“Breathe, Jules.” The young woman leaned over the steel and porcelain sink, staring at her weary reflection in the rectangular mirror which hung just above it. “You'll pull through this like always.” She sighed, dabbing at the moisture around her eyes, and touching up remnants of
midnight mascara that had run from tears only moments earlier. “Not that you have a choice.”
After spending a few minutes spot-treating small areas of makeup, tightening the bun of long dark hair behind her head, smoothing out wrinkles on the pinstriped suit jacket, and straightening the matching skirt, Julie stood in front of the adjacent wall mirror and was seemingly satisfied with the overall ensemble. Well,
mostly. The truth is she was rarely ever happy with her appearance, but she knew looking the part was at least half the battle, and quickly regained an air of confidence and power at that moment. Even the look and feel of
Christian Louboutin heels -which certainly boosted her already tall stature- helped to ease the anxiety just enough. With a deep breath and chin up, she left the restroom and made her way down the main corridor, one that sometimes felt as though it could go on forever, which then came to a halt at the entry door to the boardroom, and quite possibly the end of a long career.
"Julie."
Even though it was calm and even-toned, the underlying tension in her supervisor's voice could cut the large room in half. Perhaps it was part of the charisma one acquires in their middle years, as well as being the CEO of a large art brokerage. Either way, Joseph Levin was a hard man to read, even on his worst days.
"Have a seat please."
"I'd rather stand if it's all the same, sir." She said without missing a beat, her expression about as close to a poker face as possible. The woman knew what was coming, and yet was she prepared for the blowback?
"Suit yourself." The other shrugged, leaning forward with folded hands on the black, glossy surface of the conference table, his navy blue Armani three-piece appeared flawless as usual. Sky blue eyes glanced down at a stack of papers, the top page showing the familiar letterhead of a client, as he scanned the body of the document once more before returning his attention to the woman standing a few feet away.
"I'll cut right to the chase, Julie. You know what happened last week was completely uncalled for, and-"
"But the asshole had it com-"
"Let me finish." Her boss snapped firmly, but coolly, before continuing. "Be that as it may, your husband is still a board member if you recall and taking your private concerns into the workplace is simply unacceptable,
especially in the presence of a client like Claudia Serrilian."
“Joe, I know I was out of line, but some things are just unforgivable, and a cheating husband is up on the list, 'board member' or otherwise.” She crossed her arms and began pacing a little, clearly frustrated. “Besides, Ms. Serrilian wasn’t even present. It was her
proxy as usual.” Her eyes rolled. “You know the woman never leaves her posh home in the Hamptons.”
“So telling her stand-in to ‘fuck off’ while you continued to verbally castrate your husband was justified?’ The other shook his head. “C’mon Julie you know this firm has a reputation to uphold, and the fact that Kevin couldn’t keep his dick in his pants doesn’t give you the right to make a scene like that anywhere in this building, as well as potentially drive away one of our largest accounts.”
Julie paused for a moment as silence washed over the conference room, before allowing a long-held breath to escape finally. “You’re right. I have no excuse.” She said, staring down at her fidgeting fingers. “I’m fine.”
But she wasn’t fine. In fact, Julie hadn’t been herself since finding out about the affair a week prior. Although, in all honesty, it should not have come as a surprise to the young woman, considering her commitment to the marriage seemed to be shadowed by her career almost on a daily basis. If that wasn't bad enough, they had the audacity to bring children into their chaotic world, into a relationship that had begun to unravel before it ever truly flourished. Neither was compatible with the other, and while Julie seemed to have chosen the busyness of her work rather than just being the mother her kids needed, she never stopped loving them. She had always done her best, but was her “best” enough?
Or, more importantly, did it matter anymore?
“So what now?” Julie asked in a flat tone, vestiges of moisture beginning to well up around the corners of her eyes. “Pack up my stuff?”
“No.” Joseph leaned back in the leather office chair with his fingers steepled and resting under his chin. “A stunt such as that would warrant severe consequences to be sure, but we'd rather settle this as soon as possible and move on. We don't want to lose you, Julie. You're one of our most valued employees, and for the past ten years, you've worked your ass off to keep this company top tier. You understand the art community, and bridging gaps between our firm and artists out there is exactly what you do best."
