//------------------------------// // A High Wind in Jamaica // Story: A Story of Love (Among Others) // by TheMareWhoSaysNi //------------------------------// I slowly opened up my eyes, dark spots dancing in front of me. My body was numb. Last night came back to my mind, our conversation with Filthy Rich and what happened after, when Soarin and I decided to go to this hotel room we were still in, what we almost did and why we hadn't done it. Under the blankets, Soarin twisted and turned but never opened his eyes. He only groaned and hid under the pillow. One second later, everything stopped moving. His breath was regular but he was frowning. I didn't know what time it was but I couldn't wake him up. I watched him sleep, wanting to smile and to scream from frustration at the same time. The moment when we'd have to part was coming nearer. I knew it wasn't a break up and I had to be patient but still I was bitter. Yesterday, we were thinking, naive, that we were doing things the right way, with enormous caution. All it took was one picture, only one picture where my face was clear, though I wans't even intimate with him. And everything took a new turn. I sighed, stretched out my hand. I stroke his cheeks, his hair, trying not to wake him up in the process. We didn't have enough moments like this one. I could have made the most of it, stop believing we had all the time in the world. Now I didn't even know when we could even be together again. What was the point? Repeating it would not change a thing. It was like that and that was all. It was nothing like me to play the poor victim, wailing on her destiny. So I decided I would be strong. I would go forward, anyway, because this was sad but this wasn't the end of the world. I had things in life that I liked and that didn't evolve around Soarin. If I focused on them, I could take that challenge with my head up. My phone vibrating cut me off my reflections and I dashed towards the bedside table. It was Coloratura, who I had more or less befriended with. Some strange force told me to pick this call up. That she was the exact person I needed. "Hello, Dashie?" Her voice was cheerful. She had debuted since we first met but since her record company was very small, her path to glory was a bit difficult. "Sorry... Soarin's sleeping beside me," I whispered I glanced at the shape that was lying under the blanket. From here, he looked so peaceful yet I knew his sleep, like mine, had been restless. "Oh, I see. Maybe I'll call later, then..." "Actually, he leaves for New Zeland later this afternoon, so..." My voice broke. As if it wasn't enough to be asked to stop seeing each other like before, they had to send him a thousand miles away to make sure we wouldn't do anything wrong. Picture that, if we met someone by accident who understood he wasn't the single superstar whose heart belonged to his fans, what a shame! I couldn't help feeling angry. Even if I knew it wouldn't change a thing. "Is there something wrong?" Coloratura asked, worried. "Everything's wrong!" I was unable to lie. I couldn't fake it and say everything was perfectly fine. It wasn't. I wanted to smash things against the wall, I wanted to get into a fight, to burn a car in the backyard, "Waiting to Exhale"-style. "Okay, listen to me... How about having a drink with me tonight?" "I don't want a drink." "Oh yeah, you want a drink. But you don't know it yet, that's all. Trust me." I looked at Soarin again, still under the blankets. I needed a shoulder to cry on. Someone who would understand because they were part of the strange world called show-business. "Fine. Can't do me any wrong." "You're my savior! I don't know anyone here and to be honest, I'm supa dupa bored. Seems like I won't drown under promotions and schedules yet, uh... Well. Tonight around eight, exit three of Cosmpolitan Town?" "Yeah, sure." A few minutes later, I put my phone back on the bedside table. I slipped myself under the blankets and held him in my arms. Immediately, he embraced me and opened his eyes. His lashes fluttered. I tried a smile but instead of smiling back, he buried his face against my chest... We had to stop behaving as if there would be no tomorrow. Things weren't over yet. No big deal. He suddenly went back to me and, without warning, pinned my shoulders against the mattress. I looked up as he positioned himself on top of me, his lips on my lips. Without further thinking, I answered the kiss with my hands in his hair. I didn't know what he was looking for and I didn't care. A new phone call cut us off. This time, it was the hotel's phone. I gently pushed Soarin aside and picked it up. I hung up a few minutes later and told him we were asked to leave the room before the end of the hour. Soarin didn't say anything, didn't even ask what it was about. All I know is that he wrapped his arms around me from