Hey everyone… I cannot tell you how sorry I am that this has taken so long to get up. Roses for everyone! Every project and paper has been hitting me these past weeks not to mention the slight writers block that I endured. Bit I already have most of the next chapter written after this one so hopefully I will be able to start updating more regularly. I'm so excited about all the responses that I've gotten, and don't worry. I haven't forgotten you. Responses to reviews are at the end! I just love you guys! Ok now finally, on with the story!
Chapter 4: The Teardrop
The next morning Orrie was awakened by a gentle knock at her door.
"Orrie" a voice echoed outside her door. The knocking continued, "Orrie are you awake?"
"I'm coming," Orrie groaned as she pulled herself out of bed. She was surprised at how deeply she slept considering her conflicting thoughts the night before. She stumbled to the entrance, still half asleep, and slowly opened the door.
She was greeted by a woman around her age with the same height and long flowing blonde hair. The woman's smile accented her blue eyes nicely as she looked over Orrie's freshly awakened figure.
"You look like a train wreck," the woman said with a chuckle as she entered the room.
"It's good to see you too Meg," Orrie said as she watched Meg place an outfit across her dresser.
Meg let out another slight laugh as she gave Orrie a gentle hug. Meg backed away looking Orrie over once more. Orrie's hair was in utter disarray and her eyes were still narrowed with traces of sleep in them, not to mention the red pillow marks that creased her face.
"Oh Orrie… if this is what sleeping soundly does to you I wouldn't suggest doing it often," Meg said as she let out a few more laughs.
Orrie laughed as well, knowing that she must look ridiculous.
"I don't know how I managed to sleep so deeply last night… I must have missed the Opera House more than I thought," Orrie said rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"Well I don't know how much you'll like it after today. The managers are coming and today's practice is going to be brutal. My mother wishes for nothing less then perfection by the end of the day." Meg sat down in the chair in front Orrie's dresser and began to rub her forehead. "Not to mention that we will be graced with the presence of our new Prima Donna," she said with sarcasm resounding in her voice.
"Oh don't tell me she's dreadful," Orrie said as she sat down on her bed.
"Madame Kalaba?… Never," Meg said with the same note of sarcasm.
They both laughed at the thought of the interesting day that awaited them.
"It figures that my first day turns out to be a disaster," Orrie said still chuckling.
"Oh you'll do fine," Meg said as stood up and placed an encouraging hand on Orrie's shoulder. "You know the ballet rather well."
"Thanks to you," Orrie said looking up at her friend.
"Nonetheless," Meg said as she made her way back toward the dresser. "This is your outfit for Hannibal," she said gesturing to the fabric lying across the dresser. "Now… I suggest you clean yourself up. Breakfast is being served in the Dining Hall and practice commences directly afterwards. Being late is not an option."
"Yes Madame," Orrie said looking as if she was at attention.
Meg laughed to herself. "I'll see you at practice Orrie." Meg then closed the door to Orrie's room and made her way to the Dining Hall.
Orrie shook her head and let it drop towards the floor. "Oh what a day today will be," she said with both a smile and a sigh as she began to get ready.
After some quick preparation, Orrie was ready for breakfast. She left her room and made her way down the hallway. For some reason she had began to watch her feet as she walked and hadn't noticed the lavishly overdressed woman walking towards her. Before Orrie new it, the woman had walked right into her and knocked her to the floor.
"Watch where you're going, you foolish little girl!" The woman screamed as she adjusted her dress.
Orrie stared up at the angry rambling woman. The woman's look was rather exaggerated with her large orange headdress covering chestnut hair that was done up in a bun. Her eyes were hazel with black spider like eyelashes that curled up toward her yellow eye shadow. She had high cheekbones and presented a commanding look that would have seemed intimidating had Orrie not been so strong willed. Orrie's eyes then gazed upon the dress she was wearing. It was mostly blue but trimmed in yellow in certain places while orange trimmed it in others. The bottom of the dress was so wide that it took up most of the hallway. Orrie's eyes furrowed at the wretched excuse for a dress when she realized that the woman was still shouting angrily. Orrie picked herself up off the floor her face turning a deeper shade of red with every word the pampas woman spoke. Her body now boiled with anger at the arrogance of this woman.
"Ugh," the woman said in disgust. "You clumsy little brat! You could have ruined my dress!"
"Pardon me Madame," Orrie said with unusual calmness. "But it seems that any alteration that may have happened with YOU running into ME would have been an improvement on that awful combination of fabric that you call a dress." Orrie then slightly smirked, pleased with her retort to the woman's rude behavior.
The woman's eyes grew wide, appalled at the ballerina's insolence. She drew in a deep breath as if to blow Orrie way with her next scream, but was interrupted.
"Madame Kalaba!" a voice called to her from behind. Kalaba turned to see another ballerina smiling brightly at her.
