Vacation to remember

[RACHEL02189]

I'm going on a trip and I'm packing------I love family vacations but this year I'm just not in the mood. I had a trip all planned: go to Vegas win some money, take in Believe maybe even see Criss in person but unfortunely two things happened: One: Criss was taking his vacation the week I was going to be there and two: my money for the trip went to the family I'll explain later on that. "We're here"my father said as we pulled into my uncle's cabin. It's a cool place nexts to a lake where you can swim and fish. As we unloaded our stuff I wondered if Criss was in Mexico enjoying the beaches or in New York visiting his mother. After we all unpacked my father had to go to the store to pick up a few things and asked if anybody wanted to go with him. My mother wanted to stop by a food stand and my sister just wanted to go for the ride but me I just wanted time to myself.

After my family left I put on my suit and went for a swim just to relax myself. As I swam I noticed the cabin on the left of us was empty. "I wonder where the Bolton's are they're usually up here,"I said to myself. As I sat in the water my mind kept replaying Criss walking on Lake Mead. "God even on vacation I can't stop think of the Mindfreak". My sister would tell me I'm addicted to Criss Angel and I would reply with I'm not but I greatly consider grabbing my sister's computer and looking up a webisite for Mindfreak addicts. That night I couldn't sleep I don't know if it was because I couldn't get Criss off my mind or I was just annoyed at my parents for taking the money I saved for my trip so I grabbed a flashlight and went outside. As I sat in a chair looking as the stars lite up the lake a car came down the Bolton's driveway.

I got up to see who it was but it was so dark I couldn't see the person. He got out and grabbed a duffel bag and a box. I watched as he opened the door and turned on the lights. With out my glasses which I left in my room I couldn't see the man. I decided to go back into the house before my mother woke up and gave me the riot act.

[RACHEL02189]

I woke up the next day and came out of my room while my mom was getting some coffee. I look outside and saw my father talking to someone but I couldn't see who it was. "Who's dad talking to?"I asked. "Our neighbor he came in late last night nice guy why don't you come down and meet him"she suggested. I went to my room, put on my suit and threw a brush through my hair also brushed my teeth so I don't knock the guy out with my morning breath. As I came out I turned to see the guy's car. I had seen a truck like before but my brain wasn't awake yet so I couldn't remember. "Racheal this our neighbor Christopher sorry how do you pronounce it again"my father asked embrassed. "Sarantakos" he replied. It can't be I thought as I turned the corner. My heart jumped into my throat when I saw it was Angel.

"Hi Criss" I replied putting out my hand. "So Criss where are you from?"my mom asked as we all sat down. "I'm oringally from New York but I live in Las Vegas" he replied. "What are you doing up here instead of New York?". "I was going to go to Mexico but with the swine flu going around down there I didn't want to risk it and my mom who still lives in New York is visiting family in Greece so a friend of mine offered me the cabin since his parents are on a cruise" Criss replied. I saw my sister coming down and she saw Criss but before she could say a word I ran up the stairs and brought her inside. "You must be in heaven seeing that magician you're addicted to down there"she stated. Hell yea. "Listen well sis because I'm only going to say this once if you tell mom and dad who he really is I'll tell mom and dad you've been sneaking out at night to see that boy you told them you broke up with" I remarked. "You wouldn't". "You want to see if I'm bluffing go ahead," and went back outside.

"Sorry about that I wanted to warn Alice we had company before she embrassed herself"I stated. "Well it was nice meeting you I've got to get some stuff from the store I couldn't pick up last night"Criss said. "Criss if you want to I have to go to the store later why not save yourself a trip and come with me" my father offered. "Thanks John just knock on the door when you're ready" and Criss went back to the cabin. "What a nice guy"my mother remarked. "I should of asked what he does for a living"my father asked. Just ask me I know as I smiled.

[RACHEL02189]

Around noon my father asked me if I wanted to go with him and Criss to the store. "Why not"I remarked. "Why don't you go next door and tell Criss we're ready to leave for the market" My father replied. I put my sandels and my sunglasses on and went next door. I knocked on the door but nobody answered, so I tried the door and it was unlocked. "Hey Criss we're ready to go" I called out as I came in. "Be right there Racheal"he replied. I just stood there as Criss came out in some nice demin short and a tank top. "Better grab a hat the sun is blazen hot"I stated. "Good idea" as he grabbed one. "Criss can I say one thing before we leave". "What's that?"he asked. "I know you're the Mindfreak but I swear I won't tell anyone since you're here to relax"I replied. "That's kind of you Racheal I don't think anyone would do that for me"he stated.

I smiled as we left. At the market my father gave me half the list as he took the other half. I grabbed a cart. "Criss why don't you follow my daughter around so you don't get lost in this place". "All right"he replied and we left. "Let's see Criss I need to grab some strawberries, some white bread, and apples"I remarked. "Lead the way" and we went to the produce. "So you know my secret does anyone else know?" as he looked at some Mangos. "My sister but I blackmailed her into keeping her silence and as you can tell my parents don't know you" I replied putting some apples into a bag. "I kind of like this place nobody has asked for an autograph since we walked in" as Criss put some Kiwis into the cart. "What do you expect Criss the only famous person that lives here is an ex-president who doesn't come into town alot" I replied. "Oh yea The Bushes" Criss remarked. "You need anything else in this section?" I asked. "Next asile please" and we kept on going. As we went long Criss and I just talked. "So how long have you been a fan of my work?"he asked. "Three years going on four in August I came close to see your broadway show once"I replied looking at the ingredients of some cereals but putting it back .

"Why didn't you?" as he put a bag of toostie roll pops in the cart. "Had an accident that put me in the hospital for most of the summer and by the time my injuries healed you closed the show to work on MindFreak"I replied grabbing a bag of nuts. "That's stinks"Criss said. "Well I did get to go to New York it was kind of fun to see some of the sites"I remarked as we stopped to look at the magazines. "What are you looking for Racheal?"he inquired. "A book I finished the one I was reading when I got up here" as I looked at some of them. "Here we go this sound interesting" showing Criss. "Critical by Robin Cook". "Not a big reader Criss" I joked. "I'm surprise I still have time to read the paper with my schedule" he replied looking through a heavy metal magazine with the band Korn on the cover. "Well since you're on vacation buy one and start reading it" I suggested. "Why not" and he looked at some of the paper backs that the store has. "Here we go this looks good". "The taking of Pelham 123 isn't that a movie" I asked. "Yea but it's based on a book"Criss replied.

"I see Racheal has rubbed off on you Criss" my father stated coming down the aisle. "I thought I'd read something than the paper since I'm here"Criss joked. After we paid for our groccies we went back home where I saw my sister pulling in a fish. "One to zero Rachael you better get your pole in" My sister called out. "What does that mean?" Criss asked. "Racheal and her sister have a compention on who can catch the most fish before the vacations over"my father remarked. "Maybe if you want to Criss I'll teach you how to fish"I said. "I may take you up on that offer well thanks for the trip I'll see you later" and Criss took his groccies into the cabin. After I helped my father put the groccies away I put on my suit and a shirt to protect my back of course. I came out and I turned my head and saw Criss in the hammock with the book he bought and reading it. I smiled as I went over to my sister. "I still don't know what you see in that guy"my sister remarked as I sat on the dock. "Why should you care the guy you're not dating is a biker who should be in jail" as I threw my hook in the lake.

[RACHEL02189]

"Come on he's just a smoke and mirrors guy". "Alice how about doing me a favor and shutting up before I push you in"I stated. She came up to the dock and starred me into my eye. "Or maybe I should go over to Mr Angel and tell him how you really feel how you would like to to be his girlfriend" my sister suggested. I looked around and made sure there were no rocks around. I started to walk off the deck. Then my sister started to make chicken sounds. I turned around and ran on the dock knocking her and me into the lake. Criss looked up and saw me and my sister in the water giggling.

"I told you I would"I replied as I swam over to the staris to get out. Criss laughed as I grabbed a towel off the line. I smiled at Criss than I noticed my pole was bending. I ran over to it and started to reel it in as my sister got out as well. Criss became curious and walked over as I pulled out an eel. "Mom dad I caught an eel"I called out as my parents came out. "Nice going Rachael"Criss stated looking at the slimely thing. My father took a picture while I grabbed a pair of scissors. I went over to the lake and cut the line letting the eel go. "Two to one Alice"I remarked smiling. After fishing I went to change into some dry clothes. As I was going in another car was coming down the dirt road. "Costa this isn't the Indy 500 slow down!!!"A voice called out. Criss's brother I thought as they pulled in and I was right.

"Costa JD what are you guys doing here?"Criss asked walking up. "We thought we'd come down and enjoy this georous scenery"JD replied giving Criss a hug. My sister walked up as they went inside. "Who are those guys?"my sister inquired asked. "Criss's older brothers JD and Costa"I remarked. "That JD guy not half bad looking". My sister was always into older guys. "Sorry sis he's married with a teenage daughter so go take a cold shower and get dressed for dinner" I replied pushing my sister in. "Wow Banachek wasn't kidding about the scenery of this place"Costa remarked looking around. "Guys just to let you know nobody knows I'm Criss Angel so keep your mouth shut including you JD" Criss replied. "All right Criss". A knock came to the door and Costa opened the door. "Hey Criss"I said.

"What's up Racheal?"Criss inquired coming over. "My father wants to invite you and your brothers over to our house for a camp fire and roasting marshmallows" I replied. "Tell your father we'll see them at dusk" Criss said and I left. "Does she know who you are?"Costa asked shutting the door. "Yes but she's keeping it to herself also she blackmailed her sister into keeping the secret" Criss replied.

[RACHEL02189]

As my mom started to set up the fire outside I decided to listen to some music. I went to my bag and grabbed my CD Player and a CD I wanted to listen to. I put on my headphones and put the CD in. I pressed play and left my room. As I came out I started to sing:

What's the time
Well it's gotta be close to midnight
My body's talking to me
It's sayes 'Time for danger'

One thing I didn't know my sister was coming down the stairs and watched me.

You wanna play? Let's run away
We won't be back
Before it's New Years Day
Take me out tonight. Meow!

My sister started to clap which starlted me. "Nice Racheal maybe you can do duet with Crissy poo" as she laughed. "Just remember our deal all right" and we went downstairs as I saw Costa talking to my father. "So you and your brother JD work for Criss?". "Yea we've been behind Criss since the beginning and also we help keep him out of danger and doing something stupid" Costa replied. "What does Criss do?" my father asked. "Costa where's Criss and JD?"I interupted. "Inside talking Criss wants to try a musical that's starting up in Las Vegas" Costa remarked. "What musical Hairspray?" my sister asked as I gave her a dirty look. "No RENT" Costa replied as they came out. "Christopher your brother told me you're thinking of doing a musical". "If he can find the time"JD muttered. "Well Racheal tried out for RENT once"my mom said. "Which person did you try out for?"Criss asked sitting nexts to me. "Mimi but they cast another person who I found out was sleeping with the director to get the part"I replied getting up. "Why don't you sing a song from RENT Racheal?"my father asked. "No thanks"I replied walking on the dock.

"Come on Rachael for me"Criss pleaded. All right Mindfreak. "You twisted my arm all right" and looked at some of the songs on the CD and picked one. I picked my favorite which was called Without You

Without you, the ground thaws, the rain falls, the grass grows
Without you, the seed root, the flowers bloom the children play
The stars gleam, the poet dream, the eagles fly without you

I stopped and everyone clapped and I looked at Criss he was amazed by my voice. I smiled. "You were great Racheal"Costa replied. "Thanks who wants a marshmallow?"I remarked. "Dam it I burnt mine again"my sister stated as Costa started to giggle. "What's so funny Costa?"my father asked. "Oh that just reminds me of a trick Criss knows"Costa replied. "Really do you think you could show us?"My mother asked. Criss got up and took the marshmallow. He put his hand over it than snapped his fingers and the marshmallow wasn't burnt. Everyone clapped including me. "With some work Criss you could work in Vegas" My father replied. If he only knew I thought. After we had enough of marshmallows we enjoyed the fire untill everyone started to yawn. We said our good-byes and everyone started to leave untill I saw Criss. I whispered something into JD's ear and he nodded. I got up and lined up. I ran and grabbed Criss as we fell into the water.

