“Good morning, Cary! I don’t believe I’ve had a chance to introduce myself” said Cool Dream, eyes closing for a moment under the weight of a charming smile. “My name is Serafine Shelps, and it’s a pleasure to speak with you. Oh dear, are you well? Your pallor looks a touch bilious.”

God, the whiplash of this group, Cary thought. “Oh no, I’m fine,” she said. “It’s been a busy week.”

“I can only imagine,” said Serafine. “I hope you’ve no worry on our account. I’ve spoken extensively with the others, and they’ve nothing but praise to sing for your handlings.”

“Even Odila?” Cary snorted.

“Apologies--I’ve spoken hyperbolically,” said Serafine. “But Lori, Iona and Dusty have all spoken very well of meeting you. Seems you’ve won them over splendidly.”

“Huh. That’s good. If a surprise,” said Cary. “I thought you guys weren’t too keyed with this arrangement. Especially with my warm welcome”

“Trepidation is natural, considering the circumstances,” said Serafine. “And, in my opinion, our first impression also left something to be desired.”

“I see.” This was turning out to be a much better end to the week than Cary could have hoped for. So much so that she was beginning to wonder when the catch would arrive. “Alright then, Serafine. What are we doing today?”

“Helping me find a new job, I should think,” said Serafine. “I am ready for your instruction!”

“I...really?” Cary asked, eyes narrowing as if Serafine had proposed a trip to Mars.

“But of course,” said Serafine, with a brief, eager nod. “Was that not the arrangement?”

“I was. Kind of not prepared for. Uh,” Cary said. “I thought this was a publicity stunt?”

“In conception, I suppose,” said Serafine. “But that is neither here nor there. How shall we begin? An aptitude test of some sort? Perhaps an evaluation of my skills? Ah, confound it, I knew I should have made even a sham of a resume.”

“You’re serious,” said Cary.

“Indeed I am,” Serafine replied promptly.

“Why?”

“Why waste the opportunity?” said Serafine. “I can give honest consideration to the direction my career is headed. And the more I cooperate, the more you’ll be able to speak freely to my friends. All parties stand to gain.”

“I know I’m looking a gift horse in the mouth, but this is kind of unreal,” said Cary, shaking her head. “What are you not telling me?”

“I withhold nothing,” Serafine replied briskly. “You are neither my enemy nor responsible for this situation. And you offer nothing but guidance. I’d be fool to quarrel, don’t you think?”

“Which I appreciate, really. But isn’t this unfair to you?”

“Hmm...yes and no,” said Serafine. “I’m certainly fortunate compared to poor Dusty. But for me personally, I wonder if I’m a fine fit for this job.”

“Really?” said Cary. She felt her gaze narrow in disbelief--of all the others, Serafine was the brightest and most lively. Even as she spoke, she did so with an ease of unreal charisma. To Cary’s impression, she had no place but to be a pop star.

“Indeed,” said Serafine. “I was quite young when I went into this field of work, and I worry that it might have been an...escape of sort. A chance to shun reality.”

“Seems like a hell of a lot of work for slacking off,” said Cary.

“My! But you do have delightful wit,” Serafine chuckled. “I embrace this as an opportunity to hone myself. Even if it’s a carnival, this seems a good opportunity to find the best path to walk in life. So I try my best to stop my fears and embrace it.”

“I see…” Cary said.

“I make for quite the traitor, don’t I?” said Serafine.

“No, no,” said Cary. “Honestly, I’m surprised. I had the impression that pop idols were kind of shallow and dumb. You’ve pretty much blown any last illusion out of the water.”

“How charming,” said Serafine, melting into a smooth smile.

“Ah, dammit, that sounded really bad,” said Cary. “I guess what I mean is...you really are as cool as your moniker.”

“I’m as flattered by your words as your sincerity,” said Serafine. “Would you care for my contact information?”

“What? Oh! For your resume!” said Cary, feeling a slight fluster. Text pals with “the cool one”--that’d be the day. “Sure, I’ll help you with that right now.”

“Apologies, I meant my personal contact,” said Serafine, stroking the side of her face with one long finger. “So that we can speak on our time if needed.”

“What?!” said Cary, now feeling much more than slight fluster. “I mean, uh! I didn’t think I made a good impression on you?! I’m not sure how good a friend I’d be?!”

“Oh, I’ll withdraw my offer than,” said Serafine. “Pardon my impudence.”

“No, it’s not like I don’t want to,” said Cary. “I mean, I’m just surprised. I didn’t think I’d be the type that you’d see as good company. ”

“Did I say something to that extent?” Serafine asked.

“Ah, no. It’s just your demanor, I guess,” said Cary. “You have a very formal way of speaking. I worried it was a sign you were uncomfortable.”

“Oh no, no no no,” said Serafine. “Along my journey, I’ve made a habit and hobby of dancing with words. Please don’t take anything by it.”

“Oh. Okay,” Cary said. Obviously, it was easier said than done. “Then, sure, if you want to swap numbers, that’s fine. I’m not much of a talker though--sorry.”

“Nothing to apologize for,” said Serafine. “I’m pleased you accepted my invitation, Cary.” Serafine gave another long, throaty laugh.

She was still very intimidating, if only for a level of confidence that could only be acquired in another galaxy, but Cary could see a comforting earnesty in her words. There was something about her that made her seem a little closer to Cary’s level.

Well, Cary reasoned, as much as an accomplished pop star could be at her level, anyway.

“Thanks Serafine,” said Cary. “Me too.”