Waaaah guise sorry it's late!

I mean it.

It's been ages since I last wrote but college (last year of "high school" yaaaaay!) started again and I've been so busy.

Anyway that's why I made this chapter extra long. Like friggin 6 'Word' pages!

Thank you for your patience!

Enjoy. ^0^

UPDATED VERSION

As Cat stepped out of the house, she was greeted by a wash of hot air. She immediately yanked off her shrug and shut the door behind her, gaping at what lay in front of her. The whole street was already crowded and people had even set up stalls selling food, fabric and other assorted items, like a big fair of some sort. Slowly Cat made her way through the waves looking around astoundingly at all the families that had come out and the clusters of people setting up stalls and making their way to the theatre.

"I don't understand. What's with all the stalls?" she asked out loud.

"Why, a little bit of merchandising of course Cat!" came a chuckled reply.

Cat turned to her right to see Mr. Lyte standing beside a small overly stacked stall filled with strange looking items

The road was full of people. Some were dashing about, while others put up stalls and got ready for the festival. From beggars to landlords, all were heading to one direction. The reopening of the theatre was very exciting, and a festival? Even better! She rushed through the crowd trying to reach the opening but in her hassle, she bumped into someone and tripped backwards when a strong grip grabbed her arm and steadied her. She looked up to see Mr. Lyte with a smiling but with a worried expression.

"Oh I'm so sorry sir. I was in such a rush I-" Cat started.

"It's quite alright my dear! I completely understand. Sparrow only left couple of minutes ago." Mr. Lyte said chuckling. "Hurry along," he said as he made way for her. She gave a quick grateful nod and dashed past. Thank god my shoes don't have high heels, Cat thought grinning. She picked up pace and zig zagged through the crowd until she reached the theatre.

Well, almost.

There was a huge crowd of people surrounding the Theatre Royal II, some of high class and some just mere beggars, all cramming to get a good look at the new Theatre (while some other people took this opportunity to pick the Nobles Pockets). Cat smiled at the sight of them (not the thieves but the crowd in general). This is one of the things I like about the Theatre, it's a place for all classes and families, not just the nobles, she thought as she looked up at the huge new building. Suddenly it dawned on her that all this time, she had never seen the new theatre fully decorated and lit up. It was an intensely breath taking sight. The new Theatre was twice as big as the previous and much taller and it looked as if it was 3 storey's high. The roof was wider brimmed and layered down with brims that bordered the top of each floor and the top floor even had small balconies outside 5 big windows! The front was held by high by narrow pillars with lanterns attached and the stairs that led to the sturdy wooden double doors, looked glossy with something not quite oil but didn't seem like varnish. There were some doormen that stood a t the bottom of the stairs that kept the crowd at bay.

Cat heard little snips of gossip between a group of upper class women and two men.

"Sheridan went all out didn't he?!"

"Oh haven't you heard?! He even invited some commoners and merchants in! Free of charge!"

"He must certainly be desperate to please if he invites all classes! Ahahaha!"

"Well he certainly outdid himself by the looks of it. But it all comes down to the acts and musicals at the end of the day doesn't it?!"

"Yes, yes. It looks impressive but lacks atmosphere. Now the Globe down at Thames, Darling! Now that had atmosphere I tell, you."

"Atmosphere?! Is mingling in the same crowd as commoners getting you down darling? Hahahah-"

Oooh those kinds of people really tick me off! Cat fumed to herself, glaring at their backs. And the Globe?! Sure it has a great history and is most certainly magnificent, but it's CLOSED DOWN! How did this old hag get this "atmosphere"? Which century is she from?!

Cat soon caught sight of Mr. Kemble and Mr. Sheridan standing in front of the double doors, smiling waving and shaking peoples hand as they welcomed them in. Cat bobbed up and down and waved her hand, trying to catch Mr. Sheridan's eye. A few upper class women glared at her and Cat glared back. I may be acting like a disgrace to all women, she thought, but- er, actually I'm just acting disgraceful aren't I? Argh! Mr. Sheridan , please notice me! Before I continue to make a fool of myself! to her luck Mr. Sheridan caught sight of her signaling him and beckoned her to follow him as he disappeared through a dimly lit alley on the left side of the theatre. After some struggle Cat managed to get through growing crowd (with the aid of the Doormen) and followed him into the alley where some carts and horses were parked.

"Where have you been Cat?" Mr. Sheridan exclaimed taking her to a stairway that led up to a door on the side of the theatre. Before Cat could reply he steered her up some steps and hissed "go, go, go! 15min before the ceremony begins! Find the others! Go to the end of the corridor and then you'll see- oh just! You'll hear them okay?! Good!" and turned a tail and left.

God he can be so dramatic sometimes, Cat thought as she huffed up the stairs.

