We are going to see how Heart has been playing out these last few months. Are they good or bad? Well let's read and find out.
Song Featured:
Hello, Dolly! sung by Barbra Streisand with Louis Armstrong in the movie Hello, Dolly!
Ch 16: Snake Charmer
(Heart's POV)
A month went by after I started my job and I was so happy and chipper. I went to work and always had a blast. Glenn was pleased with my performance and people really liked me on stage. It was something new and so fun. I enjoyed it.
I was still doing lessons with Russ every other day. I was learning so much. Basically, my lessons have been about learning to tap dance and a lot of those moves I used at work and everyone was happy with it. Russ was so happy with my progress, but I still had a bit to learn.
A month after that I went to more advanced stuff with learning tab dance. At the same time, I was getting to know the snake demon a little better. He offered to take me for some tea the one day before our lesson. He had no one scheduled before me so I saw no harm in it. That day was nice as we sat in the coffee shop.
I learned a little more about him as well. Russ was very sneaky, like any snake. He died in 1986, a year which was crazy for him as it was. He lived in Texas, which explained his slight accent. In his old life he was a professional theater performer and a dancer. Doing plays and musicals of all sorts. He did the same down here as well and was busy with a musical right now. His old life he did a lot with drugs and stuff like that. He had an addiction to cocaine and hallucinogens, then told me how he died as well. One day he went on a binge after a successful night of his new show. He had a little too much and drank a bit on top of it all. He lost control of his car and drove it right off a cliff. He didn't die right away but once they found him, it was too late to save him. Russ was a young man living his life and died too young.
I asked him if he still did drugs and he only told me he dabbled in it a little but not as much as when he was alive. Nothing too crazy plus he needed to keep his dance lessons in business.
Two months after that day I was still doing my lesson with Russ, but we had switched from tap to a little bit of ballet. I wasn't too keen on it, but Russ convinced me to learn a little so that I can be lighter on my feet. Plus, something else I could try when I sang at my job.
Russ also seemed to hint towards me some things I wasn't sure of. I had a slight feeling he was hitting on me sometimes. Maybe he liked me? Especially that day at the coffee shop. He was a nice guy and I'll give him that. Very charming and funny as well. He made me feel a little better when I had my down days. It was upsetting because I'd hate to break the man's heart when it was already owned by someone.
Or at least...I think it still was.
I haven't seen or heard anything from Alastor at all since he gave me the flowers that first night I worked. My flowers had long died, so I had nothing to really start my day off good. I still had my pictures and my little card, those still made me smile. Not as much anyway. Alastor didn't seem like he was coming back. It's been 6 months now since he left. I honestly...was losing hope. Nothing was really keeping me grounded here anymore. I had my sister and my friends, but I couldn't help myself from thinking that I should just end myself the misery like I planned.
Lizzy would miss me, but she knows how my original plan was and how I hate it here.
Charlie would be sad because I was gone and not redeemed like she would have liked.
I loved my job; it was so nice, and I enjoyed it.
Even with all this...my reason for wanting to stay here...was Alastor. He has been gone. No one has seen him. With him not here with me, I honestly don't want to be here anymore.
Even so, I'd still give him till extermination day. That was another 6 months away. So, I had to keep it together. Stay strong and live my life to the fullest till that day.
I woke up and got ready for the day. I was having lunch with Charlie today before my lesson with Russ. It was nice to go out with her. I haven't seen her in a while. It would be nice to catch up.
I walked out of the house that morning to see Charlie's car in front of my house. She was already waiting for me. I smiled and headed into the car. I was greeted by Charlie with a big hug.
"Heart it's so good to see you!" She cheered.
I hugged her back. "Nice to see you Charlie."
The car drove off and we soon made it to the coffee shop. We ordered and sat outside to talk a little.
"How have things been?" I asked as I took a sip of coffee.
"Very well. The hotel has been doing great, still trying but it's been nice to see those actually take interest." She told me.
"That's great to hear. I'm glad things are going as you would like them." I was happy to hear the hotel was going well.