behind, and kissed my shoulders, my neck. It was as if he was trying to hurt himself. We both knew all this tenderness would soon be forbidden. Maybe we should have parted right here and right now, not let pain and anger win. But we both were unable of it. It was going to be an everyday fight. Like a rock mountain to climb, covered with dark clouds and we had no rope to help. Do or die and if you die, too bad. That meant you didn't deserve it. ===============================================***======================================== The sun was bright. Everyone in the streets were happy, carefree. Smiles on their faces, restless conversations, streets full of people. Canterlot the Great capital of Equestria. Soarin and I were trying to do things like we always did. Because he kept sunglasses everywhere we went, some passersby looked at us with curiosity but they never insisted. In addition, he wore a beany and one of this surgery masks some put on when they're sick. We ordered Starbucks, walked hand in hand. Nothing seemed to be different. Yet, we hadn't talked much. Not that we didn't want to talk but we didn't know what to say. If I opened my mouth, I was scared I would not be nice. I was a time bomb of bitterness. I told him I would meet Coloratura in town tonight, to have a drink and he said he understood I needed someone like her to talk to. I also would be meeting Daring Do later in the afternoon. She wanted to see me and to introduce me to a friend of hers. I wished I could stretch out time and make sure the day would never end. We were walking side by side but I knew the exact time we were supposed to learn what is a "long-distance relationship". Though we haven't even said "I love you" to each other yet. When we arrived at the bus station, one big car with tinted windows was waiting for him. Assistants were there too, with suitcases and other bags. During the journey to the airport, I guessed they would give him instructions about what to do next. Unsurprisingly, I soon saw Filthy Rich appear in front of us. I could feel Soarin suddenly tensed. The man's shadow stretched on the ground, larger and taller than ours, as if trying to assert his domination. Each time I saw his face, I wanted to turn violent and to insult him. To let him know what it takes to upset Rainbow Dash, daughter of legendary Windy Whistles. Yet, I greeted him. Soarin immediately let go my hand and stepped forward. "I'm glad you're right on time, Soarin," Flithy Rich stated. He also greeted him, with great politeness but coldness. Then, the big boss retreated and went to whisper things with one assistant. I knew what that meant. Though it wasn't three and a half yet, our ways had to part right now. I turned to Soarin. His feet wearing male ankle boots got closer to mine, with white sneakers. He stretched his hands, took off his sunglasses, beany and mask. His two hands cupped my face and I had to bite my inside cheek not to let my frustration and rage show. I didn't want him to see the real state I was in. He would feel sorry. "I know you won't cry because you're tough but you know... You could cry." "I won't cry. It's not a disaster, just a little scratch on the road. I won't cry." I tried to determine whether he agreed with me or whether he smiled at me just to make me believe he believed me. But finally, I gave in and fell on his neck, holding him close, though no tears rolled off my eyes. He welcomed me without hesitation, pressing me strong. My face buried inside his chest, I held him in silence... And too bad if I looked stupid, sappy, or like a bad romantic comedy cliché while doing it. We parted and Soarin let his sunglasses in my hand. I shook my head no, I knew it was his favorite pair, but he stepped back and closed my own palm around the black branches with a golden S. Someone opens the door of the car, hurried him up because his plane won't wait. My hands and legs were like jelly, with no peanut butter and no bread to hold it. He turned around, didn't look back and stepped into the car. Clap! End of the scene. =================================================***====================================== Orpheus was the son of Oegros and of the muse of Eloquence and epic Poetry, Calliopee. Apollo once gave him a seven-string lyra, created by a young Hermes and the Muses taught him how to play. Orpheus was so talented that he could apeased enemies with his music, as well as wild beasts and even the rocks followed him so they could keep on hearing him play. He charmed a lot of young women but none was good enough for him until he met Eurydice. Crazy about her, he quickly married her but shortly after, while his young bride was dancing with nymphes, she put her feet on a venimous snake lurking in the grass and Orpheus was unable to save her. Also unable to face the death of his love, he decided to go to