by Emily Sharp
Sofia nodded, her hand wiping at her face.
“You make me sick when I look at you. And you know why I feel that way, don't you?”
Sofia nodded.
“Remember, Adara is not your friend! She is mine. Do not ever forget that!” Louise yelled, her rage boiling over from memories of the past, and she threw the scarf on the floor. Sofia cried out, going to reach for it, but Louise grabbed her hair and pulled her back.
“No. Let it sit there, and if the fire calls to it, it will pull it in. Much like it destroyed my face, it can destroy a simple scarf if it chooses.” Louise watched as Sofia cried. “Does that make you happy I look this way?” Louise asked, turning Sofia toward her.
“No. If I could make it better, I would,” Sofia said, her tears running like a river.
“I don't think you would. You would make it worse and mock me. Now I will mock you. Go and eat that food while I drink,” Louise said, going to her chair. Removing her mask and sitting in the shadows, she sipped her wine as she watched Sofia eat the food, tears falling in between each bite.
“Do you know why I hate you so much?”
Sofia said nothing, her head giving a single nod.
“Good. Now finish up eating. When you’re done, collect that scarf and never wear it in my presence again. Then run my bath.”
“Yes, Madam,” Sofia said.
Louise smiled as she leaned back in the chair, her anger subsided for now.
Chapter Eighteen
Adara opened the last gift from her father, his eager smile making her laugh. It was Christmas morning, and inside their little cabin she could not have been any happier. The fireplace was crackling, the fridge and pantry were stocked, and she was with her father. Her sisters, as she was told, were with their finances’ families, not having time to visit them.
“Oh, Dad, I love it,” she said, holding the framed photo in her hands. It was of her and her father, taken when they had first moved to Colorado.
“So, you don't forget about me,” he said, a smile on his face.
Adara leaned over, kissing his cheek. “Don't say such silly things.”
“I know, I was only teasing. Well, this has been quite the Christmas. What do you think?” he said, leaning back in the couch.
Adara nodded, setting the photo on the coffee table and leaning back into her dad. His hand came around her and held her tight. She missed the simple things like this, spending time with her father, living in this cabin.
“It has been. We both have money now, you have your job. But I must be honest, I miss it here at times,” she said.
“I do too, honey. Though I think your sisters don't,” he said, with a laugh.
Adara smiled as she looked out the window, the snowflakes many but small in size. She missed her sisters a little, but not enough to wish them back. Snuggling against her dad, she thought of Louise and wondered if she was happy this morning. At least she had Sofia with her to keep her company. Letting out a sigh, her dad rubbed her arm.
“Are you doing OK?”
“Yeah, I'm fine.”
“You know you can go back to New York with me in June. Have you thought more about it?”
Adara nodded, she had thought about it quite a bit. “I have been offered to stay at the castle and work there, and at this point, I am not sure whether I am going to do it or not. But, I think I want to come back here to the cabin for a month before I move anywhere.”
“Why is that?”
Adara smiled, looking up at her dad. “One, I would like some time alone out here in the nature that I love. And two,” she said, poking his chest, “it will take me that month to clean up the mess you made!”
She laughed as his cheek covered with growth rubbed against her own cheek, scratching it lightly.
“Don't!” she said, laughing.
“Do you remember me doing that to you all the time when you were younger?” he asked.
Adara sat up, the memories of it as though they happened yesterday. “I do. You need to shave every morning, you hairy beast!”
She laughed as her dad poked her side. “Hey, watch it!” he said, laughing. She smiled, a shake to her head. “Let me get the coffee going. Are you going to watch the game later?”
He nodded, then ran his hand through his hair.
“I think so. Are you going to join me?”
“I will later. I’m going outside to write for a bit.”
Heading into the kitchen, she started up the coffee pot, then headed back into her sister’s former room. Changing into a sweater and jeans, she put on her gray parka with the hood Louise had bought her. Thinking of her, she looked at the ring on her finger. She was tempted to operate it, to see where she was, and grabbing the phone, slipped it into her coat pocket. With her diary in hand and a quick stop in the kitchen to pour them both a cup of coffee, she came back to her dad and handed him a mug.
“You spoil me, you know? Cooking, bringing me coffee. What did I do to deserve such a daughter?”
Adara laughed. “That’s what makes a good daughter?” she teased.
“You know what I mean,” he said, then took drink from the mug.
And she did know what he meant. It was the same reason she would do the same for anyone, because she cared for them. Her father had always been there for her, and through the best and worst times, never took his anger or frustration out on her. Rather he always encouraged and supported her. And when her mother died, she felt it was her job to look after him, and she loved doing it.
“I do. Now enjoy your television and put your cup away when you’re done,” she said, then headed outside. The snow was still falling down lightly, and brushing off the few flakes on the bench the awning did not block, she sat down. Her eyes went over the landscape, the mountains covered in white like the fields around her. For a short time she sat there drinking her coffee and letting her mind wander, thinking of the events of the last six months. What had started out as a business arrangement had blossomed into a friendship. And now the question was could it be more?
