The Belle of the Opera

by The Ballader

Christine steps out from behind the curtain, wearing her nightgown. "Do you remember what he called you?" I think for a moment, than look to Frederick. I hold him to my ear so he can tell me the answer. "Belle. And he called you Little Lotte." My sister nods. "And he never believed us when we told him about the Angel of Music"

1. Chapter 1

I have accepted my fate as a chorus girl. My voice is too low to sing any of the songs written for the Opera Populaire, and I am too poor of a dancer to be more than ensemble. I know that it isn't that bad, My older sister Christine is a chorus girl. But I want more out of life than just being one of Carlotta's accessories. I shouldn't worry about it now, however, since I am only 14, but I always stretch with Christine and the other dancers anyways. Today, I step further and attempt to imitate the "slave girls" on stage as best as I can while holding my old teddy bear, Frederick, as I stand in the wings during rehearsal for Hannibal. Madame Giry stands next to me, correcting the dancers on the stage and steadying me when I lose my balance. The conductor, monsuir Reyer, abruptly stops the screeching noise that is Carlotta's voice as three men walk onto the stage.

One of them is the owner of the Opera Populaire. The other two don't remain a mystery to me for long. They are introduced as the new managers of the opera house, Monsuires Firmin and Andre. I walk onto the stage and stand next to my sister as the former manager tells us of his departure. Carlotta acts shocked, all though she never liked the old manager and is probably what drove him to retire in the first place. I don't hear most of what the men are saying, mostly because I don't care.

But I do pick up a name. The Vicomte de Chagny. Christine notices too, and asks me quietly, "Do you remember him?" I nod. Christine's best friend Meg asks how we know him. Raoul was Christine's best friend when we were children, and I remember him well, although the last time I saw him I was only 5. Christine points and I see he has walked onto the stage. I wouldn't have recognized him if I didn't know it was him. He talks some too, but now I know I'm not the only one not listening. Christine and Meg are whispering to each other, obviously about the new Patron. I hug Frederick tightly. Raoul excuses himself after what I assume is a speech. The conductor starts the music again and rehearsal continues as the new managers look on.

I move out of the way and join Madame Giry and the new managers standing to one side of the stage. They ask her questions about the ballet and I hold Frederick to my side. The managers than ask about a particular dancer. My sister. Madame Giry introduces Christine Daae. The managers pick up on our last name immediately. "No relation to the famous Swedish violinist?" Madame Giry nods. "His oldest child. This is Beth, his youngest." The managers seem to only than notice my presence. I bow a little. "I am sure you will do great things with our opera." The men laugh, I suppose at my grown up way of speaking. I decide to go back to the room all the chorus girls share, and have almost made it off the stage when Carlotta begins shouting. I back up to where Christine is standing with Meg and we all wait for the drama that will no doubt come. The managers are not sure what Carlotta is on about, which puts them on the same page as everyone else. But they ask her to sing for them and of course, "If my managers command." She has started crying and I am once again sure that she is the reason the previous manager quit.

She begins singing in a voice so harsh I almost cover my ears. I am saved from having to listen to a whole song when a backdrop comes crashing down on the back of her dress. Everyone screams except for Madame Giry, Christine, and I. Meg whispers to us, "He's here! The Phantom of the Opera." I glance at my sister and we seem to speak without speaking. We know what Meg doesn't. Carlotta is yelling again and I am almost relieved when she shouts out "I quit!" I can see the whole chorus sigh with relief. The managers try to stop her, but she stomps off the stage.

The managers are frantic, asking each other desperately who will sing at the Gala. Than Meg speaks up. "Christine Daae can sing it sir." I look up at my sister, and I see Madame Girys slightly open mouth, her eyes on me. And I know that, for a moment, she wanted to reccomend me. Christine and I have been training with a teacher. Christine is a much better singer than I am, although I try my hardest to learn the parts of the music everyone else sings. The managers question Christine, but let her sing in the end.