Runaway

Chapter Three: Singer

                                   Chapter Three: Singer

                                          Mystery Girl

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I stand backstage, my hands shaking slightly as I adjust the mask covering my face. The mask is black leather, with subtle gold decorations, and it matches my outfit tonight. This is my protective layer, my shield against the world. No one knows who I really am, and that's exactly how I want it. The lights flash through the curtain and I hear the shouts of the fans in the hall. They chant my name: "Mystery Girl! Mystery Girl!" It's a crazy feeling, that thousands of people are here for me, without ever seeing my real face. They only know me for my voice, my music, and this mysterious image. I breathe deeply, trying to get my nerves under control. It's always exciting, even after all those shows. I hear my manager talking to me, but her words fade a little. My focus is already on the stage. The moment I rise, the first note that will echo through the hall. "You're ready, Mystery." she says, giving me an encouraging smile. I nod and pull on the edge of my mask one more time. It's fine. No one will see anything. The music starts, and I step onto the stage. The bright lights blind me for a moment, but I feel the energy of the audience. They are enthusiastic, ready to sing along to every word. I bring the microphone to my lips and start singing. The music fills the room, my voice floats over the notes. I feel the beat through my body, my heartbeat adjusting to the rhythm of the song. As I sing, I move around the stage, dancing to the beat. The mask feels like a second skin; I've gotten used to it. The people cheer and clap, their energy flowing into me and filling me with strength. I can lose myself in the moment for a moment, without worrying about who I am or what's happening outside of this show.

During a quiet moment in the song I look at the audience. I see them all dancing, singing, laughing. They know me as "Mystery Girl," but what would they think of me if they saw my real face? I sometimes wonder, but then I quickly shake those thoughts away. This is who I am. This is what I chose. The last note fades away and the room explodes in applause. I smile under my mask, even though no one can see it. For this moment, here on stage, it is enough. This is my world. And as long as I wear this mask, I can continue to be who I want to be. Even if no one will ever know who is behind it. The bass starts to boom through the speakers again, and the lights change color, flooding the stage with deep shades of red and blue. This is when I move on to the next song, one of my biggest hits. The dancers around me move in perfect synchronicity, and I automatically slip back into the flow of the music. Every movement is carefully planned, but at the same time feels natural, as if I am breathing along with the music. As I sing, I occasionally catch a glimpse of the audience. They sing along, their faces shining in the light of their phones, their hands in the air. I can't help but smile behind my mask. No one knows who I really am, and somehow that gives me a strange kind of freedom. The mask hides my identity, but it also gives me the opportunity to be fully myself on this stage. The world knows me as Mystery Girl, and maybe that's all they need to know. After the chorus, I take a step back, my breathing heavier from the energy I put into the performance. The dancers take over with a spectacular choreography, and I walk to a side part of the stage, just out of sight of the lights. A quick sip of water, the cool liquid refreshing my dry throat, and I take a deep breath before stepping back into the light and launching into the next verse.

Time seems to warp strangely during the show. Every minute on stage feels like a second and at the same time like an eternity. The energy between me and the fans is like a current that connects us. I'm in my element. After a few songs it's time for my first change of clothes. I quickly run backstage, where my stylist and a few assistants are ready with the new outfit. This time I'm wearing a tight, shiny dress in deep red, which fits my figure perfectly. It's detailed with sequins that catch the lights, and the color looks beautiful against my skin. I put it on, adjusting my mask. It's part of my identity, a way to hide my true self. As I prepare to go back on stage, I take a moment to look at my reflection. The mysterious look of the mask and the glamor of the outfit make me feel strong, and I can't wait to enchant the audience again. The lights dim again, and the tension in the room rises. I walk onto the stage, and the stirring sounds of my next song fill the room. This time it's a more emotional song, and I can imagine the audience with their lights. It's a beautiful sight. As I sing, I feel the emotion in every note. My words are like a story, and I hope the fans experience it that way too. I look around and see people singing along, their eyes full of admiration. It's as if we share a unique experience together, something that goes beyond just music. I move through the next songs, singing, dancing, living. My voice carries through the room, powerful and clear. Time passes by, and before I know it, I'm working on the last song of the evening. The beat of the last song starts playing, and I can feel that this is the moment everyone has been waiting for. I let the music flow through me and give it everything I have, my voice reaches new heights, my body moves in perfect harmony with the dancers. The tension builds in the room, and as the last note fades away, the applause becomes deafening. It's as if the walls of the room are shaking with their enthusiasm. I take my time to say goodbye, standing still in the lights and letting my gaze sweep over the crowd, even though they can't see my eyes. "Thank you, you are the reason I can do this," I shout, and the applause swells even more. Then I turn and walk off stage, leaving the sound of the cheering crowd behind me. As I disappear behind the scenes, one of my assistants takes out my water bottle. I take a long sip, feeling the adrenaline still pumping through my body. I walk into my dressing room and put my water bottle down there. I take off my mask. I'm exhausted, I'm going to sit down on the couch in my dressing room. I quickly grab something to eat and start eating. There's a knock on the door. "Mystery?" Sounds like it, it's my manager's voice. "Come in, Mylène." I say and Mylène opens the door and closes it behind her. "There's a whole line of fans outside again." She says enthusiastically. She picks up her phone and probably looks at the calendar. "Tomorrow you have another show and on Tuesday you have another show, which is in London. And maybe you will be asked for a fashion show to perform there." she says. Today is Thursday, so I have one day until my next show.