Previously on Another wing:
Layla and Sora started to date secretly. First because of Sora's career at the Kaleido stage (a family entertainment) and because they didn't know how their respective families will react, nor their relatives. At the same time Ken declared his love to Sora who rejected him while Layla made a plan with a false relationship between Léon and Sora. Everything was settle for their lie. Everything should have gone well right before Layla returns to New-York where she work as a stage actress in Broadway. However, our two girls lost control in Layla's mansion in the start of the night...
"Well, well, well. What a nice view! That is what I call a welcoming!" A man voice exclaimed with some amusement in his tone.
"Keep your reflexions for yourself, Spencer!" The second voice was coming from a more aged man and the tone was strict without having to be higher.
The girls immediately stopped what was the start of a sexual intercourse. Sora tried to arrange her clothes quickly while Layla stayed in front of her to face the two men and hide her girlfriend who was still topless.
She already had recognized her father and Archibald. The younger man had a devilish smile all over his face. Like a brother anticipating the punishment coming for his sister and ready to enjoy the spectacle. Yet his expression also showed that he was a little sorry for her but it mostly said "there nothing I can do to help you there and better you than me!"
Her father's reaction on the other hand was more difficult to analyze. First, his eyes switched several times between the two girls with a different expression each time. Astonishment when looking at his daughter. Embarrassment when glancing at Sora who finished to put back her top clothes. Then he seemed to reflect about it looking for a logical explanation outside the most plausible one. And then he gave up, fixing his gaze at Layla who look like a little girl caught the hand on the cookies bow right before diner.
"I-" She started not sure about what to say or how to explain. She wasn't ready. She wasn't prepared for that so soon. She could bear her father's anger but not his disappointment. So she took Sora's hand who tighten it strongly to give her some courage. Never in her life, Layla thought she would need someone's help. It was a weakness for her, a weakness she accepted the moment she acknowledged her feelings for the Japanese girl. And she needed her strength now. Her optimism and high spirit. "I can-"
"No need. I don't need any explanation." M. Hamilton voice sighed deeply and sat in the armchair in front of the girls. He looked defeated but not angry nor deceive. Then he became pensive and closed his eyes for a little moment putting his hands on his face as if he washing his thoughts. And then, he rubbed his chin and stared at Archibald who gave him an apprehensive smile and he understood that he already knew somehow. He sighed again before looked at his daughter. He never saw her like that. Like a little girl afraid of his reaction, yet like a woman ready to defend her choice. An image crossed is mind and made him smile. A contented smile as Layla's surprise. "As days passed you really look more and more like your mother. And as a father that is make me happy, Layla. Really happy."
The blond woman couldn't believed her eyes and her ears. That's not what she expected. She cast a look at her girlfriend and Archibald to be sure she understood well. And their happy expression finished to persuaded her. She then looked back at her father with some apprehension. "Father, I don't know what to say. I'm not sure if- Are you really ok with-"
"I'm fine with my daughter happiness and because I know Sora is the right person for you. Am I wrong?" He asked giving a wink to Sora.
"Not at all. I love Layla. I mean-" She closed her mouth with her hand but it was too late.
And now instead of being incredulous, Layla was embarrassed. And the bald man didn't help laughing at her obviously. "Ha! Ha! That's was a nice declaration of love, Layla. Won't you answer it?" He didn't wait for her response and walked towards Sora presenting himself. "I'm Archibald Spencer. I work for the Hamilton group and I'm an old friend of the family." He said with the most sincere smile.
Sora felt his warm and replied with the same smile. "I'm Sora Naegino. I'm working for the kaleido Stage and hmm..." She hesitated of the way to present herself in a personal way and glanced at Layla who seemed to win back her composure.
"She's my girlfriend." She simply said defying him.
"Enough, both of you. Now I'm sure a marriage would have never worked." He got up from the armchair stretching a little. "We interrupted something so maybe should go to a restaurant and-"
"Nothing was interrupted." Layla stated. Actually, she thought things were going a little to fast. Sora was inexperienced and she was about to take her first time in a ravish way on a corner sofa. As luxurious as it was, it still was a sofa and that's not a memories she wanted to give to her girlfriend before going back to New-York. "We ordered some Chinese food if you don't mind."
