Chapter Thirteen – The Promise
Christina's POV
I left the stage and went to see if Mum and Dad were still here. I stepped through the door and found them waiting right there in the hallway, I ran straight into their arms. "Oh darling!" Mum cried. "You were wonderful" and she kissed me on the cheek. "Well done sweetheart" said Dad who kissed me too. "Thank You" I said. Dad placed his hand on my shoulder "And you must thank your singing teacher for us." He took the two tickets from his pocket. "Yes of course, I will thank him for you." I said. "It was very generous of him. I mean it's not every day that a singing teacher buys his pupil's family tickets for a show." Said Mum looking confused. "Well I told him that you couldn't attend the performance because we were quite sort of cash, due to moving and getting my place here at the opera house. He felt so sorry for me and for you and said that you both deserved to see my debut performance here. So he gave me the tickets last night and I posted them to you early this morning."
Mum's smile returned "He sounds wonderful Christina. What is his name? Can you introduce us to him?" I thought about this. Should I reveal to my parents the truth that he is really the legendry Opera Ghost from years ago? But I remembered the promise I made to keep his identity a secret. Besides I would certainly loose his trust and worse his loving friendship if I break my promise to him. "I don't know his name." I admitted truthfully "But I'm afraid can't introduce you to him" Confusion crossed over both Mum and Dad's faces. "Why not?" Dad asked. I looked around making sure we weren't being watched, luckily there was no one else in sight. I beckoned Mum and Dad to come close and whispered quietly "He's not comfortable being around other people, he gets very shy and scared. He saw me singing on my first day here and he fell in love with my voice. So while I was alone later on he showed himself to me and said that it was his big wish to coach me on my singing. But he asked me to keep his identity a secret, so I haven't told anyone. But the reason I've told you is because you have a right to know. Just please promise me that you will tell no one about him, absolutely no one. And you will also not try to search for him. As your only daughter I beg you to keep this promise." Mum and Dad exchanged a look with each other then turned back and smiled at me "You have our word" said Dad "You'll tell nobody?" "Not a soul" said Mum. "Thank you" I said kissing her hand.
Dad checked his watch "Are you coming home with us or staying here for the night?" I had already decided. "I'll stay here tonight" I told them "Besides I don't think the celebrations have ended yet." Mum nodded "Yes, Monsieur Pascal told us about the show being extended by the president's request. That will be exciting for all of you." "It certainly will" I said with a smile. I looked back at the stage door behind me. I could still hear the music and the singing coming from the stage. "Well I'd better get back before I miss all the fun. I'll see you guys tomorrow" We all hugged then Dad said "You can do whatever you wish sweet pea, it will be a day off for us as well as you. So we'll be home if you wish to come over." I kissed them both on the cheek then skipped back through the stage door "Night!"
The party was still in full swing on the stage. The first two people I saw were Meg and Leon kissing each other's necks and dancing so close to each other. Then I spotted Gilles dancing with a beautiful women who I could easily guess was his beloved Jacqui he had told me about. At the other end of the stage I saw Rupert dancing with a girl from the chorus. I stepped forward and joined in the dancing with the others.
The celebrations continued on for the next hour and a half. The band down in the pit played song after song from musicals and we all sang along and dancing happily with each other. And in all that time, I could not stop glancing at Meg and Leon as they danced together. It was just as beautiful as watching a romantic film or performance. I also found it quite amusing that Rupert didn't seem to be enjoying his dance with his dance partner, though it was quite clear that she was having the time of her life. He seemed to sense that I was watching him because his head suddenly spun round to face me. I blinked and a smile glinted at the corner of his mouth. And then he looked as if he was trying to leave his dance partner, but she wasn't going to let him leave her arms that easily. Quickly I ran forward to the front of the stage and knelt down to the band in the pit. I told them the name of a song and stood up straight in front of everyone. "Hit it guys!" I called down to the pit and the trumpets blasted out a beat, all heads turned to face me. And I began to sing another of my favourite musical songs.
(Christina)
There's a little ditty
They're singing in the city
Especially when they've been
On the gin or the beer
If you've got the patience
Your own imaginations
Will tell you just exactly what you want to hear
I went into the middle of everyone and they all continued to dance again as they sang along with me.
(All)
Oom-pah-pah! Oom-pah-pah!
That's how it goes
Oom-pah-pah! Oom-pah-pah!
Ev'ryone knows
(Christina)
They all suppose what they want to suppose
When they hear...oom-pah-pah!
Mister Percy Snodgrass
Would often have the odd glass
But never when he thought anybody could see
Secretly he'd buy it
And drink it on the quiet
And dream he was an Earl
With a girl on each knee!
(All)
Oom-pah-pah! Oom-pah-pah!
That's how it goes
Oom-pah-pah! Oom-pah-pah!
Ev'ryone knows
(Christina)
What is the cause of his red shiny nose?
Could it be...oom-pah-pah!?
Pretty little Sally
Goes walking down the alley
Displays her pretty ankles to all of the men
They could see her garters
But not for free-and-gratis
An inch or two, and then she knows
When to say when!
(All)
Oom-pah-pah! Oom-pah-pah!
