Title: Princess & the Frog rewrite
Chapter: 2
Rated: M, for language
Disclaimer: Walt Disney
Summary: Disney's Princess and the Frog but rewritten. Think of it as the black version. This is the story if Tiana wasn't turned into a frog and the prince was black.
Author's note: I happen to be a fan of the hit show A Different World. Now I know it's old but I'm an old fashion girl. It was created a year before I was born but I looove this show. Love. This. Show. So expect to fine familiar things playing out. No, Georgia is not the same character that Tiana knew at the café. I thought her design wasn't that pretty looking. My Georgia is actually the character walking down the street in pink with a hat. She also is shown watching Naveen dance and play his music before he's turn into a frog.
Chapter 2: Down in New Orleans
January, 1927
The sun rises creating a shower over the south land of New Orleans. The LaBelle's household springing its light into the quiet kitchen windows.
A young woman lifted the kettle of hot water off the stove, with the help of the rag, of course, and carefully set it on the well set table.
Tiana grew up to be a beautiful young woman that the sun itself, which has seen so much, was astonished whenever it shone in her face.
She hmmed to herself as she quietly fixed the table setting, making sure it was perfect that not even a spoon seemed out of place. The smell of breakfast filled the house and soon would draw in the other family members into the kitchen to see what the glorious scent is.
A tall skinny man walked in, yawing scratching his stomach.
Tiana looked up and smiled. "Hey D—"
She blinked as he lazily walked passed her. Request
He opened the icebox.
"Well good mornin' to you too." Tiana sarcastically said.
"What's this? We aint got no more orange juice?" Dwayne said expecting the picture that barely had orange juice in it.
Tiana rolled her eyes. "There's some on the table Sherlock."
He put the empty. He smacked her on the back of his head as he passed.
"Hey!"
He said nothing as he poured himself a glass of orange juice at the table.
Tiana started to rumble around in the corner; fixing herself some coffee.
"Mm-hmm something smells good!" Exclaimed a redbone woman as she walked in fully dressed.
"Mornin' Georgia."
"Good morning Tee Tee." She happily greeted.
Georgia Bonet was soon to be Mrs. LaBelle. She was what they called gens de couleur libre woman. Her daddy, Mr. Bonet, was a wealthy merchant in selling cars. Dwayne had been working for five years to get the money to pay for an apartment for his fiancé and was just now ready. He hasn't come up with all of it yet. Old Eudora had to open her house to four people.
"Morning soon to be Mrs. LaBelle."Dwayne said wrapping his arms around her waist and they kissed. A short and sweet one.
Tiana paused from putting cream into her cup and gagged at the engaged couple. "You two make me so sick."
Just then a little girl skipped in with a piece of paper in her hands behind the couple.
"Keep talkin' now Tee Tee but someday you'll know what's it's like to be bitten by the love bug." Georgia said still hugging her fiancé.
Denise cocked her head to the side. "Bugs?"
They turned around. Dwayne's eyes lighten up at her presence.
"Yeah, they creep into your bed room turn over the sheets then bit you." He said, swooping her up in his arms and tickling the little girl.
"Nooo daddy stop!" the little girl giggled.
"Morning precious." He kissed her forehead.
Georgia turned to Tiana noticing how fully clothed she was. "You aint off to work this early are you?" She asked stirring her cup .
"Well yes and no I just got a new job a week ago."
"Another job?"
They all turned to an elderly woman in her night gown. "Honey, you're gonna go go go until you pass out!" She said tiding her robe.
Tiana sighed. "Hey mama. Don't ya'll worry bout me."
"She's got a point Tiana. How many jobs you have now? Five? Twenty?" Dwayne asked.
Tiana made a face. "Don't over exaggerate." She put her hand on her hip. "Really now ya'll, it's just a part-time job at Maple Harbor."
"The jazz club?" Georgia asked.
"Yes."
"Aint that the place where you gotta sing too?"
"Yes, Dwayne."
"With the alcohol?"
"…Yes."
Dwayne grinned. "Ohhh shucky shucky now! How bout we visit ya some time and hear that daring voice of yours." He said rubbing his hands together.
"Ohhh no," Tiana started.
"C'mom!" He cried.
"Tee tee, pleeeeaaaase?"
"No the last time ya'll came over I almost got fired." She rejected, waving her arms.
"Hey, are we going to stay on that forever!? How was I supposed to know that guy wasn't a coat check?"He cried.
"He was a mob boss!"
"You did almost get us killed Dwayne." Georgia injected.
"Well at least you might have some fun working there sweetheart." Eudora said sitting down at the table before digging into her plate of food.
Tiana frowned. "What's that suppose to mean?"
Before Eudora could reply Dwayne happily chipped in, "You're a stick in mud."
"I am not!" she clamored.
"Here, come get something to eat before you head to school." Georgia said at the table with Eudora. Denise went over to the table and sat down.
Denise frowned at her plate.
Dwayne sat down next to her and stared at his plate too.
"What the hell is this?"
"It's blueberry Breakfast Crepes. Try it you're like it." Tiana insisted.
"Daddy why can't we have a normal breakfast?" Denise moaned.
"Not Denise—" Tina started to scowl.
