Golden Stars

Chapter 6

The mobile hangs above the bed with the golden stars glitzing down on the blankets. The walls are still covered in the same pink color since the very beginning. The crib is replaced with a twin size mattress bed covering with pink princess theme bed sheets. Instead of a rocking chair, there is a toy chest and a little table with a tiny tea set on top. There isn't a changing table anymore, only a shelf of books. On her bed, Rachel is curled up between her legs, crying. She is all alone, only Sammy is comforting her. He watches as she wipes her tears and covers her face again, crying some more. Just then, the sound of keys is heard from the other room.

"Rachel? Rachel!" Shelby quickly enters the bedroom, "Oh, Rachel! Thank goodness you're here. I was worried sick and . . . Rachel." She turns to the little girl, who is still crying. She hurries over to the bed. "Rachel. Baby, what's wrong?"

Rachel sniffles. "Mommy, I don't want to audition anymore."

"Oh, come here," Shelby holds Rachel close to her chest, soothing her with her voice. "It's okay. Sh. Sh. Shhh," She kisses her on the head. Rachel starts to calm down. "Now, why don't you want to audition? You were so excited this morning. Why change your mind?"

"Because . . . Because I won't do well."

"Of course, you will. You'll do great. Maybe better than that."

"No, I won't. I'm not good enough."

"Whoever told you that?"

Rachel pulls out the business card from her pocket and hands it to her mother. "A woman gave me this card."

Shelby reads the card to herself: Darcy Dillson. When she reads that name, her blood boils with anger. She knows this woman. "What did this woman tell you?"

"She said that she didn't like your singing and that you weren't meant for the stage."

"And did she tell you that you weren't good enough?" Rachel nods sadly. That bitch! How dare she tell her daughter these horrible things! Let alone, she's only six! Shelby cools down before letting out her fury in front of Rachel. "Rachel, you should never listen to anyone like Darcy. Don't let her words or anyone's words bring you down. To be honest, I know her."

"Really?"

Shelby nods. "When you were very little, I started my career on stage. Well, so did Darcy. We would both audition for the same roles and every time I would get the lead. She even tryout for the part of Fanny."

"But you got that role, didn't you?"

"Yes, I did. And of course, Darcy was furious because she didn't get the part. So, that's why she's such a . . . meanie."

"A BIG meanie!"

Shelby laughs. "I agree. Also, I was scared to death when I heard you ran off. You've could have gotten hurt and I wouldn't forgive myself."

"I didn't mean to, Mommy. I was mad."

"I understand, but next time you're upset, come see me. I'll always be here for you and I will never let anything bad happen to you."

"You promise?"

"I promise. Now, give me a hug." They embrace in a hug, holding each other for a moment before parting. "You know what would make you feel better?" Rachel shakes her head. "Singing your audition song."

"Oh my gosh! My audition! Come on, we're going to be late!" Rachel tries to pull Shelby off the bed, but she stops her.

"Rachel, relax. Your audition has been move for tomorrow. The director has a meeting tonight and can't do auditions."

"How do you know?"

"I have my resources." Rachel nods, understanding her. "Now, how about that song?"

Rachel hops off her bed and runs over to her book shelf. She pulls out a red folder with sheet music in it and brings it over to Shelby. They flip through the papers until they get to the song: Tomorrow. Shelby pops in an audio tape in Rachel's tape player and press play. Soon the music starts playing . . .

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There'll be sun!

Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
'Til there's none!

When I'm stuck a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh . . .

On opening night of Annie, Rachel is the lead role wearing the red dress and curly hair. This proves that she did well at her auditions and got the part of Annie herself. She is finishing the rest of the song on stage with a huge audience. Shelby and Alex are seating in the front row. Shelby is smiling while Alex is sobbing like a two year old.

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
I love ya Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
A way! Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
I love ya Tomorrow!
You're always a day away!

Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
I love ya Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
A way . . .

The audience roars with applause, including Shelby and Alex. Rachel blows a kiss out to her mother. People start to throw roses onto the stage for the star. After the show, everyone is in the lobby, getting pictures with the cast. Alex takes a picture of Shelby with Rachel.

"Say cheese!" Her camera flashes, "Very good! Great picture!"

"So, kiddo. How does it feel to be a star?" Shelby asks her.

"I want to do it again!"

The two woman laugh at the little girl. "Well, why won't you and Alex wait for me outside while I get a bouquet of roses for you. And possibly go out for some ice cream. How does that sound?"

"That's sounds great!" Alex replies.

"I wasn't talking to you."

"I like that idea!" Rachel jumps up and down.

"Good, now go outside and I'll be right out."

"Okay, Mommy! Come on, Alex!" The six-years-old grabs Alex's hand and pulls her to the exit.

Baack in the lobby, Shelby gets a bouquet of roses for her little star. She can picture a bunch more in the future when Rachel does more shows. She has never been so proud of Rachel. Unfortunately, that happy thought is cut short.

"Ah, Shelby, darling!" a wicked voices shouts, "How odd to find you here!"

"Hello, Darcy."

"Ah, how I love Annie. I'm sure you like it too. Am I right? Of course, I'm right. I'm always right. Quite a show tonight, but I do wonder who the lead character was."

"That was Rachel, my daughter."

"Oh! That's your little one? Well, that explains everything. What did she do? Did she steal the role from someone who wanted it more? Bet she gets it from her mother."

"Rachel and I always play it by the book."

"Of course, you do."

"By the way, Rachel told me that she met you at one day at the theater. And that you said things such as she wasn't good enough?"

"What? Me? Saying horrible things to a child? Why would you accuse me of doing such thing?" Shelby gives her a glare, "Okay, you got me. I might have said a thing or two, but they were the truth."

"What do you want from me? Just tell me what is it you want from me!"

"There's nothing I want from you, Shelby. Just your roles and leads."

"I'm sorry, but there is nothing I can do about that."

"Oh! Afraid, aren't you? Afraid of my superb talent and artistic qualities?"

"You think this is some competition? It's not, Darcy! It never has been!"

"Everything is a competition: on and off the stage."

"You know the real reason I do this?" Darcy waits for an answer, "I do this for my daughter. So that I can provide for her as a single parent! And if you dare hurt her in some way, there will be consequences. I'll make sure of it."

"Now, now, Shelby. There's no need to be brutal. Just stay out of my way."

"I would be happy to."

Both woman stare at each other and then walk away in different directions. Shelby can't believe it. That devil won't leave her be! What is she going to do with her?"

"Mommy!" Rachel yells from outside, "Did you get my roses?"

Shelby decides to drop the whole situation for Rachel's sake. "Uh, yeah. Now, how about that ice cream I was talking about?"

"Oh, yes, please!"

"Oh, can I have chocolate?"

"Yes, Alex. Just as long as you're paying?"

"WHAT?"

"Just kidding." Both Shelby and Rachel giggle as Alex sighs in relief.