Chapter Eleven – Before the Performance
Christina's POV
Five hours later we finished our last run through the whole concert. Jean-Andre stood at the front of the stage and brought us altogether. "Well everyone all I can say is, I think our full house tonight is in for an incredible show. So I suggest you all go and get a good dinner, then get yourselves ready in plenty of time. I expect all of you to be in the wings at seven twenty-five." Just as I was about to follow the others I felt a hand on my shoulder, turning round I saw that it was Gilles. "Not long till your debut Chris" He said grinning. "I know I'm so excited about it." I said. He walked with me as I left the stage and into the corridor with everyone else. "Have you got anyone watching you in the audience to night then?" he asked. "My Mum and Dad. I bet they're just as excited as I am. You got anyone watching you?" Gilles nodded "Oui, my beloved Jacqui" I smiled and said "She's in for some fun tonight from you." He laughed.
As we entered the dining hall he patted my back "See you later" he said heading off to join his mates. Tonight I chose shepherd's pie and it was quite nice. A few of the others were finding it hard to finish their dinner. Excitement was my guess as to why. When we were done I went off with the other girls for our hair and makeup. We were seated at a long table with mirrors that had lights round them. I was seated next to Meg and waited patiently as the lady did my hair. I had all my hair curled and pinned up with one curled lock let loss on each side of my shoulders. Meg had her blonde locks curled and pinned up too but I knew that they were going to be let loose later on. The makeup we had wasn't heavy but it was just as pretty.
Meg and I were the first ones to be finished. We left the room and walked down the corridor hand in hand. "Are you still nervous Meg?" I asked and she nodded. I stopped and we stood face to face. "Tell me why" I said placing my hand on her shoulder. But she said nothing. "If you can't say it Meg, then sing it"
(Meg)
What will this night be like? I wonder
What will my future be? I wonder
It could be so exciting to be out in the world, to be free
My heart should be wildly rejoicing
Oh, what's the matter with me?
I've always longed for adventure
To do the things I've never dared
And here I'm facing adventure
Then why am I so scared
Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries
If I don't I just know I'll turn back
I must dream of the things I am seeking
I am seeking the courage I lack
The courage to serve them with reliance
Face my mistakes without defiance
Show them I'm worthy
And while I show them
I'll show me
So, let them bring on all their problems
I'll do better than my best
I have confidence they'll put me to the test
But I'll make them see I have confidence in me
Somehow I will impress them
I will be firm but kind
And all those people (Heaven bless them!)
They will look up to me
And mind me with each step I am more certain
Everything will turn out fine
I have confidence the world can all be mine
They'll have to agree I have confidence in me
(Both)
I have confidence in sunshine
I have confidence in rain
I have confidence that spring will come again
Besides which you see I have confidence in me
(Christina)
Strength doesn't lie in numbers
Strength doesn't lie in wealth
Strength lies in nights of peaceful slumbers
When you wake up - Wake Up!
(Meg)
It tells me all I trust I lead my heart to
All I trust becomes my own
I have confidence in confidence alone
(Oh help!)
(Both)
We have confidence in confidence alone
Besides which you see I have confidence in me!
