Her Story by GoldenLyre
Previous disclaimer applies.
Chapter 9
It was rather funny – Erik knew numerous ways of getting in contact with me, and yet I knew none of how to get in contact with him except through Madame Giry. Which was why as soon as I had said my final prayers for my father in the Opera House chapel, I sped off in search for her.
I could not find her in her office or the ballet dormitories. As a matter of fact, no one was in the ballet dormitories… My eyes widened as realization hit me – the first day of rehearsals was today! I ran as quickly as my dress would allow to the stage. I was correct – everyone was present there. Raoul and the managers seemed to be deep in discussion, as were the ballet girls. I quickly made my way over to them, feeling rather embarrassed.
"The Opera Ghost is going to be coming to watch the performance?" one ballet girl had asked another. The other had replied excitedly, "Yes, that is what Monsieur Andre had told me!" I held a gasp back – the managers were in on the plot as well? Suddenly, I felt a tug on my arm. I turned to see Meg, looking frantic. She whispered to me urgently, "Christine! My mother has been searching all over for you!" With that, she dragged me over to the distressed ballet mistress.
Once she caught sight of me she said with relief, "Oh Christine, thank God you're here… You know of the Vicomte's plan to capture Erik…?" I put a hand on her shoulder and said, "Yes, I do… and I am not…" Meg, up till now, had been listening to the exchange with a slack jaw. She finally regained her voice and demanded as quietly as her emotions allowed, "Maman, do you mean to tell me that the Opera Ghost is real!"
Madame Giry looked at her sharply and said, "Meg, how many times have I told you not to listen to the gossip shared in the dormitories? And haven't I told you he does not like being spoken of?" Meg looked incredulously at her mother, and shifted that same gaze to me. She looked betrayed as she asked me slowly, "Christine, what have you got to do with this?"
I looked away – how do I tell her without betraying Erik? Madame Giry sighed, and told her daughter quietly, "Meg, I will tell you as soon as rehearsals are over. Alright? In the meantime, however – we must not speak of this matter. Understood?" Meg was silent, but nodded anyway.
Rehearsals were underway – and I was in the starring role of Aminta, much to Carlotta's annoyance. I performed the best I could, wishing time to pass faster so I could make my way to my dressing room.
When it was all over and Monsieur Reyer and Madame Giry had excused us, I quickly made my way to my dressing room. Once I was inside, I caught sight of Erik's trademark rose on my vanity. I smiled happily… I walked over and picked it up gingerly, stroking the scarlet petals almost affectionately, knowing what the blossom symbolized.
Suddenly, everything went dark and I felt arms come around my waist. A single candle in the room lit up and I saw in the mirror that I was in none other but my Phantom's loving embrace. My initial surprise faded and a blissful smile made its way to my lips. I leaned on his shoulder, sighing. The soft candlelight in the room had illuminated Erik's pale features, giving them an ethereal glow… My heart raced as Erik kissed my shoulder softly.
"Hello…" he whispered against my skin. A pleasurable shiver went up my spine at his tone as I echoed his greeting. As he pulled away from me, I turned to him, in a dreamlike haze. My hand rose as if it had a life of its own, and my palm rested on Erik's cheek. His eyes fluttered close and a soft sigh escaped his lips.
I remembered what I was about to tell him. "Erik," I began… Of all moments in time, I heard a knock at my door. Erik turned sharply at the sound, looked at me with a small smile and was gone with a swish of his black cape. Damn it all! I thought with frustration to myself.
Annoyed, I swung the dressing room door open. Meg stood there with her fist poised up, as if she were going to knock again. Before I had the chance to ask why she was there, I found myself in my friend's tight embrace. She was mumbling something into my shoulder.
I pulled back and saw that her face was stained with tears as she was saying repeatedly, "I'm sorry, Christine, I'm sorry!" I looked at her incredulously and asked with a tone that mirrored my expression, "Meg… Whatever are you sorry for?" Meg's voice dropped to a whisper as she leaned in and spoke in a hushed tone, as if she were telling me a secret and said, "I didn't know… The Phan- I mean, Erik, and you… were…. You know…!"
I looked at her, stunned for a moment. Then realization dawned on me… I turned a bright red, and looked away, rather embarrassed. Meg started giggling. She took me by the hand and said, "Christine! You simply must tell me everything! Does he really write songs for you? And ensure that you get the starring roles? And that…" I cut her off there, slapping a hand to her mouth. I could see that she's still grinning mischievously beneath my palm.
I pulled my hand back and sighed. With a smile I looked at her and said, "I'm not going to be able to get out of this, am I?" Meg shook her head vigorously with a childlike grin on her face. A grin reached my own face as we both sat down on the carpeted floor, and I told her my story.