JD and Costa started to laugh but my parents weren't. Criss didn't look happy as he grabbed a towel and went inside. "Come on Criss it was just a joke"Costa remarked as I got out. "You shouldn't of done that Racheal I think you should apologize to Christopher". "Come on mom it was just a joke"I stated. "Grab a towel and go apologize young lady"my mother said. "all right" and went to apologize.

[RACHEL02189]

After I dried off I went to apologize to Criss. I went in and saw Criss's shadow undressing. "Criss I'm here to apologize"I called out. Criss came out with the towel wrapped around his waist and nothing else. Lord give me strength. "It's all right no need to apologize" as he went into his room. "Are you all right Criss you don't seem like yourself"I stated. Criss came out dressed and sat down. "I came up here to relax and think. Now that my brothers are here sometimes-I think you know where I'm going with this"he said as I smiled. "Criss I'm a part of the baby of the family club so I know the feeling"I remarked. "Can I ask you something?". I walked over to him. "What Criss?". "You don't seem happy to be here either"he replied. "Yea my parents decided to use the money I saved to go to Las Vegas to see you to pay my uncle for the cabin. It took me three years to get it but they decided that I shouldn't go to Las Vegas and that I was being corrupted by you so they took the money and spent it".

"I wonder how your parents would react if they found out who I really am" as Criss smirked. "Well I'll see you later Criss" and left. The next day was a day you don't want when you're on vacation: Rain. Rain rain go away come again another day I thought as I watched the rain fall. After a few minutes I put on my coat and went out to the dock with my headphones and CD. As I stood there watching the rain fall I heard Criss arguing with JD. "Are you serious?". "Come on Criss you barely have the time to date let alone do a musical" JD called out. "I want to try it I want to try something different instead doing magic"Criss replied. "Come on Criss this is insane". Just listening to them kind of reminded me of the arguement I had with my parents when I told them I was going to Vegas instead with them. Then I saw Criss come out looking angry. "God why do I feel like they run my life instead me,"Criss mumbled as he walked onto the dock.

"I'm :mad: forty-two years old not ten". "You all right Christopher?"I asked walking over. "Yea just fustarded at my brothers"he replied as the rain soaked his hair. "I could hear your agruing with JD and I got to say it reminded me of the argument I had with my parents before I came up here"I stated smiling. "I swear Racheal you such an upbeat attitude even when life throws you a curve ball". "Because I've been through hell Criss just like you had with your dad"I stated taking off my headphones. "What do you mean?"he asked. "Remember that accident I told you about" as I unzipped my jacket and took it off. I pulled up my sleeve and Criss's jaw nearly fell to the ground to the top of my arm to a couple of inches pasted my elbow was a scar. "I went to a carnival and on one of the rides I fell fifteen feet my whole entire left side broken including my ankle" showing him the scar there. "Oh my god"Criss stated.

"I had to wait almost a week just to be operated on and that took twelve hours. Then I had to go into rehab to gain strength back in my left side. Since I couldn't do anything I had to let people help me to brush my hair or use the bathroom, but I never let get to me so during therpy session I would listen to music. Through the years I never let the bad stuff get to me so don't let it get to you"I replied putting my jacket back on. "Thanks Racheal" he said and gave me a hug. All of a sudden thunder rolled and we saw lightning flash. "We should get back inside"Criss suggested. "Yea" and we ran to our cabins.

[RACHEL02189]

When I came in my father was looking at me with evil eyes. "What dad am I flying low" checking the zipper to my pants. "No what was the deal we had when we came up here?"he asked walking over. "No Criss Angel no discussions or videos"I replied. "Then why did I find this in with your CDs" throwing burnt CD of Criss's music. "I forgot I had it"I said knowing he wouldn't believe it. "Racheal you know how I feel about this guy". "Oh come on dad his magic is awesome and he's not a bad guy"I stated. "With what this guy does he probably apart of an occult"my father remarked. "Dad he's Greek he grew up in New York working for his father he put his career on hold to care for his father who died in his arm" I replied. "That's what he wants you to believe I can't believe I let you get involved with this man,". God I wanted to tell dad that he's had conversions with Criss Angel but I promised Criss I wouldn't. "Now I want you to go to your room and when we get home you're grounded for a week no computer, no friends". "No dad I shouldn't be punished for loving Criss Angel and if you don't like him fine".

I grabbed the CD and went outside. I put the CD in my pocket and went down to the lake. Inside Criss's cabin he looked outside and saw me standing there. I got down off the dock and took off my shoes. I went into the basement and when I came out I had a towel wrapped around me. Criss came out curious. "Racheal what are you doing?"he asked. "Skinny dip I love the feel of the water against my skin". I went over to the stairs and walked down until some bushes hid me than I threw the towel over the bushes and dived in. Upstairs my father watched as Criss stood there as I swam all naturally. I swam over to the dock as Criss took two steps forward. "So Mindfreak you want to come in and do a little adam and eve?"I asked. Criss turned and saw my dad with a look that I think Criss knew. Criss went over to the bush and grabbed the towel. "Come on Racheal" he said holding the towel but his head was to the side. I got out and took the towel. Criss turned but I stood there naked as a jay bird with the towel on the ground.

I walked up to Criss and kissed him which threw Criss off center and sent my dad ready to hit the roof. After I kissed Criss I picked up the towel and wrapped it around me. "Thanks Angel"I whispered as I went to change. When I came up my father was red as a beet. "Are you insane you don't know that guy?". Oh yes I do I thought as I went into my room.

[RACHEL02189]

After I dried off and got dressed I took a look outside and saw JD and Costa leaving. I watched as they gave Criss a hug and left. "I guess Criss kicked them out" I muttered. That night after the rain had stopped I decided to go over to Criss and explain what happend. Over at the house Criss was watching the movie Rent when I knocked on the door. He turned the movie off and answered the door. "What are you doing here Racheal?"he asked. "I wanted to apologize and explain why I did what I did"I stated. Criss let me as my father watched me go in than Criss closed the door. "All right explain"Criss inquired taking a drink of water. "Since my father isn't a fan of yours he told me that I had to leave anything Criss Angel at home I can't talk about you but I snuck up a CD I burned of your music. My father must of been looking for his Rascal Flatts CD because he found my CD.When we get back I'm grounded I just got so upset that I lost it".

"So you doing the Lady Godiva impression to me was just to upset your father more". "You could say that but I got to say Criss I did enjoy kissing you too bad I can't put it in one of your threads on your site"I remarked smiling. "Well I should let you get back to your family thanks for the apology"Criss replied. Then I saw the DVD case on the table. "Watching Rent Criss I never asked you what part do you want to try out for when you get back to Neveda?"I inquired. "Roger" he replied. "It's better than Mark or Angel"I replied. "Yea my fans would love to see me as a gay cross dresser that dies of AIDS"Criss stated. "Or you could play Angel's love interest Collins", I suggested. Criss smirked. "I hope you get the part Criss" and I left.

[RACHEL02189]

The next day since it was a stunning day we decided to go on a trip to Kennebunkport. As I went outside to wait for my family I noticed Criss was getting ready to leave as well so I decided to see what was going on. "Hey Criss where you going?"I asked. "I thought I'd drive around look at the sites I'm thinking of opening a store up here"he replied. "Well if you get lost let me give you my cell phone number" and wrote it down in his palm. "Thanks I'll see yea later" and Criss left. When we got there we decided to have some lunch. While at the restaurant we heard some girls talking. "Are you kidding Criss Angel is in Mainie somewhere?". "Yea my sister saw him at a gas station in Kittery". "God I can't even enjoy my lunch with out hearing about that stupid second rate magician" my father muttered. As I listened to the girls I was so in the mood to tell the girls he was vactioning nexts to me but I decided to keep my mouth closed for Criss's safety.

After lunch we started to walk around enjoying the sites. I even went into a candy shop to pick up my favorite treat which I wait all year to get Gummy Cherries. For some reason they taste awesome up here than any where else I buy them. As I grabbed a bag someone whispered in my ear got a sweet tooth. I turned around and saw Criss with his hat down low so nobody could see his face. "You scared me"I whispered as I filled my bag. "Sorry"Criss whispered back. "I thought you were in Kittery". "Yea but I got a carving for something gummy and I heard this place has the best gummy anything in the state so I made a side trip pass me the gummy bears"he replied. "Try the gummy lobsters"I suggested. After we finished filling our bags we went over to the cashier. "24.34"he remarked. I was about to take out my money when Criss gave him a hundred dollar bill. "My treat". "Thanks" as the guy gave Criss his change back. When we came out Criss and I went over to a corner of the port to sit. As we talked some girls saw me and Criss talking. "So you think you'll open a store up here?"I asked.

"I saw some places but I want to ask you something". "What's that?"I inquired chewing on a gummy worm. Before Criss could ask the girls saw Criss and screamed. We both turned and saw the girls running over. "Oh my god it's Criss Angel!!". "Are you his girlfriend?". "Can we have your autograph" they asked all at once. I went into my purse and gave Criss a pen. "Here you go Mindfreak" as Criss signed their shirts, bags even a part of their anatomy. "Now if you don't mind ladies can we please keep this a secret I'm on vacation"Criss inquired. "Thanks Criss" and they left. "For a second there I thought they were going to ask you to walk across the water or walk up the building"I remarked. "Yea than your father comes by and freaks out"Criss joked. In a book store my father was looking through a book on photography when one of the girls came running in. "Josie look I met Criss Angel and maybe his girlfriend" showing her a picture. "She's too young for Criss but look at that scar on her arm wow".

My father looked over the girl's shoulder to see the picture. "I couldn't help over hearing you're fans of Criss Angel can I ask you a question what's his real last name?" my father asked. "I hope I'm pronouncing this right Sarantakos"she replied. "Hold on let me write it out for you" and she did. "Thank you ladies" and he left. When I met up with the rest of my family I noticed my dad was kinda in a bit of shock. "I was just talking to Rachael she saw Criss a few minutes ago"my mom remarked. "Really too bad I wanted to ask him something maybe I'll get to ask him when we get back". As we walked to the car I got a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach

[RACHEL02189]

When we got back to the cabin Criss was all ready back and swimming in the lake. "I think I'll join him" I remarked going to my room. "Racheal why don't you help me with dinner"my father asked. This is odd my father never needs my help unless he wants me to set the table. "Honey let her go out beside Alice can help you". Then I heard a motor boat I looked outside and on the other side of the lake the Fisher were there. "The Fisher's are here,"I called out. We weren't fans of the Fisher they would ride their motorboat around the lake nearly hitting anything including people. My uncle even called the cops on them when he found out they were boating under the influence. "I'm going to warn Criss about those two" about to go untill my father said: Maybe Criss can use his tricks-. I turned to my father as he put his hand over his mouth. "What are you talking about?"my mother inquired. "You know that magician dad hates well he's been staying next door"I said. My sister couldn't believe I let the secret out. "I had a feeling that guy was trouble".

":mad: dad you've had conversations with him you've even invited him over here. You don't want to admit that Criss isn't the type of guy you think he is"I stated. God that good to get off my chest. Before my father could say anything my sister screamed. "What's wrong?"My mother asked. "Criss just got hit by The Fisher's boat!!". I ran out like a bullet as I saw The Fisher's boat running off. I ran onto the docks and dived in as my mom called 911. My father and sister grabbed a first aid kit and some towels as they came out. I dived under the water hoping Criss wasn't dead. I came up for air with no Criss. "Did you see where he went down?"I called out to my sister. "No"my sister replied. I went down again as my father took off his shirt and shoes and dived in to help me. I was about to come up again for air when I saw Criss I grabbed his arm and my dad swam over and grabbed Criss' other arm. We swam over to the dock as my sister layed down the towels. "Don't just stand there help us"I called out. My sister put her arms around Criss's abs and helped bring him up as we got out.

My father grabbed the first aid kit as my mom came down. "Is he breathing?"I asked. My father turned Criss on his side as he coughed up water. While Criss was on his side my father looked at the back of Criss's head and saw the blade cut Criss's scalp. My father called me over and told me to hold Criss's head as he wrapped a bandage around his head so Criss wouldn't get infection if the blade cut his skull. After that we layed him back and I made sure no bones were broking or poking out. "Mom where's the amblunce?"I called out. "It's coming" she replied as I litely touched Criss's arms. "Well his arms aren't broking". "But I think his clavicle is broking look I can tell where it's broking"my sister stated pointing it out. "Dad hand me the arm sling we have to immoblize his shoulder". "Alice give your sister your belt". My sister took it off as I put the sling on Criss than put the belt around his chest to keep the bone in place. After I had finished a plane landed almost infront of the dock. The door opened and two paramedics came out.

