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Much obliged,

Serafimo's Pretense

We took a fieldtrip to the Opera Populaire, courtesy of the Chantley family.

I smiled weakly at Rich from across the classroom. Things hadn't quite mended between him and me. He returned the smiled and started walking towards me.

"Look, I'm sorry," he said.

"About what?" I asked innocently.

"Well, about the other day. I didn't mean to get mad at you. It's just… it's a touchy subject," He apologized.

"There's nothing to apologize for," I said.

He smiled in relief and hugged me tightly. I could feel my cheeks getting red hot. He released me and smiled once more. I glanced at Natasha and saw her devious grin. "Oh shut up," I said to her.

She only laughed in response.

We arrived at the opera house in the late morning. Our chaperones quickly ushered us into the lobby. It was a marvelous sight; pillars of marble and a grand staircase. I drew in a quick breath as Lisa nudged my arm. I hadn't realized I was holding my breath. The managers, who were standing at the bottom of the staircase, along with two other people. The managers walked forward and greeted Rich and our music director.

"Welcome to the Opera Populaire. Let us introduce ourselves. I am Monsieur Fevete," said the taller and slightly younger one with a mustache.

"And I am Monsieur Andrews," said the stocky older one.

Both of the managers had English accents. The managers bowed slightly to the crowd. Enough theatrics.

Monsieur Fevete beckoned the two other people with them to come forward as well.

"This is our maestro, Monsieur Richardson," Monsieur Fevete continued.

A distinguished older man stepped forward and nodded in acknowledgement.

"And this is our ballet mistress, Madame Morrin," Monsieur Andrews said.

An aging but still beautiful woman stepped forward and curtsied. As she lifted her head, she looked right at me and smiled.

"What was that about?" Natasha quietly asked me.

"No clue," I whispered back.

We were split up into three groups. Rich, along with the people near the front, was led by the managers. The second group was led by Monsieur Richardson. Natasha and I, along with the rest of the people in the back, were led by Madame Morrin Madame Morrin guided us through the whole theatre. She even showed us the ballet dormitories.

When we arrived back at the lobby, we were the only ones there.

"Well, since it appears that we have some time left…. Are there any questions?" Madame Morin said.

A couple of people raised their hands. I had so many questions, but I didn't want to seem like a phanatic. So I said nothing.

Are there there any more questions? Any at all?" she asked us.

No one raised their hands. I looked up and met her eyes. Oops!

"What about you?" she said addressing me.

Everyone turned and stared at me expectantly. OH, GREAT!

"Could we see Box 5?" I asked softly.

Madame Morrin smiled and said, "Come along then."

She led us up the stairs, through the corridors and finally stopped outside a balcony seat.

"Does anyone know the legend of Box 5?" she asked our group.

Everyone else looked at each other confused. Just as I thought Madame Morrin was going to call on me again, Natasha piped up, "Box 5 is where the Phantom sits during operas."

"Very good. Now, we haven't had any visits from the opera ghost, but the Opera Populaire has yet to open. So, we'll see…" she announced mysteriously.

As we made our way back to the lobby, we saw that both of the other groups were finished also.

"If I could have your attention please," Monsieur Andrews said. "Thank you."

Everyone gathered around to hear what he had to say.

"As you know, we are in dire need of a cast. So anyone who is interested in auditioning can come next Saturday at 8:00 am. Auditions will be held on the stage."

Natasha nudged my ribs and winked at me.

"That is all, thank you for coming," Monsieur Fevete finished.

I was so excited; I knew exactly what piece I was going to perform