"How have you been?" Charlie asked me.
I gripped my cup for a moment. "I've been fine but could be better." I looked away for a moment.
Charlie frowned. "You haven't heard anything from him, have you?"
I shook my head, "Nothing. Ever since I got those flowers that night." I took a pause. "I honestly don't know what to think right now. I don't think I can do this much longer."
Charlie reached across the table and held my hand. "Heart, it will be ok. You survived this long. I know you can do this."
I nodded and a tear fell from my eye, but I wiped it away. "I hope so Charlie because if I can't...I might do something I'll regret."
Charlie squeezed my hand. "It won't come to that. I promise."
I let out a stern nod. "Thank you."
Charlie wanted to change the subject and I honestly was glad she did. "So how are your dance lessons going?" She asked.
"They are going great. Russ is an amazing teacher. I've learned so much from him and I am glad about that because it has affected me in a good way at work." I told her with a smile.
"That's great to hear. I'm glad this Russ guy has been helping you out." Charlie said.
"Would you like to meet him? Come with me to my lesson today?" I asked her.
"Sure! I'd love to come." Charlie had excitement in her eyes. "Only for a little bit though."
"That's fine. I won't keep you long. Just at least meet Russ." I smiled.
Charlie nodded. "I'd like to see some of those dance moves too." She let out a chuckle.
I laughed. "Alright, I'm still pretty bad though."
Once we finished our lunch and our coffee and went on our way to my lesson. Charlie could only stay a short while, so I had to walk back home. I told her that was totally fine. We got to the little old theater and we both went inside.
Russ was just finishing a lesson with someone when he noticed me. "Ah Heart, it's wonderful to see you again." He looked at Charlie. "I see you have brought a guest as well." Russ walked off the stage and up to me. "Ah well it's the Princes of Hell herself." Russ gave a bow. "Pleasure to meet you in person ma'am."
Charlie was not used to that kind of treatment from someone greeting her, "Uh, well, thank you. Nice to meet you as well. Heart has told me about you, Russ."
"Oh, she has huh?" Russ said as he stuck his snake tongue out and looked at me. I blushed. "Well I'm sure she told you that I am a handsome young dance teacher."
Charlie laughed. "In some ways yes."
"I am glad to hear. Will you be staying Princess?" Russ asked.
"Only for a small amount of time. I have other things to attend today."
"Of course, of course. You are a busy lady after all. Stay as long as you like." He turned to me and gestured to the stage. "Heart let us begin."
I nodded and walked up to the stage. I got my ballet shoes on and did a few stretches on stage.
I saw Charlie take a seat a little way up the aisle.
Soon Russ began the lesson, today I was dancing with a partner and that partner was him. He showed me the correct way to try and lift someone. He did it to me as well. He made sure my positions were correct, staying close by to help. I was weirded out by the touches at first, but I got used to them since I knew he was only trying to help so I thought nothing of them.
Soon I noticed Charlie leaving. She gave a small wave to me. I gave a wave back and we continued with the lesson.
Our hour was then up, and I was worn out today. I couldn't wait to go back home and get a shower. I sat down on the stage and took a sip of water.
"You did a good job today, Heart. You have improved a lot. We might start up the more advanced stuff next lesson. If you're up to it?" Russ said as he wrote down some stuff in his blue book.
I caught my breath. "Thanks. That sounds fine. I'd be ok with that."
Russ hissed with glee, "Fantasticcc. I'll write you down for the day after again?" He asked to make sure."
I nodded. "That's fine."
Russ wrote in his book and then put it down. "Heart I have something for you." He started.
"Oh, what is it?" I asked curiously.
Russ turned around and walked up to me. He had something in his hand. It was a ticket. He handed it to me. I stood up from the stage and took it from him. I looked at the ticket.
"Russ, is this to your new play?" I guessed.
"It is. That ticket is for opening night nexxxxt week. I was hoping you could come." Russ said as he played with the bottom of his shirt.
