From Angel's Eyes
Chapter Sixteen
On Tuesday, they went through the first half of the performance.
On Wednesday, they went through the second half.
On Thursday, they did the whole thing from beginning to end.
On Friday, Christine got nerves.
She arrived at the theatre and instead of going to warm up, as she usually did, she paced the room, chewing her nails. Erik came out of the office and looked at her.
"What's wrong?"
"Erik, we're going on tomorrow night."
"Yes." He said, clearly bemused. Christine ceased in her pacing and looked at him in despair.
"You don't understand. We are going on tomorrow night! Erik, I can't do it! I'm going to screw it up and everyone is going to hate me and-"
In a matter of seconds he had crossed the room to her and pulled her into his arms, kissing her. She kissed him back and then pulled away.
"As much as I love kissing you, Erik, that doesn't solve my problem."
"Christine, you don't have a problem. You're just nervous." Erik replied simply. She groaned and buried her head in his shoulder.
"Erik, what am I going to do?"
"You're going to sing and you'll be perfect." Erik said, kissing her forehead. She smiled.
"Again, enjoying the kissing. But-"
"Christine, calm down. Let's warm up." Erik said, releasing her.
She followed to her place by the piano and began to sing the warm up and then started on Think of Me. But Erik stopped her.
"Christine, you're too tense. Will you please relax?"
"I'm trying!"
"No, you're not." He said pointedly, looking at her hands. She was twisting them, picking at her nails. She sighed and dropped them to her sides.
"OK. Try again."
It wasn't much better. Erik stood and went to stand behind her. He put a hand on her waist and lifted her chin with the other.
"Sing the first line." He said. She did so, and was surprised to hear that she actually sounded better. He moved the hand from her waist and placed it on her ribcage.
"The first verse."
Again, it sounded much better. He moved closer to her and placed the hand on her chin to her shoulder.
"The whole thing." Christine smiled slightly as she sang. When she had finished she looked up at him.
"OK, how did you do that?"
"Many years of hysterical singers."
"I am not hysterical!"
"Not anymore." Erik smirked. Christine glared at him and said,
"Well, aren't we full of ourselves?"
"Not particularly." Erik said, sitting at the piano. She sat beside him as he began to play, reading through her score and clicking her tongue. Erik looked at her sideways. She looked back.
"What?"
"You're making noises."
"No, I'm not."
"Christine, you have no reason to be nervous. You know the whole show off by heart and you sing perfectly." Erik told her. She sighed and rubbed her face with her hands.
"It's just… I don't know."
"You will be fine." He told her softly. She looked up at him.
"You have to say that."
"Christine, surely you know me well enough to know that I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it." Erik pointed out. She had to agree with that and stood up to sing Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again.
Tom and Max arrived. Christine leapt up and ran at them.
"Thank god you're here! We're performing tomorrow night!" She said hysterically. Tom and Max exchanged a glance.
"Yes…" Tom said slowly. Erik sighed.
"Just ignore her. She's being hysterical."
"I am not being hysterical!" Christine objected, realising as she said it that her voice was sliding up to a pitch that only dogs could hear. Tom, Max and Erik all stared at her. She cleared her throat, trying to stop herself from going red. "I'm just… nervous."
"Don't be. You'll rock." Max assured her. She whimpered and Tom patted her on the back.
"Come on. You're pretty much the only one who hasn't screwed up in rehearsals. Max can't get the actions right and I keep laughing."
"Maybe she's saving her mess-ups for the opening night." Max suggested. Christine glared at him and he stepped out of reach hastily. Erik cleared his throat.
"Since we're all here, let's do a warm up and work on Down Once More."
It appeared that Christine wasn't the only one who was getting nervous. Dr Carter was twitching like a rabbit, several dancers tripped up in the choreography and Tracy, the girl playing Madame Giry, kept missing her cues. Eventually Nadir said,
"Everyone, sit down."
They filled the first couple of rows Christine sat between Max and Kirstie. Nadir sat on the edge of the stage and looked at them all.
"I can understand that you are nervous. But you have no reason to be. You have all worked incredibly hard and I, for one, am extremely impressed. Both Mr Destler and I have worked in professional theatre and I can tell you that you are working just as hard, if not harder than professionals. And it shows. So just relax. Because it's going to be amazing."
Everyone smiled at each other and Nadir smiled.
