Chapter 26

On Friday night, after the rehearsal Meg and I went shopping for a formal outfit of me to wear in the showcase. Carlotta had been showing hers off in the rehearsal, a mass of frills and ribbons in pale blue. It was nice, if a little over the top.

I had been ignoring her. Or trying to anyway, and I think I'd managed pretty well. Although there had been one moment where Jessie had wrestled a pair of scissors out of my hand, after hearing Carlotta make a remark and I turned holding the implement.

As Meg and I wandered the shops, she asked who I had invited to the showcase.

"Just you, your mum and Erik. Why?"

"No reason. Just wondering. What about this one?" she gestured at a green dress. I shook my head.

"I don't look good in green or purple. And I can't wear blue, Carlotta's is blue."

"What about pink? Like your dress for the masquerade ball?" Meg asked, shifting through racks of dresses.

"Maybe…" I said, looking around at the dresses surrounding me. "Meg… do you think I should invite Dad?"

Her head popped out of a rack to look at me in surprise.

"Really?"

"That's the thing, I don't know! I don't know if I want to see him or not."

"Well. You could just send him a ticket and see if he shows up." Meg said, diving back into the rack. I chewed the inside of my cheek.

"Yeah, maybe. What about this one?" I held a dress up. Meg took one look at it and pulled a face.

"Put it back. Now."

"OK, fine." I said, pushing the dress back.

An hour later I was in despair.

"It should not be this hard to find a dress!" I cried. Meg laughed.

"But this isn't just any dress. This is going to be the dress that makes Carlotta's jaw drop and make Erik's eyeballs pop out of his head." With that incredibly weird mental image I stared forlornly at the dresses.

"I don't think that dress is here."

"Of course it is. You sit here. I will find your dress." Meg said, pushing me at a chair. I closed my eyes and moaned at my aching feet.

"Meg, come on… can't we just grab one?"

"No we can not!" Meg said crossly.

"I'm tired." I whined. Meg glared at me.

"Christine, do you want to win this contest?"

"Well… yeah, I guess so…"

"Then you're going to have to find the right dress! Now stop moaning!"

"I don't like crazy shopping Meg." I mumbled. Meg grinned.

"She's not too fond of moany Christine, either."

I laughed and said,

"OK, fine. Another hour, and then I'm going home!"

"Deal. Now get looking!"

I stood and started to sift through another rack. Meg was chattering but to be honest I wasn't really listening. I was thinking about Dad.

We found the right dress eventually. I was on the point of screaming at Meg that I was going home when she gave a triumphant shout.

"Got it!"

"You've found one?"

"No, I've found the one!" She said, brandishing a dress at me. I stared at it. Dark red, a satiny material, strapless.

"What do you think?" Meg asked excitedly. I smiled.

"If I had a hat I would take it off to you."

"Go and try it on!" she said, pushing me towards the changing rooms.

I made a decision when I left Meg outside the shopping centre. I drove straight over to the auditorium, where they were selling tickets for the showcase. Mrs Lewis smiled vaguely at me.

"Hello Christine. Did you forget something?"

"No. I was wondering if I could buy another ticket."

"Of course." I gave her the money and she handed me the ticket.

"Thanks Mrs Lewis."

"Get plenty of rest for tomorrow. You're going to be wonderful." Mrs Lewis smiled. I smiled back.

"I'll do my best."

After that I rode to the hospital. I went straight to the gift shop and bought an envelope. I slipped the ticket in and wondered if I should write a note. I decided against it, merely writing, Mr Daae on the front of the envelope. Then I went to the ward and looked through the door. Dad's bed was empty. He must be in a session, I realised. That was good. I opened the door and looked around. Joseph Buqet was reading a magazine. I crossed to him.

"Mr Buqet?"

"What? Oh… your Charles' daughter, aren't you?" he said, rather confused. I nodded quickly.

"I was wondering if you could give this to my father." I handed him the envelope and he nodded.

"He'll back in ten minutes, if you want to hang around." He told me, but I shook my head quickly.

"No, I…. I have to go. But… could you tell him that… that I hope he comes."

"Sure." He said. I smiled gratefully and left.

"Find a dress?" Erik asked when I got home. I nodded.

"Yeah, eventually. Meg is one scary shopper." He smiled and I said, taking off my jacket,

"I went to the hospital."

Erik looked at me quickly and I shook my head.

"I didn't see him. But… I left him a ticket for the concert."

