My song choice is "Never Enough" from The Greatest Showman. A perfect song for Christine, in my opinion. I have to say that while I enjoyed this movie, despite all its inaccuracies to real events in Barnum's life, the biggest fail was that they cast an actress to play the role of "Jenny" who did NOT use her own voice. Why? They already had Hugh Jackman to sell tickets. But I digress…
Onward….
Christine yanked her hand away from Erik.
"What are you taking about?"
Erik grinned. "Christine, you and the gown are much too glorious to be hiding here in the audience. We must show you both off."
"Erik, I am not ready. We have only been rehearsing for a few weeks."
"Angel, you are more than ready to perform here tonight. Think of it as a mere dress rehearsal. I want to hear you sing on a real stage again. Indulge your tutor."
Molly came onto the stage.
"And now ladies and gentlemen, we have a real treat for you tonight. A special engagement. One song from Christine Daae, the Soprano of the Century. So please allow us a few minutes to get the stage ready. We will be with you soon."
"Erik…." Complete panic came over her. "This is completely unfair! I am not ready for this yet." She looked around, suddenly very aware of those around her.
"Christine, you were going to perform an aria in New York city. That's what brought you to America."
"I know but after our lessons, I realize how out of practice I was and…"
Gustave took his mother's hand. "Mother, you sing beautifully. Just pretend you are singing for us."
She looked at her son with love but when her eyes went to Erik, she huffed. "You planned this all along. That was the real reason you gave me this dress."
"Christine, I would never do anything to embarrass you or make you uncomfortable."
"Is that so? Well this…."
He took her hand. "Trust me. The audience will love you but it's not for them."
She softened a little and responded back, "It's for you."
"No, angel. It's for you. Sing for you and for him." He looked at Gustave and smiled. "Remember, this is all about him. Think of it as just another rehearsal but you are already superior for this crowd. Use them to make you even better."
She slowly nodded. "Where do I go?"
"Follow me."
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Christine was sitting in front of a vanity mirror in a private dressing room. She touched up her makeup and soon heard a knock at the door.
"Yes?"
Erik popped his head inside. "Gustave is settled in the wings and having a wonderful time exploring. Squelch is keeping an eye on him, but I only hope he doesn't lose track of the time. You'll be on in a few minutes."
She stood up. "I don't know why I listen to you."
He looked at her anxiously as he came in and shut the door. "Are you really angry with me?"
"Honestly, I don't know whether to strangle you or kiss you!"
He then took his mask off. "I am sure seeing my face makes it more one than the other." He then came closer to her and carefully leaned in to touch her lips. He soon felt her own lips kissing him back.
Regretfully he pulled away. "You will be magnificent. I gave the orchestra the latest piece we have been working on."
"Erik, you said it yourself, I still needed to…."
"It's a rehearsal. With people who happen to be watching. You need to ensure your voice can fill up a stage once more and not just my office, if you wish to sing for Hammerstein."
She knew he was right. "God, what was I thinking to accept in the first place? I would have been laughed out the door had it been a real invitation. Yet I came." She then smiled. "And there you were. God, what if I hadn't come?"
He kissed her hand. "You needed the money and the song was…."
"Too beautiful to resist." She caressed is face. "Tell me why a different one tonight?"
Erik moved to the vanity mirror and opened the drawer. "I'm debating."
She giggled. "I see. So, this is all for your amusement, Maestro?"
"It's nice to have options. How do you feel?"
"Nervous…. Excited…. Sick to my stomach." She giggled.
"You look beautiful."
She smiled and looked at herself once more. "You were right. The dress should be worn for all to see. You're sure it looks alright?"
"Well, now that you ask…"
"What?" She started to look down at the dress and then back to the mirror to see what imperfection Erik noticed.
While she was distracted, he pulled a box out of the drawer. "Try this."
She looked up at him and saw he was holding a blue diamond necklace.
"My God, Erik!"
He didn't say a word. He just placed it around her neck.
"Erik, I can't accept this."
Ignoring her, he looked at her in the mirror. "Now you're perfection."
She couldn't take her eyes away from it. "I can't keep this. It's much too much."
"Christine, I want you to have it. It's perfect for the dress, the performance and I never had a chance to do this before."
"Do what?"
"Court you properly. Suitors bring presents for their ladies. It's normal and I so want to have normal things between us."
She brought his hand to her lips. "Angel, how can you ever be expected to be normal, when you are extraordinary?"
They were about to kiss when a knock came from outside the dressing room door.
"Ms. Daae, you're on."
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Erik stood to the side, as he watched his angel of music grace the stage. The first few notes were played and the minute the lights hit her, she began to sing.
"I'm trying to hold my breath
Let it stay this way
Can't let this moment end
You set off a dream with me
Getting louder now
Can you hear it echoing?
Take my hand
Will you share this with me?
'Cause darling without you
All the shine of a thousand spotlights
All the stars we steal from the night sky
Will never be enough
Never be enough
Towers of gold are still too little
These hands could hold the world but it'll
Never be enough
Never be enough
For me
Never, never
Never, never
Never, for me
For me
Never enough
Never enough
Never enough
For me
For me
For me."
The audience rose to their feet and a thunderous applause was heard throughout Phantasma.
