A.N. Hey all you CARTWILLS shippers! We are so close to SMASH it's stirring the blood in our veins. Ok before I go all crazy this chapter is dedicated to all you lovely reads who send out positive reviews and suggestions. Thank you very much and enjoy :)
theaterislove31
Chapter 3: Angel of Music
Her big brown eyes widened as she looked up into the white sky and she feels the snowflakes kiss her cheeks and get caught in her curly brown hair. She felt lost in her own world, where everything was perfect, she was with her family and she had her friend with her. Only 7 years old and she is as wide eyed as her mother however clever as her father. Anne Wills was one of a kind. She just stared into the abyss longing for her family but her dreaming got cut off short when the bell rang. It was back in her classroom where she worked and dreamt all to herself.
"We'll hello everyone I'm Miss. Gabble and I'm your supply teacher today."
She knows how this goes, the boys act crazy, the girls try to join and Anne just sits and dreams.
"Anne Wills, is Anne Wills here?"
"Here! Sorry mame." She says as the class laughs and she blushes of embarrassment.
"Does your father happen to be named Derek?"
She knows how this goes many young women try to see her dad like how her mommy sees him but it gets annoying after awhile.
"Yes and just to let you know, my mother's name is Karen Wills. And they love each other very much."
The teacher gives her a little stare before replying "We'll then we will see about that."
"What do you mean Miss-"
"Alright everyone get your books out and we will be going through the parts of a play today."
Anne could recit these in her sleep and she loves the fact about that. Although she just wishes she could have her real teacher back. This one was seemed like as her daddy calls them "pitiful".
"Love I am going to pick up Anne early from school today is it alright if i take her by the set?"
"Derek I don't want Anne getting accustom to leaving school early."
"Love it is just one time, you know she has been complaining of not seeing you lately." confessed Derek
"Really my baby?..err okay but explain to her that she cant always be leaving early." quipped Karen as she hastily said her good bye.
"Derek?" Karen said before her husband went out the door.
"Yes love?" He could see tears begin to form in her eyes and he always hated when either her or his daughter cried.
"Am I a good mother?"
Before Karen could even flinch Derek takes her in his arms
"Of course you are Karen. Why would you say something like that?"
"Ever since I got Christine I see her maybe twice a day. I feel terrible how I'm not there for her. She's going through a lot and I don't want her to think me not being there is normal."
"Karen the fact that's he said that shows how much you mean to her...mean to us. It will be something she will like. Better than a pony."
Uh oh Karen thinks to herself. One time she did let slip about wanting a pony when she was younger. And Anne said she just wants to be like her mother.
"Ok yeah but one time the next time I'm worried she will fall more behind."
"Karen she's 7 and has the brain of a 10 year old."
"She is very smart for her age."
"And kind. Thank god she didn't get my attitude yet."
"We'll that's what makes you headstrong after all I still am your muse."
Hearing those words Derek grins and captures his wife's lips.
"See you soon Ms. Daeé." Derek says as he walks out the door with a smile on his face.
Meanwhile..
"Does anyone know this play?" asks Miss Gabble
"I know I know pick me" fussed Anne
"Anyone no?..Okay it is called-"
"Alice in wonderland...my daddy directed the Broadway show!"
"MISS WILLS! you will not yell or talk until you are called upon" snarled Miss Gabble.
"But you didnt call on me!" whined Anne
"Miss Wills is that back talk I hear?"
At that very moment a certain director walked in "Anne Elizabeth Wills! do not disrespect the teacher!"
"Daddy! I didn't mean..I mean..Sorry Miss Gabble."
"It's alright my little pumkin...and who is this lovely man?" purred Miss Gabble
"This lovely man is taking his daughter out early because my wife would like to see her. It has been approved by the principle." Derek sneers as Anne runs behind him.
"Well you don't have to go just now Anne was just about to tell us about your directing."
"No you were about to tell me off because I knew the answer and shouted it out." Anne says as she peers from behind Derek.
"Oh no sweetheart I would never yell at you." She replies sounding very soft and sweet.
"But you did." Derek and Anne say in unison.
"We'll how about I-I" unfortunately she gets distracted on how well Derek looks with his shirt clinging tight to him and his dark persona attracting her.