"Good." Erik said. I smiled.

"You mean it?"

"Yes. I think it's a good idea."

"I'm so glad you said that!" I laughed. Erik smiled and kissed me. I smiled.

"You're going to love the dress. It's gorgeous. Meg may be crazy, but she's got a good eye."

"I'll trust her judgement then." Erik said as we went down into the kitchen. I put the kettle on and said, as I got mugs out,

"I'm actually quite looking forward to this."

"Good. Otherwise you would not perform to your full potential." Erik said briefly. I laughed and said,

"I'll have you know that I'm going to sing my heart out tomorrow night and if I don't, you are perfectly free to yell your head off at me."

"I have no intention of yelling my head off." He said, clearly amused at my way of putting it, "Because I know that you will do your best and that you will be wonderful."

I smiled at him. I was in a much better mood now.

"Aw. I knew there was a reason I love you so much." I grinned. His eyebrow went up, as it always did when he was amused.

"You mean other than my tea-making skills?" he said, filling the pot with hot water. I laughed.

"That definitely adds to it. As well as your music."

"I thought the music might come into it somewhere." He said, his eyebrow still arched. I smiled and watched him out of the corner of my eye.

"Well… as well as being a good kisser."

He dropped the spoon he had been holding and I snorted.

"Really, Christine." He said, in a mixture of embarrassment, pleasure and disapproval.

"Really, Erik." I said, in a mockery of the same tone. He looked at me frankly and I smiled innocently.

"Christine, you can be quite ridiculous at times." He told me. I pulled a face.

"What's the harm in that? Sometimes you need to be ridiculous. You can't take life too seriously."

"I've not found that to be a problem since you entered my life." He commented. I smiled sweetly.

"See? Life is better if you can laugh at it once in a while."

"I wouldn't dream of laughing at you, my dear." He said, a sly smile creeping across his face.

I laughed and said,

"Well, I'll change that. You don't laugh nearly enough."

"And what do you plan to do?" he asked, looking at me sideways. I tapped my chin with a finger.

"Well… I don't suppose you're ticklish?"

"Not in the slightest." He said dryly. I shrugged.

"Jokes don't seem like your kind of thing."

"The punch lines generally escape me." he commented. I considered him for a moment.

"Hmm… have you ever seen Monty Python?"

"In case you haven't noticed, I don't possess a television." He told me.

"We'll have to do something about that. You haven't lived until you've seen Monty Python. I swear, you will laugh at least once."

"Do you think so?" he said, clearly not convinced.

"I do. In fact, I'm going to have to organise for you to see some. And do you know why?"

He glanced at me and then decided to indulge me.

"Why?"

"Because nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!" I said cheerfully, pouring tea.

I think Erik decided that it was better just not to ask.

Rehearsals started at ten the next morning. I drove down on my bike, with Meg. She was terrified of riding my bike, saying that I was a crazy motorist.

"I am not! I'm a perfectly good driver. I'm just enthusiastic." I told her haughtily. She looked doubtful and I stuck my tongue out.

"Come on, or we'll be late!"

As it happened we arrived perfectly on time. Professor Sandsmark waved me towards the changing room.

"No time to get changed! We just want to run through so we can get the planners in here to decorate!" she said busily. I hung my dress in the wardrobe, next to Jessie's. She smiled at me.

"Excited?"

"Absolutely! I can't wait!"

"Me neither! I just hope I do OK." She said, chewing her thumbnail. I smiled.

"You're going to be amazing, Jessie. Don't worry."

"Thanks Christine. You're going to be incredible. Is your family coming?" I looked around to make sure that Carlotta wasn't nearby and said,

"Well… the thing is, I'm not actually talking to my dad at the moment. He thinks Erik is taking advantage of me. He even sent the police after us, saying I was being held against my will. He took it all back, but I haven't actually spoken to him since. But I dropped a ticket off at the hospital yesterday. So it's just a case of seeing whether or not he shows up, I guess."

"Wow…" Jessie said. I nodded.

"Yeah. But Erik is coming, and so are Meg and her mum."

"Erik's coming?" Jessie asked, smiling. I nodded and grinned.

"Yeah. He's my singing thing. He has to be there!"

Carlotta bustled into the changing room as I explained to Jessie what a 'singing thing' was. I ignored her, but she cast a look in my direction and muttered to a friend. They both laughed. I muttered something to Jessie and we both burst out laughing as well. Carlotta stared at us and then walked away in a huff. I winked at Jessie and said,

"Knew that would work. I like your dress by the way."

