I would like to thank everyone who is reading and reviewing my story. I hope you are all enjoying it. Please keep reading and reviewing! I promise it gets better as time goes on. I'm already on chapter 27, so these chapters are just the beginning. Enjoy!

Chapter 9 – A Surprise Reunion

The Opera Garnier was in complete and utter chaos. It was mere hours before the opening of Carmen. Set designers, costume designers, and many more were hurrying around the opera house, finishing designs and mending costumes. Dancers were in every part of the house, practicing. Singers continued to sing without music accompanying them.

Two older men stood off to the side, watching the chaos ensue. Smiles spread over their faces as Meg walked out from the wings, noticing them. Meg began over to them as both men nodded their heads at her.

"A marvel, Madam Giry. Truly spectacular."

"I believe we will be ready for tonight's performance."

"You should know, Arnaud, we have been working this opera for over a month."

"And I expected nothing less then perfection from my beautiful and talented wife."

Arnaud grabbed a hold of Meg's arm and brought her to him as she screamed in delight. His kiss was gentle upon her lips as was his arms around her waist. She gently rested her head against his chest as Arnaud's partner looked on.

"I am envious, Arnaud. I still have yet to find a wife."

"You will in time, Paul. In the meantime, I must steal my wife away. I have made reservations for lunch."

"I cannot leave the opera house, Arnaud. My dancers…"

"Will be fine without you for awhile. Trust me, my love, they've done it with you and they can surely do it without you."

As they began out, Arnaud stopped in his tracks as he watched Angelina come spinning down the stage. Meg watched as fascination fell over her husband's face.

"She is unbelievable, Meg. Her parents must be proud."

"They will not be in attendance."

Arnaud looked at Meg, shocked at his wife's statement. "Why not? I'm sure Christine would want to see her daughter in her first performance."

"Raoul could not convince her to leave Paris. He tried everything as did Angelina. She would not have it. Christine promised to see her next performance."

"That must be devastating to Angelina."

Meg watched as Angelina danced around the stage with more life and determination. Shaking her head, she looked at Arnaud. "Ever since this morning, she's been practicing non-stop. And she's been better then ever. She seems to have life that she never had before. I've never seen her like this."

"Then she truly will be the star of the show."

"Do not claim that too loud. Brigitte might hear you."

"I only tolerate her because of her name. I do not like her, Meg."

"Then we tolerate her. Let us go before we miss our appointment."

Meg and Arnaud left Paul to watch Angelina continue to dance around the stage. The conductor ceased the music as Angelina finished her final move and brought herself to the stage floor. He smiled at her.

"Brilliant as always, Angelina. You will be amazing tonight."

"I hope so, Monsieur. I would hate to disappoint Madam Giry."

"I do not believe you will do that."

Angelina smiled at the conductor and stood, brushing herself off.

"Anna!"

Angelina's eyes went wide and her smile as well. She slowly turned and saw a young man rushing toward her. She laughed and quickly began toward him. The young man took her in his arms and swung her around. Laughing as he put her down, Angelina looked at him.

"Alexander, what are you doing here?"

The young man smiled at her. "I could not miss my sister's first performance now could I?"

Alexander continued to smile at his sister. She continues to grow more beautiful by the day. He was no older then her, only by a few minutes. Angelina was his fraternal twin sister and they couldn't have been more opposite. He was much more like his father then like his mother. He possessed the knowledge of business and trade while his sister the arts.

They were connected by more then just blood, they did everything together. They could not be separated as children and with every passing day they grew closer and closer. When he had gone away to school, Angelina was devastated. Although she knew it was for the best, she protested for days. He had gone to a private school in Italy for several years before returning home just a few weeks ago.

His parents had informed him, although already informed by Angelina, that she had joined the ballet company in Paris. He was not worried and knew that Angelina would be well protected by Madam Giry. Until he could join Angelina in Paris, he knew she would be protected by her.

"What are you doing here?"

"I came to see Carmen performed tonight and the star dancer sweep everyone off of their feet."

She laughed as did he. "I'm surprised you came. Mother and father wouldn't even come."

"You know how mother is, Angelina. She promised to come to the next one. In the meantime, you will just have to make due with me being here."

"I couldn't ask for anyone else."

"Are you so sure about that?"

Alexander watched as the smile left Angelina's face. She peered around him and saw another young man begin toward them.

"Jonathan…"

"Surely Alexander cannot be the only man in your life that you're happy to see."

The young man stepped in front of Angelina. Taking her hand, he gently kissed the back of it.

"Why are you in Paris? I thought you were back home helping your parents. Why are you here, Jonathan?"

"Do not sound so disappointed to see me, Angelina. I came to see my opera performed."

Her eyes widened. "You're the new patron?"

"I, Jonathan de Wynter, convinced my father to let our family fund the Opera Garnier. It took quite a lot of convincing. You should be happy about it."

Jonathan watched as mixed emotions crossed over Angelina's face. They had known each other since childhood and had practically grown up together. Both of their father's were good friends. His mother died during his childbirth and all he had was his father and his friends – Alexander and Angelina.