I could tell he was nervous asking me. I wasn't sure why, but I was thankful for his offer.
"I'd love to come Russ. I would really like to see you in action." I told him.
I saw the snake demon get a smile on his face. "Really? You'll come?"
I nodded. "I don't have to work that night, so I have nothing planned."
I was surprised next when Russ wrapped his arms around me and gave me a hug. "Thank you. I am glad to see that I have impacted you so much. It makes me happy that you will be there."
I returned the man's hug and smiled. "Of course, Russ." We pulled away from the hug. "You helped me out a lot these last few weeks. Not just with dancing but with life in general."
Russ raised an eyebrow in confusion. "I have?"
I smiled wider this time. "Most definitely. These last few months have been hard for me since my boyfriend left." I told him.
Russ frowned. "You mean the boyfriend you told me about that just walked out on you one day because he was uncomfortable about the sex stuff?"
I sighed, "Yea that one. It's been hard waiting for him to come back. Part of me is having a hard time believing he will."
Russ put his arms behind his back. "Well what do you plan to do if he doesn't come back? If you don't mind me asking."
"Try to move on, I guess. It just shows me that he doesn't care for me as much as I thought." I would never be able to tell anyone what my real intentions were if Alastor didn't come back. My life would end on the day of the extermination. I wouldn't be able to carry on.
Russ rocked on his heels "So like, find a different boyfriend then?"
I shrugged. "Maybe. I guess I'll see what my heart says."
Russ nodded. "I understand. I hope it all goes well."
I looked at him and noticed that he was still nervous.
"Russ, do you have something you want to tell me?" I asked him curiously.
He took a pause and cleared his throat a moment "Well, Heart. I have been wanting to ask you." My ears perked up at him. "Would you like to come out to a little party with me? The guys at the theater are throwing a dinner party and they said we can invite someone. I was wondering if you'd go with me?" Russ asked, I could tell he was nervous again.
I smiled. It's been a while since I have been to a nice party. Plus, this was just Russell I was going with, so I was just going as a friend. "Sure. I'd love to go with you Russ." I answered him.
Russ smiled big and lit out a happy hiss. "Thanks Heart. It's this Sunday, is that ok?"
"That's fine."
"Mind if I pick you up at your house?"
"Not at all. When you plan to be there?"
"Five o'clock sound ok?"
"Sounds perfect."
Russ cleared his throat. "Well I'll see you next lesson then. Keep up the good work."
"Thanks, see you then." I packed up my stuff and headed out of the old theater.
It was soon Sunday and I was getting ready for that dinner party that Russ had invited me to. I wore a blue dress that went below my knees and was sleeveless, so my shoulders were exposed. I then put on my choker. Russ told me he was going to be wearing blue as well because each pair was going to match. Each a different color. Luckily for Russ I had just bought a new blue dress that I planned to wear to work but I figured the party would be a good time to wear it.
"I tell you Heart this guy has the hots for you." Lizzy told me as she fixed my dress.
"Oh, stop it." I said, smacking her arm. "He is just a friend and my dance teacher. I'm going to this dinner with him because he asked me nicely.".
Lizzy shrugged "Whatever you say. I say that he likes you, I mean he even got you a ticket to his play. A close seat to." Lizzy said with a smile.
"Oh, he did that because it's a reward for all my hard work in my lessons." I told her, waving her off.
"You're just making excuses for yourself." Lizzy laughed.
"They aren't excuses. It's true. Besides, I have to wait for Alastor to come back." I said sternly as I slipped my shoes on.
Lizzy sighed "Heart, it's been 6 months. What makes you think he'll be back?"
"I know he will. He has to." I looked down. "If he loves me then he'll be back."
Lizzy shook her head. "Love is a pointless feeling. You shouldn't let it control you."
I was going to say something but then I heard a honk outside. "That's my ride." I grabbed my purse. "I'll see you later Lizzy."
"Be careful! Call me if you need me." Lizzy sad as I ran out the door.