"Yeah, Tiana why not the good old fashion bacon and eggs?" Dwayne interrupted.
"What's wrong with my food?" She cried.
"I just want some simple eggs once in a while."
"Those are eggs."She snapped.
"Where? Next to the green stuff that looks like throw up?"
Dwayne's ignorance was really getting on her nerves. "That's artichoke you, fool!"
"It's what all the stars eat in Paris!"
"Well, this food needs to stay in Paris." Dwayne said picking up the fork and looking at the green stuff.
Tiana huffed.
"Oh hush you two!" Georgia waved off as she sat down. "This is nice. Ya'll should appreciate the meal made by aunt Tiana."
"Mmm-hmm." Tina nodded folding her arms.
Dwayne picked Denise up and sat her on his lap. "I'm just saying that it would be nice to have a normal meal once in a while not booshie gourmand food."
"Stop it. Tiana has put a lot in cooking this meal."
"Thant's right." Tina nodded.
Dwayne made a face. "Of course you'll like it, Ms. Thang."
Denise started to giggle.
"What!" Georgia squealed. "I can't believe you just said that to me…"
Georgia then went on into an overdramatic whine.
Dwayne got up from his seat, setting Denise in the chair next to I'm as he did so, and walked over to his fiancé.
"I'm just kidding. Relax."
"You know how I'm sensitive to being call that Dwayne!"
"I know. I'm sorry." He kissed her on her forehead.
"Daddy can I have pancakes instead?"
"Ur…" Dwayne chewed his lip and looked at his sister.
"I'm not cooking again." She said.
He looked at Georgia, who was happily eating her food. She caught Dwayne's eye and shock her head.
He turned to Denise.
"Eat your food baby."
Denise sighed.
Tiana left out the room then returned in a long green coat and purse.
"Well, I'm going to work." She bended down and kissed Denise on the cheek. She turned around.
"Have a good day." Eudora said.
"Wait!" The little girl put her fork down and hopped out of her seat. She tugged on Tiana's coat. "Aunty Tiana you'll be back soon today so you can take me to the show!"
"Ohhh, oh honey I forgot!" Tiana said scrambled slapping her hand to her forehead. "I have to work late today and then I have my other job at the night club."
Her face frowned. "Wha—B-b-but you said—"
"I know, I know." She shook her head in frustration. "I just… I forgot I was working when I told you that."
Denise looked heartbroken. A peg of guilt sired up in Tiana's chest. She bent down.
"Say what. I'll do you one better, how bout I take you to Charlotte La Bouff masquerade ball tomorrow?" She suggested giving her a smile.
The little girl head snapped up looking at her aunt. "Really?"
"Is that okay with you y'all?" Tiana asked looking up at Denise's parents.
Georgia and Dwayne eyed each other.
"Yeah." Dwayne nodded.
"Sure," Georgia shrugged.
Tiana smiled looking back at the little girl. "Okay. It'll be fun."
"You promise?" Denise asked still unsure.
"Of course I promise." She nodded raising her pinky.
Denise stared at her for a while, until she formed a tiny smile then clicked her pinky to Tiana's and they shook.
"Kay!"
"I'll see ya'll later."
Tiana pecked her niece on the cheek once last time before standing up.
Tiana said her goodbyes to everyone before she left the room.
Everyone went back to eating and doing their own thing but Georgia. She hastily looked over to the door then sighed.
"Brush your teeth and get your stuff for school, it's getting late." She said to her daughter before turning around and following her outside.
"Tiana!" She called out opening the screen door.
She paused and turned around. "Yes?"
"Tiana please don't forget that child." Georgia said seriously, walking down the steps.
"I'm not—"
"I'm just saying cause' you have a habit of doing this. You make promises that you can't keep and we end up suffering cause of it."
Tiana bit her lip. She did in fact break a few promises time to time, but it wasn't like she was out partying or something. She was just… busy with work. That was a very justified reasoning for breaking promises, right?
"I-I'm sorry Georgia. They were hiring and I just forgot."
Georgia looked at her darkly.
"I'll take her. I will." Tiana swore stepping back a few steps.
Georgia really, really wanted to believe her sister-in-law to be.
She sighed. She had no choice but to take her word for it. "You just bet not forget about our wedding."
"I could never forget about my big brother's wedding." Tiana said dully. Tiana felt kind of insulted that Georgia would think of such a thing. Okay she broke promises sometimes but it was never that big! Geesh, she could give a girl some credit.
Tiana then left, running to the bus stop and hopping in the vehicle right before the streetcar left. Tiana sat down in the same seat she always sat in and pulled out her the new issue of Ladies' International Cookery magazine she grabbed from the porch along with the other mail that morning and happily read it as the streetcar, A113, took her to her destination.
.~.
A cruise ship sails across the waters. The door open from the ship's cabin room and the Rosarian prince came out onto the deck. He stretched then went to the edge of the balcony and looked out. Alonso took in the beautiful sunrise's shine reflecting off the water. From the distance he could see the lights of the city peeking out from the fog. He beamed.
"Hey. Fabián! Get up here." He called out.
"What?"
"Just come here."
Fabian lazily joined Alonso on the balcony. "What's up?"
"Look. We're here."
