Linden and Odry took Bastille back to the apartment. Odry was amazed by how caring Linden was toward Bastille, despite him treating his son like a doormat all those years before. No matter what Linden said, Odry was certain he would make a very good father; he took care of Bastille as if the latter was merely a moody child. Linden made sure Bastille went to bed.
“You still need to rest, father. I’ll bring you tea,”
“I want coffee,” Bastille protested, crossing his hands on his chest, like a stubborn brat.
“You already had one just now. Tea and sleep,” Linden said patiently. Bastille was about to object, but Linden’s phone rang and he went into the hallway to speak. Odry followed him. Afterward Linden returned into Bastille’s room.
“The guys from the chamber orchestra called. Apparently my replacement is ill and they need me to step in tonight. It will be a good concert. I agreed and…” Linden embraced Odry’s waist, “I arranged two tickets in the front row for you guys.”
“Front row? I’ll be able to see you sweat,” Odry laughed.
“You can see me sweat close up anytime you want,” Linden whispered in her ear, but, obviously, Bastille heard him, because he gave an infuriated snort.
“It’s a good program, I think you two will like it. I’ll have to go there early to rehearse with the guys. I owe it to them - I did abandon the orchestra on short notice,”
Odry realized she’d have to stay alone in the apartment with Bastille around.
“Do you want to come with me or…” Linden guessed her thoughts, “you might get bored, waiting while we rehearse,”
“It’s okay, I’ll stay here,” Odry darted her eyes at Bastille.
Oh great, I’ll have to babysit my worst enemy…
“I’m sure father will behave. Won’t you, father? After all, she saved your life!”
“Of course, “ Bastille gave a sour smile.
“Okay, I’ll take my suit and I’m off,”
Linden gave Odry a lengthy kiss by the door.
“I miss you already,” he whispered.
“ You’ll have to make it up to me after the concert. If only Bastille wasn’t around…”
“I’ll take care of it, I have an idea, don’t worry!” And he was off.
Odry closed the door. She sighed heavily.
“Call me if you need anything, okay?” she peeked into Bastille’s room. The latter was fidgetting with his phone.
“We can go to the concert separately, if you feel uncomfortable around me,” he replied innocently.
He’s definitely up to something!
“It’s alright! Now that you can tell the difference between me and Odette, I think it will be fine, right?”
“Of course,” Bastille smiled warmly.
Odry went away frowning. Previously Bastille’s kindness had brought her nothing but trouble.
She spent the day relaxing. Bastille ordered lunch, which they ate separately, in their own rooms. Odry didn’t long for his company, not at all.
She got ready for the evening. Odry put on a modest, black mini-dress, straightened her wavy, chestnut-brown hair, applied subtle make up and smoky, raspberry-pink lipstick. Nothing bright or out of line! She was not Odette!
Good! I look nothing like her! Odry assessed her reflection in the mirror. A quiet knock woke her from inspecting herself.
“The taxi is here… Odry. Are you ready?” Bastille asked silkily.
“I’m coming,” Odry braced herself; this is not going to be easy.
There was still plenty of time before the concert, that’s why Odry wasn’t worried about them getting stuck in traffic jams multiple times. Her main concern sat beside her in a smart coat, with a tasteful, yet extravagant suit underneath.
“So, I believe we must talk business, since we are equal partners now,” Bastille broke the silence. Odry could clearly feel the ridicule in his voice.
“Go on,” she wasn’t even trying to be kind toward him.
“I’ll cut to the chase - we must get Mateo back. I’m going to Vegas after Christmas and you’re coming with me,” Bastille said, “please!” He added.
Odry sighed again.
“Why do you need me?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Mateo has feelings for you and if anybody could persuade him, it would be you,”
Odry gasped; so that was his plan? For Odry to seduce Mateo, just to get him back to the circus?
“I am not a slut! I’m your son’s wife!” She exclaimed.
