Persephone

Chapter 16

January 1st, I did not receive my money. I do hope you have a plan to proceed to get me my money. Your debt is increasing, Ms. Grace, unless you act now, you won't be able to pay me in reasonable time. Should I have another month of adding money to your increasing wealth of debt, I will take matters into my own hands. Starting with the most valuable child in the house.

Your debt now totals six thousand, five hundred, twenty-five dollars and fifty-one cents.

I crumpled the letter as I readied myself for my first showing.

No contract was signed yet, and I wasn't planning on signing any unless this night turned out to be a success even at the cost of half of the promised salary on the posters. If I could somehow transfer into a well-known musical as the main lead, I stood the chance of earning five hundred in one month without signing a contract.

I took in several deep breaths, comfortable in knowing four hundred dollars were waiting for Mr. Russo in the shop already.

I know it wasn't much in comparison to the thousands I owe, but it did slow the accumulation of debt I was incurring.

I made sure to hide any pieces that could be sold to someone of Mr. Russo's contacts from those outside, so I shouldn't incur any debts in that regard, but I worried about that interest. At the rate that I am moving, it will take me years to solve this debt, but I am moving forward.

"Lucy, are you ready?" Annabelle Reed, the woman who would play the roll of the 'old fashioned wife' Lou Ellen Carter asked, peaking her head around the corner.

"Quite," I said, standing.

Annabelle smiled, looping her arm in mine, but she gave me a word of warning as we walked to the edge of the curtains, "Keep your eyes open of anyone or anything suspicious, especially after this show."

I smiled, thinking back to the past few months. If something terrible should befall me, it would be seeing Mr. Russo's face in the crowd.

"I'm serious, Lucy. This rivals that of a curse on the name 'Jackie'." Annabelle said, noticing my humor.

"I promise there is little that can stop me from performing tonight," I assured her.

She looked distressed but when the music began, she had to hurry onto the stage.

Annabelle played the perfect woman. The quiet, demure woman. She was the one who everyone loved, one who everyone protected and kept hidden from the evils of the world.

As I looked to the character Annabelle played, I felt a sense of longing to be Lou Ellen Carter again. The simple naiveté of a beloved daughter whose parents only wanted the best for her.

I sighed, knowing I had to play the rough street-smart actress who rivaled my own life in misfortunes revolving men. Still, if there was one thing Jackie had that I did not, it was a shelter to hide in.

How the two starring male characters struggle together to help a strange woman find the justice she deserved.

It was a dream come true for Jackie, but I couldn't see such a thing happening to me. More men meant more trouble, though my solo said otherwise.

It was my turn on the stage, and I swept in with the dramatics of a diva.

I kept my eyes open, waiting for the assault Annabelle had warned would come, but none did.

Soon, the musical was over, and we all took our bows.

"Brava, brava!" Robert called, approaching me with a bottle of champagne and two glasses.