"But." There was a pause as Joseph leaned forward once again, his hands folded atop the table. "We need to save face. You need to save face. So, I've already setup a time for you to visit Ms. Serrilian in her home, tomorrow morning."
"Joe, now wait-"
"Julie, hear me out, because this is your only recourse. I need you to
formally apologize to her and her proxy, kiss a little ass if need be, and make sure she gets whatever it is she needs so that things are otherwise copacetic. Is that clear?"
The woman was about to open her mouth in protest but decided against such a futile attempt. She merely nodded in acknowledgment.
"Their both sound asleep, ma'am." The nanny, an older woman by about fifteen years, was gathering her belongings before leaving Julie's Manhattan apartment for the evening. "Jordan had a bit of a headache, but I think the Tylenol helped." She smiled warmly.
"Thank you as always, AnaMarie." Julie forced a smile, trying to hide the physical and emotional exhaustion of the day, and really just wanting to get to bed.
"De nada." The woman nodded as she opened the door and headed into the hallway. "Buenas Noches, Señora."
"Good night."
Julie closed and locked the door before resting her head against the frame, desperately wanting to break down in tears from the mess rumbling around in her brain. It had been an emotional rollercoaster to say the least, and the thought of her husband ever stepping foot in their home again made her sick. Then again, he hadn’t been home in over a week. He told the kids that he would be away on a “business trip”, but Julie knew better, especially in light of recent events, and knew he wouldn’t be back for awhile at the very least. With a drawn-out sigh, she pushed away from the door and headed toward the kid’s bedroom, slipping her heels off along the way. Peeking in through the half-opened door, she walked over to the side of the bunk bed, giving each a soft kiss on the forehead. She couldn’t help but smile watching them as their little minds went off into dreamland. Two young boys, so much of a handful during the day, and such calm, sound sleepers at night. Go figure.
She hoped they would never find out about what their father had done. Hoped that they would grow up better men. Many times over, Julie wished them into a family that could give them all the attention and affection they deserved. She loved them, and that scared the shit out of her.
Leaving the bedroom, Julie bee-lined it to the kitchen and quickly popped open the chilled bottle of Cabernet, pouring herself an almost full glass, before heading into the living room and plopping down onto the dark leather sofa. Looking around the room for a moment, she sometimes didn’t recognize her own place, as though over time, the aesthetics were shifting and what was once hers was slowly becoming something else. Naturally, artwork seized most of the interior decor space, collected over many years, and exchanged through many hands, in order to have an original, or at least a very close reproduction. But amongst the paintings, drawings, and sculptures, there hung one piece that Julie both loved and hated since acquiring it years ago.
The Fairy Queen. One of Claudia Serrilian’s first works of art that is known, and certainly one of her finest to date. The figure central to the painting was close to what one would think of as a “fairy”, at least in fictional descriptions, but more like the size of a petite human with fair skin, cerulean colored hair, and angled facial features. The lavender dress decorated in many embroidered patterns fit perfectly on her otherwise lithe frame as she sat atop a throne made of gold and flowery vines. The subject is of course mythical in origin, but from the description that the artist herself had spoken and written many times over, it seemed the “Queen” is in fact very real, as were many of the subjects in her series of visual works which depicted a world known only as “Arcadia”. An eccentric to the core, Claudia’s imagination and use of deep, sensual colors that transport you into her artwork, could not be overlooked even by those uninterested in the “fantasy” genre or put off by her outlandish claims.
You either liked the work or you didn’t.
Julie was a fan, admittedly, not just for its beauty but because the artwork appealed to her thirst for freedom and change, and to live away from a world that had brought unhappiness for a long time. She wanted to believe in a place such as Arcadia, and to dwell where pain and suffering appeared to be nonexistent. But dreams like that only resided within in her mind and nothing more. And with that small, yet depressing thought, she took a few sips of wine and rested her head against the back pillow, staring blankly at the stucco textured ceiling, hoping to allow her mind to wind down for the evening. But, the lingering thought of actually having to go visit the reclusive artist in her home the next day was more than enough to amp up the anxiety.