"And I believe Dr Carter also has an announcement." The professor smiled from his spot on the stage and said,
"Yes, I do. I feel that you all deserve a reward for your hard work. So, on the Saturday after the final performance, we will be having a bit of a party at the University dance hall. Refreshments, dancing, everything. It will be a formal event, so dress accordingly. This is a thank you from myself, Mr Khan and Mr Destler for your efforts. So you've got that to look forward to."
The cast and crew all began to talk excitedly. Nadir clapped his hands to get their attention.
"We'll wrap it up for today. I want you all back here promptly at five tomorrow, and everyone with major parts here at four. Curtain rises at seven. We'll see you then."
Everyone split off, chattering. Christine fell back in her seat and looked sideways at Max.
"The final countdown."
"It has begun." Max agreed. He looked at his watch and pulled a face. "I'd better go. Mum wants me back for lunch. I've got family coming down for the opening night."
"I'm lucky, my lot are coming for the final night. I'll see you tomorrow." Christine wandered over to Erik. He smiled at her.
"Calmed down?"
"Yeah. A bit." She said. Erik pushed back a strand of hair from her face.
"It will be amazing." He said softly. Christine smiled and nodded.
"OK. I trust you. I'd better get going. Urgh, and now I'm going to have to find a dress for the party."
"I thought women liked clothes shopping."
"You're stereotyping me again! Sure, I enjoy the occasional shop. But Meg is going to want to come and we'll have to visit every shop in town and it's going to be a nightmare…"
"Then go by yourself." Erik suggested. Christine laughed.
"Good idea. I'll you see you… whenever."
"Tomorrow. Nadir and I are staying behind to sort a few things out with Mark Austin and Dr Carter."
"I'll see you tomorrow then." He kissed her and she slipped out into the car park.
Clothes shopping was a lot easier by herself, she decided as she wandered the shopping centre. Christine paused outside a shop and then went in, sifting through the racks and admiring the many dresses. She turned and bumped into someone.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" She said, bending to pick up her bag and then stopped. It was Rebecca. "Sorry Rebecca. I didn't see you." She handed Rebecca's bag to her. She took it, looking at her suspiciously.
Christine hesitated and then smiled, albeit a little awkwardly.
"Looking for a dress for the party?"
"Yes." Rebecca replied guardedly. Christine nodded.
"Same here." They stood in awkward silence and then Christine said quietly, "I wish I could be like you."
"What?" Rebecca said suspiciously.
"You don't look at all nervous about tomorrow. I'm practically tearing my hair out." Christine pointed out. Rebecca shrugged dismissively.
"I don't get nervous easily."
"You're lucky." Christine said. Rebecca blinked and shrugged again.
"I'm going to… dress." She said, gesturing at the racks. Christine nodded and smiled briefly.
"Me too. I'll see you tomorrow."
Rebecca nodded and disappeared. Christine turned back to the dresses, feeling rather triumphant. A whole civil conversation with Rebecca. A major milestone in her books.
It didn't take long for her to find a dress. After paying for it, she went to the food shop and picked up some things for dinner. She drove home and opened the door to find Trister chewing on an envelope.
"Oh, you little pest!" She cried, snatching the torn paper from him. He hurried off to his basket and Christine could have sworn that there was a guilty expression his face. He'd eaten post when he was a puppy, but she thought he'd grown out of it. Trister hated the postman and therefore, by dog logic anyway, thought it suitable to eat the post he delivered.
Christine dumped her bags in the kitchen and tore open the envelope. It was from Michael Greeth, her lawyer. He wrote every few months. He had been quite close to her parents and felt it a personal duty to check up on her, despite the fact that she was twenty-one and perfectly capable. Still, it was nice to know that he cared.
Christine tucked the envelope onto the mantelpiece, making a mental note to reply as soon as she had the time. Trister watched her warily, expecting punishment. She sighed, sitting on the sofa.
"You're a pain, Trister. You know that?" He cautiously climbed out of his bed and nudged her hands with his nose. She smiled and stroked his head.
"Come on. Let's go for a walk."
When she returned from the walk, she put her dinner in the oven and sat on the kitchen counter, reading through her score. Trister came sniffing around for his own dinner and Christine hummed Angel of Music to herself as she opened a tin of dog food for him. The doorbell rang and she went to answer it.
Meg grinned at her.
"Hey Christine! Busy?"
"No, just relaxing before tomorrow." Christine said, stepping back. "Staying for dinner?"
