sora held out the bunny so Layla could take it.
The blonde sighed and reached out to take the rabbit but as soon as her fingers touched the toy she froze. The brunette also stopped in place. The two girls looked into each other’s eyes and both were shocked at just how familiar this whole moment seemed. The blonde was puzzled over this weird feeling. “Why do I feel like this has happened before?”
Sora nodded slowly in agreement. “I know what you mean.”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Passion and Fool looked at the two woman with knowing looks on their faces. “I think their starting to remember.” whispered Fool to the silver haired woman.
The spirit of romance nodded and produced a small glowing crystal. “Very true monsieur but this should help them along.”
Fool groaned. “Not again…what’s this one do?”
“It’s the gem of past sights. This little trinket will unlock old memories.” said the woman as she blew softly on the stone.
The rock began to glow and Fool noticed a soft light enveloping the two women. He was waiting for them to become alarmed but they seemed oblivious.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
A strange feeling came over the two women. Their earlier feeling of déjà vu was being multiplied a hundred fold as they stared into each other’s eyes. The world that was around them faded and then everything became dimmer like they were falling asleep. Just when everything became out of focus a bright light filled their vision and they were gone.
Somewhere in the Past
This was the greatest day of her life. The lights, the sounds, and last but not least the stunts. “Did you see the way the that woman disappeared into the flower daddy.” said the lilac haired little girl as she twirled around and around to simulate the show they just watched.
The man looked down at his ecstatic daughter and shared a smile with his wife. “Come now Sora, if you keep doing that your going to get dizzy.” the warning came too late. Sora came around on her last spin and teetered back and forth until she fell down on her butt. She smiled goofily while her parents shared a warm round of laughter.
Sora’s mother reached down and picked her off the floor so she could hold her. “So I take it you enjoyed yourself?”
The little girl nodded. “When I grow up I’m going to be an emertainer too.”
The man walked over and ruffled his daughter’s hair. “That’s entertainer Sora, and don’t be in such a rush, you have your whole life to choose what you want to be.”
“Then I want wings so I can fly.”
The mother smiled. “Of course you do my little angel.” she kissed the girl on her forehead and set her down.
The mother and father both held one of Sora’s hands as they walked down the main hallway of Kaleido Stage. They wanted to take Sora somewhere special for her birthday and they were very happy to see their little girl had enjoyed it. From the way their daughter kept bouncing up and down, she obviously enjoyed if very much. When they finally reached the lobby there was a large crowd of kids yelling and screaming at a tanned man dressed up in rabbit costume. The man had a large sack with him and he laughed joyously at the children excitement.
A woman dressed in a glittering gown walked past Sora’s father and the little girl gasped out in surprise. She turned and tugged at her mother’s sleeve. “Mommy, look it’s the pretty singing lady.”
When the woman in the gown saw the commotion she started laughing as well. “Kalos, stop teasing the kids and give them what they want.”
The man in the rabbit costume blew a raspberry at the woman. “Your no fun Sarah.”
The woman waved him off and left. Kalos turned to the mass of kids and opened up his bag. Inside was a mass of white rabbit toys that he began throwing into the crowd of cheering children.
Children not part of the screaming masses quickly joined in as soon as they saw what the funny rabbit man was passing out. Sora wasn’t an exception. “Mommy, daddy, I want a white rabbit too.” said the little girl as she broke away from her parents and took off into the crowd.
“Sora?” said the brunette’s mother in alarm but her husband put a hand on her shoulder.
“Let her see if she can get one.” they both smiled and joined the rest of the parents who sat back to watch the circus.
>>>>>>>>>>
Being born premature made Sora short for her age and it put her at a disadvantage when it came to grabbing one of the bunnies. No matter how many times she reached for a rabbit someone would come along and snatch before she could get it. The little girl was near tears as she watched all the other kids grasping their toys happily. The rabbit was the perfect symbol of her happiest day in the whole wide world and she had to get one. Her hopes were starting to fly out the window as the man reached into the sack and pulled out the last one. “I’m sorry kids but this is the only one I have left.”
“Usagi!” called out Sora who jumped as high as she could to get the man’s attention. “Shiroi usagi!”
Kalos wished he brought more but he didn’t account for such a large turnout. The owner of Kaleido Stage sighed and tossed the last rabbit into the crowd.
