The Storyteller wrote:
Four weeks later: Rose sat at the kitchen table watching Venessa cook dinner in the kitchen at the Moulin Rouge. After Charles brought her here, within that time it had become unofficially her home with Vanya, Venessa and the others becoming her adopted family. She loved watching her cook, because she cooked for more than fifteen people at a time. With the ease of a chef she whizzed about the kitchen creating the most incredible meals from virtually nothing in the pantry. Tonight was a bit special as it is Thanksgiving Day and everyone was invited. A modest turkey was cooking away along with to name only a few; cornbread, mustard greens, sweet potatoes, dessert and sweet tea. The Moulin Rouge didn’t have a restaurant, but they do have a house sized kitchen and they often used a small meeting room as their dining room. “So you’re talking about moving?” asked Venessa as she stirred the contents of two pots on the stovetop. “Well I don’t want to overstay my welcome. I’m still upset about being locked out from my apartment, all of my stuff was in there.” “Baby, it is only material things. You remember that the cops had locked that place down good an’ tight because they were looking for you, thanks to you know who. It’s only material things, stuff you can replace. We’ll help you do that. If you want your own place, we’ll help with that too. There’s no overstaying your welcome business here hon.” Rose looked down and admitted quietly, “There are pictures of my family still there, it’s all I have left of them.” With that Venessa put down the spoon and pulled a seat up next to Rose holding her hands. “Oh hon, I didn’t know. I could see what I could do, maybe ask one of the guys if they can pop around there a bit, but I don’t even know if your stuff is still there or not.” She thought for a moment “I could call a few people and ask...see what we can do?” Rose knew exactly what she meant. “Call Rex and ask for a favour? He’s already done so many miracles, no way. He helped me get to the hospital, clear the problem with the cops so I’m not in jail right now, offered me an incredible to die for job that seems like once in a lifetime, and found a doctor that somehow was able to heal broken bones nearly overnight. How can we possibly ask him for anything else? No thanks though. I think I’ve used up my favour alotment from Rex. He’s a miracle worker, he really is!” With a shrug of her shoulders she walked around to the sliding doors open to the courtyard. It was a small space, bigger than a backyard with a descent pool and lounge chairs. She thought about that job Rex had offered and wondered if she would even be able to dance. It was time to take that first stretch since the hospital. Keeping both feet exactly together, holding herself completely straight and rigid, Rose lifted her right foot behind her, lifting it up past her knee, then butt, then small of her back, then finally with a quiet pop of her joints she reaches around holding her ankle and brings it up over her head. Bringing her head back she rested it on the back of her leg. Steady as a tree she doesn’t move. Slowly she brings her foot back down then does the same to her left leg. There were a few more pops on this stretch, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Stretching out she reached down to touch the ground and slowly brought her whole body down to a complete perfectly angled split. Placing her cheek on the warm cement, she hears a few gentle pops down her upper then lower back. Bringing herself back up once more into a still tall stand she makes two quick strides and then does a somersault slowly, savoring the motion, even lingering on her hands for a few moments. Standing back into her first standing position, Rose is pretty happy about her body’s reaction to the movements. She’s moving slower with more deliberate motions than she had ever done before. Only a year ago she could do all these things without hearing a single grone or complaint from her body, she could definately feel the difference now. She looked up to the sky and saw the sun blazing into a gorgeous sunset. The building was still in the way but she could certainly appreciate the vivid colors coming from that direction. For a moment she thought of Cory. He hadn’t been around in about two weeks and that was really not like him. He was with her nearly every minute in the hospital, and would come by nearly every night to see her here at the Moulin Rouge. For some reason he hasn’t been calling or anything, and she hoped that he was alright. An applause breaks the silence from the sliding door. It was Vanya prouder than any mother hen could be. “My goodness, I never knew you could do all that? Where did you learn that child?” With a smile Rose gave her a big hug “It’s nothing really. I’ve taken ballet for as long as I can remember. There are still girls that are MUCH better than me. Happy Thanksgiving” “Thank you darlin’. Much better my behind! Ballet huh?” With that they went in and enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner that would definately be one to remember.
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The Lurkers' DomainI'd rather be lurking... |
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Back at Caesar's Palace, Rex
Back at Caesar's Palace, Rex and Corey were getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner at the Moulin Rouge. It was unintentional, but they would be fashionably late. Rex was ready, dressed casually for the November evening. Corey however was being difficult.
Corey was dressed up in contrast to his usual fashion. He wore blue jeans, and a tie dye tshirt, with a tie silk-screened onto it. Over this was his favorite suit coat, which was a motley-colored patchwork mess that would make Colin Baker double-take.
You couldn't say that Corey was obsessive-compulsive, but tonight he was fussing over every little thing. He was nervous, and honestly Rex couldn't remember the last time he acted this way. Sure, the last four weeks Corey had been very flighty, and there was only one reason for it: Rose.
Normally an outgoing bon-vivant, Corey was quite obviously withdrawn ever since Rose's attack. Every day of Rose's recovery seemed a double-edged sword, however. He was ever-thankful that she was doing well, but he didn't know how to talk to her after that, and this crushed him.
Rex did his best to help his friend, and it was to that end that he asked Mimi if he and Corey could join them for Thanksgiving Dinner. "You know you don't even have to ask," Mimi chided him over the phone.