"Is this the boating accident?"she asked. "Yea he has a cut to his head I don't know how deep it is if it cut the skull"my father remarked as she looked at it. "And he has a broken clavicle". "Do you know his name?"she asked as they loaded Criss up. "Christopher Sarantakos or Criss Angel"my father replied. They loaded up Criss and left. After they left I thought of something. "Dad let me check the cabin maybe Criss left his cell phone I can give his brothers a heads up on Criss". My father went upstairs and gave me the extra key and I went into the house. In Vegas JD and Costa were in Criss's suite watching The Red Sox beat The Yankees. "Come on Jeter you could of hit that!!"JD called out. "Come on JD Tim Wakefield is on fire"Costa replied. Then Costa's phone rang. He looked and saw it was Criss.

"Hey Criss how's Maine?". "Costa it's Racheal"I replied. Costa stood up. "Racheal why do you have Criss's phone?" as JD turned off the television. "Listen Criss got hit by a boat they just air lifted him out of here with a cut to his head by the motor blade and a facture calvicle I thought you guys should know". "Thanks Racheal we'll be right up there" and hung up. "What's going on?" JD asked. "Criss is in the hospital some person hit him with a boat and the motor blade cut his head and he broke his calvicle"Costa remarked. "I'm getting two tickets to Maine" and JD made the call.

[RACHEL02189]

That night I was walking back and forth on the dock wondering if Criss was all right I even held on to his cell phone for some reason. Inside my dad was watching me. "Dad have your views on Criss Angel changed after saving his life" my sister asked. "It's just that I'm nervous about Racheal making the wrong decision". "Dad you've been like that since her accident dad you can't keep Racheal in a plastic bubble you have to let her live". Outside I was watching the sunset as a car pulled up. The door opened and saw it was Costa with someone else. Dimitra I thought. "Now which house was Christopher staying in?" she asked. "This one right here mom" and they went in. I watched as they gathered up Criss's stuff. "Guess Criss's vacation's over"I muttered as I went over to them. "Costa!!"I called out as he was locking up.

"Hey Racheal"he said as I walked over. "I wanted to give this to you" giving him the cell phone. "Thanks"he remarked. "I put in my cell number and my email address just in case Criss wants to talk"I stated. "We'll tell him". Then my dad came out. "Costa I wanted to know how's Christopher?"he asked. "Good no internal bleeding, he's got four staples from that motor boat blade and his cavicale was broken but the paramedics said you two did a good job on taking care of Criss"Costa replied. "We all took first aid classes I was just thankful I didn't need to do CPR on him"I remarked. Dimitra walked over to me and gave me a hug. "Thank you for saving my Christopha" she said. "You're welcome Dimitra every loyal knows how much JD, Costa, and Christopher mean to you" I replied as Dimitra gave my father a hug too. After that I felt better that Criss was all right but I knew it was probably going to be the only time I'd get to meet Criss again or was it.

[RACHEL02189]

After we came back from vacation my father lighted up on his view of Criss he even payed me back which I gave him a hug for. Before I knew it the leaves were changing. At the house I was getting ready to go out when I heard someon knock. I went down as I left my stereo playing the Rent soundtrack on. I opened the door and a guy was there who asked me to sign for a certified letter that was sent to my family. I signed it and the guy left as I went where everyone was sitting outside. "You know you left your stereo on"my mother remarked. "I'll turn it off but we just got a certified letter"I replied. "From who?". "It doesn't say" as I opened it. I took out the letter and it just said:

You have an hour to pack a bag because you're going to Las Vegas for two weeks

Almost like a race we all went upstairs to pack a bag. As I packed my phone rang. "Hello"I stated. The only thing I heard was the song OUT TONIGHT but I looked at my stereo and the CD wasn't playing. Like a lightning bolt I knew who it was. "Angel"I muttered as I hung up the phone. "Don't forget your bathing suit!" my sister yelled. When an hour ended a limo appeared. We all came out and got in.

[RACHEL02189]

As we drove to the airport I wondered if Criss was trying to tell me something. "Who's Rachael Montel?"the driver asked. "That would be me"I replied. He gave my father a manila envelope and dad gave it to me. I opened it and they were lines to a love song in Rent.

Roger: What'd you forget

Mimi: Got a light?

Roger: I know you-you're-your shivering

Mimi: It's nothing they turned off my heat and I'm just a little weak on feet
Would you light my candle. What are you staring at?


I read the rest of the song than I saw there were two pictures in it. When I took the first one out it was a picture of Criss with facial hair. "God he looks like a rebel" my sister remarked drooling. "Wipe your mouth"I stated than I noticed the other picture was a cast picture but it wasn't Criss's Mindfreak crew. "What is Criss trying to tell you?" My mother inquired. I think I knew but I wasn't sure When we got on the plane I couldn't stop looking at the pictures. "Excuse me are you Racheal Montel?". "Yes" I replied. She gave me a CD player and an envelope. "Thanks" and she left. I opened the envelope and it just said play the CD please. I turned it on and it was Criss singing a song called Glory.

One song. Glory One song
Before I go, Glory
One song to leave behind
Find one song, one last refrain, glory
From the pretty boy front man
Who wasted opportunity.


One song he had the world at his feet
Glory
In the eyes of the young girl, a young girl
Find glory, beyond the cheap colored lights
One song, before the sun sets
Glory-on another empty life
Time flies-time dies
Glory-One blaze of glory
One blaze of glory-Glory
Find, Glory, in a song that rings true
Truth like a blazing fire, and eternal flame


Find, one song a song about love
Glory, from the soul of a young man
A young man
Find, the one song
Before the virus takes hold, glory
Like a sunset

One song
To redeen this empty life
Time flies
And then no need to endure anymore
Time dies

Oh my god Criss is in Rent!! I thought. I looked at the picture of Criss and used my glasses to looked for something than I saw it a wireless mic on the left side of Criss's face. When I looked at the cast photo I found Criss in it. Congrates Criss!! but why do you need me and family for I thought as the plane landed in Las Vegas. When we got off the plane I needed to use the bathroom. When I got to the bathroom my phone rang. "Hello"I stated. "Hey Mimi". I giggled when I knew who it was. "Hello Christopher or should I say Roger" I remarked. "I see you figured out what I was up to"he replied. "I'm just happy you did it Criss".

"Thanks I wanted to tell you that I got you an audition for the show". My heart jumped into my throat. "Please don't kid with me Sarantakos!!"I declared. "I swear I'm not your audition is at three see you there" and hung up. When I came back we all went outside and found a limo waiting for us. We all got in as I just starred out the window . "Which one is Racheal?". "That would be me" I replied. "Here this is from Roger". Everyone looked at me as my mom gave me the envelope

[RACHEL02189]

I opened it and it was a small bits from the movie and the song I love to sing. My sister looked at it. "What is this?"she asked. "An audition"I stated smiling. "So do you know what hotel we're staying at?" my father asked the driver. "The Luxor sir your benefactor works there". All at once everyone figured what was going on. "Do you think Criss is thanking us for saving his life?" my father wondered. "How do you know it's Criss his brothers work for him Costa said so himself" My sister replied. "Here we go The Luxor". As we got out I looked at the hotel. "Wow" as my mind played back Criss's leviation in the light. "Come on Racheal"my sister called out and we went in. When we walked in I was amazed. "This place is awesome look at The Spinix"my mother said. "I want to gamble"my sister remarked. "Not for another three years but for me I can" I replied as I sticked out my tongue.

"Way to be mature Racheal"a voice stated. I saw Criss walking over. I turned a bright beet red as I stood there. "So Criss tell me why we're here for?"my father asked shaking Criss's hand. "Well my brothers told me what you guys did for me when that boat hit me so this is my way for thanking you everything is on me," he replied. "Racheal why don't you go to my production office as I show your family to their rooms"Criss said winking at me. "Sure". I gave my bag to my sister and went to his office with the manilla envelope. I looked at the script and saw it was Roger and Mimi. "Nice Christopher"I muttered as I read over the part. When Criss came back I was at his desk with my headphones on. "Hey Mimi"he said but I said nothing. Criss tapped me on my shoulder. I turned around and saw Criss. "Sorry I get into the zone when I'm memorizing a song" I replied. "What song did they give you?"Criss asked as I got up. "My favorite one Out Tonight". I went to the middle of the room and started to sing while Criss watched. I even jumped on Criss's desk and did a split on his desk as I sang to him. After I finished Criss applauded. "What do you think?". "You're going to get it"he replied. "And look at this" and showed him the lines they gave me.

ROGER
Where were you?

MIMI
I'm sorry I'm late.

ROGER (interrupting)
I know. You lost your keys. No, you went for a walk; you had to help your
mother. (As he picks up the guitar) And how's Benny? I'm gonna work
upstairs tonight

MIMI
Wait
I should tell you
I should
Never mind

ROGER
Happy Spring


"Looks like I'm going to do this with you"he replied. "Want to work a little"I inquired. "Sure" and we ran the lines over and over untill it was two fifty. "Come on let me walk you to your audition" and we left.

[RACHEL02189]

In the theater the director was arguing with a woman. "I've had it Francias you're fired"he stated. "Come on Zack who are you going to find to play Mimi?" she asked. "Criss Angel found someone she's going to be here in a few minutes" Zack replied checking his watch. "You're going to trust a magician who got this job because he's famous and works for the owner of this hotel". "Francias you screwed up your lines and your singing voice is horrible when you told me you could sing so clean out your stuff and get out before I have you thrown out of this hotel".

When we got to the theater I started to feel the butterflies in my stomach. "You all right Racheal?"Criss asked. "Yea I'm just nervous tell me something Criss am I auditioning to be an understudy because if I am I'm leaving right now"I inquired. "In all honesty no you're not the girl who Zack, the director picked isn't good and she's a diva. When I heard Zack was thinking of using the understudy I remembered you so that's why I decided to repay you and your family"he said. I went over to Criss and kissed him that almost knocked Criss over. We walked in as Zack was talking to one of the actors. "Thanks for doing this Jesse" Zack said. "Hey for you anything if it wasn't for you I wouldn't of gotten that part in the movie"he replied. "Zack I want to introduce you to Racheal Montel she's the girl I was talking about"Criss remarked. "Thank you for this opportunity"I said shaking his hand. "I remember you I saw you try out for the play when I did RENT Zack this girl has the pipes and her acting was amazing"Jesse stated. "Yea but the director was dating the girl who got the part" I replied. "Well thank god Zack is gay only the guys have to worry"Jesse joked as Criss and I tried not to laugh.

"Let me be the judge why don't you sing the song OUT TONIGHT. The guys sat down as I gave Criss my hat. They gave me a mic and when I started to sing and dance the guys were amazed. After I was done the guys all applauded Zack even whistled. "All right Criss you ready for your part"Zack inquired. Criss walked up and I stood my mark. "Don't be nervous"Criss whispered as they gave Criss a mic. I nodded as we did our scene. After we were done Zack and Jesse jumped on the stage. "Racheal there's one thing I have to say-When can you start?" I almost fainted but I got my balance and gave Zack a hug. "Thank you Zack you won't regret this!!". "Criss I want to make sure you can do this" Zack said. "My show Believe is on hatius untill I'm done with this and season four is in post production so I've got a lot of time right now"Criss replied. "All right and Jesse is going to take over Taye his wife fianlly had their baby".

"Remind me to send flowers"Criss replied. "We'll meet back here at seven to go through the show before opening night tomorrow". "Thank you again I have to tell my family" and ran off. When I came out I saw my parents looking at some jewelary. It seemed strange not to see my parents arguing about money or something else. Before we went on vacation my mom lost her job so they were at each other throat. That was one of the reason I wanted to go to Vegas to get away from the arguing, but it seems since the vacation and getting to know Criss the arguing got less and less. I decided to let them be happy and I walked off. I finally found my sister at an aracade. "Hey how are you?". "Bored I would love to gamble"she remarked. "How about I take you over to Circus Circus and ride the rollar coaster instead"I suggested. "All right what's up you've never been this nice did Criss hypnotize you?"she asked as I laughed. "I'm just happy so how about it? before I change my mind".