Sora saw the bunny fly through the air and she pushed with all of her might to get to it. When she saw the toy heading straight for her, the little girl jumped with everything she had. Time seemed to slow down and she watched the spinning rabbit come closer and closer. Her heart sank as she saw another hand reach up for bunny but fate was on her side as the little toy flew into her outstretched hand. Anyone who watched would have been shocked to see such the little girl jump well past her own height but Sora’s will pushed her beyond the limits of what was considered normal.
Her jump was so high it beat the other hand that went for the bunny but the problem happened when it was time for Sora to come down. She gasped out in shock as gravity took hold of her and spun her face forward towards the ground. She might have been injured but her fall was broken by the other person that went for the rabbit. They landed in a tumble and Sora accidentally bumped her head against a hard surface that just happened to be the head of the person she was now laying on. Sora got off of the soft surface and rubbed her forehead with the hand that wasn’t firmly wrapped around the stuffed animal. When Sora opened her eyes she was staring at a taller girl with bright blue eyes and golden hair. “Gomen nasai.” said Sora as she did a little bow.
The blonde stopped rubbing her sore head and looked at the girl who got the rabbit. She tried everything to get one but it just wouldn’t happen. The girl nearly cried before she saw the bunny man throw the last one straight for her. Her smile could have lit up the stage when it looked like she was going to get one. When she reached out to receive the small toy a purple mass came out of nowhere and landed right on her. She couldn’t contain her disappointment when she opened her eyes and saw a smaller lilac haired girl clutching the little rabbit. The blonde girl looked back to see if the bunny man had another one but he was already gone and all the kids began to disperse clutching their toys happily. It was too much to take and the tears started to fall from her eyes.
Sora watched as the pretty girl started to cry and it worried her that she may have caused it. “Gomen nasai.” Sora noticed the little girl was looking at the rabbit and she realized the blonde wanted it too. “Suki desu ka?”
The blonde didn’t understand what the smaller girl was saying. “Huh?”
Sora smiled and held out the toy. “Usagi.”
The other girl stopped crying and she looked at the little girl strangely. “You want me to have it?”
Sora didn’t understand what the blue eyed girl was saying either but she was happy to see the crying stop. “Dozo.” said the brunette as she motioned for Layla to take the rabbit.
The blonde wasn’t sure at first but she reached out and touched the soft toy, when she was sure that the other girl was giving it to her she took it and hugged it to her chest. “Thank you!” said the little girl with a giant smile.
That smile was worth a gazilion white bunnies as far as Sora was concerned and she laughed happily to see she caused it.
“Layla? Layla?” called out a man who was walking up to the girls with a beautiful blonde woman right behind him. “I was wondering where you ran off to. You had me and you mother worried sick.”
“Come now Richard, can’t you see she’s all right.” said the beautiful blonde.
“She shouldn’t have run off like that Rola.”
The blonde shrugged. “What do you have there Layla?”
The little girl, that looked so much like her mother, held up the white bunny for her to see. “Look I have one, I have one.”
“I can see that, it’s a very nice looking rabbit by way.”
Layla nodded. “This girl gave it to me.”
Rola smiled as she leaned down to look at the little girl. “That was very kind of you. May I ask what your name is?”
Sora was getting a little nervous. The brunette would have been even more nervous talking to strangers but she could see the lady had kind eyes.
Layla interrupted her mother. “She doesn’t understand because she speaks a weird linguini.”
Richard laughed. “That’s language. Linguini is what we had for supper last night.”
“She speaks Japanese.” came a heavily accented voice from an oriental man. Him and another oriental woman walked up and stood next to Sora..
Sora smiled and turned to her parents. “I got a bunny but I gave it to this girl to make her smile and it worked.”
“I’m proud of you.” said the man as he turned to American family. “I sorry to have disturbed you but we must be going.”
Richard nodded and bent down to whisper in Layla’s ear. When he was done he stepped back and watched as Layla did a little bow to Sora. “Domo arigato gozaimasu.” said the blonde girl in the best mimic of what her father just told her.
Sora giggled with delight and everyone shared a little laugh. This was the perfect day for all of them, one they would probably remember forever. The Japanese family left soon after and Layla watched the other girl walk away. She owed her little souvenir to the lilac haired girl and she never even got her name.
Rola saw Layla hug the little toy to her chest. “So what are you going to name him?”
The little girl’s eyes lit up. “Usagi.”
“I think it’s a perfect name, just remember to always cherish him.”
“I will mommy.” said the little girl as she and her parents happily headed out of the Kaleido Stage.
