The Christmas Singer

by Cheryl Wright

  “No, she’s not,” Derek told the doctor, and before she knew what was happening, she felt herself slowly slide to the ground. Even as she discovered she was laying on an ambulance stretcher, she was still protesting. “I’m alright,” she said again, to no avail.

  * * *

  It was over.

  She had her life back again. They’d caught the stalker, the man who had nearly ruined her life.

  The person who wanted her dead.

  Felicity breathed a long sigh of relief. She didn’t have to worry about her stalker again.

  Dom had shot him, but he would be okay. So much so, he’d spend many years in jail, paying for what he had done to her. The realisation that her father was not responsible was a huge relief. Perhaps he really did love her after all. She’d always thought he did, in his own twisted way.

  She kept replaying over and over in her mind, how the stalker had tried to kill her. His hands were outstretched, trying to get to her throat. He was going to choke her to death. No one seemed to know why he’d become obsessed with her, but he had.

  Why would she have a crazed fan? She wasn’t famous, far from it. And hardly anyone knew about her. Except maybe her fans. Finally, the penny dropped. She did have fans. Lots of them.

  As she lay in the hospital bed, Derek by her side, she tried not to think about the night’s events. Putting them out of her mind was difficult.

  Derek squeezed her hand. It was as though he could read her thoughts. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “A penny for your thoughts,” he said.

  “I’ll need more than a penny,” she answered. “They are beyond horrible.” She shuddered.

  A nurse came in and took her blood pressure. “Doctor will be here shortly, and then you can go home,” she said.

  * * *

  After everything that had happened over the past months and days, Felicity realized life truly was short.

  She could easily have died in that hotel room. If it hadn’t been for Dom intervening, James Muldoon, her stalker, could easily have maimed her. Or murdered her. She shuddered just thinking about it. Finally, after days of recovering, Felicity felt she was back to normal. Not that everyone agreed, but she couldn’t let Muldoon take over her life.

  It had all been a wake up call for her. She had been in denial over many things, but especially over her feelings for Derek. She had tried to stifle those feelings because they were in a working relationship.

  So what if they were? Why did it matter? She admonished herself for not admitting the truth when they first met.

  She resolved to finally give into her true feelings for Derek, and not delay the inevitable any longer. But how did she tell him? She was certain he felt the same way, although he’d never put it into words either. They made a good pair. Both cowards when it came to love.

  Christmas was fast approaching, and Felicity had been doing some shopping when she walked past a music store. Something about the song made her stop where she stood. She drifted into the store for a better listen. It didn’t take long, but in that moment, she knew what she had to do to ensure a lifetime with the love of her life, Derek St James.

  * * *

  “Can you stop fussing?” The question was aimed at Joe, who was standing in her dressing room, fretting over every little thing.

  He threw his hands in the air. “I was just trying to help,” he said as he pouted.

  She smiled at his reflection in the mirror. “Okay fuss-pot,” she said, “Keep going then.”

  Joe was fixing her hair. Not that Felicity needed help, she was more than capable of doing her own hair and make-up; she’d been doing them for a very long time. But Felicity knew why he was worrying. Tonight’s performance was very special. Not only because it was her last performance before Christmas, but because they’d added an extra song to the regular show.

  It would be the last song for the night but was not listed on the program. This song was special and meant more to her than anything she’d ever sung before.

  Finally, ready to perform, Felicity realized the irony of tonight’s song list. Most of the songs she performed each night were love songs. Or songs about losing someone. And some were about the pitfalls of being in love.

  She took a deep breath and began to walk out onto the stage to a peal of applause. Felicity surveyed the room. Tonight was a record crowd. Even the private boxes were full. She breathed in again, then out, trying to steady her heartbeat. She was feeling a little agitated tonight, and she knew the reason. This meant so much more to her than a normal performance. This performance could, and hopefully would, change her entire life.

  As she left the backstage area, Joe called out to her. “Break a leg,” he said, as he blew an air-kiss her way.

  Derek had learned by now that hugs were not allowed when she was in stage attire, and also blew an air-kiss, but his had much more meaning.

  As she slowly walked down the dreaded on-stage stairs, Felicity felt a film of sweat on her face. She never perspired on stage. What was wrong with her?

  She felt as though she was jerking as she walked. She glanced across at Maurice – he would have his eyes on her and wondering what was going on. She put her hands to her chest and took a deep calming breath before she began to sing.

  Rapid applause began with her first words, but it didn’t help with her concern. Sweat continued to trickle down her neck. Felicity knew what was going on. She was changing the routine and didn’t know if it would come across badly. Especially with Derek.

  She had practiced the routine with Joe many times. He had choreographed it, and Maurice had chosen an outfit that she would need to change into quickly. They’d been careful to keep it secret from Derek.

  The first song was over and was a huge success. If the audience had picked up on her state of mind, they didn’t show it.

  This was her first standing ovation of the evening, and hopefully wouldn’t be her last.

  She took three steps backwards and two to the left, which would get her to the bottom of the stairs she’d come down during her entrance.