[RACHEL02189]

Before she answered my phone rang and saw it was Criss. "Yes?". "Can you meet me in my office"he asked. "Yea sure". "I have to go see Criss for a minute but my offer to take you to Circus Circus is still up for grabs" and I walked off. When I got to Criss's office Zack and Criss were there. "What's up guys?"I asked. "Racheal something doesn't fit right with some of the stuff you've told us" Criss remarked. Why do I feel like I'm at the Spanish Inquistion. "You told me that you're in the baby of the family club but your sister is three years younger than you"Criss stated. "And Montel isn't your real last name". "When Zack did background check on you it only came up to when you're about thirteen than it's blank so what's going on Racheal?"Criss inquired. "It's complicated" I replied as my mouth went dry. "Racheal either you tell us or I'm going to have to find someone else to play Mimi". My heart was beating so hard as I stood there feeling like I was naked. I ran off as Criss followed me. He found me outside sitting on a bench crying

I wiped the tears off my face as Criss sat down nexts to me. "What's wrong?" he asked. "It's just that I've never talked about my past. It still hurts even thou it was years ago" I remarked. "Come on let's go up to my suite and we'll talk up there" he suggested. Criss took me upstairs and when I came in Ayala and Costa were there. "What the heck are you guys doing in here?"he asked surprised to see them. "We wanted to play some ping pong"Ayala replied. "I thought you were busy downstairs"Costa added. "All right guys I have to run some lines with Racheal so out"Criss remarked so Ayala and Costa left. "Mental note change locks,"Criss said as I giggled. Criss locked the door as I sat down. "All right Racheal spill it" as Criss sat down. "My name isn't really Racheal it was Britney and the Montels aren't my real parents they're my adoptive parents. I grew up in the mean streets of the Bronx with a drug addict mom. Some people were surprised I wasn't addicted to drugs when I was born"I replied. "What about your father?"he asked. "My father was abusive and would use me when my mom was too drugged out to make love to him". ":mad:" Criss replied.

"I had an older brother Fredrick and he tried to take me out of that life I had but one night he was arguing with my parents one thing lead to another and my father killed him," as tears fell down my face. "And I-I-I saw it. My father threated to kill me so I kept it quiet for my own life. I lived with the guilt untill I was about eleven. I decided to turn in my parents so I went to the police and told them what happened and where my brother's body was buried" as I wiped the tears away. "So your parents are in jail?"Criss said. "My dad is but AIDS took my mom before she went on trail for neglect and endangerment towards me. I was a mess Criss neglected, sexually abused. My social worker was scared that I was going to end up like my mom I had an seventh grade education and would cringe if someone just tried to touch me, so my social worker adopted me, changed my name and got me the help I needed to fuction in society"she replied. Criss gave me a hug as tears fell down my face

[RACHEL02189]

"No wonder you like to play Mimi she's almost like you". I smiled. "That's what my social worker said when I auditioned for RENT that first time"I replied. "If you would like me to I'll explain everything to Zack"Criss offered. "Thanks Criss if you excuse me I'm going to take my sister to Circus Circus" and we left. In the theater Zack was talking to the lighting guy when Criss walked in. "So do I need to find another Mimi"Zack asked Criss. "No I found out everything"he said. "So is she like in the witness protection program?" Zack inquired. After hearing my story Criss wished it was the truth "No she's a girl who had a terrible childhood but was giving a second chance at life by two people who cared enough to help her instead of letting her fall through the cracks of the foster care system"Criss replied. "So she's like Mimi?" Zack remarked. "You could say that" Criss stated. "Well why don't we go get something to eat and we'll go through the play". After they left Francis came out with a smile on her face.

Down at Circus Circus Alice and I were on a roller coaster and playing some of the games. I even won my sister a plush toy dog which made her laugh. Then I looked up and saw Criss standing there with a smile on his face. "How's the sister's fun day going?"he asked as we walked over. "Criss what are you doing here?"I asked . "I'm doing a autograph show at my new store here. Before I forget Racheal we have a rehearsal at seven tonight". "Rehearsal you got the part"my sister said shocked. "Yea and don't tell mom and dad I want to surprise them when we open or else". "Same deal as last time"she remarked. "You got it". "Well I'll see you later" and he left. When we got back to the Luxor our parents were getting ready for dinner. "Hey guys how are you?"my father asked. "We're good look at what Racheal won me at Circus Circus"she replied. "That's cute Racheal I saw Criss he wanted me to give you this"my mom stated. I opened it and it was lines I needed to learn but I knew RENT so well I could do RENT in my sleep.

"Thanks" I replied closing the envelope. "Are you guys hungry?". "Well I have plans with Criss at seven. I should go take a shower"I stated as the rest of the family left. After I took a shower and got dressed I grabbed a salad. I went to the theater and saw I was early so I sat on the stage and eat my salad. As I eat Jesse came in. "I thought I was the only one that got here early"he replied. "I'm always early and I'm excited to be in this musical" I replied finishing my salad. "Where's everyone?"a voice called out. "Hey Mindfreak where's out here"I called back and Criss walked on stage. "I thought for once I was going to be late where's the rest of the crew and Zack"he asked. "Criss I have to ask you did you audition or did they offer it to you"Jesse inquired. Criss sat nexts to me. "I audition but I'm surprised they gave it to me considering I was on pain killers and my right arm was in a sling due to a factured calvicle"Criss replied. "What did you do illusion didn't go so well". Criss looked at me. "Long story" he replied as I tried not to laugh.

Then Zack came in. "Hey Zack what's going on?"I asked. "We have a problem it seems Francis heard about Racheal's past and told the rest of the crew. They don't want to work with her". "Because of her past that's bull :mad:"Criss remarked. "What can I tell you Criss"Zack said. "Zack get them in here including that diva"Criss replied. "Now you know why they changed my name Criss. I should just drop out" and started to leave but Jesse stopped me.

[RACHEL02189]

"Racheal don't quit"Jesse said. Francis and the others came to the stage. "I guess you know that I'm not who I say I am"I stated. "You're a lair!!"Francis exclaimed. "Wait a minute guys what did this diva tell you about Racheal?"Criss asked. "She's a lair she lied about who she is" someone called out. "Did she tell you that Racheal had her name changed so she could start over. She grew up with a father who had sex with his own daughter while her mom was drugged out of her mind" Criss replied. "My new family decided with my new life came a new name and that's what they did. If they didn't take me in and adopt me I'd probably be died" I replied. "Come on guys why should we believe this lair!!"Francis said. "Francis why don't you shut up this kid has been through hell and she managed to live in it long enough for people to adopt her and give her a second chance at life" Criss replied.

"Why should we believe you Angel you were offered this job"someone remarked. "That's where you're wrong guys"Jesse said getting up. "Criss auditioned like you all did while recovering from being hit by a boat"Zack stated. "Francis my biological mother died of AIDS and my father is in jail for the rest of his life. I have seen things that would make you want to cry and throw up. Hell I came close to being institutionalized so why don't you get the hell out of here and take your diva attitude with you!!"I declared looking into her eyes. She looked at everyone than left. "Now that's over why don't we practice Season Of Love,"Zack said and we got in ordered. "And Racheal you've got the first solo than Criss". I smiled at Criss as we all got miced up "All right go" as the music started to play:

COMPANY

525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear.
525,600 minutes - how do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee.
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.
In 525,600 minutes - how do you measure a year in the life?
How about love? How about love? How
about love? Measure in love.
Seasons of love.

SOLOISTS 1&2

525,600 minutes! 525,000 journeys to plan.
525,600 minutes - how can you measure the life of a woman or man?

SOLOIST 1(RACHEAL)

In truths that she
learned,

SOLOIST 2(CRISS)

Or in times that he cried.

SOLOIST 1(RACHEAL)

In bridges he burned,

SOLOIST 2(CRISS)

Or the way that she died....

COMPANY

It's time now to sing out,
the story never ends let's celebrate remember a year in the life of friends.
How about love!
How about love! How about love!
Measure in love.
Seasons of love! Seasons of love

[RACHEL02189]

After rehearsal I felt like I was cloud nine I couldn't wait for my parents to see me on stage. Around two in the morning Criss's phone started to ring. Wondering who was calling him at this hour he picked up the phone. "Hello" he said. "Hey Criss I'm sorry to wake you but I didn't know who else to call". Criss sat up when he realized it was me. "Racheal what's wrong you sound upset". "It's my dad Criss he had a heart attack and died in his sleep. I'm going to have to drop out of RENT" I replied. "I'm sorry to hear that Racheal". "Thanks Criss tell Zack I'm sorry" I stated and hung up. The next morning Criss was sitting on the stage thinking as tears fell down his face. "Hey Criss what's wrong someone die?"Jesse inquired. "Yea Racheal's father he had a fatally heart attack last night" Criss stated. "And it's bringing back memories of your own father's death". "Yea I feel bad for her she worked so hard to get to this now it falls apart" Criss remarked. With out warning the sprinklers went off and Criss and Jesse ran out before they got elecuted. Back in my hometown I was sitting in my room listening to the song WILL I as tears fell down my face.

Will I lose my dignity
Will someone care
Will I wake tomorrow
From this nightmare?

I felt like I was in a nightmare and I wanted to wake up but I couldn't no matter how hard I tried. A knock came to the door and it was my mom. "Honey there's someone downstairs to see you"she said. I wiped the tears away from my eyes and turned off the CD. When I got down stairs I saw it was Criss looking nice he even shaved. "Christopher what are you doing here?"I asked surprised to see him. "I came to pay my respect and bring a little bit of good news,"he replied. "The sprinkler system in the theater malfunctioned so the play is put on hold untill they can fix it". "That's great news Racheal now you can do RENT now"my mom stated. "Yea but I'm not going to do Rent excuse me" and went outside. "I don't get it she was so happy to get that role now she doesn't want it". Criss knew very well what I was going through since he went through it himself.

Outside I was sitting on the porch while the song WILL I played in my head. My head played back the funeral and the hurt I was feeling. "Racheal"A voice called out. I turned around and saw Criss with a tissue in his hand. "Thanks Criss"I remarked as I wiped the tears from my face. "Racheal I know what you're going through". "I know you lost your father too. I just can't focus I remember the last conversion I had with him telling him about the show and how happy he was. He-told me he'd be there with a bouquet of roses-" as tears fell down my face. "Racheal I know how hard it is to lose someone believe me I was the same way when my dad dead. I couldn't focus on magic as I grieved for my dad. My mom and my brothers all said go back but I every time I would screw up and it just drove me nuts. I knew I had to come to terms with my father's death and it took some time but I did and I know you will". I walked over to Criss and he gave me a hug as I cried. "I miss him so much Criss"I replied. "I know you do Racheal it's going to be all right"he said as I cried in Criss's arm.

[RACHEL02189]

After Criss left my mother came over. "What did Criss tell you?"she asked sitting nexts to me. "That I need to deal with the pain,"I replied. "I'm going upstairs" and went inside. When I came in I turned on the radio and playing was Kathy Perry Waking up in Vegas

You got me into this
Information overload, situation lost control
Send out an S.O.S.
And get some cash out
We're gonna tear up the town

"Are you trying to send me a message dad?"I asked myself as I listened to the song.

Don't be a baby
Remember what you told me
Shut up and put your money where your mouth is
That's what you get for waking up in Vegas
Get up and shake the glitter off your clothes, now
That's what you get for waking up in Vegas

"One problem dad how am I going to get there". A knock came to the door and Alice came in as I turned off the radio. "What's up small fry?" I asked. "I heard Criss was here". "Yea you just missed him"I replied laying down. "Well mom wanted me to give this to you Criss left it for you"she replied. I opened the envelope and it was a ticket to Las Vegas with a note that said: When you're ready MIMI. I giggled as I read the note. Very funny Sarantakos I thought. That night I couldn't sleep so I went over to my window and looked at the stars. As I looked at it my stereo turned on and started to play La vie Boheme

To days of inspiration
Playing hookie, making something out of nothing
The need to express
To communicate,
To going against the grain,
Going insane
Going mad
To loving tension, no pension
To more than one dimension,
To starving for attention,
Hating convention, hating pretension
Not to mention of course,
Hating dear old mom and dad
To riding your bike,
Midday past the three- piece suits
To fruits to no absolutes
To Absolute- to choice
To the Village Voice
To any passing fad
To being an us-for once-, instead of a them -


La vie Boheme
La vie Boheme

After the song was over I took it as a sign to go back to Vegas. I went to my drawers and packed a few things. In her room my sister woke up to a car pulling up. She looked out her window and saw me heading for a taxi. She pulled up her screen and whistled. I looked up and saw her waving good-bye and I waved back as I got into the taxi and went to the airport.

