A man's voice sounded in her head, "Soon, soon. I'll come for you, you'll hear me." As soon as it sounded it disappeared and woke Marie up. Grabbing the nearest candle she looked around, something moved in the corner of her eye. Marie swung the ornate gold candelabra at her own reflection. She sighed and looked at the girl in the mirror; long semi curly brown hair fell to her chest, a stray lock covered one of her large grey eyes. She patted her curls quickly and turned back to her bed, 'It's just nerves that could be it, and after all there is a performance tomorrow.' Marie thought matter-of-factly. She spun and hopped back into her bed, 'That's why no one else is up.' It was true; no one else in the quarters was stirring. Closing her eyes, Marie fell back asleep for, it seemed only a second. She woke again but this time to a hearty shake and then a pinch from the girl who slept in the next bed.

"Up Marie!"

"It can't be 7:00 yet."

"Yes, and no you're not allowed to sleep in!" This was followed by a hard yank that sent strings of pain up Marie's arm and toppled her from the bed.

Marie looked up to find the girl accompanied by a pregnant Madame Giry. The older woman's arms were crossed over her expanding belly as best they could, she did not look happy. Marie gave a weak smile, then winced as

Giry grabbed her by the ear, "Mademoiselle please- ow!" Marie squeaked as she was pulled to her feet, "I'm sorry, I know I'm lazy and undisciplined but could you please let go?" her only reply was a quick sting by her ear where Madame Giry had twisted then let go.

"You know you should really learn to wake up earlier." The girl next to her said in a high mocking voice. She had bright blue eyes and short wavy red-blonde hair pinned on each side with two blue ribbon clips.

"Don't you have anything better to do Chantal!" Marie said annoyed. Chantal just stuck out her tongue and turned on a heel to the door following Madame Giry. Marie watched the girl go as the sleeping quarters started to empty, I could tell Madame about the voice… Marie thought wearily as she pulled on her costume, she wouldn't believe me. Her more sensible side said quickly. Why would anyone have reason to believe the opera ghost would contact you? As Marie was tying her slippers she heard Madame Giry shout, then her friend Bonamy came dashing back into the room.

"Giry's very upset." She said quickly, "You shouldn't keep her waiting!" Bonamy was a taller girl with brown hair that reached her waist, though it was normally kept in a horse tail at the back of her head. Marie liked Bonamy for a couple of reasons; one of which was her lovely eyes, they went from a the leather brown of a aristocrat's shoe to a lovely sky blue which reminded one of bluebirds and spring. Of course after training at the opera house for so long, Bonamy also had the sweet, soft voice of a sparrow or another song bird. Marie envied her friend's lovely voice; she personally thought hers sounded like a poorly played flute, hollow and airy even though she sang the right notes.

"5 minutes till places!" Someone shouts.

The pair rushed out the chamber door, Marie a beat behind her friend trying to tie her other slipper and run. The girls made their way to the wings of the stage where the air was thick with white face and wig powder, perfume, and the body odor it was to cover up.

Suddenly Bonamy doubled over coughing. Marie caught up and grabbed a glass of water.

"Bonamy, you really should find a doctor to fix that." She handed her friend the water. "Or at least tell Madame Giry that you can't dance tonight, it can't be good for you."

"I'm- cough- Okay" The girl wheezed as she straightened to drink, "I'll be fine, let's go."

Marie frowned but followed her friend to their places where they then stretched. Some time went by as they bent, lifted and pulled until they heard the familiar, "PLACES!" and saw the common bustle of singers and ballerinas like themselves rushing to their assigned spots. Marie and Bonamy followed, taking their poses as the lights dimmed and the curtains opened. Marie watched as the Prima Donna glided on stage and the opening chords played, the opera had begun.

Okay then... How's that for a cruddy first chappie... sorry but I'm trying to figure out how this works still heh heh.. yeah.. WELL then anyways the names do have a meaning and point, here:

Marie... Bitter Sea

Bonamy(I'm comming up with a better name)... Good friend

Chantel... Singer

Eh not very creative, I'm trying to find something better for Bonamy because Bon Amy really means good friend not just some name that has a root word or something... yeah.. I'm gonna stop embarrassing myself and just stop, PLEASE READ AND REVIW oh and I don't own anything except for the characters you haven't heard of. HAH!