She was still unsure, and the night they celebrated their friendship, the sensations were too much, almost letting her make a decision that today she would have regretted. Though she loved Louise's touches, and had actually come to enjoy her constant praise, Adara could not shake the feeling that Louise viewed her only as an object.
But she did have feelings for her, not deep feelings of love or anything like that, but they were there nonetheless, her love for Louise being just platonic at this point and perhaps needing to stay that way. But Adara knew at the very least she had made a best friend in Louise and knowing that was the most important thing, would keep that as her goal. To be a friend to Louise and support her, help her overcome her fears. And let what would happen take its natural course. No more worrying, just enjoy what she had. With that final thought, her mind and heart felt at peace.
Taking the last drink from her mug, she set it beside her. Her cheeks were getting cold, and taking out her pen, she began to write.
Since my time in the castle, I have begun to look at things in a different light, especially Louise. Our friendship has grown, and I have started to see real change in her. My feelings toward her go back and forth. I do love her, though not the way lovers love each other.
Could it be more? I wonder sometimes, but ashamed as I am to admit, I cannot look past her scars. And that bothers me. Is it true, like Louise has said before, that it’s easy for a person who is beautiful to say everyone is? Is it like the person with a lot of money, claiming it does not bring happiness?
I will have until June, and perhaps later, to figure this out. But for now, I will continue enjoying the friendship that has developed.
Adara held the pen against her lip, a small smile coming to her face. Bringing the pen back to the paper she began to write some more.
When she was done, she stood taking the mug beside her, then stopped. The deer that had visited her many mornings stood out in the field, its ears
wiggling at her once again.
“Yes, my friend, it has been a long time,” she said, bowing to it and then laughing when she saw its ears twitch even faster. Then it ran off, its speed amazing her, and soon, it was far from her sight. With a smile, she walked back into the house and stomped her feet to get rid of the excess snow. Looking over, she sighed.
“Dad! The coffee mug!” she said, laughing.
“I was just going to get it!”
“Uh-huh,” she said, walking over to grab it. He always said that.
***
Adara rode upon the white horse, her lover by her side upon her steed as well, the sun once again not letting Adara see her face. The voice she knew but could not place. Though her face was not visible, it did not matter, for Adara loved her.
“You must save me from this curse!”
The feelings of love were gone and now despair took their place, scaring Adara as she reached out. “But how? I will do anything, but you must tell me!” Adara cried, the tears on her cheeks evaporating with the heat of the sun.
“Kill the beast, before it consumes you,” another female voice said, which Adara also recognized but could not place. Turning back to her lover, she cried as she disintegrated away.
“Kill it before it kills me,” her lover said, the voice echoing around her, and then she disappeared.
Adara sat up in bed, her breathing heavy, sweat pouring off her body. She looked around, trying to find her bearings, memories of today flooding her mind. She was at her father’s cabin. She was safe.
But safe from whom?
She shook her head, then got out of bed, the dream already fading from memory as she headed into the bathroom. Running the tap, she splashed cold water on her face, trying to remember what she could of the dream she just had.
Images of her lover and Adara on the horses. The castle. The sun. Then looking up in the mirror, she placed her hands on the counter top.
“Kill the beast, before it consumes you,” she whispered as her skin suddenly became cold.
***
Louise cried at the front gate, her hands shaking the iron bars, the heat from her hand melting them into black puddles and burning her skin at the same time.
“Do you not love me?” she cried as Adara walked away, her chestnut hair flowing in the gentle breeze. Louise cried out from the pain in her heart and from the pain in her hands, the fire spreading now to her arms, its heat cruel and tormenting.
“I cannot love a beast,” Adara said, her voice soft. The rays of the sun highlighted her beauty, and Louise just wanted to touch her face for just a moment, to feel her soft skin once again. And raising her arm, she cried out—her hands were now gone, nothing in their place.
“I love you.”
“I cannot love a beast.”
Louise cried out as she sat up in her bed, weeping. Looking down as her heart raced, her hands were still there. She formed them into fists and then stretched out the fingers. Relief rushed through her. She had dreamed like this before, over the last month even more so. The dreams were about the day Beauty would leave her castle, forever gone, and finding someone else. Someone who would attempt to love her as Louise did, but would fail.
Climbing out of bed, she went to her food cart and poured herself a glass of water. Her throat was dry, and after taking a few drinks, she felt a bit better. But not enough. Her dream had warned her that her precious Adara would never love a beast, and that is what she was. And because of it, though it pained her, she would have to double her efforts to make sure Beauty stayed. But she needed some help.
But from whom, she thought?
She paced her room, ideas quickly coming and going. Then an idea came to her. She would have to give up one pleasure, but in exchange, she would gain so much in return.
Going to her nightstand, she picked up her intercom device. “Oh, Sofia love, are you there?”
A moment later a groggy voice spoke back to her. “Yes, Madam.”
“Come to my room, and bring the photo of your mother.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Smiling, she set the device on the nightstand and then opened a drawer and looked at the two masks in front of her. One white, representing elegance, the other the beast. But the beast could be nice, couldn't she?
