Our Music Of The Night

🌹Prologue: The Music Box🌹

"Now, before we end our weekly town meeting, I would like to bring up something that has come to my attention most recently."

My friend, Lizzy, leaned toward me and spoke quietly so the Mayor wouldn't be able to hear her. "Do you think he's finally realised that everyone knows he's wearing a toupee?" I muffled my laugh behind my hand.

"He'll probably try to advertise yet another one of his businesses." Leo mumbled. He was sitting to my left side, and Lizzy was to my right.

I rolled my eyes. "Why wouldn't that surprise me?"

Most, if not all of the people who live in the small town of Evermore Hills are here in the town hall listening to William Gilmore, our Mayor, talk about the most pointless things that we already knew about. Our town has a meeting every week, usually about his business, problems that need attending to (which isn't very much considering it really is a small town), and events coming up.

"The spring season is now among us, and as I like to say: New season, new opportunities." Mayor Gilmore's voice echoed throughout the all. "So, instead of displaying our yearly bake off competition, I propose that we, the citizens of Evermore Hills, put on a musical."

This caught my attention straight away. There was a collection of excited whispers. "We need to attract tourists to my-Uh, I mean our town. The more people we welcome, the more money is spent on businesses that will eventually expand."

"Maybe Johnson and Son's Jewellery Store would open up in other towns? Or Susie Davies might like to move her small shoe shop into a store big enough to fit a zoo? Perhaps Burton's Bakery may finally consider moving into a different premises to suit the business far better than where it is now?"

Lizzy stood up, and all eyes were now on her. "As lovely as the idea sounds, we've already told you this before. We will not be moving the bakery. The building and business has been handed down in my family for many generations, and will continue to do so, whether you like it or not."

"Sh-She's right." I stuttered. Now everyone turned their attention to me, making me shrink back into my seat. "I-If she says that they won't be moving the business, then...then you should respect that, Mr. Gilmore." You can move your attention back to the front now everyone. You looking at me like that isn't settling my nerves at all. Nope. Not one bit.

"It's Mayor Gilmore. You should know that by now, Miss Ella Turner." He narrowed his eyes at me and Lizzy. "And for your information ladies, last time I checked, the rent is overdue, and by your salaries alone, that wouldn't be enough to cover it."

"I'm afraid that if you want to continue running your beloved bakery, you'll have to agree to take part in the musical, whether you like it or not. Besides, how can you afford Leonardo's college tuition if you can't afford your rent?"

"It's Leo, actually-" Leo tried to tell the Mayor, but was interrupted by him.

"-Now, those in favour of participating in the musical 'The Phantom Of The Opera', please raise your hand." Everyone raised up their hands, including myself, Lizzy, and Leo.

Mayor Gilmore slammed the gravel down and smiled. It wasn't a warm smile, but one the screamed 'I can't wait to receive more money at the end of this event' kind of smile. "The majority has spoken. The list of roles you'll be casted as, as well as what job role you'll be taking on, will be displayed on the notice board outside the town hall. Remember that you're doing this for the good of the community folks. Meeting adjourned."

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Elizabeth and Leonardo Burton, or Lizzy and Leo for short, are my friends. The only friends that I've got.