“Fuck.”
Morning traffic was a bear as per the usual commute during the work week in New York City, and what would normally take a little over two hours to the Hamptons, turned into almost three with slow downs every few miles from construction detours, and an accident involving a tanker.
Fucking New York…The jet black Lincoln Navigator finally arrived to the neighborhood around ten-thirty, and Julie knew exactly which house just had to be Claudia’s. Yep, definitely the largest one on the block that appeared as though it had been transported from another time. Brick, stone, and wood construction, beautiful cream-colored french doors, large lower and upper floor windows with meticulously detailed etchings along the outside frames, high gable roofing that came to an almost knife-like point, and a two-car garage large enough to fit tanks. The whole exterior was finished with a dull gray of various shades. It took Julie a couple of minutes to stop staring at just how massive the house was. Maybe not a house. A castle?
After pulling into the round-about driveway, she switched the car off, and did a quick makeup and hair check in the rearview, hoping that her heart would stop racing before it exploded. She really couldn’t figure out why she’d been so nervous about the meet, but I’m sure it had something to do with sheer reverence for an artist she truly admired.
Before she knew it, she was standing in front of the arched double-doorway entrance, wondering if she’d even rang the doorbell. Moments later, however, the door opened, and Jorge Vargas, Claudia’s proxy, was standing on the other side, dressed in a neatly pressed black pinstripe suit, holding a cup of coffee in one hand.
“Good morning Mrs. Bellamy.” His smile was clearly rehearsed. “Welcome to Vel’orhia Manor”
“Manor?” Julie smirked -clearly amused- as she stepped through the door into the large foyer, complete with two curving staircases leading to the second floor landing, Roman-inspired columns on either side of the room, and a ceiling mural of what appeared to be fairy folk dancing about in a garden. It was all beautiful and, at the same time, overwhelming.
“I trust your travels were without incident?” The olive-skinned gentleman ran a few fingers through his short hair. “New York traffic is certainly...unforgiving. Like many of those people residing in its grasp.” He said with a smug expression, before sipping his coffee.
“Right.” Julie narrowed her eyes slightly, realizing the comment was aimed at her. “Look, Mister Vargas, about last week, I can’t apologize enough for my behavior. I was completely out of line.”
There was what one might consider an awkward pause for a few moments, as Jorge took another sip of coffee before acknowledging the other. “Water under the bridge as far as I’m concerned, Mrs. Bellamy.” He said with a smile that may or may not have been genuine. The man was hard to read at times. “But, on that note, our host should be down in a few minutes if you’d like to wait in the reading room, which is straight through those doors to your left.” He gestured toward the general direction. “Did you want a cup of coffee or tea in the meantime?”
“No thank you, I’m fine.” Julie nodded in thanks and proceeded to walk into the other room, which was essentially a massive library straight out of Beauty and the Beast. The walls were lined with shelves full of books stacked at least thirty feet high, and in the middle of the room, was a large sitting area that encircled a brick fire pit. Scattered about were more paintings, drawings, and sculptures that were no doubt a collection of Claudia’s own work and others, mostly dealing with some type of Fae lore or perhaps even darker fantasy pieces not quite understood by the untrained eye.
"Do you like what you see?"
The hushed female voice directly behind her was startling, causing the woman to jump just a little, and turn, but the one who spoke was clear across the room.
"Miss...Serrilian?" She said with a puzzled expression, still perplexed by whatever just happened, but quickly dismissing it as simply
great acoustics.
"That would be me." The other smiled brightly, as she walked over to Julie. "Welcome to my home." She gestured around with her hand.
