Chapter 11

I awoke the next morning miserable. I was right, rehearsals started today; and what confirmed my suspicions? Meg.

Meg shook me awake and I swore like a sailor, telling her to leave me alone. After punching Philippi, fighting with Anthony, and dancing with Erica for hours on end I did not feel like getting up. Meg was relentless though, and after threatening to pour water on me I was up.

When I stood up Meg looked horror stricken, "Hailey, please do not take this the wrong way but...you look awful. Are you alright? Your eyes-"

"I know, I know," I cut her off. "I didn't get much sleep last night."

Meg shook her head and bit her lip, "It's not that, and while I do believe you did not sleep much last night, you also have been crying."

I clenched my jaw and was prepared to lie my ass off when Madame Giry walked in. "Girls come now, we do not have all day, and rehearsals start in five minutes. Meg, go warm up, I need to speak with Hailey."

"But Mama," Meg pleaded. Madame Giry shot her a warning look and she sighed, "Yes, Mama."

Meg left the room and Madame Giry sighed and walked over towards me, "Sit down Hailey, we have much to discuss."

I groaned, "Madame Giry, I'm sorry to argue, but I just had one of the worst nights of my life and I don't feel like having a heart to heart talk right now."

Madame Giry rolled her eyes, "Whether you wish to have a discussion or not it is going to happen." Madame sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose, "Just as Erik's Opera will happen."

I groaned inwardly, "So this is about him?"

Madame Giry nodded, "It is a part of it, yes. Erik's Opera will be performed, of that I have no doubt, but I cannot help but be concerned. I spoke with Erik early this morning and he revealed to me exactly who you and your friend are. If anyone else would have told me that I would not have believed them, but coming from Erik, it must be the truth."

I stared at Madame Giry for a moment then shook my head, "Please, don't tell anyone about us."

Madame Giry simply smiled, "Do not worry child, I would not inform a soul. Under the circumstances though I must ask, will Erik be all right?"

My head fell into my hands, "I can't tell you. I know how it all ends, but the ending also depends on the decisions that Erik will make."

Madame Giry looked at me quizzically, "What do you mean?"

I winced, "The choices that Erik will make will either make or break him, and there's no going back afterwards."

Madame Giry's eyes began to water, "I know what he intends to do, and I can't bear to see him get hurt. He's been through so much already; I just want him to be happy for once."

I stood then helped Madame Giry to her feet, "That's all Erica and I want too." I gave her a warm smile then continued, "If I know Erica, which I do, then I know she has already come up with a plan to improve the story."

Madame Giry smiled, "I pray to God she has, and I pray that you two get home safely once this is over. Now, let us go rehearse."

I nodded as we made our way out of my room and towards the stage.

When Madame Giry and I arrived on stage I suddenly saw a vision of my high school cafeteria.

There were five groups of people clustered around the stage; the first consisted of Carlotta, Piangi, and the people who groveled at her feet. This group reminded me of the Preps at my school. The people who thought they were better than everyone else and let only a select few join them; the people they knew would do their bidding and spy.

The second group was the 'Corps de Ballet' and they reminded me of the gossipers in my school; truly that's what they were. It was funny though, I could almost see some of the same faces.

The third group was the orchestra. Why they were up on the stage I don't know, but everyone just seemed to be standing there and talking. They reminded me of my friends in the band. Instruments in hand, ready to play at the drop of the hat, and always smiling.

The forth group reminded me of the Goth or Emos at school. Well, that's not exactly true. They didn't wear the dark clothes and dark make up but they stared and observed in silence that made people feel uncomfortable. Not that I ever felt uncomfortable, believe it or not I learned that the Emos were the funniest people to talk to if you just took the time to get to know them.

The last group reminded me of...my group, strangely. Let's see, how do you explain my group? We are a mix. We are anybody, everybody, and people who believe in anything our minds create. Half of the group is full of visual artists; writers, singers, dancers, and drawers. The other half of the group is full of insane people who are hyped up on sugar and say random things that make you laugh for no apparent reason. We are all simply crazy, but we're like one big happy family.

Anyway, the people in group number five were Erica, Meg, Christine, Anthony, three guys who were dancers, and two girls who were talking with the guys and acting silly. It reminded me so much of home; and there was that word again, the word that left me in tears last night until I fell asleep. Home.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when Erica came running over to where I stood with Meg hot on her trail. Erica hugged me, grabbing my hands as she stepped back and beamed, "I have a plan."

