Your Voice

Chapter 18

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Erik

"Wait. So you two are getting hitched onstage?" The stage manager asks once more, slightly incredulous.

"Yes. We'll disguise it as a play, just to keep the audience interested." Christine explains.

After hours of being persuaded, he finally gives in. "Alright then, go ahead."

***

I sit at my vanity, taking off my jewelry.

"Oh, Erik, I can hardly wait for tomorrow!" He comes over to me after setting down his mask and gently places both hands on my shoulder.

"I can hardly wait to call you Mrs Destler," he whispers, his lips inches away from my ear. Deftly, his hands run down my shoulders and hold on softly to my arms. I feel his warmth calming me, and yet filling me with a strange jumpy feeling. He kneels so his eyes are level with mine.

"So beautiful..." he murmurs, placing two fingers under my chin. My heart beats a racing, rapid rhythm. "But." he says suddenly. "There's something wrong." He wipes away all my makeup.

"Better?" I smile.

"Much better." My parted lips find his, and in that moment I feel raw and beautiful, like I don't even need to try.

We break apart, and I'm staring into his eyes. He places his hand on my chest.

"Your heart's beating really fast."

"I noticed." I say breathlessly. "It's late, we should get to bed," I yawn.

"Agreed." He nods quickly and scoops me into his arms. I enjoy the journey from my dressing table to our bed with my head nestled against his shoulder, my arms around him. "Sleep," he pushes my hair out of my face.

"No, not until you hold me." He shakes his head, grinning and starts undressing. Then he shuts off the lights, and it's completely dark except for the subtle moonlight pouring through the crack between the curtain and the window.

My head, his chest.
His chin, my head.
My hand, his hand.
We don't even have to say anything, but we know where we belong. Although winter is not too far away and we're barely dressed, I feel warm and safe in his arms, and I know he feels the same in mine. All the memories of those sleepless nights without him beside me crumble as I shut my eyes, appreciating his presence. My skin tingles as his hands explore my body.

"I love you so, so much," I whisper.

"I love you even more." He kisses the top of my forehead.

Christine

I'm getting married today, I remind myself for the billionth time this morning. Darlene, - she portrays a sophisticated, rich lady from one of the theatre's original plays - Sasha and Jennifer stand around me like an entourage, squealing with excitement.

"Oh, Christine, you'll look fabulous!" Sasha energetically bursts out. A seemingly permanent smile is stuck to my face; I can't get over the thrill and giddiness the thought of being a bride once more brings. The best part is that this time, I will be marrying someone I want to share my days with. Memories of Raoul and I flood my mind. I wonder how he'll take it - he's invited too. Apparently, he is bringing his new girlfriend along, which is half awkward and half great. Melody is with Maura; she takes care of her when I'm not free now. Maura and her family have been requested to attend the ceremony as well. The more the merrier.

In front of the door, Danica, Ashley and Zoe (two more cast members from the theatre) are waving and rapidly dragging me in. I barely have time to take off my hat when they shove me into a chair at a dressing table. Chatting away, the girls swiftly take down my hair and start grooming me. I trust them with my hair and makeup - we do our own makeup every night anyway.