"You look so lovely today," the girl squealed. "Your dress is positively… stunning."
"Ugh," Kalaba groaned as she began walking towards her original destination. Luckily her anger quickened her step and she was soon out of sight.
"I can't believe you spoke to Madam Kalaba like that," the girl said shocked but with a slight giggle.
"I can't believe you flattered her like that," Orrie said. The color was returning to her face although she was still rather angry.
The girl raised an eyebrow and she gestured for Orrie to walk with her. "You will soon find that if Madame Kalaba isn't happy… no one is. Her few short visits to the Opera House have taught me that. The managers will do anything to keep a smile on her face."
"Ugh," Orrie said frustratingly. "She is so arrogant."
"Aren't all Prima Donnas?" the girl laughed. "By the way… I'm Mira."
Orrie smiled back at the girl. She seemed rather kind. She was slightly shorter than Orrie with long hair that was a bit darker than Meg's. Her eyes were a lighter shade brown and her face was round with rosy cheeks, making her seem younger and more innocent.
"I'm Orrie."
"Well Orrie… we had better hurry," Mira said as she began to walk faster. "They won't be serving breakfast for much longer."
Both girls hurried onto breakfast hoping that they weren't too late. They luckily made it just in time. Mira introduced Orrie to some of the other ballerinas and told them the story of Orrie's run in with Madame Kalaba earlier. Soon after they were finished, they made their way to rehearsal. The girls dressed in their outfits and began stretching.
The girls were not the only ones preparing for today's rehearsal. Several cellars below them the Phantom was looking himself over in the mirror. He was dressed in his usual elegant black attire and raised his visible eyebrow to the reflection in the mirror. 'Back to being the Opera Ghost,' he thought to himself as he let out a sigh. 'At least it will be nice to see how the Opera is progressing.' He hadn't realized how much he missed observing the rehearsals and critiquing the cast of the operas. Eagar to begin observing rehearsal, he quickly adjusted his cape and made his way to box 5 through one of the new passageways he created.
"Ladies take your places." Madame Giry's voice rang throughout the stage. "Orrie come with me," she said as she gestured for Orrie's presence.
Orrie quickly made her way to Madame Giry's side on the front corner of the stage. "You will first observe the dance," she said commandingly. "Your position is between Mira and Danielle, watch them carefully and be mindful of your own movements." Orrie nodded in understanding and Madame Giry took her place on the other side of the sage. "Alright ladies… let's begin." And with the clap of her hands the music began.
Orrie watched carefully, studying everything and picturing how her movements would blend with the others. Her eyes narrowed out of concentration. She luckily had learned the dance a month before thanks to a visit that Meg had paid to her in Rouen, but had no clue how her movements would blend with the movements of the other dancers. Her eyes narrowed more forcefully as her concentration became deeper. She was not about to let herself be the cause of an imperfect ballet.
At the time the music began, the Phantom had entered box five. He was not surprised at the caliber of the ballet for he knew Madame Giry was a superb instructor. Meg looked as graceful as ever, while the rest of the ballerinas did a splendid job. His eyes then drifted to a young woman standing on the corner of the stage. Since she was facing the stage, all he could see of her were the auburn curls that fell across her back. 'Hm… she must have just arrived,' he thought, as he looked her over curiously. The dancers continued and luckily finished the ballet without interruption.
"Ladies there is still room for improvement," Madame Giry called across the stage. "We'll run this ballet until I am completely satisfied, and I am satisfied by nothing except perfection."
The Phantom smiled to himself, having heard the stern instruction of Madame Giry. He had always appreciated her determination for the perfect ballet. As he watched, he began to remember the times when he would see Christine dancing along with the others. Her talent had enthralled him, but it was not just her skill and beauty that drew him to her. It was her innocence, an innocence that he had only found in another, in Orrie. Then his memory drifted back even further to when it would only be Madame Giry and little Orrie parading along the stage. Orrie would often look to him when she danced, as if she was performing only for him. Even though she could never see him through the shadows, she knew he was there, and he knew that she could sense his slight smile and joy as he watched her turn from an innocent little girl into a graceful ballerina. He sometimes even felt as if she was dancing only for him, only for the precious gift of a rose that she would receive for a job well done.
Madame Giry once again called across the stage. "Orrie… come and take your place."
'Orrie?' The Phantom thought to himself as he leaned forward in the box being sure he stayed in the shadows. At first he didn't believe his own ears. He thought that it was just his memories calling to him. 'It can't… it can't be her.' But as he watched the young woman his eyes widened at the thought of it being Orrie, Orrie actually being here in his Opera House again.
