A/N: Hello every one! Here's the next chapter hope you all will enjoy it! Please don't forget to leave a review for moi! (Look's to Erik) All Right Erik, it's your time to shine! Cue spot light!
Chapter Fifty One
I held Josephine tight as we stood on the roof, and with every nuzzle of her cheek against my chest, it caused a warm tingle to settle over me. I suddenly became warm, but I dared not move for I was enjoying her contact far too much. I feared that I would never tire of Josephine's soft touch. When it was time for Josephine to leave, I felt my chest grow tight with anxiety. I didn't want to wait long for her to be in my arms again. There have been times where I have paced the floor of my lair waiting for dawn to arrive so I may set my eyes on her. With sweat on my brow, a pounding heart, and the adrenaline flowing through my veins, I find that I must force myself to be calm and to think of other matters for fear that I'd go mad.
I realized that fear that still hides inside my heart - the fear of Josephine leaving me. Perhaps that is why I have the anxiety or perhaps I'm just obsessed again. Bloody hell, why must I have a treacherous heart! Although, ever since Josephine told that sniveling fop that I held her heart, I haven't seen him in the Populaire! It makes me smile as I recall the expression on his face as Josephine explained her love, I could practically hear his heart breaking.
A light tap at the door stirred me out of my musing. Giry had arrived. As silent as she usually is, Anne quietly closed the door to my private box behind her and used the foot stool as a seat. My eyes remained on the stage, where a man was dancing a piece. He was accompanied by Marie, who, for a ballerina, captured the art of the tango. Once the acting audition was finally done, by the end of the week, I sent Andre and Firmin a list of those to dismiss. A third of those who attempted left with their heads hung low. If one cannot sing, then they have no business in my opera.
"They are both very good," Anne murmured. "I wasn't sure if Marie would be able to dance the part of seduction… So Erik, tell me; what did you think-"
Seduction, my mind whispered. My mind drowned out Anne's voice. I envied that man on stage, I've only been on that stage once in my life, and now I wished I could dance with Josephine on that very stage, spin a web of seduction as she twirls easily out of my grasp…
"Well, Erik?"
"What?" I croaked. My imagination had become dangerously dark at the image of me gliding my hands over Josephine's body…
Anne made a face; I cleared my throat and sat up a little straighter in my seat.
"Ahem, excuse me?"
"I asked your opinion about Josephine's acting audition; she has shocked me with her talent."
Yes, Josephine was superb. Mme Thomson read lines with a hand full of actors and actresses before her understudy took her place, and Josephine was one of them. Choosing a scene from the Opera 'Cinderella', Josephine chose to read not the poor Cinder girl, but the evil step mother. The managers allowed those to act in full costume if they wished, therefore Josephine swept her hair up and wore it like a crown high on top of her head. Wearing a white blouse and long black skirt, she did her best to look older; borrowing Anne's pointing cane, Josephine strode on stage with her head held high.
Addressing Mme Thomson as "Cinderella", Josephine said in a loud, clipped tone, "So, it seems we have some extra time on our hand for practical jokes, girl."
Mme Thomson replied timidly, "Please Stepmother, you don't really believe that I would-"
"Silence!" Josephine thundered, hitting the cane hard against the polished floor. "I feed you, clothe you, I even let you us the spare room in the attic and this is how you repay me? By putting a mouse under your dear sister's tea cup?"
Josephine slowly circled "Cinderella". The glare in Josephine's eyes and the expression on her face sent chills down my spine. I'd never known Josephine could act with such evil and hate; it was wonderful. So yes, Josephine was superb.
"She did rather well; I think she might have a chance to be in Magic Flute," I said flatly. "An extra on stage, perhaps."
"Might?" asked Anne, but I merely shrugged my shoulders as though bored of the subject. As much as it annoyed me to talk less of Josephine, it was for the best.
"Thank you, Louis and Marie. Will the next person please take center stage!" Reyer called.
Both Louis and Marie bowed to the audience and to the managers before descending to the wings. Out of the darkened wings came Josephine. She was dressed in a white ballet costume, donned with feathers where the tutu should be. Her costume hugged her like a second skin, the front of her costume swooped low, and I found it very hard not to focus all my attention on her full breast. Looking onward, her hair was swept up and pinned down, and a small, glistening crown rested on top of her head.
Her dance partner I recognized; wasn't he the one little Olivia had her eyes on…? I mused.
"And what will you be performing for us, my dear?" asked Reyer.
"Swan Lake, Monsieur. But I will be performing a little different; I will be dancing both Odette and Odile the Black Swan."
I raised an eye brow. "Both parts, Anne?"
Anne looked at me with much excitement. Josephine would not tell me - let alone allow me to watch her practice for auditions.
"She's worked very hard on this piece…" Anne whispered.
