Sappho Intl (Songs of Silk Book 1) Read online

  But falling in love with this goddess, of all the available women, was insanity. Unrequited love was always dicey; but with PrimaDonna it would be risky business for me, on so many different levels. Even now, she was so entrenched in the story that was being told that she was oblivious to the fact that I’d fixed my gaze so firmly on her and that these thoughts flowed through my mind. As I glanced at her, I wondered if she would ever be truly within my reach. I wondered if she could even begin to manufacture the same feelings that I felt for her. Maybe I was foolish to even think that a woman in her position could love me back. Besides, it would be breaking the primary rule of Sappho Intl, right?

  I would have to conceal these feelings for now and avoid professing them to PrimaDonna at all costs. I breathed in deeply, as I forced myself to re-focus while Madison continued with the history lesson.

  “The peace and happiness that they enjoyed was more than anyone could ask for. Nevertheless, as Cleis and Luna had grown older, Sophia Luna wanted to give Sappho another child in her likeness.”

  “Since they didn’t have the technology that we have now, she eventually convinced Sappho to allow her to lay with one of her brothers, as an arrangement—to give Sappho another child. But when Sophia Luna and Sappho’s brother had finally lain together it would be in vain—because their act failed to produce a child.”

  “Sappho instantly regretted the decision and was soon overcome with sadness and undue envy. Resultantly, Sophia Luna also became saddened.”

  “Their sorrow deepened more with the realization that they could not undue what had been done. So, in the ultimate show of love and dedication to each other, they agreed to toss themselves from a cliff as a symbol of their undying love. They would rather die in loyalty to each other than to live with the knowledge of what they’d done to each other.” Madison pointed to another painting mounted on an opposite wall.

  “This Gustave Moreau painting called 'Sappho leaping from the Leucadian cliff' captures her on that cliff with her lyre.”

  “It’s beautiful, but how tragic.”

  “It IS definitely compelling.”

  “It was unfortunate. But, unbeknownst to anyone their bodies were spared by our rainbow goddesses, Artemis Orthia and Aphrodite Anosia.” Diana added.

  Madison continued. “While everyone thought that they’d indeed been killed, their daughters, Cleis and Luna, eventually became lovers and also became at peace with their passing.”

  “But over time they mysteriously began to receive letters of consolation and instruction from Sappho and Sophia Luna, stamped with the seal that duplicated Sappho’s sacred ring. The primary instruction was for Cleis and Luna to seek out the Seven Sisters and to begin to compile and catalogue the letters, as well as all of Sappho’s poems, songs and various other documentations and artifacts. Their daughters and the Pleiades would form the foundation for what would now be called the Sapphic Trust.”

  “…the letters that were received, over time, by the daughters and the Pleiades detailed the structure and processes for monetary dues, inductions, protective, and healing ceremonies, as well as the overall vision for organization and growth. They received adamant instructions to document proceedings and events, as well as an order to begin to document and submit their own written stories, affairs and family’s affairs.”

  “They began to support the institution of marriage as a necessity to pro-create and began calling them ‘arrangements’. And in an effort to record and supplement the ever-growing rolls of newly inducted Sapphians and associated lineages, they were ordered to document and maintain arrangements and successive offspring.”

  “All of these instructions would be for the wisdom, love, and enlightenment of the generations that would follow. And over the centuries, these documentations and writings were transcribed into divine books held under lock and key. These sets of books became known as the Crown of Sappho.”

  “The original first letter of instruction from Sappho is called Sappho’s Manifesto and the first compiled book is called Sappho's Jewel. The Jewel plus the twelve other compiled books make the thirteen total books of the Crown of Sappho—which spans the history of us all, locked away in a sealed and gilded bronze chest called the Legacy.”

  Diana interrupted excitedly and added matter of factly. “The Legacy also contained some of the original artifacts, such as Sappho’s sacred ring and the blood keepsake lockets that capsulated and preserved a bit of each of their blood, within a silver and glass pendent and was worn with a chain about the necks of Sappho and Sophia Luna—as a testament to their undying love.”

