Masquerade of Love

Part 14

The following weeks were a mix bag of emotion for Marlene. Tanja dominated her time with one conceptual meeting after another. Her only contact with Rebecca would happen during arranged interviews with prominent theatrical and fashion magazines often tensely monitored by Tanja's eagle eye.. Tanja had not wasted a moment to promote LCL and Masquerade of Love's joint venture. The multitude of interviews Marlene was grateful for because it was during those moments and only then that Rebecca was close to her. Her evenings of late, especially, had been racked with worry. Frank had become a little less forthcoming with details of the ongoing investigation of Bianca and Bianca had become even more possessive and controlling of Rebecca's time, and now, Marlene was faced with the realization that the fashion presentation and ball was only days away and once the show was over her plausible excuse to be anywhere near Rebecca would be gone.

"Set your daydreaming aside and come. It is time." Tanja demanded Marlene to follow.

"Time for what?" Marlene asked while keeping up with Tanja's brisk walk.

"A sneak preview my friend of the finished products. Amazingly enough Rebecca has completed the pieces for the show. For once in record time." Marlene eagerly continued to follow. Always grateful for any opportunity to see Rebecca.

The hurried atmosphere of the design room could have easily been mistaken for the show itself , but amongst the bustle Marlene was immediately drawn to Rebecca who was confidently directing her team. When allowed to create and design Rebecca was always at the top of her game and Marlene loved seeing Rebecca in her element.

"I do hope I will not be disappointed. Do I need to remind you what is at stake here?" stated Tanja in her always threatening manner as she approached Rebecca.

"Always the optimist Tanja. So refreshing to see that your near death experience hasn't soften your ways." Rebecca hissed back. Marlene enjoyed even more when Rebecca would stand strong against Tanja. It had been rare at times but Marlene did notice that over the course of the last few weeks Rebecca seemed stronger and less willing to be influenced by Tanja's stabbing remarks and criticism. "Caro. If you will direct the models to enter one by one please."

Before Marlene could seat herself she felt a gentle and yet firm pull of her arm. Rebecca pulled Marlene aside. "I just wanted to thank you."

"For what?" Marlene was flattered but also curious of Rebecca's gratitude. It was really the first time since she had been home that Rebecca approached Marlene with such a positive manner.

"For allowing me to be a part of your vision. For allowing me to help achieve your vision. I know Tanja enjoys taking a lot of the limelight and credit, but I know who the real mastermind and creative genius is that has been behind all of this. I'm proud of you Marlene. I always knew you would rise above. You always have." Marlene had no words. She was speechless. Rebecca was proud….proud of her. Marlene finally found the words but lost Rebecca's attention when the first model entered the room.

One by one the models continued to parade in front of Marlene and Tanja. A cultivated showcase of Venetian elegance combined with modern symmetry with the added mystic of the masquerade masks. Typically Rebecca would worry herself with how Tanja would react and what she would say, but this time Rebecca only cared about the opinion of one. Marlene. Marlene was the heart of the entire concept and even though, for reasons still unknown, Rebecca still refused to fully admit that Marlene was her entire heart. Rebecca had worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to make sure that Marlene's vision was a success. Never had she wanted anything more. Not even for herself.

Finally the last dress was presented and Rebecca, with breath held, waited for the opinions of Tanja and Marlene.

Never one to waist a moment to express her opinion Tanja rose and crossed to Rebecca. Rebecca was unable to decipher Tanja's poker face and so she prepared herself for the worst.

"Do you feel this is your best?" Tanja asked.

The questions was a bit out of character for Tanja and Rebecca wasn't sure how to respond. Tanja never asked if she felt it was her best. Tanja would just tell her if her designs were good or not, but Rebecca was confident that her creations for this show was some of her finest work.

"Yes. Yes I do think it is my best! One of my best ever." Rebecca adamantly proclaimed.

"And what is your opinion Marlene?" When she did not reply Tanja and Rebecca turned their attention to Marlene to find that she was examining one of the dresses more closely and it was like she was in a different world.

Both Tanja and Rebecca came to stand on either side of Marlene. "Well Marlene? What is your opinion?" Tanja impatiently asked again.

"You did it again." Marlene almost whispered.

"You did it again? What is that suppose to mean?" Tanja was growing impatient. "Marlene?"

"It's beautiful. The entire line is just….exquisite. Everything I envisioned and more." Marlene found herself reaching to feel the silky material.

Rebecca cared nothing of anyone else's opinion once she saw the look of Marlene's approval.

Not wanting to get caught up in Marlene and Rebecca's obvious sentimental state Tanja quickly interjected.

"For once Rebecca you managed to do your finest the first time around." Rebecca wasn't completely positive but she took it as a compliment.

Tanja announced to everyone in the room. " I expect every one of these pieces to be kept secure and no one outside of this room is to see them before the show. Is that understood?" And like the dutiful soldiers they were every one nodded in compliance.

"Good. Now back to work. We can not afford to waste time. Marlene are you coming?" Tanja demanded.

"I will be with you soon." Marlene assured Tanja.

