DISCLAIMER: I don't own any of the Phantom characters, only Ri'chard the stable boy, and others mentioned in my other Phantom fics.
Note: This is the sequel to the story "Down Once More", I wrote recently. I hope you like it.
This is mostly Angelica's story, set almost sixteen years after she was taken to the opera house.
Quiet, still was the night in December in the walls of the Opera Populaire. Most hadn't forgotten about the disaster in 1870 when the Phantom of the Opera's orders were not obeyed. Some still believed that he resided in the caverns below, some believed it was just a myth, and there were those like Angelica, who weren't afraid, nor scepticle, but entranced by the story.
Angelica, the little orphan found in the stables of the opera house almost sixteen years ago. The mantra most of the Opera Populaire's inhanbitants would tell you. She was taken in by the ballet mistress, Madame Meg Giry, and all of the opera staff. Over time, like most of the children there, she became a ballerina living in the dormitories, dealing with the hustle and bustle of normal opera house life. Making friends with the stable boy Ri'chard, helping him groom the horses, and wandering the cellars of the building searching for an undiscovered adventure.
Beautiful she had become as the years went by. Her kinky brown hair had grown into long flowing curls, and her small frame had developed womanly curves. But most noticeable, even when she was young, was her eyes. The color of the clear blue sky. Some would say they kindled a fire in your heart, and at the same time, put the face of fear in your mind. But never the less, that was Angelica, love her, or loathe her.
"Places!" called Madame Giry from the curtain.
Rehearsal with the new leading soprano started today, and Angelica wasn't looking forward to the constant orders and complaining of another prima donna.
"Now, chorus. Remember what we've learned, lift and watch that left foot on your first arabesque."
"Yes, Madame." said the ballet chorus in unison.
"Good. Best of luck, let's begin." Meg said, as she nodded to the maistro.
The beginning of the first aria began and the chorus started their routine. It soon ended it within minutes.
"I'm glad that's over." said Ri'chard the stable boy to Angelica who had walked offstage.
"Now why would you say that, I thought you liked watching rehearsals." Angelica replied wiping the sweat from her forehead.
"Correction, mademoiselle. I like watching you rehearse." he said smiling.
Angelica blushed trying not to let him see.
"You, sir, are too much." she laughed.
"That I am, Angel, that I am."
"How many times have I told you not to call me, "angel"." said Angelica now not smiling.
"Why not?"
"Well, you know. I just don't like it very much, it makes me feel strange. I can't explain it."
"Oh, I'm sorry." Ri'chard mumbled shuffling his feet on the floor.
Angelica smiled and touched his hand in reassurance.
"It's fine, Ri'chard. Don't worry about it."
He returned the smile and blushed when she touched his hand.
"Come on, let's go for a walk before you have to groom the mares." Angelica suggested.
"Alright, come on, we'll go to the cellars." Ri'chard exclaimed.
"Excellent! I'll go change and meet you at the stairway."
With one last wink to the grinning stable boy, Angelica disappeared behind the tapestry leading into the ballet dormitories.
Yes! First chapter up. I didn't think I'd get around to writing it and posting it until next week or the week after. The next chapter will be up soon. Thanks for reading and reviewing:)
