A New Opera
AN- I just got a weekend job as a librarian right, and it was funny `cause that same day, I was bored so I popped 'The Music Man' DVD in and my favorite scene happens to be 'Marian the librarian'. I just cant imagine people dancing in the library, or that many people in the library! Well uh, my usual thanks to the usual people.
Raoul- And even some unusual reviewers. And some flamers...
Moi- Yes, yes of course.
Raoul- What can I do, my dear, to catch, your ear, I love you madly, madly Madame librarian! Marian... Er, uh, what can I say, my dear, to make it clear, I need you badly, badly Madame librarian...
Moi- You're very flattering but lets not waste the people's time, darling.
Christine sighed as she entered the opera house, fixing her skirts and untying the ribbon under her hat. She slipped of the bonnet like shield, the blue satin smooth in her un-gloved hands. It had been a gift from her husband, and she dearly treasured it.
She made her way across the building, smiling at Bernard, who sat outside the mangers office and asked the men if a guest was welcome. She fished in her bag and showed him her letter. He nodded at her politely and went in, muffled conversation could be heard, then he returned, handing her the paper back.
"You may go in, Mademoiselle."
She laughed lightly at the title and entered. "Messieurs, I'll have you know that I am no longer Mlle, as I was addressed by both your letter and doorman."
Perplexed, Andre sputtered. "Forgive us, er Madame. Please, have a seat."
To her utter surprise, Firmin pulled out a chair, smiled as she sat, and pushed it in gently. "Are you well, Messieurs?"
"Splendidly," Firmin assured her. "Now then, when do we meet this husband of yours?"
She smiled. "Why, when he gives you the new opera!"
They stared at her. "New opera?" Andre asked.
"Why yes Monsieur, my darling husband has composed you one."
Firmin grinned. "That was kind of him, Madame! I suppose he knows of our fall in for a new production?"
"Oui monsieur, and he has even offered to do the conducting, as it is a bit... Newly fashioned." She eyed both men, who were nearly drooling over the desk.
Andre laughed. "You know us too well, Madame!"
She raised a brow in false confusion. "Pardon?"
"Madame, you know we could never refuse!"
She smiled. "I suppose not. Now then, why did you call me in?"
Firmin waved it off. "Never mind it is settled. Now, what is the name of this opera?"
"The Burning Rose, messieurs."
They grinned madly. "Very dramatic! Well madame, when can you bring in a manuscript?"
She grinned, leaning over the desk and nearly whispering. "When I have your promise."
"Yes?" Andre urged.
"That you will not betray, berate, or try to kick Erik out of this or cheat him, you will not obey the vicomte no matter what and you will do exactly as he says, no questions asked."
"Erik?" Firmin asked. "Yes you have our promise. Erik, Erik, where have I..." He froze just as he finished signing her document, which Andre had already signed. "No."
"What Firmin? The lady's husband's name is Erik."
"Giles," He said, looking at his partner. "Le Fantome's name is Erik."
Andre gaped at Christine, who was smiling broadly. "I see that the two of you have spoken to Madame Giry as the letter from my husband suggested," She paused. "I'm glad. Au revoir, gentlemen."
"Christine, have you seen the first page of the Overture?"
"Yes, it's on the mantle." She called, finishing her work in the kitchen.
"How did the meeting go?" He asked, setting about getting the music.
"Well, they signed it and obviously got and obeyed your letter. Now we have but to wait for Raoul to jump in."
He chuckled. "Have you seen the morning paper?"
"No, why?" She came out, wiping her hands on her apron, causing him to smile with pride at the image.
"He and Meg Giry were married yesterday."
She froze, her smile melting away. "Oh?"
He chuckled again, setting down his sheets and moving to her, wrapping her in his arms. "You aren't jealous are you?"
"No! I just don't want Meg to get into the middle of this!"
He sighed, kissing her forehead. "Sometimes we must sacrifice to gain."
She went nearly limp. "Yes, but Meg and I have been friends for some time. I would hate to lose her."
He nodded and kissed her now tear salty lips. "Do not worry cherie, it will all work out eventually."
She sighed, smiling and kissing him. "I hope so."
"Christine, Christine have you heard?"
She laughed as Meg came running to hug her. "Yes Meg, who hasn't? Congratulations."
Meg smiled, her eyes hitting Christine's ring. "You too, I see. Erik?"
Christine nodded. "Yes, amie, but lets not discuss that. Did you enjoy the honeymoon?"
"Oh greatly, have you heard we're doing a new opera?"
"Of course, Erik wrote it."
"And they agreed to do it?"
Christine smiled smugly. "Never you mind, you just get the ballet right!"
Meg smiled, hugging her once again. "Christine, no matter what, I will always be your friend. Even if Raoul gave me considerable reason not to. If anyone. You are perfect."
She frowned. "Alas amie, I am not. But thank you, I feel the same."
Short and sweet, r and r. Later
C.Daaerre