[RACHEL02189]

While I was on the plane I decided to check twitter and see what Criss was up to I swear if we don't find a girl to play Mimi my musical debut is heading for the trash he wrote. "Don't worry Criss I'm coming"I mumbled with a smile on my face. When I finally landed I took a cab to The Luxor. I went to the theater and walking around was Zack. I walked down watching Zack pace like an expectant father. "Zack" I called out. He turned around and his jaw just fell to the floor. "Racheal what are you doing here?". "Let's just say my father was sending me signals that I should come back. Have you found anyone to replace me?" jumping on-stage. "Nope". Then an idea hit me. "Zack call Angel and tell him to come down"I stated.

I think Zack knew what I had up my sleeve and grabbed his phone. Upstairs Criss was working on his computer when the phone rang. "Hello" he stated. "Christopher I need you to come down I have another person to try out for Mimi" he remarked. "If it's one of my fans I'll quit"Criss replied. "I swear Criss it isn't just come down"he stated and hung up. Criss hung up and went downstairs. When he came in I was in the back waiting as Zack explained to Criss. "So what song are we doing?"Criss inquired. "Another day," Zack stated. I watched as they gave Criss a mic. "You ready Criss?" . "Yea"he stated and Criss started to sing.


Who do you think you are?
Barging in on me and my guitar
Little girl -- hey
The door is that way
You better go you know
The fire's out anyway
Take your powder -- take your candle
Your sweet whisper
I just can't handle
Well take your hair in the moonlight
Your brown eyes -- goodbye, goodnight
I should tell you I should tell you
I should tell you I should -- no!
Another time -- another place
Our temperature would climb
There'd be a long embrace
We'd do another dance
It'd be another play
Looking for romance?
Come back another day
Another day

Then I came out and started to sing

The heart may freeze or it can burn
The pain will ease if I can learn
There is no future
There is no past
I live this moment as my last
There's only us
There's only this
Forget regret
Or life is yours to miss
No other road
No other way
No day but today

Criss couldn't believe it as we sang

ROGER

Excuse me if I'm off track
But if you're so wise
Then tell me -- why do you need smack?
Take your needle
Take your fancy prayer
And don't forget
Get the moonlight out of your hair
Long ago -- you might've lit up my heart
But the fire's dead -- ain't never ever gonna start
Another time -- another place
The words would only rhyme
We'd be in outer space
It'd be another song
We'd sing another way
You wanna prove me wrong?
Come back another day
Another day

MIMI

There's only yes
Only tonight
We must let go
To know what's right
No other course
No other way
No day but today

MIMI & OTHERS

I can't control
My destiny
I trust my soul
My only goal is just
To be
There's only now
There's only here
Give in to love
Or live in fear
No other path
No other way
No day but today...

ROGER

Control your temper
She doesn't see
Who says that there's a soul?
Just let me be...
Who do you think you are?
Barging in on me and my guitar
Little girl, hey
The door is that way
The fire's out anyway

ALL

No day but today
No day but today
No day but today
No day but today
No day but today

ROGER

Take your powder; take your candle
Take your brown eyes, your pretty smile, your silhouette
Another time, another place
Another rhyme, a warm embrace
Another dance, another way
Another chance, another day

After we finished Criss gave me hug. "Welcome back Mimi"he whispered as I smiled. "Thanks Roger". As the days passed we got ready Criss even let his crew watch some of the rehearsal. When the day of the play premiere came we showed up for a run throw when I saw a red carpet was being layed out. "What's wrong Rachael?" Jesse asked. "I've n-n-ever walked a red carpet before" I stuttered. "Don't worry Racheal just stay close to me and I'll help you with the paparazzi"Criss remarked as we went in.

[RACHEL02189]

Inside Criss and I were working on Light My Candle while a guy with a camera snuck in and started to take pictures of me and Criss. Criss saw him. "GET HIM OUT OF HERE!!" Criss called out while I hid behind Criss. "Hey Criss she going to be your new girl" the guy called out. Jesse got up and threw him out. "And tell the rest of those idiots to stay out unless they want to be arrested for trepressing" and closed the door. "Thanks Criss"I remarked. "Why don't we take a break and I'll talk to Felix about getting some security for the door"Zack stated and everyone left as Criss and I sat on the stage. "So is your mom and sister coming tonight?"Criss asked. "No my father's funeral was a lot so they had to cash in the tickets to pay the funeral home"I remarked smiling. Then Criss's phone went off. He looked and put it back in his pocket. "Is your mom coming?". "Yea. You want to meet her JD just texted me to tell me they're here" Criss suggested. "Sure I love meeting your family" as Criss snickered.

We got off the stage and walked over to the door. Criss looked around and saw no paparazzi so we came out. We walked over to the production office and I saw Dimitra talking to Costa. "Racheal hello how are you?" giving me a hug. "I'm doing good Criss tells me that you're coming to the show"I remarked. "Do you really think I'd miss you're debut in a play"she replied. Then my phone started to play the song RENT. I started to blush as I picked up the phone. Criss tried not to laugh. "Hello". "Hey sweetie". "Mom it's nice to hear your voice"I stated. Criss decided to give me some privacy and everyone stepped out. "Such a nice girl but she seems a little down"Dimitra said as she and Criss sat down. "Her mother and sister can't come to the premire tonight they had to cash in their tickets to pay for her father's funeral"Criss replied. "Too bad".

Criss watched as I hung up my phone and wiped tears from my face. Then Criss got an idea and went over to the consinger desk. Dimitra followed Criss as he was looking at plane flights. "What are you doing Christopher?"Dimitra asked. Criss looked up a number and dialed it. "Hello yea I want to book two first class tickets from Logan airport to Las Vegas international put them under Montel" and Criss hung up. Then Criss dialed another numbers "Hello". "Mrs Montel it's Criss Angel I need you and your daughter to pack a bag and head to Logan airport. At the check in gate two tickets will be waiting for you and your daughter. I'll have a car waiting for you. You're welcome" and hung up. "Christopher you're flying them out here that's sweet of you"she said as Criss smiled. "Just need to do one more thing" and walked over to a flower shop.

[RACHEL02189]

After we did the run through I went upstairs to gather my thoughts. I just starred out the window wishing my family was here to see me perform. A knock came to the door. "Who is it?"I called out. "It's Criss let me in before my loyals see me"he stated. I opened the door and Criss walked in. "Thanks I had one of my crazy fans ready to drag me to a chapel to marry me"Criss remarked sitting down. "If she looks like a model go for it," I joked as Criss laughed. "So what's up?". "I just talked to Felix and Zack they oversold the show tonight so they moved the show to my theater"he replied. "Criss with your theater they could probably fit everyone in this hotel and MGM in it"I stated. Criss giggled. "Come on I'll give you a tour of the place" and we left. When we went in the place was huge. "Wow this is cool Criss" as I slide down the railing. When I landed Criss laughed. "Sometime I forget you're over eighteen Racheal"Criss replied.

"Sometimes I like to let the child in me out" as I smiled. "Before the crew comes I want to show you a trick" and went to the back. I sat down as Criss brought out two chairs and a cloth huge enough to cover two queen size beds. Criss put the chair in the middle of the stage. "You ready?"Criss asked. "Ham" I called out. Criss stopped and put his hands on his hips. "If you're not going to take this seriously I won't do it"he replied. "Would you like a bigger audience?,"I asked. Great a female verison of me Criss thought as I smirked. "All right Angel just do it I'll shut up"I said. Criss put the sheet over the chairs than the sheet started to raise up. Criss grabbed the sheet and pulled it to reveal my sister and mother. I jumped up on-stage and gave them a hug as Criss just stood there. "What are you guys doing here?"I asked. "Christopher flew us out here for your debut tonight"my mother stated. "In first class!" Alice said. I turned to Criss as tears fell down my face. I walked over to him and gave him a hug. "I owe you so much"I whispered. "You owe me nothing Racheal just go get ready and I'll see in an hour and a half"Criss replied. I smiled as we left.

[RACHEL02189]

Upstairs my mom and sister were helping me get ready. As my mom did my make-up my sister picked out some hoop earrings and semi heel shoes. "I feel like I'm going on a date than going to the opening of a musical I'm in"I said. My sister laughed. "There we go you look great" as I looked into the mirror. I felt like crying but I knew if I did I'd look like a raccoon. "Well time to get dressed" and went into the bed room. As I got ready Criss came to the door to walk me down. "Christopher you look handsome"my mom said as he came in. "For a second there I thought my mom was here" Criss joked. "I met your mother and I can tell she did a great job raising you" as Criss blushed. "My sister will be right out what's behind your back Criss?"my sister inquired. Criss brought his hand out and it was a jewelary box wrapped. "A little good luck necklace for Racheal"he replied.

"Alice can you help me with this zipper"I called out. "Be right back" and she went in to see me trying to zipper the back of my shirt. "Hold on" and she zippered it. "Thanks god I'm so nervous my hands are shaking" showing her. "Don't worry Racheal you're going to do awesome"she stated. I turned around. "How do I look?". "A goddess"a voice replied. I looked up and saw Criss. "Christopher are you trying to seduce me?"I asked. Criss muttered a few things before I started to giggle. "Oh here for good luck". I unwrapped the box and it was a cross. "It's a greek cross with the words I hope I'm saying this right καλή τύχη engraved on the back" he replied. "What does it mean Christopher?" I asked as I put it on. "Good luck"he replied helping me put it on. After I put it on I looked at it. "Thanks Criss it's beautiful" and gave him a kiss on the check. "I like the first one you gave me better" he joked as I remembered the first time I kissed Criss. "Shall we Criss?". "All right" and we came out.

When we came out I saw my mom had her camera ready. "I'm having flashbacks of my senoir prom"I muttered as Criss snickered. "I just want some pictures". "All right but if I see any of these on Criss's site I'm changing my name"I ordered as Criss laughed. "All right say cheese". After about ten minutes we went to the elevator. "I'm so sorry Criss my mom loves to photograph" I said. "Mental note have your mother and my brother Costa set up they can take about taking pictures untill the sun comes up". "Another mental note keep my sister away from your neice or JD will kill both of us"I remarked. "How bad can your sister be?"Criss inquired as we walked into the elevator. As we went down I told Criss about my sister and when we came down Criss understood why I said that. "I'll keep that in mind so you ready" as he looked at me. I took a breath. "Let's go Mindfreak". When we got there the place was crazy. "Holy molly you swear Frank Sinatra came back from the dead" I stated looking at all the cameras going off like a strobe light. "Christopher how are you?". Coming over was Robin Leech.

"I see you came I want you to meet a good friend Racheal Montel". "Mimi Marquez Criss has told me you're going to blow these people away with your voice"he stated. "Well if it wasn't for Criss I wouldn't of gotten it"I said smiling. "Christopher you never told me how you guys met?". "We met up in Maine while I was vactioning her cabin was next door to mine"Criss replied. "Well I can't wait to see you guys perform tonight" and he left. "Wasn't so bad was it?". "No but look who I see Perez Hilton"I replied. "I really hate that guy he made me out to be a the bad guy when Holly and I broke up"Criss stated. "Don't worry Criss you've got my back I've got yours" as we walked. "Hey Angel isn't she a little young for you,"he called out. Criss said nothing. "So you gonna tank this show like Believe is". "Excuse me Mr. Hilton"I stated walking over. "Can I help you?". "Yea you can stop ragging on my friend if it wasn't for Criss I wouldn't of even done this show so why don't you take your rude mouth and get the :mad: out of here and let Criss and I enjoy this"I asked.

"She got a pair on her"Jesse said to Criss. "Tell me something sweetie did you sleep with him because Holly told him he's a three on a scale of one to ten"he replied wtih laughter in his voice. Jesse held Criss back. "Settle down Angel you don't want to spend a night in jail for assault". "Oh really well I heard from another source that you can't even get it up"I remarked. "Are you sure this girl ain't related to you"Jesse asked Criss. Hilton went speechless. "That's what I thought" and went back over to Criss. "I was right about you Racheal you are the female verison of me"Criss stated. "Expect I can't do magic or make myself disappear"I replied as we went in.