He and Alexander were like brothers. They did everything together, which usually meant that Angelina was not far behind. Jonathan and Angelina had grown close and he had even "married" her when they were ten. His father had no doubt that they will grow and get married when they were older.

It hurt him to know that she was disappointed that he was there. He thought Alexander was just as shocked at her reaction as he was.

"Anna, Jonathan funded the entire opera that is to be performed tonight. You should be happy."

"I am sorry, Jonathan. I've just had a lot on my mind."

"No doubt. After all you are the star of the dance company. I've heard all about it back home. I needed to come tonight to see what all of the rumors were about."

Alexander finally noticed the bandage on her head and looked at her with concern. "Anna, what happened to your head?"

"There was an accident on stage a few days ago. I saved Madam Raineau from being hurt."

"Always the guardian angel."

Alexander gently kissed her forehead and pulled back from her. "We cannot keep you from your dancing. Jonathan and I will be in attendance tonight to watch you perform."

"Thank you."

Alexander smiled at her once more before walking away. Angelina watched as Jonathan stepped along side of her. He lightly touched her forehead with his hand. She looked at him as he looked at her with concern.

"Should I get a doctor to look at that?"

"That will not be necessary. I've already had it taken care of."

"I've missed you, Angelina. Alexander has missed you."

"I've missed the both of you. It was just shock that overtook me. I did not mean to seem so disappointed to see you."

"I would wish you good luck in your performance but I know you do not need it. I will be watching you."

He gently kissed her cheek before walking away. A single tear rolled down her cheek. She had loved Jonathan at one time, when they were children. He used to goad her to do things she had never dreamed of doing.

But somehow seeing him left her cold and unsure of everything around her. She still felt love for him but at what cost? Did she still love him as she did when she was a child? Did her heart still belong to him as she had once promised?

"Practice."

She slowly looked up to the rafters, hearing Erik's voice but not seeing him.

"Practice…"

She closed her eyes and let his voice sooth her fears and nerves. She would perform tonight in front of all of Paris. Alexander would be in attendance. And so will Jonathan…

Taking a deep breath, she continued to dance with only the music in her head to guide her.

Carmen had received several standing ovations, most of them for Brigitte. But there were several flowers left back stage for Angelina. Most of them were from Alexander and Jonathan but there were others there that were from audience members and well placed members in Paris's society.

Angelina sat in her room and looked at herself in the mirror. She looked at all of the flowers behind her, the reflection not giving them justice.

A knock came upon the door and before she could answer, Meg peered inside.

"Angelina, you were wonderful."

She rushed to Angelina's side and enveloped her in a hug. Angelina smiled and pulled back from Meg. The show of affection and how proud she was showed on Meg's face.

"Arnaud would not stop talking about you."

"He's never one to stop talking as it is."

Meg laughed. "I know. But you were amazing. It was as if something was powering you throughout the entire performance. I've never seen you like that."

Something had powered her throughout the performance. The thought of Erik watching her made her want to be perfect. Not only had she not wanted to disappoint Madam Giry but she did not want to give a bad first impression to her teacher. She had not failed in her task. Her dance was flawless and had been better then she had ever hoped.

She ignored the stares from Brigitte and had reveled in the looks from Gabriella and the rest of the company. Her solo had been the highlight of the opera. She had heard several people claim that as she walked by them to get to her room.

But she was disappointed. She had hoped for some sort of sign that Erik had watched her. She hoped that he was proud of her and what she had done. There was no sign and no indication that he had even watched her performance.

"Alexander is outside waiting to praise you. I will leave you two alone."

Angelina watched as Meg opened the door and Alexander stood outside, his hands behind his back. Her smile wide, Alexander walked inside and closed the door behind him.

"Jonathan is caught up with the managers and several financiers. I told him I would praise you for him."

Angelina stepped up to him and noticed his hands behind his back. "What is behind your back, Alexander?"

"I found this lying outside your door. I don't know who left it but I thought you should have it."

Alexander brought a beautiful red rose tied with a black ribbon from behind his back. Angelina's eyes widened in awe of the beautiful flower. It's flawless. There isn't anything wrong with it. It must have taken someone hours just to find one as perfect as this.

He handed it to her and watched as joy overtook her face. He smiled and kissed her on the cheek.

"I will leave you to your peace that I know you need. I will see you in the morning. Jonathan and I have several meetings but we will return in the afternoon to see you."

And with that, he left her staring at the rose in her hand. She touched the silky pedals, careful not to harm the rose in any way.

"You were magnificent, my child."

She closed her eyes, hearing Erik's voice.

On the other side of the mirror, Erik watched as she closed her eyes and began over to the mirror, guided by his voice. He slightly smiled as he watched her step in front of the mirror.

Angelina was dressed in a beautiful light pink flowing gown and her ballet slippers still on her feet. She looked angelic and…like her mother.

Hoping to find him behind the mirror, she gently placed her hand on the mirror. He mimicked hers, placing his larger hand over the reflection of hers. His eyes closed.

"Rest, Angelina. Rest and tomorrow we will start your first lesson."