"You know what I get the picture. Have a nice day and by the way I won a Tony for that play so I think it was valid for her to reenforce my ability as a director."
Derek looms down at his daughter and she has a puppy worried look on her face but Derek just gives her a wink and off they go. Few steps away Anne looks over her shoulder and does what Derek would do if he were her age...stick her tongue out.
3 hours ago
"Daddy does Mommy really want to see me?" asks Anne, now that they are out in the bustling streets.
"Yes she actually told me that she misses you lots!..Now lets go or we will miss the train!"
"Daddy can we go see the tree and walk by it?" asks Anne all timid like,
"Sure sweety" says Derek while carrying Anne down the steps
"Daddy"
"Yes anne?"
"I don't like the train"
"Why not?" questions Derek
"Because it smells like old man" whined anne "and feet"
"Well that is New York for you" laughedDerek
"Maybe that's why broadway doesn't get recognized as movies...the smell to rehearsal smells gross." Anne says which makes Derek laugh a little.
Thinking he never use to laugh until Karen came in his life. Now look what happened. Almost eight years ago they were blessed with Anne, healthy and happy. Derek's wish came true because she got her mothers looks...especially her eyes. He looks down on his daughter who is asleep on his shoulder and he twirls some of her bouncy brown curls in her hair. Not long after her eyelids begin to open and they feel the impact of the train stopping.
"Anne, sweetheart, wake up."
"Are we here?" She asks.
"Yes come on." Derek says as he takes her hand and they walk out of the tunnel only to be seen entering a parade of cameras.
"Daddy why do they follow us all the time? Can't they just get pictures off the Internet?"
"Because they nothing else to do with their life."
"We'll I want to be like mommy when I grow up so I know what to do for my life."
"We are here!" pants Derek after dodging and weaving his way through the papz
"Oh i love it!" squealed Anne
"It's beautiful isnt it?"
"Yes daddy!"
" Now that you remind me what do you want for Christmas Anne?"
"Hmmmmm I would like.. a pony!...mommy told me she always wanted a pony..."
"Anne we are not getting a pony"
"Why not ?" wines anne
"because we got you a puppy last Christmas remember?"
"Well Daisy needs a friend, and she has to be a pony!"states Anne in a matter of factually way in which we cue the eye roll from Derek.
"Dad mom says if you roll your eyes too much they'll go to the back of your skull."
"well your mom is wrong..I mean right..I said right"
"OOOooo I am telling mommy" she smiles as she drags out the last words
"Young lady you will tell mommy nothing!"
"Why not? you said to never keep secrets from people you love."
"You may have got your mothers looks but your getting your fathers personality" mutters Derek
in a baffled expression Anne points out "Isn't that a good thing? You are a nice daddy."
The sudden rush of love he feels causes a tear to begin from his eye.
"Daddy are you crying agian? Mommy told me that when you cry I have to give you a hug, well do you want a hug daddy?"
Before he replies Anne hugs him and before this moment can get anymore cliche someone yells "MOVE your in the way!"
"Daddy he looks angry!" Anne cries in fear.
"We'll I don't think you want me to get angry so let's get out of here!"
"Hey buddy get your a-"
Before they could hear another second of the rude mans rant, Derek scoops up his daughter and the run through the streets of NYC. From flashes to taxis the encounter everything.
"It's mommy!" Anne squeals as she points up to a billboard with Karen as Christine and the phantom.
"Did the phantom get her yet?"
"I don't know but we will soon find out." Derek says as he puts Anne down.
"Anne come with me." Derek says as he takes her little hand and they walk around to the back.
"Daddy won't we get in trouble?"
"Not a bit sweetie they gave me access to do this"
"Ok but if you get caught ill bat my eyes for them and cry...mommy taught me how to do that."
"Well mommy taught you well..and you would abandon your father?" asks Derek
"I wouldn't abandon you, I would just blame it all on you...after all I am just a child" poses Anne.
"Your right about that..smart girl."
Anne blushes as they make their way into the theater and see a scene on stage.
