Carnival: Nightingale

A dark red grand piano sat in the middle of a room with glossy black tile all along the floor. One wall was completely glass hosting built-in color-changing lights with water on the opposite side. The rest of the room had white tables inside of deep purple booths on slightly elevated carpets on the black-tiled main floor. The wallpaper was black with green vine print all over. The ceiling was crystal stylized glass with color-changing lights. The double doors by the glass wall were a solid white with a marble frame and archway on both sides, accented with gold but no windows. The double doors opposite to them were simple black swinging doors with circular windows, leading to the kitchen. But there was a dark red single door on the last wall in between booths with pink, black, purple, and red glitter on it. Standing out thanks to the sign over it reading, “Pleasure Hall” in purple-red stained silver on a gold plaque. This was the decor of the exclusive performance club known as “Nightingale”.

It was the one place in town that was invitation only. You only received entry if you were given a business card by one of the Four Gentlemen. Bastion, Richard, Vincent, and Avery. Each one of the Gentlemen had a special talent that they would show off every full moon. Bastion was an unbeatable culinary skill. Richard was a world renowned dancer. Vincent had an undeniable voice. And Avery could play any instrument to touch the hearts of those around him. Nightingale was so popular that the city integrated the full moon cycle into its culture. And as it has been the past few years; the city was preparing for the next full moon.

Other stores and restaurants were setting up their moon accessories, while a couple at a cafe were going over their plans to attend the full moon service in two days. The female in the couple giggled in excitement as she looked at the black business card with Vincent’s name on it. The male of the couple was watching her gush over the card and questioned what kind of performances they would see. She asked him if he was excited. He seemed to snap back into reality and tell her that he was excited. She would fuss that he didn’t seem excited. Little did she know that he was caressing Richard’s card in his pocket. Their waitress rolled her eyes as she dropped off their coffees and sandwiches.

The waitress made her way to the barista complaining, “Can you believe it?”

The barista leaned against the wall, “Oh yeah. How dare a couple do couple things, sickening right?”

“Not that mushy mush. The whole club thing.”

“Not this again. Marie, look, it’s just a club. You don’t even like social outings.”

“Because they’re dumb! Like come on. Who in their right mind would want to go out with a bunch of people and get all sweaty, talking to people, and stuff? Come on Marci, back me up.”

“I mean, I think you just need to go to one. Just once. Maybe with someone you, you know, really care about?” Marci blushed.

Marie pretended not to notice. A coworker made kissing sounds at them before telling them to get to work.

Embarrassed, Marie rushed over to the cash register. “How may I help yooooo…” She stared in awe as she gazed upon a young man with curly brown hair and yellow eyes with green rings in them.

“Hi, may I have a tuna salad sandwich with cucumber? And whatever is your favorite drink here?”

Marie stuttered for some time before finally saying, “So that’s a tuna salad club with cucumber and a majestic lavender drink.”

“ ‘Club?’ Is there a difference between a club and a sandwich?”

“Noooo. Not really.” Marie laughed nervously. “It’s just what we call it.”

“Sorry if I offended you. I’m new to the city. I’m Marco.”

“I’m Marie.”

Marci cleared her throat, loudly. Marie finished out Marco’s order. Marco went and sat at a table as he awaited his order patiently. Marie found herself entranced by Marco. Looking at him. Thinking of him. Distracted by him. She couldn’t get two things about him out of her head. His alluring eyes and her smell. He smelt of cinnamon and butterscotch. She was so distracted that she didn’t even notice Marci talking to her.

“Marie.” she said slowly.

“Huh? Oh yeah, hey.”

“Seriously? Maybe I should take the order to your new boyfriend.”

“I got it. I got it.” Marie raced over, grabbing everything. “And he’s not my boyfriend.”

Marie walked over to Marco. Marco stood up as she approached. He thanked her for the food and drink. She thanked him for coming. He gave her a generous tip and walked out. She watched him leave. Marci scoffed. A coworker coughed, “Jealous.” Marci simply flipped them off and went back to work.

After their shift, Marci and Marie collected their tips and began to leave. Marci asked Marie what she was planning to do with the rest of her day. Marie did not respond. Marci remarked about how cute Marie was. No response. Marci started to list all the qualities she liked about Marie. Still no response. Marci grabbed Marie’s arm to keep her from walking into the street. Marie was shocked to see a car speeding by her face.