[RACHEL02189]

In the back I was getting ready as Criss was having a bit of make-up put on. "So Criss where's your bodyguard?"Jesse inquired. "Very funny Jesse she's getting ready"Criss stated. Then Zack came out. "All right Mark, Roger, Collins you're up"Zack called out. "Break a leg Criss" as they got into position. In the back we all watched untill Zack came over. "Racheal do you mind just singing at the end of the first song one of the singers is running late"he asked. "Sure I'll have to change"I stated and got an idea. I found some of Criss's clothes and put them on. Since his pants were a little snug I used a long shirt to hide the top. When I came back they were starting the song Rent.

[MARK]

How do you document real life
When real life is getting more
Like fiction each day
Headlines -- bread-lines
Blow my mind
And now this deadline
"Eviction -- or pay"
Rent!

[ROGER] (CRISS)

How do you write a song
When the chords sound wrong
Though they once sounded right and rare
When the notes are sour
Where is the power
You once had to ignite the air

[MARK]

And we're hungry and frozen

[ROGER] (CRISS)

Some life that we've chosen

[TOGETHER]

How we gonna pay
How we gonna pay
How we gonna pay
Last year's rent


[ROGER] (CRISS)

How do you start a fire
When there's nothing to burn
And it feels like something's stuck in your flue

[MARK]

How can you generate heat
When you can't feel your feet

[BOTH]

And they're turning blue!


I was amazed the way Criss's voice sounded. "I think Criss should of stuck with music instead of magic"I whispered. "All right Racheal you ready go".

[MARK AND HALF OF COMPANY]

How do you leave the past behind
When it keeps finding ways to get to your heart
It reaches way down deep and tears you inside out
Till you're torn apart
Rent!

[ROGER AND OTHER HALF OF COMPANY]

How can you connect in an age
Where strangers, landlords, lovers
Your own blood cells betray

[ALL]

What binds the fabric together
When the raging, shifting winds of change
Keep ripping away

[BENNY]

Draw a line in the sand
And then make a stand

[ROGER](CRISS)

Use your camera to spar

[MARK]

Use your guitar

[ALL]

When they act tough - you call their bluff

[MARK AND ROGER]

We're not gonna pay

[MARK AND ROGER WITH HALF OF COMPANY]

We're not gonna pay

[MARK AND ROGER WITH OTHER HALF OF COMPANY]

We're not gonna pay

[ALL]

Last year's rent
This year's rent
Next year's rent
Rent rent rent rent rent
We're not gonna pay rent

[ROGER AND MARK]

'Cause everything is rent

When I came back everyone thanked me. "Excuse my scence is coming up" and ran back to change.

[RACHEL02189]

In the seats my mom was sitting with Criss's mom and few other people. "Wow Criss has a voice on him" she whispered to Dimitra. "I can't wait to hear your daughter Christopher sayes she's great"Dimitra replied. "Well this is my favorite song LIGHT MY CANDLE" my mother said.


ROGER (Criss)

What'd you forget?

(MIMI enters, holding a candle and looking for a match; her electricity is
down, too)

MIMI (Racheal)

Got a light?

ROGER (Criss)

I know you? You're
You're shivering

MIMI (Racheal)

It's nothing
They turned off my heat
And I'm just a little
Weak on my feet
Would you light my candle?
What are you staring at?

ROGER (Criss)

Nothing
Your hair in the moonlight
You look familiar

(He lights her candle. MIMI starts to leave, but stumbles)

Can you make it?

MIMI (Racheal)

Just haven't eaten much today
At least the room stopped spinning
Anyway, What?

ROGER (Criss)

Nothing
Your smile reminded me of

MIMI (Racheal)

I always remind people of who is she?

ROGER (Criss)

She died, Her name was April

(MIMI discreetly blows out the candle)

MIMI (Racheal)

It's out again
Sorry about your friend
Would you light my candle?

(ROGER lights the candle. They linger, awkwardly)

ROGER (Criss)

Well-

MIMI (Racheal)

Yeah. Ow!

ROGER (Criss)

Oh, the wax it's --

MIMI (Racheal)

Dripping! I like it -- between my --

ROGER (Criss)

Fingers. I figured...
Oh, well. Goodnight

"Christopher was right she's got an execellent voice"Dimitra whispered. "Maybe she and Criss should do a duet together" Costa joked. "Shh"someone said.



(MIMI exits. ROGER heads back toward his guitar on the table. There is
another knock, which he answers)

It blew out again?

MIMI (Racheal)

No - I think that I dropped my stash

ROGER (Criss)

I know I've seen you out and about
When I used to go out
Your candle's out

MIMI (Racheal)

I'm illin'
I had it when I walked in the door
It was pure
Is it on the floor?

ROGER (Criss)

The floor?

(MIMI gets down on all fours and starts searching the floor for her stash.
She looks back at ROGER, who is staring at her again)

MIMI (Racheal)

They say I have the best ass below 14th street
Is it true?

ROGER (Criss)

What?

MIMI (Racheal)

You're staring again

ROGER (Criss)

Oh no
I mean you do - have a nice-
I mean , You look familiar

MIMI (Racheal)

Like your dead girlfriend?

ROGER (Criss)

Only when you smile
But I'm sure I've seen you somewhere else

MIMI (Racheal)

Do you go to the Cat Scratch Club?
That's where I work - I dance - help me look

ROGER (Criss)

Yes!
They used to tie you up-

MIMI (Racheal)

It's a living

(MIMI douses the flame again)

ROGER (Criss)

I didn't recognize you
Without the handcuffs

MIMI (Racheal)

We could light the candle
Oh won't you light the candle?

"That sound be reversed"JD joked as Dimitra tried not to laugh.



(ROGER lights it again.)

ROGER (Criss)

Why don't you forget that stuff
You look like you're sixteen

MIMI (Racheal)

I'm nineteen but I'm old for my age
I'm just born to be bad

ROGER (Criss)

I once was born to be bad
I used to shiver like that

MIMI (Racheal)

I have no heat - I told you

ROGER (Criss)

I used to sweat

MIMI (Racheal)

I got a cold

ROGER (Criss)

Uh huh
I used to be a junkie

MIMI (Racheal)

But now and then I like to

ROGER (Criss)

Uh huh

MIMI (Racheal)

Feel good

ROGER (Criss)

Here it - um

(ROGER stoops and picks up a small object: MIMI's stash)

MIMI (Racheal)

What's that?

ROGER (Criss)

It's a candy bar wrapper

(ROGER puts it behind his back and into his pocket)

MIMI (Racheal)

We could light the candle

(ROGER discreetly blows out the candle)

MIMI (Racheal)

What'd you do with my candle?

ROGER (Criss)

That was my last match


"Let's hope people don't think these too are dating after this"Alice remarked as my mom and Criss's giggled softly

ROGER (Criss)

I'm Roger

MIMI (Racheal)

They call me
They call me Mimi

(They come extremely close to a kiss. MIMI reaches into his pocket, nabs
the stash, waves it in front of his face, and makes a sexy exit)

I walked off stage feeling hi. "That was great Racheal"Jesse stated. "Thanks" as I grabbed a bottle of water. After a few more scene Criss came back. "You're doing great Criss"someone said. "Thanks" as he sat nexts to me. "I like this song the Tango Maureen" I remarked as they started to sing. "Do you know how to Tango?"Criss inquired. "A little you". "Don't let this get around but I kinda had to know it for a wedding I was going to"he replied. "Yours or a friend". "Friend wanta try"he asked. "Sure" and we got up. It seems that Criss and I were in sync with the actors on the stage. After we finished I told Criss he wasn't that bad. "Thanks you should go get ready for your next scene"Criss said and I left to change.

[RACHEL02189]

Had to edited the song before the site did. If you want to know the words I'll send you the unedited verision of the song

It was time for one of the fun song of the show one next to OUT TONIGHT that I love it's called LA VIE BOHEME. In the audience one of the ushers gave JD a note. "Dimi I need you to leave". "Why?" she asked looking a little shocked. "Criss sent me a note telling me to take you out for a few minutes so obey your Uncle Criss and go to the bathroom or something"he remarked. A little pist but she did what her uncle asked and left. My mother who knew the play sent my sister out too. My sister was ready to protest but she said that she's going to keep Dimi company instead


ANGEL
Who died?

BENNY
Our Akita

BENNY, MARK, ANGEL, COLLINS
Evita

BENNY
They make fun yet I'm the one
Attempting to do some good
Or do you really want a neighborhood
Where people piss on your stoop every night?
Bohemia, Bohemia's
A fallacy in your head
This is Calcutta
Bohemia is dead

(The BOHEMIANS immediately begin to enact a mock funeral, with
MARK delivering the "eulogy")

MARK
Dearly beloved we gather here to say our goodbyes

COLLINS & ROGER
Dies irae dies illa
Kyrie eleison
Yitgadal v' yitkadash, etc.

MARK
Here she lies
No one knew her worth
The late great daughter of mother earth
On this night when we celebrate the birth
In that little town of Bethlehem
We raise our glass- you bet your ass to-

(MAUREEN flashes hers)

La vie Boheme

ALL
La vie Boheme
La vie Boheme
La vie Boheme
La vie Boheme

MARK
To days of inspiration
Playing hookie, making something out of nothing
The need to express
To communicate,
To going against the grain,
Going insane
Going mad
To loving tension, no pension
To more than one dimension,
To starving for attention,
Hating convention, hating pretension
Not to mention of course,
Hating dear old mom and dad
To riding your bike,
Midday past the three- piece suits
To fruits to no absolutes
To Absolute- to choice
To the Village Voice
To any passing fad
To being an us-for once-, instead of a them -

ALL
La vie Boheme
La vie Boheme

Criss and I were having fun as we sang.

MR. GREY
Ahhemm

MAUREEN
Hey Mister- she's my sister

RESTAURANT MAN
So that's five miso soup, four seaweed salad
Three soy burger dinner, two tofu dog platter
And one pasta with meatless balls

A BOY
Ugh

COLLINS
It tastes the same

MIMI
If you close your eyes

RESTAURANT MAN
And thirteen orders of fries
Is that it here?

ALL
Wine and beer!

MIMI & ANGEL
To hand-crafted beers made in local breweries
To yoga, to yogurt, to rice and beans and cheese
To leather, to (BAD WORD), to curry vindaloo
To huevos rancheros and Maya Angelou

MAUREEN & COLLINS
Emotion, devotion, to causing a commotion
Creation, vacation

MARK
Mucho masturbation

MAUREEN & COLLINS
Compassion, to fashion, to passion when it's new

COLLINS
To Sontag

ANGEL
To Sondheim

FOUR PEOPLE
To anything taboo

COLLINS & ROGER
Ginsberg, Dylan, Cunningham and Cage

COLLINS
Lenny Bruce

ROGER
Langston Hughes

MAUREEN
To the stage

PERSON #1
To Uta

PERSON #2
To Buddha

PERSON #3
Pablo Neruda, too

MARK & MIMI
Why Dorothy and Toto went over the rainbow
To blow off Auntie Em

ALL
La vie Boheme

Then Criss did a baseball slide through my leg. "Now I understand why he asked Dimi to leave" Lynn said. "I may join her" Dimitra replied.

MR. GREY
Sisters?

MAUREEN
We're close

(ANGEL jumps on top of COLLINS, who's on the table. They kiss)

ANGEL, COLLINS, MAUREEN, MARK, MR. GREY
Brothers!

