Think of Me
Once Upon A Time
Belle and Rumplestilzkin's Love Story
Phantom of the Opera Themed
1. Alone
The Phantom, Mr. Gold/Rumplestilzkin
I grow weary of this world. All of the players that dance and sing above me, more like floundering and squawking in my opinion, show little promise to the humble theater that caters to my every whim. La Regina, the leading soprano and diva of the company's Storybrook Opera, thinks she has the most elegant voice, but she is sincerely mistaken. That reminds me, I must write another note.
I walk casually to my writing desk, dip my black feathered quill in the ink, and write.
Dear Regina,
If you keep squawking like that, you shall lose your voice, and we all know how dreadful that can be with the impending gala.
POTO
I place the note into an envelope, and seal it. Madame Lucas would meet me later, and deliver the note personally to the disgusting diva. I sighed wearily. Was there no one who would ever come close to the talent that deserved to be performed on that majestic stage? Was this company doomed to fall flat on opening day?
I know, why should I care. But being the musical genius I am, I require that this company perform at its utmost best, plus give me twenty thousand dollars a month. It's a good living, and by dropping some scenery on certain individuals, and making several small appearances, I have the company right where I want them.
But now, there is no hope for this company. No one can sing the lead for the opening gala BUT La Regina. The company's chorus has no real outstanding members, and half the time, they are out of tune themselves! I growled angrily, and decided to leave my underground home to check on the fools above.
Belle
Timidly, I stood there, waiting for my cue to dance with Ruby and the other ballerinas. I counted in my head the steps. One, two, kick, spin, arms over head, smile! And one, two, bow, up, skip and leap! And don't take out the other dancers… I grimaced as I tripped, falling on top of the already angry and seething diva. "YOU CLUMSY LITTLE FOOL!" she bellowed like an angry hippo. "WATCH WHERE YOU ARE GOING!"
"That is quite enough, Regina," scowled Madame Lucas as she helped me up. "Come, child."
I shakily stood up, and walked off to the side. Madame Lucas looked into my eyes. "You are not a ballerina."
"I'm sorry!" I sobbed into my hands. "Really I am! I didn't mean to take her out! Please, don't kick me out of the ballet coup! I promise, I will work harder, be more dedicated in my dance. I will eat, sleep, breathe dance, just please don't let me go!"
"Belle," said Madame Lucas gently. The old woman tilted my head up to look at her. "I am sorry, but you are not a dancer. Dancers are born, not made."
I sobbed harder, knowing the inevitability. It had been such a brief moment in time that I was with the company. Ruby, my best friend and Madame Lucas' granddaughter, had gotten me a position as a ballerina in the Storybrook Opera House, and despite all my hard work, I was now going to be kicked out.
"Please, Madame Lucas, please don't make me leave this company!" I begged. "Please, Madame, I have no where to go. My parents are both dead, and I have no family to go to. Please, don't kick me out in the cold!"
"My dear child," smiled Madame Lucas. "I would never throw you out to the bitter cold. I am going to switch you into the chorus instead."
"Really?" I sniffled. "You'd do that for me?"
"I would do anything for you, my child," said Madame Lucas as she kissed my forehead. "You're like a second granddaughter to me. You and Ruby are my family!"
"But," I paused. "I'm not classically trained like La Regina. I need some sort of background to even try to blend in with the chorus. I only know the basics of music, and that will not be enough."
"Trust me," smiled the elderly woman. She had an all-too knowing smile across her wrinkled face. "I know just the person to train you in classical opera music."