"Sure. So, are you nervous?"
"I'm better than I was this morning. I was a wreck."
"Aw, why? You'll be great." Meg said. And then her eyes narrowed. She pointed accusingly at the bag containing Christine's dress.
"You went clothes shopping without me! How could you?"
Christine rolled her eyes, smiling.
"Sorry. But I wanted to get a dress quickly." She retook her seat on the counter, opening her score again. Meg sat at the table and smiled.
"Christine, you already know it. Why are you reading through it again?"
"Just to make sure. I can't mess this up."
"You won't." Meg said confidently. Christine closed her score and smiled at her.
"I'm glad everyone else has so much confidence in me."
"Because you're an awesome singer and you're going to blow them away. You're going to stand on that stage and sing your little heart out and everyone's jaws are going to fall open in amazement." Meg said.
Christine couldn't help grinning.
"You're the best, Meg."
"Yeah, I know. What's for dinner?"
Christine woke early and found she couldn't get back to sleep.
This is it Christine. You're going to sing tonight and you're going to be amazing. For Mum, for Dad and for Erik.
She climbed out bed. Trister looked up, decided it was too early and curled back up. Christine smiled at him before heading for the shower. Standing underneath the warm spray of water, she rubbed shampoo into her curly locks and stood, letting the water run over her. It was very relaxing. She rinsed her hair and wrapped a towel around it, stepping out of the shower.
It was another very hot day. She dressed in a knee-length denim skirt and pulled on a sun top, drying her hair so it fell in loose curls rather than frizzing before going downstairs for breakfast. She turned on the local station to hear the news. There had been a car crash causing traffic, the mayor was attending a ceremony at the local hospital and then the newsreader said,
"And for all those who love the theatre, be sure to drop by the local university and get your hands on some tickets for The Phantom of the Opera. I was speaking to some people at the university yesterday and nearly every performance is sold out, but there are a few tickets left, so hurry! That's all for now, we'll be back in an hour." A song began to play and Christine smiled. Sold out? That was incredible! The tickets had only been on sale for a week!
She fixed herself some cornflakes and a cup of tea, putting down some milk and a dog biscuit for Trister who came lazily downstairs, stretching. Christine ate quickly and then looked at the animal.
"Want a walk?" His ears pricked up and she smiled. "I'll take that as a yes. Come on then."
They walked through the park swiftly. Christine waved as she saw her neighbour Marisa and her young daughter by the swings and went to say hello.
"Hey Christine."
"Hi Marisa. Hello Paula." Christine said, smiling at the toddler who was playing with Trister.
"Got tickets for Tuesday night." Marisa winked and Christine groaned.
"How did you find out?"
"You were in the paper and on local news, Christine. Jack and I are looking forward to it!" Marisa smiled. Christine rolled her eyes.
"If I survive tonight, then you can start looking forward to it."
"I can't wait. Come on Paula, let's go on the seesaw."
Christine circled the park a couple of times before returning home. She had until four but went straight to the music room to start practising. She had to be perfect for this. She played the warm up, singing until her voice felt good and then started on Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again.
A thought struck her. She sat at the piano for a moment before jumping up and going out to her car. After a quick call at the shops for a bouquet of flowers, she drove to the cemetery. Christine made her way to her parent's graves. She had been making regular visits now. She had overcome her initial fear. It still wasn't fun but she could do it now.
"Hey guys. Well, tonight's the night. I'm going to make you proud." She said, laying the flowers between the two graves. She paused, twisting a blade of grass around her finger.
"I think it's going to be good. Tom and Max and everyone are great. And I'm going to do my best. I'm not going to be nervous. I'm going to do it better than ever. For you. And for Erik."
Christine looked from one grave to the other and smiled faintly.
"I hope you're proud of me. And I wish you were going to be there tonight. I think you'd like it. It's not as good as yours was. But I think you'd like it." She sat for a few minutes in contemplative silence and then stood, brushing her knees clean.
"I'll come and see you tomorrow, to tell you how it went. Wish me luck!"
When Christine got to the theatre it was quarter to four. She met Max and Tom sat on the steps outside, basking in the sunlight.
"Hey guys. Aren't you going in yet?"
"Just working up to it." Max said lazily. Christine rolled her eyes and stepped past them. She walked along to the theatre, fiddling with the strap of her bag. She opened the door and stopped dead in her tracks.
