Trouble Strikes Once Again
After practicing about an hour for Hannibal, Erik returned me to my room. He seemed quiet and distant as he led me back up. I turned to him before he could close the mirror behind me.
"Erik, are you sure nothing is bothering you?" He looked up and smiled faintly. He reached out and slid one finger down the side of my face.
"I am alright, I promise you. I have a lot to think about is all. Now, I shall see you tomorrow around the same time." He shut the mirror as he finished his sentence. I walked over to my window and opened the curtain. The sun was just starting to rise, which meant rehearsals would begin soon. I walked over to my mirror and looked at myself. My hair was a little flat on one side, I guess from laying on it. I picked up my brush and began brushing my hair. When I had it like I wanted it, I walked over to the door and made my way down to the stage. I was met by Meg at the entrance. She had a huge smile on her face and starting squealing as loud as she could.
"You're in an extremely good mood. What's the cause of it?"
"Oh, you'll never guess! Remember that man I pointed out in the dining room the other day? Well, Tom has asked mama if he can call on me! Isn't this exciting! My first gentleman caller and I hear that he is pretty wealthy!"
"That's great, Meg! I'm sure he's very nice." We walked over to the stage as she kept talking about Tom Stevens. She sounds obsessed! I hope he treats her good. We were standing there waiting for Madame Giry to arrive when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see a very pale Miss Sherry standing before me. She looked very weak but her eyes shown with a strength deep within her. Not quite knowing what to say, I just said the first thing that came to mind.
"So, how are you feeling?" Her eyes got really large and she gave my shoulder a very weak shove.
"How am I feeling? Well, besides the fact that I was poisoned, nearly died, and my friend died, I would say I am just peachy!" Oh, yeah, this is going wonderful!
"Well, I am very sorry about all of that. At least you survived, though." She rolled her eyes and walked around me.
"Yes, I'm sure you would have missed me so very much. I know that you were behind this with your precious Phantom! Well, let me just say that he doesn't scare me. I am a fighter and I won't let something like this bring me down. If I were you, I would keep my eyes open!" She snapped her fingers in my face as if to symbolize her words. I watched as she walked down the steps to sit in the audience. Great, now she'll be watching the rehearsals! I hope Erik didn't hear any of that. I heard clapping to my left and turned to see Madame Giry entering.
"Alright everyone, let's get started. I want all of the dancers over on this side of the stage and all of the singers on the other side." I went over to stand with the singers' group. Madame Giry talked with the dancers for a moment before she came over to us. I overheard some of the other singers talking.
"Well, I heard that he doesn't even have a face under the mask. It could just be a big gaping hole."
"No, there's a face. It's just so distorted and twisted that he covers it up. He is the devil's spawn you know." Knowing that they were talking about Erik, I turned away with a tear in my eye. Madame Giry walked over to us then.
"Now, I'm sure many of you remember the song that Rachel sang when she first arrived. It was called Think of Me and it's originally from this opera. I think Rachel should sing that part in the opera since she did such a marvelous job before. Do you all agree?" Many nodded but only a few disagreed. Madame Giry seemed pleased with the result and nodded her head.
"Alright then, I want us all in the middle of the stage." I couldn't help but notice the evil glare that Miss Sherry gave me as I walked to the center of the stage.
Meanwhile, down in the seats, Miss Sherry was planning her own little performance. I'll get Miss Perfect if it's the last thing I do! First, she embarrasses me when she took the leading role away in Il Muto. Then, she goes and makes friends with the Phantom so he can fight her battles. Well, I'll just show her that she shouldn't mess with Leslie Sherry! I'll find her precious Phantom and dispose of him. Then, when he's gone who will fight her battles? An evil grin started to form on her face.
(Author's Note: Okay, I'm sorry it's so short, but I didn't have much time tonight. I promise that the next one will be longer. Anyway, what do you think of Miss Sherry? A real jerk, huh? Don't worry, I have everything planned!)