Meg and I wrapped our arms round each other. Without saying another word we exchanged a smile then headed off. I entered my room and found Meg's mother standing next to the white gown that was still draped over the mannequin. "Good evening, Madame Gilson" I said closing the door behind me. "Please, call me Genevieve my dear." She said. I nodded and she stepped over to me. "I would like to thank you for encouraging my dear Meg, to show that wonderful talent of hers to the world. Maurice and I have never been more proud of her. And it's all thanks to you, dear one." She took my hand and placed a kiss on it. I smiled warmly "It was nothing Genevieve. I mean if someone has a talent like that then they really shouldn't hide it." She nodded "Quite right. Now if you just strip down behind that screen and put these stockings on. When you come out I'll lace you into the dress." I did as she asked and then stepped into the dress. After carefully putting my arms though the arm holes Genevieve gently laced up the back. I was relieved that it was my size and that I could breathe easily. I finally stepped into a pair of comfy silver heels. "You look really wonderful my dear" Said Genevieve. "Thanks" I said twirling round. "I must go and see to Meg. Good luck tonight dear" I nodded "Thank you, See you later"
After she'd left I noticed the brown purse on my dressing table. I sat down at my dressing table and emptied the slides and earrings onto the table. I gently arranged the beautiful stars into my pinned up curls and slip the earrings in my ears. As I was admiring myself in the small round mirror I saw that the diamonds sparkled in the light like real stars. I then went in the draw and took out the earrings and necklace that I will wear for the song with Meg. The necklace itself was a gift from Mum for my fifteenth birthday, a replica of "The Heart of the Ocean". It wasn't a real sapphire but it looked very real as many replicas do. I put both the earrings and the necklace into the brown purse.
I then heard the mirror sliding open behind me and I turned to see him standing by the open mirror. I rose to my feet and smiled. He was looking at me with some-what disbelief and amazement, as if I was an angel from heaven. But I knew why he was looking at me like that. I looked down at myself then back to him. "I look like Christine don't I?" I said still smiling. He slowly came towards me and gently stroked the tips of his fingers on the loose curl on my shoulder. "Yes, oh yes, you do." He whispered. "It's like she have come back from the dead. Back to me." His bright eyes smiled down at me. I took his hand in mine. "Then sing to me now as if you would to her." He placed his hands on either side of my arms and sang just as beautifully as he did earlier.
(Phantom)
In moments, mere moments
Drums will roll
There you'll stand, just like before
The crowd will hush
And then in one sweet rush
I will hear you sing once more
And music, our music
Will swell and then unwind
Like two strands of melody
At last entwined
Fulfil us, complete us
Make us whole
Seal our bond forevermore
Tonight, for me, embrace your destiny
Let me hear you sing
Once more!
I reached up and placed my hands on his arms. "Tonight I will sing for you" I said smiling from ear to ear. "That you shall, my dear Christina" he whispered. I turned to look at the clock and saw that it was seven minutes till curtain up. "I've got to go. You'd better go and take your seat. I'll be looking out for you." I lifted his hand to my lips and gave it a quick kiss. I grabbed the purse from my dressing table and rushed out of the room.
I had to hold up my skirt up a bit so I could hurry without falling over. Suddenly I stopped in my tracks. Just ahead of me I saw Rosetta standing in the middle of the corridor powdering her sharp nose. The skirt of her dress she was wearing is so big that it brushed against both walls of the corridor. "Two full grown men could hide under that dress" I thought. The design of the dress was impossible to describe. It seemed to be made of nothing but dozens of lace patterns, fake flowers, sequins, satin and in every shade of pink you can possibly imagine. I wondered how in the world I would ever get past her but help came immediately. One of the stage hands approached her, bowed and said "Singnora, Jean-Andre said that you need to be at stage-right, right now." She closed her powder compact with a snap and said "Right, you run along boy." She waddled down the corridor leading to stage-right. I sighed in relief, half because of her out of my way and half because I know that I need to be at stage-left. I lifted up my skirt again and hurried away again.
When I made it to the door I paused to take a few deep breaths. Then just as I was about to take hold of the door handle a cold hand touched my shoulder making me jump. I turn to see Joseph Bouche grinning at me. "Break a leg tonight missy. I hope your singing tonight won't bring the chandelier crashing down. Or even worse, awaken the Opera Ghost himself." I wrinkled my nose as the strong smell of alcohol on his breath blew into my face. "I've got one of the best seats in the house, right up above you so I'm guaranteed a good view. Nighty night" And with that he walked off. I stared after him in disgust wondering why on earth he's allowed to drink so much and still work here. I shrugged then went through the door.
The Songs in this Chapter were
I Have Confidence – The Sound of Music
Before The Performance – Love Never Dies
Author's Notes
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