Leaning against a pillar stood a foot long spirit named Fool. He wasn’t wearing a mask and his hair was much shorter but it certainly was the spirit of the stage. “Interesting.”
“What is?” said a man that looked hauntingly like Yuri.
The spirit hovered over to the man as they made their way out of the Kaleido Stage. “I sensed a powerful presence in those two.”
“Who?”
The spirit shrugged. “Doesn’t matter, I’m sure fate will take care of them.”
“Fool?”
“Yes?”
“If I find you sneaking into the girls dressing room again I’m going to flush you down the toilet.”
Layla’s Hospital Room: Present
When the light faded, Sora and Layla were once again in the hospital room. The force of the vision made them drop the toy and Sora stumble backwards. They were both panting when they regained their all their senses. The brunette was the first one to speak up. “What was that?”
Layla slowly looked at Sora. Her whole her perspective on their relationship changed with the recollection of one tiny memory. “You the one who gave me Usagi.”
Sora nodded. “I can’t believe your the girl from that day.”
“I guess the tryouts wasn’t the first time we met.”
“I guess not.” Sora let out a calming breath. “I can’t believe the day that made me become a performer was the very same day I met the woman I fell in love with.”
Layla eyes became as wide as saucers. “What did you say?”
Sora realized what she just said and it was too late to take it back. “Oh…I.. What I meant was…”
Layla just sat there dumbfounded. Having those feelings for Sora were something she accepted on her part but hearing the other girl, in her own words, say that she loved her was something completely different. “Sora?”
The brunette sighed. “Yes?”
“Did you mean it.” asked the blonde calmly.
Sora figured it was time to be completely honest, both to Layla and to herself. “I meant what I said. I know it’s all very sudden but you have to realize that it isn’t for me. I’ve had these feelings for a long time and it was only recently did I realize what they meant. It was love, the once in a lifetime kind of the love that moves your entire being. Having all those feelings are burning me up inside and its too painful to hold back anymore. So what I’m trying to say is…” the brunette paused to summon her courage. “I love you Layla Hamilton.”
The sincerity of Sora ’s declaration moved her deeply. Her feelings for Sora changed a lot since she met her. At first she was jealous and threatened by her but later the brunette’s very presence was the only thing that made her feel excited and alive. Now looking at the woman who stood nervously before her, she couldn’t even imagine the brunette not being a part of her life and she really didnt want to.
Layla looked at the smaller girl with moist eyes. “I’m happy Sora.”
“Happy?” Sora wasn’t expecting that response. She thought that Layla was going to be freak out for sure. “Your not weirded out that I love you?”
“No.”
Sora was relieved to know that Layla wasn’t freighted by her feelings. “I’m glad you feel that way.”
“Sora?”
“Yes?” answered the brunette sheepishly.
“I want you to know that I lo…”
“Layla!” interrupted a man’s voice before she could finish.
Both girls turned towards the door and saw Mr. Hamilton standing there. “Father?”
“Is there a reason your in this hospital?”
Sora turned to Layla. “You haven’t told him?”
The blonde shook her head. “What are you doing here dad?”
Mr. Hamilton came into the room. “That’s what I’m asking.”
The brunette saw that things were getting very tense so she attempted to sound cheerful. “Mr. Hamilton we didn’t expect to see you here.”
Richard noticed the visitor’s badge that Sora was wearing when she turned around to greet him. “Oh god!” said the man as he read it.
The brunette saw what he was looking at and she hastily covered it with her hand. “That’s not what you think, it was a joke by the doctor.”
Mr. Hamilton massaged the bridge of his nose, a habit he picked up when he was trying to control his emotions. “Sora?”
“Yes?”
“Please leave.”
Sora and Layla were both shocked by the venomousness of the man’s voice. “Father I asked Sora to be here.”
“I just want to have a few words with my daughter if that’s all right with you?”
Sora bowed slightly. “Of course.”
The brunette turned to leave but Layla stopped her. “Sora, I don’t want you to leave.”
“Its okay Layla, you have a talk with your father. I’ll be right back later.” Sora walked over and picked up Usagi and placed him on the bed before she turned and left. As she walked towards the door Sora couldn’t help but think the man that worried over his daughter back at Kaleido Stage all those years ago, wasn’t the same man that stood in the room now.
When Sora was gone Mr. Hamilton stared at his daughter. “I’m putting a stop to this.”
To be continued
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