Derek motions for Anne to be quiet "This is the part where Christine meets the phantom for the first time"
"I know daddy! Ooo i like this part!" chants Anne with glee
"Angel, I hear you. Speak, I listen. Stay by my side. Guide me. Angel, my soul was weak; forgive me. Enter at last, Master."
Anne mouths along and Derek takes a look at her
"Sorry dad"
"Sorry for what?"
"For singing along..i know i am too small, but it doesn't hurt to dream"
That was adorable, he thought to himself.
He smiles and kisses her forehead
"If it weren't for dreams I wouldn't have seen you."
Then suddenly the music climaxes as the Phantom sings
"I am your Angel of Music. Come to the angel of music...
I am your Angel of Music. Come to the Angel of Music..."
"Is mommy your angel of music dad?" She whispers
"She's more than that Anne"
Suddenly Karen enters the mirror as the scene progresses and they are gone.
"Alright that was well done guys lets get you two out and we will take a fifteen." They hear a voice and not long after Anne's face lights up as she sees her mother come out of the mirror. Then she goes to a sprint.
"Mommy!" She squeals as Karen turns around and her face brightens up as her daughter leaps into her arms and her husband walks slowly behind. What more could she ask for?
"Baby I missed you so much." As Karen spends around with Anne still in her arms and she is overtaken by the sound of her laughing. Finally she puts her down and smiles at what everyone calls her mini me.
"How was school?"
"The supply was mean to me but very nice to daddy."
Karen smiles faintly and looks up at her husband. Where she can clearly see why the teacher behaved as she did.
"I can see why." Karen flirts as Derek walks over and kisses his wife. Anne stands there giggling unit she notices a shadow from behind them of someone she knows.
"ERIC!" She says and comes running up to the young boy her age. They embrace and his father takes off his mask and smiles at the two.
"What happened to the disfigured side sir?" Anne asks the phantom.
"Well it's just tech so I don't have to worry." They all look in one direction and see the director calling him up.
"Eric why don't you give Anne a tour I trust you with this. But if you lose Karen's daughter..."
"I know dad she will faint. Come one Anne!" The young boy shouts as he takes her by the hand and whisks her backstage.
"Have fun you two!..But not too much!" yells Derek
..
"Where are we going?" asks Anne catching her breath
"To a secret place..it's just the back near where they have the food trucks and stuff" whispers Eric in a reassuring manner
"Oh okay"
"Where are you two going?" ask's Jasmine the makeup artist for Christine
"To have an adventure!..Or eat food!" both kids say in unison
"Okay but don't be wondering out back okay?" she scolds both the kids
"Okay" they nod
"Eric can i put makeup on you?" asks Anne getting ready with a brush she found.
"No makeup is for girls!" states Eric
"But your dad wears makeup!" objects Anne
"That's different silly that is stage makeup!"
Anne taps her chin with the brush "well then let me put stage makeup on you then!"
"Oohh okayy" wines Eric
..
"Done!" as Anne is saying this she claps and begins to jump around
"I better look like a pirate you said you would make me look like a pirate.." as Eric get's up to look in the mirror he lokks more like a racoon runover by a tractor thrown into a pile of mud then a pirate.
"Anne!" he gasps
"Well you are hansom either way Eric" clarifies Anne.
As both kids chase each other around they hear a faint sound, Anne is the first to walk out the back door and notices a man on the ground. "Mr., what is wrong?" she asks a little weary
The man is tall, tanned skin and from what Derek calls "sod" as Anne has heard so many times. He tuns slowly but not fully.
"Nothing to worry about little girl."
"Are you sure mister..."
"Suandarm. Dev."
Anne has a flashback for a second when she first heard that name. She remembered hearing it when Derek was on the phone with her aunty grace. She remembered him sounding worried and that must mean he is not a good person.
"Ok sir well have a Merry Christmas." She replies hoping to lighten up the mood. But before she tuns around she feels something hold her arm and she turns around to see the man grasping it. Not long after he kneels down and looks into her eyes.
His heart almost skips a beat its been about 8 years since he'd seen Karen. He knew she got married to Derek and within a year later he read that they were excepting a child. It drove him into madness on how someone who is known to be cruel get everything Dev wanted. He sees her eyes in the child and he can feel the goosebumps from her skin onto his clamy palm. Such a resemblance, maybe thus as his chance.
