ghostwritten2, EmeraldHeather, and guest: Thank you so much for your wonderful comments! You have no idea how much I look forward to reading what you have to say! I appreciate everyone showing the love for Meg :D
I also would like to thank findinghiddenisles who PMed me this: "I'm not a big fan of HS AUs but your piece is a hoot and has some wonderful scenes. I'm so glad you have 10 chapters in already! You're a great writer!" This means so much to me after being in writing hibernation for a very long time! :D
And thank you to all who continue to read and enjoy this little AU.
Full disclosure (again): Sadly for me, I do not and cannot speak French. Also sadly for me, I do not and cannot write or read French. All French dialogue is completely from Google Translate: English to French. Therefore, if there are mistakes, inaccuracies, or full out "it's all wrong" dialogue, I apologize in advance! I provided the English dialogue in italics below the French.
Inspired by ofbeautsandbeasts creation and cannon. As always, with gratitude and love, my friend.
"Bonjour monsieur et mademoiselles! Nous avons un nouvel étudiant! Elle se présentera à la classe, et ensuite nous commencerons Free conversation vendredi!"
Good afternoon monsieur and mademoiselles! We have a new student! First, she will introduce herself to the class, and then we shall begin Free Conversation Friday! Monsieur Debienne announced with excitement.
He motioned for Christine to stand.
"Mademoiselle, veuillez vous présenter et nous dire un petit quelque chose sur vous."
Mademoiselle, please introduce and tell us a little something about yourself.
Christine was nervous. She always hated introductions; especially when it came to being in front of a class. What made it even more nerve-racking was having him being so physically close to her.
"Je m'appelle Christine Daae. Ma mère était française. J'ai vécu en France de deux à huit ans. Mon père jouait du violon dans quelques orchestres en Europe quand j'étais plus jeune."
My name is Christine Daae. I lived in France from two to eight years old. My mother was French, and my father played violin in a few orchestras in Europe when I was younger.
Unsure of what else to say, Christine stood silent.
"Jouez-vous aussi?"
Do you play? Monsieur Debienne asked enthusiastically.
"Je joue du violon, d'autres instruments à cordes et du piano, mais pas très bien, j'en ai peur."
I play the violin, some other string instruments and the piano, but not very well, I'm afraid.
Erik did his best to contain his emotions as he dissected the information she shared.
"She lived in France?!...She can play the piano?!...Her father played for more than one orchestra?"
My mother was French…
"Was French...both her father and mother are...deceased?...I...I made such terrible assumptions about her life!"
He felt deeply remorseful.
"Ah! Peut-être qu'un jour vous jouerez pour nous, ici en classe ... l'un des grands musiciens français, bien sûr!" Monsieur Debienne responded jokingly.
Ah! Perhaps one day you will play for us, here in class...one of France's great musicians, of course!
"Bien sûr!"
Of course! Christine responded weakly smiling.
"Une question complémentaire, Mademoiselle Daae, vous avez dit que votre père jouait avec quelques orchestres?"
One follow-up question, Miss Daae, you said your father played with a few orchestras? Monsieur Debienne inquired.
"Oui. Il était membre de l'Orchestre Philharmonique de Vienne, de l'Orchestre National de France, du Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra d'Amsterdam et du London Symphony Orchestra. Aux États-Unis, le New York Philharmonic et le Boston Philharmonic Orchestras."
Yes. He was a member of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Orchestra of France, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam, and the London Symphony Orchestra. In the United States, the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Philharmonic Orchestras.
Erik's mind reeled over what she said.
"Her father...truly was an accomplished musician...there is no doubt that she inherited his talent!"
"Comme c'est extraordinaire! Merci, Mademoiselle Daae! Vous pouvez être assis. Classe, il est maintenant temps pour vous de vous présenter et de poser des questions à Mademoiselle Daae 'apprendre à vous connaître'!"
How extraordinary! Thank you, Mademoiselle Daae! You may be seated. Class, now it is time for you to introduce yourselves and ask Mademoiselle Daae 'getting to know you questions'!
Cari tossed her long thick dark auburn hair over her shoulder as stood up with gusto.
"Bonjour, Christine. Je m'appelle Carlotta Giudicelli. Mes amis m'appellent "Cari." Je suis une personne âgée. J'aime chanter et jouer. Je suis le président du Theatre Club."
Good afternoon, Christine. My name is Carlotta Giudicelli. My friends call me "Cari." I am a senior. I enjoy singing and acting.I am the President of Theater Club.
Christine tensed. She recognized Cari as the girl who was hugging Ubie that gave her a dirty look in the courtyard.
