Chapter Four
Spectacular Spectacular
The next day, Jade was awakened by Roxanne. At first,
Jade couldn't remember where she was or "who" she was for that matter but it all came back
to her: she was at the Moulin Rouge and she was the star. Jade and Roxanne slept in bunk
beds against the left side of the backstage area. Jade slept on the bottom -since she was
afraid of heights but that fear was quickly disappearing- while Roxanne slept above her.
The sheets were simple, white as were the pillows but it was kept neat and was comfortable
so Jade fell right to sleep last night. Last night, before the party ended Jade made a
few new friends; she and Baby Doll became more acquainted. Jade also met a Dutch courtesan
named "Princess" who amused Jade with her accent. Jade hadn't met any of the Diamond Dogs
or the other courtesans but she was sure she would that day.
Roxanne gave Jade the tour of the backstage, showing her the washrooms and the stage where
Spectacular Spectacular had been preformed. Leading Jade around the main area of the
Moulin Rouge, Roxanne showed Jade were the kitchen was. Jade was surprised how empty the
Moulin Rouge looked during the day, compared to at night when it was filled to the brim
with people.
Roxanne took Jade outside and showed her the windmil and told
her that it was there because Moulin Rouge meant "Red Mill" in French. Jade already knew
this but she pretended to be interested. Roxanne showed Jade the "Elephant" which was the
second largest thing outside the Moulin Rouge. Jade wanted to see the inside of the
"Elephant" but Roxanne said that they didn't have any time because Harold was expecting them.
Roxanne showed Jade other things like the hotels that surrounded the Moulin Rouge and
finally took her to a big building, which had been used to rehearse Spectacular Spectacular
in. Inside the building, Harold was seated in one of the chairs in front of a makeshift
stage. He appeared to be so deep in thought that Jade almost suggested to Roxanne that they
leave him alone.
However, as soon as Roxanne shut the door behind them
Harold turned around and greeted them with a smile. "Roxanne, Jade I was expecting you.
There were some things I needed to talk to you about." Harold said and gestured to two
other chairs that Jade hadn't noticed before. Jade took a seat in between Harold and
Roxanne. Harold began to talk. "It struck me last night while having a talk with Ninni-"
Harold began.
"Ninni is a Diamond Dog" Roxanne whispered in Jade's ear.
"That with you here, Jade, we might be able to re-preform Spectacular
Spectacular. You would play the lead roll of the Hindi Goddess and I will play the evil
Maharaja." Harold suggested.
Jade thought for a minute. She would take over the Sparkling Diamond's roll,
whom she had already taken the title from. But, she would be the star, like she had always
wanted but was it worth it?
Roxanne saw that her friend was having trouble deciding what she wanted to do.
"You know, time goes on and even if you take the roll of the Hindi Goddess you won't get
rid of The Sparkling Diamond." Roxanne said.
Jade was surprised that Roxanne seemed to know exactly what she was thinking.
"Yes, Roxanne is right. Ninni even suggested it to me and she was one of Satine's
closest friends. You would make a good Hindi Goddess." Harold said, offering Jade what she
needed to say....
"Yes, I'll do it. I will play the Hindi Goddess in Spectacular Spectacular for you."
Jade said.
Roxanne and Harold smiled. "Splendid! I will tell the girls so we can start planning
rehearsals. I will get Marie to fix up costumes for everyone. Roxanne, show her around some
more. Make sure she knows where everything is." Harold said and with that left the two
women in the empty, ghostlike room.
"Well, that happened fast." Jade said, surprised that she hadn't even been awake
a full hour before she had gotten the lead in a play she hadn't even auditioned for.
"Yeah, but when you're good you're good. And Jade, you'll be a great Hindi Goddess."
Roxanne said and stood up.
Jade followed in suit. "Right, but Roxanne what part will you play?" Jade asked.
Roxanne smiled as the two women left. "I don't sing, just dance. I'll be a dancer."
Roxanne reassured her.
While Harold was discussing the play with Jade, her uncle
had arrived at the Moulin Rouge. Now, walking the path he knew so well, Christian wasn't
sure if he could go into the Moulin Rouge. He passed the windmill without even glancing at
it or noticing that it was the color of Satine's dress when they first met. He walked by
the "elephant" without remembering that was were they were first together aside from the dance
floor.
While Christian was passing the "elephant", Jade and Roxanne had entered the Moulin Rouge
and sitting at one of the tables that was usually used most at night. Roxanne and Jade were
sitting down to breakfast.
"You know, that rose in your hair you should wear more often. Like always."
Roxanne said as she began eating eggs.
"Really? I don't know." Jade muttered, looking down at her plate of eggs,
bacon and stale toast.
Just as Jade was beginning to take a bite of bacon the club doors opened.
Jade and Roxanne turned to see who it was; Jade was surprised when the boy whom she had
blown a kiss to last night entered the club. He saw Jade and smiled.
Roxanne raised an eyebrow. "Who's this?" She whispered.
Jade didn't answer; the boy was her age it looked with bushy blonde hair and fell
handsomely down the side of his face. His arms and legs were tan like hers and they had
enough muscle on them to look handsome and strong.
"Forgive me for intruding but I was looking for the young lady from last
night, it looks like I found her." The boy said, smiling at Jade.
Jade smiled back and couldn't help blushing. This boy was handsome and polite
it seemed. Jade got up from the table and joined the boy on the club floor; an interested
Roxanne followed her.
Before any introductions could be made the club doors opened again and
Christian walked in. Surprised Jade locked eyes with him -his eyes were filled with sorrow,
Jade noticed- and she could tell why he had come to the Moulin Rouge.