Fredrica's ch4 p6

The beam of your flashlight penetrates the inky black of the theatre’s depths as you make your way to Mama’s. The flopping of your insides is frozen by the sound of a door creaking open somewhere in the night. You spin around and shine the bright light into the direction of the noise. Gary puts his hands up, “Whoa kid, it’s me!” He says. He’s half out of a doorway you hadn’t seen before. The peeling paint on the metal door reads ‘private’. He pulls his keyring out of his pocket and quickly bolts the locks on the door shut. There’s 3 of them, which is more than you’d seen on even the exterior doors. He gives a sheepish grin when he’s done.

“W-what happened to those guys?” you ask him. He dusts his hands off on his grubby suit. Maybe it was just the first time you had seen him in this much light, but you could swear there were large darker blotches on his worn black outfit that hadn’t been there when you had seen him earlier.

“Ah, they left about an hour ago out the backdoor. They’re friendsa Mama and Daddy. Good kids for the most part. They’ve got a pizza business and we like ta exchange pointers every so often, touch base, ya know?”

“Oh, okay. I just wanted to make sure Mama was alright. I mean, security and all.” You play it off cool, despite a heavy dose of skepticism over Gary’s honesty weighing your charisma down. “I think I’ll go check on her just to be sure.”

The little man doesn’t protest, but you can sense his slight discomfort. “Go ahead, but she’s probably still getting cleaned up.”

An odd choice of words. But you’d already made someone uncomfortable that evening via catching their verbal slip-ups, so you decide to not clarify that with the doorman. You nod and carry on to Mama’s. Your stubby co-worker scurries off like a roach in the dark.

You get to her dressing room and, like your first visit, her voice catches you before you can even knock. It’s as soothing as always. “Michael, yes, I was expecting you, please come in.” You obey and let yourself into the fancy chamber. Mama is dressed in a red smoking jacket, with some sort of black negligee underneath. Your eyes can’t help but be drawn to the fringed fishnet thighhighs and garterstraps on her thick, shapely thighs. She’s seated at her large vanity, probably getting ready for the finale at 6am, marking closing time. Seated on the counter in front of her is a little robot that looks identical to Carla, save for all of her ‘frosting’ being in a shade of purple, rather than your office mate’s pink. That must be the sister.

Mama finishes applying a layer of bright red lipstick, then turns to you. The cupcake sister does similar. “I apologize for not contacting you earlier about Gary’s proposition. I had some unexpected company drop by. However, I spoke with Daddy, as well as the girls, and they were very passionate about you being here for Bonnie’s training.” Her eyes thin, her expression becoming more playful. “Chica suggested you learn along side her, and I think it is a spectacular idea.” She stands up, and saunters behind her dressing screen. After a couple seconds, she returns, holding what appears to be clothing and a pair of special shoes. The shebear hands them to you. “Here is some dance attire. You may come in at 8pm tonight for your first lesson.” You quickly look at the tags on the outfit. They’re all in your exact sizes. She tilts her head. “Is that alright?”

“Y-yeah! Perfect really!” You stammer. She looks pleased.

“Also, how are you enjoying Carla?”

You brighten up, “She’s great. It’s good having someone to talk to and help with the cameras.”

“Very good.” She takes a seat back at her make-up station and gestures to the other cupcake, “This is her sister, Carol.” the minibot in question bows, but says nothing.

You’re all smiles. Even though Bonnie had spilled the beans to you earlier about Mama’s decision, it felt good to hear it from the source too. Those men from earlier and your encounter with Gary in the dark were distant thoughts when your mind got started on imagining that bunny in a tight little leotard. You force out that thought and try to replace it with some cleaner ones, but with limited success.

Mama glances at the clock on her wall. “It’s nearly showtime for me. If you would like, you may leave a little early today. You have a big evening ahead of you.” Her large hand reaches up and pats your shoulder. “Have a wonderful day, Michael.” Her expression was so soft and genuine. You leave the room and are left with your thoughts as you go to bid Carla farewell and head back home.

You have a moment of clarity as you hug the clothes in your arms. Wait a minute. Did you just agree to becoming a burlesque dancer?!