OK, Oreo's got me wanting pancakes and now you've got we wanting to listen to my 'Phantom' soundtrack. "Wishing you were somehow here again..." At least 'Phantom' is calorie free! I can hear it now...

Lot 666 then: a chandelier in pieces. Some of you may recall the strange affair of the Phantom of the Opera:a mystery never fully explained. We are told, ladies and gentlemen, that this is the very chandelier which figures in the famous disaster. Our workshops have repaired it and wired parts of it for the new electric light. Perhaps we can frighten away the ghost of so many years ago with a little illumination, gentlemen... Oh, that organ music! And I seem to remember the theatre going dark after the chandelier falls later in the play... dramatic effect you know.


You know, if Jack plays this right, he may come out of the theater as part of a couple instead of a singleton! (Of course, we all know he was always a part of a couple, I just don't think he knew it)



Believe me, it isn't made for wide people either.

Tina

Well, I'm 3 post behind already and having to catch up.

P1-14 - I'm not even thru the 2nd post yet, Marlene, and my theory is wrong...not only wrong, but blown out of the water if my next theory is correct.!

Reading on to see.... 2nd one is correct! I love this idea, Marlene. Fantastic!

Now I wonder where Myles is sending them?

P2-23 - Oh, I knew it....a deaf production, although I thought it would be a different show. That Myles, I just love him! And Jack does owe him a LOT of favors! What an interesting twist to weave the history of the opera house into the story, Marlene. Now I understand the title which is very unique and beautiful.

And I love Jack taking advantage of Myles' scheming and beginning to show his true feelings for Sue.

P3-39 - Marlene that was riviting....I've never seen Phantom of the Opera so I indulged myself, like Joy, and read this post three times. The romance in the brief lines between scenes was so palpable, you had me melting in a warm fuzzy puddle of mush with each one. I'm so caught up in the romance it doesn't bother me one bit the theater was plunged into darkness. I'm just going to savor this romantic feeling and wait for the next post to decide whether I should be worrying!

Lynn

Oh Marlene, do you know how painful this is for me to read? "Phantom" is my favorite musical of all time, and the off-Broadway production of it is playing here at my favorite, old, beautiful theater. And I don't have tickets!!!! I've seen it twice before, but still . . .

Anyway, you are doing an amazing job. Your writing certainly isn't painful. It's wonderful.

Jack had been so enthralled by the performance that it took him a few seconds to realize the blackout hadn’t been part of the end of Act One.

People were beginning to panic, including the two deaf couples on each side of them. Remembering how low the balustrade of the balcony was and how easy it’d be to fall to their death, Jack remained seated and kept Sue safe in his arms. For his trouble, he received an elbow to the head. He tucked Sue’s head in the crook of his shoulder to prevent her from suffering the same faith.

“Jaaaack?”

Her shrill eerie cry chilled him to the bone. He took her hand, intended on spelling O-K in her palm. Instead, she gripped his fingers so hard, he winced in pain.

“I’m here, sweetheart,” he whispered in her hair, gently stroking her back to appease the small tremors shaking her body.

The emergency lights came on, casting a yellow glow on her ghostly expression. He cupped her head and gazed into her frightened eyes.

“Sue, are you alright?” he asked, deeply concern by her erratic behavior.

She shook her head and her voice quivered with fear. “Whispers,” she murmured. “I hear whispers.”

Okay, Marlene. That post just gave my goosebumps goosebumps!

Kim

I agree that post gave me the willies.

Wait... she HEARS whispers?

OK, now you've got me hooked big time. What are you up to???

Tina

Same question!

Tere

Huh?

Whispers?? Sue heard whispers....wait a minute!!!
Oh, I am hook big time Marlene!!
Josy

Oh. My. Word.

I am trying to imagine how Sue feels at the moment... terrified; elated...?
SO glad Jack is with her!

And those shivers made it across the Atlantic, too!

More soon, plese?

I can't stop shivering!! Whispers?? Sue can hear?? Did she hear Jack's whispers???