They both knew though that the real question was whether both Rose and Corey were ready. "The poor thing asks about Corey everyday. Why doesn't he come by anymore?" she asked.
Rex sighed and answered honestly, "I don't know, but I'd wager he's afraid to tell her he's Kindred."
Mimi scoffed, "Well if that's all it is, you better drag his sequined ass down here."
"Now Mimi," Rex laughed, "you know he hasn't worn sequines since Liberace passed on. We'll be there, I promise." That was a week ago, and ever since, Corey had been on edge.
Now, he was fussing with the bouquet of tie dye roses he bought for her, as he panicked over whether or not Rose liked getting roses or if she found it cliché.
"You look great, and she'll love the flowers," Rex offered. Corey seemed oblivious. Rex then added, "Ready or not, we have to go, my friend."
Rex stood there with his present for the dinner in hand, a rare 1988 bottle of Vampire Vineyards Syrah, one of the very first that the company ever made. Very few of that first batch were produced, but Rex has a case for special occasions. He is quite fond of telling the story about how he was hitch-hiking in the Nevada desert about twenty years ago and a lawyer gave him a lift; that laywer ended up creating the Vampire wine brand after that.
"Syrah. Nice choice," Corey finally spoke after being silent since arriving at Rex's penthouse.
With that, Rex smiled, relieved and hopeful. The duo made their way to Rex's car which was waiting for them downstairs.
Happily Ever After Everyone
Happily Ever After
Everyone gathered around the dining room table. It was dressed simply with a plain white hotel tablecloth with plain white plates and matching silverware. Two beautifully highly polished candleabras illimunated the room proudly with 10 tall white candles, reflecting the mirrors on the walls casting a festive glow. A large red rose centerpiece completed the setting for the occasion.
Rose took note that there were about 17 or so seats, once everyone sat down there were three seats empty across from Rose and one at the head of the table opposite from Miriam.
Miriams appearance had lost its shock on Rose over the weeks, and from within it was so plain to see that her soul was as beautiful as the red roses in the middle of the table. She was told that Miriam was one of the vampire Primogen and she swore that as long as her new family was there no harm would ever come to her again from another living, or not, thing. Though she still wondered if Cory and Rex were one of them, Would that change the way she felt about them, especially Cory? No one would answer that question directly, they've done everything they could to avoid it. "It's not for me to answer." Each had said to her.
"Vanessa, who is the honoured seat for across from Miriam?" Vanessa smiled playfully winking at her beloved Sebastian. "Someone who means the world to us, and Mim." The family spoke amongst each other of what they are grateful for when a knock came to the backdoor. Vanessa waved at Mim for her to please stay in her seat while she greets the last of their guests. Sebastian leaned over to Rose whispering "Miriam likes to keep two seats open' in case of extra company."
Breath caught in Rose's lungs when she heard Rex and Cory's voice thank Vanessa for her hospitality. Rex handed Vanessa a rare "Vampire Wine" bottle as a hostess gift. She looks closely at the label and was amazed to see the special gift. "There were only 500 made, how did you get this?" Looking at Rex's playful smile "Ah, there is a story to this one no doubt. Come in and sit we are ready to say Grace."
Everyone formally stood silently smiling to Rex and Cory as they stepped into the dining room. A warm smile greeted them back from Rex as he moved over to Miriam and gave her a warm hug. "Thank you so much for having us Mim, and everyone. There is much to be grateful for this year." Cory also gave Miriam a big hug. Miriam said "My gosh don't you look dapper. What beautiful roses." She looked over to Rose for a second. With a smile and a wink to Cory he let out a breath of ease. Mim had always been able to do that, whatever 'that' was for him.
Everyone muttered quietly in agreement that there was much to be thankful for indeed as they sat down. Rex took the opposite seat from Miriam and Cory held Rose's seat for her as she sat down. Rose and Cory didn't really speak, only smiled gingerly at each other. The others were speaking about what they had to be truly thankful for this year. Cory offered the roses to Rose and she couldn't help but smile. The dozen roses were dripping with bright colors to match his tie dye shirt and tie. His hands were shaking a little as he held them to her. She reached for them and placed her hands over his steadying the shivering flowers. His hands were as cold as Miriams, while his eyes shimmered for a split second from his normal green to a dancing karlidascope of colors, and Rose knew in her heart that he was Kindred. She wasn't even sure if Cory knew he did it. "Are you alright?" He knodded while biting down on his lower lip.
"Rose what are you thankful for this year?" Miriam and Rex both asked nearly in unison. She laughed out loud "You have to ask? Everything! Everything that the both of you have done," Looking at Cory sincerely "From my new family, to my health...and safety. Everything." Miriam asked Cory "And you hon?" Looking around and back at Rose he could only say "Ditto."
Vanessa and Sebastian stood up and went into the kitchen and were bringing out the incredible food that she had made earlier. Reverently in the candlelit room the family bowed their heads as Vanya offered this years Grace. From under the table Roses finger faintly touched the top of Cory's hand in a shy way of saying "It's ok, we don't have to say words." He grasped her hand tightly in his and didn't let go. She let out a giggle and a huge smile, as so did he. Vanya stopped in the middle of Grace and everyone looked at the two smiling playfully. All seemed to be just as they should.....in Vegas anyways.