MARK, ANGEL, MIMI & THREE OTHERS
Bisexuals, trisexuals, homo sapiens,
Carcinogens, hallucinogens, men, Pee Wee Herman
German wine, turpentine, Gertrude Stein
Antonioni, Bertolucci, Kurosawa
Carmina Burana

ALL
To apathy, to entropy, to empathy, ecstasy
Vaclav Havel - The Sex Pistols, 8BC,
To no shame - never playing the Fame Game

COLLINS
To (DRUG REFERENCE)

ALL
To sodomy,
It's between God and me
To S & M

(MR. GREY walks out)

BENNY
Waiter...Waiter...Waiter

ALL
La vie Boheme

COLLINS
In honor of the death of Bohemia an impromptu salon will commence
immediately following dinner
Mimi Marquez, clad only in bubble wrap, will perform her famous lawn
chair-handcuff dance to the sounds of iced tea being stirred

ROGER
Mark Cohen will preview his new documentary about his inability to hold an
:o on high holy days

(ROGER picks up an electric guitar and starts to tune it)

MARK
Maureen Johnson, back from her spectacular one-night engagement at the
eleventh street lot,
Will sing native american tribal chants backwards through her vocoder,
While accompanying herself on the electric cello
Which she has never studied

MARK
Roger will attempt to write a bittersweet, evocative song

(ROGER picks up a guitar and plays Musetta's Theme)

That doesn't remind us of "Musetta's Waltz"

COLLINS
Angel Dumott Schunard will now model the latest fall fashions from Paris
While accompanying herself on the 10 gallon plastic pickle tub

ANGEL
And Collins will recount his exploits as an anarchist
Including the successful reprogramming of the M.I.T. virtual reality equipment
To self-destruct, as it broadcast the words:

ALL
"Actual reality -- Act Up -- Fight AIDS"

MIMI
Excuse me did I do something wrong?
I get invited then ignored all night long

ROGER
I've been trying I'm not lying
No one's perfect I've got baggage

MIMI
Life's too short, babe, time is flying
I'm looking for baggage that goes with mine

ROGER
I should tell, you-

MIMI
I've got baggage too

ROGER
I should tell you

MIMI
I got baggage, too

ROGER
I should tell you

BOTH
Baggage - wine

OTHERS
And beer!

(Several beepers sound. Each turns off his or her beeper)

MIMI
AZT break

Then another song with me and Criss came up and it was so romantic. "I swear Criss and Racheal have such a spark together"my mom stated. "Let's hope they don't start dating after this" Costa said

ALL
Yeah!!!

(Pandemonium erupts in the restaurant)

To dance

A GIRL
No way to make a living, masochism, pain, perfection
Muscle spasms, chiropractors, short careers, eating disorders

ALL
Film

MARK
Adventure, tedium, no family, boring locations,
Dark rooms, perfect faces, egos, money, Hollywood and sleaze

ALL
Music

ANGEL
Food of love, emotion, mathematics, isolation,
Rhythm, feeling, power, harmony, and heavy competition

ALL
Anarchy

COLLINS & MAUREEN
Revolution, justice, screaming for solutions,
Forcing changes, risk, and danger
Making noise and making pleas

ALL
To :eek: :o :(, cross dressers too

MAUREEN
To me

MARK
To me

COLLINS & ANGEL
To me

ALL
To you, and you and you, you and you
To people living with, living with, living with
Not dying from disease
Let he among us without sin
Be the first to condemn
La vie Boheme
La vie Boheme
La vie Boheme

MARK
Anyone out of the mainstream
Is anyone in the mainstream?
Anyone alive with a sex drive

OTHERS
La vie boheme
La vie boheme
La vie boheme

MARK
Tear down the wall
Aren't we all?
The opposite of war isn't peace
It's creation

ALL
La vie Boheme

The lights came up and everyone went out to stretch their legs. In the artium Dimi and my sister were sipping on Diet Coke when JD and my mom walked over. "Well it looks like we didn't miss much" Dimi said as my sister giggled. "I see you guys got drinks". "Yea we put on Uncle Criss's tab at LAX"Dimi replied. "When I turn twenty-one I'm coming here"Alice stated. My mother was ready to throw my sister a reality check when JD's phone rang. "Yea". "What do you think of it?". "Criss you're doing great you and Racheal have a chemistry that everyone including mom sees". "Did you get my message?" Criss asked. "Yes and I understand why and tell Racheal her mom threw her sister out too". "She kind of guessed that. JD can you do me a favor before intermission ends"Criss asked. "Yea sure what,"JD said and Criss told him. "All right" and hung up.

"What does Uncle Criss want you to do?"Dimi asked. "You'll see I'll be right back" and walked off. In the theater Criss was signing some autographes for some fans who stayed back. "Criss you're doing a great job!!"Ashley remarked. "Thanks here you go guys" and they left as JD walked over. "Where's Racheal?". "Using the bathroom so do you have them"Criss replied. "Here you go a dozon long stem dethroned red roses"JD said giving them to him. "Thanks I'll see you in a bit" and Criss went to the back with the flowers.

[RACHEL02189]

As we got ready for the second act Criss put the flowers in his dressing room. "Christopher where's Racheal?"he asked. "Using the bathroom I think"he replied coming out of his room. I came over. "So you ready Criss?" I asked. "I wanted to tell you two that you're going to sing the solo parts like in rehearsal" and Zack left. "Oh boy"Criss stated. "Don't worry Criss we'll both do great". "Come on it's time for act 2"Jesse called out. In the theater people were sitting down as the lights flashed. Everyone sat down as we came out in a straight line.

(The COMPANY enters from all directions and forms a line across the
front of the stage)

SEASONS OF LOVE

COMPANY
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred moments so dear
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure - measure a year?
In daylights - In sunsets
In midnights - In cups of coffee
In inches - In miles
In laughter - In strife
In Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life?
How about love?
How about love?
How about love?
Measure in love
Seasons of love
Seasons of love

SOLOIST #1 (Criss)
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Journeys to plan
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or a man?

SOLOIST #2 (Racheal)
In truths that she learned
Or in times that he cried
In bridges he burned
Or the way that she died

ALL
It's time now - to sing out
Tho' the story never ends
Let's celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the love
Remember the love
Remember the love
Measure in love

SOLOIST #1 (Criss)
Measure, measure your life in love

ALL
Seasons of love
Seasons of love


Everyone clapped as we got into position for the second act.


(New Year's Eve. The scene opens on the street outside the apartment.
one table, lying on its end, serves as the door)

MARK (carrying mock door)
Pan to the padlocked door. New Year's Rocking Eve. The
breaking-back-into-the-building party

(ROGER and MIMI try in vain to pry a padlock from the door. They
appear to be happy)

MIMI
How long till next year?

ROGER
Three and half minutes

MIMI
I'm giving up my vices
I'm going back - back to school
Eviction or not
This week's been so hot
That long as I've got you
I know I'll be cool
I couldn't crack the love code, dear
'Til you made the lock on my heart explode
It's gonna be a happy new year
A happy new year

(MARK enters the scene)

MARK
Coast is clear
You're supposed to be working
That's for midnight
Where are they?
There isn't much time

MIMI
Maybe they're dressing
I mean what does one wear that's apropos
For a party that's also a crime

My mother and Criss's mom were enjoying the show. Costa and JD were amazed at Criss's ability to act, but my sister and Criss's neice were whispering back and both and joking.

(All three cross upstage and attempt to throw up the length of rope over
a plank. ROGER and MIMI are laughing and holding each other)

ROGER
I think I should be laughing
Yet I forget
Forget how to begin
I'm feeling something inside
And yet I still can't decide
If I should hide
Or make a wide open grin
Last week I wanted just to disappear
My life was dust
But now it just may be a happy new year
A happy new year

(COLLINS enters with ANGEL. COLLINS, dressed in black and wearing
sunglasses, carries a bottle of champagne. ANGEL wears a plastic dress
and blonde wig: a small blowtorch is slung over his shoulder)

COLLINS
Bond - James Bond

ANGEL
And :eek:Galore - in person

MIMI
:eek: you came prepared

ANGEL
I was a boy scout once
And a brownie
'Til some brat got scared

COLLINS (to MIMI)
Aha! Moneypenny -- my martini!

MIMI
Will bad champagne do?

ROGER
That's shaken - not stirred

Criss's mom laughed at the joke. "Dad I don't get it"Dimi remarked. "It's from a James Bond movie baby" JD replied. Dimi was still confused.


BENNY (entering)
I see that you've beaten me to the punch

ROGER
How did you know we'd be here?

BENNY
I had a hunch

MARK
You're not mad?

BENNY
I'm here to end this war
It's a shame you went and destroyed the door

MIMI
Why all the sudden the big about face

BENNY
The credit is yours
You made a good case

ROGER
What case?

BENNY
Mimi came to see me
And she had much to say

MIMI
That's not how you put it at all yesterday

BENNY
I couldn't stop thinking about the whole mess
Mark you want to get this on film

MARK (picking up his camera)
I guess

BENNY
I regret the unlucky circumstances
Of the past seven days

ROGER
Circumstance? You padlocked our door

BENNY
And it's with great pleasure
On behalf of CyberArts
That I hand you this key

(BENNY hands him the key)

ANGEL
Golf claps

(They oblige)

MARK
I have no juice in my battery

BENNY
Reshoot

ROGER
I see this is a photo opportunity

MAUREEN
The benevolent god
Ushers the poor artists back to their flat
Were you planning on taking down the barbed wire
From the lot, too?

ROGER
Anything but that

BENNY
Clearing the lot was a safety concern
We break ground this month
But you can return

MAUREEN
That's why you're here with people you hate
Instead of with Muffy at Muffy's estate

BENNY
I'd honestly rather be with you tonight than in Westport

ROGER
Spare us old sport, the soundbite

BENNY
Mimi since your was are so seductive

MIMI
You came on to me

BENNY
Persuade him not to be so counterproductive

ROGER
Liar

BENNY
Why not tell them what you wore to my place?

MIMI
I was on my way to work

BENNY
Black leather and lace
My desk was a mess
I think I'm still sore

"I really hate Benny right now"Lynn remarked.

MIMI
Cause I kicked him and told him I wasn't his :mad:

BENNY
Does your boyfriend know
Who your last boyfriend was?

ROGER
I'm not her boyfriend
I don't care what she does

ANGEL
People! Is this any way to start a new year?
Have compassion
Benny just lost his cat

BENNY
My dog- but I appreciate that

ANGEL
My cat had a fall
And I went through hell

BENNY
It's like losing a
How did you know that she fell?

COLLINS
(Hands BENNY a glass of champagne)
Champagne?

BENNY
Don't mind if I do
To dogs!

ALL BUT BENNY
No, Benny- To you!

ANGEL
Let's make a resolution

MIMI
I'll drink to that

COLLINS
Let's always stay friends

JOANNE
Tho' we may have our disputes

MAUREEN
This family tree's got deep roots

MARK
Friendship is thicker than blood

ROGER
That depends

MIMI
Depends on trust

ROGER
Depends on true devotion

JOANNE
Depends on love

MARK (to ROGER)
Depends on not denying emotion

ROGER
Perhaps

ALL
It's gonna be a happy new year

ROGER
I guess

ALL
It's gonna be a happy new year

ROGER
You're right

"Why does this Benny guy remind me of one of your brothers Lynn?"JD inquired as she jabbed him in the side. Backstage we watched the girls sing TAKE ME OR LEAVE ME. "Your mother seems to be enjoying herself?"I said to Criss. "Your mom too"Criss replied. "Roger Mimi you're up" and we got into position for our next song : WITHOUT YOU

[RACHEL02189]

Criss and I got into position

WITHOUT YOU (Mimi's Apartment)

(Three beds appear downstage. One, a hospital bed, is occupied by
ANGEL. ROGER sits on another, JOANNE on the third. MIMI
approaches ROGER, and then appears to be in a hurry)

ROGER
Where were you?

MIMI
I'm sorry I'm late.

ROGER (interrupting)
I know. You lost your keys. No, you went for a walk; you had to help your
mother. (As he picks up the guitar) And how's Benny? I'm gonna work
upstairs tonight

MIMI
Wait
I should tell you
I should
Never mind

ROGER
Happy Spring

(ROGER exits. MIMI pulls out a just-purchased stash and angrily flings it
across the room. As she sings the following, a stylized "musical beds" is
choreographed around her; during the bridge of the song, COLLINS
carries ANGEL from the hospital bed and ROGER takes his place. By the
end of the song, MAUREEN and JOANNE are reunited, as are ROGER
and MIMI. COLLINS and ANGEL have lain down together, where
ANGEL dies)

MIMI
Without you
The ground thaws
The rain falls
The grass grows
Without you
The seeds root
The flowers bloom
The children play
The stars gleam
The poets dream
The eagles fly
Without you
The earth turns
The sun burns
But I die
Without you
Without you
The breeze warms
The girl smiles
The cloud moves
Without you
The tides change
The boys run
The oceans crash
The crowds roar
The days soar
The babies cry
Without you
The moon glows
The river flows
But I die
Without you

ROGER
The world revives

MIMI
Colors renew

BOTH
But I know blue
Only blue
Lonely blue
Within me, blue
Without you

MIMI
Without you
The hand gropes
The ear hears
The pulse beats

ROGER
Without you
The eyes gaze
The legs walk
The lungs breathe

BOTH
The mind churns
The heart yearns
The tears dry
Without you
Life goes on
But I'm gone
Cause I die

ROGER
Without you

MIMI
Without you

ROGER
Without you

BOTH
Without you

Then it was time for Angel to pass away and my mom had tears coming down her face as my father's death was still fresh in her mind. Then my mother felt a hand on hers she looked up and saw Criss's mom holding her hand which brought a smile to my mom's face. "Let's go outside for a second"she said and they went outside for a second. "Thanks I didn't think that scene would do that to me"she remarked as she wiped the tears away. "I know the feeling I was the same way when Criss's father died but the pain gets less and less with time. Sometimes when I talk about John the pain snicks up"Dimitra remarked sitting nexts to her. "If it wasn't for my daughters I don't know what I would of done when he died"she said. Dimitra gave my mom a hug. "Come on before we miss the rest of the show" and they went in.