"Je suis désolé, Christine, mais peut-être que je l'ai manqué dans votre introduction à la classe, mais dans quelle année avez-vous dit que vous étiez?"
I'm sorry, Christine, but maybe I missed it in your class introduction, but what grade did you say you were in?
Christine's neck and shoulders further stiffened.
"Le nouveau."
Freshman, she quietly responded.
Cari's fake smile twisted into a smug expression.
"Un étudiant de première année dans une classe AP! Non pas que ce soit inouï, mais c'est assez rare ... il faut être si intelligent pour être ici! Comment avez-vous réussi à y parvenir?"
A freshman in an AP class! Not that it is unheard of, but it is quite rare...you must be so intelligent to be here! How did you manage to pull it off? she condescended.
Erik grew furious over Cari's question, and the tone of her comment. He saw Christine was all ready anxious, and Cari was deliberately making it worse and taking pleasure from it! From where he sat, Christine could not see how he glared at Cari causing her to become uncomfortable. His intimidating eyes grew darker as the amber tones glowed like flames.
Throwing his voice in her ear he angrily hissed, "Sit down now, Carlotta! You are making a complete mockery of yourself!"
She heard the whisper so clearly. Her olive skin blanched and the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Her stage-confident presence facade cracked as she found herself at a loss for words.
"Do as I say, Carlotta, or you will be very sorry. Be a good girl and SIT DOWN!"
Quickly, she sat down.
Completely oblivious to Cari's behavior, Cécile happily stood up.
"Bonjour Christine, je m'appelle Cécile Jammes. Je suis une personne âgée. J'aime danser et je suis membre des clubs de danse et de théâtre."
Hello Christine, my name is Cécile Jammes. I am a senior. I enjoy dancing, and I am a member of the Dance and Theater Clubs.
"Avez-vous d'autres passe-temps ou intérêts?"
Do you have any other hobbies or interests?
Christine looked nervously at the tiny girl. She wasn't sure how to answer given she still felt uncomfortable after Cari's questions.
"Je ... j'aime lire et chanter."
I...I like to read and sing.
"Chanter! Cari adore chanter! Peut-être devriez-vous rejoindre le Theatre Club! Tu ne penses pas, Cari?"
Sing! Cari loves to sing! Perhaps you should join the Theater Club! Don't you think so, Cari?
Still disturbed by the aggressive hissing whisper, Cari attempted a fake smile and nodded her head.
"Oh! Oui, bien sûr qu'elle devrait! Nous aimons toujours avoir de nouveaux membres!"
Oh! Yes, of course! We always love to have new members!
Cécile nodded in agreement with Cari as she took her seat.
An awkward silence fell over the room, causing Monsieur Debienne to speak up.
"Monsieur Belshaw, ne soyez pas impoli avec notre nouvel étudiant! Présentez-vous s'il-vous-plaît!"
Mr. Belshaw, please do not be rude to our newest student! Please, introduce yourself!
Erik dreaded this moment. Remembering when he stood up in orchestra in front of her, he chose to remain seated.
"She was afraid of me...my height...I frightened her...I saw fear in her eyes..."
He quietly spoke in her direction. She turned to look at him as he spoke. When his eyes met her's she saw that he was nervous.
The weird quiet kid...socially awkward...
"Je m'appelle Erik Belshaw. Je suis une personne âgée. Mes intérêts composent et jouent de la musique."
My name is Erik Belshaw. I am a senior. My interests are composing and playing music.
After he finished speaking he quickly averted her eyes.
Monsieur Debienne tried to coax Erik to speak more.
"Monsieur Belshaw, Souhaitez-vous demander quelque chose Mademoiselle Daae?"
Is there anything you wish to ask Mademoiselle Daae?
"Non, je ne."
No, I do not.
Cari and Cécile snickered to each other. To Christine their snicker demonstrated their cruelness towards him.
The...weird quiet...socially awkward kid...
Christine began to feel sorry for Erik.
Monsieur Debienne ignored Cari and Cécile and continued on.
"Très bien. Puis le moment que vous attendiez tous ... Conversation gratuite vendredi! N'oubliez pas que je viendrai et rejoindrai au hasard vos conversations tout au long du cours."
Very well. Then the moment you've all been waiting for...Free Conversation Friday! Remember, I will be coming around and randomly joining your conversations throughout the class time!
Cari and Cécile turned their backs to Erik and Christine.
"Comment osez-vous me mettre sur la sellette comme ça?"
How dare you put me on the spot like that? Cari hissed.
"Quoi? Tu veux dire?"
What? Do you mean?