“Did I ask you to do something inappropriate? Just be kind to Mateo! He’s like a puppy around you. You’ll whistle and he’ll come running after you,” Bastille rolled his eyes.
“I think it’s not that simple. Tiberius is probably blackmailing Mat with something, because he looked miserable,” Odry shook her head.
“You are an observant girl, aren’t you? Yes, my people told me there is something. It’s up to you to find out what!”
Odry turned away and looked to the traffic behind the window.
“I’m not saying you have to sleep with him. Just be nice, a little flirting won’t hurt anybody! At least get him to tell you what Tiberius has against him. Whatever it is, my people couldn’t sniff it out,” Bastille said, “do it for Mateo! You do care for him?”
Oh, you manipulative, old….
“Yes, of course! He’s my friend,” Odry replied.
Bastille grimmaced approvingly.
They had arrived at the venue - an old neo-baroque theatre.
“It’s a good place, I’ve been here,” Bastile noted, when both entered the theatre. Odry wasn’t really listening; the thought of flirting with Mat just to get him back to Cirque du Macabre felt like betrayal toward Linden. Was she willing to go any length to save the circus? She couldn’t answer the question.
They were seated in the posh concert hall, richly trimmed with chubby little gold-plated angel ornaments. The same little buggers graced the pastel-hued, painted ceiling.
I haven’t seen so many babies in one place, ever. Weird…
Odry remembered Danny, Rouge and the baby twins. They didn’t deserve to be robber from their home. Rouge wouldn’t survive without the circus. Must Odry do anything in her power, to save it?!
The chamber orchestra took the stage. Linden’s face beamed as he saw Odry and Bastille in the front row. Odry smiled heartily, but cold chills creeped up her spine - would she be capable of betraying Linden to save the circus? Her smile faded.
The orchestra gave a stellar performance. To Odry’s great surprise, Linden played most of the solo’s. His slender figure dressed in suit-and-tie, swaying with the heartfelt music, his eyes closed playing the most emotional parts…
Bastille discreetly handed Odry a tissue; she hadn’t noticed tears flowing down her cheeks. Was it Linden’s performance or her dirty concience? She couldn’t tell. Odry noticed, Bastille’s own eyes had teared up.
Oh, finally! It took you twenty years to notice how talented your only son is?!
Odry could watch Linden play forever. Every move, every sound he conjured from the instrument was truly heartfelt and masterful. Odry felt strucked by the realization - he gave it all up for her! His budding career in Paris, - and after a couple of years the whole world would lay by his feet. Instead, he’ll play the background tunes in a circus show, while she takes centre stage. With Mateo.
The concert was over in a flash. The orchestra bowed to the standing ovations. The conductor shook Linden’s hand and gestured at him for the audience to see - this boy is something! Linden bowed shyly. Bastille magicked up two white roses out of nowhere and handed one to Odry - they went up to Linden to congratulate him. Odry kissed him and whispered You were amazing! in his ear.
Odry and Bastille waited up for Linden after the crowd had gone. He pranced out of the bakstage; Odry saw - this was his playgroud. The place he felt right at home. She couldn’t help feeling guilty.
“Listen, some guys from the orchestra have invited us to a glass of wine. What do you say?”
“You two go ahead, I’ll be heading home. I still need a lot of rest,” said Bastille to Odry’s great surprise.
“Will you be alright?” Linden looked into his eyes concerned.
Bastille took his time to answer, smiling at Linden.
“When did you manage to grown up and turn into this talented and caring man?”
Linden smiled back.
“When did you become so sentimental, father?”
Both embraced.
“Go on, I’ll be fine,” Bastille said and marched away.
***
“So, you are the reason Linden is leaving us?” one of the guys from the chamber orchestra asked Odry, with a heavy French accent and flirtatious ridicule lacing his tone.
“A very beautiful reason, I must say!” another guy added and they all laughed.