  For this song she was to stand on the bottom step, resting one arm on the rail. She looked up, waiting for her music cue, and began to sing an Etta James song. The words were strong and clear, and people were standing and applauding. This had to be her best audience to date.

  After three more songs, there was a short break and Felicity changed her outfit and freshened up, as she did during each performance.

  “Wow, best performance ever!” Derek said, more than a little pleased. He kissed her cheek as she reapplied her make-up. Felicity was fanning herself with a pile of papers. “Hot?” Derek asked, as he reached for some cold water, and handed it to her. She only took a few sips, then handed it back.

  “Thanks. I’m fine,” she said. “It’s a little warm in here today.” Derek frowned. It wasn’t hot, and she knew it. Derek knew it too. It was all on her. She was anxious about what was to come.

  Maurice came in with her next ensemble. It was a soft pink chiffon number, with a sheer mesh beaded back. It flowed beautifully all the way to the floor, and when she put it on, it looked absolutely stunning. This was Felicity’s favourite of all the outfits she wore during this show. And the way Derek looked at her when she wore it she guessed it was his too. She slipped on the matching shoes moments before leaving the room to return to the stage.

  The lights slowly went down, which was her cue to be ready. The orchestra would begin playing and Felicity would enter the stage. One of her favourite songs was next.

  She looked across at Derek and tears began to well in her eyes. She needed to pull herself together, be professional and get through the night without faltering. Not even once.

  After another succession of songs, Felicity was more than half way through the program. She was now on the last stint, and the lights lowered as she left the stage.

  Felicity went back to her dressing room and freshened up once more, and with that came another dress change.
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br />   She had nearly reached her main target. “You’re sure the orchestra know?” Felicity asked Joe, concerned it would all fall in a heap.

  “They know. Stop stressing, Sweets. It’s all under control.” Maurice brought in her outfit, and it was almost time to return to the stage for the last time tonight. Except for that song.

  This time she was singing a soft and romantic song that she loved. Then came another romantic song and it was nearly the end of the show.

  When her last song was over, Felicity left the stage. Now was usually the time for her standing ovation. She would normally leave the stage and come back on, take another bow, and then she’d leave. But tonight was different. She would leave the stage, do a quick outfit change, then come back on and sing her heart out, hoping it was enough. Her heart thudded.

  Would it work?

  She wouldn’t know until after her final performance.

  Maurice had chosen something special for her very last song. The one that mattered so much to her. It was deep burgundy in colour and had wide shoulder straps. The dress was tight fitting and was clearly made to entice. The neckline was low, with a silky underlay, and chiffon on top. The bodice was covered in intricate beading that went all the way past the hips and into the thigh area. It then flared out to a mermaid style at the floor. It had tiny buttons at the back. Tiny enough to frustrate a man in a hurry.

  As she left the stage, Maurice and Joe pulled her aside and undressed her. They hurriedly put the dress on her, fastening the buttons as quickly as humanly possible. Joe fiddled with her hair and reapplied her dark red lipstick, while she put on the shiny black stilettos.

  The applause was loud and clear. It. Was. Time.

  Felicity stepped out from behind the curtain to find Derek waiting there. Confusion was written all over his face. “What’s going on?” he asked, as she walked straight past him. He turned to Joe but got no response. Instead, Joe hooked his arm through Derek’s and led him to the edge of the stage.

  Felicity’s hands were clammy. She had no idea how Derek was going to react. The orchestra played the lead-in, and she waited for her cue, keeping her eyes to the audience. She licked her lips, nerves getting the better of her, then slowly turned her head toward Derek.

  She began to sing All I Want for Christmas is You to him, and him alone, then walked across the stage. Taking Derek’s hand, she pulled him onto the stage. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes, but she had to get through the song. At the end, she asked Derek to marry her. In front of the entire audience.

  The crowd roared. There was a standing ovation and the applause continued for over five minutes. Joe and Maurice bought flowers onto the stage for Felicity and shook Derek’s hand then hugged him. They were so happy for Felicity and were ecstatic for the two lovebirds.

  Felicity wrapped her arms around Derek’s neck and kissed him, causing the audience to go into uproar all over again. Cameras were flashing, people were whistling and shouting, and Felicity was crying. Truth be known, Derek was too. She was sure she saw a tear or two there.

  Christmas would be wonderful after all.

  Epilogue

  Derek looked back toward the entrance to the packed chapel. And toward Felicity.

  His future wife. The love of his life.

  She wore an A-line knee length white dress. It was strapless with a lace bodice that continued half way down the top layer of the dress. It appeared to have a silk lining with at least two layers of chiffon. She wore matching silk stilettos. No doubt Maurice had a hand in choosing her wedding outfit. Derek grinned – he knew Felicity would have groaned at the stilettos being introduced.

  She wore a tiny white hat on the side of her head, ditching the traditional wedding veil. Chiffon had been creatively attached, along with some silk flowers. Trust Maurice to coordinate everything beautifully.

