Note: I'm dedicating this chapter to Jenn (Observer101), who just left for basic training for the army yesterday. Good luck! I'm rooting for you!
"Give yourself over to absolute pleasure
Swim the warm waters of sins of the flesh
Erotic nightmares beyond any measure
And sensual daydreams to treasure forever…
Can't you just see it?"
"It's right before my eyes," I mused. Frank tossed off the fur scarf around his neck and jumped forward, landing feet-first into an in ground pool onstage. The fog cleared as hidden fans blew it away, and I could see Frank's legs and feet hanging off of a lifesaving ring. I stood up, trying to see the rest of the scene. It didn't work. I resolved to slowly start walking toward the stage.
The foursome that opened the show turned around and methodically walked over to the pool and joined Frank, entranced by the dreamlike atmosphere.
By the time I got onstage, slowly sneaking up on the others, I decided not to jump into the pool and join the mass orgy. Besides, Janet was already singing "God bless Lily St. Cyr…"by the time I got in, it'd be time to get out. Frank splashed me when he got on Rocky's shoulders. Wiping the water off, I walked downstage in front of the pool, where Frank got out. He waved to the others to get out, and then he turned to me waving me on to join in. I ran up to Brad, who was on my end, and we linked arms. I did the kick line with him, Janet, Frank, Columbia, and Rocky. Smiling, I found myself getting all swept up in the fun. All too soon did Riff Raff and Magenta burst through the double doors. I gasped, ran offstage, and ducked low so they wouldn't see me. I crawled to the spotlight, where my bag was, flicked off the spotlight, and stayed low and hidden. I could hear Frank cry out, "I can explain!"
Columbia's heels clicked as she scampered over to the spotlight, turning it back on. She turned to me, whispering, "By the way, that sort of hurt when you flicked my shoulder up in the lab."
I smiled. "Sorry about that."
She just shook her head, her own smile fading, and turned to Frank. He started singing his grand finale. I peeked over one of the seats, continually checking to make sure Riff Raff and Magenta didn't see me. I saw Columbia's eyes start to tear up. Slowly, I went over to her and put a hand on her back, trying to offer some comfort for the second time that evening. This time, though, she put an arm around me, returning the gesture, and together we watched Frank walk down the center aisle.
"I'm going… home…" he finished. I held back the urge to applaud. I knew what was coming. If I didn't stay quiet, I'd blow my cover.
I jumped when Columbia screamed, landing right on my butt. The red laser beam had shot at her and she collapsed to the ground, dead. I pushed on the ground with my feet, sliding back on the floor, away from the deadly gun Riff Raff held. I wrapped my arms around my head and curled into a ball, peeking out, shivering.
I shut my eyes when I heard the thud onstage.
They didn't open again until I heard Magenta say, "Kaydence, we know you're back there." I reached into my bag and dug around.
"Yes," Riff Raff added, "there's no use hiding from us. Come out." I fished out the pocket knife from inside the envelope, held it behind my back, and sneaked to the center aisle. Cautiously, I made my way forward to the stage, bag slung over my shoulder. I stayed close to Brad, Janet, and Dr. Scott.
Riff Raff approached us, and he told Dr. Scott, "I'm sorry about your… nephew."
Dr. Scott thrust his hand forward and eagerly replied, "You're fine by me!" I hsot him a glare. First he says he comes here to find his lost nephew, winds up eating him, nad then says he's "fine" with it?! Even the sane people are messed up in this castle, I ruminated.
Riff Raff continued, keeping a steady aim with his laser gun, "We are about to beam the entire house back to our home planet of Transsexual, in the galaxy of Transylvania. Go. Now."The three standing with me made a conga line of sorts and walked off, pushing Dr. Scott with them. I trailed behind, but I stopped in front of Riff Raff. Doing my best to leave only a tiny hint of resentment and threat, I stared right into his eyes. I squeezed the folded knife behind my back, grasping it in a tight fist.
After a short silent stare back, he spoke softly and clearly, "I know you're upset, Kaydence, but you can't stay here with us." I looked over at Magenta. She was staring at the ground with a bored look on her face. "You must leave as well," he continued. I looked back at him. A twisted smile creeped onto his face as he winked. "After all, the only way out is at the end."