"I don't." The brown man answer sitting next to Sora. He has a lot of things to ask at Layla dismay.
M. Hamilton observed them with contentment. This house was void and lonely for too long. He was hoping these days were way behind them when the delivery man rang at the portal.
Mulan's premiere was there. On Wednesday night, the Kaleido stage was ready to present to the spectators its new show. Rosetta's play ended well with its last performance on Sunday. But now, it was Sora time to shine again. To blow everyone, she worked hard on the battle scene using Rosetta new movement.
It was the battle against the Uns. John utilized fake snow falling on the actors. There were several trapezes, everywhere. At the bottom scene, almost all of the crew where playing on of the camp on ice skating. Facing each other for the last fight to save China. Performers were jumping with their swords in order to attack the enemy. A dance fighting. With classical toe loop jump, from a back outside edge to land on the same back outside edge, or Salchow jump, from a back inside edge to land on the back outside edge. But the Uns seemed to win. All hope is almost lost until...until a strange redhead thing appear from nowhere using diabolos to walk in the air.
It looked like a dragon costume. Mulan who was in the bottom recognized it and followed it. Her lucky dragon. Using soldiers' head. She now had the advantage to see the battle with a higher point of view. All she had to do was disarmed them, passing from a soldier's head to another one with gymnastic moves, following the road traced by her dragon. Whatever Rosetta did on the top with her diaolos and trapezes, Sora was mimicking it almost the same moment without thinking with the soldiers at the bottom. They were synchronizing so well that it felt like an illusion. A double illusion. Soon, China's army took advantage, letting no other choice than capitulation to its enemy. The curtain closed with Mulan and Shang, played by Léon, leaving together for another adventure using the trapezes with a little dragon observing them.
The applause was outstanding. It warmed the actors' heart who worked hard for it. On the top backstage, Kalos, the director, was there looking satisfied from the public reception. Another masterpiece to add. He was a little afraid of having issues when he learn about Sora and Léon being an item. But so far, outside Ken's moping, there was no trouble. Even if the press found it, he was sure it won't harm the stage reputation. Sora and Léon were a likable couple on stage and the public will probably be please at that idea. The problem was what if they ever broke up in bad terms. Not that he was insensitive about love things but the Kaleido Stage was like his baby. He'll do anything to avoid unnecessary trouble. But he knew it wasn't helpful to warn them. They'll just try to prove him he is wrong which will led to what he feared the most. Like a Greek tragedy. He sighed a last time before leaving. He needed to look for a solution with Yuri, just in case. Maybe he could also use Layla's influence on the girl...
Later, in the dorms hall, everyone gathered for a party. The show was a success and no mistake were made. Jy Sung and his friend Vince drank the most because Sarah didn't need any drop of alcohol for it. It was her natural state.
"Hey everyone. Let it go! Let it go! We all rocks tonight!" The English woman screamed loudly while she tried to jump from a table to... well it was the only table of the place. So fortunately, supergirl was saved by superman, Yuri.
"Ok. You're done for the night. Time to sleep. I'm walking her home." He said while caring her on a bride style.
"Too bad Kalos not there. It would have been hilarious." Mia joked.
"Knowing him. He'd probably let her fall. As a lesson." Rosetta said with the same joking tone.
"And who would have replace Sarah for the singer part? Him?" Marion proposed, still joking.
"I'd pay to see that!" Anna concluded joining everyone in a laughter. Except Sora who seemed elsewhere with a sad face. She already used all of her strength to made Mulan a success. Nothing was left to laugh with her friend. She missed Layla too much. It was ten days since her departure. And the more days passed, the less she thought she could bear the wait. She wanted to see her face and her graceful smile. She wanted to hear her calm and assured voice. She wanted to kiss her. She wanted to touch her. This last thought made her blush, thinking of their last night together. But it also pained her as it was their last memories alone together.
