Page 91 of Devil's Thirst
“Okay, I’ll let you get back to stretching. You’re hitting the after-party tonight, right?” She stares at me expectantly.
“Yeah,” I assure her. “I’ll be there.”
“Excellent. Knock ’em dead out there!”
I blow her an exaggerated kiss on her way out, then put my AirPods in to get in the zone. I have an inspirational playlist I listen to before performances. The lyrics empower me, while the music helps me focus. By the time my alarm goes off, signaling the start of the show, I’m ready for the performance of my life.
The production opens with Andrey and other dancers on stage setting the scene with a tragic yet enticing musical number that bleeds into a riotous scene at the famed Moulin Rouge. That’s my cue.
Deep breaths. You got this.
The second I step foot on stage, a spotlight locks in on me, and the entire scene draws out into slow motion as Andrey’s character catches sight of mine from a distance. The change of lighting, pace, and music is exquisite. While I’m not looking at the audience, I sense their captivation. The silent stillness of hundreds of enchanted patrons.
The thrill is intoxicating.
I perform my first dance sequence as I cross the stage. Once I’m on the other side, I have a moment of stillness while Andrey’s character reacts. Normally, I would never look into the audience, but I can’t help myself knowing Sante is out there. I want to see him. I know exactly where he is, so it will only take a second to peek.
I allow my gaze to seek its target, only it never makes it that far. Instead, my eyes lock with a sinister pair of blue eyes that laugh at me right along with the vile smirk on his face.
John Talbot is here, taunting me from the third row.
I have to fight back the cacophony of voices that begin shouting in my head.
This is not the time. You have to focus!
Thank God for muscle memory. My body automatically flows from one step sequence to the next at certain cues. Meanwhile,my thoughts are overrun with emotions. Terror at the mere sight of him. Fury that he continues to haunt me. Uncertainty and frustration and practically every other negative emotion on the spectrum … except one.
Shame.
I used to feel so ashamed that I hadn’t stopped it from happening. But now that my secret is out, it’s taken the shame with it.
I did nothing wrong.
He’sthe monster.
He’sthe one who should be ashamed.
He’sthe one who should be punished.
The world needs to know what he’s done, and I may be the only person capable of making that happen. Sante and the others will make sure he’s punished one way or another, but I want the truth to be told.
I want him to know I’m not scared anymore.
He can’t control me anymore.
The chaos in my head minutes ago filters away to resounding clarity. I submerge myself back into the music, allowing all residual emotions to be expressed through the dance. When we reach intermission, I feel more confident and prouder of myself than I ever have in my life. So self-assured that I’m not even worried about my career when I step toward the front of the stage seconds before the curtain falls behind me.
Some things are more important than a career.
And now that I don’t have to worry about protecting my family, I can put integrity and justice first.
The lights come up to signal intermission, but nobody moves. Everyone watches me curiously. I can hear whispers from the dancers backstage, panicking over what’s going on with me. Despite the enormity of what I’m doing, I feel remarkably calm.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” I call out, projecting my voice from deep in my lungs. “I apologize for the interruption, but there is a matter that must be addressed. Almost five years ago, when I was seventeen, John Talbot raped me.”
The audience gasps as a whole.
“Again, I know this isn’t what you came here for tonight, and I apologize. However, Mr. Talbot has made the poor choice of joining us tonight, and while he’s silenced me with threats for years now, I’m done staying quiet.” I look him dead in the eyes—his wide with indignation—then lift my gaze toward the back of the theater. “If security would come and escort this man out, I would appreciate it.”