"Fine, but don't be long. We have to finalize a few more things before tomorrow." with her cool sense of urgency Tanja directed Jessica to follow her as she spat multiple commands at her.

As they were instructed everyone quickly went back to their respective duties and the hustle and bustle of the room recommenced. But their presence soon faded to the background for Marlene and Rebecca. They even forgot that the model still stood patiently waiting for Marlene to complete her examination of the dress.

"Do you remember when you designed my wedding dress?" Marlene's question took Rebecca a little by surprise.

"Of course I do." Rebecca could never forget.

"The wedding dress was perfect. But this…this line that you have created it's… beyond perfect." Marlene couldn't prevent becoming choked up. "You have always been the one to understand and could see what I see, what I liked, or what would look good. You have always been the one who could see…me when no one else could even when I couldn't see myself." Marlene finally allowed the model who had been patiently waiting to leave.

"It's only perfect because it was your initial vision. I just took it and expanded it. The perfection is all in part because of you Marlene. None of this would be happening if it wasn't for you." Rebecca had gone weeks without touching or really talking to Marlene and when she reached for Marlene's hand the two of them could feel the energy behind it. Bringing with it all the feelings that were trying to be suppressed.

Rebecca could feel her wall beginning to crack. Just to touch Marlene again so simply. Rebecca couldn't prevent letting her buried secret out. "I still see you in everything I create. If anything I create is perfect its because I have the perfect muse."

Marlene's heart skipped. To finally hear Rebecca begin to admit, even so slightly, that she still thought of her was a ray of hope for Marlene. Marlene grasped Rebecca's hand tighter and decreased the distance between them. "Rebecca there is nothing I would rather be then an inspiration to you, because everyday you have been one to me."

"Rebecca?" hearing Bianca's voice caused Rebecca to jump and quickly pull herself away from Marlene.

"Bianca. What are you doing here?" Rebecca nervously asked.

"Don't you remember? You asked me to come by so you could fit me for my costume."

"Oh yes. Sorry I totally forgot. Ummm… just wait here and let me get everything ready." Rebecca gave Marlene a hesitant glace and then left to collect everything she needed.

The automatic tension between Marlene and Bianca could be felt immediately. The moment between Marlene and Rebecca had not gone unnoticed by Bianca.

"So you must be relieved to see an end in sight?" Bianca probed.

"An end? What do you mean?" Marlene asked sharply.

"The end to all this fashion madness. I mean after tomorrow nights fashion event you will be able to return your attention to Masquerade of Love. Your headed to London right after this. Correct? "

Marlene only nodded. Knowing that Bianca had a point to make and she was waiting for it.

"Yes. Well I know that you will be glad to be back to doing what you love and quiet frankly many here will be glad to see you continuing to move on…towards your dream that is." Bianca's emphasis for Marlene to "move on" did not go unnoticed by Marlene. \

At that time Rebecca returned with Bianca's outfit for fitting. "Here we go. Are you ready?"

Marlene took her cue to leave but before doing so turned to Bianca. "Your right. I do look forward to moving on. And make no mistake I will get EVERTHING I have dreamed of." With renewed determination Marlene left Rebecca with Bianca but she secretly vowed that this would be the last time she would walk away.

"Can't I convince you to wear this dress instead?" Rebecca all but pleaded.

"No Rebecca. I don't feel comfortable in stuff like that. This suit is more me. More my style." Bianca insisted.

"Very well then. Let's get a look at you when we add this." Rebecca placed a simple white mask on Bianca that covered her entire face."

"Do we really have to wear a mask?"

"Yes. That is the whole point and theme of the show and ball. It's a masquerade. Everyone that attends will be dressed in their finest and masks are mandatory. Besides I think its all rather romantic and it's different. Unlike any show we have done before. Very interactive for the audience and the fashion itself. It's actually genius really."

"If you say so." Bianca answered unimpressed.

Rebecca made one final adjustment. "There! All finished."

"You do have an amazing talent my dear. I have never been so well dressed before." Bianca complimented.

"Thank you."

"I have to admit that I will be glad when this show is over." Bianca looked from her reflection in the mirror to Rebecca. Interested to watch her reaction.

"Really? Why?"

"Honestly. So that your having to work with Marlene will come to an end." Bianca didn't hold back.

"Why do you say that? " Rebecca asked.

"Because. I know it has been stressful for you having to deal with her and her demanding whims."

"Stressful? What do you mean stressful? We have been able to work without much friction actually." Rebecca nervously began putting her things away. Not sure why Bianca was addressing the issue of her working with Marlene.

Removing the mask and turning Rebecca to face her Bianca spoke in a tone that Rebecca had not heard before. "I refuse to play this game Rebecca. I know what I just saw when I came in."

Rebecca backed away realizing what Bianca was referring to. "What are you talking about?"

"The little interaction between you and Marlene. They way she was looking at you. The way you were looking at her. Your falling for her again aren't you?" Bianca demanded.

Was it really becoming that obvious Rebecca wondered. "Don't be ridiculous. She was just thanking me. That's all. Your reading more into this then there actually is."

