City of Stars

I almost jumped when I heard her words.

"I've never seen anything like that Miss Elivette. I didn't know you had it in you to perform such dance."

"Uhm, thank you..." That was a compliment right?

I fixed my hair, went down the stage and sat right back at the couch.

"Have some tea, and cool yourself for a moment."

I didn't think twice before accepting the teacup that she gave me and drank it all in one sip.

That was the most pleasant drink I've ever got since I got here.

"You did very well My Lady! That looks so cool!" Penny whispered to me and I couldn't help but smile at what she said.

"May I ask about your opinion for it Madam?" I asked after I put the teacup back on the little table.

She did a little laugh, "What you performed, as I said Miss Elivette is entertaining, but as you can see, the flowers here are performers and not entertainers."

"Aren't those the same thing? Performers perform to entertain an audience." I reasoned.

To say I was disappointed was an understatement.

I was really too confident to think that I'd be accepted here.

"Performers are artists who incorporate art in their acts. Entertainers on the other hand are artists whose aim is to please the audience. Those that exude elegance, nubility, and has talent are the flowers I accept into my Bare Elegance. However, talent alone won't secure you a guest spot here."

"I understand." I softly stated.

Her justification helped me to understand why I wasn't fit as a flower in this place. But she was right. Being unusual and unique isn't enough for me to be accepted here because their establishment has a standard that is well-known and it is what sustains their business.

Although I have other talents, such as cooking, it doesn't fit here either.

Should I try playing the instruments? But wouldn't I be too thick-faced if I asked to have a second chance?

Considering that this was my only chance to work a job that pays well, I gathered up my courage and asked, "I would like to perform another one, if you'd let me Madam."

She tilted her head, seemingly curious, "And what is it that you're gonna perform?"

"Can I borrow one of your instruments?"

"Go ahead." I stood up and went to the piano. When I went up here awhile ago I thought she didn't have any guitar, but it turns out it was hidden just beyond the piano.

I don't know if she'll accept me if I play the guitar knowing that most women prefer to play the piano, vielle and flute, but I had to try. This is the only instrument I know how to play after all aside from ukulele.

I sat back down on the sofa and grazed my fingers on the strings creating a strum of melody.

The guitar they have here is no different from the guitar we have on my world. They both have six strings, the notes are similar also. The only difference is the shape, because it is shaped like an oval.

I placed it in my leg, and tried to position it in a way that I'm comfortable with.

I positioned my fingers on the strings and started to pluck the strings accordingly, creating note after note, making a melody that is pleasant calming to the ears.

I cleared my throat then I started to sing the lyrics to a song.

"City of stars..."

"Are you shining just for me?"

"City of stars..."

"There's so much that I can't see..."

"Who knows?"

"I felt it from the first embraced I shared with you."

"That now... our dreams may finally come true."

"City of stars..."

"Just one thing everybody wants."

"There in the bars..."

"And through the smokescreen of the crowded restaurants..."

I looked at my side only to see Penny who was tearing up once again, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"...It's love..."

"Yes, all we're looking for is love from someone else."

"A rush, a glance, a touch, a dance..."

"A look in somebody's eyes... to light up the skies,"

"To open the world and send it reeling."

I looked up once again intentionally, to say the next line to Penny.

"A voice that says I'll be here... and you'll be alright."

"I don't care if I know... just where I will go..."

"Cause all that's I need's this crazy feeling."

"A rat-tat-tat on my heart,"

"I think I want it to stay..."

I strummed a few more and did the outro.

I removed my hands from the guitar and I couldn't help but grin when I saw Penny who was once again wiping the tears in her eyes.

She leaned on me and whispered, "My Lady, you've finally memorized a song's lyrics."

My smile dropped and I glared at her.

Is that all she's gonna say?

"That was beautiful." I looked back at the Matron and she had a smile plastered on her face.

"You performed and conveyed the song in a delicate yet strong and passionate way, and you have a euphonious voice."

I waited for her to continue.

"She remarked, "Listening to you sing offers me a different kind of feeling, and the song you've performed is equally exquisite. Is it a piece you composed Miss Elivette?" She questioned.

I was a bit thrown off by her question but then I eventually nodded.

The writer of the song wouldn't know about it right?

"Then Bare Elegance will accept you as I can see that you have potential."

I felt myself relax when I heard her words.

Finally.

"Thank you so much, this means so much to me."

"But please be aware, Miss Elivette, that in order to stay, you must meet a monthly quota. If you can't, you must leave. Aside from that, I believe getting you trained is better. As I've already mentioned, the flowers here have beautiful deportment, they do everything in the most finished manner, and I hope you'll learn to do so."

"Thank you, I'll do my best."

"A hostess of mine will explain how things are done here, the rules, and your accommodation to you."

Penny and I once again thanked her and was about to pass the door, since the hostess is already waiting outside the room, when she called me once again.

"Miss Elivette,"

I turned around to see her raising one corner of her lips.

"I hope you enjoy yourself in Bare Elegance."