“Earth to Marie.”

“Oh. Sorry, I was…”

“In outer space. Were you thinking about that guy?”

“No. I was thinking about movie night.”

“Really?”

“Really. I think we should actually go and see a movie rather than going to one of our houses.”

“Okay, I guess that would be a nice change in pace. Let’s do it.”

They linked arms and started heading towards the movie theatre. As they got close, they could hear females swooning. They looked in the direction of the sound. Marie’s eyes went big. Marci’s eyes rolled. They saw Marco and a man that looked like an older Marco with black hair. There were women all around them asking for pictures, invitations, private lessons, and more. Marco saw them and waved, “Marie! Hey!” Marie waved nervously. Marci put Marie’s hand down and pulled her in line for tickets. “Bastion, that’s the girl I was telling you about.” the older man looked over slowly in Marie and Marci’s direction. Bastion excused himself and Marco from the crowd. The crowd did not like them leaving but loved watching them go.

Marci scoffed, “Pick your jaw up why don’t you.”

Marco ran over.

“Marco, a gentleman doesn’t run in his suite. If he must rush, then he is late.”

“Oh right. Sorry Bastion.”

The two gentlemen approached the two young ladies.

“Good afternoon young ladies.” Bastion greeted them with his gloved hand across his chest.

“Hi Marie!” Marco waved excitedly.

Bastion simply gave him a look and Marco seemed to calm down as if he was being turned down. Marci raised an eyebrow at the observation. Bastion looked at Marie, “Sorry. My little brother is still learning.”

Marci got in between Marie and them, “No worries. You never stop learning.”

“Very wise of you Miss.”

“Marci. Just Marci.”

“Marci. Please call me Bastion. I am one of the performers at Nightingale. Marco is new to the area and I wanted him to see the world himself.”

“Yeah. he’s very optimistic.” she folded her arms.

“Thank you.”

“That wasn’t a compliment.”

“But you are worth a compliment. From my understanding, the drink that he fell in love with this morning was made by you at the local cafe. Is that true?”

“It is.”

“Could you teach me the recipe?”

“Did you even try it?”

“A bit. But I could not replicate it. It is very unique and Marco could not stop talking about it at rehearsal. So my curiosity got the better of me. I had to meet the mixologist that could best and impress me.”

“I’m a barista. And I’m not interested in telling you or Marco anything.” She looked over at Marco and noticed that he was looking lovingly at Marie. And to her jealousy, Marie was returning the look.

“If I may be so bold, Marci.”

“You may not, Bastion.”

“Allow me to put my cards on the table and you can reject me and my little brother as you see fit after.”

Marci sighed.

Bastion smiled. “Come to Nightingale in a few hours. You and Marie can have a free meal made by my hands and watch our rehearsal for the Full Moon Service. If you are impressed then you can work for us. If not, we will visit you every day at the cafe and leave generous tips. Not just me for our group. Everyone in our group will match the tip evenly.”

“You must really want to make me rich.”

“I don’t like the idea of wasting talent. But I feel at ease knowing that I am fostering it. Either way you win. So what do you say?” Bastion extended two of his business cards.

“Why are you giving me two?”

“Marie is a good friend of yours, is she not? It would be very rude to not invite her as well.”

“And what does she get out of this?”

“Hm. Very loyal aren’t you? If you were at least 5 years older, I think I could fall for you.”

“Flattering but not interested. So what about Marie? We are a package deal. We’re M&M.”

“Even a team name. Very well. If you join the team then she can be trained to become the lead hostess.”

“Really stacking the deck in your favor.”

“Bread only rises under optimal conditions.”

Marci took the cards and walked Marie into the theatre. Bastion and Marco watched them as they entered before walking away.

As Marco and Bastion walked into Nightingale, they were met by the sound of a grand piano playing a slow ballet version of The Girl is Mine by Michael Jackson. A slightly effeminate male with slicked back brown hair with the same eyes as Bastion and Marco were laying across the piano. He stopped singing and hopped off the piano.

“Bastion! You look like you had a nice day out.”

“I think I may have found a new ingredient for the restaurant.”

“Oooh? Do tell.”

“Not just yet. Preparations must be made. A meal for an early snack, if you will.”

