Hey everyone!
Mx2Blue326 again. So, we're hoping to speed things up a bit so were kinda sorta in the same time frame of the year. We have some exciting surprises this chapter... such as a certain show that the characters have been working very hard to perform for you. New relationships, etc. :D
You see? This is why it is important to read author's notes, now you know what's happening! So we'll keep this nice, short, and sweet. (Unlike last time!)
Disclaimer:
Well, I woke up this morning and called my best friend. She picked up and we started randomly chatting about cupcakes. Later, we got together and she told me how my voice sounded SUPER high... Is this story supposed to make sense? No. Is there a point to it? Yes. My voice is a girl voice and that's enough to prove to you readers I am not James Patterson. Correct? Correct.
But, all rights go to James Patterson and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Also, we forgot to mention but the term "crapola" comes from author Kimberly Pauley who wrote the "Sucks to Be Me" Series... very entertaining by the way... so thank you to all of you.
Here we go!
Chapter 11
Max's POV
"Okay... let's run the "All I Ask of You" scene!" Mrs. Leekly's voice rang through the auditorium. We were in the final two weeks before the opening night and I was kind of freaking. We now had to make sure we had all of our lines memorized and the songs too. We needed to rehearse all of the set changes and costume changes. The final fitting for the costumes were this week as well. Mrs. Leekly wanted it all basically in order by the end of the week. Next week we would just be running through the entire show over and over or, if needed, working on trouble spots. Sam and I take our places in the left wing of the stage. We were supposed to dance our waltz first. Thanks to Fang I finally got it down! Fang was hidden in the shadows on the other side of the curtain. He waved slightly and smiled at Sam and I. We grinned back.
"Ready everyone?" Mrs. Leekly asked smiling in anticipation. This was only the second time we were running this scene. The sets and props people had to finish the sets for this scene.
"We are." Sam said for both of us. He wiggled his eyebrows at me. I couldn't help but burst out laughing. He raised his finger to his lips. Whoops! I slap my hand over my mouth. He just chuckles silently back at me. We were supposed to be quiet over here. That dork. I hope he doesn't do this during the performances, I would be helpless. I also had the feeling that Mrs. Leekly wouldn't appreciate it all that much. She was cool about coming late to advisory and small things like that, but the Theatre was something she took very seriously. Especially that we were down to only two weeks till opening night.
"I'm ready." Came Fang's voice from the other side of the stage. I knew he was getting into his character, like I should be right about now. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. When I opened them I was no longer in a small town in Arizona, I was transported to France in the late 1800's. I was Christine Daae.
"Then let's begin." The lights in the audience went out and Sam held his arm out to me. I took it and we walked out onto the stage. The music started and we began our waltz. It wasn't in the original but Mrs. Leekly wanted us to put it in. I stopped as I was supposed to. Admitting to him that I was scared of the Phantom. Thankfully, I had memorized this scene already because the song in it was one of my favorites. When we were done with the dialogue, I stepped away from him, my face to the audience. I made myself vulnerable, scared, and innocent. Everything that the real Christine would have projected, if she were me.
The notes of "All I Ask of You" drifted from the piano. My heart picked up it's pace as it always did before I sang in the auditorium. Everything wen't smoothly until...
Say you love me.
I sang to Sam, this time I was able to look him in the eye without fear of him staring back. He did, his eyes tender and bright. He played his part very well.
You know I do.
He sang back earnestly.
Then, in unison, we sang:
Love me, that's all I ask of you.
The music break started and we both looked awkwardly at each other. We were never sure what to do at this part. A hug would be way too short and we didn't know what else to do, so we just stood there like statues eyeing each other nervously... so much for staying in character. When the music picked up we sang again and the rest of the scene played out smoothly. At the end of rehearsal Mrs. Leekly gave us the talk that she always does. Telling us the good, the bad, what to work on and do next time, and what we would should prepare for next rehearsal after school tomorrow.
"Max and Sam, may I see both of you for a minute. Everyone else, you're dismissed! See you tomorrow!" She announces at the end of her speech. Sam and I exchange glances... I thought we had done pretty good today. What does she need us for?
