Chapter 4 The Phantom of This Opera

Rosalie

For a moment I’m in another world. I hear the applause and open my eyes. For a brief second in time sadness breaks through me. I realize Scarpati isn’t here to see me play. My heart aches at the knowledge he will never see me play again. I snap out of my stupor and remember I’ve got a small speech to make. I walk towards the middle of the stage.

“Thank you so much. The best musicians in the world are here tonight and I’m blessed to call them my friends.”

“I’m sorry, usually I’ll give an opening speech but.... I was to busy trying to figure out who in the hell Josephine Valentino was.”

I could here laughter coming from our table, especially the twins.

“My name is Rosalie Savanna Valentino and it just so happens....” I walk the floor to make sure everyone hears. “I AM the phantom of this fucking opera!”

Applause and a few gasps could be heard but I was chuckling myself. Becca won’t be to happy about that but I give few shits.

“And I am honored to represent the Valentino’s tonight. We may not have the most expensive cars or grand houses but if the valet guy locks your keys in your new Ferrari, we can break in and get them out.” The crowd laughs and I continue. “But you just may not get your car back.”

“That’s what’s up” The twins holler while they stand up.

“But no I really enjoyed Ben’s mother’s introduction. You see most people get offended by the term amateur. It implies things like inexperienced, inadequate, not capable of completing something to the fullest.... but maybe an amateur is actually a good thing.... You don’t have the expectations on you to be perfect. It’s like having a blank canvas. No rules. You can paint whatever you want. Draw without limits. Play without direction.” I walk back to the center.

“So I look forward to seeing what the Alexander’s and the Valentino’s create together. Preparing for the wedding of the century.” Cheers erupt.

I lift my hand with my mock drink in the air.

“Here is to Ben, my new brother to be and my beautiful baby sister Rebecca. May you create a masterpiece and may the good Lord keep Becca’s virtue in tact so we don’t end up with a shot gun wedding. Have a great night!”

Rebecca gasped while Ben laughed. Between the applause and laughter from the cousins, I left the stage but not before grabbing a bottle of champagne and walking out to find a dark secluded place far from people.