They came in as Collins was singing at Angel's funeral.

COLLINS
Live in my house
I'll be your shelter
Just pay me back
With one thousand kisses
Be my lover
And I'll cover you
Open your door I'll be your tenant
Don't got much baggage to lay at your feet
But sweet kisses I've got to spare
I'll be there I'll cover you
I think they meant it
When they said you can't buy love
Now I know you can rent it
A new lease you were, my love, on life
All my life
I've longed to discover
Something as true
As this is

(The following is sung simultaneously.)

JOANNE & SOLOIST
So with a thousand sweet kisses
I'll cover you with a thousand sweet kisses
I'll cover you with a thousand sweet kisses
I'll cover you with a thousand sweet kisses
I'll cover you

COLLINS
If you're cold and you're lonely
You've got one nickel only
When you're worn out and tired
When your heart has expired

COMPANY
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred moments so dear
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred measure a year
Oh lover I'll cover you
Oh lover I'll cover you

COLLINS & COMPANY
Oh lover
I'll cover you
Oh lover

COLLINS
I'll cover you

COMPANY
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand seasons of love

COLLINS
I'll cover you

[RACHEL02189]

As Collin sang Criss wiped some tears away. "I see someone got choked up"I said. Criss smiled as we went back on-stage

MARK

How did we get here?
How the hell
Pan left - close on the steeple of the church
How did I get here?
How the hell...
Christmas
Christmas Eve last year
How could a night so frozen be so scalding hot?
How can a morning this mild be so raw?
Why are entire years strewn
On the cutting room floor of memory
When single frames from one magic night
Forever flicker in close-up
On the 3D Imax of my mind
That's poetic
That's pathetic
Why did Mimi knock on Roger's door
And Collins choose that phone booth
Back where Angel set up his drums
Why did Maureen's equipment break down
Why am I the witness
And when I capture it on film
Will it mean that it's the end
And I'm alone

"Criss and Racheal are doing an awesome job"Gerard whispered to JD. "Just watch Gerard and we'll talk later" JD replied as Criss and the others came on-stage.

MIMI (to ROGER)
It's true you sold your guitar and bought a car?

ROGER (Criss)
It's true- I'm leaving now for Santa Fe
It's true you're with this yuppie scum?

BENNY
You said you'd never speak to him again

MIMI (Racheal)
Not now

MAUREEN
Who said that you have any say
In who she says things to at all?

ROGER(Criss)
Yeah

JOANNE
Who said that you should
Stick your nose in other people's

MAUREEN
Who said I was talking to you?

JOANNE
We used to have this fight each night

MARK
Calm down

JOANNE
She'd never admit I existed

MARK
Everyone please!

MIMI (Racheal)
He was the same way he was always
"Run away hit the road
Don't commit" you're full of :eek:

JOANNE
She's in denial

MIMI (Racheal)
He's in denial

JOANNE
Didn't give an inch
When I gave a mile

MARK
Come on

MIMI (Racheal
I gave a mile

ROGER (Criss)
Gave a mile to who?

MARK & BENNY
Come on guys chill

MIMI & JOANNE
I'd be happy to die for a taste of what Angel had
Someone to live for unafraid to say I love you

ROGER (Criss)
All your words are nice Mimi
But love's not a three way street
You'll never share real love
Until you love yourself I should know

"I guess Criss is bringing a bit of his temper he has out"Luke whispered.

ROGER (Criss)
You heard?

MIMI (Racheal)
Every word
You don't want baggage without lifetime guarantees
You don't want to watch me die
I just came to say
Goodbye, love
Goodbye, love
Came to say goodbye, love, goodbye
Just came to say
Goodbye love
Goodbye love
Goodbye love
Goodbye

ROGER (Criss)
Glory
One blaze of
Glory
Have to find


MIMI (Racheal)
Please don't touch me
Understand
I'm scared
I need to go away

MARK
I know a place a clinic

BENNY
A rehab?

MIMI (Racheal)
Maybe could you?

BENNY
I'll pay

MIMI (Racheal)
Goodbye love
Goodbye love
Came to say goodbye, love, goodbye
Just came to say
Goodbye love
Goodbye love
Goodbye love
Hello disease

[RACHEL02189]

On the other side of the stage Criss was getting ready for his song with Mark.

MARK (imagining)
Hi. Mark Cohen here, reporting for Buzzline. Back to you, Alexi! Coming up
next, vampire welfare queens who are compulsive bowlers... Oh my God,
what am I doing?

WHAT YOU OWN

MARK
Don't breathe too deep
Don't think all day
Dive into work
Drive the other way
That drip of hurt
That pint of shame
Goes away
Just play the game
You're living in America
At the end of the millennium
You're living in America
Leave your conscience at the tone
And when you're living in America
At the end of the millennium
You're what you own

(Lights up on ROGER)

ROGER (Criss)
The filmmaker cannot see

MARK
And the songwriter cannot hear

ROGER (Criss)
Yet I see Mimi everywhere

MARK
Angel's voice is in my ear

ROGER (Criss)
Just tighten those shoulders

MARK
Just clench your jaw till you frown

ROGER (Criss)
Just don't let go

BOTH
Or you may drown
You're living in America
At the end of the millennium
You're living in America
Where it's like the Twilight Zone
And when you're living in America
At the end of the millennium
You're what you own
So I own not a notion
I escape and ape content
I don't own emotion - I rent

MARK
What was it about that night

ROGER (Criss)
What was it about that night

BOTH
Connection- in an isolating age

MARK
For once the shadows gave way to light

ROGER (Criss)
For once the shadows gave way to light

BOTH
For once I didn't disengage

MARK
Angel I hear you I hear it
I see it I see it
My film!

ROGER (Criss)
Mimi I see you I see it
I hear it- I hear it
My song

MARK (on the phone)
Alexi--Mark
Call me a hypocrite
I need to finish my own film
I quit

ROGER (Criss)
One song glory
Mimi
Your eyes

BOTH
Dying in America
At the end of the millennium
We're dying in America
To come into our own
And when you're dying in America
At the end of the millennium
You're not alone
I'm not alone
I'm not alone

As I listened to Criss sing I was starting to feel scared because my death scence was coming up. As I waited I felt a hand on my shoulder but when I turned around there nobody was there.


MARK
December 24th, ten p.m. Eastern standard time
I can't believe a year went by so fast
Time to see what we have time to see
Turn the projector on

(A rough title credit, "Today 4 U: Proof Positive," appears, followed by
a shot from last Christmas of ROGER tuning his guitar)

First shot Roger
With the fender guitar he just got out of hock
When he sold the car
That took him away and back

ROGER (Criss)
I found my song

MARK
He found his song
If he could just find Mimi

ROGER (Criss)
I tried - you know I tried

(MARK's image appears on-screen)

MARK
Fade in on Mark
Who's still in the dark

ROGER (Criss)
But he's got great footage

MARK
Which he's cut together

ROGER (Criss)
To screen tonight

In the back I was ready to get but I sent a letter to my mom telling her if she wanted to leave I'd understand. She sent me a note that just said: I'm fine. "Ready Mimi". "Just don't drop me"I replied as she picked me up.

MAUREEN
Mark! Roger! Anyone - help!

MARK
Maureen?

MAUREEN
It's Mimi - I can't get her up the stairs

ROGER
No

(They enter the loft)

MAUREEN
She was huddled in the park in the dark
And she was freezing
And begged to come here

ROGER
Over here
Oh, God

(They lay her down carefully on the table)

MIMI
Got a light - I know you - you're shivering

JOANNE
She's been living on the street

ROGER
We need some heat

MIMI
I'm shivering

MARK
We can buy some wood and something to eat

COLLINS
I'm afraid she needs more than heat

MIMI
I heard that

MAUREEN
Collins will call for a doctor, honey

MIMI
Don't waste your money on Mimi, me, me

COLLINS
Hello 911?
I'm on hold

MIMI
Cold...cold... would you light my candle?

ROGER
Yes we'll oh God - find a candle

MIMI
I should tell you
I should tell you

ROGER
I should tell you
I should tell you

MIMI
I should tell you
Benny wasn't any

ROGER
Shhh--I know
I should tell you why I left
It wasn't cause I didn't

MIMI
I know
I should tell you

ROGER
I should tell you

MIMI (whispering)
I should tell you
I love you

(MIMI fades)

ROGER
Who do you think you are?
Leaving me alone with my guitar
Hold on there's something you should hear
It isn't much but it took all year

YOUR EYES

ROGER
Your eyes
As we said our goodbyes
Can't get them out of my mind
And I find I can't hide
From your eyes
The ones that took me by surprise
The night you came into my life
Where there's moonlight I see your eyes

(Band takes over)

How'd I let you slip away
When I'm longing so to hold you
Now I'd die for one more day
'Cause there's something I should have told you
Yes there's something I should have told you
When I looked into your eyes
Why does distance make us wise?
You were the song all along
And before this song dies
I should tell you I should tell you
I have always loved you
You can see it in my eyes

(We hear Musetta's Theme, played correctly and passionately. MIMI's
head falls to the side and her arm drops limply off the edge of the table)

Mimi!

FINALE B

(Suddenly, MIMI's hand twitches. Incredibly, she is still alive)

JOANNE
She's back

MIMI
I was in a tunnel. Heading for this warm, white light

MAUREEN
Oh my god

MIMI
And I swear Angel was there and she looked GOOD! And she said, "Turn
around, girlfriend, and listen to that boy's song"

COLLINS
She's drenched

MAUREEN
Her fever's breaking

MARK
There is no future there is no past

ROGER
Thank God this moment's not the last

MIMI & ROGER
There's only us
There's only this
Forget regret or life is yours to miss

ALL
No other road no other way
No day but today

(As the finale grows, the entire COMPANY makes its way on stage)

WOMEN
I can't control
My destiny
I trust my soul
My only goal is just to be

MEN
Will I lose my dignity?
Will someone care?
Will I wake tomorrow
From this nightmare?

(MARK's film resumes, along with two more films projecting on the back
wall, "Scenes from RENT...")

WOMEN
Without you
The hand gropes
The ear hears
The pulse beats
Life goes on
But I'm gone
'Cause I die
Without you
I die without you
I die without you
I die without you

MEN
There's only now
There's only here
Give in to love
Or live in fear
No other path
No other way
No day but today
No day but today
No day but today
No day but today

ALL
No day but today

The curtain closed for a moment but it opened and we all took a bow as the crowd cheered JD and Costa even whistled. "Let's hear it for our first timers Christopher Sarantakos and Racheal Montel". Criss and I took a bow. "I'm surprised he pronounced your last name correctly"I whispered as Criss smiled. After we took our bows Criss ran to the back and he came out with a bouquet of roses and gave them to me. Tears fell down my face as the cast including Criss clapped and cheered.

(Epilogue)

The show went great untill Criss dropped out when he had to have surgery to remove his tonsils. After the show closed at The Luxor Zack got me a job to do another musical. When it was my time to perform I got the best surprise Criss and the cast from Rent came and saw me in it. My mom became good friends with Criss's mom they talk on the phone whenever possible and sometimes my mom takes weekend trips to New York to see Dimitra. My sister became friends with Criss's neice but for some reason Dimi had a good effect on my sister which I was surprised about. For me I'm still doing broadway and I bought my uncle's house up in Maine so I could have somewhere to relax and last year Criss came up again and I taught him how to fish and we had a contest for the time we were up there and it ended up in a tie but Criss and I made a promise to each other that every year no matter what we'd come up even when we have husband/wives and kids and so far we have kept it.

THE END....................