Fabian rubbed his eyes.
"Hmm, your city of paradise?" he leaned on the rail looking out to the orange sun rise.
.~.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee, along with the sweet odor of maple syrup being poured onto hot fluffy pancakes, and steaming sausages flooded all around the diner. Tiana loved it. The Duke's Diner was very busy in the mornings. People coming in and out. Passing plates and setting them down on tables. She really had her work cut out for her when an certain somebody didn't show till late.
Finally the door open, ringing the little bell and a yellow-bone woman rushed in.
"Oh so you finally decided to come to work today?" Tiana asked still waiting tables.
"I was answering a phone call." She said taking off her coat and hanging it on the rack next to Tiana's.
"Ooooh on the phone! Why isn't that a surprise?" She sarcastically said in surprise giving table three they're order.
"C'mon it was a serious phone call." Michelle pouted, fixing her collar. "From my cousin in New York."
"Or her boyfriend from Lakewood." another waitress injected.
Michelle waved it off. "Oh hush."
"Well whoever be callin' you in the mornings better take a message. You keep showin' up late like this again and you're gonna get yoself fired, girl." Tiana said.
"Yeah yeah whatever." She heard that line too many times to count. They went back to work going on their daily work.
By ten O' clock, Tiana served up to fifteen customers so far today. She always thought of it as a contest that she had to win. She wasn't trying being a show off but she wanted to see how many folks she could serve to. Besides she could use the extra tips.
A man walked in Keri, an early white woman, was just about to cater to him until Tiana jumped up nearly knocking the poor woman over.
"Hey how is your day sir!" she yelled out.
"Um, fine."The man said nervously.
"Would that be a table for one?" She asked quickly.
"Two. I'm meeting someone." He said.
"Okay. Come along sir."
"Tiana I was about to wait him." The other waitress said angrily.
"Well, you shouldn't be so slow." Tiana said coolly writing in his order.
"Don't you got enough tables as it is?" Tiana passed her went over to the counter, tore the slip of paper out the notebook and placed it on the counter.
"Order at table six!" She called out to Burford. She then turned around to look at
"I can manage." Tiana said simply.
Keri huffed and walked away to clean an empty table.
Tiana smirked.
.~.
After a while the ship finally arrived at the docks. Fabian and Alonso walked down the stairs to the city's ground.
"Why do we have to wear this getup again?" Fabian asked tucking at his collar, uncomfortably.
"Stop that." Alonso stopped him and he started to loosen Fabian's tie before he ripped it off himself. "Hey we're trying to fit in. This is what gentlemen wear around here. I can't make a good impression on these people by being completely Rosarian." He patted his shoulder. "Besides the suit is sharp."
Just then felt a camera flash, further more camera flashing and cheering. They turned to a crowd of local reporters and cartoonists.
"Huh?"
"Prince Alonso!"
"We have so many questions to ask you?"
Alonso opened his mouth but was surprise when the newsmen went to Fabian instead.
For the looks of it Fabian was just as surprise as he was.
"Is it true that you have your eyes on the sugar barren's daughter?"
"Ur…"
"Is this your first time in the States?" A white man asked.
"Hold on a minute now, I'm not—"
"What will your father provide for the U.S. if this unit is made—"
—He raised his hands up. "Whoa hold on guys. If you have any questions about royalty and should ask this man right here." Fabian informed, putting an arm around the prince's shoulder, smiling.
The newsmen and photographers blinked.
"I'm not the prince. He is."
They're eyes widen.
The newsman sorted.
"Ha, ha. You're kidding right?"
Alonso and Fabian eyed each other. Fabian looked back at the newsman. And let out a laugh. "No seriously. This guy's the man in charge. I'm just a servant. Though I'm flattered you'd think I look of royalty status."
Alonso wet his lips.
"I'm Alonso Estéban Morenos the prince and heir to the throne of San Rosario." He looked at his friend and smiled. "This is my main man, Fabián Rivera. Ladies watch out for this one."
He looked around, took a deep breath then put those ten years of dialect to use. "Wow first I just wanna say thank you for all of this." He smiled at the banners that read Welcome Prince Alonso. "For you to be so familiar and welcoming to an outsider like myself is truly… touching. Thank you. Write this down." He spoke directly to the other news parer man as he started to scribble in his notebook. "Yes I am interested in Mr. La Bouff's daughter. Excuse me for my accent." He re readjusted his hat. "No, I have not met the La Bouffs before but I'm eager to meet Ms. Charlotte La Bouff and her father. I hope to have a pleasant time here in America and that I represent my country to its greatness."
"The ambassador and prince of San Rosario is apparently a Negro." The newsman said writing into his notebook.
The camera men snapped a few more pictures in traced by the dark complexion of royalty.
.~.
The spatula hit the little bell sending a dinging nose.
"Order up!" Burford yelled setting down the finished pancakes.
Michelle quickly got them along with a glass of orange juice and sends the plate to table four.
"Another coffee here, chére." A man said holding up his mug as Tiana zipped from table to table.
"Comin' right up, Virgil." She poured him a cup.
"Hey, Tiana!" she turned and saw her friends at a table. She smiled and walked over to them.
"Morning, Giorgia."