She yanked the wooden door open and saw the long dark corridor Mr. Sheridan was talking about. The corridor was lit by candles only at the far end and had lots of other doors along the walls. Cat walked through with quick strides until she reached the end which continued down some flights of stairs from her left. The first flight came to another door and then continued off left again to another door and continued like that so looking down from the railing beside, the stair case looked like a rectangular maze. Suddenly Cat heard lots of noise and laughter coming from the second door down. Cat stepped down and approached the door curiously. She slowly opened it, and was hit with a blast of blinding light and sounds of laughter, cheers and shouts.

YIKES!

She was in a small opening that led to the stage and boy….was there a crowd! Hundreds of people had crammed into the main hall. Though the top bleachers were for upper classmen, some poor souls found themselves in the rowdiness of the commoners that took over the front hall. Seating was definitely not a problem for the lower class. No, they made their own seats. Some crammed between others, ignoring the actual chairs provided and some sat on top of others. It seemed like the whole Covent Garden was there from carriage men and innkeepers to wailing babies. The Avons' must be upstairs! Cat thought trying to find them in the bleachers. And I'm pretty sure that the butcher boys are somewhere in the crowd. Cat, overwhelmed by the energy of it all, almost walked onto the stage if not for the hand that grabbed her arm and yanked her to the side behind the curtains. Cat gasped stumbling backwards and turned around to come face to face with…Sarah!

"Oh Cat! You needn't to gasp so frightfully!" giggled Sarah (she helps Mrs. Reid the seamstress.)"My have you grown! And don't you look so pretty!"

"Nice to meet you Sarah, and you too!" I said gesturing to her dark indigo and cream dress.

"But what are you doing here? Quick! Follow me. The show is about to start!" she said leading me down the aisle behind the back curtains to the other end of the stage.

At the other end, was where Cat found both old and new actors, dancer, musicians etc, talking and hugging each other. Some were huddled in groups already buzzing in conversation while others were scattered around. Strangely though, Cat didn't see any sight of Sparrow. She made her way through the crowd making light conversations with everyone and greeting new comers, when suddenly she was grabbed by the arm and turned around to see a worried Singor Angelini. Boy, I'm getting really tired of being grabbed by the arm so much, she grimaced inwardly as she gave Signor Angelini a warm smile.

"Caterinaaa! How are you dear?" he gushed.

"Fine thank you," Cat replied easing out of his grip and giving a curtsey.

Signor sighed. "I'm sorry Caterina. I didn't mean to hurt you," he said noticing her pain. "I was wondering if you had seen any sign of Pedro Amakye. The young lad is missing from our cast."

Now Cat sighed and began explaining to him about Pedro's departure with Jenny.

"Oh I do miss him. He was one of a kind that Ariel," Signor muttered, waving his finger at the sky.

Cat watched him walk away and suddenly felt very empty in her stomach. She also shared Signor's sadness and missed Perdo very much. Looking around her, Cat felt a little lonelier that her best friend wasn't here to share this moment with her. She shook my head and reminded herself that he will come back one day. Right?

Suddenly everyone was hushed and the cast turned towards the stage curtains. The crowd outside seemed to also have quieted down as the shadow of a figure with a Top Hat entered the stage followed by tremendous clapping.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Mr. Sheridan spoke out loud to the audience. I welcome you all to the Grand Opening Ceremony, of the THEATRE. ROYAL. MARK II!"

The crowd burst into applause again along with some cheering from the main hall audiences. Cat and Sarah grinned nervously at each other. "This is it!" Sarah whispered.

Mr. Sheridan began with an introduction speech and boasted about the theatre and its features that made even the cast and crew grin in excitement. Then Mr. Kemble came up and talked about the theatres history at which some of the older crew wiped tears while others chuckled and patted each other's back. Cat looked at them and smiled sadly. At least they have someone they are here with, even family out in the hall. And Pedro… Oh Fie upon it all! I give up! Alright?! I know you told me to be strong and keep going, and that you'll be back soon! But it's been 4 years! And you haven't written to me in 5 months! I really miss you Pedro you should be here with me dammit! Cat bit her lips and clenched her hands to fight the tears forming in her eyes. No Cat! You are not going out onto the stage looking blotchy and red eyed. Keep it together!

"Cat? Are you alright?" Sarah asked putting a hand on Cats shoulder. The other crew/cast seemed to have formed an orderly line towards the stage as Mr. Kemble told them which order they would be going on in.

"Yes Sarah, I'm alright. Just a bit overwhelmed that all," Cat sniffed and blinked the tears away.

"Oh I understand darling. It's been a long time coming, hasn't it?" Sarah smiled kindly thinking Cat was talking about the Opening Ceremony. Cat smiled back as Mr. Sheridan came on the stage and, at last, began to introduce the stage crew.

Cat hopped anxiously on one foot to the other at the end of the line while people were called one by one and Mr. Sheridan introduced them and their roles.

"Nervous, Cat?" asked Sarah in front of her.

Cat turned and gave her a lopsided grin. "A bit. You?"

"I think I might faint! I've never had a big introduction or any people cheering on me either! I mean just for an apprentice Seamstress like me!"