Russ had his car sitting up in front of the house. He stood outside the car, leaning against it. He wore a blue button up dress shirt with some dark blue pants. He wore a black fedora on his head and even had a cane with a cobra head on top.
He looked so well dressed.
"Ah, a woman who is ready and fast. I like it." Russ said as I got up to him.
"Oh, I always hate being late so I make sure to be ready as soon as I can." I told him with a smile.
Russ smiled at me. "That's a good thing to keep. Never lose that." I saw him look at me up and down. "You look very lovely as well. That dress is definitely you."
I blushed "Well thank you."
He opened the passenger side door for me. "Now let's be on our way, shall we?"
I was humbled by the gesture and got into the car. Russ closed the door and then went to the driver's side. He started his car up and we were off. It was about a 15-minute drive till we got to our destination. It was a decent sized house, a little smaller than mansion probably would be. It was all a dark gray color. There were cars lined up in front and we waited till it was our turn. An Imp took Russ's car keys and we headed inside the party. Russ held out his arm to me. I was hesitant at first, but I went and lopped my arm with his. We walked into the party and you could hear music playing as people chatted. There was a good amount of people here. I hope I will be ok, because sometimes I would be so antisocial at parties. I just sat in the corner most of the time and just watched everyone.
"Do you mind if I introduce you to a few of my friends?" Russ asked.
He had snapped me out of my thoughts "Oh, I don't mind at all."
"Great, come one then." Russ said as he led me around the room.
All the people here were from his theater group so he knew them well. He just introduced me as a good friend and one of his newest dance students. Which I was fine with. Russ was just a friend. I drank some wine that people had around the room. With me drinking the wine it eased me out a little more from all the people here. Loosened me up.
After about an hour of being at the party, Russ was trying to get me to sing. I kept telling him no, but he was really laying on the puppy dog, or should I say, snake eyes.
"Come one, just one. I've told everyone how amazing you sing. Please." Russ begged me again.
"Alright fine." I sighed. "Just one song." I said holding up a finger.
Russ clapped his hands together. "Wonderful." Russ wrapped an arm around me and led me to the band playing. "Hey boys, my friend here is going to sing a song. Mind if she joins you for a moment?"
"Not at all. Just tell us what you want to sing." The Imp of the band said.
I thought for a moment and then told them a song.
"Wonderful. Let's go then." The Imp smiled.
"Good luck Heart." Russ said and took his hand off my back and walked back into the crowd.
I stood in front of a microphone and took a breath. I just had to think of it as another day at work. I was used to all the people in front of me, watching and listening. There was the other singer there, he was a Cyclops looking demon and he agreed to sing the one part with me.
I heard the band start up and I got ready to sing.
"Hello Rudy, well, hello Harry
It's so nice to be back home where I belong
You are lookin' swell Manny, I can tell Danny
You're still glowin', you're still crowin', you're still goin' strong
I feel the room swayin' for the band's playin'
One of my old favorite songs from way back when
So, bridge that gap, fellas, find me an empty lap, fellas
Dolly'll never go away again
Well, hello Dolly (look who's here)
This is Louis, Dolly (hello Louis)
It's so nice to have you back where you belong (I am so glad to be back)
Ah you're lookin' swell, Dolly (thank you, Louis)
I can tell, Dolly (does it show?)
You're still glowin', you're still crowin' you're still (mmm goin' strong)
I feel the room swayin'
And the band's playin'
One of our old favorite songs from way back when, so (I remember it so, you're my favorite)
Show some snap, fellas, find her an empty lap, yeah (yeah uhm)
Dolly'll never go away again
Well, well hello, Dolly
Well, hello, Dolly
It's so nice to have you back where you belong
You're looking swell, Dolly, (wow)
We can tell, Dolly, (wow)
You're still glowin', you're still crowin'
You're still goin' strong
I hear the ice tinkle (I hear it tinkle)
See the lights twinkle (I see them twinkle)
And you still get glances from us handsome men
So
Mmmm, wow wow wow, fellas
Hey, yeah
Look at the old girl now, fellas (wow)
Dolly'll never go away
Dolly'll never go away
Dolly'll never go away again"
Everyone in the room clapped. I was smiling wide. I was glad everyone liked me singing. Russ went up to me and gave me a hug.
