Let's see how things are going now yea?
Songs Featured:
"That's Entertainment" From the movie The Band Wagon
Ch 14: Back on My Feet
(Heart's POV)
My world seemed to slow. It felt different.
Meaningless.
Dark.
I had lost myself in my thoughts. I had dark thoughts. I had nightmares. I locked myself away in my room for days. As soon as Lizzy and I got back to the house I just stayed in my room. I didn't come out. I didn't talk to anyone. My phone was on, but I ignored everyone. I laid in bed, my Alastor doll just in my arms close to my chest all the time. I came out to eat but I didn't say much. I know my sister was worried about me, but she didn't know what to do for me to help. She would invite me out with her, but I declined and stayed home. I knew I was at least safe at home.
Eventually all the stuff I had taken over to the hotel was now back in my room. Lizzy went over every day and just took a few things at a time. I am grateful she helped me out with that though.
I was like this for about a month. One day Lizzy had enough of it, she told me I had to get out of the house. Get a job. Distract my mind somehow. I was against it at first, but after about a week I decided to give it a try. I looked around. Nothing caught my eye. Nothing interested me. I didn't want to be some dumb waitress at a bar. Or a clerk at a small store. I wanted something else. Something I would enjoy, I quit looking after about 2 weeks.
Charlie came to visit me. I was happy to see her. I asked her if she had seen any sign of Alastor, but unfortunately, she shook her head with a frown. She had seen nothing. I figured as much, but I still had my hopes up. It was still a nice day to have Charlie over and catch up on stuff, tell her how I was looking for a job to occupy my time. She thought it was a good idea as well for me to keep looking. I'll find something. I told her how I missed helping around the hotel. I missed it all in general. I missed Angel Dust and his strange sexual puns and his attitude. Nifty was always the best to talk to, even though she talked fast. I miss getting my but kicked in blackjack by Husk. I missed it all. Charlie couldn't stay for dinner unfortunately as she had to get back. I told her to come visit again soon.
Before I knew it, it was the day, I remember it well. The day that would have been my one-year anniversary with Alastor. It was hard for me. My mind went back to memories. That night he and I danced together. He showed me that he truly cared for me. I was the only one that made him feel the way he did. How he experienced emotions he never had before. He had a romantic attraction to me and that made me feel special enough. To think a demon overlord would fall in love with someone like me. I didn't deserve it. I felt I wasn't good enough for him, all the time. I still was a horrible person to him in the end. That was how I felt. I had emotions and urges he didn't know anything about, and I pushed that all onto him. I made him uncomfortable. I made him leave.
It was the next day after then. I had fallen asleep with my phone out and open again. A picture of Alastor was still up. I had gone through my gallery on my phone. Again. It was special that night though, I was happy looking through everything. The memories of each picture. A smile on my face. Looking at Alastor, always brought a smile to my face. Besides that, he made me happy, it was almost natural in a way as well. I was used to it.
I was still asleep, but as I slept, I could have sworn I felt a presence by my bed. I was starting to awake from my deep sleep when I realized it. I wasn't sure if it was all just a part of me dreaming or if there truly was someone by my bed. I could feel my hair stand on end a moment. Alastor? I opened my eyes fully, but when I did...the presence lifted and I looked up and over my shoulder to see, but no one was there. I was saddened by this. Was it Alastor that was by my bed, if so, why was he? I looked over to the other side of my bed and there was something there that surprised me. It was a flower. A red rose. I remember it not being there last night. I sat up in bed and looked at the flower a moment then picked it up.
Why was this here?
I got up out of bed and took the flower with me. I walked out and to the living room to see Lizzy watching tv.
"Lizzy, did you give me this?" I asked as I held up the flower.
Lizzy looked up at me. "No. I wouldn't have gotten you one of those."
I looked at the flower in my hand. "Then who did?"
"Have a secret admirer?" Lizzy asked jokingly.
I quickly shook my head "I woke up and it was on my other bed pillow."
"On your bed? That is strange." Lizzy said as she got up and looked at the flower closely. She took it from my hand and sniffed it. "Smells pretty at least."
I took a pause, "I think it's from Alastor." My tail wagged.
Lizzy looked at me and gave me a sad look and put her ears backwards. "Heart don't."
I took the flower back. "I have a feeling it was him though. I felt someone by my bed this morning. It was a strong presence. It made my hair stand up. There was only one demon that made me feel like that." I walked past her and into the kitchen. I grabbed a glass and put water in it then placed the rose inside it.
Lizzy stood in the doorway of the kitchen. "Believe what you want, I guess. If you think it was from Alastor. Then maybe it was." Lizzy said, but I knew she was just saying that to agree with me.
