Chapter Six-Auditions and Manipulation
"I don't think I can do this...." Victoria watched the other people on the stage. "I'm so not an actress." They were sitting in the community theater, waiting their turns to audition for Phantom of the Opera.
"You can do it." Jonathan assured her. He looked over at Christien. "So, you think you're going to get the phantom?"
"I hope so." Christien s miled over his script at his best friend. Things hadn't been easy for Victoria since Johanna's passing, but everyday, she seemed to be doing better. "You're a great singer, Tori. Mokuba even said so."
"But I know Christine's role. I saw Phantom of the Opera like a hundred times when I was younger. Her voice is so high. I don't know if I can compete."
"You can. I have faith in you." Christien told her. "Besides, it wouldn't be the same if you didn't join us."
Jonathan nodded as Mokuba came to sit with them. "That's right."
When her name was called along with Christien's, Victoria made her way up to the stage. The director smiled. "Sing me a piece of Think of Me." He said kindly. So she did, surprising herself. Next, the director gestured to Christien to come forward. "I want you two to do the theme,Phantom of the Opera."
Victoria looked up at Christien. "We can do it."
"Right, of course we can!" Christien took her hand for comfort, and the two began to perform the piece. After they finished, Jon and Mokuba did their auditions.
Later, the four friends left, and each went their separate ways. Victoria headed over to Duke's shop to pick up her latest expansion. She was going to sign up for Duke's first ever tournament too. Dungeon Dice Monsters was her second favorite game in the world. Not only that, it's inventor was excellent company too. Well, to her. Marik and his siblings preferred her to hand out with Mokuba and the Robas. When she got there, the shop was mostly empty. She opened the door, and was greeted by Cassidra, Duke's number one assistant. "Hey, Cass."
"Hey, Victoria. Mr. Devlin was just talking about you..."
"He was?" Victoria's eyes brightened in curiosity. "Can you tell him I'm here?"
"Of course." Cassidra finished her count, and then went upstairs. "Mr. Devlin, Victoria Ishtar is here to see you."
"Tell her to come on up." Duke replied pleasantly. He turned his chair to see downstairs. Victoria was doing what she normally did for him. Cleaning the demonstration area. He watched Cassidra walk over to tell the girl she could come up, then stood up to greet her at the door. "Hello, Tori. It's been a long time..."
"Yes...I know..." She looked up at him. "I came to pay off my expansion."
"I see..." Duke gestured to a chair. "Why don't you stay for a little visit? I just got more spring water in. Would you like me to get one?"
"Well, I really shouldn't stay long..." Victoria replied, feeling guilty. "I'm supposed to be going over to help Joey and Rex with a few things..."
"Oh......" Duke looked towards the door, then closed it. "Victoria, let me be honest with you. I need your hel p here at the store. This place loves you. "
"I'm only thirteen, Duke. I can't work for you legally...you know that." The girl looked at the floor. "But I'd really like to..."
"Well, maybe I can make a few adjustments to the contract, and maybe they'd agree..." Duke knew how Marik's family felt about him being friends with their youngest sister. "I want you here, helping out.."
"You'd do that for me, Duke?! Really?!" Victoria's eyes brightened.
"Of course I would! What are friends for?" Duke smiled at her happy expression. "You'd better go for now though. I'll try to work on the details tonight. Why don't you come back tomorrow?" It was more of a statement than a suggestion. Duke knew how much influence he had over Victoria. Just as much as he had over all his other fan girls. But Victoria was different. He didn't want her like that. He wanted a little sister. This was the next to last step to reaching his goal.
"Should I bring Marik?" She asked him, as she headed for the stairs.
Duke shrugged indifferently. "If you want....I'll probably have to talk to him anyway." Yes,Marik would probably be last of the three elder Ishtars that would agree to this. Marik Ishtar was cautious of everyone. He was even more cautious when it came to Victoria. So, I'll just have to be super convincing and manipulative. Duke smiled to himself. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."
"Alright, Duke." She went downstairs, and paid for her expansion. "See you later, Cassidra." Victoria walked out, smiling. If everything went right, she'd have a real summer job.