"Okay, you're both doing wonderfully! You sound amazing and really get into the character." Mrs. Leekly enthused. OK. Now we were both plainly confused. What was it that she needed to tell us? We both exchanged glances. "Now, I just need you to do a teensy-weensy little something for me..." She trails off smiling at both of us. Okay, now I'm just scared. Whenever an adult says 'teensy-weensy' in any sentence, I know nothing good is coming next. Turns out... I was right.
*ooOoo*
Sam's POV
What? That was the only word that was going through my head right now. Mrs. Leekly just said - what? Okay, okay, I know you're wondering what she asked us... but I'm not going to tell you, because it's just too embarrassing. Plus, you'll find out soon enough.
"Ummm..." Max at least can speak. She's staring at Mrs. Leekly as if she had just admitted that she had a third eye, webbed feet, and ran around the school parking lot every morning in her underwear. I can't make myself look directly at Max. But can't help but sneak a peek out of the corner of my eye.
"I know, it will take a little getting used to... but it needs to be done." Mrs. Leekly says apologetically to us. Max's eyebrows are lost in her hairline, as if to say, 'Really? That's funny because you never mentioned this earlier... hm... like maybe when we first given our stupid parts!' I can almost feel the hostility rolling off of her in dark, menacing, waves.
"Max, are you alright?" Mrs. Leekly's brow is knit together in concern. "I didn't think it would be that bad... it's what's done in the professional industry." I can almost hear Max's eyes rolling and some snippy remark about how this 'ain't Broadway and would rather rather have splinters shoved under her fingernails than do what was being asked of her'. But she's got a little more grace than that... barely. She just smiles slightly, a hysterical look on her face, and lets out a little 'uh-huh' then runs out of there as fast as her legs will carry her. Which, I must admit, is pretty fast. I let out a sigh as I watch her leave.
"Mr. Lawrence... is she always like this?" Mrs. Leekly has one arm across her stomach the other perched on it, and a hand on her face. She had her eyes closed.
"I think so." I tell her with a laugh.
"You don't have a problem with this... do you?" She asks me.
"Nope." I almost snort in ridicule. She has no idea...
*ooOoo*
Max's POV
"And she asked us to do this and what am I supposed to do?" I almost scream at Fang. He's silent beside me, ever helpful as usual. He smiles slyly at me and chuckles. "That was NOT funny!" I scream at him.
"On the contrary, you're hysterical. It's nothing." He says with a smirk.
"Maybe to you... but..." I trail off.
"You've never done it before." It comes out more of a statement than a real question.
"Nope." I say popping the 'p'. "Never."
"Don't fret over it. Let's just go get something to eat - I'm starving." He gets to his feet offering me his hand. I follow him down to his kitchen, this time we were at his house.
"Pick whatever you want." He says gesturing around the big kitchen. I nod my thanks. I head to the fridge and open the heavy door. Cool air brushes against my face as I look for something cold to drink... I know I need it!
"Want split one?" I ask him, holding up a vitamin water.
"Sure." I one and two cups and see that he microwaved a bag of popcorn. After putting it in a big bowl, we head back upstairs. Fang sets the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table then goes off to do something. I'm busy pouring the drinks.
When Fang comes back in the room I walk up and meet him with his drink in my hand. Handing it to him with both hands he unexpectedly grabs not only the cup, but catches my other hand in his own. Pulling me to him he leans down and kisses me right on the mouth. I'm too stunned to do anything, so I just stand there. My eyes are wide open, staring at his long lashes and closed eyelids, my lips frozen, his aren't. He pulls back slowly. My cheeks are flooding with color and I turn on my heel and head back to sink down on the couch. I can't believe that just happened.
"Well... now you've done it." He said with a twinkle in his eye. He casually brings his cup up to that playful mouth and takes a sip of the vitamin water. Jerk, he didn't even spill a single drop!
"What. Do. You. Think. You. Were. Doing?"
*ooOoo*
Fang's POV
Max is still stunned. Her lips are slightly pursed and she's just staring straight ahead. She refuses to look my way.
"Doing what?" I tease her with a smile. She looks at me, the blushes and quickly glances away.
"Uhm..." Was her oh-so-coherent reply.
"It was just a kiss." I tell her.
"But... why?" She asks.
"Because you were nervous about kissing Sam, right?" I ask.
"Yeeessss..." She says slowly.
"You told me you've never been kissed and were worried so I just thought I'd make it easier." I explain.