"Whassup girl." Yasmine said.
"Hey y'all!" she said.
"Tiana I want you to meet my little cousin from Kentucky, Leon."
"Hi, how are you doin', Tiana?" he said in a soft voice.
"Oh, hi. I'm good."
"Yeah he's staying with us for a while." Yasmine said.
Georgia cut to the chase. "We all goin' out dancin' tonight. Care to join us?"
"Yeah, c'mon, Tiana, you could use a little hand. It's Mardi Gras."
"You can dance with me." Leon offered. Yasmine smirked at her cousin's forwardness. She looked at him. He was a skinny man with dark brown hair. He was wearing a blue vest.
"You know I got two left feet. Besides I'm gonna..."
"You need a napkin, sweetheart?"
"I'm gonna work a double shift tonight—Here you are your hotcakes. You know, so I-I—"
"So you can save for your restaurant." Giorgia said annoyed. I know, I know.
Girl! All you ever do is work!
The bell dinged.
"Order up!"
Tiana turned to the chef tossing a plate on the counter. She turned back to the table of friends. All with hopeful eyes. Waiting for her answer. "Maybe next time."
As she turned and walked over to the counter she could hear Girogia saying angrily.
"I told y'all she wouldn't come."
"'You can dance with me'?" Yasmine restated raising an eyebrow at Leon. "I never known you to be so forward."
"I never expected her to be that attractive." Leon admitted, adjusting his tie. "Too bad she's workin'."
"That girl's always workin'. Don't worry though, this isn't over." Giorgia said getting up.
They all left the restaurant together.
Leon gave on last look at the pretty waitress talking to the chef before following them outside.
"Were you talkin' 'bout that dang restaurant again?" Buford asked annoyed.
She rolled her eyes.
"Buford, your eggs are burnin'." Tiana informed. They had this conversation many times before.
"You ain't never gonna get enough for the down payment." He said taking the eggs off the stove with the spatula to a plate.
"I'm gettin' close." She said pouring coffee into a mug.
"Yeah. How close?"
She paused. "Wha-Where are my flapjacks?" She angry changed the subject, slamming the picture on the counter as she said so.
His eyes sparkled. "Hah, hah! You got about as much chance of gettin' that restaurant as I do of winnin' the Kentucky Derby." He said piling plates of food on her trays.
She groaned and walked away.
"Saddle me up, y'all. It's post time. Giddyup. Giddyup." He laughed mimicking a trumpet nose.
He didn't believe in her, well the hell with him. The hell with all of them.
.~.
Charlotte La Bouff twirled around in the mirror one last time, making sure her outfit was prefect and not a string of hair was out of place. She patted her curls a couple of time before smiling at her reflection. Prefect! No wait, she went back to her dresser and put on a little tiny bit more red lipstick. She walked over to the mirror again. Okay now its prefect. She prided herself on looking presentable. Especially since today was a special day. It would be a crime for her to not try to look really presentable.
"Ms.?" The maid called out and handed the debutante her scarf.
"Oh yeah." She wrapped a feathery, pink scarf over her and walked outside towards the gate. She saw the old security guard standing there as usual.
He tipped his hat. "Good morning Ms. Charlotte." He smiled.
"Mornin' Charles." She said walking up towards him.
"You lookin' radiant as ever this mornin'."
She waved her hand, blushing. "Oh stop!... I didn't mean really."
Just then the car pulled up to the gate and her daddy, the richest man of Louisiana sat in the back. He smiled when he saw her.
"Hey daddy!" She waved. The chauffeur got out of the car. He opened the back seat door for Charlotte as Big Daddy said, "Hey sugar poo."
She blushed. "Daddy! I aint a little kid anymore!" She stomped her foot before claiming into the back. The driver shut the door behind her went back in the divers seat and pulled off.
"I can't wait for the masquerade ball tomorrow night."
"You should be. How does it feel to know in just fifteen hours you will be a woman?"
"I feel great!" She cheerfully said. "Say, Daddy since I'll be a woman and all can I have wine at my party tomorrow tonight. It would make me happy." She said sweetly.
He smirked. "Hmm, Maybe." He said scratching his bread.
"Sooo what's the surprise?" She suddenly asked.
He dug his face in the newspaper. "You know I shouldn't give it to you till the party."
Charlotte pulled the paper down from his face. "Please daddy. You said you had a surprise for me since December. I can't any longer! What is it?"
"Hmmm, did you read this morning's paper?" He asked mischievously with a small smirk on his face.
Charlotte scuffed annoyed. "Daddy, stop tryin' to change the subject."
"It's really interesting." He insisted.
"C'mon…" She rolled her eyes.
"Seriously? I think it's something you'd like to see."
He pulled the paper out and wet his thumb and flipped a few pages. He handed it to her.
She blew a string of hair out her face and took the paper uninterested. She read it then her eyes widen.
"AHHHHHH!"
"Is this true. Are you serious?"
"Yes."
"Ohmigosh! You're the best daddy ever!" She hugged him. "I love you. I love you. I love you." She repeated pecking him on the cheek.
He laughed.
"When am I gonna meet him? Are we going to meet him now?" She opened her makeup cage up and looked at herself.