"It was our anniversary yesterday, so maybe he remembered and wanted to give me something." I lifted the glass and looked at the flower as my ears went to the side. "Plus, to show me that he is still around. To show me he still cares." I walked past Lizzy and into my room. I placed the flower on the bedside table and just smiled at it. "Thank you, Al. I'm glad you remembered." I said in a whisper so Lizzy wouldn't hear me.
I also had on the table the pictures that Alastor had in his bedside table that I accidentally crushed. I then noticed that they had shifted slightly so that all three pictures were showing. My ears went up with surprise. Maybe he was here after all. Lizzy never touched my pictures or my stuff in general. I picked up the picture of me and him in the park and set it up against the glass of the flower.
Seeing that flower, it made my day. It made me motivated. I felt great. My tail wouldn't stop wagging. I should go back out and search for a job again. I then remembered. The one place I remembered that had a help wanted sign in the window. Maybe it still did. If there was somewhere, I was ok working, it would be Giuseppe's. I didn't know what they were hiring for, but I didn't care. Hopefully they were still looking.
I pulled out my phone and I had their number already in as a contact just in case. I called and the phone started ringing.
After 4 rings someone picked up. "Hello, thank you for calling Giuseppe's, this is Marc. How may I be of service to you?"
"Hello, I was wondering if your restaurant still had the help wanted sign in the window?" I asked.
"Yes, ma'am we do. Were you interested in the position?" Marc wondered.
"I am. I don't even care what it is, but I am interested in working at the restaurant." I answered with as much enthusiasm as I could muster.
"T-T-Thank you so much for your interest. We still require you to come in for an interview. When are you available?" I could tell that he was a little surprised by my response.
"I'm available today if it's possible." I told him.
"That will work fine. When can you be here?"
"How about in the next hour?"
"Perfect. May I get your name ma'am?"
"Heart."
"Well thank you so much, Heart. The manager's name is Glenn. When you arrive ask for him. I will let him know that you will be arriving."
"Ok, thank you so much Marc."
"We will be expecting you soon then. Goodbye."
"Goodbye." I hung up.
I got even more excited. I quickly got dressed. I made sure to wear something nice and made sure I had everything with me in a purse. I walked out of my room and Lizzy was in the kitchen.
"Lizzy I'll be back in a little while. I have an interview!" I told her with excitement.
"That's good sis. Good luck. Call me if you need anything." Lizzy said, her head in the fridge.
I walked out the door and headed on my way. I was so excited. This interview was going to help me out. Pick me up off my feet. To be honest, that flower just really motivated me to just get out. I really hope I get this job. Part of me was even ok being a waitress. I loved this place so I think working there would be just as great.
I soon made my way to Giuseppe's. I walked in and went up to the host table. Standing there was a calico colored cat demon.
"Hello." I greeted the host as I walked up to him. "I'm here to see Glenn please."
"Ah you must be his interview today." The host gestured to one of the couches. "Please wait here and I'll get him for you."
"Thank you." I said and headed to the couch and sat down as the host walked away a moment.
It was only 5 minutes till the cat host returned and behind him was a very tall humanoid looking demon, but he had cat-like ears with a tiger striped tail. He walked up to me and gave a small bow.
"You must be Heart yes?" He asked.
"I am. I'll assume you are Glenn?" I made sure.
He stood up and held out a hand to me. "I am. Please follow me and I'll get this underway."
I took his hand and he helped me up. Holding my hand still we walked into the dining area and sat at a corner table, away from most of the guests that were currently there. The music played softly in the background. Glenn pulled out my chair for me and then pushed me in.
"Thank you." I said as I put my purse on the table.
Glenn sat down across from me. "So, Heart, what made you interested in working here?" He asked.
I fixed my skirt for a moment. "Well, I actually come to this restaurant every year on a special day. It's my favorite place. One day I was walking to clear my head and I saw your help wanted sign. I wasn't looking at the time but this morning I remembered seeing the sign. I need to try and get a fresh start. Do something with myself instead of locking myself away in my room all day." I explained.
Glenn nodded. "You have any idea what the job position is?"
I shook my head. "I do not, but I'm willing to work and do anything." I said with a smile.
Glenn put a clawed hand to his chin. "Can you sing?" He asked.
I paused for a moment; my ears stood up more in surprise from the question. "Well, yes I do sing but never have in front of people. Except for Karaoke at the bar. I am told I sing well."
Glenn didn't say anything. He just looked at me. He then pointed to the stage. "Show me what you got. Go up on stage and sing something."