A growing smile formed on Madame Giry's face as I laughed and rolled my eyes, "I knew you would."

Meg seemed lost; Madame Giry must not have told her. I smiled at her and clarified, "She has a plan on how to start the dance out. I know the Phantom informed everyone that I would be creating the dance but I'm going to need some help."

Meg began to bounce in place as she squealed, "Oh please, may I help as well? I have never been given a chance to choreograph a dance!"

My eyes widened at her excitement and Madame Giry walked away with a small laugh, but Erica simply giggled then hugged her, "Meg, you're funny. Of course you can help; we're going to need all the help we can get."

Meg squealed again and ran over to tell the group. I chuckled but when I looked at Erica again I saw that her smile had faded and her eyes were glancing around the room a thousand miles a second. I looked around and noticed everyone staring at us; well this isn't awkward at all.

I saw Erica turn her head slightly, listening, then nervously gulp. I looked at her curiously, jumping when she gritted her teeth then sharply turned her head and said with an air of confidence I didn't know she had, "Is there something you would like to share with the rest of us Carlotta?"

My eyes widened as I saw her walk over to Carlotta with a sickly sweet smile on her face. I followed a few steps behind her as Carlotta's quiet giggles stopped completely. She turned to face Erica who was looking at her curiously, almost expectantly.

Carlotta sneered at Erica for a moment before the same sickly sweet smile spread across her face, "No, Mademoiselle De Chagny, I do not."

Erica's smile dimmed into a warm smile that seemed genuine, "Please, call me Erica. I love the De Chagny name, but since I am 'adopted trash who is probably one of the Phantom's mistresses' I wouldn't expect anything less than Erica, simply Erica."

Carlotta's mouth dropped open in surprise and Erica continued, "I'm sure Hailey would also like the same courtesy, considering the fact that she is 'a ugly little toad that doesn't have any business being here yet is choreographing this whole Opera'. I mean, it's not like she could refuse and simply leave, thus bringing forth the Phantom's wrath. Eh? What, nothing to say?"

Carlotta glared daggers at Erica as she winked then turned saying, "Anything to add, Hailey?"

Carlotta turned her attention to me. I fought so hard not to smile; Erica and I both knew that this was our chance to humiliate Carlotta. I bit my lip, "An ugly toad, huh? Well, takes one to know one sweet heart. Cro-ack!"

Carlotta's right hand flew up to her throat as I imitated one of her croaks from the night of ll Muto. I turned with a smile and walked back over to the group. I heard snickers in the background as I walked back, but returning to the group I received the best reactions of all.

The three guys were full blown laughing, the two girls were trying to quiet them, Meg's mouth was hanging open, Christine's hand was placed over her mouth to hide her smile, Anthony had his head down casted with a silent smirk, and Erica had a proud smile on her face. She leaned over and patted me on the back, "Couldn't have said it better myself."

At that moment the managers, along with Monsieur Reyer, walked in yelling, "Well let's get to work people, the Phantom wants his Opera to be performed next month! We have work to do!"

Monsieur Reyer stood next to the piano and ordered, "We will start with the beginning of Act Two. Chorus, stand by the piano and let's begin. Mademoiselle Barker and Mademoiselle De Chagny, you two are free to work with the dancers for the final dance in Act Two for the moment. I'm sure we will be quite a while."

I nodded and looked at Anthony who stared at me blankly, as if I was nothing but a clean sheet of paper, devoid of words or emotions. Erica placed her hand on my shoulder then jerked her head to the side, signaling me to follow her to the open space on the stage.

Half of the 'Corps de Ballet' was in front of me while the other half served as the chorus. I noticed we had exactly the same number of men as the number of 'Corps de Ballet' girls, and Anthony had to be my partner.

I took a deep breath, "Let's get started, shall we? The way I see it, we have plenty of time to work on our singles routine and the hardest part will be with our partners, since we have to really connect on an emotional level. So, girls grab your partner and let's get this nightmare over with."

Erica looked at me sadly as I walked over to Anthony and held my hands out. He didn't take them but simply walked to the center of the space we occupied. The other girls happily grabbed one of the guys and stood close, while Anthony stood at least a foot from me, not saying a word. This is going to be a long day.

Erica stood on the sidelines while Anthony and I started the dance, she would narrate what we were doing and what was expected of all the other girls. Believe it or not, it was the easiest way to teach the dance, considering I was better at dancing and Erica was better at being descriptive. She payed attention to details and could break it down for them.