Joy

Marlene, you have certainly seized my attention along with everyone else! So the title has two meanings! I love the title...it is so romantic, old world, an antique feeling to it....can you tell I'm rambling on to take my mind off Sue's fear? I'm actually shaking in my boots, my mind screaming AAAAAACCCCCCKKKKKK!!!!!!

Lynn

Who would of though Myles would be the one doing the match making! I hope Sue's okay, the lights going out and her being able to HEAR voices is pretty creepy.

sue hearing whispers creepy very creepy
Lin

How do you do it? Now your title REALLY intrigues me. I wish I had the self control to wait until it's finished and then print it off and save it for a stormy night - but who am I kidding? I don't even have the self-control to wait until I get home to read each day!

I love it!

Okay. Freaked out. Yep. Me. Good one, Marlene!

Jill

Very creepy. Very creepy, indeed.

Paula

Of course it does... Me->

+++++

Ignoring the frenzy around them, Jack concentrated on the woman facing him. “Hear? What do you mean by hear? Do you hear my voice?”

Her expression briefly saddened. “No... only whispers.”

He gave her a reassuring smile. “Whispers? Okay... Hum... What kind of whispers?”

“Is there more than one kind?” she chuckled despite herself.

‘Very funny’, he signed. ‘Male or female?’

She closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on the whispers. From the different characteristics people seemed to attribute to male and female voices, she’d guess the latter. “Female... I think... I don’t know,” she moaned in frustration.

Impulsively, he kissed her forehead and was rewarded by a shy smile. “Sue, could it be a residual effect of the loud vibrations?” he asked, searching for a logical explanation.

“Maybe,” she supposed, unable to explain the strange occurrence.

“It’s the intermission. Would you like to go for a walk?” he offered. She accepted his arm, but surprised him by pulling him in the opposite direction of the staircase.

Staring at the darkness engulfing the hallway in front of them, he stopped her. “Where are we going?”

“It’s... it’s louder that way.”

He lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. “You mean the whispers?”

She hesitantly nodded.

“Okay, but first, let’s find an usher.”

“No,” she objected, not wanting anyone to think she was crazy. “I don’t want anyone else with us.”

His smile broadened. “No worry. I also prefer to be alone with you in the dark,” he teased. “I just want his flashlight.”

At least they can still chuckle about their situation. Me...I'd be heading to the nearest exit, running home and diving under the bed!

Marlo, this is wonderful!

Kim

Ooooooo

Sue, you better hang on to Jack with both hands!!!!!!! ( Wouldn't that be fun? )

I'm officially creeped out now. How spooky. I hope your own story doesn't give you nightmares.

The heck with a flashlight... FEEL your way Sue!!
Flip, why must you get me started?


I'm amazed Sue isn't freaking out more. If I suddenly heard whispers after not being able to hear since childhood, I'd be scared/sad/glad/mad/shaking/jumping... something!

If they run into a phantom, I'm going to have to go in search of the couch smiley and maybe a chair smiley, and a kitchen table smiley if I can find one. A shiver just ran down my spine and it had NOTHING to do with the frigid temps outside!

Tina

Im with you there flip just you hang onto jack sue or even better let jack hold onto you
Lin

Okay Jack, if Sue only hears whispers...whisper those three little words to her and see if she hears them!

Sorry, I just couldn't resist! Glad Jack was able to calm her down and good idea to get the flashlight! Now, I would hazard a guess as to what they will find when they go down that hallway; but, it is too freaky and I don't want to give you any ideas Marlene! So, I'll just go into

Lynn

Tere

Hey...what are they doing!!
Me, I'll get the nearest exit and go home...but must admit I am curious So I'll watch them going that way and I'll wait
Josy

My mind went there too... Bad mind! (Oh, who am I kidding!)

Sue is so brave - I'd be a gibbering wreck... not planning to follow the whispers!

