Good morning!
So I sat down and got out another chapter. It's the longest so far.
Thank you to everyone who has reviewed. You all are awesome and you make my day.
Grapejuice101: Aww thank you! I love both these songs too. It makes me so happy to include them haha
Mlle Fanfic Guest: Yes they did! I think I mentioned Erik's intentions but it really is just because he wants to replace Piangi. If we're going to have a new soprano then we'll need a new leading man too I suppose! Haha
Rainbownemesis: I'm so jealous of Nicolette. I'd love to sing with the Phantom... ESPECIALLY THAT SONG. Stephen does need the lesson but I feel like it's in Nicolette's nature to just over practice and over learn.
oOAngelwithaBrokenHaloOo: I honestly like almost all the character in Phantom of the Opera. Each of them have something that's bad about them but also something that makes them ultimately redeemable. Especially the Phantom.
Christina: I just saw your review. Thank you! Just to clarify (for everyone) Nicolette isn't a better singer than Christine. They're just different. Christine is a high and pure soprano voice which is very classical and operatic. This isn't true for Nicolette. She'd be the kind to appreciate classical music but hate singing it but love singing Broadway tunes. She has more weight in her middle and upper register that would be more of a Broadway voice. I definitely don't think that Nicolette can out sing Christine but Nicolette does have a good voice.
PumpkinKitten: I know I would love to be Nicolette just then! Haha
ElsieEdwina: Your review just made me smile so much! I didn't even think about the difference in the Phantom sings it but I love the point you brought up. The Phantom is a singer and duets are so much fun. I feel like he wouldn't be able to resist creating music, even if it's not with his beloved soprano. I'm glad you like Stephen. I hadn't seen a boy get sent back and that was how the idea of Stephen began. And the vicomte may not even meet Nicolette for a while so no worries about him trying to win over Nicolette. He's definitely Christine's. Anyways, thank you so much! Your review just made me so happy!
I hope I'm not pestering you guys with too many updates!
Anyways, this is centered around Notes but does not feature any singing. So once you get to that part of the chapter, almost all of the dialogue is straight from the song or has just been altered slightly to fit the story.
Phantom of the Opera and its music does not belong to me. Only Nicolette and Stephen are mine.
Chapter 12: Notes and Brainstorms
Nicolette
The Phantom sweeps me into an elegant dining room where dinner waits for us. Half of me is shocked and half of me expects it. The Phantom is a very refined individual after all.
He pull out my chair for me and then pushes it in once I sit. Then he sits opposite of me. "How did it go this morning?"
"She liked it. She thought it was sweet and romantic."
He smiles distractedly. "Good."
We begin to eat in silence. He takes small bites and doesn't eat very much but I don't mention it. To break the awkward silence, I laugh a bit and say, "Christine believes that Stephen is my fiancé."
The Phantom's eyes narrow. "Ah, yes, Stephen. My newest student." His mouth curls into a frown. "I trust that there is nothing romantic between you two?"
"No, of course not," I laugh. "I just found it funny."
"Yes, it is delightfully laughable," he replies, sarcasm dripping from his voice.
"I'm sorry. I thought you might find it amusing."
He shakes his head. "Music should be your life, Nicolette. You should need nothing more than the feeling of standing before a crowd and topping high notes." He hesitates before complimenting me. "Which you do quite well, you know."
"Thank you," I blush. I change the subject. "This is a great dinner."
"Thank you," he returns shortly. His mind is still on music. "How long have you studied for?"
"I joined choir about six years ago but had no formal training. I started voice lessons about half a year ago. I also play the piano and organ. Eight years on the piano and probably two on the organ. And I started violin two years ago when my school lost its choral program."
"You are quite well trained."
"Thank you. Singing is my priority though."
"Has it always been?"
"No," I reply and trail off, thinking about my past. "No."
"Hmm," he hums and then pulls back. "Are you finished?"
"Yes."
"Then come with me, please."
I accompany him back to his study. We sit facing each other in the dim light.
"So Nicolette, how shall this plan continue?" he questions looking nervous.
I smile at him. "The letters will continue and you must reveal yourself to her."
"Reveal myself? She will hate me for my lies."
"You should end them while you can."
"No," he replies stubbornly.
"Then you will loose her."
"To who?"
"The Vicomte. Raoul de Chagney. I just learned of his presence this morning."
"And you didn't think to tell me?" His voice is controlled but I feel trapped.
"Erik, I-"
"Did you plan on telling me?" He stands and I cower under him.
"Of course, but-"
"Does she love him?"
"They've only met, Erik, there's-"
"She is unfaithful to me and always has been," he roars, grabbing my wrist and hauling me up. I stumble slightly and try to pull away from him.
