The Demon's Angel

Chapter 24

Kurt
Most of the performers were proud of Elizabeth. She had figured out a show that everyone liked, except (obviously) Amanda and Werner. Thankfully, though, everyone decided for once not to listen to their arguments about the show, and it was voted that we keep doing it. Not only was it more interesting, but it brought in a lot more revenue than the original had. Lance once commented that maybe Elizabeth should help him design the next show. I think he was only partially joking about that. I appreciated her changing the ending to one that made my character much easier to play. The only thing that bothered me was that Elizabeth had to kiss Werner, which she didn't seem to like very much. Neither did Amanda. It was something that couldn't be helped, however, as whenever I tried to talk to Lizzie about it, she changed the subject. So, I stopped bringing it up. I kept a close eye on her, however.

    As word spread of our circus, more and more people filled the stands. We actually sold out a few times. Of course, the show's popularity never surpassed that of 'Quand les anges et les démons tombent amoureux', but it was still one of our most profitable ones. Things were going really well, until Elizabeth got sick.

    "She just has the flu," said Margali calmly. "But I don't think it's wise for anyone to get near her right now. Lance has agreed to let you and Amanda stay with him." I winced when I heard retching from inside. She touched my arm. "Don't worry, Kurt, she'll be fine in less than a week. But I'm worried about you. Are you sure you're ok performing that show until she gets better?" I nodded. "I'll be fine, Mutti. It's not that big of a deal. Only a few nights." I smiled, and she hugged me. "Ok, as long as you're ok with it." "I am," I insisted. I just failed to mention that I was going to make it a bit more interesting.

    That night, as I was getting ready, Amanda walked up to me. "Hey Kurt." She smiled. "Hi," I replied cautiously. "You're sure you're ok with this, right?" I rolled my eyes. "You were one of the people that voted that we keep doing this one originally," I pointed out. "You didn't seem to care then." Amanda's mouth twisted, and she looked away guiltily. "I'm sorry. I know I haven't been there for you as much as I should have been. I just... Werner is..." She huffed, frustrated. "What I'm trying to say is, I'm going to work harder at being around and not losing my temper. I love Werner, but I shouldn't have ever let that change the way I treat you. We're still family, and I want to be someone you can trust and talk to."

I smiled. "Thanks, Manda. I've really missed you." She reached out for a hug, but I gently stopped her. "You need to talk to Lizzie too, ok? You really owe her an apology for what happened last month." Amanda nodded. "I know... I'll talk to her as soon as she's feeling better, I promise."

"Good." I wrapped my arms around her tightly, tears burning in my eyes. I blinked them away as she hugged back. It was as if a knot has been untied in my stomach, and for the first time since Werner arrived, it felt like I had my sister back.

   I took a deep breath. "It's only a show," I thought. "Entertainment. Just a bit of fun. I am not demeaning myself by doing this. I am adding to the experience, with my uniqueness." The next day had passed, and I prayed that this idea would work out. I closed my eyes and jumped, landing nimbly on the cross below. "God has abandoned you, woman!" I declared. "God has abandoned you all!" Amanda screamed. "No! It cannot be true!" "But it is true, woman!" I grinned evilly. "Now, really. Do I look like someone who would lie to you?" "But he-" Amanda raised her eyebrows. "Hey, that's not how the script is supposed to go!" she hissed at me. My grin widened. "It is today Amanda. It is today!" I jumped into the air, taking her with me. She let out an involuntary scream. "Is this some kind of payback?" she asked as we landed on a swing. I grinned mischievously. "Well, I'm a few months behind on teasing, so can you blame me?" Amanda snorted, trying to maintain a terrified expression around her own laughter.