All the characters belong to Gonzo and Jun'ichi Sato.

Inside the kaleido residence hall, a working atmosphere was floating. Anna and Mia were sitting in the grand table at the center of the room. They were both writing something. Mia was using her laptop working on a draft for a play which could persuade Layla to comeback to the Kaleido. She really hoped she could do it but Yuri said they lost M. Hamilton backing to make her sign a contract. Everything was on her to attract the blond woman. She hated this kind of pressure. She wanted to cry or call Cathy Tilmore for help but she couldn't do neither of it. The worst was to keeping it a secret from everyone. Even Sora. She wondered how Yuri convinced Kalos of it by the way. He was unhappy to not see her when they were called.

Mia sighed in a fun way before clapping her computer. "Enough, I won't make it today." She stretched and yawned loudly when she noticed Léon on the other side of the room. He was sitting on the couch, reading some classical French novel. He looked at her laughing. "Don't laugh! I'm a desperate writer!" She said laughing too.

That was when Anna stopped writing on her notebook. "Something fun you said? Something fun happened! What was it? What was fun? Tell me!"

"Ah! Ah! You missed it. Too bad for you!" Mia loved to poke fun at her friend attempt in being comical.

"Why! Oh why!" Anna responded with despair, looking at the ground and holding her face with one hand.

Of course Mia didn't miss her chance and took a picture with her phone. "Ah! I love you when you do that. My followers will be happy too."

"What! I don't understand?!" A puzzled Anna asked.

"Look! I put you in my instagram." Then Mia showed her phone and opened the application. "Here are the comments. Floridagirl666 is your best fan. Maybe you know her since you come from the same state?" Mia suggested with enthusiasm.

Anna on the other hand was thinking about something. "Can you put video too?"

"Yes." Mia replied then as if she read Anna's mind she added. "Oh no! Don't even think about it! No Anna jokes on instagram. Am I clear!"

Anna pursed her lips but still agreed. "Why are so mean with me..." She said faking her sadness and leaning on her friend. Her head on her shoulder.

"Because you and I are in a bad romance." Mia replied taping the back of Anna's head lightly and browsing her phone with her free hand with a gleeful smile. Thanks to her friend distraction she forgot her distress.

"Hum." It was Léon. "Should I leave the two of you alone?" He asked a little embarrassed.

Anna and Mia stare at him with surprise. "Why is that?" They both said.

"The hall is for everyone." Mia added. "By the way where is Sora? How will it work with her family?" She showed the French man the chair next to her. Lately she didn't talk too much with her friend. When Rosetta wasn't clutching to her, she was the one avoiding Sora to not spell the truth about the future cabaret.

Léon obliged and sat beside her, a little uneasy. "Thanks."

"So?"

"Yes. She- She intends to tell the truth so I'll just be her partner to them." He explained. "You're sure I'm not bothering you. If you two want to be alone. I can-"

"What are you talking about?" Mia asked exasperated. "If we want to be alone we have two rooms for that!"

Anna got surprised and jumped off her shoulder.

Léon understood his mistake and apologized.

"Fine. Now I'm hungry. Anna let's go to the cafeteria!" Se took her friend hand and led them outside, passing the glass door.

"I'm a dog! I'm a dog. Dog Anna follows her mistress Mia." Anna sang lightly.

Mia could only laugh. "Then don't make your mistress waits and fill our trays."

"Yes! Woof I mean." And she run a few meters before entering in the cafeteria.

Still leaning on the door, Mia fixed Léon a long time before speaking. "You should come too. Anna appreciate your natural comical talent, even if it's unconscious. She won't dare too ask it but I think she wants to be friend. So please don't say no." She showed the outside with her head and wait for the French man reaction.

Léon got up from his chair and joined her. "Thanks I appreciate."

Mia giggled like a little girl. "You can be charming when you're not frightening the crew."

"But if I'm not, they won't work seriously. The stage is important for Sora and-"

"You should broaden your views. Living for Sora or your sister is not healthy."

"That's my choice." Léon said firmly.