"She isn't yours!" I cry. "She isn't some piece of property or a dog, Erik. She doesn't even know you are a man."
He shoves me away. "Why do you say such terrible things to me? Do you really wish to help me? Or is your plan to hurt me?"
"I want to help. You deserve happiness and love!"
I pull away from him, inching towards the other side of the room. He approaches me and grabs me harshly again. "And what makes you think, mademoiselle, that a monster like me deserves love?"
"You're not monster," I shout desperately back at him. He growls in anger.
"You are no more than an insolent, prying girl," he screams back at me and then smacks me away. My vision reals and I slump down to the floor. "Nicolette?" he whispers.
I blink a few times, trying to steady myself. "I'm fine. It's fine," I get out, bringing a hand to my cheek. Unbidden, a few tears leak from my eyes. "It just stings." I turn away from him. "I'm not crying. I just have something in my eye."
He chuckles at that last part but it's a sad sound. "Nicolette," he says softly again and then scoops me up into his arms. I rest my not stinging cheek against his jacket as he caries me to the swan bed. He leaves and then comes back a few moments later with a cloth with cold water on it. He holds it to my cheek. I take it from him and sit up.
"Seriously, I'm fine."
"I shouldn't have hit you. And no matter what you say, Nicolette, it is not 'fine'. You let people walk over you when they should not." He sighs. "We will talk more later. Do you want me to return you to above or shall it wait till tomorrow?"
"I'm comfortable here," I mutter, already curling into the sheets.
"I'll be back later. I'm going up to see the performance."
I nod and close my eyes, enjoying the coolness of the cloth against my burning skin. "Have fun."
Stephen
"Christine!" I shout. "Christine!"
She turns around at her name. "Stephen?" she asks politely. "What is it?" She glances over her shoulder to where Raoul is waiting but this is more important.
"Have you seen Nicolette?"
"No," Christine replies, somewhat confused. "But I'm sure she'll turn up somewhere. Best of luck."
"Thank you, Christine." I groan as she walks away. Does Nicolette really visit the Phantom this much?
I head towards the practice room where my lessons are supposed to be held. A dark voice laughs. "You should not be drawing so much attention to Nicolette and her frequent disappearances," he whispers.
"Phantom?" I question and then scowl at the darkness. "How am I to know she's safe with you? I want to get us both home."
"Are you suggesting I'm not the perfect gentleman?" he asks innocently. "Mademoiselle Nicolette is perfectly safe in my hands. She will return to you later."
"And what if Christine worries for her?"
"You should refer to her as Mademoiselle Daae, my pupil, or you will find yourself in an uncomfortable position. Keep your distance from my Christine."
"Christine is out with the Vicomte right now, Phantom. I don't think she's your anything."
"You are pushing your luck, boy," the Phantom growls. "First with those ridiculous letters to Nicolette and then with taunting me. You're as bad as Buquet."
My blood runs cold and I shiver. "You know about the letters?"
"I am the Opera Ghost. I know all," he says ominously.
"Does she know?"
"No, and I'll let this silliness continue as long as you do not reveal yourself to her and press any further affections on her. But should she take any of this seriously, you will be a target for my wrath."
I nod and back off for now. "Is she safe?"
"Yes. She is fine." He sounds bored. "You may leave now. Do not draw any further attention to Nicolette's disappearances. I would hate for the managers to find out."
"Of course, Phantom."
Then I leave, fear still hanging in the air.
The next morning as I pass through the main hall on my way to breakfast I hear Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur Andre shouting angrily at each other. I pull into the shadows and listen.
"Oh look, Andre," Firmin says sarcastically, "our wonderful new cast member has been in the news. The Mystery After Opening Weekend. An entire article devoted to Mademoiselle Nicolette. What has she even done in her time here? I haven't seen her on stage once!"
Monsieur Andre cuts in, "Then we should get rid of her. Such flippant behavior should not be tolerable!"
"Andre, please don't shout. It's publicity! And the take is vast. Free publicity!"
"But she's not even part of the cast!"
"Have you seen the queue outside? The combination of our fine find with Mademoiselle Daae and the mystery of Mademoiselle Evers has made everyone want to come see the show!" Suddenly his voice dies off. "Ah, it seems you've got one too."
Notes! This is like the spoken version of Notes! Except instead of a run away diva they have a continuously disappearing chorus member that hasn't even been on stage. How undramatic.
Andre reads.
Dear Andre,
What a splendid opening weekend. Christine was, in a word, sublime. We were hardly bereft when Carlotta left. On that note, the diva's a disaster! Must you cast her when she's seasons past her prime?