Claudia was more stunning in person than any internet image or painted portrait could ever depict. Lean physique, fair skin, perfectly defined facial structure, and thick beautiful auburn hair that hung down to the middle of her back and draped over both shoulders like a silk shawl. The lavender dress she wore was long and elegant. Long enough, in fact, to just cover her perfectly pedicured bare feet. The woman was a proverbial goddess amongst the wretched, and yet her personality and tone never came off as such from Julie's own experiences speaking with her over the phone throughout the past several years. She hid herself well from the public eye for the most part, allowing only what she wanted to be seen, and nothing more. Needless to say, Julie was awestruck by her host’s very presence.
"Thank you, Mrs Ser-"
"’Claudia’" The other softly interrupted, a pleasantness radiating from her smile. "I insist."
Julie paused for a moment, and then nodded, returning the smile. “Okay, then.”
It had been a long time since she smiled, or at least not one that was coerced by obligation to a client, or typical business practices. No, this was a smile that indicated pressure easing from her mind, the anxieties she walked in with, had begun to slowly subside.
“So, before you bring it up.” Claudia said, standing at about an arm's length. “There is no need for an apology. I know you were under a lot of stress that day regarding your family and we bear no ill-will toward you. Your debt is paid in full already.”
The other blinked in surprise, wondering just how much of her personal life this woman actually had. “Well, I appreciate your understanding and I just hope that this hasn’t tarnished the professional relationship you have with our firm.”
Claudia let out a bit of a chuckle. “Not at all, my dear. In fact, I am hoping to partner with your firm in the near future, but we can discuss the details later.” She took a few steps and sat down on one of the chairs surrounding the central firepit. “Take a seat though, so we make speak for awhile.”
Julie sat down on the cushion next to her host, admiring for a moment the soft feeling of the pillows, as she sank a little into its welcoming hold. “You really do have such a beautiful home.” She said, looking around the room of the library. And the artwork, especially the murals, are just breathtaking. You have a very similar style in all of your work, which I love.”
The woman smiled. “I thought maybe you would like it. In our past conversations you’ve expressed an interest in a lot of the prints, specifically those dealing with Arcadia, do you remember?”
“Of course.” Julie said with a cheerful expression. “I thought the landscapes were beautifully rendered, not to mention your attention to details.”
“And...perhaps you’ve imagined being there?” Claudia raised an eyebrow as she shifted closer to the other, placing a hand atop Julie’s hand, which made the woman flinch just a bit. “Being in a place as magical and mysterious. Away from this terrible world. Away from the pain, and the agony of your mortal coil.” She gazed into the woman’s eyes as she spoke, and Julie found herself mesmerized by Claudia’s words. “It’s time to let go, Julie. You are not happy in your current life, I know this. I have
always known it since the first day we spoke, and the day you brought the portrait home to hang above your fireplace.
Julie felt a shuddered breath as the other spoke of things she should not have known. But they were true. Her mind went back to those many instances where she sat in her living room, staring at the portrait of the Fairy Queen, speaking with her as though she were a real person in the room. Asking her silly questions about Arcadia, and her life. But that was just to herself. Claudia wasn’t even…
“How do you know this?” Julie pulled her hand away suddenly and gave her host a look of concern. “Is this some joke at my expense? Why am I even here?”
“No, Julie. This is not a joke. And, I think you know exactly why you are here.” She gestured around the room with an arm. “All of this. You want what I already have, and I am prepared to pass it on freely to you, so you may leave your old life, and start anew.”
At this point, Julie’s heart rate began to speed as an uncertainty of just what was going on cast its ugly shadow, and she simply needed to leave. But, as if by some unknown and invisible force, she was unable to move from her spot on the couch, and the more she tried, the harder it became. “What is this?...”
“I am sorry, Julie.” Claudia’s expression changed from the previously happy and gleeful, to a now sorrowful, sullen countenance. “You cannot leave.”
And with that, Claudia leaned into the other, and touched her lips against Julie’s for a momentary kiss that would ultimately change the course of her life. Still unable to move, and now, apparently, unable to speak, the woman was helpless against whatever supernatural trickery her host had played on her. It was a strange, yet euphoric sensation, as a transference of energies was taking place, and within moments, it was over and Claudia pulled away smiling.