"I know." Mia stated while they entered in the cafeteria.

The diner at the Robbins refused to end. They were there for an hour and half but Sora felt it been three or more.

After her discussion with her parents, they joined their hosts in the garden and apologized again for the interruption. But the rest of the night was awkward. Manami didn't say a word wanting time to pass much quicker. The Naeginos stayed silent too, still digesting Sora's revelation. So Sora had to listen Mrs Robbins praising her son for almost half an hour. At least now she was certain she knew about what happened with Ken. She wanted to be out, she wanted to shout at her host but she couldn't. She quickly responded to a Layla's text who was asking if she was still there.

Meanwhile, the Naeginos were still reflecting in this new situation. They were still unsure about how to react when it comes to Sora's love life. Fist they didn't understand how can a woman be attracted to another woman. They thought their daughter was confused. If she was still a high school girl they would be more understanding. Girls at these age used friendship to reproduce what was supposed to be a real relationship but between girls. Miss Hamilton was a beautiful and graceful woman for what they knew. No wonders Sora got confused. But it was their role as parents to show her the right path. She wasn't at a marital age yet, but if they didn't act now it will be a catastrophe. How could they prayed his ancestors and visited Sora's biological parents grave if they can't change it? Yet they need to be careful. Sora was still an impetuous girl when she believed in something. Acting before thinking. Suddenly, Midori leaned toward her husband and whispers something in his ear. After that Chikara quickly glanced to the Robbins and Ken before nodding. "Yes, that's the best way. We'll asked them later."

Manami found it strange. Then she figured out. Her own parents would have probably done the same. Her friend was in a deep shit if she thought her parents would just accept her love for a woman. She must found a flat promptly if she wanted to avoid the storm that was coming. Which gave her a good excuse to leave this weird dinner. She exchanged her idea to Sora who agreed hastily.

"I'm sorry Mrs Robbins but we have to leave now. Manami is looking for a flat and we'll make a tour of agencies in the morning to avoid rush hours." Sora said with the most apologetic tone she could use. She was about to stood up when her father stopped her.

"It can wait a day or the afternoon. Our hosts kindly invited you. Honor their dinner!" Chikara voice was calm but threatening at the same time.

Sora was startled. She didn't saw her father like that since she announced them she wanted to leave Japan. What did upset him? She thought her excuse would be enough. Her mind was till in a maze but her body reacted automatically and she sat back. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be disrespectful." She bowed lightly to the Robbins.

"Oh! My! No need to bow in front us Sora. I already told you. We are a family! Aren't we?" She asked to the Naeginos with a grand smile.

"Exactly! And family stick with each other." Midori reckoned. She feared her daughter became too much American. Her boldness earlier shocked them. Of course they were under a threat from the yakuzas but that why they moved to the United-States. But now she was reassured. At least she didn't forget the Japanese manners and rules. It was a matter of time before she stopped her lesbian nonsense. If she had known sooner, they would have come long before. "But if Manami and Sora's friend want to go we shouldn't stopped them." She expressed to Martha.

"Of course. Of course. The Naeginos want to pass time with their daughter but we wouldn't want bother you. Maybe Ralph can escort you?" She suggested to her husband.

Manami didn't need to be asked a second time. Those two women were the devil behind their nice smiles. She hoped all luck in the world to Sora, but she was out. "Let's go Rosetta!" She replied while getting up.

The redhead hesitated for a moment. She wanted to stay with Sora but she knew it was a family moment. Right now she needed Fool counsel. Where was he when she need him? So she gave up. "Fine. Thanks for the dinner."

"You're welcome."

And they left without M. Robbins. They clearly preferred to walk by themselves. James was unfortunately unavailable. And even if he was, they thought he couldn't drive them without Sora in the car.

In the meantime, a stage spirit was enjoying himself in a pool full of underwear he created on his own.

