One Heart- The Greatest Showman

Chapter 20

Elizabeth's Pov

The smell of burning toast awoke me. Anne sat in front of me, holding out a plate of burnt toast which she obviously made herself.  

I noticed that I was still wearing my purple costume from last night. Great, I passed out from the panic attack....

It happens sometimes, every now and then. I will get a panic attack and then pass out from exhaustion due to the panic attack using all my remaining energy. 

Anne didn't say much, she just removed the pins from my hair, and began to braid it, while I ate. Anne had brought me some new clothes for the day; a simple white shirt and some red shorts ( her red shorts because I had managed to spill jam on my own).  

" Phillip wants to talk to everyone in 10 okay?" Anne informed me as well as telling me that Caroline and Helen were expected to be here today. 

They have come in a lot while their father is away, it is almost a second home here. A place they can go to feel like he never left. 

Thankfully, Barnum was going to be back tomorrow evening, which is good new to all. He had cut Miss Lind's tour short for some bizarre and unknown reason. But nevertheless, he was going to be back here. Back home. 

I quickly got changed into the clothes Anne had brought for me before heading downstairs, where everyone seemed to be waiting. 

Everyone was talking, making the arena sound like there was a thousand people in there rather than 30 or so. 

Phillip stood on a barrel of hay, Lettie beside him, and cleared his throat twice - calling everyone attention. 

I kept my eyes to the ground or looking at Lettie, I couldn't look at Phillip.

Everyone went silent after hearing Phillip, giving him their undivided attention (well everybody except me) . 

"Lettie and I have been speaking and have decided that tonight and tomorrow night, Lettie will only be doing the opening act, not the closing one to allow some other acts to have a go." He explained as everyone looked from him to Lettie continuously. 

Lettie stepped up onto the barrel, Phillip helping her up. 

"Tonight, Anne and W.D will be the closing act." Lettie stated.

"Are you sure?" W.D asked hesitantly.

Lettie looked at Phillip before the two replied in unison. "Positive." Lettie began smiling as she saw the sibling's reaction to her announcement.  "And tomorrow evening will be Lizzy." 

My head shot up, looking at Lettie directly, I was almost confused. No, I was definitely confused, why was I the closing act?

Everyone gave a small applause to the three of us before, returning to rehearsal. Anne and W.D began talking instantly, trying to decide what they would do for the closing act. Phillip walked back to Barnum's office while I ran to catch up with Lettie. 

She was heading into her own dressing room when I caught up with her. 

"Lettie? Why on earth would you put me as the closing act? I mean I am flattered and everything, but I have barely been back a week? Shouldn't someone else be doing it?" I rambled on. 

Lettie placed her hand on my shoulder. "That is why Phillip and I chose you. Your ankle stopped you from performing for two weeks and we think you should get some time back on stage. Get your confidence back. Everyone here knows that you will do great." 

I smiled at her response before going to practise. 

She is absolutely  right though, last night I was just a nervous wreck. Maybe this was one of the reasons why, I didn't feel comfortable with myself on the trapeze since I hurt myself.