Chapter Nine: Unfortunate Phobia
Okay, so you're in luck! I found this chapter saved on my computer! It wasn't the full chapter, I remember that, but I couldn't recall the rest, it was quite long. So I cut it off where it seemed fitting and slapped myself for not remembering the funny part of the chapter. But at least I can give you a real update!
A/N: Can I please ask you all a question? What do AU and canon mean? I see those all the time, but I never know what they mean. Help!
To Sarah's disappointment, Erik remained almost entirely unseen for the next three months, locked in his music room and saying that if they valued their well-being than they'd leave him alone. However, he could be heard playing music late into the night. Once Tiffani threw a shoe at the door and nearly died for it. Afterwards they left him alone and learned to sleep through it.
To the girls, life had settled into a comfortable routine. They went to rehearsal every day but Sunday, and spent every available moment on their free day window shopping with the exception of the few rare times Erik gave them a bit of money. However, on weekdays Sarah hardly ever saw Tiff after 4 P.M, as her friend stayed out with Chris until nearly 10 on a good day. Sarah decided not to ask what she did on her dates, as her friend often didn't return until Sarah was sitting down to breakfast, and had to endure Erik's anger every time.
In terms of the opera, they caused a scandal their first day, coming in with knee-length skirts and considerably lower collars than any other woman. The other cast members avoided them like the plague, but Meg latched onto them like a leech with rabies. At first, it bothered them to no ends, but they leaned to deal with it. At least she didn't shun them like the others.
But now none of their routines, scandals, or near-death experiences mattered. They were scurrying around like mice, getting ready for the first show of The Magic Flute. Erik had already left, but not before Tiff bowled him over in her haste to get a needle and thread to sew up a small tear in her deep blue costume. Sarah's was identical, except it was medium blue. The two were Queen's ladies, and a young woman named Nicolette played the other, though she was a horrid singer compared to their petite understudy, Veronique.
"Tiff, we're late!" Slipping on her shoes, Sarah headed for a passage leading to a seldom-used prop room where they could emerge unnoticed. Minutes later they cautiously slipped out the door, heading for the dressing rooms what most of the dancers and minor singers used. Although they were more than chorus girls, they insisted on "changing" with the other girls in the main dressing rooms just so that they would be less likely to be missed.
"Oh, you're ready, good!" Mlle. Sorelli, the lead dancer, commented as she glanced through the doorway. "By the way, these are for you. Mme. Giry asked me to give them to you." She handed them both a crimson rose with a black ribbon on it, giving them a look of sympathy. "it seems you've unfortunately attracted the attention of our opera ghost, mmles." With that she hurried away to get her dance slippers.
Within 20 minutes, Sarah and Tiff found themselves backstage, glancing anxiously between the curtains at the audience.
"A full house, Sarah! We're performing for half of Paris, it seems!"
The show began and they watched in eager anticipation until their entrance had finally come. They entered with Nicolette to defend Prince Tamino, who was being chased by a vicious monster, and Sarah quickly stole a glance at the audience once again. Suddenly her stomach contracted like a fist, as did her throat. She could only stare at the audience and glance up to box five, where she knew Erik watched from the hollow column.
"Sarah, sing!" Tiffani's desperate whisper sounded distant to the petrified teen.
She felt the blood drain from her face and reeled for a moment before hitting the stage floor.