I then got a little nervous, my ears going back slightly. "Sing? Now?"
Glenn nodded in response.
I took a breath. "Well ok. Anything in particular?" I wanted to make sure.
"Anything before the 1960's and you're good. You can sing anything." He answered.
I stood my ears up straight. "Ok, let's get it going then." I said as I got up from the table.
I was so nervous. I've never sang in front of people, in karaoke sure but that was a bar. This is a fancy restaurant, different atmosphere. I made my way to the stage. I wanted to see confidence in myself as I walked. I made sure my ears stood straight and my tail stayed behind me and down so that I didn't show any emotion. I got to the side of the stage and walked up the small steps and up to the band. They finished their song and they all looked at me.
I waved at them shyly. "Hi, I'm doing a job interview and Glenn sent me up here to sing."
"Alrighty, what cha got in mind sweetheart?" A raven demon playing the trumpet asked.
I told them the song I wanted to sing.
"Ah a nice choice. Let's get ready boys!" The raven demon said.
The band got into position and I slowly made my way to the mic in front of the stage.
This song I knew because I always heard Alastor reference it and I thought it was a pretty fun one. He quoted it all the time. We sat down and watched the movie it was from as well. It was one of Alastor's favorites. I'll sing this song for him. Maybe if he is watching me somewhere, he'll be smiling at me for remembering a song he enjoyed.
Maybe I'll watch that movie tonight.
The band agreed to sing along with me for some parts so at least we had it settled.
The music started and the people on the dance floor looked at me. I got nervous a moment but kept my mind in focus on the song.
"Everything that happens in life
Can happen in a show
You can make 'em laugh
You can make 'em cry
Anything
Anything can go...
The clown with his pants falling down
Or the dance that's a dream of romance
Or the scene where the villain is mean
That's entertainment!"
Everyone was definitely enjoying themselves. It made me happy that I was doing a good job. Almost all were dancing on the floor.
"The lights on the lady in tights
Or the bride with the guy on the side
Or the ball where she gives him her all
That's entertainment!
The plot and the hot simply teeming with sex
A gay divorcee who is after her ex
It could be Oedipus Rex
Where a chap kills his father
And causes a lot of bother
The clerk who is thrown out of work
By the boss who is thrown for a loss
By the skirt who is doing him dirt
The world is a stage,
The stage is a world of entertainment."
As I let the band play on with the break in the lyrics, I decided to do a little dance as well. I had to make it exciting somehow.
"That's entertainment!"
The dancing continued. Everyone was wooing and having a good time.
"That's entertainment!"
We all sang that part and I continued to dance. Even one of the band members decided to come out and dance with me up front. I was having so much fun.
"The doubt while the jury is out
Or the thrill when they're reading the will
Or the chase for the man with the face
That's entertainment!
The dame who is known as the flame
Of the king of an underworld ring
He's an ape
Who won't let her escape
That's entertainment!
It might be a fight like you see on the screen
A swain getting slain for the love of a queen
Some great Shakespearean scene
Where a ghost and a prince meet
And everyone ends in mincemeat.
The gag may be waving the flag
That began with a mystical hand
Hip hooray!
The American way
The world is a stage,
The stage is a world of entertainment"
I had finished the song and people down on the dancefloor actually started to clap for me. It was definitely something new. I liked it.
I looked in the corner of my eye and saw Glenn walking up the steps to the stage. He walked up to me.
"That was very amazing. You sing beautifully." He held his hand out. "Congratulations my young girl. You got the job." Glenn said with a smile.
I didn't know what to say. I smiled so big. This was it!
I took his hand and shook it excitedly. "Thank you! I promise to not let you down sir."
"Good." Glenn took his hand back. "Come back tomorrow in the morning when we open, and we can get you all ready and have a schedule for you. I'll be waiting at the host stand for you when you arrive."
"Of course! I'll see you tomorrow then." I waved to the people in the crowd and then waved bye to the band. I headed down the steps. I grabbed my purse that I had left on the table and headed outside.
I let out a small cheer and danced as I got out the door. I had to tell Lizzy.
Now this was something I never do but I decided to fly back home. I was always nervous flying, but I was so excited that it didn't bother me. I took off into the air and quickly flew home. I landed in front of the house and then quickly walked inside.
"Lizzy!" I called.
I got no answer. Was she already gone?
"Lizzy?" I called again.
I heard a shuffle in the hallway. Lizzy soon appeared out of the hallway, it looked like she was sleeping. Her hair was all a mess and she let out a yawn.