“He must be very interesting.”

Bastion smiled as he bit his ring finger.

“It’s a girl?!”

Both men smiled big with glee. A taller male in a white suit with strawberry blonde hair walked into the room from the Pleasure Hall. “Bastion. Richard. Please calm yourselves. It is quite unbecoming of gentlemen.” “Yes, Vincent.” they responded in unison while bowing slightly with their hands across their chest. Vincent turned to the man with wavy light brown hair and brown eyes playing the piano. “Avery, will everything be ready by the full moon?” Avery nodded as he continued to play. “Good. Bastion, when will your special guests get here?” Bastion responded that he was expecting them around rehearsal time. Vincent put his hand to his lip, thinking. “Richard, we will need to run through your tap dance so that will be what they observe.” Richard winked at Vincent. “We’re all set then.” Vincent looked at Marco staring lifelessly into the distance, “And get… him some water. He seems to be dehydrated.” Vincent clapped, “Let’s get a move on before Avery’s guest gets here.”

As Nightingale closed for rehearsal, Marie and Marci were walking up. They were walking past people talking about how amazing the food was. Marci scoffed at the idea before commenting how Marie didn't have to change clothes. Marie commented how Marci also changed her clothes. Marci deflected talking about how it’s not every day that they get to go out together. Reminding Marie that they never went to a place so fancy before, Marci blushed a bit thinking about all the times they would try new places together. Marie thought about the last time they went anywhere together. Seeing that it had been over a month since they had gone out. Marie linked arms with Marci and joyfully charged forward, “They better live up to the hype. Right, Marci?” Marci smiled, “Yeah! Make way Nightingale, M&M is on the way to wreck shop!”

They approached the entrance. But instead of a regular host or hostess. They were greeted by Vincent himself. “You must be Marci and Marie. Bastion’s guests. Welcome to Nightingale.” he opened the door for them. They walked in and looked around in awe at the interior. “Do you like it? My wife designed everything herself.”

Shaking her head, Marci responded calmly, “I should not be surprised a man with such a successful restaurant is married to a woman with such great taste. Not saying that you don’t have taste, just not surprised.”

“No harm in your words. I take it as a compliment to my wife. This is her business after all.”

“I thought you were the owner.”

“I am merely the face of operations. We can talk more about that during employee meetings every week.”

“What makes you think that I will join you?”

“A young woman’s heart is always in search for connection. And connecting with others is what we pride ourselves in.”

Vincent escorted them to their booth. Marci asked what kind of lighting they used since it felt a bit warm. Vincent complimented her on her observation. He explained that the lights over the booths are a type of solar equivalent, similar to UV but stronger. He went on to say that their shows tend to go on all day and wish to lessen the risk of customers, who stay all day and consistently, losing out on vitamin D. Marie made a joke about thinking the Four Gentlemen were vampires. Vincent took it as a compliment, replying, “To be seen as one of the most romanticized creatures in literature is most flattering. Please enjoy your free meal and show. My apologies for my exit.” Vincent stepped away towards the Pleasure Hall.

Marie whispered to Marci about the meal being free and how it might be awesome to just join them. Marci remarked that she has yet to be impressed. Suddenly the piano began to play. They looked over and saw Avery playing what began as Moonlight Sonata but had hints from modern love songs within it. It was almost as if he were two people playing on one piano. Bastion walked out of the kitchen and walked over with two plates. “Don’t mind him. Avery plays that thing all the time. Audience or not. He loves learning music and piano is his forte.” Marci leaned back and folded her arms. Marie closed her eyes, enjoying the music. “Well then, I wasn’t sure of your diet choices so I played it safe and made two different dishes for you to try together. The first dish is grilled chicken glazed in a thin lemon and wine sauce over yellow rice with a side of caesar. The second dish is a simple garlic shrimp and mushroom alfredo. Please let me know what you think once you’re finished. I will come back for the plates.”

“What, no drinks? Is that…” Marci was interrupted by Marco placing carbonated fruit juices. Marco smiled. Marci scoffed. Marie smiled. Bastion smirked as if he had won something. Before Marci could say anything, Avery switched the song up and they could hear tap dancing. Both girls looked over and saw Richard dancing to the music by the glass wall. There were fish swimming behind him, almost as if they were dancing along with him. Marie watched in amazement. Marci rolled her eyes and began to eat. After one bite, she dropped her fork. “It’s… good… It’s really good!” Marie, confused, turned to see Marci crying. Marci felt as though the food was not just freshly made but it was specially made with thoughts of her in mind. As if it was a meal made by a loving parent trying to nourish their young child.

