-1Thanks for the reviews. Please keep em coming. Don't worry; this story will get very complicated. Very. I have serious drama coming up. At least I think its serious drama. I have also introduced a new character. I own this character.
Firmin banged his fist on his desk and eyed the letter, with the skull wax seal and the elegant handwriting, with disgust. "How dare that phantom, that thing, demand payment after what he as done"!
Andre tried to calm him down. "Just pay him, and everything will go smoothly. I mean, surely you don't want anything to go wrong right before the auditions."
"Pay him, Pay him!" Firm shouted "how can you even think such a thing?"
"He ruined everything!"
"He did indeed" Andre agreed " but he promises no more trouble if we comply with his demands."
Madame Giry leaned against the door inside of the managers office.
"Don't forget, he wants box five left empty for his use. In addition, he writes for you not to try to get the police. Remember what happened last time you did that. I shall be back later to collect his money".
Madam Giry left out as quickly as she could. She had a lot to do, and she did not want to be pulled into her managers' debate.
The girls and young men, who wanted to audition for dancing, singing or to be a stagehand, were already starting to line up. Meg and I have a long day ahead of us. I wonder if O.G is going to show up. He only likes the best to be selected.
Madame Giry spotted Meg talking and laughing with some of the other girls. "Come Meg, we should start the auditions now".
Meg let out a long sigh. "She calls" Meg whispered to her friends, with a roll of her eyes.
"I have to go now". Meg followed her mother to the ballroom. That is where the auditions are being held.
Meg eyes grew large as she eyed all the people that had gathered in the ballroom. She let out a low whistle. "I hadn't expected that many to show up! Looks like we've attracted more than we've scared away" Meg laughed to her mother.
Erik hid himself in a place where he could not be seen, but could still whisper his opinions to Madame Giry. He had always attended the auditions and helped in selecting the newest Opera House members. No more La Carlottas ruing my opera. I hope someone with a real singing voice shows up. Some one who can sing like an angel, like Christine. No! Stop thinking about her! You have moved on. Just as she has.
Erik glanced at the crowd. The sheer amount of people was starting to make him feel a bit nauseated. But he looked forward to finding some real talent. When the Opera Populaire re-opened its doors, he wanted only those truly deserving to be on the stage.
Hours passed by quickly, as dancers where selected and others sent home with tears in there eyes, Stagehands were sized up and hired or dismissed, singers were welcomed into the opera or waved a dismissal and Orchestra players either congratulated or walked out with their heads hanging low.
Erik was tired and disappointed. The whole day had passed and he was yet to find a Soprano that could be cast in leads. He was ready to retreat back into his lair, away from all the people and noise and the heavy smell of perfume that choked the air.
He would stay only for half and hour longer, then he would leave.
Byron was nervous. She came to the Opera Populaire to find work. Perhaps singing or dancing. She desperately hoped she could get a job, for she really needed one.
She walked into a large, ornate ballroom. They had almost restored it to its former glory. You could hardly tell there had been a horrible fire. Of course, they had rebuilt the ballroom and stage area first; they would later finish the dormitories and everything that was not visible to visitors.
The fire had been reportedly caused by a ghost; a haunted soul who had been crossed in love by a young singer, Christine Daae.
She did not believe in ghosts; but there really was a Christine Daae, so there must be some truth to the tale.
Besides, the story made the Opera Populair that much more appealing, mysterious and romantic.
Byron noticed a prim looking ,middle-aged women and a girl about her own age standing in the corner, watching people dance. Her mind told her that the woman was the ballet teacher.
"Excuse me Madame, are you the ballet mistress?"
Madame Giry turned around sharply. There before her stood a tall, slender young woman, she had what looked like a file under her arm.
"Yes. Can I do something for you"?
Byron cleared her throat. "I would like to try out for singing and dancing".
Erik watched with interest as a young woman walked up to the conductor.
She was unusually tall, for a woman, with long, black wavy hair and an olive complexion.
The young woman looked a little clumsy and her clothing was a bit worn; but she must have danced well enough to please Madame Giry, otherwise she would not have been sent to the conductor.
All of those who wished to sing had to first tryout for dancing; to be in the opera one had to be able to both sing and dance.
"What is your name and what are you going to sing, Mademoiselle"? the conductor asked.
"My name is Byron Desmarais. I will be singing a song that I have written and composed.
Everything you need to know is on the music sheets."
Byron handed the conductor the file she had been carrying.
Erik was watching her intensely now. She was a writer and composer, like himself.
Her voice, when she spoke, was rich, warm, and sweet . If only she sang like she spoke… Erik felt himself grow excited.
She can! Her voice is beautiful, a little heavier than Christine's was, however she can reach higher pitches. She does need a little work, but with a little training, she will be able to sing like an angel; the music she composed is lovely. I will make her a star.
Wait! Is this not how it all started with Christine? But I have learned from my mistake. This will stay strictly a teacher, student relationship. I wont be hurt twice. I wont get emotionally involved.
When she finished singing her heart out, Byron looked at the conductor hoping that he approved. "Well my dear, I…
Madame Giry interrupted the conductor.
"My girl, welcome to the Opera Populaire" she said with a slight smile.
Byron could not contain her happiness. Finally, what I've been waiting for! Oh, I hope I don't cry. Too late, the tears are already sliding down my face.
She flew off the stage and gave Madame Giry a hug. For a moment the older woman was taken back, but then she smiled and patted the girl on the back. " Meg, come show our newest family where she will be living".
The girl she had noted earlier came foreward. " Welcome, Mademoiselle Desmarais, to the opera" I am Meg Giry. She shook hands with Byron.
"Follow me mademoiselle".
" Please no formalities, just call me Byron.
"Alright Byron" Meg lead the other girl to the dormitories that were farthest back. " We use the back ones because the others are not yet ready." The other girl nodded.
"You will be sharing a room with Manon. She is a dancer, very talented. You will find that she is a nice girl who loves to talk" Meg said laughing.
She opened the dormitory door and led Byron into a neat, cheerful little room. There were two wooden beds, positioned on opposite sides of the room, a little washstand, a chair a dressing table and a large mirror in the corner.
" The bed on the right is Manon's. Let me know if you need anything". The girl nodded her head and sat down her stuff. Meg closed the door behind her.
Byron sat on the bed that was now hers and let out a loud sigh. You made it! This is your new home, your new life.
A knock sounded on the door. " Come in". A girl walked in. She was petite, with chestnut brown, tightly curled hair, and bold black eyes.
" Hi, im Manon your new room mate" she said with a quick curtsy.
Byron liked her immediately. " I'm Bryon".
" Byron is a bit different for a girl, But I like it". Manon twirled in front of the mirror, then faced Byron. " You'll like it here, and will be treated nicely as long as you don't cross the Phantom".
" Do you really think there is such a thing, this phantom?"
Aye, I do. I have seen him or at least his shadows. He is like a ghost, appearing here or there" Manon's black eyes glittered mysteriously.
Byron wasn't sure if she should be frightened or just laugh at the notion; so she simply said " I shall be on my best behavior then".
"If you are not tired, I'd like to show you around"
"I am not the least bit tired, and I would be glad to have a look around this place.
Manon smiled brightly. "Come then".
Erik watched as the two girls came out. It was when Bryon turned towards where he was hiding that he noticed her eyes. Erik took a sharp intake of breath. They were almond shaped, and a very light exotic green. Her eyes were stunning against her dark face. However, there was something more, they seemed to shine with an unusual light.
Those eyes. They burn with an inner flame as if the fire of life was consuming her soul .
Erik felt things would be a little different from now on.