Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Curtain Call

I don't know how it's happened, but I'm bowing suddenly, hands grasped firmly in those of Malik and my stage daughter, Amber. They're smiling to the sound of applause, to the audience standing and clapping for us while the lights still blind me.

I release their hands, blow Aunt Vonda a kiss, then the Ferrises, even as I ignore my father. But it's hard not to catch the anger on Bianca's face, to enjoy it like a long drink of cold water on a hot day.

The curtain falls with a jerking thud, the weights in the bottom hitting the stage so hard I jump. But I'm laughing, it's hilarious, isn't it? I'm not the only one who finds it funny, the cast giggling along with me.

Malik hugs me, Amber hugs me, Aleah is there and she hugs me. And then the curtain is lurching its way up again and the applause is even louder as we step out and bow while the audience shows us how much they love us.