"Where is your mother?"
"Sir can you please let me go. I don't know you." Anne stutters with tears streaming down her face.
That not being the answer he wanted to here, anger erupts and he shouts.
"WHERE IS KAREN?"
"Please sir let me go!" Anne screams one last time before Eric comes out after wiping away all his makeup. He sees Anne and the man and quickly takes action.
"Hey mister that is not how you treat a lady!" Eric says as he goes up to Dev and kicks him in the shin.
"Ow!"
"RUN!" Eric shouts as he grabs Anne's hand and the run back inside with Dev on their tail.
"He's gaining on us." Anne cries. As they make a sharp turn around the corner and approach the group of adults panting and Anne tear streamed face. She clings herself onto her mother and father not long after the both bend down and wipe away her tears.
"Baby what happened?" Karen says comforting her daughter as Derek stands up and his eyes lock onto the man who just scared his daughter.
"Take the kids away from here." Derek whispers to a stage hand and he escorts the two away as the loving couple gaze at the source of fear.
"What are you doing here?"demands Karen
"I came to see you." purrs Dev in the most ill mannered way
Derek storms up
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY DAUGHTER?"
"Your? So it's true. You did move on"
Karen raises her hands up in emphasis "Dev for gods sake that gives you no reason to ambush children."
"ARE YOU BLOODY SERIOUS? Karen does NOT love you! Its been 9 years! GET OVER IT!" yells Derek as his rage has met the boiling point and he lunges towards Dev..that is for last time he thought.
As Dev gets up the fight intensifies
"Derek please!" yells Karen
"It's your fault..she would't have left me if you hadn't snaked your way into our relationship!"
grits Dev inbetween his teeth as he has Derek pinned on the floor.
"It's not my fault YOU couldnt keep it in your pants! You ruined your realationship!" Derek reverses the roles as Karen yells"ENOUGH!" and they both separate. At that moment the phantom and security guards hold back a delirious Dev and Derek says:
"Unlike you I valued Karen, I didnt damned anything from her, because you see that is what real love is about and I didn't know about that till she came along..your just filthy scum for not realizing her value"
"Her value is nothing but sleeping around and producing minions of your own.
If it weren't for me there wouldn't be your daughter and You would be
some old sick man who is nothing!"
Infuriated Karen pushes her way and looks Dev right in the eye. Dev attempts to smile at her but before his lips even pursue it she slaps him across the face
"If you get anywhere near my family again...you will be sorry."
"She's beautiful Karen."
"Do you want me to tear your head off Dev?" Derek sneers
The phantom and few other security guards carry out the delivers Dev and Karen feeling relieved that he is no where near her family embraces Derek and rests her head on his shoulder.
"Nine years and he still doesn't get it." Karen says as they let out a small laugh
What they don't see is their little girl with tears in her eyes...terrified of what she witnessed. Without hesitation she runs in the farthest direction and doesn't even bother to look back. She makes her way into the costume room and curls herself into a ball with tears streaming Down her face.
Eric looks for his friend and Can't find her. Without any other option he runs onto the stage and almost crashes into Derek.
"I can't find Anne!"
"What do you mean you can't find her?" choursed all three of them
"Where is she?ANNNNNE?!"Karen feeling a bit light headed and before she knows it..light out
Derek kneels down to his wife and then looks up the phantom
"Please get her help I have to go looks for Anne!" Cries Derek
"I'll come with you to!" insists Eric
As Derek goes looking for Anne in another direction, Eric sees little black smudges on the wall..ANNE he thought to himself, he follows her finger prints and sees her crying in the corner.
"Go away!" yells Anne
"What happened!" blurted Eric
"Go away! I don't want to talk to you!"
On that note Eric sits down next to her and does what his mom does whenever he feels sad, he gives her a big hug.
"That that man said is not true..they are just stupid grown ups..you know the evil kind that the crowd boos for" Eric reassures.
"I know what he said is not true but i never seen my daddy that angry before"blubbers Anne.
"Well you see anne...when a boy likes a girl he will do anything to protect her..."well at least that is what my dad says"
Anne gives him a tighter squeez and lays and trys to wipe her tears away.