Odry, Linden and a couple of guys sat by the table of a cosy cafe, drinking good wine.
Odry blushed, while Linden sat close, his arm around her waist and his blue eyes smiling happily.
“Forgive me, friends, but some things are worth more than a career of a mediocre musician,” he replied and kissed Odry on the cheek.
“Mediocre?! No, no, no, no…” the guys protested with a very-French determination.
“Did you know, Odry, that Linden is bound to be a star?! We were lucky to have him, but now he has left us broken-hearted,” the guy pretended to cry.
“Joker,” Linden rolled his eyes, “don’t listen to them, Odry.”
She smiled at their clowning. An hour passed in lively conversations, jokes and wine, but the guys grew unusually weary and tired very quickly. They yawned and apologized.
“Well, it’s been fun, but we must go,” Linden got up. Odry didn’t feel like leaving so soon, but she knew Linden did it to protect the guys from his vampirism. He was taking their energy, wether he wanted or not. The guys protested, of course, but Linden apologized again and the two left.
“And that’s why I never had real friends,” he said ruefully when the two walked through the streets of Paris. Luckily it didn’t rain.
“Now you have me,” Odry smiled.
He stopped, wrapped around her and kissed Odry.
“To be with you is worth more than playing on all the best stages of the world!”
Linden’s eyes shone in the dark, the tenderness radiating from them was nearly unbearable. Odry felt the guilt sting her heart; she could never betray him, not even for the circus.
“Listen, your father…” she told him about Bastille’s plan.
“Of course. The circus always comes first, even if it means hurting me,” Linden said spitefully, “and I thought he had changed.”
“He has. And he really does care for you. But he cares about the circus too. I promise, even if I go to Vegas, I would never betray you.”
Linden looked deep into her eyes.
“I know.”
Odry noticed his eyes losing their glow; he was heartbroken.
“It looks like you could use a re-charge,” she said playfully. Linden smirked with naughty sparks in his blue eyes.
“Come,” he grabbed her hand and ran.
They crushed into the room of a nearby five-star hotel. Linden didn’t care how much it cost. The room was posh, although they wouldn’t have cared if it was a cheap motel; just to hold each other close without Bastille lurking around.
“Are you happy with me?” Odry asked, catching her breath after they’d made love. Linden laughed melodiously, lying by her side.
“I mean… you gave up your career… to play in the circus you’ve always hated,” she added.
Linden kissed her.
“I am the happiest man in the world,”
“But…”
Linden kissed her again. Odry snugged under his arm, and listened to his heartbeat.
They returned late. Luckily Bastille wasn’t around to greet them.
Linden had gone cold toward his father. They didn’t speak much, but Bastille was too busy to care; he had begun working on the new program locked in his study for hours each day. Linden was busy too, arranging the wedding in Bordeaux. Though a small gathering, he wanted everything to be perfect. He also arranged for all the troupe to fly to Bordeaux safely. Odry spoke to Daffy every day. Apparently, Tiberius’ henchmen hadn’t been bothering them ever since that evening.
“No wonder,” Bastille said, after Odry informed him, “the old bastard’s busy; his shithole Casino opens on New Year’s eve.”
***
They all met in Bastille’s mansion in Bordeaux. Odry, Linden and Bastille arrived there first, and the troupe joined them before Christmas and the Wedding. Yes, Linden arranged the Wedding to take place on Christmas Eve.
“…and all I’m saying, you should wait until he burps and only then you put him to sleep, sis…” Odry heard Danny arguing with Daffy; the troupe just entered the house. Their voices were joined by babies crying, Vinnie’s heavy steps stoping… Odry ran down the stairs to them.
“Oh, hey kid!”
Bastille and Linden followed. Everybody froze staring at the scar-covered Bastille’s face. Bastille looked at the crying babies. Unexpectedly he laughed and took baby Eddy from Rouge.
