A/N: Here's the next chapter. As always, read and review. I would love to hear what you guys think.

Chapter 17 – The Send Off

The production of Faust had begun with no time spared. Madam Giry had made sure that all of her dancers were well prepared ahead of time to go through the rigorous demands that this opera had. The schedule was demanding and had them up early in the morning and stayed until everyone else had left.

Angelina's legs were aching but the pain in her legs was better then the pain in her heart. Ever since she left Erik's lair, a sense of dread had washed over her. Other matters had been cleared up over the past few days. A letter from Alexander assured her that he and her parents were fine. Her mother was back to normal and does not want to talk about the events that transpired. She sent her apologizes and her love and Angelina finally felt better about the entire event.

Jonathan had also written her and about his undying loyalty and love. At this juncture in her life, Angelina was ready to write him back and tell him that she would accept his proposal. As much as her mind screamed for her to do that, her heart had stopped her. A void still remained and answering 'yes' to Jonathan's proposal would not fill it. Her heart knew that as much as she wanted to deny it.

There were feelings lying dormant. She had tried to push them aside as much as she could but the harder she tried the more they grew. Angelina would dance until her legs could not support her any longer if she could be rid of the thoughts in her head. They consumed her. He consumed her.

No! I won't think about it. Not any more.

She continued to dance as the orchestra began to get ready for the early morning rehearsals. Angelina was up before most of the dancers. Every morning she would walk onto the stage, remembering the spotlight she was in for 'Don Juan Triumphant'. Another hole was formed in her soul. She had wanted so badly to be apart of 'Faust' - other then a dancer. But Arnaud had told Madam Giry that he wanted Brigitte in the role. And she had seen to it that she reminded Angelina every day who the 'star' was.

Dancers and other cast members began to come out of their sleep and took their places on stage. Angelina moved off to the side as Gabriella rushed over to her.

"Angelina, Brigitte is on a rampage."

"Why?"

"Apparently one of the financiers has asked for you to be put into the lead of 'Faust'."

Shock rolled over Angelina's face. Brigitte would be furious. She could not deal with Brigitte today. Too much consumed her mind and one of Brigitte's temper tantrums would not help the situation.

"There must be some mistake."

"I heard Madam Giry and Arnaud speaking this morning as I was heading to the stage. Brigitte was off to the side speaking in some foreign language to Rene."

"Oh no."

"She's furious with you. She thinks that you hold some sort of influence over them. Or your parents are the silent financiers."

"I have no idea what is going on. She cannot blame me."

"I want the little twit away from my opera!"

Both Angelina and Gabriella look over and watch Brigitte walk from backstage, followed closely by her entourage, Arnaud, and Meg. Angelina could tell she was furious. Brigitte's hair usually grew darker as her mood did. She was speaking in Italian which was not a good sign. Although Brigitte had lived her life in Paris, she had visited Italy for many years. Italian was her second tongue and it was used quite frequently.

"I want no excuses. She is to be gone."

Brigitte locked eyes with Angelina. Anger grew in her eyes as she pointed at Angelina.

"Gone! I want her gone! Whatever financier is supporting this little…I do not even have the words for what I feel for her any longer. If they have a problem with me being in the female lead for 'Faust', tell them to come find me."

"Please, Brigitte, she is the lead dancer." Arnaud was trying to plead. He knew there was no convincing Brigitte once her mind was made up. "She is one of the best dancers Paris has seen in years."

"She is also now one of Paris's brightest singers. I have heard the rumors. I will not stand idly by while some child takes over my rightful spot."

Meg glanced over at Angelina and saw so many emotions cross her face. Meg did not think she knew whether to cry or scream at Brigitte. Arnaud had tried all morning to calm Brigitte's fears but she would not hear it. Brigitte just seemed to grow more furious at the sight of Angelina.

"I will take center stage once again without the threat of it being taken away. I want her off of this production. I will not have her stand behind me."

Angelina watched as sadness grew in Meg's face. The battle was lost and all of the work she was willing to put into her dance would now cease. Her life was over. Dancing was the only thing she had left and now it was being taken away from her by an overzealous diva.

"I will not repeat myself! If you want 'Faust' to continue, you will be rid of her. Now!"

Before Arnaud could say anything to Angelina, she began to walk off. She paused near Brigitte and looked at her.

"There will be a time, Brigitte, when you will come to appreciate the people around you. I saved your life once; do not expect me to again."

"I never asked you to save me, Angelina. If you want to save someone, I suggest saving yourself. If I have my way, you will never work in Paris again."

There were no other words that needed to be said. Angelina slowly walked off the stage and into the looming darkness of the opera house.

Meg sat down at her desk and continued to write notes of that day's progress. Her mind still could not get over the events that transpired earlier in the day. Brigitte had seen to it that she would be the one to destroy Angelina and her dreams. Never had she seen a girl so shattered and so broken. She knew that Angelina would never be the same.

There had to be a way that she could bring Angelina back into the opera. Arnaud had tried everything. Her husband was loyal to the de Chagny's – especially Angelina. She watched as he consoled the child for awhile before Angelina had sent him away. Meg was afraid to write Christine. She knew that if she told Christine what had happened that she would tell Angelina to return home. Angelina would be more devastated then not being in 'Faust'.

She blew out the candle upon her desk and began to get ready for bed. Never noticing it before, there was a note upon her bed. Her eyes widen once she noticed the crest on the back.

He was here. He was in my room.

After quickly dressing, she picked up the note and sat on the bed. Breaking the seal, she pulled out the note and began reading.

Madam Giry –

I continue to find out what goes on in my opera house. I am disappointed that you did not do more for Angelina than what you did. Brigitte has seen to it that she has become more then just a singer. Has she become part owner as well?

However, since Angelina will not be participating in 'Faust', something I must remedy myself, I will see to it that there is another pageant that our dear Brigitte cannot be apart of.

You have two weeks, Madam Giry, to put together a production for your dancers. Angelina will be the lead. The music is of your choice but it should be well suited of your dancers.

I expect nothing less then perfection. I am sure that you will come up with something. Your husband will surely deny you any sort of production but you must convince him otherwise.

Angelina must maintain her spotlight. Brigitte will not be in Paris for much longer. My mangers must see true potential when there is some. Do not fail me, Madam Giry. Two weeks is all you have.

O.G.

She put the letter down and began breathing heavily. Two weeks? Has he gone mad? It takes more then two weeks to learn a routine, never mind an entire production. Arnaud would never allow another production right before Faust. How would she convince him to do such a thing?

He had put her in quite a predicament. The task was next to impossible. He was becoming obsessed with Angelina. She knew she should not even consider doing this task that he asked of her but he was right. Angelina needed to be in the spotlight. Her performance during Don Juan was magnificent. If she did not remain there, everything Angelina had worked for would disappear.

Sighing, she rose and walked back over to her desk and relit her candle. Writing down every score she could think of, she began to write her dancers' new production.