Sparkle On 2

“Come on, Madeira, we want to get a good spot!”

“Sorry, sorry, I’ll be there in a second!”

Madeira forced herself to put down the lipstick and turn away from the mirror. She didn’t know if it looked right - her lips didn’t have that nice look that she saw on Angora’s lips, but Hops had encouraged her to try it anyways, telling her to think of makeup like ‘playing with a new toy’.

She wasn’t sure she’d ever had a toy before, but she’d done her best, to try to make one of her few friends in Burrowgatory happy. She’d just… kept fussing with it so long that now Hops was already at her apartment waiting for her.

She hurriedly put on her jacket and scarf over her work uniform, and hurried outside, locking the door behind her.

“You look so pretty,” Hops gushed, grabbing her hand to drag her down the stairs. “Did you have fun?”

“I… maybe?” Madeira was pretty sure she hadn’t, but she didn’t want Hops to feel bad for getting her the makeup. “It was confusing.”

“It’ll get easier with time,” the other bun assured her. “And it gets you better tips, trust.”

Well, if it got her better tips, she’d just have to get used to it. “So why the rush?” she asked instead, to divert Hops’ attention.

“Oh, the organizers of the pre-new year’s concert posted that they’re giving sparklers to the first few hundred buns that arrive,” Hops said. “Sparklers are so much fun, they’re shiny and bright and most events are better with one, especially for Mochi Moon and the new year. Stories claim they have a color reminiscent of the moon, but I think we all just like getting to set something on fire.”

Madeira appreciated Hops’ attempt to explain, though she was lost on what, exactly, a sparkler actually was - in her decision to explain the story behind them, she had neglected to say. She opted not to press Hops on it, though - after two years in Burrowgatory already, she was tired of having to say she didn’t know things. She’d figure it out when they got there.

They joined a growing line of buns, and excitement vibrated throughout the crowd.

The line inched forward slowly, and they found themselves chatting with their line mates - who Hops knew, of course. Sometimes, Madeira thought Hops knew every bun in Burrowgatory.

One of them was a tailor named Poppy, who did most of the talking for all of them. Madeira was able to listen with only one ear as she talked about drafting patterns and the designs she was excited about crafting - at least until she started asking questions about everyone’s’ favorite clothing.

“I think Madeira and I mostly just wear our work clothes,” Hops said. “I mean, we are now, but that’s since we start work right after this concert.”

“Yeah… Not much time or reason for other clothes.” Or carats, for that matter.

“Oh seriously? You two should swing by my shop sometime, I can fit you in and make sure you’ve got something. Your whole life can’t just be work! If carats are an issue, we could work out a trade,” she insisted.

“Well Madeira could cook for you,” Hops suggested. “I’m fine, I… Um, I like the uniform.”

Her face was so red as she said it that Poppy just giggled. “I guess you do,” she said, poking Hops’ hip to make her squeal. “What about you, Madeira?”

“I… I mean, I guess it could be nice to have some other clothes…” Madeira had mixed emotions about the dress she had come to Burrowgatory with, but it had started to show signs of wear and having a new one could be nice… Spread the wear and tear between them…

That was all the invitation Poppy seemed to need to grab Madeira’s phone from her hands and plug in her contact information - and send a text to herself. “Perfect!”

As she handed it back, Madeira was spared further conversation on the topic by someone walking past the line for the venue, handing sparklers to all of them.

“…is this just… a wire?” Madeira asked.

“Yeah, but it’s coated in some stuff that’s flammable and sparks,” Poppy said. “It’s so cool seeing tons of them light up for Mochi Moon, and so nice to have for a concert too!”

It didn’t take them much longer to get inside, and to be pressed forward by the swelling of the crowd behind them.

Soon, the lights were off, and the music began.

Madeira had never heard live music like this before - sure, Angora occasionally had a live singer, but they never had this kind of energy and excitement.

They definitely never had sparklers.

At least she and Hops were equally prepared when it was time to light their sparklers. Hops carried a lighter due to some of the drinks she made, and Madeira carried one for more food related purposes.

It had been a long time since she had been able to feel a spark of pride, but getting to tell Hops she had her own was a wonderful moment. She knew and could do at least one thing right.

Poppy and Hops had been right though - the sparklers were worth the wait. Madeira watched in wonder as hers sparked a bluish-white color, dazzling her. “They’re beautiful!”

Her exclamation was lost among the music, cheers, and excitement… but she’d remember the moment for years to come. It felt almost like hope - she had done something right, something beautiful was happening, and for a moment… Maybe she’d be okay someday. Maybe things would get easier. One day, she’d feel good in her own skin again and she would be free from the Wonderland Casino.

When the concert ended, she made sure to take the used up sparkler with her as she and Hops hurried off to work to beat the coming rush - it might no longer burn, but that moment had made it worth so much more to her than she could have possibly imagined.