"No not now. He just arrived so he'll probably need time to settle fist. We'll met him tonight."
She felt all giddy inside. Was this seriously happening? She then paused. "STOOOPPP!"
The driver stopped abruptly. "I have to get really. I can't meet some exotic Cuban prince lookin like some plain Jane American girl! I need to get my hair done."
The car parked in front of a hair salon. She bounced in. not even giving the driver a chance to open the door for her.
Mr. La Bouff smiled. "That's my girl."
"Ugh, don't you think you spoil her Mr. La Bouff?" the chauff asked.
He blinked and looked at the man, smiling. "Isn't that what fathers are for?"
"—Daddy come on! We only got a few hours to get ready and I need a dress."
He walked in. "I'm comin'. I'm comin'."
She was already in a chair looking through a magazine. The hairdresser greeted him.
.~.
Alonso and Fabian finally were able to get away from the press.
"Hey brothers." There was a man in a pachuco suit. "Nice suit."
"Huh? Us."
"yeah come here."
The two friends walked over to the man.
"Hey my name is Mario." He smiled.
"I'm Alonso and he's Fabian."
""You two aint from here are ya?"
"No. We're from San Rosario." Fabian said.
"Yeah? My mother's from Guatemala. She was a nice great woman." He sighed.
"I'm sorry for your lost."
"Sorry for what? She called me a bum and kicked me out the house without a penny in my pocket. Some mom right?"
"Oh."
"We need to stick together. We're like brothers, you feel me?"
"Yeah."
"Can I barrow five dollars?"
"Sure." Alonso went into his jacket and pulled out the American money he traded. He gave him five dollars.
"How bout a twenty?"
"Thanks."
Alonso gave him the money. Fabian pulled him to the side. "Should you be doing that?' Fabian asked him. "Fabian, didn't you hear? His mom kicked him out."
Fabian gave him a look. "He looks like he's thirty in a designer suit." He scuffed.
Alonso was too nice for his own good.
"We're supposed to be giving the Americans a good impression aren't we? Relax."
"Say since you guys are so cool why don't ya'll go to a hot spot."
"What hot spot?"
"The funeral."
"Um, what's so hot about a funeral?"
"Trust me. Just go in and say you're here for grandmother's funeral. But remember it's a secret so don't be blabbering your mouth to everyone especially the cops."
.~.
The taxi car stopped in front of the building.
The two got out.
"So it really is a funeral?
"Let's go in for a minute then we're go straight to the La Bouffs."
They walked in. There was a man playing a piano. The desk clerk stood up. "Good evening sir. What can I do for you?"
Alonso and Fabian looked at each other.
"Um, we've come for grandmother's funeral."
"I don't believe I ever seen you two at our services before." The old man said, raising an eye at them suspiciously.
"Do you know who this is? He's the prince of San Rosario. He has come a very long way to see granny." Fabian said.
The desk man looked like he understood. He turned to a big man. "Show these two gentlemen into the chapel. View number three."
The man nodded and said in a deep voice. "Please gentlemen this way."
They followed him to the piano. They both blinked. "Um, nice tune."
"Do you know Black and Tan Fantasy?" Alonso asked.
The pianist then played a key that caused the door next to them to open and loud jazz music flooded out, surprising both of them.
They hesitantly walked in and were shock at what they saw. There were people chatting at tables and band playing and smoking. It was very living and crowded.
"Damn if you gotta go that's the way to do it!" Fabian laughed.
"I hear ya." Alonso smiled.
The man showed them to their table. Once they were seated he left.
A waiter came up to him. "What do you drink?"
"Um… what do you have?"
"Canadian beer, French champagne, Scott whiskey, Dutch brandy."
"Brandy."
"I'll have Scott."
The waiter left.
"Hey pretty exciting right? Even got you're girls in less clothing," Alonso said indicating the showgirls.
"Okay, okay." Fabian said in defect.
The waiter came back with their drinks.
Fabian took his glass. "Here's to not screwing this alliance up."
The prince smiled. "And making my dad proud."
They toasted then drank.
"Ugh okay this is nothing like Cuban alcohol." Alonso said, making a face.
"It tastes like water." Fabian injected.
"What do you expect?" a husky rough looking man at the table next to them said. "It's bootleg. Just be grateful you have damn alcohol at all."
The two sighed.
.~.
"Cigars, cigarettes!" Tiana called out.
A man walked up to her. "I'll take a cigarette." He said giving her twenty-five cents.
"Over here toots."
She walked over to his full table.
"I'll take three cigars for me and my buddies and two cigarettes." He went through his bills. "And here's a little somthin' for yourself, doll." He stuffed the money in her between her cleavages. She hated that.
"You're too kind." She scowled storming away. He pulled the money out from her cheat and up it in her pocket.
One guy walked passed and whistled looking at her behind. She gave him a dirty look. He's face went blank and he suddenly construed on walking.
She sighed frowning. She held herself rubbing her arms. She hated this. She felt so exposed.
She really could use a one of the cigarettes right now. She didn't like the outfits they put her in, or the pay, or the customers. But bad pay was still pay. But what she really, really didn't like was—
"Surprise!" She turned around and saw Yasmine and Giorgia waving at a table.