Orrie almost jumped at the sound of Madame Giry's voice directed toward her. Her heart started pounding in her chest at the thought of messing up on stage. She had to prove herself. She quickly made her way to her rightful position and took a deep breath in hopes of calming herself. She now remembered the true feel of the stage and how when she would dance, she would always pretend that entire house was full; all in anticipation of seeing her perform. Then out of habit, her eyes drifted to box 5 as they often did when she was a girl. She thought she could feel her heart bleed at the thought of her Phantom not being there. She could always count on him to be watching before, but now he had been driven away, and her heart sank in her chest at he thought of never receiving another rose.
The Phantom kept his eyes intent on the girl as she took her spot on stage. He could feel his breath quickening and his heart pounding faster with every passing moment to the point where he had to clench his chest in hope of slowing its pace. The girl had finally turned outward, facing him. At that moment he thought his heart had stopped completely. He examined her every detail thoroughly. Her auburn curls were tied back from her face and she held her self confidently. He then watched as her eyes fell upon him though he knew she could not see him. He could have sworn that her eyes had even met his and the world seemed to halt its spinning. The light from the stage made her sapphire eyes sparkle like diamonds and her pale skin seemed to radiate an angelic glow. 'Orrie… It is her,' he thought to himself. 'My Orrie has returned.' The realization of his angel returning brought tears to his eyes, as he basked in wonderment at the beautiful young woman she had become.
The music began once more and Orrie, tearing her gaze away from box 5, began to dance along with the other ballerinas. The apprehension she once felt had left her as she moved in perfect balance with the other figures on stage. Every motion was graceful and flawless, and her facial expressions revealed the true emotion of the music. She found that her body was not her own as her feet floated across the stage. Her body belonged to the music. It controlled her, guided her, showed her everything that needed to be done and allowed her to do it perfectly. And although she believed her Phantom to be gone, every aspect of her movement called for him. She still danced as though he was watching… little did she know he was.
The girls had been practicing for several hours and the Phantom was still studying Orrie's every move intently. His eyes never left her as she continued the intricate dance, her grace astounding him with every move that she made. She far exceeded many of the others on stage and he could tell her confidence was growing with each step. She had come far since her youth, and pride swelled in his heart as he saw how even more talented she had become. Oh how he longed to reveal himself to her. To show her that he was still there… still waiting. What would she think of him? She would have surely heard of the rumors…of his murders… and of his love for Christine. How would he ever explain it all?
His thoughts were soon interrupted by the entrance of the managers and a certain Prima Donna.
"Ah, Madame Giry," Monsieur Firmin called as he, Monsieur Andre, and Madame Kalaba entered the stage. "How is our ballet progressing?"
"If you would please stand to the side," Madame Giry said gesturing them to move. "Ladies… from the top." And once again with the clap of her hands the music began. The dancers began once again and finished the ballet flawlessly.
"Why Madame Giry I believe this to be the best ballet yet," Monsieur Andre said after the ballet was completed. "Perhaps even…"
"Yes, yes," Madame Kalaba interrupted. "Your dancers are a lovely little time consumer. Shall we continue with my aria now Monsieur's?" Madame Kalaba then made her way to the front of the stage pushing away any ballerina who got in her way.
"Actually Madame…" Andre said as he began to object.
"Of course we shall," Madame Kalaba interjected.
The Phantom raised an eyebrow at the thought of this woman being the Prima Donna. 'She's seems as unbearable as Carlotta.' Not until she began to sing did he know how right he was.
Madame Kalaba, having taken her proper stance on stage, then began to sing Think of Me. Every over exaggerated note made Orrie's hair stand on end. Sour notes had always been physically painful to Orrie's ears and she could not help but carry a look of disgust on her face at every exaggerated pitch.
"This is our Prima Donna?" Orrie questioned to Meg with a look of astonishment on her face. "How can we expect anyone to even stay to see the ballet if they have to listen to her first?"
"Orrie," Meg said as she nudged Orrie in disapproval. "She's not that bad."
The Phantom grew tired of Kalaba by the first note and couldn't bare to listen to her anymore. He had quickly made his way to rafters and was preparing to do his traditional drop of scenery on the new Prima Donna, but quickly remembered that he couldn't make himself known until every new passageway was complete. 'Damn,' he said in frustration. 'I'd rather Carlotta return than listen to this.'
"No No No…" Madame Kalaba began to shout, now interrupting her own aria. "This piano is out of tune! This will not do!" She then advanced upon the managers pointing a forceful finger "You will get a new piano. I will not sing another note until it arrives!" She then ran off the stage and proceeded to her room with the two blubbering managers following her.
Madame Giry shook her head and sighed, but then quickly addressed the dancers. "You have all done rather well today. The rest of the evening is yours, but do not forget to do your stretches. The last thing you want if for your muscles to tighten up."
"Orrie," Madame Giry said approaching her. "I heard of your mishap with Madame Kalaba today."
