The Show Must Go On

The next day was the performance of Il Muto! I was extremely nervous but excited at the same time. I hadn't heard any more from Miss Sherry but I knew that I hadn't seen the last of her. She was probably sitting in her room thinking up some new way to make my life miserable. She probably had Carlotta helping her, too, since she was still annoyed at me for taking her part.

I got out of bed and walked over to my vanity. I looked more pale than ever and very drained. I guess my lessons and the rehearsals were really wearing me out. I washed my face and brushed my hair. All I needed to do was put my under garments on because they were going to dress me backstage. My costume was the most bulgy dress! I also have to wear this tall wig. My head will probably be killing me afterwards.

I walked down to the stage and found that everyone was already getting dressed. I saw Miss Sherry and Carlotta sitting in the seats where the audience would sit. They were whispering to each other about something. Those two really need to get a life! Madame Giry walked over to me and led me over to the dressing room. Two women had my dress out and waiting for me to step into it. After I had squeezed into it, it was time to put on my make up. This other woman led me over to a vanity where she applied tons of make up! It felt as if my face had a mask on it because I wasn't used to all that make up. Next was the wig. It took two people to actually lift it up to my head. It wasn't as heavy as I thought it would be, though. I walked, very carefully, over to the full length mirror and gazed at myself for a long time. I look so different! This is so neat! I am actually going to be starring in the leading role! I couldn't resist the smile that had crossed over my face just then.

Miss Sherry and Carlotta had a little plan up their sleeves to wipe that smile off of her face, though. Miss Sherry had actually come up with the idea, but Carlotta was going to perform the evil trick. She would be up in the rafters with a bucket of water. As Rachel sings Poor Fool He Makes Me Laugh, Carlotta would dump the water on her head. It would be a perfect excuse to end the performance. After all, you cannot have a soggy Countess.

The performance was about to begin. Everyone was backstage getting ready for the curtain to go up. All of the people were being seated in their seats to watch Il Muto. A dark shadow was entering Box 5, which had been kept empty with the help of Madame Giry. The Phantom sat down and waited for the performance to begin. Meanwhile, Rachel was backstage taking deep breaths. I hope everything goes right tonight! I have never been so nervous in my entire life! Madame Giry appeared and announced how much longer they had.

"Alright everyone, three more minutes until show time. Everyone get in their places!" She walked off of the stage to watch. I walked up to the center of the stage while everyone else got in their places. I thought I heard a noise from above me, but I knew it was probably just from the nervous state I was in at the moment. I heard the music begin to play and the curtain rose. I looked at all the faces before me and smiled. Okay, here comes the song. You can do it, Rachel! I took a deep breath and began to sing. I was halfway through the song when all of a sudden I felt a cold wetness soak into my dress and hair. I abruptly stopped singing and watched as the curtain fell. I could hear the gasps and laughter from the audience. I just stood there in shock at what had just happened. Madame Giry rushed over to me and walked me over to the vanity to dry off. She stepped back onto the stage and spoke up to the rafters.

"Buquet, what is going on up there?" I heard a man's voice shout back a reply.

"I saw some movement but when I walked over to see what it was, there was no one there."

"Well, the water didn't just drop on its own." She hurried back over to me and removed the wig. My makeup had smeared and the dress was soaked in the front.

"Well, we will just have to get a new dress and apply more makeup. We won't let a little thing like this discourage us, now will we?" I shook my head, although I wasn't feeling quite as confident anymore.

I slipped into a similar looking dress, had my makeup put back on, and a new wig placed on my head, although it wasn't as tall as the first one. I stepped back onto the stage and waited as Madame Giry talked to Joseph Buquet again.

"Now, you better pay attention this time and watch like a hawk!" I took a deep breath as the curtain rose once again. The music began to play and I started singing the song again. No one seemed to mind that my costume was different. They all smiled at me and listened closely. I finished the last word as applause broke out. People threw roses up at me and some even stood up as they were clapping. The curtain closed and I turned around to see Madame Giry and Meg smiling at me. Meg rushed over and hugged me tightly.

"Oh, Rachel, you were absolutely wonderful! Did you see everyone applauding? They even threw roses at you!" I hugged her back and squealed.

"I know, it was wonderful!" Madame Giry whispered something to Meg and led me over to a deserted part of the stage.

"The Phantom saw the disaster that occurred tonight, and he is very outraged! He wrote in a letter that he knows who dumped the water on your head. He is going to get revenge if it is the last thing he does. Please be careful when you are around him. He can do anything." She cleared her throat and then smiled. "Well, with all that pushed aside, I must tell you that you sang wonderfully tonight, my dear."

"Thank you, madame." I hugged her and then walked over to the dressing room to change. So, Erik knows who did it. I bet I could take a good guess, too. As much as I would love to get even with Miss Sherry and Carlotta, I do not wish any harm to be caused to them. I will just have to stop him somehow, but how?

I walked back to my room after being hounded by adoring fans. I must have received thirty roses and letters! It was the most amazing feeling to know that others adore you that much and admire you. This has got to be the best thing that has ever happened to me. I reached my door and unlocked it. It was like stepping into a flower garden. Roses and other flowers were lined up along the walls. I shut the door and locked it. I went over to my vanity and sat down to open my letters. I lit a candle and opened up the first one.

Dear Miss Thompson,

You were wonderful tonight in the performance of Il Muto. It was a disaster that the water fell on you, but I am sure they will find who did it. I look forward to seeing you in the next performance. I am sure you will be the leading role. Sincerely,

Lauren Moore

Dear Miss Thompson,

You are a very talented young girl! You are courageous, too, for getting back up there and singing after that terrible tragedy. I hope you continue to sing and keep your career going. Love,

Rebecca Martson

Dear Miss Thompson,

Bravo, you were excellent tonight! You truly did shine as a star should. Are you by any chance seeing anyone? I know you don't even know me, but I would treat you like an angel if you would give me a chance. I would be grateful if you responded. Your admirer,

Roger Carter

I almost laughed out loud. The poor man sounded truly heart struck! I would hate to break his heart, so I hope he just forgets about the letter. I searched through the letters until I came to the one that I was sure would be in the pile. I opened it up while holding my breath.

Dear Miss Thompson,

You sang perfectly tonight. I am very sorry about the little accident and I assure you I will not let it pass us by. I know the two culprits as I am sure you do as well. I shall take matters into my own hands. Do not fret, for I will not do anything too harsh. I will pay a visit to you very soon so we can start your new lessons. I remain your obedient servant,

Angel

I have to go see him. Too harsh probably doesn't mean anything to him. I folded the letter back up and blew out the candle. I walked over to the mirror, pushed back the glass, and stepped inside. I pushed the glass shut and was just about to turn around when I felt two gloved hands slide over my shoulders. I trembled a little as Erik's touch sent shivers down my spine. He has never touched me like this before. Why now? I finally found my voice and turned to face him.

"Erik, what are you doing?" His eyes seemed fogged over, as if he were in a dream. He shook his head slightly and looked away from my gaze.

"Um, nothing, it was nothing. Shall we go to the boat, ma'am?" Although I was more than confused, I decided to follow him down to his lair.

"Of course, Angel."

(Author's Note: I don't like it that much but maybe you guys will. I will try to update tomorrow but I might not get to, so don't be too mad at me. I love you guys!)