So this was what they were up to, I glared at Anne when she wasn't looking. Josephine took center stage and posed ever so gently, waiting for her cue. Suddenly the piano began to play, and Josephine danced her part like a true swan… She danced the part of Odette where she began explaining to the Prince what the evil sorcerer had done, turning her and the other girls into swans and that the lake was formed by the tears of their parents' weeping.
Her partner, "the Prince", was enchanted; he followed her trying to touch the beautiful swan but every time he got close, Josephine spun out of his grasp. As Josephine danced, the Swan Queen tells the prince that the only way the spell could be broken is if a man, pure in heart, pledges his love to her.
Josephine twirled gracefully, leapt powerfully, and landed with ease; the audience was just as captured by Josephine as me.
The Prince, about to confess his love for the Swan Queen, is quickly interrupted when everything goes dark. I glared at the stage, what happened?
"It is part of the act, Erik. Do no fret," Anne reassures.
I made a face. In the ballet, the Prince is quickly interrupted by the evil sorcerer, not by the stage going pitch black. The Prince continued searching the stage, looking for the Swan Queen; when suddenly the violin began to play, its quick tempo matching the Prince's urgency in searching. Then finally the lights go on and in Josephine's place was the Black Swan. Josephine now wore a black costume that hugged her curves. The black feathers that were the tutu whispered against her thighs as she so flirtatiously danced closer to the Prince. Josephine stroked his face, arms, and hands, again dancing out of his grasp. I bit my lip hard, jealously seeping into my blood like hot oil, but I hid it for Anne's sake.
The Black Swan finally fluttered into the Princes arms, succumbing to his charm. As they faced the audience, they swayed as one to the music. She suddenly twists out of his grasp, and Josephine gracefully flaps her arms as though she were trying to fly. It became more frantic as she reached above her head then lowers her arms. Finally Josephine ends her dance by spinning on point then posing in the Prince's arms…
I was left wide eyed and speechless.
Those in the audience including Firmin and Andre were out of their seats for a standing ovation. It took all my will power not to stand and join them in their praise; if only Anne wasn't here! So I settled for a little clap of my hands.
I excused myself and left Anne in my box. She was too occupied to notice. I took to the tunnels, since I had told Josephine to meet me in the prima donna's room once she finished her audition. I was behind the mirror in no time, and I waited and waited; my patience waned as I paced before the mirror. Then finally Josephine graced me with her presence. I longed to throw aside the mirror, but I waited until it was safe, as did Josephine. Once she slid the lock into place, I pushed the mirror open, and Josephine turned and her face lit up.
"Oh, Erik! Did you see me?" she exclaimed running towards me.
I caught her in my arms and lifted her up, holding her tight. "I did, my love, and you were amazing," I whispered into her hair.
"Erik, too tight! Can't breathe!" she squeaked.
"OH!" I dropped Josephine before me who took a deep breath. "Sorry, my dear."
"It's all right."
"I thought for a second you had forgotten about me."
"Oh, Erik, I'm sorry. I tried to get away, but I couldn't."
"Get away, get away from whom?"
"Every one!" Josephine threw up her hands, exhilarated; she then walked towards the window and opened it. She closed her eyes as the cool wind blew onto her body. "Once I was off into the wings, everyone came to me, saying how wonderful I was and how they enjoyed my routine."
"Indeed," I said joining her by the window. "I myself couldn't take my eyes off of you."
"Aren't you like that already?" Josephine giggled, facing me.
I smiled and stepped back, taking in full view the Black Swan's costume. I reached out and glided a finger down the side of her waist. Josephine watched as I touched her. I waited for her to pull away, but she didn't. Stepping closer, I gazed into Josephine's glowing eyes. I searched for any sign of discomfort and found nothing. So my hand replaced my fingers, sliding down the curve of Josephine's waist and down her hip where I tangled my fingers in the black feathers. My body grew weak with yearning so I crushed Josephine lips to mine. Her arms wrapped around my neck and pulled me down closer to her. When Josephine tangled her fingers in my hair and pulled ever so gently, I felt the beast within me lift his head and roar!
I had Josephine up against the wall without realizing that we moved. A small squeak escaped from her throat, but I didn't stop. I left her sweet lips to graze her jaw and throat; I kissed and nipped where I could feel her pulse. I could taste the salt from her skin; it intoxicated me, driving me insane with want. I suckled harder, earning a yelped giggled from Josephine.
"Erik, Erik stop! That tickles!"
Josephine squirmed out of my grasp and out of reach; I was now staring at the awful pink wallpaper Carlotta chose for the room. I turned and found Josephine close to the vanity table; she was flush and slightly out of breath as I was. She smiled shyly and battled her eyes; the little temptress was driving me insane!
"You're very affectionate today." Josephine smiled.