"Thanks. I bought it ages ago, just been looking for an excuse to wear it!" she laughed. It was a lovely cream coloured dress, beautifully embroidered. I gestured at my own dress.

"Meg made me go out and buy a dress. I didn't have anything, apart from the dress I wore to the Masquerade Ball. And that seemed a little too much for this."

"Oh, that pink dress? I saw that at the ball, it was gorgeous!" Jessie said admiringly. I laughed and told her about how I had fallen down the stairs in it.

"I always seem to do that when I'm trying to be graceful. God, I hope that doesn't happen tonight!" I said, fear striking me.

Jessie laughed.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine. Just concentrate on Erik. Maybe he can be your 'remaining upright' thing as well as your singing thing."

"I'll have to check his job description, but I think I can get away with it!" I laughed. Mrs Lewis bustled in and peered around.

"Come along girls, we're starting." She said, chirpily. Jessie and I followed her out, laughing happily.

After rehearsals Meg, Jessie and I went for a coffee. Whilst I was ordering someone said,

"Hey Christine." I glanced around and saw Raoul. I smiled, albeit somewhat awkwardly.

"Hi Raoul. How are you?"

"Can't complain. You?"

"Excited. I'm in the showcase tonight."

"So I've heard. Got my ticket ready." He said, patting his pocket. I laughed.

"You're not serious? You're actually going?"

"Of course. It's going to be a great show. When are you on?"

"Oh, right at the very end. I'm hoping that they've put me there to save the best for last, and not because if they put me further in everyone will run away." I grinned.

Raoul laughed.

"You'll be great, you always are."

"Thanks Raoul."

"No problem. See you later." I waved to him as I joined the other two. Meg eyed me.

"Did you just have a civil conversation with Raoul?"

"Yes, Meg. Unlike you, I'm capable of remaining on speaking terms with my exes." I said, somewhat bitchily, I admit. Meg took it in good humour though.

"Christine, I've got so many exes I can't remember half of their names!" We all laughed and Jessie said,

"It's good that you still get on though, you and Raoul. He's a nice guy."

"He is. I hope he find someone who can really appreciate him." I said, stirring my coffee.

"Oh he will. He's got that adorable, puppy-dog look. Girl's go crazy for that." Meg said casually. I smiled.

"Yeah, it got me."

"Until Erik?" Jessie asked with a smile. I grinned helplessly.

"Hey, he's like my bike. A love at first sight thing."

"Didn't you call him weird when you got back from your interview?" Meg asked. I pulled a face.

"I believe the phrase I used was 'extremely gorgeous, but seriously scary'. And he is, even now. But I wouldn't have him any other way."

Meg and Jessie both went, 'Awwwww'. I laughed and sipped my coffee. After a moment I said,

"I'd better be getting home soon. I want to go through my piece for a while before tonight."

"Don't do too much, OK? You've got to make sure you're well rested."

"I will be." I promised.

Erik ran me through the song a couple of times before telling me to rest my voice.

"Let's not overdo it, shall we?"

"OK." I agreed, putting the sheet music into my bag. I started to pace the room, my nerves building. Erik watched me for a while before saying,

"You're panicking."

"Am not."

"Yes, you are." He said, standing up and putting his hands on my shoulders from behind to make me stand still. I sighed.

"Fine. Maybe I'm panicking a little."

He smiled slightly and I closed my eyes.

"OK, a lot. What's your point?"

"You need to get rid of your nervous energy." He told me. I smiled.

"And how, Erik Lavonne, do you suggest I do that?"

"Well… you could try drinking less coffee and coming for a walk." He said. I laughed at him and said,

"OK. A walk it is."

When we got back from the walk, it was almost time for us to go. Erik drove us and I sat in the car, clutching my bag.

"Have you got everything?" he asked.

"Yes. Have you got your ticket?"

"Of course."

We walked up the steps to the auditorium. We stopped outside the door, as I had to go around the back, and looked at each other. He smiled gently.

"You'll be amazing."

"Only because I'll have my singing thing." I smiled. He kissed me. This was very helpful with calming my nerves. I told him so and he very obligingly kissed me again.

As we drew apart I smiled.

"I'd better go and get ready."

"Indeed. Are you calm enough?"