"Ugh." She groaned turning away. Giorgia ran up to her and turned her around.
"Tiana fancy seeing you here." She looked at her outfit. "Ohmy Tiana that's a little risqué for you, isn't it?"
Tiana rolled her eyes. "Yasmine—"
"If it makes you feel better you look good in it."
"I thought you were going dancing and don't say you are cause this place is way to crowded to dance."
The others joined them.
"We just were but we decided to stop for a couple of drinks first. We didn't know you worked here I swear!"
"Just started."
Giorgia took Tiana's arm around hers and guided them over to the table.
"Well since we're here why don't we chat for awhile? Pop one of them cigarettes in your mouth and sit down."
"I can't. I'm working." Tiana said unavailing from Giorgia's hold.
"When are you guys leaving?"
"Why you want to know?" Yasmine asked slightly.
Tiana only groaned then stormed off.
.~.
"Tiana went back to the table. "Do you want anything else? Like a cigarette? Or anything?"
"No we're fine. Just havin' fun chatting."
"If you're hungry you should go to Cal's. We don't serve dinner here. Besides shouldn't you guys be leaving to go dancing?"
"Tiana it seems like you're trying to get rid of us." Yasmine observed.
"I'm not. It's just you said you were dancing tonight."
"It's only five." Robert said.
"If you're trying to get us to not see anything…"
"I hate you guys." She said grimly before walking away.
Giorgia and Yasmine giggled. "She is so mad."
"I don't get it." Leon said. "What's she all worked up about besides being in the sexy cocktail outfit?"
"Let's just say Tiana doesn't like being the center of attention." Giorgia said.
.~.
Alonso and Fabian were just getting finish talking and were planning on leaving. Alonso raised his index finger up, about to ask for a check by a passing waiter—
"—Now ladies and gentle let me introduce Ms. Labelle. She's a new kid so please give this doll a hand."
A woman got on stage and started to sing.
She snapped her fingers seeming like she didn't really want to be up here. She took a deep breath. The spot light shined brightly on her face.
Pack up all my cares and woes
feeling low here I go
Bye Bye blackbird
Where somebody waits for me
sugar sweet so is she
Bye Bye Blackbird
No one seems to love or understand me
and all the hard luck stories they keep handing me
where somebody shines the light
I'll be coming on home tonight
Bye Bye Blackbird
Nobody seems to love or understand me
and all the hard luck stories they keep on handing me
where somebody shines the light
I'm coming on home tonight
Bye Bye Blackbird
Alonso and Fabian had to wipe the drools from they're mouths.
He stared at the singer in a trance. "She's… wow."
"I… She's got a really nice…you know, um." He wet his lip. "She's got a really nice… phrasing."
"That's it!" Fabian snapped his fingers. "I was just about to compliment her on her phrasing."
For one second she looked at his direction then looked away. Alonso bit his bottom lip.
"I gotta talk to her." Alonso announced sanding up from his chair.
"What?" Fabian asked, breaking out of his trance.
"I gotta talk to her." He said fixing his collar.
"Hey hold on player, you're going to be a married man soon. We have to meet Charlotte La Bouff."
"I missed her name. Just one small chat then we'll see the La Bouffs." He fitted his fedora back on and started to walk towards the Southern woman. Fabian got up and grabbed him back the shoulder, stopping him.
"Hey, hey cool it Alonso. Even I know, you shouldn't trust a girl with a big butt and a smile. Even if it's…" He looked at the direction the cocktail waitress was. She just bent over t clear off a table. He let out a low whistle. Alonso gave him a look. He cleared his throat. "E-even if it's a really nice one."
"Relax." Alonso took Fabian's arms and removed them from his shoulders. "I just want to get her name. No harm in that."
Before Fabian could get another word out Alonso turned around and headed towards the waitress.
Alonso took his hat off and up it to his chest.
"Um, excuse me Ms.?" He said in a soft tiny voice. Even though he was a well educated, wealthy prince nerves still was a battle he had to face. The woman
She heard a soft voice she turned around. And saw a mahogany complexioned man smiling at her. Oh no.
"Um, me and my friend are new in town and we were wondering—well I was wondering—i-if you might—"
She smiled at him cruelly. "No. You can't take me home. I don't finish till 2 am. We can't go somewhere for a little drink. And I loath
"No. I don't want to dance. I'm working. I can't go some place quieter for a drink. I don't finish till 2am so I can't met you later. And no I am not interested." She said automatically.
Alonso blinked. He smiled weakly. "Um, excuse me?"
"I'm not interested. Simple as that." She took the container of glasses and went to the next table. He to her disappointment followed her.
He spoke up still holding his fedora. Tiana noticed that for a flirt he kept a longer distinct from her than most men.
"Looks like you're personality is just like your voice. Strong and harsh, but I like it." He said boldly.
She didn't seem too impressed. "Go just that old cheap line on a desperate woman that gives a damn. You're barking up the wrong tree."
His face dropped.
"Wa-wait. Hold on a minute."
She stormed off leaving him standing there dumbfounded.
Fabian laughed. "Looks like I was worried for nothing. I forget sometimes that you're a totally babe repeler."
"Thanks for your words of encouragement." Alonso grunted.