By the end, she was gushing. "Oh Christine, it sounds incredibly romantic! He was your secret tutor? Your Angel of Music?" She sighed. I supposed I had her approval of our relationship…! While Meg sat there going on and on about how she wished that someone would sweep her off her feet that way, I listened with a smile, my thoughts returning to a certain man who lived beneath the Opera House…
The opening night of Don Juan Triumphant came too soon for my liking. I knew my parts and cues like the back of my hand, but I was worrying about something much more important than the opera… My musings were cut off as I watched from backstage that what seemed like an army of police officers filed into the aisles of the Opera House. My eyes widened in amazement – Raoul had requested all this for the capture of one man!
Anger surged through me – had the years changed him so much that he had gone from that valiant little boy who ran out to sea to recapture my scarf, to a man who requests an army to do his bidding! Over a personal matter of the heart, no less! I found myself caring for him less and less now that I think about it more.
Suddenly arms wrapped around my waist in a firm embrace. I leaned back, thinking it was Erik. "His capture is definite," said the voice of the man I loathed at that point in time. I stiffened and pulled out of his embrace and turned to face him slowly. A self-satisfied grin was plastered onto his face as he observed the officers distributing themselves all over the Opera House – the doorways, every box, even backstage…
I looked away from him and whispered, "Why is this necessary, Raoul? Could you not leave E- Monsieur O.G. be?" I could feel his eyes burning into the back of my neck. I turned to look at him only to find a rather hurt look, like a child who did not get his parents' attention. I softened and said, "I'm sorry, Raoul… I just don't see this as humane…"
He glared at me and spat, "But he isn't even human…!" I sighed and turned from him, watching the evening crowd file into the extravagant Opera House seats. I heard him sigh behind me. He then hugged me again and kissed my shoulder that was left bare as my scanty costume allowed. I shuddered and heard him say softly, "Till the curtain falls, my love…" then he walked away.
I was lost in my swimming thoughts until I saw Monsieur Reyer get on his conductor's platform – the opening overture of Erik's opera echoed off the walls of the huge building.
As his opera began, so does his game.
TBC
A/n: I'm totally aware that I took forever to update, and I'm really really sorry coz I know I've got loyal R&Rers withwhom I totally love! I apologise profusely – but the GCSE exams are 3 weeks away, and I've got heaps of studying to do as well as dealing with massive writer's block… and so this chappie is especially to everyone who reviewed for the past chaps
bloodie: it's a ff writer thing, dear! Lolz! But yes cookies for all my equally sweet reviewers ;)
Rikku Ree : you're totally rite in sayin Le Fop shouldve died right then cuz he really should have! And please – hes called Le Fop for the very reason that he lacks honour. Aint that right? (grin) well the big Don Juan scene comin up soon.. so we'll just see what happens then yeap? ;)
Number 356 : hun, dat's what fanfic writers are for – we FIX stories ;) hahahaa! Hope you enjoyed this chappie – the next one is THE EC chappie that much I can assure you off – it's all about them.
LostSchitzophrenic : i know.. raoul's such a jerk, right? I mean seriously – on top of not noticing her, he treats her like a little kid too! Like "Oh of course the Angel of Music came to you" to indulge her. He really pisses me off that way.
obsession is love : (grin) of course raoul's death fixes everything! To give Christine a little credit though, I'm sure she'll mourn her best friend for a while but it'll be Erik who will be there to give her hugs and kisses that'll make her all better! Haha :D
colbie : kay a few explanations then.. the chappie 8 bit was the confrontation cuz that was the "We Have All Been Blind" scene – when raoul shares his plan with the managers, and when Erik took Christine back to her dressing room? that was the "Notes" bit. Get the DVD when it comes out – you'll know what I mean :)
Kat097 : dude. ur new fic is absolutely brilliant! I totally bow at your feet! On top of an incredible AU fic, you got the alternative thing goin? ur my literary hero! (grin) and hey, lets set the hounds on them RC shippers pretty soon, ok? Haha! And that theme song!
monroe-mary : hahaa! All the conflict has to happen cuz it's relevant – don't 4get that this fic is a retelling – it's my interpretation of what christine's motives are in the movie. And dude, I'm a hardcore EC shipper – I wouldn't end this fic any other way! So don't you worry ok? ;)
tiny dancer : (blush!) well done me? I'm so flattered! Thank you so much.. and you absolutely have to give me the link to your story! Then I can drop you reviews in return kay? Hope you enjoyed this chapter! I knew it took forever, im sorry…
Mademoiselle Phantom : (gasp!) a fave author! Omg! (blush) I dono wat epiphany means but im sure it's a good thing! Hahahaa! And yeah – Le Fop does need to die. It aint fair that he stays alive in the movie the old wrinkled crippled old man.
kristinekat13 : dude im so not gonna let Christine "go along" with Le Fop's "brilliant plan"! cuz that would make her seem that same weak, sickening GIRL she played in the chapel scene. That scene I really hated in the movie so I fixed it (grin) hope u enjoyed the chappie!
Cookies for all – hope the chappie was worth the wait..!