I stalked closer. "Does it bother you?" I purred.
She giggled. "Not at all."
When I was before Josephine, I pulled her into my arms, placing butterfly kisses along the length of her shoulder. I nipped at her earlobe and whispered, "Then why did the little swan flutter out of my grasp?"
I felt Josephine tremble in my arms. I came to my senses in fear that I was going too far, and I stepped back to face Josephine. I was unable to read her expression for just then the door to the prima donna's room was turned. Startled by the jolt of the door Josephine gasped; we eyed the knob turn half way and jingle once when the opener realized it was locked.
"Josephine, are you in there?" Anne's voice called from the other side.
"Bloody hell, is it that woman's goal to annoy me?" I growled. I felt a kiss on the exposed side of my cheek.
"I'm here, Marraine!" Josephine called. She then whispers to me, "You must hurry."
I growled under my breath and headed toward the open mirror. "I will meet you here tonight."
"I'll be counting the hours till then!" Josephine whispered hopping on one foot while removing her pointed slipper from the other. She then blew me a kiss. "Until next time, Erik."
"Fare well, my love." I locked the mirror and sighed. Must my happiness always be interrupted? Josephine hobbled over towards the door with both pointed shoes in hand and unlocked the door.
"Sorry, Marriane I was taking off my slippers."
Anne closed the door behind her; I noticed her eyes sweep the room when Josephine wasn't looking. "That's all right, ma petite. I just wanted to tell you that Andre and Firmin are with Monsieur Reyer as we speak discussing the roles of Magic Flute. They will have the list of rolls at the end of the day!" Anne exclaimed.
"Mon dieu, I can't believe it, the time has gone by so quickly!" Josephine said hugging Anne.
"Your hard work paid off my dear; I heard Andre and Firmin talking about you."
"What did they say?"
"That your talented beyond belief. I think you might have one of the two roles."
"Which are?"
"Well, I think you will be Pamina or one of the three ladies."
I wanted to laugh! Obliviously Anne doesn't see true talent; Josephine could be Queen of the Night if she wants!
"You really think so?" Josephine smiled.
"I do, but there's something else. Come let's sit down."
Anne took Josephine by the hand and led her towards the divan. By the expression on Anne's face, something was wrong.
"Veronique's father, Pascal, is here today watching the auditions… And…" Anne sighed and pursed her lips.
"And?" Josephine prompted.
"He may try and buy Veronique's way into the role of Pamina."
Josephine's mouth fell open. "What, how do you know this?"
I gripped the railing of the two way mirror, and I felt my eyes bulge out of my sockets. I knew that was Veronique's father who sat in the fifth row in the auditorium; they had the same eyes and nose!
I growled deep in my throat. "If he thinks he can buy his way into my opera then he-"
"I overheard him speaking to Veronique in the wings. I am not sure if he already tried convincing Firmin and Andre."
Josephine shot up from her seat, back ridged and hand clenched into a fist... "Why that cheating cow! How dare her! She can't buy her way into a leading role! Can she?" Josephine asked, worried.
"No, but dangle enough money before Firmin and Andre and they just might allow it."
"Those disloyal dogs!" I said under my breath, and with the whoosh of my cloak I left the two way mirror and headed towards the manager's office.
Once behind the wall, I peeked through the crack that gave me a full view of Andre and Firmin's office; Monsieur Pascal Bonnett was seated before the two idiots.
"Monsieur, I'm terribly sorry, but we cannot accept your offer," Andre said with a tactful tone. "Veronique is a talented young lady, but-"
"-But, she will never have a leading role, monsieur. I love my daughter, don't get me wrong, but she can be lazy, and when she wants something, she will do whatever it takes to get it. This trait she gets from moi."
I rolled my eyes; I could hear the smile in his tone.
"Gentlemen, Veronique is talented - not as talented as that little black swan that was dancing earlier -but she is good. Now I will double my offer if you put my little girl as Pamina - Panina or whatever role she wants."
Just then monsieur Bonnett handed Firmin a piece of paper. I assumed it was the amount of money he was offering. I saw Firmins eyes grow wide as saucers. He swallowed hard, and I could see the sweat gather at his brow. He was tempted. And I was tempted to charge into the room and strangle him.
Yes, whispered a dark voice in the back of my head. Feel the power in your grasp as you strangle him… feel the pulsing of his blood in his jugular…
I shook my head to be rid of the voice and the images that gathered in my mind. Andre snatched the peace of parchment out of Firmin's hand and arched an eye brow. He then placed the paper down and cleared his throat.
"Monsieur, like we said before; we cannot accept your offer. Being a father myself, I understand your will to please your daughter, but offering money will get you nowhere. Now, Firmin and I have much to discuss with our conductor and ballet mistress. And we bid you good day." Andre stood and offered his hand.