"Heart?" Lizzy yawned again. "How did the interview go?" She asked in a tired voice.
I walked up to her and gave her a hug. "I got the job! I'm so excited!"
"I'm glad to see your happy sis." She got out of my hug. "So, what was the job at Giuseppe's for?"
"To be a singer for the band!" I answered her excitedly.
"That's great. I know that you like to sing and stuff. You have a nice voice." Lizzy told me.
I blushed slightly at the complement. "Thanks. Now you have to come see me!"
Lizzy sighed and rolled her eyes. "Only if I'm up to it."
"I have to tell Charlie! I'm sure she'll be excited!" I said as I ran to the door.
Lizzy ran and stood in front of the door. "You are not going to the Hotel, Heart."
"But I want to tell her in person." I said sadly and my ears fell.
"You're not going to the Hotel, Heart." Lizzy said again sternly.
I looked down to the floor. "Fine. I'll call her then."
I headed to my room and closed the door behind me. I was a little upset, but I understood that Lizzy was just trying to look out for me. She did technically forbid me to go to the hotel at all. I looked at my rose on the bedside table and it brought a smile to my face again. I sat on my bed and pulled out my phone from my purse.
I called Charlie.
It rang twice before I heard her pick up. "Hello"
"Hi, Charlie." I greeted her.
"Oh, Heart, how are you?" Charlie asked happily.
"I'm fantastic." I answered.
"Really? That's great to hear. What's got you all excited?" She wondered
"I finally got a job!" I exclaimed.
"Oh congrats! That's great. Where at?"
"Giuseppe's."
"That's that restaurant you go to during your anniversary of your death isn't it?"
"It is. They had a help wanted sign and I went in for an interview this morning and I got the job."
"What are you going to be doing?"
"Singing!"
"That's amazing! Congrats!"
"Thank you. I'd like to invite you guys to come when I do my first shift. If you are not busy."
"Of course, we can come. I'd love to see you sing. I'm sure Vaggie won't mind either. Angel says he misses you, so he'll probably come too. Husk, I am not sure about though. Might have to convince him."
"That would be amazing Charlie. I'd really love that."
"Of course. Just let us know when you start, and we'll be down."
"Thanks. I wanted to tell you all this in person, but Lizzy wouldn't let me leave to come to the hotel."
"Oh, Heart that's ok. I understand your sister is just looking out for you. If you're in a great mood, I'd hate for you to feel bad once you got here."
"I guess you're right." I sighed. "Charlie, would you like to get lunch with me today?"
"I can't today Heart, I'm sorry. How about this weekend? That sound good?"
I was a little saddened by her answer, but I know she was busy. "That's fine. Well I will keep you updated on everything. I'm glad to talk to you Charlie."
"It was nice to talk to you too." I could hear the happiness in her voice, so I know she meant it.
I smiled, "Bye. Till next time."
"Bye Heart, good luck."
We both hung up.
The next morning, I still felt great. I was ready to go! I had to get to Giuseppe's before 9am. I had an alarm set just in case and I jumped out of bed full of energy. This was the best I have felt in weeks. I felt like my normal self. Maybe I would be ok with Alastor gone. I miss him so, but I feel I'll be ok. I just had to stay bright though. He'll be back before I realize.
I made sure to still look nice. I wore my dark red dress. It was the dress I wore to my first date with Alastor. It would be perfect for tonight. I had to go shopping for better outfits because I didn't have to many that would be appropriate for Giuseppe's. I had a list of songs alrighty to go, I just hope the band knew them well. I put everything in my purse and made a look at the rose that was given to me yesterday.
I gave a gentle smile. "Wish me luck, Al." I whispered.
I walked out into the hall and I knew that Lizzy was still asleep. I told her last night I'd be leaving early in the morning. If she needed me, she could text me.
I walked down the streets of the city and made my way to the restaurant. Before I knew it, I was standing in front of the doors. I noticed the help wanted sign was now gone. That made me smile. I took a breath and opened the doors.
Just as he said, Glenn was standing at the Host stand. He saw me and waved to me. I waved to him back as I walked up to him.
"Good morning." I greeted him.
"Good morning young lady." The demon greeted me back. "I'm glad to see you on your first day. Are you ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be sir." I said standing up straight.
"That's the spirit." He offered me his hand. "Now before we begin, I'd like to discuss some things with you."
I took his hand generously. "Of course."
We walked to one of the tables in the corner and he had me sign some papers and stuff. He then went over the schedule with me.
