Disclaimer: I do not own The Phantom of the Opera, any of its versions, or any of the characters.
Title: Le Spectacle des Merveilles
Summary: Swept into the world of a traveling circus, Christine unexpectedly encounters two men who will forever change her life. One: a young man with dreams and aspirations that go beyond the limits of the circus. The second: a monster.
Author's Note: So, I have realized that I do a lot of scenes where Erik is either creepily watching Christine, or saying something that he wouldn't have known. I hope to redeem him a bit in these lessons that Christine is going to take with him, as I don't want him to come off completely, ridiculously bad. I'm not at all knowledgeable in the music department. I don't know how long it would take to teach certain aspects of training ones voice or, for that matter, how long it would take to master such things. I've made these statements before, like in my other fanfiction Songbird. I'm sure it will seem even less realistic in this one. I apologize about that in advance.
I will say that I have been toying with the idea of suddenly making Raoul this terrible person and turning the tables completely on where this story look like it is going. But I feel like it would be impossible to do at this point. I always like a little surprise, which is what I was going back and forth with in the beginning. I think I made Raoul too likeable at this point, though, which isn't a bad thing. I think he gets too much hate. In fact, I love Raoul in the Broadway Phantom of the Opera. Granted, I probably should say I love Steve Barton's version of Raoul.
It is him that I tend to base my Raoul's off of. At least in this story, with maybe a little more flair added in. The other Raoul's perhaps not so much…
Anyway, I hope that in these next couple of chapters is where things really start to get interesting. I don't have too much of a sense of where the troupe is going. Probably across the country since it will take a few days. But, I wanted to have an extended train scene like what is going to happen. I may end up including another, though, as this one may have come about a little too soon…I'm just going to leave it at that and see what happens.
Chapter 10 – Change of Plans
The traveling show spent a few weeks in the same spot, and each and every night Christine performed the same song in some different costumes and make ups. Granted there were only so many costumes the production had. She was only ever made to perform the one time each night, as André had said. It was true that she got better the more times she performed. She even memorized certain gestures and vocal surprises that seemed to be particularly exciting for the audience. And, each night, the crowd grew and grew.
By the final night, so many people had come to attend the show that they couldn't all fit in the stands. There were a lot of people standing by the entrance to the large tent, trying to peer over one another to catch a glimpse of the acts.
It was a relief once the last person left the grounds and the entire cast was able to rest. They had all decided that, since the show had gotten so popular over the remaining weeks, they would leave the night for relaxation and pack up in the morning. The managers had called a late meeting with everyone to be held in the large tent.
Christine had changed out of her costume and into a frock that was much more comfortable. She had her cloak wrapped around her to stave off any chill, and had loosened her hair, which cascaded in tight curls down her back. She found a seat on the stands next to Raoul, Meg, and Philippe. The four of them had become quite a set. Gustave remained near Monsieur Reyer, a man who was advertised as having rubber skin.
Monsieur André and Monsieur Firmin walked in front of everyone. They didn't stand in the middle of the ring, as there weren't so many of them to warrant that. They were close enough to be noticed and heard by everyone.
"Attention, everyone!" Monsieur Firmin addressed them. "Attention now!"
The small side conversations came to a close and everyone looked his way.
"André and I wanted to congratulate everyone on a wonderful run," he began. "We will be packing up tomorrow and heading out to a new location, but tonight will be used for rest and relaxation."
André nodded, and chimed in, "You all did such an amazing job. We have never had so high of an attendance before." His eyes darted onto Christine. "Mademoiselle Daaé, would you please stand up. Monsieur Daaé, you as well."
Christine glanced at Raoul to one side and Meg on the other as if asking for help. Neither offered any. In fact, Meg giggled a little and pushed her up. Christine reluctantly got to her feet, feeling very self-conscious and nervous. Singing alone in front of a large crowd of people was becoming more and more natural. Yet, here she was feeling overwhelmed having the attention drawn onto her by her colleagues.
"I believe we owe our newfound success to our newest team," Monsieur André declared. "We should give them a big round of applause."
He led the group in applause, but the rest was very lackluster. Christine glanced around with a small blush on her face. Her eyes met La Carlotta's glare. La Carlotta didn't clap. She didn't even pretend to be congratulatory. Instead, she wore the sourest expression on her face, and her gaze was narrowed so much that her eyes nearly disappeared.
Christine swallowed nervously and looked away.
"There is really nothing that can compare to Mademoiselle Daaé's lovely voice," Monsieur Firmin took over from where his partner left off. "Due to the amount of success that Mademoiselle Daaé's performances have encountered, we are going to change them up a bit and rearrange some of the storylines and choreography to make even more entertaining shows."
"This also means that we may be bringing in some guest appearances," Monsieur André added quickly. "Don't be surprised if we request a collaboration in the near future."
Christine's mind went blank then instantly became busy with all sorts of thoughts. She was finding this out at the same time everyone else was, and it was her performances that they were discussing. She had realized early on that she had little to no creative input on the productions, but now she was just to be subject to whatever strange acts the managers had in mind. Her mind tried to picture the sorts of things that she would be doing, but she could never fully believe anything that came to mind.
