A/N: Sometimes we just have to find our inner strength and courage in order to make it through. You have to dig real deep but it is worth it in the end. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter Twenty-five

Inner Strength and Courage

Darcey woke up several hours later to see Meg in Garren's arms, the two of them talking in low tones. She closed her eyes again so they wouldn't know she was awake. She didn't want to interrupt their conversation. Besides, she needed time to think about the situation at hand, now that she could think clearly rather than with her emotions. It wasn't going to be the end of the world. She would have other friends and had other friends as shown by the two sitting in the chair next to her. She hadn't been completely sure about her feelings about Erik and maybe she will grow to like and maybe even love Lionell. She probably had a better chance with him anyways and he seemed to be interested in her. Maybe things would turn out for the better. She sighed. She then noticed how quiet it had gotten.

"We know you're awake, Darcey," Garren said, amusement obvious in his voice. Darcey opened her eyes to see two smiling faces and couldn't help smiling back.

"How are you feeling?" Meg let go of one of Garren's hands to squeeze Darcey's.

"Better. I'll be fine," she said to convince not only her friends, but herself.

"Good. You are still going on your outing with Lionell tonight. Your dress was delivered a couple hours ago."

Darcey's eyes widened. "I need to send him a note." She started to sit up but was stopped by both of them.

"Oh, no you don't," Meg barked.

"You have plenty of time . Plus if you get up, I'll have no reason to continue holding Meg, here." He winked at her as Meg's cheeks got rosy.

"Alright," Darcey said. "I'll stay here." She settled down onto her back and stared up at the ceiling in thought.

"We're here if you want to talk. We aren't going to force you, but it might help to talk about it." They were all quiet for awhile. Finally Darcey sighed.

"You're probably right. You know how I've been getting violin lessons? Well... I thought we were friends... my teacher and I, but I guess we are not. Now that I am good enough to be in the orchestra, he doesn't want anything to do with me. I feel betrayed. I considered him as one of my best friends. It appears I only have you two though."

"I'm so sorry. You do have us. We are both here for you. Right Garren? He was just telling me earlier when you were sleeping that you were one of his best friends. We'll help you anyway we can." Darcey rolled over to look at them. They were so cute together. They were holding hands and Garren had his chin on her shoulder. He pressed a kiss on Meg's neck. Darcey made a decision then and there to forget about her problems and to focus on enjoying life and helping her two friends with their relationship. She would be strong and push through this trial. She would fulfill Erik's request not because he had asked her to, but because they were the perfect match and deserved to be happy.

"Thank you. You don't know how much it means to me. I appreciate it." Darcey smiled at both of them. "Now what time is it?"

"It's about six so you have time to eat a little bit and get ready to go before your outing. I will take a note to him if you like," Garren said.

"You could just tell him that I will still be going with him. Meg, will you help me get ready?" Darcey asked sitting up. She realized she was hungry though that could be expected after not eating all day. Garren kissed Meg's neck one last time and allowed her to stand before he did.

"You two lovely ladies go eat a little snack and get all fancy. I'll go give Lionell his message and then meet you later. I want to take you to a restaurant if you will allow me, Meg." Meg nodded excitedly. "Great. I look forward to seeing you two, later."

As soon as he left the room, Meg pulled Darcey up to stand and hugged her. "This is one of the worse, best days ever!" They both giggled and went to Meg's room to get ready for the evening.

Meg pushed the dress box into Darcey's arms and urged her to open it. Darcey, just as excited, opened the box and lifted the black gown out. The beauty of the dress struck them again even though they had seen it before. "Go put it on, this instant!" Meg said. Darcey obliged, changing quickly. She had to have Meg help her lace up her corset tighter, since it had been loose, and do up the back of the dress. She then stood in front of the mirror. The dress had off-the-shoulder, long sleeves and a red ribbon tied around the waist. The fabric spiraled from the high waist down to the floor in a simple, but stunning design. The back was lower than she was used to but it wasn't too low. She knew her scars would be showing but few people saw them so it didn't really matter. She couldn't really do anything with her hair but went over to the vanity to brush it anyways while Meg changed. It was longer which meant it was getting more and more wavy. She didn't have full curls which had always irritated her to no end. It was just about a half inch past her jaw now.

Since she couldn't really do anything, she decided to wear her song bird head band that Erik had given her. She grabbed it out of the jewelry box she had brought with her. Since Meg was just now changing, Darcey decided to look through the box. She was struck by the beauty of one of the rings. It was quite simple. Just a silver band with a small ruby and two smaller diamonds on either side. She placed the ring on her right, ring finger.

"That's a pretty ring," Meg said as she came to stand behind her. She was wearing a pale pink dress with sparkles on the bodice.

"Isn't it?" Meg started playing with her hair. Darcey stood up and motioned for Meg to take her seat. "Here, let me braid your hair." She braided a pink ribbon into her friend's hair.

When they were done, they walked together to the front of the opera house. "Ready?" Meg asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be." She touched her locket for courage before walking into the lobby.