That's how it goes
Oom-pah-pah! Oom-pah-pah!
Ev'ryone knows
(Christina)
Whether it's hidden, or whether it shows
It's the same...oom-pah-pah!
She was from the country
But now she's up a gum-tree
She let a feller beat 'er, then lead 'er along
What's the good o' cryin'?
She's made a bed to lie in
She's glad to bring the coin in
And join in this song!
(All)
Oom-pah-pah! Oom-pah-pah!
That's how it goes!
Oom-pah-pah!Oom-pah-pah!
Ev'ryone knows
(Christina)
She is no longer the same blushing rose
Ever since ... oom-pah-pah!
Altogether now!
Oom-pah-pah!
(All)
Oom-pah-pah!
(Christina)
Oom-pah-pah!
(All)
Oom-pah-pah!
(Christina)
Oom-pah-pah!
(All)
Oom-pah-pah!
(Christina)
Oom-pah-pah!
We all began to dance in circles going faster as the beat built.
(All)
Oom-pah-pah! Oom-pah-pah!
Oom-pah-pah! Oom-pah-pah!
Oom-pah-pah! Oom-pah-pah!
Oom-pah-pah! Oom-pah-pah!
Oom-pah-pah!
(Christina)
There's a little ditty
They're singing in the city
Especially when they've been
On the gin or the beer
If you've got the patience
Your own imaginations
Will tell you just exactly what you want to hear
(All)
Oom-pah-pah! Oom-pah-pah!
That's how it goes
Oom-pah-pah! Oom-pah-pah!
Ev'ryone knows
They all suppose what they want to suppose
When they hear...oom-pah-pah!
Just as the song came to an end, I was given a surprise as Felix and Marcel lifted me onto their shoulders just as they had done with Meg earlier in the show.
The party ended at half eleven when Monsieur Pascal came onto the stage and told us all to head off to bed. Just as I was about to pass him he stopped me and pulled me off to the side. "The President asked me to tell you that you were his favourite tonight. And he hopes that you will keep up that beautiful singing voice." My smile stretched wide, it was almost impossible to believe that I had been the president's favourite. Out of all the performers in this theatre, it was me! "Really?! Well tell him thanks and that I will keep it up." Pascal nodded and gave me a quick hug. "What did Rosetta want earlier on?" I asked. Pascal chuckled "Oh she was asking endless questions and making endless complaints about why the audience loved you more than her. After all, she believes that she is the biggest star round here that everyone loves." I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "I guess that wacked some sense into her" I said and we both laughed. "You run off to bed now, you look very worn out." "Goodnight sir" I said and ran off with the others.
After I exited backstage I headed straight to my room expecting to find him there waiting for me. But strangely I found the room deserted when I stepped inside. I was pretty sure that he would be here to congratulate me on my triumph. I shrugged, closed the door then changed into my pyjamas and slippers. After I tied the cord of my dressing gown round my waist, I grabbed my toiletries and left the room heading for the bathroom. When I got there I found all of the girls there in their pyjamas and night dresses. I brushed my teeth and gave my face a nice wash.
I then received a warm hug from every single one of the girls. "Your first show here and you're already a star" said Cherie "Yes, you're much better than Rosetta" said Colette. "I know, Monsieur Pascal said that I was the President's favourite tonight." Hearing this the, girls squealed with joy. "Lucky you" said Delphine clapping me on the shoulder. "I'm not the only lucky one tonight, someone else tonight had their first kiss." Everyone turned their heads to Meg who blushed pink and clutched her hands together.
We all left the bathroom together in a big group but then we separated, the girls headed for the dorm and I went back to my room. But just as I was about to turn the corner toward my room I froze on the spot. I heard someone knocking on a door, then came Rupert's alluring voice "Chrissie! Oh Chrissie. Are you home sugarplum?" I winced under my breath at the stupid pet name. Then slowly and carefully I peeped round the corner and saw Rupert standing at my door. He was patting up his blond hair and straitening his shirt like a business man about to step into a meeting with his boss. I made no sound as I watched him and waited for him to leave. He knocked again "Chrissie?" he called through the door. But when he once again received no reply he opened the door and groaned in annoyance. "She must have gone home with her parents for the night" He closed the door with a slam that made me blink. "If only I knew where she lived." I was both surprised and relieved that he didn't know where I lived. Well at least whenever I did go home I wouldn't get any uninvited guests. I watched Rupert swagger off in the opposite direction down to the end of the hall and turned round the corner. I counted to thirty in my head so I was guaranteed Rupert being a safe distance away from my room and out of hearing range. Finally I tip-toed to my door and silently stepped inside, closing the door quietly and let out a big sigh of relief.
The Song in this Chapter was
Oom-Pah-Pah – Oliver!
Authors Notes
Hi there guys! Wow! I had such an exciting holiday in Florida.
Sorry this took so long :( when I got back home my new computer monitor had arrived and I wanted to get it installed ASAP. But it took longer than I thought. Plus I had wait until Microsoft was installed if I was going to continue writing.
Well now I've got it we can get back on track. The story is about to get even better! :) XXX