The Life and Piracy of Christine Daae- 2
We were so late! Madame Giry was going to kill us when we made it to rehearsal. Meg had taken forever with my hair and her own because she had some ideas with not using ties and I don't even know what else. She's crazy, but she is my sister, one of them at least.
We ran up to the other dancers and jumped in line just as Madame Giry came into sight. Dodged a bullet there. She can get really mad when you're not on time for practice. She's almost as bad as Carlotta.
Speaking of Carlotta, that girl simply cannot sing. I don't have hatred for many people here, but I really hate her.
We danced through the number, wincing at every note that Carlotta butchered, until Monsieur Lefevre came in with some guys that seemed much too happy to stare at us dancers.
"For weeks now there have been rumors of my imminent retirement. I can now tell you these are all true." We all began whispering until he regained control by continuing. "These are Monsieurs Andre and Firmin, your new managers. I'm sure you're all familiar with the fortune they recently acquired in the junk business." Andre scowled at that.
"Scrap metal, actually." I leaned over to Meg.
"Touchy aren't we?" I whispered. She giggled and Madame Giry shot us an irritated look. I turned towards our new managers, rather than face her with my guilty expression.
"And we would like to introduce our new patron; the Vicomte de Chagny." We looked and I was immediately pulled into a memory of my childhood. A young boy, a red scarf, the house by the sea. It was Raoul.
"My parents and I are honored to support the world renowned Opera Populaire." Then of course, Carlotta and Piangi had to have their special introductions and after that, he left. He walked right past me, looked me right in the eyes, and didn't even see me. Rehearsals picked back up, with Carlotta's aggravation with our new managers increasing through the song as they looked only at us dancers and failed to pay her any attention.
Meg and I missed a step towards the end as we were laughing so hard at Piangi's failed attempt to climb onto the elephant, but we were soon quieted when Carlotta said she refused to sing in the gala. And of course, the managers began to grovel at her feet. I'm really starting to hate these guys. I mean really? Do they have any self-respect?
"Would you oblige us with a private rendition of Elissa's aria from act 3? We would be very honored."
I groaned at this. When she sings that song, it sounds like a cat is being tortured. And of course, she says that she will sing the song. We all plug our ears with the cotton we hide on ourselves for occasions such as these, but we still hear her screaming through the cotton plugs.
"Think of me,
Think of me fondly
When we've said goodbye
Remember me
Once in a while
Please promise me you'll try
When you find
That once again you long
To take your heart back and be free-"
A scream sounds as a backdrop falls onto Carlotta's rather large dress. Madame Giry picks up a note from the ground as Carlotta screams about the accidents that have been occurring, and then leaves. Thank goodness. Madame Giry steps forward, mysterious note in hand, and we all know just who it's from when we see the red wax skull on the envelope.
"I have a message sir, from the opera ghost." Monsieur Firmin interjects and I prepare to count score between Madame Giry and the new managers.
"Oh god in heaven, you're all obsessed." She brushes off the interruption. Point to Giry.
"He welcomes you to his opera house." Again, she is cut off.
"His opera house?!" Again, she ignores them. Two for Giry, none for the newbies.
"And commands that you continue to leave box five empty for his use. And reminds you that his salary is due."
"His salary?!" Firmin shouts and a vein on his forehead sticks out in his obvious anger. I smirk, knowing Giry will win again.
"Monsieur Lefevre used to give him 20,000 francs a month. I'm sure with the Vicomte as your patron you can afford it." Three Giry, zip for the dunces. I have to give it to Madame Giry. She knows how to insult people without letting it on to them.
"I had hoped to make that announcement public tonight when the Vicomte was to join us for the Gala, but we shall have to cancel as it appears that we have lost our star!" It would appear I have spoken too soon as they just racked up about five points. Andre throws in a suggestion then.
"What about an understudy?" I groan in aggravation. These guys are real idiots. Monsieur Reyer interjects before I have the chance to allow my frustrations to take hold of my actions.
"There is no understudy for La Carlotta!"
And then, in front of all the cast and crew, Madame Giry makes the most shocking suggestion of them all. And the one that I hate the most.
"Christine Daae could sing it sir." I immediately freeze up. My thoughts run wild as I process what she's said. 'What is she doing?! My angel said I would feel ready when it was my time to take the stage. I don't feel ready at all.' She continues, answering some comment from Andre and completely ignores my panicked eyes and frozen stature. "She has been taking lessons from a great teacher." I spin around to face the conversation at this.
"Who?" Andre asks. I start as I realize they're talking to me. How can I answer without sounding insane?
"I don't know his name Monsieur." Madame Giry comes to my rescue.
"Let her sing for you Monsieur. She has been well taught."
"Alright."
I walk forward slowly, and wait for the music. My nerves are screaming at me to run, but I stand my ground. I begin to sing, ignoring those around me and focusing on the way I sound and my breathing, just as he taught me to.
"Think of me
Think of fondly
When we've said goodbye
Remember me once in a while
Please promise me you'll try"
That's when I feel it. There is an electricity in the air around me that only I can notice. I can feel his eyes on me, feel him there, watching me, encouraging me. My voice grows stronger.
"Then you'll find that once again you long
To take your heart back and be free
If you'll ever find a moment
Spare a thought for me
We never said our love was evergreen
Or as unchanging as the sea
But if you can still remember
Stop and think of me
Think of all the things
We've shared and seen
Don't think about the way
Things might have been
Think of me, think of me waking
Silent and resigned
Imagine me trying too hard
To put you from my mind
Recall those days; look back on all those times
Think of those things we'll never do
There will never be a day
When I won't think of you
Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade
They have their seasons, so do we
But please promise me that sometimes
You will think of me."
Silence fills the theatre and then, the cast and crew cheer. And I find myself caught in a whirlwind of crazy, as I practice the other songs and dances, and learn everything I'm supposed to know for the night's performance.
My nerves are frayed that night in my dressing room. I'm dressed for my first scene. They're about to call me out, but I don't think I can do it. I can feel him watching me, though I've no clue where he is, so I speak.
"What if I can't do this? What if I mess it up?" A sigh sounds.
"Christine, you will be perfect, just as you are when we practice."
"Will you be watching?"
"I'm always watching."
Madame Giry comes in then and escorts me to the stage. Throughout the whole performance, I can feel him there. I find myself singing for him rather than the crowd in front of me and my voice stays strong through the whole thing. By the end of the show, I'm tired and want nothing but to go to bed, but I go instead to the chapel to speak to my angel and pray to my father. I just didn't expect to be followed there.