"Oh." A look of relief and then something else passed over her face... disappointment? No, I disregard the thought when she looks at me again - she looks really annoyed and then, worried, and then finally embarrassed.
"What's the matter?" Now I'm worried... maybe I shouldn't have kissed Max. I didn't really think anything of it at the time. She has that weird look on her face again.
"Was... it... okay?" She asks me, her cheeks are now bright red and she's studiously studying the carpet.
"Was it... okay?" I repeat. Great, now she's got me embarrassed too. "Yeah, it was fine." I tell her. "We didn't really do anything." I admit with a grin. She was frozen as a statue when I kissed her. The look on her face when I did was priceless! Just like the hilarious mask of relief she was wearing now. I laugh out loud.
"What?" She asks me a small smile playing at the edges of her cute lips. Cute? O sheesh, never kissing my best 'girl' friend again! *Sigh, you know what I mean!
"You expression right now, priceless!" I say between belts of laughter. A sly smile creeps up onto her face, now you could see the little dimple on her right cheek. I'm a little distracted by that but the light in her eyes has me on my feet.
"Take that back." She says enunciating every word with perfect clarity. She looks like a predator ready to strike their prey. A predator confident of victory.
"Nope." I reply, sealing my fate. Now's the part of the story where the prey runs as fast as humanly possible out of the room away from the Fang-eating Max-a-saurus. Ironic, huh?
*ooOoo*
Lissa's POV
Fang and I have never had an awkward relationship, but tonight the silence was somewhat brutal. He's never raised his voice or gotten mad, so he's really what I'd call a perfect boyfriend! Well, back to the present. For my birthday dinner, Fang promised me to take me to that Italian restaurant so here we are, sitting in a booth sitting across from each other and waiting for our food. Fang ordered spaghetti and I ordered a salad and soup (Minestrone this time), as usual. I mean, I seriously need to watch my weight!
"Are you sure you really only want a salad and a cup of soup?" The waitress asks as she confirms our orders. She has a bright smile and has her brown highlighted hair tied back in a tight ponytail.
"Yup, I'm fine. Thanks!" I reply back. Fang feels kind of distant... Did something happen? Maybe I said something... Ugh, he's so quiet and doesn't ever speak his mind with me. Finally I can't take the silence anymore, call me impatient.
"Fang?" I start gently. "Is everything alright?" His eyes meet mine and his face breaks into an easy smile.
"Yeah. I'm fine."
"Okay... you've just been awfully quiet!" I say through slightly quenched teeth, this was supposed to be my birthday and he wasn't paying too much attention to me. I know I sound vain... and I try not to! It's just sometimes I can't help it. I'm still a regular teenage girl... remember? "If you want to talk about something, I'm all ears." I prod.
"Nope. Nothing's wrong. You must be imagining things." He says giving a little chuckle.
"Okay." I say with a smile. This is more like the Fang I know. "So, how's rehearsal coming?" I ask him to keep the conversation going. I immediately know this was the wrong question to ask. Fang's smile disappears and he's suddenly very serious.
"It's fine." He says shortly.
"Oh, mine are good too." I say. "Are you and Max getting the feel of everything?" I already know that Sam is doing fine, he's one of those guys that are well rounded - even in Show Biz.
"Yep. Max finally learned how to do the waltz." He says with a far-off look in his eyes. His slight smile once more graces his handsome features.
"That's good. Was she having trouble before?" I pry.
"Something like that." He says wryly.
"Really? Like what?" I ask. He pretends to not hear me and takes a sip of his coke.
"Do you know what you're going to do for the Winter Dance?" He asks me changing the subject.
"No..." I say, automatically switching to "flirtatious mode". I look at him through my eyelashes. "You have anything in mind?" He looks kind of nervous now. Good. I like them edgy.
"Do you want to go with me?" He asks looking at his hands resting on the table.
"Of course! I thought you'd never ask!" I exclaim. Yes! Now I have to go shopping for a new dress!
"Cool." He replies with a small smile. Our waitress finally appears again with our orders.
"The soup and salad for you, and the spaghetti and meatballs, for you." She says finishing with her eyes on Fang. That's when I realize, how could I have been so stupid not to, that she's totally hitting on him.
"That's great, thanks!" Fang says with a small smile at her.