  Madison continued. “An abbreviated text was eventually commissioned and became a summary of the Crown of Sappho—-it was simply labeled ‘The Crown’. The original, printed Crown is also held within the Legacy and each Trust member is required to have read the replicated Crown from beginning to end.”

  “Ultimately, it seems, that the child that Sophia Luna and Sappho originally desired would come to them in a different form than either of them could have ever imagined—theirs would be the birth of an inheritance in the form of the Sapphic Trust and the Legacy.”

  “The preservation of the artifacts of one's culture is paramount in the culture's existence and persistence throughout time.”

  “Every major theory, ideology, religion, institution, belief, culture or sub-culture begins with a story or idea and continues to thrive with the ultimate belief and the persistent transmission of that story through time—which is why there IS power in numbers.”

  “As the initiated of an elite sisterhood, Sapphians have remained spontaneous and unafraid of going against the grains of society’s status quos. We’ve remained unafraid of breaking the mold of what a woman’s role and image should be. And we, as Sapphians, are trendsetters and go-getters because we believe and swear by Sappho’s Legacy!”

  “…And someday you, Silk, will come to know it, as well as many other truths...”

  As I looked into the eyes of Madison and Diana, I became well aware of the magnitude of the truth that had been conveyed to me. They had opened this world to me—a world that my mother and father were associated. My whole existence as a lesbian had now been somewhat defined and validated by centuries of achievement and knowledge. And as my mother’s daughter, this was the missing link that I’d been searching for all of my life.

  I had so many questions but decided to ask only one.

  “This is incredible! Why is this information kept a secret from those lesbians who may not be members—or the world—for that matter?”

  “You’ll find out the answer to this question, as well as many other questions that you might have, all in due time.” Diana and Madison moved towards a window in the room as she spoke. Diana uncorked a bottle of champagne that sat in ice, surrounded by four flute glasses on a stand near one of the windows.

  “Today is the day to celebrate our existence…”

  “…and our right and freedom to love and enjoy pleasure.”

  “This world IS our stage! And aren't we all actors latching onto and adopting what has been written for us…to be molded in the image of our environment... It is the actors that maintain our core fiber and DNA, as we evolve, that arise to become the superstars. And it is the love and creativity within that grounds us.” They walked back over and Madison proceeded to hand each of us a glass while Diana poured.

  “Silk, I have no doubt in your abilities to become a star in this organization. That symbol that you’ve received at your coronation is a sign of great honor, privilege, and a testimony of the power of a woman. It seals your indoctrination into our company. And perhaps with time and evolution, you might earn a couple more Sapphian lines, as you’re propelled within the Trust itself.”

  “Cloud9 is tomorrow. Be sure to enjoy yourself—as it is truly a celebration of the glory of womanhood and sisterhood.”

  “Ladies, believe me when I say that I will enjoy this celebration to the fullest—I am deeply honored.”

 
As I drank from my glass and glared at the painting of Sappho and then of my mother, it all became crystal clear that this was yet another confirmation.

  I’d been led to this place purposefully. And at this moment in time, this was exactly where I was supposed to be.

  9

  “Welcome to the wonderful whimsical world of Sappho Intl’s Cloud9.”

  Everyone began to clap as Sir Sheik, Pharaoh, and I stood at the top of the white marble ceremonial staircase to announce the kick-off event at Sir Sheik’s Palace.

  We’d all arrived bright and early this morning, after having jet set from the sizzling beach scene of Miami to the brisk and still chilled Sands Point, New York.

  This area of Long Island, New York was still frosty. And although we reached late winter, the season’s snow still thoroughly blanketed the lawn and hedges that surrounded the honorable front court of the Palace.

  As Sapphians and Sappho Intl entourages pulled onto the grounds of the estate, it became obvious to me that we were in for a sensationalized three days.