"' 'Peut-être qu'elle devrait rejoindre un club de théâtre'?! Qu'est-ce qui ne va pas!? Elle est tellement...souriante et manque de talent..."
'Maybe she should join theater club'?! What's wrong with you!? She's so...mousy and lacking talent...
"Elle a dit qu'elle pouvait chanter."
She said she could sing, Cécile defended.
"Ce monstre...avez-vous vu la façon dont il me regardait?! J'ai l'impression d'avoir besoin d'une douche!"
That freak...did you see the way he was looking at me?! I feel like I need a shower!
"Avez-vous...entendu quelque chose quand je faisais mon introduction...quelque chose du tout?"
Did you...hear anything when I was doing my introduction...anything at all?
"Non, Cari...pourquoi?"
No, Cari...why?
"J'ai entendu...je veux dire...je pensais avoir entendu..."
I heard...I mean...I thought I heard…
"Était-ce le fantôme? Cari! Qu'est ce que ça dit?!"
Was it the ghost, Cari?! What did it say?! Cécile asked wide-eyed.
"Le fantôme? Etes-vous sûr...que vous n'avez rien entendu? Rien du tout?"
The...Ghost?...Are you sure...you didn't hear anything? Anything at all?
"Cari! Je n'ai rien entendu...mais si vous le faisiez..."
Cari! I didn't hear anything...but if you did…
"Il n'y a pas de fantôme! C'est juste ridicule!"
There's no ghost! That's just ridiculous! Cari whispered while wildly looking around the room.
"Mais...Cari..."
But...Cari…
"Plus de discours sur un fantôme stupide! Parlons d'autre chose!"
No more talk of some...stupid ghost! Let's talk about something else! Cari rolled her eyes.
"Eh bien...je reçois des mèches dans mes cheveux ce week-end."
Well...I'm getting highlights in my hair this weekend. Cécile began.
"Oooo! Quelle couleur?"
Oooo! What color?
"Je ... je voudrais te parler …"
I...I would like to talk to you…
Still too nervous and unsure to face him, Christine continued to face forward. When she heard his soft, deep voice she closed her eyes and listened; yet, she still could not face him.
When she did not acknowledge him, he began to panic.
"Avez-vous compris ce que je viens de dire?"
Did you not hear me?
When she did not respond, he grew frustrated. Opening his composition book he lowered his voice, and spoke to himself in French.
"Pourquoi est-ce si difficile? Je veux juste dire ... je veux dire …"
Why is this so hard? I just want to say...I mean…
"Je...Je...merde! Je ne sais pas…"
I...I...damn it! I don't know…
"Je ne sais pas quoi, Erik?"
Don't know what, Erik?
Finally, she turned to face him. He anxiously looked at her. When their eyes locked both of their faces flushed.
"Be strong! Remain strong, Christine!" she chastised herself.
"Pourriez-vous au moins me dire pourquoi vous me détestez autant?"
Could you at least tell me why you hate me so much?
Beneath the mask, Erik's face fell.
"Hate you?" breaking from French dialogue, he began to nervously laugh.
"Damn it!"
He never once thought that his actions could be construed as hatred towards her!
He could not escape the sadness in her searching eyes. From the way her bottom lip quivered he realized that she interpreted his nervous laughter as him laughing at her. His blood ran cold as he watched her face grow pink with frustration and her eyes becoming glassy.
"Pourquoi pensez-vous que je vous déteste?"
Why would you think I hate you? he quickly whispered.
"Même maintenant, vous vous moquez de moi! Pensez-vous que je ne suis qu'une petite fille idiote?"
Even now, you're laughing at me! Do you think that I am just some idiot little girl?
Her voice cracked as she tried to find the strength to further confront him.
"Depuis que je t'ai rencontré...hier soir...tu..."
Ever since I met you...just last night...you...
"Tu aimes l'opéra?"
Do you like opera? he quietly interrupted.
"Quoi...qu'est-ce que tu racontes?"
What...what are you talking about?
"Hier soir, je...je vous ai demandé si vous aimiez l'opéra."
Last night, I...I asked you if you liked opera.
"Je...je suis tellement confus. Aujourd'hui...hier soir, vous...vous avez agi comme si vous ne supportiez pas ma vue! S'il vous plaît...dites-moi ce que j'ai fait pour que vous me détestiez autant?"
I...I'm so confused.Today...last night, you...you have acted as though you can't stand the sight of me! Please...tell me what have I done to make you hate me so much?
Her eyes clouded over. He knew he had to answer her quickly or else he would lose her.
"No! No, Christine! Please...don't give up on me! Not now..."