"What is it, Sora? Thinking about Layla?" Mia asked while approaching her with a concerning face.
Sora could only admit the truth by blinking her eyes and sighing. She glanced at Léon who was now talking to Anna and her acolytes, Hanna and Barbera. For everyone, they were a couple. A happy one. Several times she thought of stopping their useless lie. But Mia believed that it would help Ken to heal his broken heart if he was persuaded that she was unreachable. So she kept on with the lie. And Léon was really good at playing the perfect boyfriend. So good that sometimes she thought how easier her life would be if it was true. Why did they have to lie? Why people could not just be happy for them? They did nothing wrong. Would her parents react as well as M. Hamilton? As if nothing changed like Anna and Mia? She really hoped so. But she had to admit her love for the blond woman was the only certainty. Speaking of that, Layla never said she loved her back. Was that too soon for a declaration? She needed to speak to her.
"I'm leaving." The Japanese girl simply stated while reaching the outside court.
Mia didn't try to stop her. She knew why she went out. But she feared people would start to ask questions about her relationship with Léon if Sora continued to be so detached around him. It was normal considering the circumstances that she wasn't always smiling but Léon was supposed to be her boyfriend. And yet, from outside, it was like he was the only one who cared for their relationship. The only one with strong feelings. People will soon started to notice the incoherent behavior of Sora.
And Léon seemed to understand this as well. He quickly left his comrades to joined Sora who was now leaving the dorms taking the stairs leading to her room.
Ken Robbins, the stage manager, observed them with sad eyes. He was persuaded that Sora wasn't the king of girl to let a man entering in her room so fast. He wanted to follow Sora too. He wanted to be at her side too. Why was he still hoping more? He's only a friend she said and she's dating Léon. The hot French guy and her stage partner. Nothing, he could ever be. He sighed helplessly, laughing at himself. How could he be jealous like that? She choose someone else. He had to accept it. But easier said than done as they say.
"You're pathetic, you know that?" The speech came from May. She was frustrated to see Sora having a boyfriend before her. And on top of that, she was still a good artist. She kind of thought that being in love would push her to make some mistakes but Lady Luck was on Sora's side. The Chinese girl sighed deeply before leaning on the wall beside the honey-haired boy. In some way, they were both in the same situation. Both suffered from a one-sided love. Well, it wasn't the same love. She only admire Layla but she still lost against Sora while Ken lost against Léon. Actually, it wasn't even a battle from the start. Layla already chose Sora before. She accepted it now thanks to Rosetta.
Ken, on the other hand, wasn't there yet. "I can't give up. There's still a chance." He said with a sad smile.
May made an astonished face. She stared at him doubtfully. "Hello! Earth to Ken. There is absolutely no chance! She's a stupid happy girl in love with Léon. Not you, but Léon. Should I say it again? Léon. Does it sound like Ken?" She finished putting a little tap on his head. It was her way to be friendly. She was also surprised by Léon and Sora's announcement but she was sure that the Japanese girl wasn't the one to date someone she hadn't feelings for.
Yet Ken didn't seem to understand the message. "She's not happy with him. She was happier with Layla. Shouldn't she be happier with her lover?" He knew he was right. He observed the couple the past ten days. And what he saw look like a good romance movie. But still fake. Maybe his father was right. Maybe Sora mixed up partnership with love. Maybe he could be the one to make her the happiest. Maybe he had a chance. He just had to wait for the right moment.
In her room, Sora was laying in bed on the phone with Layla. Every night she was waiting for this call. They would share their day and say how they miss each other. Sometimes they would say nothing, just knowing that Layla was on the other side of the phone was enough for Sora. Right now she was trying to convince her girlfriend to see each other for a couple of days before their next vacations in three weeks. But the blond woman was afraid that it would bring attention if they saw each other too often.
"And what excuse can we use?" Layla asked in an annoyed tone. Tonight show was tiring and the last thing she needed was talking about that. She just got out from her shower before calling her girlfriend. A moment she used to enjoy. But the last days, the said girlfriend was just whining.
