[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". "" 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 "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.