If they see candles and Jack hears an organ playing... I'm heading

Playing catch up again (darn having to work!) and can only say WOW at the scene from the first half of the opera. I've seen it three times and it just transports me to another time and place every time... and I had that same feeling as I was reading. Love it!

Getting butterflies in my tummy over them going off by themselves, though...

I've gotta admit that I'd be just as curious as Sue. Being the only one to hear whispers in a theater mostly filled with deaf people would make me curious. And you would think that Jack would have learned to carry a flashlight on him by now. They do make them in a handy mini size now.

I had really hoped that Sue had heard Jack's whispers, but alas, it's more scary than that!!!

I'm going to try my old trick of reading with my eyes closed, but as Tina knows the trick has not been perfected yet!!!

Joy

I'm curious to see what they will find?

I'm sorry for the late post. I drove 5 hours to see my son and daughter today. They just happen to be in the same city for the weekend, so I may not get much writing done, since I'm visiting with them. I'm back home sometimes on Monday.

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

+++++

When the usher informed them the intermission would be prolonged due to technical difficulties, Jack saw no harm in a little incursion. Witnessing her inner battle between fear and exhilaration, he followed his secret beloved in the bowels of the opera house.

Lone light bulbs, some burned out, some flickering, hung from blackened ceiling beans. The air was stale and an undisturbed layer of dust covered the creaking wooden floor. He flashed the bean of light ahead of them. Her hand secured in his, they cautiously advanced. Around him, he heard the whistling of the wind and felt the cool draft of winter swirling into the forgotten passageway.

“Cold,” she murmured, shivering.

He gave her his jacket and slipped his arm around her waist to keep her close. Searching for the origin of the sounds she shouldn’t be hearing, her head swept sideways and the silky blond strands sensually brushed his chin.

“A door.”

She ran her fingers over the large star carved in the ancient wood. A drop of blood left a stain where her finger had been. He took her hand to remove the splinter. He watched her placed the injured digit in her mouth and imagined her tongue swirling around the tender skin.

“We should go back,” he meekly suggested, mesmerized by the pink tip of her tongue innocently darting in and out.

She answered by turning the rusty handle. The door squeaked on its hinges. Drawn by the mysterious whispers, she entered the room. A cracked mirror stood above an old oak powder desk. Broken jars, toothless combs and hairless brushes littered to top. She approached the open closet where costumes from another era lined up on wire hanger. She touched a purple dress and marveled at the beauty of the ornaments sewn on the delicate fabric.

“It belonged to Megan,” Sue whispered.

Unnerved by her eerie intonation, Jack placed his hand over her shoulder, startling her. She jerked, inadvertently tugging on the dress. A letter, dislodged from the lining, fell on the floor.

Sue carefully unfolded the fancy stationary paper yellowed over the years.

Dear Meg,
I learned from a trusted friend that Antonio’s first wife died under suspicious circumstances. Please, beware, the seemingly charming music teacher you fancy may harbor a much darker side.
Your loving sister,
Laura

A mystery to unfold!!

Happy weekend with your kids!!



Tere

I hope you have fun with the kids, Marlene.

Whoo... what has Sue dragged them into? And why is she the only one who can hear the whispers? And why can she hear the whispers at all?

So many questions already. I'm on the edge of my seat.

welll this is just getting creepier...i don't know what to do anymore...this is so not good.

Fascinating!!!! A mystery is unfolding...
Can't wait for more
Have fun with your kids!!
Josy

I know you're enjoying your visit with your kids!! Have a ball!!!

Your story, Marlene, is just too delicious!!!

Joy

I'm hearing whispers and have chills from a non-existent draft...oh wait. Someone forgot to close the door all the way. Phew. For a moment I was worried your writing was...well, never mind.
Enjoy the kids.

Jill

A spooky thriller in the works and i need a hand to hold and chocolate...lots of chocolate. and..dare I confess that I have never seen the Phantom?

kav

Marlene, the tension just keeps getting tighter and scarier. I hope you are enjoying your time with your son and daughter.

Kav, I hope you get the chance to rent the movie soon. The costumes and settings in it are extraordinary.