"There's no need of any excuse to see a friend!" Objected Sora. "It's just this time. No one will think it's strange." She first tried to convince before pleading. "Pleeease, Layla."
The American woman sat on her bed and sighed loudly. She knew whatever she said, Sora would argue. Yet she must be tough. "It's a no Sora! Give it up!" She ended their argument raising her voice.
The Japanese girl made a disappointed face and showed Layla her unhappiness by her silence. Her lips seemed to indicate a thinking between two options. She could go on arguing or wait for a better time. In no way, Sora Naegino would give up. She didn't know that word. She was used to confrontation with the blond woman. But it didn't always bother her. On the contrary, she liked her aggressive manner. It was Layla way to let people know she was still in control. So she decided to wait for a better opportunity. "Fine! Then I'll go on weekend with Léon! Just the two of us on a motorboat. He's really cool when he's driving. All the girls will be jealous!" The lilac-haired girl did her best to fake her happiness.
Layla rolled her eyes. Was Sora trying to make her jealous with a fake boyfriend? "What a lucky girl!'" Layla simply responded with an amused tone.
"Huh!" Said a surprised Sora. That's not the answer she expected. "No! Not me! I mean- hum...I only wan- arrghh." Why did it always end like that? Layla never took her seriously. She could hear the American woman laughing, mocking her. But she didn't mind. It was a rare pleasure to listen to her laugh. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine Layla's smiling face. She raised her hand in the airs, she could almost feel her face. If she come closer they could ki-
"Sora?"
"Huh?!" She opened her eyes and looked around her. She sighed as she returned to reality. Layla was not here. She was on the phone but she wasn't here. She was there. It wasn't the same. She really wanted to see her. No, she really needed to see her. Not in three weeks. She was decided. "Layla, I'm coming. I can't wait any longer." She simply said.
Her voice was calm but confident. It left no place to any argument. When she was like that, she was unstoppable. But Layla remained strongly against this idea. From the outside it would be seen as a friend visit, yet she knew that as soon they'll be together they might be less careful. They might be caught like two weeks ago when her father surprised them. And she was persuaded they wouldn't be so lucky next time they're caught. She knew her position made the Japanese girl more insecure. And the distance made things worse but all was necessary to protect her career. Otherwise she preferred to stop things before it becomes impossible to step back.
"No Sora. Please. New-York is not Cape Mery. There are journalists everywhere. If they saw us doing something suspicious they won't miss it, they'll write about it even if they don't have a picture. I don't think you understand as merciless the scandal press can be." She knew her speech would be ineffective but she still tried to reason her girlfriend.
"Well, people will have to know someday. We can't lie forever. And it's not like those lies will always work." Leon may play his boyfriend part perfectly but how long will it work? How long can they lie to the people she care about. She didn't like this situation.
Layla expired and inspired loudly. Sora must live in an alternate world, that was the only explanation. Because her way of thinking was beyond naivety. "No! And that definitive!" She almost yelled. Both from exasperation and fear. The position they were right now was exactly what she fear before agreeing on a relationship with Sora.
For this night, Sora accepted her defeat. Just for this night. Tomorrow and the day after, they will fight again about the same subject...
The next day, Sarah woke up with a horrible headache. She clearly drank too much. Lately, it was more frequent. She knew it wasn't the solution but avoiding problems was all she could do now. She wished she never went to see Kate. Maybe if she didn't know, she could be happier. Now only alcohol can make her forget. She opened her eyes slowly to get used to the sunlight. The end of July was hot and dry. No pity from the Sun. She wished for August and its rainy days to come quicker. Perhaps the rain could erase her pain and her memories of that day. How could she live with that? She turned her head to the door when she noticed someone else presence.