"That was amazing dear!" Russ exclaimed with excitement.
"Well thanks. I figured I'd do a song that no one would forget me by." I said with a chuckle.
"Definitely a good one to choose." Russ said.
The rest of the night after that went awesome. I enjoyed myself at the party and people came up to me saying how amazing I sang. I was probably blushing the entire time I was there, but of course at the same time I was drinking as well so by the end of the night I couldn't tell.
We left the party and Russ drove me back home. My mind was so clouded on the way home. I definitely drank to the giggly stage because I was laughing for no reason on the drive home.
Soon we got to my house, but I didn't even realize it. Russ got out of the car and over to my door and opened it for me.
"Alright there Miss, this is your stop." Russ said as he held out his hand to me.
"Oh man, already?" I managed to swing my feet out of the car. "I was having such a fun time." I reached out and grabbed Russ's hand and he helped me out of the car.
"I'm glad you had fun. Thank you for going with me to the party." Russ told me.
"It was no problem at all. I was happy to come." I said, I still held his hand.
I saw Russ get a small blush.
"Well if there is another party would you like me to invite you again?" He asked me.
"Yea! I'd love to go with you." I smiled. "Your fun to be around Russell."
"Why thank you. I'm glad you think so." He was still holding my hand. He brought my hand up to his face and placed a kiss upon it. "I will let you go. Get some sleep ok."
"Ok. Have a nice drive home." Even in my alcoholic state I blushed at his action of kissing my hand.
Russ smiled as well and gave a small hiss noise. "Thanksss. See you at our next lesson?"
"Most definitely." I winked at him and headed inside.
When I got inside, I looked out the window of the door and saw Russ drive away. I headed to my bedroom. I didn't even bother changing because I fell onto my bed and automatically went to sleep.
Before I knew it, it was Thursday and I was standing outside the Theater. It was the opening day for Russ's play, and I promised him I would go. There was a good amount of people here already for the opening night. I looked at the sign. The theater was doing an adaptation of a movie called, 'Footloose'. Russ told me about the movie, it came out way after myself. It was in the 80's so Russ knew all about it. It was one of his favorites, so he was excited to be doing this play and got a part in it.
I looked at my ticket, took a breath and headed inside. I got inside and I managed to find my seat. I was four rows back from the stage and right in the middle of the row. This was a pretty good seat. I saw the stage well.
As I sat waiting for the show to start, I just looked at my phone. I then got a text. It was from Russ.'I see you came. Thanks for showing up. Hope you enjoy the show.'
I gave a small smile and replied back. 'I wasn't going to miss it for anything.' I knew he was probably getting ready so I knew he wouldn't be able to reply.
Soon the show was starting. I silenced my phone and then sat back to watch.
I was used to the theater. I always enjoyed it. As the show went on, I was really enjoying it. All the singing and dancing was fun to hear and watch. I saw Russ up on stage, I found out he was playing a character named, Willard. It wasn't the main part, but Russ still did an amazing job up on stage. It was cool to see him act and dance on stage. I saw he was still having fun.
Soon it was intermission. I stayed in my seat and just pulled out my phone.
I sent another text to Russ, 'You are amazing on stage.' I sent it.
Russ replied.'Thanks. I'm glad you are enjoying the show.'
'I can't wait to see more.'
'Can you meet me after the show?'
I was surprised by this question. 'Sure. Where would you like me to meet you?'
'The back of the building. There is a door for staff only. Meet me back there.'
'Ok, I'll see you then.'
I smiled and just kept looking at an article I was reading earlier. Soon it was time for the show to start back up, so I put my phone away again. The show was amazing all the way up to the end. I really did enjoy it. It was so fun. I probably would never be able to do anything like that though. It was a lot of pressure.
Everyone started to leave the theater. I exited out the front doors and walked around the building to the back. I went down a small alleyway. I looked until I sat a door that had, "Staff Only" painted onto it.
