Hi people! Hey thank you all so very, very much for all the positive feedback you've been giving! I give out Gerald Butler clones out to you all!
Disclaimer: I live in a cardboard shack! What does that tell you?
P.s.-I've been told on several different occasions that I am in desperate need of an editor so as of now I am putting away the pride and would be more than happy to accept anyone who feels like being a beta reader.
xxxxXXXXxxxx
Even after an examination had occurred enlightening everyone that the 'carcass' was in fact an old dressmaker's dummy and the smell of burning flesh to be that of smoldering plastic the inhabitants of the Opera House still felt nervy. In fact even the roughest of stagehands were looking over their shoulders from time to time…jumping at every little noise. The apprehension invoked had once again earned a suggested curfew from the Opera administrators. Who were beside themselves with exasperation as they stormed back into their office with a huff and a grunt.
"Oh what are we to do now Andre?" Firmin practically collapsed in a nearby chair at the prospect of what their next move would be.
"Oh Firmin…?" Began Andre in a singsong voice.
"Yes?" He groaned in response.
Andre held up a parchment envelope with a red wax skull as the seal. "I don't believe we'll have to worry about figuring out what is 'demands' are."
Firmin took the envelope anxiously and opened it despite his best judgment.
My Dearest Managers-
It would appear that recent situations have forced me to rely once more on the generosity that you are willing to undertake for me. No, No! Do not fret for I do not request a raise in salary. Instead you will find a composition of mine that I have written. This performance is entitled 'Don Juan' and if it is not performed as the next production in this theater…well my next victim will originally have a pulse…but will not end with one.
I have also included a casting list of the following members I wish to have for each role. I look forward to watching the rehearsals from my usual seat in box five. I wish you the Fondest of farewells... until next time gentlemen.
Yours Truly,
O.G.
Andre and Firmin looked up at each other slowly. Firmin slowly put down the letter and sighed.
"He will make a fool of us yet Andre."
"I know…but what other choice do we have."
XxxxXXXXxxxx
As the winter came and went a season of momentary spring took its place. It only seemed brief however due to the frantic schedule of the Opera workers and it's participants. A rehearsal occurred every four to five hours equaling to three daily. And the seamstresses and stagehands of the theater were just as busy! What with the short notice of the production, the limited supplies to work with and of course…the feeling of intimidation that came with every lingering shadow near the ominous box five. The pressure that each participant felt could not be denied. In fact far more tiffs and insolent little arguments could be heard amongst the tired employees and the tension was mounting as the opening night of the Phantom's Opera drew closer and closer.
Currently centered on the stage was Madam Giry and her ballet girls as she instructed them in a manner she saw fit for the production.
"Come long now girls we've been practicing these stance all day, you should have it down by now!" Circling the girls she rolled her eyes at the sloppy movements, finally slapping her instructional whip down on the stage. A sound that distracted the nearby light maneuver enough to make him lose his balance on the plank that he stood upon and fall to the ground.
Madam Giry disregarded the chaos around her and simply focused on the task of perfecting the movement of her girls.
"We shall simply have to start the sequence again!"
"I'd like to see her do this for hours straight." Whispered a redhead to her nearby friend. The girls within earshot nodded in agreement as the sounds of Carlotta's dog running lose, the profanities of a few Italian gentlemen and their instructor's voice rang in their ears.
Christine also watched from afar as an elderly seamstress fitted her costume for her role. She had to admit she was slightly surprised that the managers had rolled over so easily about the performance of Erik's masterpiece…then again the instant word leaked out about the House performing 'the ghosts mysterious work of art' the tickets had sold out within minutes.
"Ouch!" She yelped as she accidentally got stuck with a dresser's pin.
"Oh so sorry miss!" The elderly woman exclaimed as she smiled humbly. Christine returned the favor and allowed the older woman to finish her work while she thought in quietly about the proposal that Erik had suggested to her.
Frankly she wasn't sure if she could return the love Erik had for her. It was true that she cared for him more than most…but still their relationship was a confusing one and even at times awkward. They were practically unlike in every single way: while she longed for sunlight, he provoked only darkness. Yet still, when she heard him sing, or play his melodies something inside of her would force her to forget all their differences and make her want to be lost in the music…and often enough in him as well.
So what if she did submit to him? Would he expect her to perform all the duties that came with running away with someone or would they simply leave together and only be allies that only associated when necessary? Could he understand that she may never be able to love him romantically? Nevertheless she considered him to be the most worthy of her confidants and most sacred of companions. Was he aware of this trust she had in him? If she asked would he be capable of accepting her friendship as a friendship and nothing more?
A chill ran though her body as she recalled the last time she had asked the same of another suitor. Perhaps it was the fault of men in general who had difficulty accepting that there could be something they could not own or possess? Or was Raoul simply a bad example upon which to base Erik? Surly they were nothing alike! After all Raoul had a nasty temper, a sore losing streak…'oh dear'…she thought nervously, throwing the deliberation from her mind as quickly as it came.