"Yeah! Come to see daddy! Little panties! Little bra!" He came in and out several times. He also swam like a frog at the surface of the pile of underwear. Then a sight stopped him. "What is it? I didn't notice you earlier? Wow! Sora, I didn't know you had such tastes! Layla must have a lot of fun with you. Next time girls. Next time I'll witness everything! Yeaah!" And he made another plunge.

It was past ten when Sora finally get home. Before she stopped at the beach and made a call. She wanted to be reassured after the past hour. Her family seemed to scheme with the Robbins in order to create opportunities between her and Ken. She had to agreed to a day at the beach and another in Marine park with both familes. And there was the dinner after Friday show in some familial pizza restaurant. And she avoided a catastrophe as Ken proposed to escort her. Fortunately James had come back from his course for M. Hamilton and was waiting in front the house with his polite smile.

She wished she could be angry against her parents but she couldn't. Not when their lives were in danger. At least she hoped they would change their mind after meeting Layla. For now she was just a souvenir on the stage and some pictures on the phone. And what pictures! She could never tell Layla about it! And she knew her parents we'll never mention it. They probably put it in a corner of their mind and closed it for the rest of their lives. And she should do the same.

But it was strange. Layla still hadn't pick up. Usually she didn't have to wait the second ring. She tried a second and a third time. Then she gave up. She was probably busy. Maybe she was out somewhere with Cathy. But she was the one who texted her earlier. "I'll try tomorrow." She was disappointed. She really need Layla's support tonight.

Inside her room, she found Manami already in bed. She was playing on her phone and stopped when she saw her friend. "It looks like it wasn't easy." She couldn't miss Sora's defeatist face.

"I'll take a shower. Don't wait for me." Sora stated in a monotone voice. She was not in the mood for a talk. Manami was right. Her parents didn't even recognize her love Layla.

"Maybe your girlfriend should reconsider her answer from earlier and give the damn money!" Manami whispered for herself. She didn't understand that woman. Any Japanese man would have taken the opportunity to be seen like a savior to his future in-law. Maybe it was a better thing that her family tried to settle her with the American boy. Despite her joke from earlier she didn't believe a woman could have a future with another woman. It wasn't suppose to be that way. And Sora would soon understand it thanks to her family. "What an eventful night!"

"Hum. It seemed I miss something interesting." The stage spirit was floating above Manami fixing a card. "The Fool Reversed. A new beginning is coming. Whether you want it or not."

Later that night in New-York, Layla and Cathy were thinking about their next project together. Cathy was quite excited. "We don't even know what we'll do in Cape Mery! Stop jumping like a rabbit."

"I can't!" Cathy replied. "Maybe we could do something with the kaleido stage?" She proposed.

"No!" Layla's answer was immediate. "How many do I have to explain that!"

"Hey! I'm not saying you should share the same scene with Sora. Just-"

"Just what then?" Layla was exasperated. Sora's call earlier annoyed her. But it was nothing after Yuri one.

"I think Sara's idea is good. And I want to help convince Kalos. Think about it. What's best to gauge Cape Mery inhabitant's reaction about lesbianism?"

"I'll tell why and Kalos will probably respond the same: because fiction and reality are two different things. What the public accept in stage might be different from what they would in their lives." Layla felt like she was the only sane person when it comes to that project. Why did she even have to demonstrate it?

Cathy took some time to reflect about the best answer. The cabaret project excited her too much. She needed to persuade her partner. "Do you think Sora have no impact in people's lives when she makes them smile or remembers the good moments?"

Layla didn't like where they were coming. "She probably has some but-"

"And do you intend on hiding your relationship all of life?"

"Of course not. I-"

"You what Layla? Let me tell you: you're a coward. I don't recognize you. You should be bolder. Like when you decided to do the Legendary Act despite your harmed shoulder. Or when you played the demon to elevate Sora's angel. Now is time to cry to the world that this girl is yours before someone beat you to it!"

Cathy words seemed to hit Layla when she thought nothing could. "I need to think about it."

"That's a start!" Cathy allowed herself to sigh. Now she needed to call Mia to suggest her some ideas Layla couldn't resist against.