"No problem. Is there anything else I can get for you?" She say to Fang, batting her eyelashes impressively. Yeah, sure, hows about a certain someones phone number?
"Nope. I think we're all good. Lissa?" He turns to me.
"No I'm fine, thank you." I say with a big smile at her. I put my hand casually on Fang's to show her he's mine. "I've got everything I need." She just smiles a big fake smile at me before walking off. That'll show her who she's messing with.
"This looks good." Fang says picking up his napkin. He's one of the guys I know that actually uses one! Bonus! He closes his eyes for a few seconds and mutters something under his breath. Right, he's kind religious. Not like he goes to church every Sunday, but he still prays before meals. It's cool. He's one of those guys who actually sentimental and cares about what a girl feels or how he feels about her. He won't just go after a girl because he thinks she's hot.
"It does. I agree." And delicately spear a carrot slice to nibble on from my salad. I sample the soup too - it's really good. "I like it here." I say with a grin.
"I do too." Fang replied. We continued to eat in silence.
Finally, after what seemed like eternity, Fang had paid the bill, ever the gentleman, and ignored the slip of paper with the waitress's phone number on it. I beamed to myself.
"So..." I started as we headed out.
"Oh... ummm... do you want your birthday present now?" Fang asks.
"Awww! You're so sweet!" I say reaching up and kissing him on the cheek. We stand in front of the restaurant and he pulls out a little box. Jewlery! It must be! I glance up at him, he's looking off into the distance... maybe he's nervous about if I like it or not.
I undo the ribbon and open the box until I see a small silver charm. The charm is in the shape of a delicate five pointed star. Wow...
"It's for your charm bracelet." He explained.
"It's gorgeous! I love it!" I say enthusiastically. In my head, I'm still in shock. I thought that the charm would at least be a heart or something... we're going out after all!
"Good." He says, a small half smile on his face. "Nudge helped me pick it out."
"Oh cool! It will go great with my other charms." Sigh...
"Ready to head home?" He asks me.
"Yep." I reply and we start walking home. Fang isn't one of the super touchy guys, but he normally at least holds my hand... so I find it really funny when he doesn't grab my hand, especially with it being my birthday and all.
Finally we reach my house.
"I had a great time. Thanks Fang." I say, reach up twining my arms around his neck and kiss him on his full lips. His hand automatically wind around my waist, but I could tell he wasn't really into it.
"I did too." Came his late reply. "Hope you had a nice birthday." He face breaks into his small smiles. I've seen his "real" smiles, they only ever happen when he's alone and he thinks no one's watching or when he's with Max. It's not fair. I smile in return and he leans down and kisses me gently on the forehead.
"Goodnight, Lissa." He says a distant look on his face. As I watch him walk away I can't help but feel a sharp stab of pain in my chest. The way he said it, it sounded like he was saying, "Goodbye".
*ooOoo*
Sam's POV
"Are you ready?" I ask Max. She looks kinda nervous, I am too, but I try not to show it, if not for my sake, for hers. I don't want to make this any more difficult than it needs to be.
"Yep." She gives me a small smile and we head into the auditorium.
"All right people! We have one week left! Are you ready for Hell Week?" Mrs. Leekly says with a huge smile. There's mixed reactions all around, some whooping enthusiastically and some loud groans from others. Max and I keep silent.
"Okay. I want to run the "All I Ask of You" scene one more time? Alright?" Oh great, that's our cue. I sigh and offer Max my hand.
"Let's do this thing." I mutter as we walk up the aisle. She nods and we take our places on stage.
"Okay... remember what we've discussed and good luck!" Mrs. Leekly is beaming at us. We just kind of exchange glances and smile nervously. Before the music starts, I talk softly to Max.
"Max, if you don't want to do this, that's fine. We can tell Mrs. Leekly that it just won't work." I want her to know that I'm not going to force her to do something she doesn't want to do... no matter how much I want to.
"Thanks, Sam. But it's just for the show, right? It'll be fine." She smiles softly at me and then winks. I turn and nod at our accompanist and the music begins. Max looks around nervously, just like she's supposed to. I automatically feel that knee jerk reaction to protect this beautiful girl standing in front of me. Max is way to good at acting for her own good. At least we're getting into character!
Finally it's time. For the big moment of truth. Crap! Here goes nothing!
Say you love me.
Max sings staring deep into my eyes.
You know I do.
