Chapter 9: Think of Me Fondly

Christine stretched backstage and watched the familiar dancers do their positions. She flashed back into her own days as a dancer, her fun she had with Meg. She continued to stretch despite the fact she was only singing. A singer's body, Erik had taught her, was much like a dancers: a fine tuned instrument.

This instrument must be maintained at all times. Becoming lazy and fat like Carlotta took a toll on how you could control your instrument. Your diaphragm worked the air through your voice and kept your throat from strain. She'd learned so much from her beloved.

Madame Giry walked by and patted her on the back.
"Good luck, my dear."

Christine nodded and adjusted her dress. She'd refused to wear the giant headdress that Carlotta wore before, but instead wore her hair in a long braid, threaded with ribbons cascading down her back. Her makeup was still thick, but not gaudy like most. She walked by Meg and lightly tapped her shoulder.

"Good luck, Meg. Here's to nostalgic performances."

"You too, Christine. I'm sure you'll do well too."

The music for the overture started and the ballet girls ran out in their chains. Christine put on her most convincing haughty look and walked out. The crowd cheered. The Opera was back.

Carlotta put on her most demure gown and flounced her hair in the mirror. She stared at her marvelous reflection. If that freak thought that he and his wife would take away her spotlight, they were mad. She would always be Clarissa. No one could take her place.
She glanced into the back of the parlor at her husband Piangi. He was straightening his tie and looking very nervous. Truth be told, so was she. He'd almost been killed by that maniac three years ago. She watched him rub at his neck before she huffed out a breath.
"Piangi, andiamo."
"Si, si, si. Ma, primo…" He held her waist and gently kissed her cheek. She touched the spot.
"Un baccio, per me?" She was surprised at his spontaneous kiss. He nodded.
Arm in arm they walked out, ready to go out on to the opera scene. To an onlooker, one might sigh at how cute the married couple could be. But if you knew their thoughts, you'd soon realize that no one could see what they had in store.
When they did arrive, they nodded civilly to people. Some recognized them, others shied away. But there was a buzz about the opening. And hushed whispers of fear. No one wanted to be trampled again in a fiery opera. But it was too wonderful to resist.
The pomp and glamour. The intrigue and romance. The fear and death.
Carlotta took her seat in a box reserved normally for her friends watching her on the stage. She glanced over at box 5 and sneered. She hoped that thing was there.

Erik hoped that thing was there. Watching his Christine beat the pants out of her. He lurked in the shadows of Box 5, an excited Clarissa in his lap. She stirred and twirled and tried to get away, but he held her fast on his lap. She whimpered but he only gave her a lollipop, with which she stuck in her mouth and happily sucked away.
He spotted Carlotta just as she did him. They both glared. He could see her ugly blue dress flashing in the gas light, she could see the flash of a white mask. He would need to watch her very carefully tonight.
Just as he wondered if not bringing his lasso was a mistake, the music started. The audience burst with applause and the overture was played. When in commenced, Christine swaggered onstage in a gaudy red gown. She must've been taking lessons from Carlotta.
"These trophies! From our saviors…."
Clarissa jumped up in her seat.
"Papa! It's Mama! Ohhh, pretty Mama!" She chattered to herself and Erik listened with half an ear.

Little did they know that someone was lurking behind the box waiting for their attention to be diverted at the right time. Little did that lurker know that box 5 was for Phantom's only. Little did Carlotta know that her plan might just have gone off course.