Marci was brought back to a memory of being sick. Her father took the day off and stayed with her. He spent all day trying to make soup for the first time. She watched him as he failed over. But the batch he was the most comfortable with serving her, felt like she was being hugged from inside with a warm embrace that helps you to relax the longer it lasts. She felt as though she was reliving that memory, all over again. Marie took a taste of the alfredo. She couldn’t help but smile super big. She began to remember the first time she met Marci. Marci just walked up to her on their first day of elementary school and asked Marie to draw her a dog. Marie drew it, only for Marci to tell her it sucked and redraw it. Marci told her that if she sucks at something then she shouldn’t let people force her to do it. They’ve been friends since.

For a moment, through the tears, Marci saw what looked to be Bastion with grey skin and a large smile that almost connected at his forehead. Jumping back in her seat and rubbing her eyes, Bastion appeared to be normal again.

“I see my cooking reached you.”

“Yeah…”

“So I impressed you?”

“... Yeah.” she said regretfully.

“Glad to hear. May I show you something in the kitchen before you sign your paperwork?”

“Show me what?”

“I would like to show you your new workstation.”

“Really?”

“Yes, it would be best for you to get familiar with your area as soon as possible.”

Marci got up and went with Bastion. Marie continued eating as if in a daze.

They entered the kitchen. Marci took immediate notice of the black polished granite countertop by the walk-in refrigerator. Directly behind the countertop was a glass sliding door, completely stocked with mixers and other cold drinks. Marci slowly made her way over and admired it all. She remarked about how amazing it all looked and asked where the back entrance was. Bastion didn’t respond. Marci asked again in confusion. Bastion didn’t respond.

“So do the other employees just go out the front entrance or something?”

“What other employees?”

Marci swiftly turned around.

Marie thought that Marci was taking quite a long time. Marco walked over and sat with her. Marie blushed as Marco held her hand.

“Marie.”

“Yes, Marco?”

“Will you go out with me?”

“I…”

“If you need more time that’s okay. We could be the new M&M.”

“Wait. What? Why would there need to be a new…. Where’s Marci?”

“She’s going to start working here so she won’t have time for you anymore.”

Marie stood up, “I should check on her.”

“I don’t think…”

Marie rushed into the kitchen. She only saw Bastion washing his hands.

“Where’s Marci? We gotta get home.”

“She’s not out front? Maybe she left without.”

“Is there another way out?”

Bastion ran his hands through his hair, smiling, “there’s always another way out.”

Marie looked towards the oven, “Are you… Still cooking?”

“Yes. a young soul freshened with thyme, a bit of edge, basted with nostalgia for 30 minutes and left to bake with the flames of unrequited love and passion until ready.”

Marie chuckled nervously as she noticed that his skin was turning dark grey. She slowly started to back up.

“There’s only one thing left that I need for this special meal.”

Marie backed into something sticky. She slowly turned around to see Marco but something was off about him. It wasn’t just that his loving look was replaced with that of a blanket stare. It was also the fact that he appeared to be composed of food. Rotisserie chicken in the form of a human torso, what appeared to be arms made of meat loaves, legs made from roasted pork, hair of whipped cream with cinnamon, but real human eyes. Marco hugged Marie. Marie was too terrified to scream.

“I need a broken heart filled with terror. Thank you Marie. You’ve been an absolute delight.”

Bastion walked over to Marie humming The Girl Is Mine, green mist poured from Marie, a knife tattoo appeared on the back of Bastion’s hand just before he reached into her chest.

After the night service, Avery had finished his meal and quietly excused himself. Vincent asked him if he didn’t like the meal. Avery said nothing. He simply bowed, grabbed an umbrella, and walked out. As he exited Nightingale, he opened the umbrella and saw a young girl with wavy black hair and green eyes waiting for him. He raised an eyebrow, “Can I help you young lady?”

“Yes actually. I need my butler back.”

Avery peeked from the umbrella to stare the young woman in the eyes, “Princess?” his eyes flashed yellow with green rings.