The theatre was bustling with lighting people, prop designers and orchestra members. She blinked and stared around. The theatre looked amazing. And there, hanging above the space between the front row of seats and the front of the stage was an amazing replica of a chandelier. Someone caught her arm and she looked around to see Dr Carter.
"Christine, excellent! Get along to the costume room, June is waiting for you."
"OK…" Christine said dumbly. June pulled her through the door to costume room as soon as she arrived.
"Get your dancing outfit on and I'll do your make-up. Get a move on! The rest of your costumes are lined up in here in order, so you can change easily. Go!"
As Christine was changing she heard Max and Tom come in and were pushed into their separate dressing room. When she emerged Kirstie had arrived and was wearing the dancing outfit. She smiled at Christine.
"Excited?"
"Of course!"
"Christine, I'm putting your Think of Me costume by the stage." June said. This dress had been especially designed to slip straight over the thin dancing costume. During the interlude after the second verse, the dancers would run across the stage, pulling decorated screens, so when they left the stage again Christine would be revealed in her gala costume.
Rebecca arrived a few minutes later and hurried into the dressing room as Tracy, or Madame Giry, quickly tugged on her black dress. Max and Tom were in the next room with the other male leads, with June hurrying back and forward.
"Girls, get dressed. I'll be back in a moment. I need to get Max's deformity done." She said in a harassed voice. Christine sat in her chair and began to pin her hair back. She heard an irritated grunt and saw Rebecca struggling to do her costume up.
"Need some help?" She asked. Rebecca nodded and Christine rose to fasten the dress.
"Thanks." Rebecca said.
"No problem." Christine smiled. There was a rap on the door and Nadir's voice called,
"Girls, warm up starts in fifteen minutes!"
"OK, Mr Khan!" Tracy called, Kirstie plaiting her hair. Rebecca was pulling on her shoes and Christine searched around for microphone, clipping it onto her neckline.
There was another knock.
"Flower delivery." A voice shouted. The girls all looked at each other and Tracy pulled open the door. Four delivery boys came in, each sporting a bouquet, presenting one to each of the girls. Kirstie read the card.
"For our leading ladies – Dr Carter, Mr Khan and Mr Destler."
"Oh, that's so sweet!" Tracy cried. Christine smiled and placed her flowers on a table. June burst in a few moments later.
"OK, Rebecca, you first, you've got the most make-up for the beginning." She said, sitting Rebecca down. Christine and Kirstie quickly applied their own make-up, as they only needed a little for the first scene. Tracy pinned her hair up into an elaborate bun. Another knock sounded and Tom poked his head in.
"Christine, Mr Destler wants us."
"I'm coming." Christine said, rushing out. Tom and Max were waiting in the hallway, Max with his mask firmly over his face. Christine smiled.
"Can I see?"
"Nope. Mr Destler has given firm orders. You're not to see it until The Point of No Return. He wants a real reaction to it."
Christine pulled a face and hurried with them to the small studio. Erik was pacing the room and looked up sharply as they entered.
"Warm ups. Quickly, the others will be here soon. The extras are going in the big studio."
They all warmed up. Since Christine had been practising that morning she was already warmed up, but it was comforting to stick with what they had been doing up until now. When they had run through a couple of songs, Erik folded his arms and looked at the three of them. They waited nervously for his verdict. Eventually he gave a faint smile.
"You're going to be good. Very good." They grinned at each other and joined together in a group hug. Max smiled at them both.
"You guys are the best. This would have been so much harder if you weren't so cool."
"You're cool too." Christine smiled. He winked and reached into his pocket.
"And look. Breath mints."
Christine burst out laughing and accepted one, as did Tom. The door opened and Bill and Neil, or rather André and Firmin entered, followed by Jim as Joseph Buqet, Colin as Monsieur Reyer, Rebecca, Tracy, Kirstie, Ewan as Piangi as well as Nadir. Dr Carter was in the big studio warming up the extras. The main characters gathered around Erik who ran them through warm-ups and then had them all sing Masquerade, Prima Donna and Hannibal several times. Nadir smiled around at them.
"Excellent. Everyone excited?"
"No duh!" Someone called out and they all laughed. Christine twisted her hands in excitement. The nerves were back but now they were excited ones.
"Well, Mr Destler wants to say a few words." Nadir said and they all went quiet, looking eagerly at the masked man.
