4-20-05

An update? GASP! Yeah, I haven't been able to write for a while since I got my wisdom teeth out. When you get your wisdom teeth out, you really don't feel like writing. Sad, but true. So, now that I am better, I can FINALLY get chapter two up. Yay .

Chapter Two: Think of Him Fondly

Christine

Although that should have been a joyous day for me as I was to become a new star at the Opera Populaire, my mind was on the well being of Carlotta and the mysterious person. Did Carlotta know this person? Who was it that who hated Carlotta so? Have I met them before?

Questions hastily flooded my mind with no answer. The more I thought and the more I tried to answer, the more frustrated I became.

You mustn't think of such things now, a voice in my head echoed to me. This is your one big night. Concentrate…

I slumped in my chair in the dark dressing room. I sighed and starred at the floor, lost in thought. I know, another voice said in my mind. But it is such a serious situation. What could have possibly-?

I shook my head vigorously. No, I couldn't let my mind slip away into daydreaming. Not now. Not before the most important night of my life.

Abruptly, my stream of thoughts was broken when a voice whispered in my ear.

"Christine…" It called softly.

Frightened, I quickly stood and turned around. My eyes darted around the room; my head turned in every way, yet there was not a soul in sight. Fear quickly took hold of my body. Who was this voice?

"Christine…" It whispered again.

My throat was tight, but I spoke. "M-Master? Is…that you?" When I asked the simplex question, I glanced at my hand to notice it was shaking. Why was this? He must have noticed it, too, for he questioned me.

"Child, why do you shake in the presence of me? Do you fear me?" I was afraid he would take this affront, so I replied as quickly as I could, although more to myself than a professor.

"No, of course not…. Well, you just startled me." At these simple words, my fear slightly left me. It was almost as if when I said these words, they would become true. I swallowed once again and smiled as I starred at the floor.

The voice was hushed. I had feared my tutor had left in ire, for he did not speak again. I breathed in deeply. The thoughts were flooding back into my mind. What is he doing here? Did I anger him? Why do I fear him?

After a moment of thoughts, he spoke. "Good luck tonight." At that, I heard no more.

For a few moments, I stood in my solitude. The silence of my mind was dire, yet extravagant. The feelings I felt now were confusing and new. What was wrong with me?

X

My final note was strong and pure as I stood on that vast stage. I did not want the singing to end, yet the orchestra had come to a stop, as did I. At that very moment, the dark congregation burst into applaud, and I could not help but to find myself beaming toward them. The introspection filled my mind with positive feeling. This crowd was applauding, not for the chorus girl I once was, but for the fresh star of the opera house. The feeling of their clapping gave me great respect for myself.

My grin grew bigger as I had seen the many roses falling to my feet in excellence. Was this all for me? I questioned in my head. This feeling is so surreal. I am not the girl I once knew.

The dimming lights brought my mind back to reality. I gently curtsied at the cheers at last, for the curtain began to close. I glanced around at the audience mindlessly, and that is when an awkward feeling stuck me at that moment. The feeling someone had heard my tune. They had heard me sing all evening. It felt different from the audience, as if someone dear to me had heard.

I felt drawn to them. Warmth filled my body. With that, one thought filled my head: I must go to them quickly.