You have no idea how much, Max, I sing my eyes soft on hers.
Finally together we sing:
Love me, that's all I ask of you.
I gently take her face in my hands and she closes her eyes and tilts her head upward to greet mine. Our lips touch and I'm home. Her lips are silky smooth under mine and I just kiss her ever so gently, as if she was made of glass, and she could break in any second. She kisses me just as soflty, then, get this, tilts her head to one side so we can kiss better. Her right hand is resting on my chest, right over my beating heart, and her left hand is cupping my neck. My arms have moved from her face and have settled around her in a gentle embrace. Oh my God, this is me, and MAX, kissing! I think, lost in her kiss - she's an amazing kisser. Guys, imagine the girl of your dreams in Max's place and you in mine, then you might get a tiny inkling of what I'm feeling right now. I can hear our classmates tittering on as we kiss. Finally we break apart both of us flushed and wide eyed. I don't remember finishing the end of the song, but somehow we do, to the cat calling, wolf whistling, and cheering coming from our audience. Mrs. Leekly is grinning at us, clapping enthusiastically. Greeaaaat. Max just looks at me, rolls her eyes, and smiles. I beam back at her as we head back down the stairs to our seats. Maybe it's just me, but I think that went rather well...
*ooOoo*
Fang's POV
I'm frozen. My mind is still working but my body won't respond. Seeing her kiss Sam has sharpened all my senses. I feel a slight pang in my chest as I watch them wrapped in each other's arms. Then I almost slap myself. Why should I even care? I shouldn't. Yep, that's right! Max is my best friend... it's probably just those 'brotherly' feelings I feel toward her. I only want what's best for her, like I would feel for Nudge, Totally normal, right, feelings. My thoughts come back to the present when I see them break apart and continue with the scene. I take a deep breath, not realizing that I was holding it.
I'm keep telling myself that I don't care and that it's perfectly normal for me to feel something just because she's been like a sister to me. But a small nagging voice in the back of my head is asking me, "Why were you able to breathe again once they broke apart?"
*ooOoo*
Max's POV
We move onto the dungeon scene where the Phantom has kidnapped Cristine and is holding her hostage. He has been 'unmasked'. It's pretty trippy in the movie, but here, and now, it's just Fang and I goofing off having fun. That's because something went wrong with the set backstage, or something like that, and Mrs. Leekly had to go see to it. That's fine by me. I could use a break after my public make out session with Sam. No offense to him at all, he's a very good kisser... as far as I could tell. I did kiss Fang that one time, but it hardly counted. It's normal that a girl kisses her best guy friend... it just happened for us 10 years later than usual. No big. Even though Dylan is still one of my good friends, he had a thing for J.J. back when we were younger. They were the ones that 'kissed'. I say, good for them, they deserve each other (I'm being sincere, not like those movies where the guy cheats on the girlfriend and the other girl is the really popular mean queen bee?) Yeahhhh...
Anyway, Mrs. Leekly calls Fang and I to attention, well me that is, Fang has to elbow me gently in the ribs to get me out of my muddled thoughts. I start and then focus on Mrs. Leekly.
"Could I speak to you two for a second?" Mrs. Leekly motions for us to come to the edge of the stage where she's standings. We lean down so that we can hear her.
"Max, you did such a good job with Sam! You guys executed that scene perfectly... even with your goofy classmates." She said with a smile. I just smile back and blush. I can feel Fang tense up beside me. Hmmm... wonder what his problem is.
"Okay, you did so great with that scene that I want to complicate this one for you both!" She says grinning. Okay, I know maybe I'm just paranoid, but this did not sound good. "I'm totally kidding. I don't mean 'complicate' exactly, but I do want to add to it." At this Fang and I exchange nervous glances. This is not going good.
"I need you to kiss. A few times actually. Christine really needs to be frightened, sympathetic, and in love with both of these guys at the same time." She says. My eyes bug out and Fang just blinks, meaning complete and utter astonishment on his part.
"What?" I snap.
"Oh come one Max, you've kissed Sam before! It's not going to mean anything - I'm sorry, but it's show biz. And your kissing Nick. What's not to like?" She wiggles her eyebrows at me and laughs and I know by the way she acts that she wasn't doing it to be weird or anything - just because she's probably only 30 years old and the most on-the-same-wave-length as us sort of teacher there is. She was just teasing me - in an oddly serious and true sort of way.