  If my newly gifted home was a minimalistic masterpiece, Sir Sheik’s was a baroque magnum opus. The Palace reminded me of one of those exquisite fondant cakes; with cascades of cylindrical, curve shapes and theatrical curls decorating the faces of the mansion. The long driveway was carpeted with large squares of black and white marble and served to welcome the guests of the palatial estate. And though the tree branches and surrounding bushes remained bare, the atmosphere was as lively as the dramatic white convex and concave façades of the mansion, as antique red Aston Martins, charcoal grey Bentleys, and jet black Bugattis filed around an elaborate central fountain to be parked by valet, as they did in the days of the Cotton Club and ragtime bands. It seemed that we were all in for an unforgettable treat as we, in true form, registered our attendance to relish in this evening’s Roaring 20’s bash that awaited us.

  We, three stallions, towered over everyone at the top of the stairs, as Cloud9 began to live up to its hype. And I looked down to gaze upon the mass of delightful studs and femmes that occupied the baroque inspired, all-white stone lobby.

  Well-to-do studs sported tailored zoot suits with black ties and black wing tipped shoes, as they scoped the wealthy femmes that were in attendance and tilted their fedoras. The eager and affluent femmes shook their flapper slip-on dresses with feathered boas and finger-waved hairstyles, as they flaunted gemmed headdresses and stylistic Cloche hats. And THEY scoped us stallions, while coolly smoking from long cigarette holders and tapping their Jane shoes in cool anticipation. Everyone participated with elegance and each person’s detail was as authentic as the beaded fringes and sequins that decorated many of the femmes’ dresses and headbands.

  It was the ultimate underground experience but would stand out as the event of the year.

  Some of the Sapphians I recognized instantly, but some I didn't. Top models, TV stars and movie A-listers, rock stars and musicians, headlining entrepreneurs, trust fund babies, international heiresses, celebrities and even politicians. Their backgrounds were indeed wide and varied. But they all held at least one thing in common—they were all in attendance for the magical ride that Cloud9 had to offer.

  And as Pharaoh and I flanked Sir Sheik, even she seemed to be in great spirits—as we all were.

  I could hardly contain myself, as we began to descend the staircase as orchestrated.

  “Cloud9 is the ultimate poker and pleasure-fest...” Pharaoh merrily declared.

  ”Where it's okay to poke-her, as long as you please-her...” I suavely asserted.

  And as I uttered the words, I broke off from our flanking position and struck a handsome pose, while centering sturdily on the stair landing situated right below the golden, staircase lantern. Then the other two continued descending parallel to the looping black iron railing.

  “At Cloud9—every cloud has a silver lining and every fantasy’s fulfilled!”

  Pharaoh stopped a few more steps after proclaiming her line and stood to pose, while Sir Sheik kept walking downward to the second stair landing.

  Upon her arrival, the Sheik halted and we all announced in unison.

  “…And tonight’s fantasy is Sir Sheik’s Speakeasy!”

  Confetti blowers launched white confetti and streamers into the air from the upstairs balcony and the Sapphians went wild. Confetti danced in the air as Sapphians clapped, whistled and jeered with excitement.

  “We’re here at the Palace for the first leg of events. Tonight, I’m your host and am pleased to introduce this year's noble participants of the Mounting of the Stallions. Most of you should know me by now. But for those of you who don’t, shame on you—I’m the one and only Sir Sheik.”

  Sir Sheik opened her arms wide and commenced to turn and announce Pharaoh, who then brushed confetti off of her shoulders in jest.

  Then Pharaoh, in turn, casually looked back and announced me.

  I coolly straightened my tie, as the crowd went wild, and we both descended to re-join Sir Sheik to flank her at the base landing of the full fight of stairs. I began to catch the eyes of many of the women in attendance, within the light of the crystal chandelier. And it seemed that our coordinated welcome speech was a hit.

  “And now, if we could all follow me to the stateroom for tonight’s festivities—and again welcome to Cloud9.”

  We walked forward to lead the swarm of eager Sapphians past opulent columns and towards jazzy, upbeat horns that grew louder and more celebratory with every step that we took.

