25. Hidden Secrets, Hidden Fears

((This chapter is rated PG for 'dramatic scenes'. And 'cause I FEEL like it.))

As this snarled cruise is just starting to becoming untangled, Vanessa discovers something about Larc that could change Larc's life – and everyone in it.

A shriek exploded from the blonde's mouth. "LARC!" Vanessa reached for a strand of her friend's hair and fingered it. "I can't believe it…" She whispered in astounded awe. Emmy smiled. "Say hello to the new Larc!" Blushing, Larc protested, "Emmy, Nessa, cut it out!" Vanessa cried, "I can't help it! Larc, you were definitely meant to be a brunette."

Gerard asked, "I assume you've accepted the part of Christine?" Larc looked his reflection in the mirror. "Yes, Gerard. I will be Christine," Larc whispered. Her attempts at being serious were all in vain, for a small smile stretched across her glossed lips. Vanessa gave her the "see-what-a-bit-of-makeup-can-do" look. Larc stuck out her tongue at Vanessa's reflection.

"Let's go show Alex!" squealed Vanessa, pulling Larc away from the mirror before she had time to agree. The pack all quickly walked to Alex's room, to which Vanessa held the key. As she flung the door open, she called, "Alex! Come see!" Alex's head and shirtless shoulders appeared from the doorway of the bathroom. The shower was on, and his hair was wet. "Vanessa, I'm kind of – Oh!" Larc blushed. "Surprise?" she said, giving a slight grin.

Larc plopped down onto her bed, glancing at the clock. 11:23 PM. They had all had a party to congratulate her on her new role. Larc sighed, happy that her friends could be happy for her.

"You are late." Larc's eyes snapped open. "You weren't expecting me tonight, were you?" Goosebumps spread up her arms as she sat up quickly. "Congratulations on the role of Christine. I knew Gerard would ask you sooner or later. Now… Now you can tell my story." The voice chuckled. Larc shuddered. "Please," she whispered pathetically, "I don't want him hurt." "My dear mademoiselle, I would never dream!" the voice replied tauntingly. (1) Rage suddenly was pumped through Larc's veins, absorbing her entire being and causing her to stand on her bed and shout, "If you harm any one of my friends, so help me, I will murder you with my bare hands!" Suddenly, four other people filled her room.

"Larc!" cried Vanessa, looking around at the empty-besides-Larc room. "What was that about!" yelled Alex angrily. "Larc, it's 11:30! You can't just shout random things!" said Emmy. Gerard gave her a gaze that said "I know you're hiding something". Larc was silent for a moment. "Sorry. I saw a spider. Big devil. I frightened him off, though." All four let out a sigh. "You mean you woke up the entire hotel to yell at a spider!" cried Alex. At that point, he walked out of the room. "Good night, Larc," said Emmy irritably, pulling Gerard out of the room as well. Larc sat on her bed silently. "Go on Vanessa. I'm okay," she said. Vanessa walked to the door and called to Alex, "I'm staying in here for the night!" Then she closed the door and locked it. "Vanessa, I do not remember inviting you to – !" began Larc, but she was cut off. "I know you need me in here. I heard him." Larc held her breath before asking, "Heard who?"

Vanessa rolled her eyes. "I know you weren't yelling at a spider. You were yelling at that voice. That was pretty brave, by the way." Larc bowed her head. "Vanessa, he's been talking to me since the night you played Christine! He told me how you didn't deserve it, how he would help me… Vanessa, I swear, I never asked him to hurt you! Any of you, in any way! It's just… mesmerizing to hear a voice that holds me dear… Dearer than you." ((Skye: "Yes, 'dearer' IS a word!")) Vanessa looked at Larc, puzzled. "Vanessa, everyone likes you! You took a soar to popularity in the seventh grade for unknown reasons, and somehow I got left behind! It's always Vanessa! Vanessa, Vanessa, Vanessa! And I was fine with it until the voice told me not to be! He told me that I should be angry and jealous and spiteful! Vanessa, it's tearing me apart!" Larc cradled her face in her hands, covering the red shame that stained her milky skin.

Vanessa stroked Larc's back, trying to comfort her. "Larc! Don't you know that school doesn't matter? Why should you suddenly care now, when you didn't for three years?" Larc looked up at her. "Because someone is telling me that I deserve it more than you. Vanessa, I'm so afraid… Afraid that deep down I think the voice is right."

1 THIS is where I got stuck! I was just digging my own grave here! But then, while watching Phantom in French, it just hit me. YAY FOR FRENCH PHANTOM! You all must hail it. Or else.