He saw the cocktail waitress moving around the crowd club some more. He then got an idea.
"She's tough no doubt about that."
He took his jacket off showing the white collar shirt and suspenders he was wearing underneath.
"But I know American women enough to get her to talk to me."
"What are you doing?"
"Ay watch my stuff, want you?" Alonso asked before jetting on stage.
"Oh crap…" Fabian groaned.
When Alonso went on stage the band members gave him a look of confusion.
He just smiled.
"Hey do you cats know St. James Infirmary Blues?" He asked.
"The band members gave each other looks before the small one with the trumpet answered, "Um yeah man."
Alonso smiled. "Wouldn't mind playin' dat beat for me then."
"Who are you? And what's a guy like you know about folk music?"
"Plenty. Now play for me please." He said simply before going to the middle of the stage. He looked out at everyone.
He saw Fabian giving him a signal to get his ass off stage but Alonso just ignored that and looked out at her.
The band slowly started to play.
He started dancing.
The people in the audience started to stop chatter and playing and looked at the young man's performance. He heard a few 'Ohhhs' and 'Wows'.
He then started to sing.
Folks, I'm goin' down to St. James Infirmary,
To Seeeeeee my baby there;
She's stretched out on a long, white table,
She's so sweet, so cold, so fair.
They were very impressed with Alonso's jitterbug steps.
Let her gooo, let her gooo, God bless her,
Wherever sheee may be,
She will search this wide world over,
But she'll never find another sweet man like me.
He looked up and saw that the waitress had stopped waiting and was watching him too. He smirked. He picked his pace up and danced faster as he sang. He started doing the Charleston.
Now, when I die, bury me in my straight-leg britches,
Put on a box-back coat and a stetson hat,
Put a twenty-dollar gold piece on my watch chain,
So you can let all the boys know I died standing pat. An' give me six crap shooting pall bearers,
Let a chorus girl sing me a song.
Puuuut a red hot jazz band at the top of my head
So we can raise Hallelujah as we go along.
Folks, now that you have heard my story,
Say, boy, hand me another shot of that booze;
If anyone should ask you,
He did a spin at the end.
Tell 'em I've got those St. Jaaaames Infirmaryyyy... bluuuues.
Everyone gave him a standing ovation. He looked through the crowd but couldn't find the woman.
The band members approached him.
"Man that was really something, man. I didn't know a foreigner could have it in em."
"What's yo name again bro?"
Alonso ignored them left the stage. He found Fabian sitting at a table with two girls.
"Hey man where is she? What happened?"
Fabian looked up from talking with them. "Oh she left a while ago."
His eyes widen. "What? Why didn't you say something? I did all that for nothing."
"Hey I was busy with these ladies. Besides you never had game. Not in San Rosario as a prince and not in America as the foreigner."
Alonso groaned. "I can't believe this…"
"Hey it's for the best anyway. You already got a girl."
"Yeah you're right. Come on we should get going." Alonso said picking up his jacket from the back of the chair and putting it on.
.~.
Tiana could only stare shell shock at what she was seeing. It wasn't that he was good though he was. His voice was nice and could dance but what she caught her off guard was that he was serious. Tiana would normally be more modest about these sort of things but he whenever he would turn around he would look directly at her. Was he really trying to woo her with his dance steps? She was a bit impressed but she was still far from interested. He was just making a fool of himself.
"Ay Tee Tee!"
Her head snapped towards the voice.
She saw the gang and Michelle (who also worked at the club).
"We're heading out. Thanks for the show."
"Hmm."
"Damn that boy can dance." Michelle exclaimed.
"I wish he was my dance partner." Yasmine said fan girly.
"Ohh honey you know what say. Never trust a man with tight buns and a smile. Especially when they know how to shake it."
"Is he new? Does he work here with you two?" Robert asked.
"I never seen him here before. I don't think so unless he's new like Tee Tee here." Michelle said.
"I don't even think from here." Tiana spoke up. "He has an accent. I think he's Mexican or somthin'."
"Really? Looks Negro to me." Giorgia said looking at the mysterious man dance.
"That was a really nice performance Tiana. Maybe I'll get lucky and catch you up there again" Leon said to her.
Tiana didn't know what to make or say to that. Um…"
"C'mon, let's get out of here. Us men are getting tired of hearing you girls gush over some guy you haven't even met." Robert said patting Leon on the shoulder who nodded in agreement.
Giorgia rolled her eyes. "Whatever. See ya tee."
"We'll catch up with you later."
Tiana waved. She took the container of dishes and went into the kitchen.
.~.
When the clock strike two O'clock and after they were in normal clothes Michelle and Tiana left the club and Michelle walked to the bus station together.
"So how did you like for first day on the job?" Michelle asked conversationally.
Tiana groaned. "Well let's see… The boss made me put on a little outfit despite my protest. The whole club smelled like smoke, sweat and booze. A man stuffed a stack of cash in my cleavage. And I couldn't do anything without someone starting at my ass."
Michelle laughed. "Sounds like you had a great day!"
Tiana mumbled something.
"Really once you work at places like these as long as I've had today will look like heaven." They paused at the road two cars drove past the street.
Once clear they crossed the street.