"Christine, je...je ne pourrais jamais te haïr. Jamais!"
Christine, I...I could never hate you. Never!
The emotion behind his voice caused her to feel the same strange warmth rising in her abdomen that she had felt the night before. She brought her hands to her eyes and quickly wiped away her developing tears.
"Alors pourquoi?"
Then why? she breathed.
Again, her eyes locked eyes with his. He felt overwhelmed. He balled his hands into fists on his lap and averted her questioning gaze.
"Parce que ... je suis un lâche."
Because...I am a coward.
She would not look away from him.
"Je...je ne comprends pas..."
I...I don't understand…
Glancing towards her, he saw the confusion in her eyes.
...only you can control your situation. You want a good outcome? Then lead into it with good intentions!
"You idiot! This is all my fault!...MY fault!"
His fists were tense in his lap. Reflexively, he dug his nails into the flesh of his palms, unconsciously tearing open and agitating the tender wound from earlier in the day.
Bringing his hands to the top of the desk, grabbed his pencil and started to fidget. Blood dripped from his hand onto the pages of his composition book.
"Erik, vous vous êtes blessé!" she whispered concerned.
Erik, you've hurt yourself!
Nervously, he looked at her.
"It's...ok...it's nothing," he whispered, trying desperately to hide his hands.
"Damn it!"
"Erik…"
He could feel her eyes on him. He timidly looked at her, fearful that she would harshly judge him, but he was surprised when he saw her eyes filled with such concern.
"Will you let me help you after class?"
He stared at her with astonishment.
"How? After I hurt her...how could she...? Why would she want to help me...?"
A feeling so foreign began to wash over him. She made him feel comfort.
"She truly is an angel! Only an angel would seek to comfort such a...loathsome monster!"
She observed his reaction. When he closed his eyes she could see that he was strongly contemplating what she could only assume were her words. When he opened his eyes he looked at her with such melancholic intensity. His expression took her off guard. She truly could not deny to herself this time that the amber hue in his eyes glowed with the same warmth and somber happiness as the night before; however, the rapid changes in his mood still caused her such confusion.
"I merely asked him a simple question...yet, he is acting as though my words are...so foreign to him! Has no one ever offered to...to help him? That...that can't be! Can it?!...Meg said he had a terrible home life..."
"...a terrible home life…"
"My...God…" she whispered as the realization knifed her through the heart.
Erik overheard her whisper, and saw the distressed look in her eyes.
"Christine? Is something...I mean, have I...have I offended you?"
She warmly smiled at him.
Her smile caused his heart burst with joy.
"Will you let me help you?" she repeated.
He slowly nodded his head as his mind rejoiced.
"She...she's not afraid of me...my beautiful angel."
"Mes amis! Quelles merveilleuses conversations avons-nous?"
My friends! What wonderful conversations are we having?
Pulling up a seat next to them, Monsieur Debienne joined their conversation.
"Bonjour, Monsieur Debienne, Monsieur Belshaw et moi parlions juste de nos opéras préférés."
Hello, Monsieur Debienne, Monsieur Belshaw and I were just talking about our favorite operas, Christine continued to smile.
"Je crois que l'opéra préféré Monsieur Belshaw est Faust. Est-ce exact?"
I believe Monsieur Belshaw's favorite opera is Faust. Is that correct?
His fascination of her blossomed into complete awe. He could not stop himself from smiling under his mask.
"Oui, Mademoiselle Daae était sur le point de me raconter son opéra préféré."
Yes, Mademoiselle Daae was just about to tell me her favorite opera.
"Mon opéra préféré est La Flûte enchantée de Mozart."
My favorite opera is Mozart's The Magic Flute.
"De tels parallèles dans vos intérêts! Parler de ces différences fait d'excellentes conversations!" Monsieur Debienne enthusiastically reacted.
Such parallels in your interests! Talking about these differences make for excellent conversations!
Monsieur Debienne happily added.
"Mademoiselle Daae, pourriez-vous s'il vous plaît...dites-moi…"
Mademoiselle Daae, could you please...tell me…Erik began.
"Excusez-moi, monsieur Belshaw, mais je crois que nous étions sur le point de discuter pourquoi Faust est votre opéra préféré."
Excuse me Monsieur Belshaw, but I believe we were about to discuss why Faust is your favorite opera, she politely interrupted him.
His eyes lit up. She was earnestly seeking his thoughts on Faust! She wanted to listen to him!
"Ce n'est pas tant le Faust de Gounod; plutôt, "Faust, Part One" de Goethe, sur lequel l'opéra est basé, qui m'intrigue."