"Maybe we'd better make sure." I said cheekily. Erik smirked and kissed me again. When we'd finished he said,

"Now go and get ready."

"OK." I smiled. As I turned, I caught sight of Carlotta and her friend watching us. I turned back to Erik and saw that he was watching them. I shrugged and gave him a smile. He smiled back and kissed me again.

"Go on. I'll meet you afterwards."

"OK. Love you." I told him quietly. He smiled.

"I love you too, Christine. Now go or you'll be late!"

I laughed and started off towards the back entrance. Carlotta and her friend watched in silence and I smiled sweetly at them as I passed. Jessie was already inside, getting ready. I quickly changed into my dress and started to work on my hair. It was quite crowded in the women's changing room, 10 of us all trying to get dressed, do hair and make up and talk excitedly at the same time.

I was putting on my make up when there was a knock on the door.

"Got some flowers that need delivering." Someone called. The door opened and a deliverywoman came in, holding a gorgeous bouquet of red roses. Everyone started to wonder who they were for. A girl called Lydia read the card and looked over at me.

"Christine, they're yours!"

I took the card from her and read it. For Christine, my Angel of Music. I smiled and took the flowers. Jessie smiled.

"Who are they from, as if I didn't need to ask?"

"Erik. Oh, look, they're gorgeous…" I said, smelling the roses. Jessie laughed.

"I've got to get me an admirer and quick! I've never had flowers delivered to me before."

"Neither have I. I didn't know he was sending them, he's so…"

"Romantic." Jessie put in and I smiled helplessly. Several girls come over to look over the flowers in awe and enquire who they were from. Carlotta simply sneered from a distance. She was just jealous that she didn't get a delivery of flowers.

Jessie, who had helped me to tie my hair back, suggested putting one of the roses in my hair. I agreed readily and she tucked one behind my ear.

"There. Perfect." She said in satisfaction and stood back. I put the flowers in a vase to keep them fresh and read the card again, smiling like a schoolgirl. Jessie glimpsed the card.

"Angel of Music?"

"Yeah… it's a song my parents wrote. Erik and I sometimes sing it. It sort of became a nickname we call each other by."

"Aw… you'd better hold onto that one, Christine. He's one in a billion." Jessie told me. I laughed.

"I have no intention of letting Erik go."

"I suppose you think everybody's impressed by a few flowers, don't you?" Carlotta's sneering voice said. I rolled my eyes and turned to face her.

"I couldn't give a damn what everybody thinks, Carlotta. Least of all what you think."

"Well, not all of us are slutty enough to sleep with older men and expect presents from it." Carlotta smirked. I didn't rise to it. I simply lifted an eyebrow, something I had clearly picked up from Erik, and said,

"Well, not all of us are idiotic enough to believe every rumour they hear."

"I saw you outside with him, you little whore. What is he, ten years older than us? What does he see in you, other than you being easy?" Carlotta spat.

"Eight years actually. And I guess you wouldn't understand the basic principles of a loving relationship, never having had a long-term boyfriend, would you Carlotta?" I asked sharply. Carlotta grimaced furiously.

"At least I don't sleep with the first old man who comes my way!"

"At least I can find a man!"

"Whore!" she spat.

"Loser!" I replied swiftly.

"Gold-digger!"

"Bitch!"

She lost her temper and shouted,

"At least I'll actually have a family coming to watch me tonight! I see the only person who bothered to watch you was that freakish old man!"

"And who do you suggest comes to watch me? What family do I actually have?" I argued back. Carlotta glared at me.

"You have parents, don't you? Or did they disown you for being a slut?"

"And which parents do you think I should invite? My dead mother or my hospitalized father?" I half shouted.

Carlotta stared at me. She hadn't known, I realised. She didn't know. I swallowed hard and said quietly,

"I don't care what you think, Carlotta. I have never cared what you think about me. But if you ever bring up my mother again, you will regret it."

And then I left the room. Jessie followed me and I said,

"I shouldn't have done that."

"It doesn't matter. Come on, it'll be starting soon." And, after taking a few calming breaths, I followed her back in. Carlotta was standing on the opposite side of the room but I ignored her. Instead I went and sat at a table, the scent of the roses filling the air.

A/N: OK, the showcase will be next chapter! As usual, thank you for the wonderful reviews. I read and appreciate every single one. You guys are the best! And as for the Monty Python thing... I don't know. I was just trying to imagine Erik's reaction to watching Monty Python!