"Tiana, couldn't you have turned him down gentler? That guy was super cute. And you just blew him off." Michelle suddenly said.
"What are you talin' about?"
"I saw that guy talkin' to you. He was the same guy that was on stage." Tiana stared at her.
"Don't give me that look. You already admitted of talking with him earlier. He was fine."
"It was just a guy."
"It's not that I'm complaining but I kind of feel bad for the cutie. He's probably moping around just cause of you. Maybe I'll just have to cheer him up."
Then do so. Tiana thought. I don't care.
The bus then pulled up. They began to boarded the bus.
.~.
Charlotte tore off another piece of her shredded ex-napkin. She looked across the dinner table at her father who looked calm as ever. He was simply reading a newspaper.
She was in a light silver back out dress with gloves.
No matter how fancy she looked she didn't care. He wasn't going to show...
Suddenly the door opened and the butler came in
"Mr. La Buff. Prince Alonso and his velvet are here."
Charlotte let out a high pitch scream and started to hurriedly fix her hair looking at her reflection in a spoon.
Mr. La Bouff just chuckled at his daughter's fractiousness. "Bring them in."
"Yes sir."
"We apologize for being late. It's all my fault though I insisted we stay at that club longer."
The blonde smiled.
"I was worried you wasn't going to show up."
Charlotte extended her arms out in a hug. Alonso smiled he then frowned when she walked passed him and hugged Fabian instead. "Oh umm…"
"Wow you're very built your highness." She giggled.
"Oh thanks—"
She gasped. "oh I'm sorry was that too formal you're highness?" she asked pulling him to the dinner table.
"Not so much but—"
She helped him out of his coat.
"Here take care of this." She said tossing the coat to Alonso who clumsily caught it. She went back to Fabian sat him down to the seat next to hers. "I love to hear everything about you. You're culture. You're family. How it like to live in a palace. Did you have a hard time getting here?"
Alonso cleared his throat. "Excuse me?"
Charlotte said raising an eyebrow and looked up at him. "Yes?"
"I am Prince Alonso." He stated
She snorted, laughing lightly. He looked serious. Her face dropped and she then looked at the man next to her that gave her a sheepish look. "Don't worry I get it a lot."
Charlotte gasped. "Ohmy!"
She got up. She looked at Alonso. "You mean…you… you're a colored?"
Alonso raised an eye brow at that term. "Colored? I don't understand."
"I just…
Mr. La Bouff stormed up to them.
Alonso smiled.
"It's great to finally meet you Ms. La Bouff." He smiled but Mr. La Bouff didn't look too happy to meet him.
"This can't be right! This can't be right!" Big daddy said. "You're the prince?"
"Yes."
He turned to Fabian. "And who are you?"
"Friend slash servant."
He looked back at Alonso. "And you really are the prince of San Rosario?"
"Yes."
"Damn this can't…"His gritted his teeth. He looked at his daughter.
"Charlotte come with me for a minute." He grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the room.
.~.
"Ma-maybe it's not such a bad thing." She stammered. "I mean he is a prince."
Mr. La Bouff was pacing back and forth. He looked like a heated bull. She never saw her father's face so red. "How could this happen. How could this happen?"
"You said he was from Cuba right?" The blonde asked.
"He is from Cuba. But I thought he would be more… you know. More like us! Don't the Spaniards own that darn country? Since when did Cuba have a bunch of coloreds in it?"
Charlotte said nothing. She just stood there looking at her hands.
He cursed something under his breath.
"My daughter is not going to marry some colored. No way no how!" he yelled.
Then Charlotte said something they both were surprise of: "…but he came all this way." She said softly.
He turned to her. "Do you hear yourself? He's a nigger! I didn't sign up to give my baby girl away to a nigger. Do you want to go through with this?"
"I… I'm not sure. Can I have time to think about? Get to know him better?"
"You want to get to know him better?"
"Daddy, please." She begged. "He may be colored but he's a prince."
Big Daddy sighed. He put his hands on her shoulders. "I'm so sorry.' He said softly. "If I'd had known… I would have never did this to you. I'm sorry."
"It's okay." She said a little misty eyed, smiling.
The La Bouffs entered the diner room again. Fabian and Alonso were seated chatting.
"Sorry we had to family matters." Big Daddy said sitting down.
"It's alright. Pretty soon I will be able to join in." Alonso joked.
Big Daddy clenched his fist and Charlotte gave him a weak smile. She sat down two seats away from him.
The butlers started to serve the food.
"if it's not too forward may I compliment you on your dress?" Alonso said.
She blinked. "Oh yes! Thanks. It's just a little old thing." It was bought that morning.
"You're really pretty."
She went a little pink. Charlotte took a sip of water (hopefully it would be wine tomorrow) before saying, "People say I look like Ruth Etting."
"The actress? Yeah you sort of do." Alonso said.
Charlotte looked up. "You know of her?"
"Yes. I love your American music, especially jazz. It is actually was my dream to come down here."
Charlotte gave him a smile.
She raised her glass. "Well cheers to dreams coming true."
Alonso smiled and raised his glass and clicked it to hers.
Big Daddy glared at the two. He was quiet throughout the whole dinner.
.~.