The next thing she knew, they were being dismissed.
"Don't let this leisure time go to your heads now," Monsieur Firmin was saying. "We still have an early start in the morning, and our next destination is sure to be exciting. It will take us a couple of days to get there, so prepare yourself for confinement to the train cars. But, for now, have a good evening and we shall reconvene at first light to begin breakdown."
Everyone began filing out, excited and eager to have time alone. Christine was following Raoul toward the exit when she was stopped by a hand on her arm. She turned to see Monsieur André.
"Mademoiselle, would you mind waiting just a moment? There is something we would like to discuss with you." He drew her to the side even before she had a chance to answer.
They waited until the last of the others departed and it was just the two managers and her left inside of the tent.
"Yes?" she asked, glancing between them.
"We are so impressed with how well you have done thus far. There are no words to explain how beautiful your performances are. But, we have been talking and we believe we know of a way to enhance your talent and make your voice even stronger. We suggest that you take some lessons to train your voice to reach beyond its current limits."
"Certainly. I understand," she replied. "My father can assist me. He's brought me this far."
The two managers looked at each other, pausing for a moment. Or, hesitating.
Monsieur Firmin picked the conversation back up. "We would like to expand you beyond those restrictions, Mademoiselle. We know of a very talented individual that has already agreed to tutor you. We wanted to inform you immediately because we believe that you should take advantage of the train ride to begin your lessons."
Christine didn't quite know what to say at first, but then nodded. "Of course. I shall do whatever you think best for the sake of the show."
Both men smiled gratefully and overenthusiastically. "Excellent! We shall give you more instruction tomorrow. Do not let him put you off. He may seem indifferent when you first begin, but trust that he is quite eager for these lessons."
Monsieur André nodded, getting caught in the moment. "Yes, in fact he was the one to-"
But before André could finish, Firmin elbowed him and gave him a look that made him bite his lip.
"Anyway, Mademoiselle," Firmin said, "we've already taken up too much of your time. Please, go enjoy your evening. You deserve it more than anyone."
Christine moved toward the exit. She was rather surprised to find that, when glancing over her shoulder, the managers actually walked in the opposite direction, toward the area that might be labeled backstage. She lingered just outside of the tent, watching until they disappeared. Then she proceeded to locate Raoul.
She discovered him with Philippe and Meg tending to the four white horses. Meg was giggling while Millie finished devouring an apple from her hand. Philippe instantly took her hand away from the horse's mouth, holding it in his, and wiped her palm down with a rag.
"They finally released you," Raoul commented, spying Christine coming toward them.
Christine remained silent. She walked up to the nearest horse and petted its nose, contemplatively. It wasn't difficult for the others to notice her silence or thoughtful expression.
Raoul leaned in. "Did something happen, Christine? What did they talk to you about?"
Christine shook her head. She glanced around to make sure the four of them were alone. She took a step away from the horse so that she could be heard by all of them. Meg and Philippe had stopped what they were doing and had turned their attention onto Christine.
"The managers are focusing a lot of attention onto my performances," she began, trying to find the best way to speak about what she was told. "They want me to grow and get better, which is my goal, as well."
"But…" Philippe encouraged.
"There are going to be vocal lessons starting immediately, but not with my father," Christine said, her voice dropping toward the end of the sentence.
"But, Christine," Meg chimed in, "isn't it lovely that you'll be exercising your voice and learning everything you can do with it? Your voice is already beautiful, so I can only imagine what it will sound like after some lessons."
"But, who is going to be the one to give you those lessons?" Raoul asked. "Did they tell you?"
"I can't really think of any sort of professional in our midst," Philippe considered aloud.
"They didn't outright name this mysterious tutor, but I have a feeling I know exactly who it is without their disclosure," Christine said. She sighed. "I don't quite know how I feel about the whole situation. It's a great opportunity to learn, as you said, Meg, but I can't help being nervous and uncomfortable with it all."
"It's new to you," Raoul told her. "It is only natural to feel a little unsure about the whole thing."
Christine hesitated. "I suppose it's that, but…"
She trailed off. She didn't want to go on in the present company. She didn't even know if she could verbalize what she was feeling. She sighed, dropping the thought from her mind at the present. Instead, she forced a large grin and turned to Meg.
"Meg, do you think that perhaps we will be collaborating as part of this new show?" Christine asked excitedly. Or, at least with as much mustered excitement as could be found.
Meg's eyes lit up at the idea. "Christine, the possibility hadn't even crossed my mind. That would be so lovely to be able to perform with you. And, what if we had the girls, too?" Meg indicated the four horses. "We could have such a spectacular show!" She giggled.
"You don't know yet what the managers have planned," Philippe told her.
Meg pretended to pout. "Oh, Philippe, don't spoil our fun. Why wouldn't the managers pair us together? Don't you think that would be an entertaining show?"
