The Fledgling Takes Flight
As the orchestra continued to play, Marigold stood still as a statue waiting for the long-anticipated moment. Christine had kept on her ivory gown for the gala and was about to make her way to the box seat where Erik was. She gave Marigold a kiss on the forehead and whispered, "Bonne chance, ma fille." She made her way to the hall and stood on the other side of the curtain to the box seat, waiting for the opportune moment.
Marigold stood waiting until she felt something draped around her neck. She looked down to find a beautiful golden oval locket and soft hands gently turning her around, only to face Frans' smiling face.
"Oh, you look beautiful, my love," Frans said, looking at her enchantingly.
"Thank you, Frans." She smiled and gently touched the locket.
"That was my mother's. Grandfather gave it to me after she died. I hoped you would like to wear it."
"It's beautiful."
Just as the orchestra finished, Frans was just about to walk out to the stage until he turned around and gave Marigold a gentle kiss. "You'll be glorious, my lovely girl." he said. Marigold's mask hid the blushes on her cheeks. Behind the curtain, he led Marigold to the center of the stage, gave her one last smile, and disappeared behind the curtain to the front of the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great privilege to announce the charming young lady who will be making her singing debut at the Clasir Theatre tonight. She will be singing an aria titled Love Never Dies which was written by her father. I present to you, Mademoiselle Marigold Renaud."
Erik felt his heart stop and his breath go still. Marigold was to sing the aria he wrote for Christine?! He looked utterly confused even when Christine emerged from behind the curtain to take her seat next to him. She smiled knowingly at him.
"Would you care to explain to me what this is all about?" he asked.
"Erik, I decided that Marigold should sing the aria. She has been despondent about choosing an aria for this gala, so I felt that this would give her the confidence she needs. And she was so much happier when I did. That is all that matters to me."
"But, Christine, can she sing it?"
"Have faith in her, Erik."
They turned their attention to the stage when the curtain rose up. Behind Marigold was a beautiful background of yellow wings to give her the image of canary wings surrounding her. Marigold stood aglow under the spotlight as the light shined on the glittering shimmer of her yellow gown. She looked out at the audience as they gazed at her in wonder. Erik took a long look at the dress she was wearing and looked at Christine. "Isn't that…is she wearing your..." he asked. Christine smiled and nodded.
As the music began, she carefully undid the strings of her mask and took it off for the audience to see her face. She looked up toward the box and saw her parents gazing down on her. She saw her father looking intently at her. To her relief, he didn't look angry but she knew he would ask for an explanation from her later.
Then, she looked over at Frans who was standing at the stage left wings, looking lovingly at her and nodding his head to show his encouragement. Until at last, when her cue arrived, she found her voice.
Who knows when love begins, Who knows what makes it start
One day it's simply there, Alive inside your heart.
It slips into your thoughts, It infiltrates your soul
It takes you by surprise, Then seizes full control
Try to deny it, And try to protest
But love won't let you go, Once you've been possessed
Love never dies, Love never falters
Once it has spoken, Love is yours
Love never fades, Love never alters
Hearts may get broken, Love endures
Hearts may get broken, Love endures
And soon as you submit, Surrender flesh and bone,
That love takes on a life, Much bigger than your own
It uses you at whim, And drives you to despair
And forces you to feel, More joy than you can bear
Love gives you pleasure, And love brings you pain
And yet when both are gone, Love will still remain
Once it has spoken, Love is yours
Love never dies, Love never alters
Hearts may get broken, Love endures
Hearts may get broken
Love never dies, Love will continue
Love keeps on beating, When you're gone
Love never dies, Once it is in you
Love may be fleeting, Love lives on
Love is enduring, Love lives on
She closed her eyes and was nearly deafened by a sound. It almost sounded like the sound of heavy rain on a metal roof, but then this sound came with sounds of people shouting. She opened her eyes to find the audience standing from their seats with a thunderous applause. Cries of "Bravo!" filled the theatre. Her heart raced wildly as she smiled and took her bow.
Erik and Christine were on their feet applauding her. Christine looked over at Erik, who simply stood silently clapping his hands. But Christine could see beneath his mask, tears had fallen from his eyes.
As Marigold took a final bow, the curtain came down and Frans ran over to her, scooped her up in his arms and swung her around him, laughing heartily. He then set her down, kissed her deeply and gave her a white rose. "Oh, my lovely girl! You were wonderful!"
"Oh Frans, my dear!" was all she could say in the moment of absolute bliss.
Meanwhile, as the audience adjourned, Christine stood in front of Erik who calmly looked at her as she searched his face for any signs of reaction.
"Well, what did you think of her?" she asked.
"There's only one word I can think of to describe her performance," he said.
"And what is that?"
He smiled. "Radiance."