CHAPTER 3: THE FIRST OF THREE SONGS
After restoring order, Schroeder walked back onstage to announce the next act. "We apologize for the last act," he said. "He was having some 'technical difficulties' with his props that he couldn't continue his performance. Anyway, for our next act, we will change some things up with a song from Mariah Jo Sanborn. She will be performing 'O Little Town of Bethlehem'." And the audience applauded as Mariah took the stage. She was dressed in a Santa-style dress with hat. She began her performance.
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel
The kids applauded her performance. She was as talented at singing as Frieda was. Finally the show was back on track. And Schroeder breathed a sigh of relief.
"Good job, Mariah," said Schroeder as she came back from the stage.
"Was there any doubt?" she said, in full diva mode. "All of my performances are winners, darling."
"And I thought Freddy's sister was insufferable," whispered Frieda to Charlie Brown. "Francessa is down-to-earth by comparison!"
"Just think, one year ago we were saying that about Freddy himself describing Francessa," joked Charlie Brown. They shared a brief laugh at that memory of the singing contest from the year before.
"Anyway, I will be in the green room, people," Mariah continued. "Try to keep the simpletons out while I unwind, would you please?" Lucy's face turned red with anger.
"Why that…"
"Cool it, Lucy!" said Schroeder, calming his girlfriend down. "The diva isn't worth the trouble."
"Maybe not," sighed Lucy, "but I still would love to wipe that smug look off her face!" And Violet and Shermy got ready for their act. Unbeknownst to any of them, a sand bag in the rafters was threatening to give at any moment, as the rope holding it up was frayed beyond repair.
NEXT CHAPTER: SHERMY'S REDEMPTION
"O Little Town of Bethlehem" written by Phillips Brooks and Lewis Redner
Public Domain