The Diamond Dog Chronicles
Chapter 2 Serena Part 1
~ By Jessica ~
Serena stared across the cafe table in the bistro at her companion.
"I think we should do it." she said with a smirk.
Grace smiled back and said, "Here's the plan. You just walk in and ask for the
book, then when he's with a customer you just grab it."
Serena's brown eyes widened. "But what if I get caught?" she whispered.
"You won't get caught. You'll go in when he's very busy." She saw Serena's
unsure face. "You'll be fine."
"All right, let's do it."
"Good girl."
An hour later, Serena stood in the washroom at the bistro. She looked in the
mirror and saw a scared sixteen-year-old face framed by long curly brown hair.
She splashed some water on her face, reapplied her lipstick, and pinched her
cheeks. A master of make-up, Serena's face aged three years with just that bit
of color. She felt she could pass for nineteen. "There, that's better."
She confidently strode out of the bathroom and her roommate gave her a
reassuring smile.
Serena walked across the cobblestone Rue 4 and into Pencey Books & Rarities. She
approached the counter.
"Excuse me Mme., but could you tell me where M. Christian is?"
A pale woman of about forty stood before her with a chignon wrapped too tight.
"He isn't in today young lady," she paused smoothing her hair, "are you a friend
of his?"
Serena was disappointed. "No, just a customer."
The woman smirked. "He's a lot of young ladies for 'customers.'"
Though disappointed, Serena decided to go through with the plan, ignoring what
the bookseller was implying. "I suppose you could help me, I'd like to see your
copy of 'The Moulin Rouge,' that anonymous work, published about five years
back. I've heard good things about it."
The hag raised her eyebrows. "Why yes, I do believe I have a copy of that
volume. It's not very popular. I'll be right back."
The woman disappeared into the back room and produced a leather bound book. She
handed it to Serena and assisted the next customer. Serena stood at the window
and motioned to Grace. A small victory.
She examined the leather jacket, almost a cherry color, and carved with
intricate patterns. There was a large rose at the center of the book. She
gingerly opened the cover and read. "The Moulin Rouge: A novel" Then below that
she read "Anonymous, 1901." In the lower right hand corner were the initials
"CJ." Could that really be Christian? He'd mentioned before he'd written a book
and a volume of poems, but they had never been published. Instead of being a
famous writer, he settled on working at Pencey's to make rent.
Serena saw the woman was still busy and slipped the volume into her reticule.
She headed for the double oak doors, but stopped when someone grabbed her elbow.
"Wait."
Christian had just returned from lunch and was glad to see his book buddy.
Serena seemed to be the only person that shared his love of fiction and dramas.
And despite her young age, she said she was nineteen, but looked to be
seventeen, he enjoyed her youthful spirit.
She wanted to stop, but knew any delays would get her in hot water. She turned
and smiled at Christian. "Sorry M., but I am in a great hurry. We'll talk
later." Then she ran out before he could react. She walked down two blocks to
her spacious apartment on Rue 6.
Grace stood at her door waiting. "Well?" she asked anxiously.
Serena beamed. "I got it."
Grace giggled. "Let me see it," she said.
Serena removed it from her bag and held out the book. "Isn't it beautiful?"
"I think we should read it now."
"I'll make some coffee."
When the sun set and the moon came out, Serena lit all the candles in the
apartment and both fireplaces. She and Grace stayed up long into the night
reading the book to one another. "The Moulin Rouge. A dancehall, a night club
and bordello..."
When they had finished, the tallows were down to one inch nubs and both girls
had tears streaming down their faces.
"That was amazing," Serena said. "I swear I've heard that name, Satine, before.
Maybe Christian mentioned her, and I forgot."
Grace yawned, "You never know. Maybe you met her!"
"Don't be ridiculous." Serena smiled through her tears as she threw a pillow at
her friend. "I think I'll show this to Pierre tomorrow. Now, let's get some
sleep."
"Amen to that," Grace said as she retreated under the blankets, and Serena put
out the candles
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