“It is done.” She said, catching her breath as though she’d held it for many minutes. “For countless lifetimes I’ve been locked in this prison while the rest of humanity did what they willed, living a life I’ve only dreamed of. I am finally free to leave this place, and move about the world as a human. A mortal, who will one day die of old age. No more will I have to endure eternity.”
Julie felt drained as she tried to regain her bearings, and listening to the ramblings of a woman she thought she knew, made even less sense. “W-what has happened? Who are you?”
“I shall show you.” Claudia stood up and placed the palm of her hand on Julie’s forehead, and the rush of an infinite number of memories and experiences came like a bolt of lightning, searing every part of her mind with knowledge that was so incomprehensible and wholly unbelievable all at once. Vast landscapes of a world she’d seen in only paintings coming to life as though she herself had lived, the castle where the Fairy Queen lived, and the very throne room just as it was in her portraits. The lonely feelings and emotions of a Queen who ruled over the Fae folk for thousands of years yet had no one to share her kingdom with that was ever worthy. And as the memories began to catch up with the present, it was the images of Julie’s husband that seemed to flood in, one after another. Lies, deceit, infidelity, and the passion that Kevin shared with the woman week after week within her home.
Claudia Serrilian. The artist, the recluse, the mistress, the…
Fairy Queen.
“But..why?” Julie could finally muster the words as the memories faded and Claudia pulled her hand away. “Why would you do this to me and my family?” The tears came as she thought about them, her husband, and her children. “What have I ever done to you?”
The woman stood for a moment, tilting her head as though thinking about the questions from her subservient. “Nothing, actually.” She finally said, shrugging it off. “In fact, I bear no ill-will toward you, Julie, but only want what
you had. I have always wanted what you had, you see, and the more times I saw your life unravelling, and your own selfishness tearing you away from your family, the more I realized I wanted to take that from you. To give you the wish you so desired of ‘being free’, and to grant my own life-long wish of living amongst the mortal realm, and having a family for myself. Your husband was no exception. He never loved you, nor did you truly care enough for him, so why deny myself the pleasure of his company, and he, mine?” Claudia snickered. “And I have always been much more than you would ever be, my dear.”
Julie was able to stand as whatever force which held her at bay finally released, and at that very moment, she bolted for the double-doors leaving the library and nearly tripping over one of the side tables on the way out.
“It’s no use, Julie!” Claudia yelled through the library door and into the foyer, where Julie rushed for the front entry. “You can’t leave!”
“Watch me bitch!” She growled through clenched teeth as she opened the door and ran, but as soon as her foot crossed the threshold, her body immediately fell to the ground like a stone and she could only scream in agony as her form began to wither and decay. Skin tightened as moisture rapidly escaped and internal components shutdown against bones that became brittle and cracked. The screaming slowly died off as her vocal cords turned to ash, and respiratory system collapsed. But before total and final destruction came, Claudia grabbed a leg, and dragged the withering body back inside the house before closing the door, which seemed to be slowly reversing the effects to Julie’s body, and restoring her back to her physical form once again.
The woman writhed on the floor for a moment, before catching a strong gulp of breath as her body rebuilt itself.
“I told you, Julie. You can’t leave. You can’t go back to your old life. It doesn’t exist for you.” The other said, kneeling next to her successor and brushing the strands of dark hair out of her face. “You are now immortal. The stewart of this home. And so here is where you shall live.”
“I…” As Julie’s voice resurfaced again, a grumble became more coherent. “I don’t want this shit, do you hear me? I want to get the fuck out of here!” Julie’s screams turned to sobs as she laid curled up in a fetal position on the floor of the foyer. “I want...to see my children.” She whispered. “Please.”
Claudia stroked the woman’s hair, wiping a few tears from her face in the process, and continuing to pull strands of wet hairs from her eyes. At that moment, the Fairy Queen’s physical appearance began to slowly change, as she took on the form of the other, and became an exact copy of Julie Bellamy. Her hands never stopped stroking the hair, as the former Julie, emotionally drained and physically exhausted, closed her eyes.
“Do not worry little one. Your children will be well taken care of from now on.”
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