Chapter 42- The Performance
"He's here, the Phantom of the Opera!" Olivia called in her Meg voice, which was much louder and more confident now. She grabbed Annie's arm and the two watched as the next scene unfolded.
Michelle threw her tantrum perfectly. She was over-the-top and her diva like air had never needed improvement. As Carlotta, Michelle stomped off the stage, calling for Piangi as she left.
Annie's 'Think of Me' performance was perfect, because she didn't need to act. She started out shaky and then gained confidence as she continued. She hit the last vocalization flawlessly, and received a standing ovation, as she watched Josh smile, largely from his place.
'Angel of Music' was a little shaky, but only because Olivia had always been a little unsure about her harmonies, but she hit the notes perfectly, if not very loud.
Annie had always loved performing The Mirror scene and tonight, she hoped would be no different. As Jayden's voice filled the room, she looked around as if trying to find him, although she knew where he was. "Insolent boy…" He sang his line with more emotion than Annie had ever thought possible.
"Angel I hear you, speak I listen…" She frowned, and as Christine she finished the song. She stepped into the mirror entranced as she was suppose to be, and the throbbing beat of the bass mixed with the fog and lights of the stage set the perfect mood for the scene.
Jayden sang beautifully for music of the night, although he came closer than he usually did, which made Annie a little nervous. He caught her and held her in his arms while he walked to the bed to set her down, and then kissed her forehead just before he finished his song, something that he had never done before. Annie knew what he was trying to do, and for a moment, she almost let him, but then thinking of her fiancé and the sweet promises they had made, she shook off the thoughts that Jayden instilled in her.
When Annie peeled off the mask on Jayden's face and revealed his stage makeup, he reacted perfectly, as if he were really angry with her, he threw her onto the floor as scripted and sang with thunder and horrifying fury.
Later after he had led her by 'Boquet' and 'Madame Giry' he said he was sorry if he hurt her. Annie didn't reply, but instead quickly went to go change into her 'Il Muto' costume, leaving Jayden standing alone, looking a little angry and quite confused.
The 'Il Muto' scene was one that Annie had never enjoyed rehearsing, nor enjoyed seeing the look on Michelle's smug face when the trying girl knew that she was the center of attention.
"Seraphino, away with this pretence!" She sang in her horrible cat-like way. "You cannot speak, but kiss me in my husband's absence."
Michelle scowled so that only Annie could see, as Annie and she stage kissed as quickly as possible. Michelle pulled away and looked at the audience with humor in her eyes. "Poor fool, he makes me laugh, ah, ah, ah, ahaaa!" She sang, and while she hit the notes, they did in fact sound like nails on a chalkboard. "Time I tried to get a better, better half."
The rest of the cast, save for Annie joined in. "Poor fool, he doesn't know. Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, hooo!" Michelle vocalized while the rest of the cast sang the little backup parts. "If he knew the truth he'd never, ever go-"
"Did I not instruct, that box five was to be kept empty!" Jayden's booming and powerful voice sounded.
"He's here the Phantom of the Opera!" 'Meg' yelled.
"It's him. I know it." Annie said, not really needing to act as if she was frightened by the loud deep voice.
"Your part is silent, little toad!" Michelle said, and then she turned to 'M. Reyer' and they confirmed to begin at the beginning of the scene.
"Seraphino, away with this pretence! You cannot speak, but kiss me in my- hua-" She made a sound much like a goat. This wasn't how they had rehearsed it, but Annie thought it worked well.
Michelle had the perfect look of mixed fear and surprise on her face. This was far better than when they had practiced it. "Poor fool he makes me laugh, ah, ah, ah, ah, ahaaa." She started to vocalize, but her voice broke once more, and she looked angry, surprised and afraid this time.
She stormed off the stage, and Annie heard someone say backstage. "She isn't faking, it's real!" That statement mixed with Jayden's insane laughter sent a wave of nausia over Annie, she also ran off stage, as the performance continued behind her.