One Heart- The Greatest Showman

Chapter 22

Phillip's Pov 

I waited outside Lizzy's dressing room for a little while just to make sure she wasn't going to do anything irrational. But even in the noise caused by the other performers, I could still hear her voice in my head.  

It was a voice I never thought I would hear, and she never thought I would hear either. If it was anybody else, I might of been slightly offended or upset by the sudden outburst. But with her, it worried me more than anything else could of. 

Barnum was due to arrive back tomorrow evening and there was still so much to be done in order for him to come back to the circus he left. I rubbed my left temple as I walked towards the dim office, leaving my eyes slowly leave the door as if I was afraid that if I looked away something would happen. 

Barnum's office was a mess, as always. There was several stacks of papers in regards to multiple things. There was a pile dedicated to bank statements, another one for Caroline's ballet school, one for the house and many more. 

I had recently been reviewing the payments in regards to Miss Lind. Large amounts of money had been placed in advanced on five more theatres and we were going to lose all of that because the tour was cut short. 

I inhaled deeply as I continued to look over several different papers, one lingering in the corner which I did not mean to look at again. 

It had came a couple of weeks ago, just before Barnum left for his tour.  It was from my parents of course, lecturing me about my choices and my business investment. Stating that everything I was guaranteed since I was born, had now been given to Hannah and her Fiancé or sold off to buy another carriage.

I had just left it there, scrunch up into a ball. 

By the time my vision began to blur from all the reading, I went down to see how everyone was doing. 

Caroline and Helen had gone with Mrs Barnum, they were extremely eager to see their father once again.

To be completely  honest, I am relieved that P.T is coming home, to see his family. Step away from the lime light for a little bit hopefully. I just don't want him to end up like my father did. Obsessed with fame and fortune, making sure there was a name for himself in this world, that he forgot about the things that did really matter. Things like family and friendship.

Things that the time here has reminded  me about. Things Lizzy has reminded  me about.

Anne and W.D had perfected their closing act for tonight's show while Lettie ran through some dancing with other performers. 

The lights dimmed a fraction as a girl descended from the roof tops, hoping onto a rope with one arm as she swung from one side of the theatre to the other. 

Lizzy.

Anne was calling out to her, instructing her on how to improve the trick while Liz was flying.

She landed not long after and began to talk to Anne and W.D, paying no attention to me. Not even looking my way.

W.D began to help her connect the tightrope up so she could practise on it. Lizzy claiming to the siblings that she had decided on what she was going to perform tomorrow evening. 

*****

Lizzy's Pov (The next day)

Instead of awaking to the peaceful sound of birds chirping and the low sound of train horns, I woke to the pain coming from the bruise of my ribcage.

I had knocked it pretty hard yesterday in practise, after my...um...exchange with Phillip. I hit the side of the pole with supported the building as I flew off.