The Unexpected Letter

The next morning found me dressing in a hurry. I had overslept and had only two minutes to get to rehearsals. I pulled my dress on and buttoned the front up. I sprinted over to the mirror and quickly gazed at myself. My hair was a curly mess and my face was all splotchy from crying. I picked up my brush and brushed my hair several strokes. I winced each time I pulled at a knot. I pulled it back with a ribbon and ran out the door, locking it behind me. I ran as fast as I could down the hallway and up the steps to the stage. I was out of breath when I arrived, but I did arrive on time. I stood there in the corner panting as Madame Giry took attendance. I saw Meg in the other corner talking to Tom. They were laughing and enjoying a pleasant conversation. Even though I was overjoyed for the engagement, I couldn't help but feel a little jealous of Tom. He had captured almost all of Meg's attention, and she didn't seem to have much time for me anymore. I shook my head and scolded myself for thinking such a thing.

Madame Giry walked to the center of the stage and shouted out the orders.

"Alright, dancers, please move over here and wait for me to tell you when to start dancing. Miss Sherry, please stand in your position to sing Think Of Me. Okay, places everyone!" I walked over to the dancer's side of the stage. I had to pass Miss Sherry, though, and she whispered something as I passed by.

"I haven't seen your little Phantom lately. Could all of it have been in your head after all?" She started to laugh, but I just kept walking. The music started and Madame Giry told us to begin dancing. Miss Sherry began singing right when we began dancing. This was the first time that I or anyone else for that matter had heard her sing. During our other rehearsals we had just practiced dancing. I think all of us had to agree on one thing, though. Carlotta had sang much better than Miss Sherry. Yes, it was really that bad, believe it or not. I looked around me to see most of everyone cover their ears with the palms of their hands. Madame Giry had a grimace on her face as she flinched with each high note Miss Sherry attempted to hit. Everyone was in pure torture, but we all knew we couldn't say anything to the young heiress. I guess we weren't the only ones in torture, for at the exact moment she was about to finish with the high notes, a sand bag dropped from the ceiling and hit Miss Sherry in the head. The force of it knocked her down. Everyone rushed to her aid and helped her stand up again. Madame Giry asked if she was alright or if they needed to call for a physician.

"No, I just have a splitting headache. Just take me to my room and leave me be." Two of the chorus girls led her down the steps of the stage and off in the direction of her room. I lifted my gaze to the rafters, but only saw Buquet's face.

"I promise you, Madame Giry, I wasn't on my shift when this happened. No one is here now, though." Madame Giry turned away and gave me a knowing look.

"Alright everyone, let's just practice the dancing again."

Rehearsals didn't last long since our leading singer wasn't there. I entered my room and laid down on my bed. I covered my face with my hands and took several deep breaths. Why is it that even when Erik is upset with me, he still must hurt others for me? I thought it didn't matter anymore to him, but I guess I was wrong. Maybe this is how our relationship will be from now on. We won't talk, but he'll still defend me. Great, you just had to go and ruin things didn't you, Rachel? I could feel tears sliding down my face and remembered that I had makeup on. I thought I had shed all of the tears last night. I stood up from the bed and walked over to the vanity to retrieve a handkerchief. As I reached for it, I noticed that laying under it was a letter addressed to me. I turned it over and the sight before me made my heart begin to pound. It was a skull seal! I took a deep breath and slowly opened it up. I wonder where he stands in our relationship? What if this letter says he never wants to see me again? I guess I should just open it and find out. I pulled the delicate paper out and started to unfold the letter. Here goes nothing.

(Author's Note: I'm so sorry that I haven't updated in a while! I have been so busy and am exhausted, so that's why this is short. I'm also sorry that it's a cliff hanger, but I just don't have anymore ideas for tonight. Please review and tell me what you think. Thanks!)