Then Layla's phone rang. One, two, three. "You don't answer?" She asked puzzled. It could only be Sora. Few people had this number.

Layla made a bothered face. "Not today. I don't want to hear about her family's issue."

"What trouble?"

"Money ones."

"Oh! Yeah. It's better to avoid it. You don't want them to feel in debt or resentful." She looked at her watch. "Well, don't tire yourself. We still have a week of representations before leaving Broadway." Cathy announced in high tone. "See you tomorrow!"

And she left Layla alone in her flat. When did it become so lonely here? No. She didn't miss Macquarie. She couldn't. And yet she did. "No, you can't Layla. You cannot feel that way!" She said to herself still ignoring her phone.

The next day in the gymnasium, the kaleido crew was training for the next days performances. Then the Kaleido stage will be close for two weeks. John will check the material and Yuri will prepare the next auditions. Kalos as always will make a world tour to get new ideas.

Sora on the other hand was in the main stage. She wanted to avoid people today. Manami was siting on the audience with her computer looking for places. For once Rosetta wasn't at her side. May required her help for a new movement. She sighed at the sight of Ken inside the stage manager cabin. He was checking the light and the audio material. She couldn't be mad at him for doing his job. Yet she was. Her mother called this morning and not once she mention Layla despite her attempts in the conversation.

She was lost and the one person she needed still refused to contact her. Now she was sure of it. If she was busy Layla would have call later at any hour. She tried again this morning at a reasonable hour but still no answer. And she knew why. Layla probably didn't want to be involved with her parents problem. Which why she would preferred to never talk about it but the situation was dangerous. She thought Layla would understand it! Even the Robbins were doing their best to help her family. Layla could at least sympathize. That's all she wanted. She probably should not have ask the money and think a little more. After all, no incident happened. The yakuzas want their money back. How would they get it if they hurt her father? His business associate was already hospitalized.

She panicked for nothing and created unnecessary issue between her and Layla. "Humpf!" She needed to empty her head with the trapeze. She mounted the stairs and caught the trapeze bar before she started to swing. Slowly at first. Then the speed increased. Faster. She wanted to fly and forget everything. Then she reach the perfect speed and height. It was time to jump on the other trapeze in front her. Which she did. She caught it easily to Manami surprise. She balanced again to do a figure this time. She did a somersault in the air and fell back on the same trapeze. But when she hooked it with her hands it felt strangely lighter. She felt no resistance. Then she heard her name in Ken and Manami' voices. Then it was blank.

Monday came again. Why did the time refused to stop?

The Kaleido stage was closed to the public. A meeting was organized this afternoon in Kalos's office. M. Hamilton the main shareholder was present with his assistant Archibald. Yuri was presenting his project for the new cabaret with Cathy help.

"That's quite bold for a first." Richard commented.

"I want no association with the Kaleido name. Calling it the Kaleido cabaret is unthinkable. Failure can't taint its name." Kalos demanded. He finally accept Sara's idea but not without condition and only if Layla was the star. If someone could make it happened with as less scandal as possible it was her. That's said he started to wonder why making a lesbian story in the first place. Well, as long as it was just fiction… And after what happened to Sora, the Kaleido stage needed a distraction.

"We also have to talk about Sora's replacement. I know it's a difficult subject but we have to think forward." Archibald claimed. He was as sad as everyone in the room but it was his job.

A silent covered the room for minutes before Yuri dared to speak. "May made a good job for the past week. I think she can do it until Rosetta is ready to be the next star. With Léon as a co-star we will keep enough spectators to be afloat. The cabaret would have to make up for the loss of the stage. We'll price the places with that in mind." Yuri finished his speech holding his tears. He didn't want to believed in a Kaleido stage without Sora as the star. It was too soon. She had the best years of her youth to spread her light wings to everyone. He was so angry. Angry against Vince and John who didn't checked the trapeze accordingly. Angry against fate who allowed such a tragedy. Angry against Léon who wasn't at his partner side. That was so unfair.