"So, you work all day, I hope that's alright?" I nodded. "But you have long breaks in between. Mainly you come up and sing during the busy times. Lunch and Dinner. You'll be up there for as long as you want, 1 or 2 hours at the least, but you are more than welcome to stay up there longer. You'll work every other day. We have another singer as well that does the other days of the week." Glenn explained.
"Sounds good to me." I agreed.
"Wonderful. Now lunch won't be served till 11am so why don't you go talk to the band and talk about your songs you have planned for the day." Glenn suggested.
"I will. Thank you, Glenn. I'll do my best." I said as I stood up from the table. "You mind if I make a phone call first?"
"Go right ahead, but not too long ok?" Glenn said sternly.
"Yes sir." I walked away and went to the back corner of the restaurant.
I pulled out my phone and called Charlie. When she answered I told her about my schedule and how I would be singing today. I asked her if she could bring everyone down for dinner and watch me. She agreed and said she would try her best to bring everyone. I thanked her and told her I would see her later. I ended the call with her and called Lizzy. I asked her if she would come tonight and said she would try. I know she would try to come to at least support me. I thanked her and I hung up the phone and then walked up to the stage to talk to the band. I needed to plan the songs for today.
My lunch show went a bit better than I thought it would, people really liked the songs I picked, and I was happy people were enjoying themselves.
When I went to walk off the stage, I was met by a humanoid looking demon, but he had a snake tail and fangs poked out of his mouth. He was dressed in a button up black shirt and some nice pants with boots. He had his hair styled to one side. He had a scar over his left eye that went vertical and split at the end at the bottom of his eye. He was a handsome fellow though if I did say so myself.
"Can I help you?" I asked him as I got to the bottom of the steps.
The snake demon gave a bow. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Russell, but please call me Russ. I saw your performance and really enjoyed what I saw up there."
"Well, thank you Russ. I appreciate that." I said with a smile. "It's nice to meet you to. My name is Heart."
"You are quite welcome. Do you mind if I give you some critiques?" He asked.
"Oh absolutely. I don't mind. I'm new to this so I'd appreciate getting all the help I can get." I answered.
Russ pulled out a card from his pocket and handed it to me. "I think your dancing needs some more work. I'm a professional dancer and some days I teach it to people that need it. Yours needs some fine tuning. I think the crowds would love it." He told me.
"Oh yes. My dancing has never been the best." I admitted. "I could definitely enjoy a few lessons."
"Perfect! If you want to find me, everything is on the back of that card. Call me to make an appointment and we can go from there." Russ said. "I hope to see you soon."
"Oh well, how about I make an appointment now?" I smiled. Say tomorrow at 2pm?" I suggested.
Russ pulled out a little blue book, most likely his schedule. "I have 2pm booked. Wunna do 1pm?"
I nodded. "Sure, that would be fine."
Russ wrote something down then closed his book. "I penciled you in." He looked down at his watch. "Oh boy I better get going. I'll see you around, doll." He said as he bowed again and walked off.
He was an interesting man, so I figured I could give him a shot with all this. I do agree that my dancing needs work, so I was excited to learn a bit.
The rest of my day went uneventful as I waited till it was dinner time to start up again. I kept an eye out for Charlie and the little gang, but I hadn't seen them yet. It was soon time for me to go back on stage. I had 15 minutes. Where were they? I stood close to the door and just kept looking out around the tables and on the dance floor just in case as well. I know I shouldn't be upset if they don't come. They can be busy with the hotel after all.
Soon I saw Charlie walk in. My tail started to wag, and I got excited. Vaggie walked in behind her, I saw her reach back and pull someone in. It was Angel Dust. All were dressed a little nice, even Angel was dressed a little nicer than normal. I didn't see Husk or Nifty though, I was sad they couldn't get everyone to come.
I started to walk over to Charlie, she spotted me and then opened her arms up for a hug.
I got to her and hugged her tight. "Thanks so much for coming you guys." I said as I pulled away from the hug.
"We were happy to come." Charlie told me with a smile.
"We wanted to support you and congratulate you in person for getting a job and finally getting back on your feet." Vaggie added.
"I was dragged here." Angel said annoyed. "But I miss ya kid, so I wanted to come sees ya. Do your best out there." He said with a small smile.
"Thanks everyone." I almost felt like crying. "I'm so happy to call you my friends." Everyone gave me a small smile. "Now, I'll let you guys go sit down and enjoy yourselves. I have to get up on stage soon."
Everyone waved. "Good luck." They all said.
I gave them one last smile and walked over to the stage so I could start the night.
I have her singing a few songs so I'm going to put the rest of the night in another chapter. Also Russ is another OC i plan to have in the story a lot more. So keep a look out for more of him.