That letter is so cool! I can't wait for more!

Oh, Sue seems to be "channeling" Megan like she did Simon... it's creepy when she does that; as if things weren't creepy enough to start with. Thanks for giving us little tidbits like the following to ease our nervousnes and remind us this is a VALENTINE story!!




Kav, you've GOT to remedy that as soon as possible!

Tina

that was fantastic another dark very dark mystery to solve cant wait for the next post and have fun with the kids this weekend marlene hope they are both alright
Lin

I had a wonderful weekend with both kids, and got to enjoy an extra evening with my son thanks to Mother Nature and the huge snow storm that prevented us from leaving last night.

Thanks for your patience!

+++++

“It doesn’t make any sense.”

“No kidding,” Jack muttered under his breath. “Sue...” He lifted her chin from the letter, his finger lingering over her skin. “Sue? How do you know about the dress being Megan’s?”

“The whispers.”

Her answer unsettled him. “We should go back.”

“Not yet.” She pulled the program from her purse. “According to history, Laura was the one in love with Antonio, and she killed herself when she caught him with her sister, Megan. This letter doesn’t support that theory, Jack. Laura knew of her sister’s love affair with Antonio.”

He read the program and the letter again, before carefully examining the letter. The paper looked old, he noted, though he’d need a forensic analysis to confirm the timeline.

“Assuming the letter is genuine, it doesn’t even sound like Laura was involved with Antonio at all,” he concurred.

“And if she wasn’t involved, she had no reason to jump from the balcony, unless she was...”

He placed his fingers over her lips, secretly enjoying the softness he once tasted.

“Don’t say murdered,” he commanded. “We’re not investigating an old suicide.”

“But...” she mumbled.

“No buts or ifs. We’ll give the letter to the police and...”

She grabbed his wrist and removed his hand from her mouth. “They’ll shelve it,” she argued. “Jack, I’m deaf and I’m hearing things no one else, not even you, hears. Do you know how unnerving that is?”

Yes, he did have a pretty good idea.

“Would you rather believe there’s a reason to those whispers or that I’m going crazy?”

He offered a small consolation smile. “You’re not going crazy. I’m sure there’s an explanation.”

“Laura died on Valentine’s Day,” she reminded him. “That could be the connection.”

“Sue, Valentine’s Day is tomorrow,” he said, hoping to make her forget her ludicrous insinuations. “Tonight is still Friday the thirteen.”

She rolled her eyes. “Thanks, Jack. I’ll look out for black cats, too.”

Music rose from the depths of the opera house.

He sighed. His fabulous date with the woman of his dream was taking a nightmarish turn. “I didn’t mean to...” He paused when her eyes lost their focus.

“Music,” she murmured. “I hear beautiful music, Jack.”

Hearing only the humming of the light bulb ready to expire, Jack flashed his light around.

“This way.” She took his hand and dismissing his objections, she led him further down the belly of the house.

Tottaly awsome Marlo!!
Now, where this music will bring them??
Josy

WOW!!



In that part I imagined the music of The Phantom of the Opera's Overture, with the organ playing and all, WOW!!



Tere

I'd bet it has to be so wonderful for Sue to hear music after so long.
This is great , Marlene, can't wait for more!

Paula

ACK! ACK! ACK!

Welcome
BACK! BACK! BACK!

Friday the Thirteenth? Oh good Greif.

Tina

Marlene!!! How on earth did you sneak this one by me!!!!! Amazingly enough, I can sing this entire show by heart (I know...your amazed.) and I've always loved the story. What more could we ask for: beautiful music, an unsolved murder/suicide, mysterious forces run amuck, an opera house, and a gorgeous couple! Girl....you have made my evening!! Well, I'm off to Symphony Chorus rehearsal and I will be singing Phantom the entire way! Can't wait to read more Marlene......it's like this one was taylor-made for me!!







hey girls......you should try being tall and wide.....believe me, not fun in the theater seats!
Thanks though........your quotes made me laugh!