Chapter11: Think of Me

Christine barged trough the theater doors, not even bothering to take off her coat. She entered to find the manager and Lemont shouting. Why not add my two cents, she thought.

"What is the meaning of this Lemont!" He had blond hair, shaggy, not cut very well. His face was very brutish and strong. He looked like he was older than Erik. Her eyes widened at what she just did. She LEFT him! Oh God she felt terrible. Lemont had a smirk on his face. That smug little bastard, she thought with spite.

"I am taking up my concern as a citizen of Paris to have your plays banned from being played. This gentleman here refused so, we are shutting it down." He turned to a man who held a briefcase and took out the papers. "As you can see, now your work will never be played again." He looked at her up and down with a perverted gleam in his twisted eyes. "We can always…come to an arrangement." Christine glared at him. How dare he! Trying to use her career as a means into getting into her bed. She took a deep breath before turning to the manager.

"Monsieur Devereux, would you please hand me my contract." Both men looked at her dumbfounded. The manager was trying to express his concerns.

"Mademoiselle Louver, you can't be thinking of jeopardizing your career for us. We'll get by, don't worry." She placed a hand on his shoulder, and gave him a thoughtful smile.

"Monsieur Devereux, you were the only one who would even look at my plays, and I thank you for letting me perform them here. I could never take this place away from you, no matter the costs. So please," she extended her hand for the paper, "my contract." He looked at her sadly then rummaged through his own briefcase before finding it. Hesitantly, he handed it to her. She smiled down at the print then looked to Rumen.

"Un fiammifero per favore." He took one out of his pocket and handed it to her. She stepped over to Lemont with the match in her hand. Smiling sweetly, she brought her hand up, only to strike the match on his unshaven face. He yelped at the sharp burn and she smiled. Taking one last look around, Christine smiled at everyone in there. The contract was up in flames. She threw it to the floor as it burned up before them. She gave the man a cold glare before turning to the manager.

"Monsieur, if I may, I would like to perform something for everyone here at the theater." He smiled at her and nodded.

"Anything my dear, anything." She curtsied and went to the orchestra to the man who played the piano. She talked to him briefly before ascending to the stage. Once there she smiled at everyone as the music came, all too familiar to her.

Think of me,
Think of me fondly
When we've said goodbye

Everyone stopped to listen to their playwright sing.

Remember me once in awhile.
Please promise me you'll try.
When you find that once again you long to take your heart back and be free
If you ever find a moment
Spare a thought for me!

The manager was smiling at her. What other talents was she hiding? Like she'd tell.

We never said our love was ever green
Or as unchanging as the sea
But if you can still remember stop and think of me!
Think of all the things we've shared and seen
Don't think about the way things might have been
Think of me

The actors and stage people stopped and looked at her with wonder and amazement. This was a woman who was sent by God himself.

Think of me waking silent and resigned.
Imagine me trying so hard to put you from my mind.
Recall those days look back on all those times.
Think of the things we'll never do.
There will never be a day when I won't think of you

Stage hands cheered and whistled for her. Lemont stood there without thinking.

Flowers fade
The fruits of summer fade
They have their season
So do we.
But please promise me that sometimes
You will think ah... of me!

The whole theater exploded into applause and cheer. She smiled wonderfully at the audience. Lemont applauded as well. Once again, she didn't notice the shadow in the dark watching her with pride and joy.