Your Humble Servant,
O.G.
Firmin then sighs and says, "And here's what mine reads…"
Dear Firmin,
Just a brief reminder. My salary has not been paid. Send it care of the ghost by return of post.
I hear the heavy paper get flipped over.
P.T.O
No one likes a debtor so it's better if my orders are obeyed.
Andre sighs. "Who would have the gall to send this? Someone with a puerile brain."
"These are both signed 'O.G.'."
"Well who is he?"
Together they shout "Opera Ghost."
"It's nothing short of shocking," Firmin shouts.
"He's mocking our position."
"And in addition, he wants money!"
"What a strange apparition."
"He must be insane?"
Then the door swing open with a bang and I peak out to see who's joined them. It's Raoul. "Where is she?" he shouts.
"Carlotta?" Firmin asks baffled.
"No, Miss Daae!"
"Probably in the domitories but how should we know?!" Andre replies snootily.
"I want an answer. I take it that you sent me this note!"
They groan. "Another note. Of course not," Firmin assures.
"We're in the dark," Andre adds.
"Isn't this the letter the letter you wrote?"
Dear Vicomte,
Do not attempt to see Miss Daae again. I have been informed of your affections for each other and while altogether understandable, they are inappropriate. Mademoiselle Daae should be focused on her career and voice first, not a fop like you.
Andre and Firmin snicker but then Firmin says, "We didn't send you it."
"If you didn't write it, then who?"
The doors open again and then the soprano's shrieking voice fills the room, "Where is he?" Carlotta screams.
"Ah, welcome back," Firmin greets.
"Where's the precious patron?" Carlotta cuts off the pleasantries.
Raoul groans. "What is it now?"
"I have your letter." She sticks her noise up. "A letter which I rather resent."
Andre turns on Raoul. "And did you send it?"
Raoul sounds offended. "Of course not!"
Carlotta sounds suspicious of him now. "You didn't send it."
"No!"
"What's going on here? What is it that he's meant to have sent?"
To the Diva Carlotta,
Your days at the Opera Popular are numbered. I have two great talents waiting in the wings. Christine Daae will be singing the rest of Hannibal. Should you attempt to take her place be prepared for a great misfortune.
"Too many notes!"
"What's going on?" a soft voice says behind me. Nicolette steps over to where I'm hidden.
"Notes," I reply quietly, pulling her over. "Except you're filling in for Christine as the subject of it all."
Madame Giry enters the foyer. "Miss Evers has returned."
"Where precisely is she now?"
"I believe headed to breakfast." Madame Giry's cane clicks on the ground as she approaches the managers. "Here, I have a note."
"Let me see it, if I may," Firmin replies, reaching for it.
Gentlemen,
I have now sent you several notes of the most amiable nature dealing as to how my theatre is to be run. You have not followed my instructions but I shall give you one last chance. Miss Daae is a star and I am anxious her career should progress. In the new production of Il Muto, you will cast her as the Countess. And, Miss Evers has been returned to you. She has little experience on the stage but a strong presence nonetheless. Therefore, you will cast her as the pageboy as the part is silent. The role which Mass Daae plays calls for charm and appeal. The role of the pageboy is simple but memorable. This makes my casting, in a word, ideal.
Nicolette grasps my arm. "No, no, no," she mutters. "What is he doing?"
I shall watch the performance from my normal seat in box five, which will be kept empty for me. Should these commands be ignored, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur. I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant.
O.G.
"Christine!" Carlotta shrieks. "It's all a plot to help Christine!"
"This is insane," Firmin groans.
"I know who sent these! The Vicomte- her lover!"
"Indeed?" Raoul replies sarcastically. "Can you believe this?"
"This is a joke and it changes nothing!" Andre assures.
"You are our star and will always be. We don't take orders from some spectral being," Firmin agrees.
"Perhaps it would be best to hide Miss Daae back in the chorus. Carlotta will be playing the lead. Miss Evers shall play the page boy."
Nicolette starts to stride forward into the foyer but no one notices her. I come with her.
"Who scorn his word, beware to those, the angel sees, the angel knows," Madame Giry says softly and that manages to quiet all of them.
"Where is Miss Evers?"
"I am here," Nicolette says timidly. She brings herself forwards to stand before them. Carlotta looks over her.
"So you are the other talent that the Phantom has waiting in his wings," Carlotta drawls. Then she laughs. "He is getting desperate."
Nicolette bows her head to the diva.
"Well can you act?" Firmin asks plainly. Nicolette looks cornered.
Then she lifts her head and lies. "Yes."
Oh dear, Nicolette. What have you done?