"Am I?" Bianca said.

Unconvincingly Rebecca affirmed. "Yes."

Again Bianca turned Rebecca around to face her. "Rebecca don't let yourself be disillusioned by her charm. Need I remind you that after tomorrow's show she will be leaving for London. Leaving all this and you once again behind. Don't loose sight of the fact that she left you once before and she will do it again."

Bianca was right. Loosing Marlene once almost killed her and she couldn't go through it again. She was grateful Bianca reminded her and brought her back to her senses. She pulled Bianca in for a hug. "I promise. There is nothing between Marlene and I. It's only you and I. I promise."

"I walked away once and allowed Marlene her chance. I am not giving up that easily this time. I love you Rebecca." Bianca firmly stated.

Rebecca didn't know how to process those words. She should be overjoyed that Bianca just announced her love, but instead all she could feel was sadness that she could not say the words in return. She couldn't say what in the end she really couldn't feel. But she convinced herself that maybe one day she could learn to. So all she could do was reassure Bianca with a tight hug and gentle kiss. "You have nothing to worry about." Rebecca replied.

Still Bianca was unconvinced as Rebecca was summoned away by Caro.

Bianca's attention was soon directed to her ringing cell phone. To her advantage the room had cleared but she still moved to a more secluded area of the room to answer the call. "Look I told you not to contact me anymore. I'm done."

Alexa's sinister laughed came across clear. "Now Bianca. Did you really think that we were done with you? Remember your not the one who calls the shots here. My father and I are. We will decide when you are done."

Bianca everyday regretted the day she began working for the Berg's. She knew that Frank was becoming more and more suspicious of her and that she was the one who helped Vincent Berg go undetected from the lake the day Eva was killed. Since then she has been at the Berg's mercy. At the time Bianca had nothing to loose but now. She had Rebecca to loose. She already had the threat of Marlene. The added burden of the Berg's only made it worse.

"What more can I possibly do? I told you everything I overheard during Kim's conversation with Ansgar. I know nothing else. And I want out." Bianca demanded.

"Right now you being out. Is not an option. You are in a position right now that is too beneficial for us. Besides. Do you really want Rebecca to learn that you have been using her? That would be an unfortunate turn of events don't you think?" One could tell from Alexa's tone that she was finding Bianca's torment entertaining. "So the way I see it you don't have much choice, but I will cut you a break. Do one last thing for us and I promise your work for us will be over."

Bianca, along with her better judgment, knew that Alexa's promise was not worth anything, but she agreed. "What is it you want me to do?"

"Wonderful. We have learned that there is a new bank account that the Lahnstein's are using to funnel money into. It seems Sebastian and Tanja are making things a little more difficult for us. We need the routing and bank account information and you are the one to get it for us. Once you have successfully obtain this information then and only then will my father and I feel that you have successfully fulfilled your obligations to us."

Begrudgingly Bianca agreed and hung up the phone with the feeling of the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Marlene was more than happy as she watched from Tanja's office Bianca's departure.

"You know I am really disappointed in you Marlene." Tanja declared.

"Disappointed? What are you talking about? This show is destined to be a financial success for LCL. How is that disappointing to you?" Marlene defended.

"My disappointment does not stem from the show or the obvious financial growth that LCL stands to gain. My disappointment is how you are letting that red head buffoon control your getting Rebecca back. Have you learned nothing from me over the years?" Tanja gloated.

Marlene didn't try and pretend with Tanja. She was tired of pretending. "There are other factors involved. It's not that easy. And what makes you think that I want Rebecca back?" Marlene asked.

"Please Marlene. You have never been good at concealing your feelings where Rebecca is concerned. It is the one quality I hate for you. It's your Achilles heal so to say."

"That obvious huh? Actually I don't want to try and hide that I love her. Because I do. She is my soul mate. And your right. Bianca has been in control for too long."

There was a knock at Tanja's door and Jessica entered holding a box. "Excuse me. Did either of you happen to see where Bianca went? She left without her costume for tomorrow and Rebecca wanted to make sure she had it."

"Do you honestly believe that we are going to keep up with her whereabouts?' Tanja barked.

Jessica rolled her eyes and turned to leave, but was stopped by Marlene.

"Jessica. Wait. Let me see this costume." Marlene opened the box and studied the contents carefully. She took the white mask in hand and a slight smile came across her face. Marlene knew now what she had to do. No longer did she care about Frank's investigation, nor the success of the show, or Bianca's idol threats. Her only concern here on out was Rebecca and in order for her plan to succeed she had to act fast.

Shoving the box back at Jessica and ignoring Tanja's demands to know where she was heading Marlene dashed from Tanja's office while dialing on her cell phone.

"Robert! It's Marlene. I need your help. I will meet you at the theatre in 15 minutes. I'm on my way now." Marlene picked up her pace more determined there ever. No longer was she willing to go any longer without Rebecca. Come hell or high water by tomorrow night all of this would be over and she and Rebecca would be back where they belonged. Together.