We worked for three hours and by the time we were done every team could execute their dance perfectly...well, almost. Anthony and I were the only exception; we didn't connect but simply stared at each other and went through the motions. I was going to have to talk to him, and that was something I was not looking forward to.

The chorus had finished practicing and Monsieur Reyer called out, "Christine Daae and Erica De Chagny, center stage if you please."

Erica paled a bit under observation while Christine simply stood beside her, the dark circles beneath her eyes indicating she was simply going through the motions as well while she was dead on her feet. Standing the two beside each other was a sad spectacle. Erica, who usually strides wherever she goes, had taken timid steps to her spot, looking pale and scared. Christine simply looked half dead; she was pale, thinner than usual, and her eyes held no light to them.

Now, I'll admit I have never spoken to Christine but from every version that I've seen she didn't really mean to hurt Erik, and she seemed to be paying the price for it now.

Monsieur Reyer sighed once they both were center stage, "Now, who would like to go first? I can see that you both have some trepidation but it must be done. Come now, will neither volunteer?"

Erica put her hand on Christine's shoulder and gave her a weak smile, a signal that she should rest. Christine smiled back and took a few steps away before sitting down.

Monsieur Reyer smiled, "Excellent, now I'll run through the scales with you a couple of times then we can begin."

As he began to play Erica's voice came through quietly, but enough so you could hear she was hitting the right notes. Carlotta seemed to smirk at this, thinking Erica's voice wouldn't get past the first row.

Monsieur Reyer nodded, "That will do, I'll give you your introduction and you may begin."

Erica gulped but then closed her eyes and fixed her posture. I held my breath, praying she wouldn't start off flat, which was usually her one obstacle. I released my breath when she started out loudly and clearly, she would be just fine. Her voice didn't have the effect Christine's voice had when she first sang but people were staring and smiling.

With her last words drifting in the air she finished and smiled at everyone. Carlotta rolled her eyes and ignored her while Christine stood and hugged her. Erica walked back to me...skipping here and there as I shook my head at her. "You might wanna tone it down a bit before you hurt yourself." I smirked jokingly.

Erica stuck her tongue out then let her smile return, "I'm not that uncoordinated."

I gave her a disbelieving look, "Erica, it's you. Think about it now."

She rolled her eyes and shoved me as she whispered, "It's Christine's turn, be quiet."

Before I could come back with a smart-ass retort Christine began to sing. For a moment I just stood there, but when I saw Erica take a step back I did as well. It didn't sound like the way she sang it in the movie, it sounded depressing. She sang it with so much despair I saw Erica run out of the room, she has never really been one to deal with sadness anyway.

I stayed a bit longer before I followed where Erica had run. I found her sitting on the grand staircase, holding onto the rail while her head rested against it. I sat down beside her as we listened to the faint echo of Christine singing, finally realizing how much of a toll this was taking on all of us.

(Several Hours Later)

Rehearsals were dismissed for the day but it was still early, so logically I had no idea what to do. Erica had left about ten minutes ago to visit Erik and see how he was doing, I had a sneaking suspicion she was visiting Anthony as well. Truthfully, that was the only reason I didn't go with her. I had no desire to talk to Anthony after the way he acted today, he was acting stupid and he knew it.

I had just decided to start drawing when Erica burst through the door, "Hailey, it's today! The cemetery scene! Get up, get up, we've gotta go! We've gotta go now!"

Erica shoved me off the bed as she threw me a cloak. I had just thrown the cloak on when she began to push me out the door. I dug my feet into the carpet to stop her then whirled around saying, "Wait, wait, wait! How do you know he's going to the cemetery?"

Erica, still trying to push me out the door grunted, "He's not in his lair, his sword that usually resides next to his bed is gone, and Christine just left!"

I immediately began to pick up my feet and took off into a sprint as we both rushed to the stables. As we ran I asked, "Has Raoul left yet?"

Before Erica could answer she grabbed me by the shoulder, pulling me back as a man on a white stallion burst from the stables onto the cobblestone road and narrowly missed me. I knew the man, I knew the horse, and I knew where he was going.

I let out the breath I didn't know I had been holding since Erica pulled me back and angerly barked, "What, does that boy have it in for me?! That's the third time he has either knocked me down or nearly run me over!"

Erica just laughed, "Lucky I was here, huh? You, my friend, do not pay attention; and don't you dare complain about that. Come talk to me when your head collides then skids on the pavement so hard you actually feel your skull crack and split apart."

I clutched my head as Erica saddled two horses, "Geez and you tell me I give you bad mental images. That sounds horrible, not that I wasn't dying as well."