Erik looked around at them all and said in a calm voice,
"I am impressed. Very impressed. And, as a few of you will know, it takes a lot to impress me. It's been a long time since I've worked with anyone who has shown as much dedication as you have. I wouldn't be surprised if most of you ended up in theatre work. I will certainly put in a good word for anyone who would want to follow that line of work. And all I have to say is congratulations. I'm not going to wish you luck or tell you to break a leg. Because superstitions never did anyone any good. You've worked hard for this and it is that hard work that is going to pay off. So go out there and give it your all because that is all that it will take."
Everyone applauded and cheered. Erik smiled.
"Let the audience in. Let our opera begin." Nadir laughed and grinned at them all.
"OK. Ten minutes of relaxation and then I went you in your places. Off you go." Everyone trekked out until Christine and Erik were left alone. She smiled and he returned it. Then she said sweetly,
"I know its all superstition and everything, but you can kiss me good luck, if you want." Erik smirked and pulled her into his arms.
When she left the room ten minutes later Christine felt very relaxed and ready to perform.
Christine stood backstage with Kirstie as the pale lights came on. The auctioneer, buyers and Tom, covered in a blanket and with a grey wig over his head were waiting on stage for the curtains to open. Christine looked around and saw Max waiting on the opposite side of the stage, in the wings. She smiled at him and he grinned back, giving her a thumbs up. She returned it and squeezed Kirstie's hand as a round of applause sounded. Dr Carter stood in front of the scarlet curtains, and they heard him say,
"Ladies and Gentleman. Welcome to the University Theatre. I know we're all eager for the show to begin, so speech-making can wait until the end. I give you – The Phantom of the Opera!"
Applause sounded again and the curtains began to open. Christine felt as if her heart would simply burst out her chest with excitement. The soft music of the prologue began. Christine watched, grinning fit to burst as the auctioneer reached for the switch.
"Perhaps we can frighten away the ghosts of so many years ago with a little…. illumination." He pulled down the switch. There was a bang, a shower of sparks and the stage filled with light as the powerful tune of the Overture began to play as the gorgeous chandelier lifted into the air. The orchestra were really giving it all they had. The performers flooded onto the stage, dancing, jumping, performing acrobatic stunts, the music blaring around them. Even over the noise, Christine could hear the delighted gasps of the audience and she smiled as she danced beside Kirstie.
Side-by-side the girls span and leapt and danced with the other dancers. And then the song ended and the sound of Rebecca's voice filled the theatre with an extravagant tone. Christine fell into place and danced the steps they had practised so many times.
And then André and Firmin came in and they introduced Raoul. Christine, stood at the front right of the stage clutched Kirstie's hand and said clearly so her voice echoed around the room.
"It's Raoul!"
After the short scene they returned to dancing. And then it was Carlotta's tantrum, her singing of Think of Me, the falling of the screen (painfully reminding Christine of her own near miss with falling equipment) and then Tracy said the words that made Christine's heart jump into her mouth.
"Christine Daae could sing it, sir."
"A chorus girl? Don't be silly." André said dismissively. After a few words of persuasion from Madame Giry, André nodded.
"Very well. Come on. Don't be shy."
It wasn't hard for Christine to pretend she was nervous as she stepped forward. She could feel herself shaking slightly. The music began; she took a deep breath and began to sing.
Think of me
Think of me fondly
When we've said goodbye
She felt a smile cover her face as she sang, feeling the euphoric sensation that only song could bring to her. The interlude began and she stepped back. The screen came forward, crisscrossing around her as she tugged the dress on, June ran out and snapped decorations into her hair and ran backstage as the screens cleared. The audience gasped as Christine was revealed, as if by magic, in a completely different costume.
We never said
Our love was evergreen
Or as unchanging as the sea
But if you can still remember
Stop and think of me
Christine gazed out into the audience singing joyfully and then sang a high note, falling silent as the music swelled and Tom, in the constructed Box 5 on the far right of the stage sang,
"Can it be? Can it be Christine?"
And finally came the cadenza. Christine straightened herself and opened her mouth, praying that she would sing well.
She didn't sing well. She sang perfectly. The notes came so easily she could have been singing them her whole life. The curtains fell closed to rapturous applause whilst the crew quickly changed the scenery. Christine settled in front of the candles for Angel of Music.
It went perfectly, Kirstie doing her part wonderfully. Then came Little Lotte and The Mirror. As Max's voice boomed around the theatre, Christine looked around in amazement and fear. And then he appeared as if by magic in the mirror. She didn't hesitate but gave her hand to him.