  Sir Sheik opened the door to the grand ballroom and instantly red, green and black confetti, sequins, and mylar streamers rained down from a platform above us and danced over the new world that’d unfolded before us—it was Sir Sheik’s Speakeasy and we were all now floating on a dream.

  It was a spectacular display and we became frozen with wonder. Polished gold-embroidered and mint green, freshly-felted blackjack and craps tables set sprinkled amidst shiny, brass and fine mahogany wood roulette wheels, awaiting to be spun; which in turn, surrounded a large center aisle, as the pricelessly enticing pin-up girls danced eagerly overhead on hovering red platforms and inside oversized, crystal martini glasses.

  A colossal and buffed brass bar sat on one end of the massive room, as a femme bartender stood equipped to serve a wide array of martinis and top-shelf champagne; and a premier chip cage was placed at the other to exchange bills for betting chips.

  Three strikingly large, black and charcoal grey Louis XIV Bergère armchairs, surrounded by black Louis XIV antique settee sofas, sat like thrones on three slightly raised mezzanines at varying ends of the ballroom. They each had small, red carpeted stairways that held small, red carpeted landings which served to usher pin-up girls and Sapphians onto and inside the oversized martini glasses; which were also outfitted with gigantic black, green and red velvet cushions and pillows. Slightly mounted and elevated black baroque and floral-wrapped platforms surrounded these martini glasses; further giving the whole floor, with which they all stood, an illusion of varying depths.

  It was marvelous and I’d never, in my life, seen anything like it.

  We began to make our way down the river of a central aisle that ran and branched into the many directions of the gambling room floor; and would ultimately lead us to our respective mezzanines. The subtle jangle of sequins and dress fringes began to dance around us as we proceeded and “Let's Misbehave” blasted from the room’s surrounding loud speakers. It was as if Irving Aaronson and His Commanders urged us to delight in the night, as we filed down the middle aisle in throngs. And my own eyes were razzled by the sounds and sights, until my spirit became dazzled into a state of overwhelming rapture.

  I had to admit that it was all pretty impressive. And though Sir Sheik might have been lawless, she sure knew how to throw a party.

  “Silk, you lookin’ to be a magnet over there, huh? Lookin’ good bruva—I might actually have some competition this year!”

  “Hey man, I never thought I’d l
ook so good in pin stripes…” I looked around and surveyed the pin-up girls and beautiful Sapphians that were now thoroughly enlivened and moving to the music. “In fact, I’d never thought I’d see so many lovely ladies in one place at one time!”

  “And I should be pashing in the loo with a few of ‘em.” Pharaoh was all smiles. ”Did you see those pin-up girls dancing on the front podiums? I've already placed all of them in my wank bank. Trust me—this will be an experience that you will not soon forget."

  We each arrived and raced up the mezzanine steps to each of our respective thrones and my team finally began to fill my sovereign area.

  “Whattup killa?”

  “Ain’t nuthin', boss. Just checkin’ out all the prim panocha in the place…It seems like the ladies get mo’ and mo’ fine every year at Cloud9. So how ya feelin’, mano?”

  “Shinin’ like a diamond. My right palm been itchin' all morning… you know what that means. I’m ‘bout to make a grip this weekend.”

  “Stacks…on…deck…” Suez licked her thumb and mimicked a stack of bills being counted.

  We both laughed as the Trio walked up the stairs each sipping a martini.”

  “Well, hello ladies!”

  “Hey, boss.”

  “What ya’ll sippin’ on.”

  “Chocolate martinis.”

  “I think one of the waitresses is making her way up here next.”

  “Cool.”

  “Ooh, you look so sexy, boss…like the real original gangsters!”

  “I think YOU got all of them wet, luv... and it's so strange cuz you each have similar zoot suits...”

  “Well, it IS the stallion that makes the suit.”

  “Well, the look suits you and you just made a whole lotta heads turn with that entrance. And I love how your white tie and gangster spats set off your eyes…”

  “You look sooo dreamy.” Lolita added lightheartedly as she clutched her hands together and batted her eyes.