With a smile, she grabbed the white one, having tormented Sofia for the last few nights with the dark one. Slipping it on, she walked over to the mirror, admiring herself in it.
“If this was real, how beautiful I would be,” she whispered.
A few moments later, a soft knock came to the door. Turning toward it, Louise watched the door open as Sofia came walking in. She was wearing the short robe Adara had bought her, the belt cinched tight. More fat was starting to show, causing Louise to smile behind her mask.
“Sofia, you look so pretty. Please, come sit on my bed,” Louise said, her hand extended out.
Sofia nodded, clutching the photo of her mother against her chest.
Louise walked over, her hand reaching out to Sofia's face. Watching her wince, she let out a laugh.
“I am just admiring your pretty face, my dear. Don't worry, I am in a good mood at this late hour,” she said. Letting her hand go through the blond locks that were much like her own, she sighed.
“I have a wonderful surprise for you this evening, it is why I woke you,” Louise said, removing her hand, and then crawling onto the bed.
“What is that, Madam?” Sofia asked, her voice shaky.
Louise crawled to the stacked pillows and then leaned back against them. “Well, come here, and I will tell you,” she said, patting the large pillow next to her. She saw the hesitation in Sofia's eyes, but like a good servant, came over and leaned back against them next to Louise.
“Don't be afraid, I will not bite you, though I should,” Louise said, putting her arm around her and pulling her in against her. Letting out a sigh, she felt Sofia tremble in her hold. “All of this talk of Christmas has got me thinking. Thinking about that whore there,” Louise said, pointing to the picture.
“Yes, Madam.”
“I thought, as much as you sicken me, and as much as I enjoy watching you suffer, I think that soon you will need to leave me.”
“What do you mean?” Sofia said, turning toward her, her eyes wide and rimmed with red.
“It is simple, really. This summer I will no longer have you serve me. Your debt will be paid in full. You can go join your mother and brother. Would you like that?”
Sofia began to cry, her head nodding.
“And you only have to do just one small thing.”
“Whatever you ask, I will do.”
“Get Adara to stay here with me. Let her know how happy you are here. Tell her that you can see us two together. Get her drunk for all I care. But come the first of June, she must remain here of her own free will.”
“But that means I will tell her lies. She is my friend, she trusts me!”
Louise laughed. “Yes, she is your friend, she confides in you, and you must use that to my advantage. Do that, and you will get to join your mother once again.”
Sofia looked down at the photo, a slight shake to her head, making Louise smile.
“Or you may remain here with me within these walls forever. The choice is yours, Sofia, but I must have an answer now. My Beauty returns tomorrow, so what do you say?”
Sofia turned toward her and nodded. Wiping at her eyes, she spoke up. “I will do as you request.”
“Good. Now if she asks you to lunch, accept it. As a matter of fact, request to spend more time with her. That will work to my advantage as well.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Louise glanced at Sofia, then at the picture in her hand.
“One more stipulation.”
“Yes?”
“If you fail in this, your mother comes here to work for me as well.” She watched as Sofia nodded vigorously, and then putting her hand on her shoulder, pushed her away. “Now, get out of my room. Her photo and you ha
ve disgusted me enough for one night. And don't forget to eat double again in the morning.”
Sofia agreed, and once she left, Louise removed her mask and set it on the nightstand. Something was wrong, very wrong, but she could not explain what it was.
Bringing her hand to her cheek, she wondered why watching Sofia suffer had made her cry.
Chapter Nineteen
Adara sat rigid against the Louis XIV chair, the fire behind her warm enough she thought the light application of makeup on her face might melt. It was late-January and she was posing for her portrait, the artist, a man in his forties, moved his brush back and forth between the palette to the canvas. What she had thought would be just a few days of posing had already turned into weeks, each session hours long. And though she was happy to do this for Louise, she was growing tired. Her neck and shoulders ached, her back throbbing.
“Tell me, Claude, have you ever seen a woman with such beauty before? Be honest.”
The painter looked at Louise. “Ms. Vandercourt, I can assure you that there is no one in this world as beautiful as her.”
Adara felt a bit of pride and quickly put her ego in check. Louise was pacing back and forth, her hands behind her back, her white mask on, the hair covering most of it. Glancing down, Adara smiled as she looked at the blue dress she had worn to their dinner a month ago and the necklace Louise had given her, the key nestled between her breasts.
“It is done. A masterpiece indeed,” Claude said, standing and setting his palette on the chair he was just in. Adara let out a sigh, her body relaxing as she slumped in the chair.
“Oh, Adara you must look!” Louise said, waving her over. Smiling, she got up from the chair and walked stiffly over, her own jaw dropping.
“Not to sound conceited but it looks wonderful! My eyes, the blue of the dress, I look beautiful,” she said, looking over the portrait.
“Because you are beautiful, my princess,” Louise said, her hand moving to Adara's lower back and rubbing it briefly. “Claude, once again you have proved your skills ten times over,” Louise said as the painter quickly put his things away.