"Fine." I sigh. She squeals in delight and claps her hands together. "Perfect!" She beams at us.
"Okay places everyone! Let's get this show on the road!" She demands turning around to face the rest of the students.
"Are you okay with this?" I ask Fang.
"Yeah, sure, it's just for the show." Fang replied with a smile.
"Yeahhh..." I trail off. The lights dim and we take our places. Fang wraps his long fingers around my wrist and when the lights come on pull me with him into his "lair". His mask is off and suddenly the perfect moment appears to put Mrs. Leekly's plan into action.
Right now, Fang looks livid. Mad and humiliated that he's been unmasked by his one true love. I reach up and cup his cheek in my hand (the side that would be altered by makeup for the real show) and make my face completely sympathetic, in awe, and of course saturated with love. Fang's stopped his lines in surprise and that's good, it's what would have happened. The conductor sees what's happening and music starts around us, soft, but building. I become one with the music as it grew so did my movements.
I now held Fang's face between both of my hands. Then swept up in the moment I raised up to the tips of my toes and closed my eyes pressing my slightly parted lips against his surprised ones. His arms slowly wrap around me and gently pull me closer, turning his head to kiss me better. He wasn't forceful at all, just gentle, soft, warm, and solid. My best friend. Finally murmurs from the audience made me break away from him. He has this look on his face that I can't quite place. His eyes are lit up with something I've never seen before but then go blank once more as we continue with the scene.
At the end, when he says I can go and Sam has come to rescue me, I go back to him once more. I take off the engagement ring and head back to where he's sitting with his head in his hands. I touch him on the shoulder and he looks up a look of hope on his face. I almost have tears on my face as I catch his hand in mine and place the ring in his palm. His fingers close over it and he looks away, I know his face looks broken. Improvising, for Mrs. Leekly of course, I put my fingers under his chin and make him face me. His eyes are blank. Even with him sitting, he's only a few inches shorter. This kind of annoys me but makes what I do next a lot easier. I hold his face in my hands and press my lips once more to his. One of his hands holds my waist and other holds my cheek. This one is shorter. I break away, slowly. And kiss him once more, this time on the cheek then I run back to where Sam is waiting supposedly behind the dungeon wall so he couldn't see me and Fang's last exchange.
When the scene is over there's thunderous applause from the audience and Mrs. Leekly beckons for the three of us to come out. Fang is on my right and Sam on my left. They each bow and then gesture for me to receive applause as well. Knowing I'll be in a dress, I raise my right hand to my chest and my left hand out for balance, then I execute a perfect curtsy for the audience.
Mrs. Leekly's voice raises over the applause. "Great rehearsal everyone! From the top, with bows!"
*ooOoo*
Max's POV
I could hear the audience. That was with no doubt. What I was in doubt of was my talent and confidence. The audience had no desire to calm down and stop with their talking as I tried to go over the whole play together in my head, so, I was behind the stage, crouched down, and hugging onto my knees like a sad little girl who got her balloon taken away. Out of the corner of my eye I could see two leather shoes coming my way- Fang.
"Hey, don't worry. You'll be fine. We've been over this a hundred times backwards and forwards. It'll come naturally when you're out there. I promise." He tried to sound encouraging. I guess you could say it kind of helped... Well, then I heard the squeak of the the speakers and Ms. Leekly tapping the microphone a lot- very unnecessary. She cleared her voice and then began- the cue to everyone to pick up their dresses or unnecessarily long capes to get their butts to their positions in twenty seconds. In other words, I stood up, hiked up my dress in both hands and ran.
"Ahem- Ladies and Gentlemen! Thank you SO much for being here with your busy schedules and all. I'm sure your children are so thrilled to have you come on opening night. Please keep in mind of how much time, work, and effort each and every one of them put into making this musical the absolutely amazing performance it is today! Thank you again, and now I present to you, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera!" The clapping continued for another ten seconds and I heard Ms. Leekly's heels clacking off the stage. The lights dim, everything was eerily quiet, and then I heard the orchestra start playing... Crap, that's the cue.