It is not so much Gounod's "Faust;" rather, Goethe's "Faust, Part One," for which the opera is based that intrigues me.
"Faust est déçu par les connaissances et les résultats obtenus par les moyens naturels de la science. À maintes reprises, il tente et échoue à acquérir de telles connaissances en utilisant la magie. Déprimé par son échec, il envisage le suicide, mais est retenu par le bruit des célébrations de Pâques qui commencent." *
Faust is disappointed by the knowledge and results obtainable by science's natural means. Over and over again he attempts and fails to gain such knowledge by using magic. Dejected by his failure, he contemplates suicide, but is held back by the sounds of the beginning Easter celebrations.*
"Méphistophélès, un agent de Lucifer, propose à Faust un contrat: il fera les offres de Faust sur terre, et Faust fera de même pour lui en Enfer. Faust accepte et signe dans son sang."
Mephistopheles, an agent of Lucifer, offers Faust a contract: he will do Faust's bidding on earth, and Faust will do the same for him in Hell. Faust agrees and signs in his blood.
"Veuillez excuser mon interruption, mais je pense que vous avez omis deux points très importants."
Please excuse my interruption, but I feel you omitted two very important points.
Erik raised his eyebrows, finding himself curious as to what she meant.
"Vous m'avez intriguée, Mademoiselle Daae, continuez s'il vous plaît."
You have me intrigued, Mademoiselle Daae, please continue.
Realizing that she had his complete attention, she felt her cheeks blush. The way he said her name, she couldn't understand why, but it made her feel elated.
"L'intrigue proprement dite commence par un prologue au paradis. Le Seigneur parie à Méphistophélès qu'il ne peut ni tenter ni induire en erreur son chercheur préféré, le Dr Faust *. Je pense que cela met vraiment l'accent sur tout le ton de l'intrigue. Deuxièmement, Faust ajoute une clause secondaire importante à son accord avec Méphistophélès. Méphistophélès doit obtenir une grande forme de satisfaction pour Faust, qui répondrait à ses plus grands désirs." *
The actual plot begins with a prologue in Heaven. The Lord bets Mephistopheles that he cannot tempt or lead astray the His favorite striving scholar, Dr. Faust.*I think that this really emphasizes the entire tone of the plot. Secondly, Faust adds an important side clause to his deal with Mephistopheles. Mephistopheles must obtain some great form of satisfaction for Faust, which would fulfill his greatest desires.*
Without knowing it, she completely captivated him.
"Dès le début, cela montre que Méphistophélès n'est tout simplement pas allé chercher le Dr Faust par ennui; plutôt, le Seigneur a présenté à Méphistophélès un défi."
Right from the beginning it shows that Mephistopheles simply did not go out seeking Dr. Faust out of his own boredom; rather, the Lord presented to Mephistopheles a challenge.
"Mais Faust se rachète par la conclusion du conte ..."
But Faust redeems himself by the tale's conclusion...
"C'est vrai, mais un tel prologue fournit la preuve que le Seigneur savait que Méphistophélès échouerait le défi dès le début. Je pense que cela explique et justifie la conclusion de l'histoire."
True, but such a prologue provides proof that the Lord knew Mephistopheles would fail the challenge from the very beginning. I believe that explains and justifies the tale's conclusion.
"Et leur contrat, alors?"
What of their contract, then? Erik had to know more.
Monsieur Debienne was delighted with their conversation. To see Erik now actively engaged pleased him. He looked up at the clock, and at the sight of the time he abruptly stood up making a class announcement.
"Cela m'attriste vraiment d'avoir à dire cela, mais s'il vous plaît, commencez à mettre fin à vos conversations! Le temps semble s'être éloigné de nous!"
It truly saddens me to have to say this, but please begin to bring your conversations to an end! Time seems to have gotten away from us!
The bell immediately rang after Monsieur Debienne spoke.
Disappointment washed over Erik. He wanted to never leave her side. From the very beginning he knew there was something different about her...something special.
Retreating into his mind, he became lost in his melancholy while he took his leave of the room. As he began to walk out, he felt a touch above his elbow. Hating to be touched, his automatic response was to quickly whip around on his unknown "assailant" and physically defend himself.
Only this time his eyes met her welcoming warm blue ones.
She carefully reached for his left wrist and softly held it with his palm facing up, exposing the freshly dried blood.
Her touch sent goose-bumps up his arm and down the back of his neck as his face flushed.
"Poor Erik, have you forgotten me?"
Citations:
Google Translate. English to French. Google, 2020.
* von Goethe, Johann Wolfgang. "Faust." Wikipedia. Retrieved via Google Search, 2020.