  Felicity stood tall, both her arms hooked with Joe’s on one side and Maurice’s on the other. They’d been more like fathers to her than her own disgraceful father.

  Derek looked into her face and she winked at him. She was so beautiful, but today she was beyond beautiful. She was totally stunning.

  The wedding march began, and quiet took over the large chapel. The three began to walk slowly down the aisle, then halted. Joe and Maurice glanced around, and Joe kissed Felicity’s cheek before unhooking her arm. Then the two men stepped back.

  Random people began to stand up. Guests appeared confused. Heck, Derek was confused, what was going on?

  They nodded their heads as though acknowledging each other, then lifted their instruments and began to play. Derek suddenly realized those standing were members of Felicity’s orchestra. He looked toward her again. She tapped her feet, and seemly out of nowhere, lifted a microphone to her mouth and began to gyrate her body. Everyone began to clap and cheer. Derek stood there totally dumbfounded as she began to sing.

  Her voice was strong and clear. Even today she wouldn’t falter. She was a total professional.

  He felt a grin cross his face. He should have known those three would pull a stunt like this.

  The guests were all having a wonderful time, and frankly, so was he. Joe caught his eye and gave him the thumbs up. Derek returned the favour and Joe winked at him. Maurice just stood there with a big grin on his face.

  As Felicity worked her way down the aisle and around the perimeter of the chapel, she never missed a beat. Her carefully choreographed performance was flawless.

  Even at her own wedding she was the ultimate professional.

  Cameras clicked and flashed, but she didn’t flinch, not even once.

  For the final chorus, she worked her way toward Derek who was grinning like a Cheshire cat, he was sure. He was so happy, and surprisingly felt totally relaxed. His feet were tapping, and his heart was full of happiness. All he wanted now was to marry the woman he loved.

  Felicity received a standing ovation for her performance, as she should. Best performance yet. She indicated to the orchestra to receive their own accolades. Duly deserved, Derek decided. They were totally out of their comfort zone, fabulous, and professional.

  The song now finished, Joe and Maurice made their way toward the altar. Felicity took her place next to Derek, and the minister moved in to his designated position.

  “Who gives this woman away?” he asked.

  “We do,” Joe and Maurice said in unison. Derek was certain he saw a tear slide down Joe’s face.

  Most of the ceremony was lost on Derek. He was too busy watching his soon-to-be wife.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife.” It was all Derek was waiting for. He scooped up his new bride and kissed her passionately, not worrying about the congregation, then strolled down the aisle, still carrying her. He was never one for formalities and wasn’t about to start now.

  The minute the newly married couple were outside, confetti and rice were thrown their way. Derek gently place Felicity on the ground, putting his hand around her back and protecting her fiercely. After all she’d been through, he wasn’t letting her out of his sight.

  Dom was there too – as an invited guest. He had saved Felicity’s life, after all. He’d since become a dear friend and was very protective of her.

  As they walked toward the waiting car, friends and family surrounding them, Felicity leaned in and whispered in her new husband’s ear. “I love you, Derek. You are my forever man,” she said, as she wiped a tear from her cheek.

  * * *

  Three years later

  Derek and Felicity sat side by side at the news conference, five-month-old baby Alicia cradled on her mother’s knee. It was her first media conference since their baby was born.

  “Is this end of your career?” a reporter shouted.

  Felicity rolled her eyes. “Why would you think that? I had a baby, not a heart transplant.” She turned to Derek. If they weren’t in front of television cameras with microphones everywhere, she would have whispered a few things to him.

  Along the lines of wha
t kind of fools do we have here?

  Cameras flashed and Felicity covered Alicia’s eyes. “I specifically said no flash. If it happens again, we’re leaving,” she said in no uncertain terms.

  A little under four years ago, Felicity had no idea how far she could come in such a relatively short period of time.

  Derek had been right all along – she was now considered a super-star. But not because she wore slinky nearly-there costumes, but for her voice. No men ogled her on stage, and her father wasn’t a constant burden or source of stress to her.

  Since Alicia was born, she’d seen her parents several times. Despite everything, she wouldn’t deny her parents the right to see their grandchild.

  It was going to take a long time but she was trying to mend the rift between them.

  “Felicity,” the reported shouted. “Will there be more children?”

  She turned to Derek and grinned. “That’s inevitable,” she said, glancing across at her husband who was now grinning.

  “One last question.” She looked to the television reporter. “Will your children be groomed for the industry as you were?”

  That made Felicity pause. Did she want her children going through what she did? She licked her lips. “My children will be allowed to be children. If they decide to work in the industry when they are older, that will be their choice.” She paused to let that sink in. “So no, they won’t be groomed.”

  “That’s all. Thanks for coming everyone.”

  Derek reached out and took Alicia, and Felicity stood, showing off her most recent baby bump.

  Cameras flashed and mumbling could be heard throughout the room.

  She grinned as she glanced across at her husband, then at Joe and Maurice standing to the side. She lamented the fact none of this would have been possible if the three most important men in her life had not ganged up on her that fateful day three years ago.

  The End

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