*ooOoo*
Fang's POV
Everything was going great! Max was doing an awesome job! No one messed up yet - thankfully. Though we've just finished "Think of Me"... hmmm... so we're not exactly that far into the performance but that's alright. We're all on our toes because this is opening night! Max comes off the stage and her eyes are shining. She has a quick change but stops to give me a quick hug.
"I didn't fall on my face or anything, yet!" She whispers and beams at me, slightly breathless.
"You did wonderfully." I whisper back. She runs to the quick change room and comes out a minute later in a whole new outfit. She looks breathtakingly beautiful. She flashes me a quick smile and goes to the wings where the next scene would unfold. Time for the Phantom to reveal himself. I walk to my spot in the mirrored cupboard and wait.
Being out on stage is at first, very intimidating. The bright lights on you and the hundreds of eyes staring at your every move. I could only see the first few rows, but enough to make out Max's parents and mine. Creepy. But soon I'm lost in the scene and it's like they're not even there.
It's right before intermission, and I'm catching my breath. Max and Sam are just about to preform their "All I Ask of You" scene. The audience is rapt with wonder at the professional performance we were pulling off. I even had to admit, with the makeup (I only have a little powder and my "ruined face", but I can't help that), the hair, costumes, lights, and audience, this has been extraordinary. I'm snapped back to the play when I hear the notes of "All I Ask of You" straining from the orchestra pit. They sound fabulous. The acoustics in this auditorium are fabulous. Sam starts singing and I watch them from the wings.
Finally they've gotten to the part of the play that makes me wary. It always gives me that weird feeling, no matter that I know it's all for show... I can't help but feel awkward and somehow violated as I see Max in Sam's arms. It's pretty creepy. Oh great, here it goes. (You know the drill.)
Say you love me.
Max sings.
You know I do.
Sam sings back.
Love me, that's all I ask of you.
And that's when the start kissing passionately. I turn away and head to my place where I shall "reveal" myself later. Good thing the Phantom's not supporting this relationship, if he was supposed to, I would ruin the part! When they're finally done I'm able to breathe again. I wait for my cue to reappear on the stage.
*ooOoo*
Max's POV
Kissing Sam is pretty good. I've gotten used to it, kind of, now that we've done it like five times in rehearsals. He definitely meets all the requirements that I've read and heard about. I'm glad that he actually respects me and my space, he's not taking advantage of the situation, I appreciate that.
At the end of the scene, Fang is on stage, vowing that he will get us. He looks angry and hurt. I'm really glad that he's playing his role so well. Everyone is doing so amazing tonight!
The curtain comes down to astounding applause and all of us backstage let out a breath I didn't know we'd been holding. Fang comes into the wings and we walk straight into each other's arms. Wow, don't kill me if that sounded like a cheesy romance novel, because that wasn't what I was going for. Really.
"You did amazing out there!" I congratulate him.
"Me? Nah, you were the star!" He says with a smile. We're still holding each other when I hear a little cough coming from behind me. I let my arms fall to my side and turn to see Lissa watching us. She has no expression on her face. But her eyes are full of emotion. A sort of annoyance mixed with a sad understanding. I turn away to go head to the dressing rooms in the basement and change. They need some time alone. She is his girlfriend after all.
On my way down the stairs, I'm stopped by Sam who pulls me into a hug.
"You were absolutely beautiful out there!" He gushes. A big smile on his handsome features.
"Thanks! You were amazing too!" I say, my answering smile just as big.
"Did you hear all of our classmates? They were so loud!" He complained, but he still had a twinkle in his eye so I knew he wasn't too mad. How could anyone be right now? We were all swept up in the show.
"Yeah. The catcalls and wolf whistles are getting a little old." I say blushing with a smile. I know he's referring to when we were kissing. It seemed half the school turned out the see the performance and had been quite satisfied with our little public makeout session.
"Tell me about it. You should go get changed. See you up there Miss. Daae." He says with a wink then a salute.
"Of course... Raoul." I wiggle my eyebrows and continue my descent to hair, makeup, and my next costume.
*ooOoo*
Fang's POV
I have to admit, I was swept up in the moment. We were at the dungeon scene where I have kidnapped Christine after she has betrayed me by taking off my mask. I'm ranting and raving and pacing the floor of the 'dungeon'. I stop enough to show the audience and 'Christine' how heartbroken, embarrassed, mad, and saddened I am by what she's exposed me as. I stop in utter shock as I see Max's face open, and vulnerable. She's in her role 110%, as am I. I can feel her lips on mine the second before she reaches up and kisses me. Slow, tender, soft, and warm. The phantom may look rugged and hard, but inside he's soft and gentle, especially to his lover and muse.