"Since we're talking about the incident." Richard enchained. He was sitting in an armchair and checked his phone from time to time. As much as he was sad for Sora, his daughter's health worried him more. "My contact confirmed what Archibald suspect."

"What are you talking about?" Kalos inquired, curious.

"The trapeze was tampered by someone." Archibald revealed.

Kalos and Yuri were shocked. Who could do that?

"No one is responsible for this incident beside the saboteur. He probably prepared his coup for a long time and knew when John or Vince didn't check this one trapeze." Archibald explained.

"But why? Why Sora?" Yuri cried. His face was now full of tears.

"Her father made a deal with the Japanese mafia. Layla asked me to look after their case but it was already too late." Archibald had more regrets than anyone. He was in contact with the Californian branch and almost made a deal with them this same morning. But they had to wait for the Japanese branch answer. What they forgot to tell him was that they already took some actions.

Yuri started to laugh. "Does that man know? Does he know he has blood in his hands?!"

"The police probably contacted him while we're talking." Richard claimed. He didn't want to be in the man shoes. What worse than that for a father?

"Does the stage have to worry about an other attempt?" Kalos asked, worried about the situation.

"No. We we pay them with interest. The FBI will deal the criminal investigation. The Japanese branch may had its money but it will be at the coast of key members of their Californian branch. But I don't think the Naeginos would want or should come back in Japan. With their life in danger they should obtain a refugee visa quite promptly." Archibald finished on a lighter tone.

But neither Kalos or Yuri share it.

In the kaleido dorms hall, a few people gathered around a grand table. Most artists left for the holidays. Some of them were about to leave. Even Léon was already in his plane for France. It was too much for him too handle.

Mia wasn't sure he'll even come back. She leaned on Anna shoulder seeking for comfort. Sometimes they forgot the frailty of life. But fate made sure to remind them. "When is our flight?"

"A couple of hours. We'll leave soon." They decided to pass the first week together at Anna's mother house in Florida.

Even Sara hadn't the force to faint a smile. She stared at the door hoping to see Sora passing it. "Sorry guys, it was bad joke!" But nothing happened. Nothing changed since last Tuesday. No miracle happened.

Marrion was still crying since last week. Sora used to remind her her mother but not like that. Not like that. It was too sad. She was beyond pain.

Rosetta was laying in the sofa, her lost eyes fixing nothing, with May checking up on her. She feared for her mental state.

In a bar, somewhere in Cape Mery, Jy-Sung tried to cheer up his friend. But Vince was inconsolable. He wished he was the one on the ground instead of Sora. But he had to live with his mistake. Why did they scheduled the check up on the afternoon instead of the morning?

At the Robbins, the air was heavy too. In the living room sofa, Ken was crying in his mother's laps. Ralph was drinking another beer to forget while Lucy took a new interest in housework.

In the guest room, a little girl wondered again was everything was so silent. Why her parents were fixing the ground. And where was her big sister? She promised to come and play. And she felt like it was along time ago. The sun already slept and awoke several times since that day.

In the Hamilton's mansion, Layla just hang up her phone. Cathy made a report about the meeting at Kalos's office. But what interested her was the report about Sora's incident. Now she had someone else to get mad at. Someone to direct her anger.

Then her door opened. It was Macquarie. "I don't remember inviting you or even hearing knocking." She said in a sarcastic tone.

But Macquarie ignored it and came to her bed where she was sitting wearing a white fit shorts and a shirt with stripes. Her ex-maid came closer and was now in front of her. Layla didn't react and wait. Then she reduced the little distance between them and put herself between Layla's legs. She caressed Layla's right cheek with her fingertips lightly. "I know you're in pain. Let me help you. No one will know." And she put herself on her tiptoes to get closer to Layla's face. She checked a last time if the woman will stop her before closing her eyes.

The end...of the chapter.

oh sweet summer child, did you hope for winter? Well it almost there.

I warn everyone that with work and other things I won't be able to update before the end of the month or the debut of October.

See you then.

To my guest reviewer: Gracias tambien. Espero que te gusta el nuevo capitulo.