Thanks to all who reviewed. Sorry it's been so long between updates, I've been busy, mostly with my other story, Masks, which you should read by the way. hint, hint
Read and review please!
Erik agreed that Ashley and I could continue searching for the mirror, provided that we leave as soon as we found it. In the meantime though, we would have to keep up appearances and that meant lots and lots of practice for both Ash and me.
Two days later…
"Well, how was that?" Ash asked as she finished a series of dance steps.
"What? Oh ya, great…" I answered absently.
"Alright what's wrong?" She said, taking a break from her dance session and coming to sit opposite of me.
"Nothing." I said, with a slight pout.
Ashley gave me a concerned look. "Is this about the tea thing again?"
I didn't answer.
"Honestly, Ember. You're just going to have to get over that."
"Humph!"
Suddenly there was a knock on the door. "Ladies! Don't forget, rehearsals start today! Five minutes!"
I placed my head in my hands in despair. "Oh crap…Oh crap…"
Ashley didn't say anything, but I could tell she felt the same way.
"Well, I guess we have to go out there and at least give it a try. I think people are starting to get suspicious."
Five minutes later we were standing very uncomfortably in front of the entire opera company. Madame Giry was just finishing a rather long and impressive speech. Apparently Ashley and I were about to be presented to the company. I had never been 'presented' before. I guess I should have felt honored, and maybe I did. Nope, that queasy feeling in my stomach definitely was not honor.
"…And with that I would like to present our newest stars, Bridgett and Ann."
There was some scattered clapping and someone coughed. I smiled stupidly and gave a shy little wave. Ashley however, was not about to waste this opportunity.
"Thank you Madame!" She said, practically pushing Madame Giry out of the way and stepping right into the limelight. "And may I just say that we are deeply honored to be here and we look forward to meeting and working with all of you. Thank you!"
There was more applause, this time slightly more enthusiastic.
We were granted some time to mingle with the rest of the company before rehearsal would actually begin.
I met several of the dancers, including Meg Giry, and also some singers, including the handsomest baritone I had ever seen.
He came strutting across the stage like he owned it, and sometime later when we heard him sing we found out that he practically did. He had beautiful blond hair, deep blue eyes, and a beautiful smile.
"Good evening ladies. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Pierre."
Just then, Madame Giry clapped her hands signaling rehearsals to start. We sat down in our chairs waiting to be called on. Meg passed out copies of the script, while Madame Giry assigned parts to the cast.
Meg handed me a script and I started thumbing through it. "No…way… you can't be serious." I whispered to Ash. "That's messed up, how are we suddenly going to have the ability to speak French and not be able to read it?"
"Hey, I can pick out a few words. Oui, non, uh…." She flipped through the script searching for more words she knew.
"Oh great, so I'm gonna have to sing an entire opera with 'yes' and 'no?' Is that what you're telling me?"
Finally Madame Giry came to me, "Anne you will be playing to part of Marie."
"Marie…hmmm…" I flipped through the script. "Oh…my…gosh…" Madame Giry had just assigned me the leading role. I think I almost fainted again.
Finally Madame Giry came to the end of her list. "Well, ladies and gentlemen those are your parts, learn to love them. Any questions? No? Good. Read over your scripts I want the first five pages memorized by next time. Well that will do it for today you're dismissed." The cast members immediately started talking to each other comparing parts and making plans that night for celebration.
"Oh great, now we have French homework." Ashley said with a sigh.
Just then, Pierre came over. "Pardon me, but me and a few members of the cast are going out for dinner to celebrate. You must allow me to treat you. It is the most charming little bistro. You're sure to love it."
We had a lot of work to do if we were going to get the first five pages of the script translated by the next rehearsal.
"I'm sorry Pierre, but I don't think we…wait a minute did you say treat?"
He give a charming little laugh, "Indeed I did, mademoiselle."
Ashley smiled and saved the day. "We would, love to accompany you monsieur." With that, she offered her elbow, which he took, and headed toward the door.