The next part had been a piece of ingenuity on Erik's behalf. Instead of singing onstage, Max and Christine raced around the outside of the room to enter at the back, whilst the audience were waiting for them to appear on the stage. Max took her hand, holding a flaming torch and Christine began to sing. As the first few notes left her lips, the whole audience turned in amazement to see the two stars walking down the centre aisle.
This was what Christine was most scared of. These final notes that she had practised so many times. Practise was all very well but here, in front of a real audience, would she be able to pull it off? She and Max split to climb the steps at opposite ends of the stage, meeting again in the centre as the red curtains drew back to reveal the phantom's lair. Max placed a hand on Christine's ribcages and cried,
"Sing, my angel of music!"
And Christine began to sing. She closed her eyes and thought of Erik. Remembered that wonderful sensation that only he could bring to her, the longing to sing for the whole world to hear what she could do. The notes slid easily from her throat, as if they had been waiting for her to start singing simply so they could float from her.
Music of the Night passed and so did Magical Lasso. Christine became overwhelmed with curiosity at what Max's make-up looked like. During I Remember she tried to sneak a look but Max threw her down so quickly, she almost forgot that she was acting, as if she really had been faced with the Phantom.
The first half ended after All I Ask Of You (Reprise) and thunderous applause sounded as the curtains closed.
"Fifteen minutes for costume changes and then back in place!" Nadir shouted. Christine hurried to the dressing room, where the three other girls were gulping water and talking excitedly.
"Christine, you were brilliant!" Kirstie cried, hugging her. Christine laughed, wiping the perspiration from her brow.
"Thanks Kirstie. God, it's so hot." She seized a cup of water and drank thirstily before going to put on her Masquerade dress. She paused as Rebecca looked up and offered her a smile.
"Well done Rebecca. You were fantastic." Rebecca blinked and then returned the smile.
"You too."
Christine dressed, let June do her make-up and then went back to her place. Tom was waiting for her. He grinned.
"Good first half, Christine."
"You too. Isn't it brilliant?"
"It sure is. Ready for the second half?" He asked and she nodded determinedly.
"Absolutely."
They stood to one side to let the dancers out onto the stage where they shifted around before standing perfectly still, like statues. There was rush of chatter as the audience came back in and took their seats. The theatres lights dimmed and a second before the curtains began to open, the music for Masquerade began to play.
The songs went perfectly for the rest of the half, the crowd thoroughly enjoying the swordfight between the Phantom and Raoul, but Christine was eager to reach The Point of No Return. After singing her one line from Don Juan Triumphant she sat on the step, turning over the rose in her hands. And then she looked up in fear and wonder as Max's voice sounded.
Max was in his element tonight and he looked incredible in his costume. They carried out their choreography, climbing the twisting stairs in perfect synchronism. They crossed to each other over the bridge, Max twirling Christine and pressing her to him, running his fingertips down her neck. And then he began to sing All I Ask Of You.
Christine turned to stare at him as he sang, pressing a hand to his cheek. This was it, what she had been waiting for all evening.
"Christine! That's all I ask of-" Max sang and Christine pulled the mask from him. She couldn't help releasing a gasp, as several members of the cast screamed. They were supposed to, of course, but Christine couldn't help but wonder if they were just as shocked as she was.
The normally smooth skin of Max's face had been covered with a rubbery mask, pulled and twisted into a tormented skull-like horror. It had been painted with reds and dull skin colours, with hints of blue and black veins. But before Christine could do anything more then gasp, Max seized her, cutting the rope as the music flared up again. Chaos reined over the stage as Christine and the Phantom swung from the bridge and vanished. As the stage cleared, Max pulled Christine once more down the centre aisle as the scenery was changed, spitting out the words to Down Once More.
The curtains fell briefly to have a short scene between Raoul and Madame Giry in front of the stage. During that time, Christine quickly pulled on the wedding dress, letting her hair full free as Max took his place. He nodded to her as the curtain rose again. Christine put on a haughty expression and sang
"Have you gorged yourself at last in your lust for blood?
Am I now to be prey to your lust for flesh?"
Max rose from his seat to sing. Christine couldn't help feeling a pang of pity for the Phantom but turned away as Max pushed the veil onto her dark curls. She stepped past and pulled away curtains to reveal the mirrors, reflecting the hideousness of the deformity.