Her eyes widened with surprise. Yuri was there, on the other side of the room, sitting on a chair, still sleeping. His head almost falling on the side. Why was he here? She tried to gather her memories from last night but only remembered her fall from a table. Wait...Oh...She remembered now. She never hit the ground. Yuri's arms reached her first. He caught her. He saved her. She smiled. Not a fake one she was offering to her friends since one week. But not a happy smile either. She found her situation ironic. Few months ago, the man would probably let her fall without a second thought. Yet, it seemed that the Russian artist was slowly becoming sociable. Really slowly. But he still made some progress.
She got up from her bed despite her pain and walked to him. She put her knees on the ground in front him and used her hand to reach his face she contemplated for a while. He sure was a handsome man but looked like a pretty boy when sleeping. "Hmm. Like Layla you changed a lot thanks to Sora. But worrying about me is unnecessary. I'll be fine soon. I have to. For the stage and for Kalos."
"Then why don't you speak to him about your miscarriage?" Yuri suddenly woke up and hold Sarah's hand with strength. She was so surprised that she almost fell on her back but the fair-head man caught her again with his free hand.
She looked at him through the eyes and saw a real concern. But she wasn't ready for that discussion. Kalos was preoccupied with the stage. It wasn't the moment. "Did I tell you that yesterday?" Maybe drinking wasn't the solution after all.
"You also offered me your body." Yuri said half-jokingly. "You were quite persistent. Any healthy man would have took his chance." His face became more serious. "Please, stop that Sarah. Someday you'll be a mother an-"
"I know that. It's just that..." She hid her face with her hands and took a breathe when she suddenly found herself in an embrace and accepted it. They both were standing up, holding each other, trying to make the pain more bearable. It could have last forever but someone knock on the English woman door.
It was Léon looking for Sora. He seemed really worried and didn't even notice Yuri presence. "She was upset and she left hours ago." He was repeating the same thing quickly with such panic that Sarah and Yuri started to worry too.
"What happened?" Yuri asked, shaking his friend to calm him.
Léon finally noticed him. He looked surprised for a moment but Sora was his only preoccupation. He feared the girl made a mistake. Not being able to see Layla for a whole month was unbearable for the was Japanese girl. He clenched his fists with anger. He hated being so helpless. He didn't want to fail a second time as a brother. As much as he respected Layla for following her career he couldn't accept to see Sora in pain. It was Sora first relationship and first love. She could be a little selfish and ask for a sacrifice to Layla. And perhaps they wouldn't have to lie so much. Yet all he could do was hitting the wall with frustration. After all only Layla and Sora were concerned and they both accepted their situation. "I'll go look elsewhere if you didn't see her." And then he quickly left.
"Wait!" But it was too late.
"Did they have a fight?" Sarah after a moment.
Yuri sighed loudly and looked for his phone. If Léon refused to talked then that meant it involved Layla. "I don't think so." That's all he could say without outing the girls to Sarah.
The English woman observed him while he was composing a number still concerned. She knew he was hiding something and was upset by his distrust.
"Hi! Yes, it's me. Please tell me she's with you. She disappeared. Again." The answer certainly was positive since he let escape a sigh of relief. "Ok, I understand. Tell her to be there for training and to grow up!"
Sarah was surprised at hearing Yuri yell. He was usually quiet even when something bothered him. "Yuri can-"
"She was with Kate and Jerry." He interrupted her. "I guess she needed to talk to someone outside the Kaleido Stage."
Sarah frowned. Now, that her thoughts were clearer she could remember how sad the lilac-haired girl looked sometimes. And yet she couldn't guess why. Léon was the perfect boyfriend but Sora seemed elsewhere most of the time. Sometimes it was like she just play it for the appearances. Then why Yuri believed it wasn't a quarrel? "Well, well. Sometimes we forget Sora is still an inexperienced teenage girl. Even when everything is right, girls can't help but look for something wrong." She stretched out and yawn loudly. "By the way, I don't think Léon should get too much attached to her. She doesn't seem to love him as much as he do. Since he's your friend. You must warn him."
Yuri glared at the woman trying to not laugh but it was too late. Sarah was now really upset. Was he mocking her? She hit him on the stomach as a lesson. "Ahhh! Sorry! That's not what you think." He pleaded while glancing at the woman's kitchen on his right. "How about a breakfast while I explain you everything?" He proposed.