Cat gave patted Sarah's shoulder encouragingly and then turned around. There are only 3 people to go in front of me! Aaah! It's okay. It's okay. You're okay! You're gonna be fine Cat! You can do this! Ahaha, Cat Royal, battled pirates and survived Malaria but now she has stage fright?! she laughed to herself. Then as Sarah went on, Cat took a deep breath and stepped up to the edge of the stage, her hands trembling and heart pounding so hard, the sound filled her ears.

She walked to the door just as Sarah took her place next to others forming a row on stage. Cat took another deep breath for good measure and got ready for her name to be called out…

Only it didn't.

It was Sparrow's instead. Cat looked around for any sign of Sparrow but couldn't see her. Slowly the crowd went silent. She looked at Mr. Sheridan and he caught her eyes and gave her a wink. Sparrow is a part of the crew at Theatre Royal II?! Then as he cleared his throat and opened his mouth to speak, there was a sound from above us.

CHINK! CHINK!

Everyone looked up as Sparrow appeared out of the shadows standing on one of the wooden framings on the ceiling. The audience gave a startled gasp as she launched herself into the air doing a flip and then as she sailed towards the ground she did a spin still on air with her hands stretched outwards and spraying golden dust around her as she landed gracefully, her dress splayed out.

There was silence and then the audience broke out into a cheer, claps and whistles. Sparrow smiled and curtseyed. Woah! Good lord, that was magnificent! Cat laughed as she joined in the crowd in applause. Sparrow was looking gorgeous, wearing a creamy off-white silk gown with a split back. Well ain't that daring?! Cat smiled. The gown had dark brick red and gold sparkly designs. The back of the gown was trailing behind her as she turned towards Mr. Sheridan as he began to announce her role and that when Cat saw it: a tattoo on Sparrow's back. She has a Tattoo?! Cat gaped. It wasn't just one tattoo but a combination of different figures combined together in black and green. The tattoo was of a round with strange symbols and what seemed to be foreign inscriptions surrounded by swirling designs and animals, there was a peacock, a tiger, an eel, a sparrow, a dragonfly and a snake, all facing towards the round object.

"Miss Sparrow here will be joining our crew as a freelancing acrobat and actress." Mr. Sheridan continued as Sparrow bowed to the crowd and made her way to join the row of crew members. "I'm sure you will join me in welcoming her to London and to her new place at the Theatre Royal!" The audience burst into applause as well as some cat calls from Joe Murray!

The sound of Mr. Sheridan clearing his throat broke Cat out of her trance just as he began to speak again. "And now Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce to you, the last member of our theatre family. I'm sure many of you are aquatinted with her in some way or other and with her colorfulness and creativity that she carries with her: the theatre CAT, Miss Catherine Royal!"

Cat walked out of the shadows onto the stage and her heart skipped a beat as the entire audience went wild! Somehow she found herself beside Mr. Sheridan who smiled down at her.

Mr. Sheridan turned back to the audience with a smile and said, "Miss Royal will be an actor as well as an assistant playwright!"

The crowd cheered even more as Cat stared in bewilderment. An actor and an assistantPlaywright! Wow! She looked up at Mr. Sheridan lost for words. No one has been allowed to be assistant playwright before!

"Thank you Sir!" I beamed at him, her voice dry but still he understood and nodded. Cat then bobbed a curtsey and went to join the row. Sparrow saw her and grinned and winked.

"GO CAT!" cheered a voice.

Cat turned to see the butcher boys and Syd and Frank clapping and whistling. She laughed and waved at them, how did Frank manage to get there?! She wondered as his high class clothes seemed out of place being surrounded by the Butcher Boys dirty white ones. Then out the corner of her eye, Cat spotted a dark hooded figure lingering close to the edge of the hall next to the butcher boys. The figure slowly looked up at Cat and seemed to tilt their head and then abruptly turned and walked away disappearing into the shadows of the back of the hall.

Huh?! Cat wondered who it was.

When the audience calmed down, Mr. Sheridan stepped up to speak again. "Unfortunately, our Ariel, Pedro Amakye, has not returned from his journey. Rest assures that when he returns, he is welcome in the theatre."

A series of chatter ran out through the crowd and Cat once again was starting to feel down. But the thought that he is welcome any time he wants to return gave her hope. Maybe one day. I mean he has to come back home right? It undeniable!

Mr. Kemble soon joined Mr. Sheridan up on stage, who turned and nodded to the row of theatre crew and they parted down the middle of the row. The first half then walked up beside Mr. Kemble while the second half beckoned cat to lead them beside Mr. Sheridan. They all then bowed as the all of the audience stood up to give them a standing ovation.

"Welcome back home Cat," Mr. Sheridan whispered down at her. Cat smiled back up at him as they straightened.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen," he continued as he turned to the audience. "Let the ceremony begin!"

Yeah so uh…, I don't know when I'll be updating again.

Not anytime soon though because I put aside a lot of work to finish this off.

Please be patient and don't forget to r&r and tell me what I'm doing wrong. T_T