the Hells and to bring her back to the world of the livings. Thanks to the enchanted power of his music, he secuded Cerberus the dog, keeper of the Hells, but also Charon and the Three Judges of Death, he even softened the damned souls' tortures and reached the house of the god Hades and his wife Persephone. He also was able to convince them, despite the fact Hades was known as being unsensitive and they accepted him to bring Eurydice back, at the condition that he wouldn't look at her until they left the Hells. Versions give different explanations about how or why, but Orpheus didn't managed to do it and turned around to look at Eurydice, thus losing her forever, as he couldn't convince Hades once more. As I was walking with my back on the bus station, this myth came back to my mind. I thought that, the Hells were right here. I might have convinced Hades but if I ever failed, he would make sure I'll never see the person I love again. When I gave back my badge to an assistant of the agent, it was as if I had been Orpheus losing his lyra or the power of persuasion it brought. I'd walked a long moment in the Canterlot streets. There was a strange feeling inside of me, like this wasn't me at all. What did happen to Rainbow Dash and where was she hiding? Under the fresh sun of the end of winter, Soarin's sunglasses on my face, I'd walked non-stop with no music and no phone, until the bar where Daring Do told me to go. When I checked, I had only one message on my phone and it was from her: the mysterious person she wanted me to meet would probably be earlier than her. Among the rare things we said to each other that day, Soarin confessed he was glad I could see Daring Do and Coloratura tonight, and talk to them about what happened. It comforted him to know I had support from people who would understand. Located near Silk Street, the Mare on the Moon was the latest trendy bar. Their specialty was raspberry wine. Despite the setting and the very modern architecture not different of the rest of the landscape, they do traditional food. That was where I had to meet Daring Do. She booked a table for three and I wasn't surprised when the waitress showed me a table isolated from the rest, at the first floor. What surprised me, on the other hand, was that the place was crowded. And the music very loud. I told I wanted to wait the other guests before I ordered. From my table, I could watch the crowd. No one seemed to pay attention to what was around, people here were chatting without a care about the other tables. It probably was why Daring Do chose this place. Walls were white, with pop art paintings. Tables, chairs and the floor were all made of wood, just like the wide window frames. A dimmed light made you feel like you were alone among the crowd. I had no idea who that person supposed to join us could be. She hadn't told me anything. All I knew was that if that person didn't arrive quickly, I was going to start thinking about Soarin and Filthy Rich and would want to hit people again. So, thirsty and hungry, I grabbed the menue as a diversion. "Sorry to bother you... Are you Rainbow Dash?" I looked up to see who was calling me, though I guessed that was Daring Do's mysterious guest... My eyes opened wide like pool balls. It Fire Streak, leader and guitarist of the band Lumiere. One of my biggest idols of the time. The most amazing was that no one seemed to pay attention to him at all, though he was a mega superstar. I felt it was impossible not to notice him. Even dresed in plain shirt and jeans, his caramel and vanilla hair back on his head with a stubble tanning his cheeks he was inspiring respect, a bit like Filthy Rich but you didn't want to punch his face. Back then, I mean. "Yeah, that's me. Are you Daring's mysterious guest?" "Mysterious guest? You could say that. Can I sit with you?" "Of course." As soon as I gave my answer, he did so. I couldn't understand why Daring Do wanted me to meet Fire Streak. I didn't know what to say to him... Should I talk to him like he were nothing special or use a formal English? If yes, I was scared I couldn't do it and put Daring Do in an embarrassing situation. He was at least twelve or thirteen years older than me and of a very diffierent social background. He glanced at the silver watch encrusted with diamonds on his wrist. I was feeling ridiculous with my sweater and my black jeans, toying with my boyfriend's sunglasses. He looked like a man and I didn't even feel that I looked like a girl. Despite my long hair. "Have you been waiting for a long time?" Fire Streak asked me with a very self-confident voice. "No, I've just arrived. Daring Do should be here any minute now." "I bet she haven't even told you why she told me to come?" In silence, I shook my head no. She hadn't told me anything. Fire Streak remained cordial with me, smiled at me benevolently