I freeze when I feel something wet, small, and delicate slide onto my cheek. Max was crying. Her lips trembled under mine and I hold her close, he lips slightly parting. One of my hands holds her cheek the other is buried in her hair. Her hands were wrapped around my neck. This kiss goes on longer than the others we've had to do in rehearsals. It was heaven.
When I pull away from her we stare into each other's eyes looking for answers. There's nothing except confusion, we've both locked our feelings up again. But something changed right then. I don't know what it was, but I knew we both felt it. (A/N: Hmmm... wonder where that one came from...)
*ooOoo*
Max's POV
The last note hangs in the air as the audience is silent, spellbound by our performance. When the curtains go down, the applause is thunderous, the cheering is so loud it's a wonder that they weren't breaking the glass or something. The curtain rises once again and everyone goes out in order of importance for our final bows.
Sam and Fang stand on either side of me ready to go out on stage to accept our applause. The three of us join hands as we walk onto the stage. Sam goes out first, as planned, and executes a perfect bow. If possible, the applause gets even louder. Everyone loves Sam. Fang goes next, looking like gentleman in his flowing black cape and black eye mask. The girls cheers are high pitched and screeching as they swoon over the dashing Fang. Both of my male partners hold their arms out to me and I step forward to have my turn in the spotlight. Just I practiced with Fang I slip down into a deep and graceful curtsy, drawing myself up without falling, tripping, or wobbling. VICTORY! The applause is deafening when I'm finally back on two feet. Wow... that much applause... for me?
I'm beaming from ear to ear as someone throws me a red rose. Even though I'm playing a lady, I'm still Max, and reach forward to easily catch it. I sniff it, look at Ari who I saw was the one who threw it, and curtsy once again specially to him and then blow him a kiss. We all join hands, Fang on my right, Sam on my left and we bow again. Well, they bow, I curtsy. We guesture to the orchestra pit and the conductor and orchestra rise for their applause. We call the stage hands out on stage too for their turn in the spotlight. Then Mrs. Leekly is called up on the stage and she graciously nods to the crowd accepting her applause. The rest of the cast joins us and we all take one more bow, everyone the same this time, then straighten with our arms high in the air. We bow once more then wave as the curtain closes over the standing ovation of the crowd. What a night!
*ooOoo*
Sam's POV
After the final curtain went down, we all started hugging each other. Max hugged Fang then Fang went to find Lissa. Max turned to me next. I wrap my arms around her and give her a big hug. We're both holding each other when I get this sudden desire to kiss her. No one's looking, they're all wrapped up in the excitement, I pull back slightly and lean down and kiss her right on the mouth. She freezes for a second, but then, get this, kisses me back.
When we finally break for air, we're both flushed and breathing a little harder than usual.
"Wow." Max finally says.
"Yeah." I say ever so wittingly. "You looked beautiful out there... I mean, you still do look beautiful, but you looked especially beautiful out there, on stage, and -" I don't get any farther than that because Max stands on the tips of her toes and brings my lips down to meet hers. This time I'm the one who's frozen in surprise.
"Were you trying to ask me something?" Max asks playfully. Her arms are still around my neck and my hands on her waist.
"Uh... did you want me to ask you something?" I reply nervously.
"Just spit it out Sam, what were you going to say?" I know she's not really annoyed because a slight smile is playing on her lips.
"Did you want to go out for dinner and a movie on Sunday night?" It couldn't be sooner, we had two shows tomorrow but only one matinee on Sunday, the following day.
"Sure." She says beaming at me. "I thought you'd never ask." That's when I lean down to kiss her again.
OOOOOHHHHH! Max and Sam! AH! Aren't you excited? We are - this will make for a few very interesting upcoming chapters - don't you think? Fabulous! By the way, NarutoLover7890 wants to ask this "How old do you think we are? Just curious... Of course, we won't give out our actual ages for the sake of living peacefully, but we were wondering what you guys thought while reading..." So feel free to leave a comment! Thanks for reading guys! Now the fun's just getting started!
Fly on!
Mx2Blue326 and NarutoLover7890