I stood back from the door and leaned against the other building. I didn't have to wait to long because after a minute, Russ walked out of the door.
He saw me and smiled. "Hey there. You actually came to see me." He took a broom and propped the door open so it wouldn't close behind him.
"Of course. I wanted to congratulate you in person anyhow." I told him.
I went up to him and gave him a hug. He was surprised at first, but he accepted my hug by wrapping his arms around me.
"Thanks, Heart. I was glad to have you here on the first night." Russ said as we got out of the hug, but he still had his hands on my arms.
"Well, you did get me a ticket after all. I would have felt bad if I didn't come." I said shyly.
Russ chuckled. "You know, you made this night so much better for me."
"I did?" I raised an eyebrow at that.
Russ nodded and let go of my arms. "Usually I'm so nervous up on stage for the first night. When I saw a familiar face in the crowd though, it kept me focused and made it better for me." He explained.
"I'm glad I was able to help you get over your jitters." I smiled.
"Absolutely. I appreciate it so much." Russ hissed happily.
"Well I better get going. I have a long walk home. I'm sure you want to celebrate with everyone in your theater crew." I said.
Russ seemed a little disappointed. "Oh, well, ok, if you say so. Unless you want to stay?"
I shook my head. "I have work in the morning, I can't unfortunately."
Russ nodded slowly. "I understand. Well I'll be doing this play for about two weeks, so I probably won't see you for lessons."
"I know. I don't mind the little break. I'll make sure to come again though. Bring a friend or two along."
"That would be nice. Let me know when you plan to come. I'd like to get you tickets in advance, reserved for you."
"Oh, Russ you don't have to do that."
"I want to. I can." He let out a laugh. "It's on me. Ok?"
I wasn't sure but let out a smile anyway. "Alright. If you insist."
Russ hissed with joy. "Excellent. I'll let you go then. Be safe going home."
"I will thank you." I turned to walk away.
Suddenly I was stopped as Russ grabbed my arm. I turned and wanted to ask him what the matter was, but before I could say anything, he had pulled me into a kiss. My eyes went wide in surprise. What was happening!? I had a sneaking suspicion that the snake demon liked me, but to go this far…it surprised me. I honestly didn't want to kiss him back, I was feeling bad enough already, I didn't have the same feelings for him. He was just a friend to me. My dancing instructor. Plus, my heart belonged to someone else, at least as far as I was concerned in my mind. This was feeling so wrong.
Before I could push him away, he stopped. I could feel my face get hot, with embarrassment. I had kissed another man, not on my own accord but it felt wrong to me. Alastor, I hope if you are still around me that you didn't just see that happen. I had a feeling that he wasn't, otherwise, he would have appeared and kicked the shit out of Russ. At the same time though, maybe he wanted it to happen. Alastor did say he wanted me to move on if he didn't come back.
No. I couldn't think that way. Alastor WAS coming back…. he had to.
I could feel tears starting to form in my eyes.
Russ seemed to be surprised by his action as well. He must have done it without thinking. "Heart…I-I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that so suddenly." My tears fell and I know he noticed. "Oh Lucifer, what have I done?" He hissed in annoyance. "Heart, please, forgive me."
"I'm sorry Russ, but I don't feel the same way for you." I cried through my tears.
I couldn't even look at the snake demon. I got my arm out of his hand and quickly ran away from him. I was so uncomfortable from the kiss. I heard him try to follow me. I had to get away. I didn't want to, but if I wanted to get away, it was my only choice. I flapped my wings and took off flying. I heard Russ say my name as I flew off, but I had blocked him out. I knew he wanted to probably talk this out. Apologize. I couldn't face him though. Not tonight. I needed time to calm down and let my mind process stuff. I flew off into the darkened Hell sky and headed home.
Sorry that I just crushed everyone's ships. Don't worry, this one is not sailing. Just the struggle of a guy liking you when you don't like them. Poor guy, sorry Russ.