though with a hint of condescendance, but still I felt awkward, unsure of how to behave. He probably noticed since he asked me not to be too much stressed and to act normally. That he was no one important. Yet I was sure Fluttershy would be very impressed to hear I had a drink with a celebrity such as Fire Streak, since she was very fond of celebrities. In fact, I often chased autographes on her behalf. I saw Daring Do emerging from the back of the room, her long monochrome hair tied in a bun. She was wearing a black ethnic dress with shoes which looked rather expensive and a while set of exotic jewerly. Daring Do quickly spotted us and walked to our table with wide strides. When she saw me, still toying with the sunglasses, she displayed a sorry expression and her face looked about to crumble. "How are you?" A shadow went through her face and she let herself fall on one of the wooden chairs, like she were a bag of concrete mix. "You look so mad... I'm really sorry." I looked away for a few seconds, just so I could get my composure back and not scream at her. Yet, a deep sigh escaped my lips. Daring Do and Fire Streak looked connivingly at each other, but they had no time to say anything. The waitress had just arrived. I let them order for me and they chose raspberry wine, of course, fried sweet potatoes and a spicy vegetable pancake for everyone. Once the interruption over, I knew they were going to tackle on the issue. The music was so loud we were sure no one would hear what we would say. Even if some recognized them, they wouldn't be able to report our conversation and since Fire Streak and Daring Do arrived separately, there were very little risks of rumors. Fire Streak's reputation was already established anyway, and he had an age where scandals and rumors couldn't do much harm. Daring Do already had a fiancee and didn't risk much neither. "You probably wonder why I asked Fire Streak to join us," she started. "Indeed." "You're going to understand. Fire Streak?" He nodded, ready to throw the bomb. I wanted to hide until I'd hear Soarin was back from New Zeland. A strange feeling had me shivering. I knew I wasn't going to like what they were about to tell me. Their serious faces made me feel very much uneasy. "Do you know who is Lily Lace ?" "Yeah, she's a very famous fashion designer." Fire Streak kept quiet while the waitress arrived with the orders. The pancakes looked delicious and I remembered suddenly how hungry I was. He resumed talking only once sure we were alone and no one cared about us. With the loud music, I was obliged to lean over and prick my ears. "She hasn't always been in the fasion industry. She was an actress before..." Then, came back to my mind the memory of an article about a famous actress turned fashion mogul who used to have the same agent than Soarin. "She started to be famous a little bit after Lumiere's debuts. She was playing in a sitcom, a very popular sitcom targeting male teenagers. We met on a set, as we were guest stars on the show for one episode. Even back then, it was impossible to envision that the idol of young men from twelve to twenty would reveal to be dating so shortly after debuts. First, we dated in secret until we were caught by Filthy Rich, her agent then. Much to our surprise, he let us keep our secret though Lily was extremely popular..." His speech tasted like deja-vu. Unpleasant and bitter. Like a bad remake of "Les diaboliques". "He couldn't fire her or sanction her, afraid to lose his goose that laid golden eggs and his chance to impose his name in the show-business fly away. He let us be together, arguing our discretion was perfect. It wasn't like it is now, back then, you know, fans were organized differently since SNS weren't big at all, it was easier to keep a secret like this. Except... Paparazzi were still there. We have been dating for something like six months when one of them took a picture of us together. I had my back on the photograph, the picture was hazy and I was barely recognizable but that was enough for Filthy Rich to ask us to "take a break". He didn't mean we had to break up but to stop seeing us so often. He gave Lily more roles, more advertisements, more photoshoots. I was forbidden to talk to her if we didn't have a TV show in common, forbidden to visit her place, forbidden to call her on the phone. We were giving each other letters via our staff members but even this finally went forbidden as well. We could only see each other in deserted parking lots, in the middle of the night, outside the city. My bandmates kept on telling me to leave her, that I could had as many girls as I wanted. I had no support from anyone. Same thing with Lily. He waited for us to yield... We finally broke up and she went through a depression. Finally, she was so disgusted she decided she couldn't take it anymore and she wanted