"Well it was scary"
"I know it was but your dad just wanted to protect his honor..like in plays and stuff"
"I guess he did..but i don't want to ever see him like that again!" she tries to hold back the tears but they come running down.
"It will be alright anne"
...
Meanwhile
"Is she alright?"
pressed Karen still a bit woozy from the fall, the thought of her little girl..her baby getting hurt..or lost was unbearable
"Why don't you look for yourself love"
motions Derek as he grabs her steadily by the waist and they both walk over to where the children are at being careful not to be seen.
Karen looks and sees the similarities
"Oh my"
"Remember that moment love?"
"Of course I do"
"What does this mean for me then?" Derek says looking a little worried
"Derek she's seven and he is her only friend you know how those kids are at her school."
"Ugh remind me never to never go in her class alone again. Supply teachers flirting with me."
"We'll if you can handle me kissing two men every night on stage then I think we are ok."
""I love you Karen"
"I love you to Derek"
While the two grown ups were lost in their own love, Eric finally got his friend to smile. But he knew something else that makes her happier.
"Anne remember the song we always sing when we are down." Eric says with a smile.
"Yes what has that got to do with what happened?" She asks
"We'll it's a place better than what just happened ill start..." Eric clears his throat and sings softly
"There is a castle on a cloud" Anne laughs as she joins in with her friend.
"I like to go there in my sleep. Aren't any floors for me to sweep. Not in my castle on a cloud."
Eric quietly stops but so Anne doesn't notice so he can hear her sing the rest.
"There is a lady all in white holds me and sings a lullaby. She's nice to see and she's soft to touch. She says Cosette I love you very much."
While her soft voice easily makes Eric smile she has attracted more ears than his.
"I know a Place where no ones lost. I know a place where no one cries. Crying at all is not allowed. Not in my castle on a cloud." Eric joins in for the last6 words and not long after the two start giggling unknown to what wheels turned in a performer and directors heads
"Aww my baby!" Karen is bawling her eyes out as the little song reminds her of how she used dream of being on broadway.
"Why are you crying?" ask Derek
she motions towards the kids and tries to speak
"My baby..adorable...an angel..when did she grow up?"
"I have to admit it was heart warming and boy do those kids have the chops"says Derek with pride radiating from him.
"I never thought in my wildest dreams I would have her. She's perfect in every way Derek. I'm so glad we have her." She says as she rests her head on his shoulder.
"I thank god every night for you, her and our little family."
Before they could go on any longer they hear a faint sound.
"Is anybody there?" Anne asks
"I want to see my baby. Lets go." Karen says as she takes his hand and leads him into the little room.
"How are you two holding up?" asks Derek
"Fine " says Eric proudly.
"Daddy!..Mommy!" chants little Anne while running to give them a hug.
"Are you alright my little baby?" Karen asks wiping the tars off her daughters face.
"Mommy! I told you I am not a baby.." Anne states
"Well you'll always be my baby" Karen says kissing her daughters forehead.
"Hi madam" smirks Eric
"Hi..and thankyou for saving my little Anne" Karen says.
"No problem,whenever there is a damzal in distress you can count on me" smiles Eric.
"I'm not that! I just don't like mean people." says Anne
"Ok sweetie" Karen says and kisses her forehead
Not long after Eric's father comes running in
"Ready to go Eric?"
"Yes dad bye Anne and Mr and Mrs Wills." He says as they walk out of the room.
"Let's get out of here don't want the phantom snatching up another girl." Derek says as he tickles Anne but she doesn't laugh but a tear goes down her face.
"What's wrong darling?"
"What If he comes back? I'm scared he is going to hurt us and I don't like it when your angry daddy."
"It's alright anne, i will never let anyone hurt you" reassures Derek
"Baby it will be okay" smiles Karen as she gives Anne a kiss on the nose
and they all walk off with Anne in between them as they swing her back and forth,but before they are about to leave Anne hears Eric and his father talking.
"She's a really nice girl Eric"
"I know dad I'm just trying to figure what her dad did to win Karen over that man so I can do the same."
"There's a time for everything son and I think she won't forget it either."
Anne looks over her shoulder and smiles to Eric.