Copyright © Christian, Harold Zidler, Duke and the diamond dogs belong to Baz Luhrmann and 20th Century Fox
Other characters belong to me
When my parents met each other it was in Paris France. At a brothel no less. My mother had been a prostitute and my father a duke. I was raised in the brothel until the tender age of 12 when my mother died suddenly. I was sent to live with my father who ignored me. That was until he saw how much I started to look like my mother. I had strawberry blonde hair, bright blue eyes, a fair complexion and curves in all the right areas. Every attempt he tried to marry me off never worked. Either the man wasn't worth it, wasn't rich enough or believed in the Bohemian ways. I never minded the Bohemian ways. In fact. Without my father knowing I actually believed in the Bohemian ways. Then one year he decided to invest in a cabaret. To me it reminded me of my mother. My dad left me with my grandmother then came back broken hearted. Then on my 25th birthday I left home. I moved to a very Bohemian type area and fixed the place up to my liking. I was even able to find a job. At a cabaret of all places. Despite that I was the lead I loved my job. I got to sing and dance. Which were 2 of my favorite things to do. On one particular night the owner of Moulin Rouge told me that someone very important was coming and to put on my best show. Mind you I had been working at the Moulin Rouge for 4 months now. The first song for the night was Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend. So I got ready and perched myself on the hanging trapeze. It then lifted in the air as my stomach churned. Midway through the song when I was in the throng of can can dancers with Harold Zidler, the owner, he told me that man was waiting to see me in my room after the number. I got excited then he told me to look up at the 2nd level. I looked through the can can girls dresses and looked up. I gasped sharply and was shocked to see my father.
"What does he look like?"
"He has the red hair and mustache."
"You've got to be kidding me! I can't do this!"
"And why not my dove?"
"It's...complicated."
"If you do this and he signs to keep the place afloat you can stay the diamond. I know you love this job."
"God. Fine. I'm doing this for you. It may not go as planned just so you know."
"That doesn't matter pigeon." I giggled at Harold's pet names for me. They were cute and funny. I finished the song and hurried to my room which used to belong to my predecessor. I quickly changed into a modest outfit just as the door slammed open. I silently groaned then popped out from the dressing partition.
"Daddy?"
"What do you think you're doing here? Do you know how worried I've been about you? Now I find out the new Diamond is my own daughter!"
"Daddy please I love it here."
"No. You're coming home right now."
"Daddy please. Mama would've approved." That's what stopped my father from trying to drag me out.
"How dare you bring your mother up! She would have notapproved of this!"
"Yes she would've! I know so. On my 10th birthday she told me she wanted me to become like her!"
"Well I'm not letting you! I'm your father for god sakes!"
"Daddy please."
"One year. You have one year doing this. But if I find out that you're selling yourself I will drag you away."
"Yes father. Thank you father." My dad left as I sat on the bed. Almost immediately Harold came in curious and shocked.
"That was fast. Well pigeon?"
"A year. That is if I don't sell myself to your customers. If that happens then he won't support Moulin Rouge."
"Done! I'll have Nini take the customers."
"Wait. You actually had customers lined up for me? I've only been here 4 months now."
"Yes. But the men are lusting after you when you perform. And you perform so beautifully my dove."
"Are you getting to a point Harold?"
"Do you remember the writer I told you about?"
"The one who fell in love with my predecessor? Vaguely. What about him?" I asked the question as I went behind the dressing partition.
"Well. He's writing another play. Rather tragic though. And I want you to be the lead."
"Well seeing as how it is his play I think it's his choice. Not yours. Don't you think so Harold?" I said as I untied the corset.
"Yes I guess so. Well pigeon get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow." Harold left as I slipped into my blue nightgown then my blue lace robe. I went out onto balcony and looked out into the Parisian skyline. I went up to the top of the elephant and sat in the gazebo. I leaned against a pole then started quietly singing.
I'm having trouble thinking of a song about loneliness and sadness that she'll sing. Any suggestions?