“What a charming young man! And his lovely little sister! This brings back memories of many many sleepless nights… Linden was a restless little one…”
Odry noticed Bastille’s eyes tear up, while he rocked little Eddy.
He really has changed…
“Congratulations, Danny and Rouge, you’ve trully been blessed by Heavens with these little treasures! Enjoy every minute with them, I wish I’d have…” Bastille went quiet. Odry saw Linden frowning; he obviously didn’t believe Bastille’s sentiment.
“Thank you, Bastille, sir!” Danny replied.
“Jean-Luc! Call me Jean-Luc! From this day on we’re equal partners. Yes, yes, don’t look at me like that, children! Odry convinced me of this. As it turned out, she can be very persuasive!” Bastille laughed, with his blue eyes shining.
Persuasive your ass! I’m giving you energy whenever you want!
It was true; Odry had to recharge Bastille whenever he wanted, such was their agreement. So far they had blown up two phone chargers, the microwave and the toaster.
“Ah, we needed new appliances anyway,” Bastille had said.
Odry disliked connecting with him, whilst holding his hand to give him energy, but she had to admit - Bastille was a much happier man now that he was charged regularly.
***
“Jean-Luc? Is everything alright, Hon? I mean, you didn’t have to sell your soul to make us partners with Bastille,” Daffy asked Odry quietly, while they had coffee in the kitchen.
“No, it’s nothing like that. No, really! I just convert energy for him, and that’s it!”
“A-ha…”
“No, I think Bastille really comprehends I’m not Odette,”
“If you say so,” Daffy shrugged.
***
It was a truly magical time. Odry was in love from the tips of her chestnut-brown hair to her toes. She was overwhelmed with joy - she was with Linden every day and every night, her circus family was around her, even Bastille acted like a kind father or… grandfather. He seemed to enjoy babysitting the twins, which gave Danny a chance to spend more time alone with Rouge, and Daffy and Vinnie could get more sleep. Smiling faces all around; Odry felt embraced by love. It was almost too good to be true.
The Wedding day arrived with clouds of fluffy snow. Since it was only them, along with Nicholas and Briggite, they decided to do a full-on winter wedding. While Odry was getting ready, the others decorated the garden…
“Shall we?” Bastille offered to lead Odry to the improvised altair. It was weird, but she nodded and grabbed his arm.
Odry looked into the mirror - she wore a knee length ivory dress with a puffy tulle skirt and a matching foux-fur jacket. Her hair up and trimmed with pearl pins and a white rose.
“You are a lovely bride. I am happy for Linden. He deserves happiness, more than anybody,” Bastille said looking at their reflection in the mirror.
He really means it.
They went into the garden. The sight was breathtaking - like stepping into a fairytale. Everything was richly covered with snow, because it kept snowing. All the trees where wrapped in golden Christmas lights. The path to their improvised altair was cleared from heaps of snow, and trimmed with white rose petals. Candles shone in tiny glass jars hung up the trees with white ribbons. Linden stood out in his black suit. He did wear a white shirt, tie and vest. He was crying quietly, and Odry barely held back tears.
Nooo…. I can’t cry! I don’t want to ruin my make-up!
Danny, Rouge and the tiny twins. Daffy, Vinnie and Bastille. Nicholas and Brigitte. All stood around the newlyweds. It really was a family wedding.
The photographer pranced around taking pictures. The government official gave a short speech, they said their “yes” or “oui” in this case, they exchanged proper rings and were announced husband and wife. Again. Odry couldn’t stand any longer, she burst out crying, both she and Linden stood pressing their foreheads together and shedding tears of joy.
The Wedding meal/Christmas dinner was exquisite and wonderful.
Odry’s room was decorated with white roses and candles; Linden had made sure everything was perfect.
This was a perfect day. Everything is just so… perfect. How can anything go wrong? Odry thought, holding Linden close and listening to his calm breathing as he slept. She was the luckiest girl in the world, and she had never felt more alive.