Chapter One –Only For You

1869

The stage was a sight to behold even with theatre lights carelessly left askew, ropes dangling in plain sight and the lack of apprehension that only an audience could convey; just moments before, twenty chorus-girls flocked the stage, perfecting their act under the careful eye of La Sorelli—the dance mistress. Now, only two beings occupied the theatre.

"Surely you can give me a name!" the dancer squealed.

"Shush Meg, someone will hear you. I-I'm afraid I cannot tell you." The other replied fidgeting with unease.

"Christine, there's nothing you can't entrust with me! I promise my lips are sealed." Meg assured, pouting in disappointment that her very own friend wouldn't share such intriguing news as who her fabled teacher could be. "Oh, will you just let it rest!" Christine snapped. Her companion shot a sly smile and shook her head. Christine couldn't help but giggle, "Fine, I'll indulge you. Only you must follow me to my dressing room, the walls have ears."

Christine led her overjoyed companion through the winding halls behind the stage to her room, sitting her friend down in front of the vanity. "Meg," she sighed, "I simply speak the truth. I don't know him by any worldly name." The young chorus girl looked at Christine in a confused awe, "Whatever do you mean?"

"Meg, I have been visited by the Angel of Music" she breathed. Meg shot her friend a quizzical look, "I'm afraid I still don't understand," she replied with a small frown. Christine crumpled to her knees as to be at eye level with Meg, grasping her hands in her own, she told her dearest friend the stories of her childhood and how her beloved father promised to send her the mysterious Angel of Music before he departed this world.

Finally content with Christine's explanation of her strange teacher and her late father's promise; Meg bid her companion goodnight, concerned that her mother must be waiting to shepherd her home.

Closing the dressing room door, sighing with relief, the young soprano plopped herself on her vanity chair, folding her arms against her head. What a headache today had been; rehearsal was unbearingly long-as the opening of Faust premiered tomorrow night, and one can only take so much of La Carlotta's unpleasant voice. And Meg's badgering concerning her unknown teacher had made Christine late for her private lesson with her Angel…Would he think she forgot? Where was he? Would he abandon her and return to heaven just like she had feared night and day?

These fears circulated the young woman's head on a daily basis. The Angel promised he'd stay by her side as long as she remained a 'good girl' and heeded his every word. Christine had waited for so long for the Angel of Music to at last appear, it would only break her heart to learn he had left her just as her father had.

Suddenly, a heavenly voice rang out, "What a relief, I thought she'd never leave."

"Angel, I'm so glad you came! I'm sorry," she blushed, "I didn't mean to be late, I-"

"Christine, I could never stay mad at you." The voice stated gently. "Now, tomorrow's a big day for you, we must have you prepared." The last couple of weeks her Angel of Music had geared Christine towards memorizing La Carlotta's part. He claimed that anything could happen to the diva and since she lacked an understudy, Christine herself would be able to take her place if anything occurred. So Christine diligently practiced the lines and music that the role required.

"Excellent Christine! You've outdone yourself!" Her Angel proclaimed. Christine beamed, any praise from the Angel made her feel invincible; she craved his approval. "I know you will be splendid tomorrow night."

"Yes, as a simple chorus girl" she responded without any resentment. Even though she wanted her career to flourish, there was no need to be hasty about climbing her way to becoming prima donna of Palais Garnier. But her Angel had other plans—he promised he'd see her to the top. The voice chuckled. "Christine you will excel even your own expectations. However, it is late and you will need your rest."

"Angel, before I go I must know," she began timidly, "will you be there tomorrow…watching me?" Christine waited apprehensively for an answer. Time seemed to tick by, the seconds grew frightfully long. Anxiety began to gnaw and her insides, hoping he had not already left.

After what felt like eternity the voice answered, "My dear, I am wherever you are. Of course I will be there watching over you." The young woman smiled as a slight blush graced her cheeks.

"I sing only for you Angel," she breathed.