Orrie hung her head, "Yes… its just that she was so rude and I…"
"Orrie," Madame Giry said in disapproval. "You should know that the managers will not think twice about dismissing a certain chorus girl if Madame Kalaba should ask them to. Keep that in mind." With that Madame Giry then proceeded to her room.
Orrie sighed. She hated the thought of letting Madame Kalaba walk all over her, but she didn't want to leave the Opera House. "Ugh," she groaned in frustration as she began her stretches.
"Don't worry Orrie," Mira said finishing her stretches. "If you just stay away from Kalaba it won't be so bad."
"It's not just Madame Kalaba. It's just that... nothing is turning out like I thought it would."
"Why?" Mira then stood up. "How did you think it would be?"
"I don't know," Orrie said lifting her head to look at box 5. "Just… different."
"Well I'm heading to dinner… I'll save you a seat!"
"Thanks Mira," Orrie called as Mira left to go to the Dining Hall.
The whole time the Phantom was standing on the rafter just above her. He couldn't stop thinking of how lovely she had become. How much of a woman she now was. He looked closely as she sat on the floor stretching to touch her toes, when a glare entered his eye. He soon found the source resting on Orrie's finger. 'My ring… she still wears the ring.' The thoughts of the day he gave her the ring, the day she had left, suddenly entered his mind as he felt tears flow through his eyes. 'She has not forgotten.' He closed his eyes and hung his head more toward the floor. It was too late when he realized that he had released a tear onto his cheek. Before he had a chance to wipe it away, it dripped from his face and fell to the floor below.
As Orrie finally finished stretching she noticed a drop of moisture fall from somewhere above her and land right next to her foot. She quickly looked up to find the source hoping that maybe… perhaps the Opera Ghost still watched every rehearsal as the other dancers said he once did. As she looked toward the rafters she saw only darkness and lowered her head back to the floor. "Why do I keep doing this to myself?" she sighed. "He's gone, I have to accept it." But she couldn't. Her heart could not help but feel a certain amount of hope that perhaps, he hadn't left forever. She kneeled down to the droplet and placed a finger over it. She felt its warmth as she rubbed it between her thumb and index finger. 'Where are you?' She then let out another sigh and lifted her head toward the ceiling. "Will you never return?" she whispered allowed as she brought herself back to her feet.
The Phantom watched from the shadows as she looked for him in the rafters. 'Oh dear Orrie,' he thought to himself. 'I never left.'
Oh I'm so excited that I finally got this up! Just wait for next chappie. It get's me excited just thinking about it! OK, now on the reviewer responses.
Kelley's Sweetpea- I'm glad you like the idea. It kind of came from a dream I had where I had come before Christine… it was weird. I'm not exactly the biggest Christine fan, so it's pretty easy for me to see Erik with someone else.
Mystery Guest- Oh, I'm so glad you like Erik. I was really worried about losing some of his essence. And if an Erik doesn't feel like an Erik… he's not an Erik. You know what I mean?
Almost-Lost-Hope6- I'm so glad I'm keeping you hooked, lol. I can't wait till you read the next chapter I post. I'm way excited about it!
Countess Vladislaus Dragu- Let me say first that your name rocks. It took me 3 tries before I could say it right. lol. Anyways I'm glad you're enjoying the story. I'll try to update sooner. I promise.
JennAnn- I'm really excited that you even started reading this since your wary of OC pairings! A little E/C action might come into play later but I really like the thought of Orrie with Erik. I'll do my best to keep you hooked!
Phantominhell- Your review really excited me because you seemed excited and then I got excited and then I told my mom so she got excited and it was just a lot of excitement. lol.But I'm especially excited for when Orrie sees Erik. It's coming soon!
QueenofthePuppets- I'm glad you enjoy it so much. I do my best to keep it extremely extraordinary and cute!
Allegratree- I did all that research, but then it didn't end up making its way into the chapter. I'm hoping that I can work into a different one. I really appreciate your advice!
Elvinscarf- I'm so glad you love it!
N.H.S. - I really looked for grammar errors in this one although I'm sure I missed a few. I also split up the paragraphs more. Thanks for your advice!
Phantomess785- AHHHH! You reviewed! I just love it. I was so excited to see you reviewed… don't even know! lol. I'm so glad you finally got the DVD. No POTO fan should go with out it. I hope loved 3 and 4… but just wait for 5. LOL. I'm way too excited!
MegGiry- I'm so glad you reviewed. They see each other again soon. I'm so glad you like it!
I just love all you guys and I'm so glad you reviewed (sniffles). It's just so touching. You guys rock! At first I had writer's block, but now I'm getting really excited about where the story is going! Well that's all for today! Please review (in pleading voice) "That's all I ask of you.":) I remain, Viewers, your faithful Authoress. -Maggie
