After leaving Mr. Iero's secret mansion, I can't help but to think about what happened. When I arrive at the Sparrow Hall, my feelings are even more complex and confused. That keeps me awake.

I feel a bubbling in the pit of my stomach, but most of all I am still flustered. I can still feel the large shape of him beneath me, his hand on the small of my back. Then my body recalls the sensation of his arm in my hold, when I was sitting next to him on the couch.

I watch and rewatch what happened in my mind, hardly believing ut actually occurred as it contrasts so much with the relatively tranquil flow of the encounters I have had with Mr. Iero.

After rolling over and over in my bed all night long, I almost arrive late at the rehearsal the next day. Madam Lana lashes out on me for the whole day. The night falling is a relief that frees me of her clutches. I am starving when I leave the stage ; I am strolling in the hallways when a hand drags me on the side.

"Arthur, follow me. I kept some meat for you," Claire tells me.

"You're the best, Claire! I am so hungry I could eat for two." I swallow my dinner; in the span of 5 minutes, my plate is empty. But hardly had I set it down that we are led backstage. Everything seems normal : cacophony and chaos as usual. I have a hard time to keep up with everything that is going on.

But then, I hear the sound of cries mixed with reproaches getting closer.

"I told you to get lost if you ever got into trouble again!" I recognize Madam Lana's voice. I step closer. What happened? Who is in trouble?

"No, Madam, please. It was an accident, I swear..." Aria whines softly. "It won't happen again! Please, don't fire me!" She cries. Why is she so afraid? Is it so bad to get fired?

"Did you think I was your mother? Did you think you were in a foster home? You are useless! Put her in the basement!" Madam Lana growls like a lioness and two strong men try to take Aria away.

Aria muster her forces and steps toward Madam Lana who steps back. She is about to get mad...

"Please, Madam, I can do more! I will do whatever you want! I will make you earn lots of money, I can treat men well, I could do anything!" Aria begs desperately. My heart shatters but Madam Lana cackles and doesn't move.

"I don't want to go..." Aria's voice dies off. Banning Aria in the basement... is it to punish her? What kind of punishment would terrify Aria so much?

As everybody is focused on her, I move closer to Claire. "What's in the basement? Why is Aria so scared?"

Claire glances at me. "The 'basement' is how Madam Lana calls her brothel. That's where she sends the girls who get too old or disobedient. It's the worst that can happen to the girls of the Sparrow Hall. Mafioso's girl, nothing is better."

I am speechless. Aria turns to us. "Lily... Claire... Someone, please! Tell her that I won't cause any more trouble!"

Claire considers it then decides to ignore her and looks away. The others weep quietly, stay quiet or hold themselves back. No one is defending her... Should I?

If I don't, I will regret it my whole life. Those eyes will haunt me. I can at least give it a try. My conscious will not let me watch this injustice passively.

I step forward, just a little. "Give her another chance, Madam."

Madam Lana turns around slowly and looks at me ferociously. "And why should I?"

"Well... She is a good dancer with a unique personality."

"I will not let myself be influenced so easily, young man. I will leave you another chance to convince me. Choose your words carefully. If you have nothing better to say, you will go with her. Men will love the both of you... quite literally."

I gulp. All eyes are on me, including Aria who is holding her breath and her tears. What mess have I put myself in... I must convince her.

"She said that she would do anything..."

If Aria is forced to do anything appalling, that's another problem for another day.

"I understand... Arthur, is it? I will remember you." Madam Lana turns to Aria. "And you, too. You better keep your work, or else..."

After threatening Aria, Madam Lana waves at the other girls. "What are you looking at? This isn't a show. Get back to work."

Everybody leaves, except Aria and I. She is still shaken, yet she starts fixing her makeup without a word.

"...I wasn't expecting you to take my defense. I am not thanking you... but I definitely owe you one." Aria leaves without adding anything.

The next day, I am giving a hand backstage as usual, when Claire arrives, looking upset.

"Aria said that she wants you to take her place on stage this week," Claire informs.

I look at the blonde girl, surprised. "She told that to Madam Lana?"

"I asked her but she told me that it was none of my business. Just go on stage, hurry up!"

Time is running. I drop everything and get changed as quickly as possible. Glittery suit, bowtie, shiny heels. A bit of crayon under my eyes as I got used to it, and off I go. I am barely starting to get used to this crazy ambiance, the roaring music, the lights, the glitter, the pearls and feathers.

I don't feel so good, maybe because of what just happened. My stomach hurts... The rhythm I am dancing on with the others only worsens the issue. If I throw up on stage, Madam Lana is going to kill me.

I focus on dancing, and hang on until the end. I see Solazzo in the crowd while I take a breather. But I wasn't expecting him to notice that I am looking at him, or at least not so fast.

He smiles at me as he blows a ring of smoke. Did he notice me?

I'd like to answer myself, but the next dance is about to begin. I can only smile and leave. I thought today was a bad day, but it starts getting better. Madam Lana even congratulated me on my dance, telling me it 'wasn't too bad'.

"I knew you were worth it," she tells me, looking down at me with an ounce of fatuity. "You have a certain arrogance, just like me when I was younger."

Being distracted can seem like arrogance? I thank Madam Lana anyway, but I am more preoccupied by Solazzo and his reaction.

I tried to reiterate my performance the next days. Solazzo smiles at me from time to time, but that's it. After a representation, I muster all my courage and come close to Solazzo.

I remember my training with Mr. Iero and Elizabeth, and I think about what I could say, when Solazzo speaks up first.

"Good morning, my darling. What's your name?" He grins at me through his cigar, reminding me of a wolf.

I look up at him. "My name is Arthur. It's not your first day here, is it? I have seem you around before."

"You must be new here. I am a regular." He takes his cigar out of his mouth with fingers covered in precious, thick rings. He stole my line! What am I saying, now?

"You're right. Men like you..." Before I can finish, Solazzo embraces me. I instinctively struggle before remembering that this is why I am here. I end up lean on him. He chuckles, possibly amused by my reaction. I blush.

"What about men like me, Mr. Arthur?"

"I don't know a lot of men like you."

"You were lucky to meet me, then." His eyes burn me from their intensity. I am anxious, my heart is beating hard. This is my only shot at making a good first impression. How to deal with that kind of man?

"What do you think about men like me?" I ask, a bit out of ideas though I manage to put charm in my demeanor.

"I have known a few, but..."

I free myself from his hold and sit down, waiting for him to continue. He is a little surprised, but amused nonetheless.

"You are more amusing than the others, Mr. Arthur."

I put on a smile, I stand up slowly and turn around to leave. Solazzo grabs my wrist and yanks me back. I tug my wrist away and glance back at him. "Goodbye, Mister."

Solazzo looks at me, as if bloodthirsty...

"My name is Angelo Solazzo, Mr. Arthur. We will see each other again."

I leave without looking back. I find some place alone and I can take off the mask. All I can hear is the beating of my heart. I suppose that it went well. I am not sure of what he liked about me, but he did get interested. That's a good start, right?

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