Tom came in right on time and three of them launched into their hardest song. And, to each of their delight, they did it without a single flaw. Tom clutched at the rope around his neck as he sang, reaching out a hand towards Christine. The tears that fell down her cheeks were not for display only. That was how much the song was affecting her, how she felt at that moment, as though she really did have to choose between Raoul and the Phantom.
She looked down at the ring in her hand and stepped slowly towards Max.
"Pitiful creature of darkness
What kind of life have you known?
God give me courage to show you
You are not alone!"
She slipped the ring onto her finger and lifted herself to kiss Max. A collective sigh went up from the audience. She pulled back and looked at Max. He was weeping silently, his shoulders shaking. Christine moved to kiss him again, pressing her lips earnestly to his. The music began to fade and she pulled away for a second time, her hand on his deformed cheek.
The chant of the mob sounded faintly through the hall. Max staggered back from Christine, clutching at his face. And then he sobbed,
"Take her
Forgive me
Forget all of this."
He continued to sing. Christine rushed to Tom, taking the rope from around his neck and embracing him. As Max cried, "Go now! Go now and leave me!" They hurried from the stage as he sank to his knees next to the musical monkey box.
Max stared forlornly at the music box, singing gently. And then Christine was beside him. He looked at her with tears running down his face.
"Christine, I love you…"
Christine swallowed the lump in her throat and pressed the ring to his hand before stepping from the stage and down the centre aisle to where Tom stood waiting. They moved slowly up the aisle, singing All I Ask Of You as they went.
They stood in the room outside the Entrance Hall with the rest of the main cast and Christine heard Max cry the final words, "It's over now, the music of the night!"
The music swelled and then faded. And suddenly Max was beside them in the entrance hall, panting. Christine smiled but before they could speak the music stopped and Nadir's voice sounded through a microphone. One by one he announced the cast members and they slipped through the door, marching down the centre aisle to enthusiastic applause and cheers. Rebecca was called, leaving Tom, Christine and Max together.
"And finally, I give you the three stars. Tom Sutherland as Raoul de Chagny, Max Hodges as The Phantom and Christine Danes as Christine Daae!"
There was an enormous cheer and the three moved down the centre aisle, Christine in the centre, clutching each of their hands. They walked up onto the stage with the rest of the cast and bowed. By the time the applause stopped, Christine realised that there were tears on her cheeks. But she didn't brush them away. She simply smiled in delight at the reaction of the audience. And then the curtains fell for the final time that night and the cast all gave a cheer, hugging each other, jumping up and down and generally being excitable.
Christine hugged Max and Tom and then turned to see Erik standing just outside the little crowd around them. She pushed her way through and when she reached Erik, he showed none of the restraint or modesty he had thus far in public. Instead he pulled Christine to him and kissed her so passionately he only released her when the wolf whistles started. Christine smiled up at him and then flung her arms around his neck.
"We did it, Erik! We did it!" He smiled, hugging her tightly. When he put her down Max called to everyone,
"So… what do you want to do tomorrow night?" They laughed and several people slapped him on the back. Erik bent his head and murmured,
"Go and get changed. Quickly."
She raised an eyebrow and hurried off to the dressing room, where she was greeted with more squeals of delight from her fellow cast members. She simply congratulated them all and then changed hastily into her normal clothes.
Erik was waiting in the crowded entrance hall, where family members and other members of the audience were waiting for their friends and family. Christine was instantly engulfed by a group of students at the university, asking her to sign their programmes and congratulating her on the show. Thankfully Erik intervened, taking her arm and pulling her out of the disappointed crowd. But they were accosted by Max who tapped Christine's shoulder.
"Hold on a second. Christine, these are my parents. Mum, Dad, this is Christine Danes."
"You were incredible! It was so professional!" Max's mother said, smiling. Christine grinned.
"Thanks Mrs Hodges. I was so scared!"
"Don't know why, you were great." Max said, poking her in the ribs. She laughed and then hugged him.
"I'll see you tomorrow Max. I've got to go."
"OK, bye." Christine caught Erik's hand and they escaped once more into the throng.
Erik led her outside, where the cool night air washed over her refreshingly. The car was waiting for them and Christine couldn't help smirking.
"Your place or mine?"
A/N: Finally! Opening night! I'm quite pleased with this chapter, even if a lot of it was just the show. Hope you liked it too.
Lotsa luv 'n' huggles
Katie