"I'm quite certain that if the managers decided to pair you two up for a show, it wouldn't be the act itself that the audience found so entrancing." As Philippe said this, he snaked his arm around Meg's waist and, at the last moment, pulled her in close.
She squealed and broke free. Meg ran off playfully with Philippe chasing closely after her.
"Sometimes they can be a bit much," Raoul said with a chuckle after they had been consumed by the darkness.
Christine found herself alone with Raoul once again. She wasn't terribly concerned or put off by this. She found it rather comforting to not be alone with all of the new developments in the works. She wasn't entirely sure what she would have done or what she would do with the information on her own.
"Distracting might be a better word to describe them," Christine said quietly with a little laugh.
A pause of silence passed between them while Christine went back to petting the horses.
"We've gotten to know each other quite well so far, Christine," Raoul started, his voice barely piercing the quiet. "I can tell when something is bothering you."
Christine bowed her head, smiling bashfully. "I didn't want to say anything in front of Meg and Philippe. You are absolutely correct, though, that we have grown closer, Raoul. I feel I can trust you, and I am comfortable around you."
Raoul moved closer to Christine. "Of course you can trust me, Christine. I want to be able to understand what bothers you, and be able to offer at least a listening ear if not more." He moved in closer so that he was right next to her. "Confide in me, Christine. Let me be here for you."
Christine turned abruptly toward him, searching his eyes. Then, quite frankly, she said, "I'm scared, and I don't know why. I have this ribbon of fear wrapped around my heart, but I can't find where it is coming from."
"Don't think you have to go through with this, Christine," Raoul insisted. He placed his hands comfortingly on her shoulders, and she seemed to crumble a little under his touch. "Whatever the reason, if you are this concerned, don't force yourself to follow the managers' instructions."
She shuffled closer to him, placing a hand delicately on his chest. The action appeared to be in necessity of keeping her balance. "I don't want to cause trouble, and I feel as if my father and I are just now acclimating to the culture of this production. I'm willing to move forward with their instructions, but…"
She trailed off, her head drooping.
"You don't have anything to fear, Christine," Raoul told her softly. He lifted her chin, so that she could see the sincerity in his eyes. "I'm here. You can run to me at any time. You can confide in me all of your troubles. I just want you to feel safe and happy. I wouldn't let anything happen to you."
A blush had stained Christine's cheeks. She nodded, unable to form words in the wake of what Raoul just told her.
"Christine!"
The call from her father interrupted the moment. Christine backed away from Raoul.
"Thank you, Raoul, for your consideration," she told him.
Raoul smiled. "Everything I said is true, Christine. You can always come to me."
She nodded, backing away, then proceeded to find her father.
"Ah, there you are," Gustave greeted when she met up with him. "Are you ready to turn in for the night? Apparently we all have an early start in the morning."
"Of course."
"Are you excited that the managers recognized your hard work?" Gustave asked as they made their way to their cabin.
"It is an honor to be noticed," she worded carefully. "I was quite surprised that I wouldn't be taking my instruction from you anymore, though."
"It's all part of the industry, though," he explained, without fully grasping her feeling in the situation. "One has to learn from all sorts of sources. That is the only way to grow in all directions."
Christine nodded absently. "I understand. That makes sense."
"I am curious who your tutor will be," Gustave continued. "I suppose they have a secret genius hidden in the wings. I'll be proud to see you grow, though."
They had reached the train car. Gustave motioned for her to head inside.
"I'll let you prepare for bed first," he said.
"Thank you. Meg was telling me that Raoul made her a privacy screen," Christine told. "I've been meaning to ask him about creating one for our cabin, as I don't want to continue to inconvenience you."
"You spend all of your time with him," Gustave noted casually. "Should I be at all concerned?"
Christine laughed. "Raoul is a very charming and considerate person, papa. You two should really get to know one another better. You would like him, I think."
Gustave shrugged. "I suppose that now I have to. Where my daughter is concerned, I should show active interest. Perhaps this extended train ride will allow us time to talk."
Laughing, Christine entered the train car and closed the door behind her. She hung up her cloak and picked out her nightgown, laying it out on the cot. She proceeded to close any of the curtains that were open for privacy. She reached the last one and paused, staring outside. Her eyes had landed on the train car that was always last in line—the one that she seemed to know so well.
The only sign of life inside was a very dim glow that was able to creep out from behind the heavy curtains. There wasn't anything to indicate what was occurring inside, but Christine felt as though she already knew. Even without confirmation, she knew it was Erik who was to be her tutor. She wasn't entirely sure if he had initiated the lessons or if the managers had persuaded him. She had the strong feeling that he was in his cabin at that very moment preparing for the lessons. He was readying his instruments, maybe even cleaning up a little to allow for proper space and seating arrangements.
What she had told Raoul was the truth. There was this ever growing ball of fear inside of her, and she had a feeling that one day soon it was about to burst. She couldn't even say that it was in regards to these new lessons that were being forced upon her, or if it was in regards to something that would occur in the future. She couldn't identify where it stemmed from. But, she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she would be facing it very soon.