Monsieur Bonnett stood slowly, and he observed Firmin who was still eyeing the number on the parchment. "You're quite sure?"
"Oui, monsieur."
Firmin finally snapped out of the trance and said weakly, "Yes, good day, Monsieur Bonnett."
I raised an eyebrow. How odd, I didn't have to threaten their lives to make the right decision. Andre walked Bonnett to the door and softly closed it behind him. It was then that Andre let his head fall against the door with a loud thud.
"Can you imagine what we could have done with that amount of money, Andre?" Firmin snapped standing to look out the office window.
"Yes, Firmin I can imagine. But I am also imagining what Le Fantôme de l'Opéra will do to us if we went against his wishes and let Veronique take the role," Andre said rather grimly.
Firmin nodded his head. "Oui, you are right old friend."
I leaned against the wall that was behind me, well damn, I thought. Those fools weren't as foolish as I thought… With odd satisfaction, I left from behind the wall.
I was sitting before the fire, where boredom had been screaming my name, until I found my old books I had written poetry in. It was 8 in the evening, and I had three hours until I got to see Josephine. I sighed heavily and turned another page. The title of the poem I had written caught my eye.
'Assombrissement De L'âme'
I sighed again and pinched the bridge of my nose; I wrote this poem after Christine was let free… I opened my eyes and scanned the first sentence.
Je vois venir de la mort
Mystérieuse mais attirante... I then read it out loud.
"I see death coming,
Mysterious but attractive...
I see an eternal pain,
Such as an incision in this body so pale...
"My life was made of
Unbearable agonies...
Loneliness was
My only perspective...
Weariness, a bitter taste of déjà vu,
Haunted my sad mind...
Deprived of any joy...
Lost in a parallel world,
I dreamt of diving deep
Into a dark abyss...
What provides life with relief?
Is the shadow of death...
Now, it's death
That I choose here...
That I discover down here
Beyond my trances..."
I turned the page and read on.
"What provides life with relief?
Is the shadow of death...
But yet it's life
That I bitterly regret,
That I abhor down here...
Beyond any pain...
Without relief nor life,
Like a shadow of hope,
One single tear
Among the flames...
While the sinister scenery was agonizing
I wished I could forget that I used to live... "
I reread the last sentence before I closed the book. How my life has changed since I'd written this…
I heard a whimper near the door and started. Standing in the doorway was Josephine. Her eyes were glazed over, and she had a hand pressed to her heart. I stood and dropped the book on the floor. I couldn't believe it; I was so absorbed in reading that I didn't hear her arrival!
I hurried before her, placing my hands on her shoulders. "Josephine, my dear, what is the matter?"
With a worried expression she opened her mouth and closed it again; then she shook her head unable to find the right words. Suddenly she wraps her arms around my waist and squeezed me as hard as she could.
"That poem was… was…" Josephine mumbled into my cravat.
"Horrible?" I chuckled.
"Sad."
"Yes, it is."
"I like it."
"Yes, you - what?" I pulled Josephine to arm's length. Her eyes were puffy and her nose was red. I glared into her eyes; how can she like something so morbid?
"Did you just say you 'like' my poem?"
"You wrote that?"
"Yes, a very long time ago," I grumbled, taking her hand and leading her toward the hearth.
"Did you write it after She left?" Josephine asked softly.
I wasn't able to meet her eyes when she asked this. I could still feel somewhat of an ache deep in my heart as I remembered sitting with a burning candle writing it.
"Yes, but you didn't answer my question."
"Yes, Erik, I do."
My brows knitted together in confusion. "Why?"
"Well, I guess everyone feels that way at some point in their life, Erik. I know I did after my parents died…"
Silence embraced us as we watched the fire, then I realized how early it was.
"How is it that your here so early, Josephine?"
She smiled. "Marraine went to dinner with old friends, so once she left I told Olive where I was going. Olive said she'd tell those who asked about me that I went with Marraine to dinner. I couldn't wait any longer to see you."
At this I felt my body weaken. I pulled Josephine close and held her tight. I breathed in the scent of her hair, lavender and lilac…
"Erik?" she whispered, looking up.
"Yes, love?"
"You are now looking at the second lead of Magic Flute; I am going to be Pamina!" Josephine squealed.
Before I could congratulate her, Josephine wrapped her arms around my neck and pressed her mouth to mine. All thoughts melted away as she deepened the kiss, and I could taste the sweet taste of her mouth.
A/N:TADA! Our Josephine got the lead! As if you didn't all ready know that. What do you think of Josephine's little performance of Swan Lake? I watched the full version on YouTube, it was awesome, and very inspiring. The poem that you read is actually a song by Dark Sanctuary and the song is called Assombrissement De L'âme, the song is in French so I translated the lyics and voila! So if you please, please, please leave your favorite author a review!