to stop acting and be in the fashion industry instead..." His speech over, I lowered my head and stared at the pancake in my plate. Daring Do's worried eyes hadn't left me since Fire Streak started to speak, as if she wanted to see my face clench at each words. I suppress a chill, a cold sweat down my spine and I swallowed a few sips of raspberry wine. The delicious taste brought me a bit of comfort. Someone stretched a hand along the table. I looked up. Daring Do was staring at me, even more sorry than she was when she arrived. "Don't worry. You're stronger than Lily has ever been and you have support. There's Fire Streak and I and I heard you were friend with that singer, Countess Coloratura. Don't worry for Soarin, neither. Sandalwood and Sunset Shimmer will be here for him, they're his best friends. Everything's going to be fine." "Thanks." Daring Do smiled comfortingly at me. But I saw her lips were trembling and Fire Streak had been very sad when he told his story. They said they were here for me and I believed them. But they were a bit too dramatic for me. It couldn't be that bad, and as they said, I was strong. I'm still strong. Just a little tired. Like I was going to go through the Hells without a lyra and no garantee Hades would show sensitiveness. =================================================***====================================== Welcome in Countess Coloratura's world. Far from the trendy setting of the Mare on the Moon, its pop art paintings, its wooden table and its dimmed light, she brought me to the Daybreaker Pub, in the well-known area of Cosmopolitan Town. Cosmopolitan Town, it's like another universe, with other codes, other pathes and other views to explore. On the large main avenue, restless day and night, many languages and origins are meddling. At the Daybreaker Pub, Coloratura and I chose to sit in front of the counter. As a contrast to the Mare on the Moon, where everyone stayed in a private space, strangers and friends were meddling, talking together as if they always knew one another. Coloratura was here in clover. She attracted eyes effortlessly and she behaved as if nothing were important. Waiters called her by her name, she knew theirs too, spoke to everyone talking to her and burst out laughing easily, loudly. She ordered two tankards of beers, one hamburger and grilled red curry carrots with fries. I thought all female celebrities had to be on diet... "My record company is very small, I don't even have a manager yet. So I can do whatever I want," she confessed to me when I asked the question. In reality, in her record company, the CEO wasn't deciding for Coloratura, it was Coloratura who decided for them. Her boss was a young man of thirty-five who didn't know anything about show-business. For him, being the head of such a compay was more like a hobby... And if, by the way, he could win a bit of money, then that was a good thing. Compared to Soarin and his agent, TrendHorse looked like a permanent fun fair. Naturally, we started a conversation about my main problem. Filthy Rich and the crime that was mine, my goodbye with Soarin and my meeting of Fire Streak and everything he told me. How history seemed about to repeat. And her reaction quickly arrived. Coloratura hit her tankard against the counter, a few golden drops splashing around. "What a bastard!" Her voice whipped the air. Out of her green-blue eyes, bolts were exploding. She looked even angrier than I could be. Of course, I understood why she was so outraged. I was outraged too if I would also be in her shoes, picturing one of my friends, any of them, in that same situation. I wished I could scream how unfair this all was but I held back because I knew that would be no help. Whatever, since Coloratura expressed it for me. "He can't do that. Who does he think he is? He thinks we're a bunch of dogs in a leach with no right to speak?" I almost wondered whether she was talking about Soarin or about herself. "You gotta do something. Don't tell me you won't do anything!" "What do you want me to do? Soarin's under contract, so Filthy Rich has the power. He tells him what to do, where to go and who to speak to." "But you haven't sign anything. You don't have to obey." "I am bond to him, anyway. By Soarin. I don't want us to break up." "See, that's why I refuse to become attached to men. All you get when you're in love are hassles." "It's nothing you can control, Coloratura. Trust me, I've tried." "Of course you can. It goes wrong from the moment you think this guy is great and you'd like to know him better. After that, you get committed and when you get committed, you suffer. There's no exception and if someone tells you it's wrong, this person lies." Maybe Coloratura was right. Getting committed in a love story always implied complications and complications led to suffering. Most of the time.