Erica scoffed, "Hey, we're breathing aren't we? Every day from that night on has been a gift and an adventure, let's continue shall we?"

Erica mounted her dark brown Andalusia stallion as I quickly hopped onto my Chestnut Appaloosa. They were perfect for us, and as we hurried toward the cemetery the only thing I could think of for some strange reason was Anthony. Would he be like Raoul and come after me if he knew Philippi was going to do something like this?

I wasn't a fool and neither was Erica, we knew that Erik's intentions were to kidnap Christine, but our intentions weren't as transparent. Why were we going? Christine would save the Phantom from being stabbed by Raoul and leave with Raoul. Maybe...oh God, Erica couldn't be that determined to get Christine and Erik together, could she?

I looked over at Erica as we rode and noticed her eyes focused up ahead, she was dead set on whatever it was we were about to do, and that worried me.

We stopped at the giant stone monuments before we reached the Daae monument, and already there were clashes of swords ringing out. Erica quickly tied up her stallion and as I finished the knot on mine we ran up behind a tree and watched as Raoul was slashed across the arm.

Blood began to stain the white snow around them as the battle became more intense, then suddenly one of Christine's movements caught my eye. She had a dagger-no, it looked like a letter opener.

Erik and Raoul kept thrusting towards one another and as they approached Christine I saw her hand clench around the weapon. My eyes bulged and I hit Erica on the arm. She simply shook her head, indicating she had seen it too. I know neither of us knew what to do, but both of us knew we had to do something.

I was horror stricken as Erica whispered, "Enough of this, it will not end like this." Erica ran out in plain view of the trio and as if she had just arrived screamed, "Raoul!"

The three looked in her direction in utter shock, at seeing us Christine returned her weapon to its hiding place. Raoul recovered from surprise before Erik did, shoving him aside and causing him to drop his sword. Christine's attention was diverted back to the two men just as Raoul kicked Erik's sword away from his reaching hand.

I heard rather than saw Erica faint; she let out a little croon and began to drop to the ground as Christine screamed, "No, Raoul!" Raoul immediately stopped as I ran over to check on Erica, who was lying in the snow, completely motionless. I pulled her into a sitting position as Christine continued, "No...not like this."

Christine bit her lip gave a pointed nod in our direction and Raoul saw me holding a motionless Erica and sighed, "You live another day. Christine, come!"

Christine stood next to the white horse named; 'Caesar' as Raoul mounted then pulled her up. Raoul rode over to us then said in a stern voice I had never heard from him, "Return her to the Opera immediately, I will return Erica's horse to the stables and you two can ride back on 'Chestnut,' the horse you rode. He's tamer than 'Knight' over there, he only listens to Erica.

I nodded and watched as Raoul rode over and untied 'Knight'. He tied the reins to 'Caesar' then galloped away. There was silence for awhile as I saw Erik slowly stand up.

Erica immediately jumped up, "Oh geez, it's cold. I thought he'd never leave!"

I blanched, "You were faking it?! I thought you had seriously fainted!"

Erica laughed, "Please, the croon is easily imitated and anybody can fake fainting and make it look believable."

I gritted my teeth in annoyance as I turned to look at Erik while he said, "Now, let it be war...upon you BOTH!" Erik swished his cape and stalked over to us. He snarled then snatched Erica by her shoulders hissing, "Why did you do that? Why are you here? You have no business being here! Either of you!"

Erica seemed to steel her nerve, saying in a calm voice, "Release me at once, and calm yourself."

"Calm myself?" Erik spat, "Since when do you tell me what to do? I am the Opera Ghost! I take orders from no one!"

Erik gripped onto Erica's shoulders so tight she winced and gasped out, "It wasn't an order before, but now it is. Let me go!"

"Not until you explain yourself, why are you here?!" Erik seethed.

I could tell Erica had had enough. Her jaw was clenched and in a split second I saw her break free from Erik's grasp, swing her right hand back, and then let it come crashing down on the good side of his face. The slap echoed across the empty graveyard where nobody but the three of us and the crumbling tombstones witnessed this true miracle. The Phantom was just slapped across the face, but he remained motionless.

Did I stop there? Oh well, you'll get to see what happens next week. I am EXHAUSTED! Geography Bowl, All County Chorus, and now Show Choir states?! Three weeks in a row, yeah, I'm fried. So I'm hoping you'll understand why my 'second' chapter is a bonus chapter instead of a real one. Till next week,

Phan 3145