The chestnut woman lost her angry face and smiled at him. "Toasts and eggs?"
"Toasts and eggs." He repeated while sitting behind the kitchen bar. He had repeat on his lie for sometime now but didn't think he'd need it so soon. But Sora's behavior caused too much troubles. So he altered the truth a little. According to him, Sora started to date Léon after he confessed because she she thought she loved him but in the end she only liked him. And now that she understood it she couldn't break up because of Ken. So with Léon they were still trying to make it work.
"That's stupid! It'll never work. You can't force love." Sarah exclaimed while burning the eggs.
"Like you said youngsters need to learn with experience."
"Why doesn't she try with Ken? The poor boy would make the impossible for her." She said putting two plates on the table.
"Yeah, poor Ken." The Russian used a sarcastic tone to show his displeasure about the American boy. "Maybe he should have confess two years ago." Yuri had no pity for the boy. If he was in the same situation, he would have took his chance sooner. "It's too late now. Sora choose Léon." Well Layla actually but destiny complicated things for them.
"But it's clearly not working." Sarah protested. "I know Léon is your friend but-"
"It will." He ate a piece of egg and did his best to not show his disgust because of the horrible strange taste in his mouth. There was nothing close to egg taste. How was it possible? Maybe orange juice will help he thought taking a glass to drink it quickly. "Don't tell Kalos about it he might-"
"I know. I won't bother him with it." She replied while happily eating her eggs. "But you won't mind if we encourage Ken to not give up."
"We?"
"Most of the girls except May. We think Sora made a mistake. Well now it's a fact. And we're sure Ken can make her happier."
"Whatever. The boy will suffer more and it'll be your fault." He concluded. He didn't want to be more involved in this mess.
Sarah just gave him a malicious smile. It seemed that she was up to something. And Yuri just gave up. When did things became all so complicated? How many times would he have to lie?
In the gymnasium, Sora was training alone on the trapeze when Léon entered still worrying for her. She gave him an apologizing smile before joining him with a firm landing. "I'm sorry Léon for troubling you. But I wanted to talk with people who are not involved. Kate and Jerry are a nice couple. When I see them it's giving me some hopes. For me and Layla and the future. Our future." She made a little pause and looked at the windows to reflect on something. "And..."
"And?" He asked seeing she was in her thoughts.
Sora turned her head to stare at him with a determined face. "And I know now that love implies some sacrifices I'm ready for. I just need to be sure Layla feels the same."
"Whatever you decide you can count on me. So don't disappear like this morning." He said to encourage her while taking her in an embrace.
"Sorry." She simply said and all the tears she was holding back since Layla returned in New-York flowed freely on her cheeks.
"If Layla refuses to see you that's because she's worry about your career. But if we go there together the press will surely miss the true story, won't they?" He knew he shouldn't encourage Sora like that but he had to say those words even if he was unsure about Layla's reaction or the girl in his arms would lose it totally.
"I just want to be with her!" She shouted still crying.
"I know. And you will." He had to do something. He had to find a solution. He separated himself from the girl to stare at her and wipe her tears. "We have two free days next week. I'll take tickets plane for New-York. We'll say people it's a couple week-end and all you'll have to do is getting ready for the airport Monday's morning."
"W-What!?" Sora was starting to be hopeful after all the gloom of the passed days without Layla. "You're sure?" She couldn't wait. Layla will be surprised and angry at first but Léon was right, no one will suspect anything if he comes too.
"I-" but he couldn't finish his sentence. The others member of the troupe were arriving in mass. "You can always count on me."
The certainty on his face made Sora believed in him. Of all people, he was the only one she could trust words outside Layla. She smiled a little and gave him a kiss on his right cheek as a thank you. She didn't mind the audience nor Ken presence that she didn't notice. And like every day since Layla was gone she put all of her strength in training to forget everything. But now she had something to look forward to. Just three days instead of three weeks before she could be reunited with her girlfriend.