Erik's passion was something that could not be compared. It saddened and astounded her at the thought of what his life would have been like had he not been born with his deformity. Surly Erik had thought of this himself? With an ordinary face, he would have been one of the most distinguished of mankind! He had a heart that could have held the empire of the world; and, as of now, he had to content himself with a cellar…
Then again what if she denied his proposition? And remained in the Opera Populaire as a chorus girl and modestly enjoyed her youth and secure lifestyle while she had it? Some were not so fortunate as her…could she give away this life she adored so much and exchange it for another?
"Ms Daaé!"
"Huh?" She answered looking at the woman whom had interrupted her thought. "Pardon me? I'm afraid I didn't catch that."
"I said: you have a visitor!" She called out louder than necessary. She walked away clearly annoyed by the girl's daydreaming and Christine's eyes followed her form until she came across the smiling eyes of the Viscount.
Her face fell instantly and she grabbed her lengthy skirts and headed towards him spitefully.
"What are you doing here?" She practically growled the question looking around to make sure the ears of others were preoccupied.
"Forgive me Christine for I know you are busy, especially with all the new…developments occurring lately." He cleared his throat, obviously uncomfortable with his own outlining of the term.
"I simply wish to escort you to a late lunch Mademoiselle. I do hope you will accept my offer and join me?"
She glared at him savagely and replied, "What in the world makes you think I would want anything to do with you?" With that she turned abruptly and headed for the solace of her dressing room but Raoul jumped in front of her causing her to stop unexpectedly.
"Please sir," She said with a mocking tone. "Let me pass."
"Christine," Began he with a softer gesture. "I am trying to be nice."
She considered this declaration a moment before crossing her arms over her chest and shifting her weight to her one hip and frowning.
"I offered you my friendship Raoul…you know I can't love you as anything more than that. Why are you trying to make things so difficult?"
"I am simply trying to shelter you from that-from you tutor of yours-"
"He means not to harm me Raoul! But sometimes I would think you do!"
"This ghost, spirit of the dead, angel of music, whatever you call him is incapable of loving you Christine! What…do you think that fiend even knows the definition of devotion? Why that monster-"
"That monster is more of a man than you'll ever be Viscount, for I should think you nothing more than a spoiled boy who is jealous over a harmless relationship! Now get out of my way and leave me be-" At this she tried to exceed him once more but Raoul took hold of her arm before he allowed her to do so.
He sighed in shame and hung his head. Christine saw the sag in his shoulders and almost felt pity for the boy whom so obviously was torn over the circumstances.
"I know I have acted childishly Christine…my feelings for you have blindly inspired me to the irrational things I've been doing lately."
"I am sure Meg Giry would agree with you!" She hushed.
"I know! Oh how I know Christine! But I am asking nothing more than for lunch. Come with me for a simple meal and hear me out. One hour at the most and I shall accompany you back to this stage myself."
Christine thought on the matter briefly and not wishing to further upset the Viscount and make a bad situation potentially worse she took his arm as he offered it to her. He smiled gratefully but she disclosed a pointed finger and professed:
"One hour Raoul! And not a second more."
He nodded to the agreement as he led them to the nearest exit. Little did either of them realize that pair of rancorous eyes were watching from above.
XxxxXXXXxxxx
"…So you see that is why I attacked Meg Giry as she claims." The Viscount stated sharply as he sipped on his tea. "How was I to know that she wasn't an associate of the Phantom? And for that matter how did I not know you were not at risk…after all no one had seen you since the Masquerade…"
Christine sighed and leaned back in her chair thoughtfully as she looked around the small café where they dined. It was true…had she been more considerate she would have reported back to her room at once, perhaps it was partially her fault that she had worried him so. Yet she grew angry yet again at the thought of the small scar that Erik would now carry because the Viscount just had to 'rescue' her from her unfounded danger.
"That still doesn't excuse your actions Raoul. And what of the cemetery? You were concerned I was in peril?
He nodded quickly.
"Then why did you not ask me if I was so, before continuing it-"
"He started it Christine. He initiated the battle-"
"Then you should have finished it! Honest Raoul, sometimes I think you have not grown up a day from when we last saw each other at the house by the sea…" Her tone took on a happy nostalgic remedy to it as she recalled the days. Raoul seemed to sense her change in mood as well for he began to recite the story they both knew so well.
'Little Lotte let her mind wander...'
The familiar rhyme recoiled a smirk from her lips as she leaned in closer to hear the revived narrative.
"Little Lotte thought, 'Am I fonder of dolls or of goblins or of shoes? Or of riddles or frocks?"
"Those Picnics in the attic." She smiled fondly at the memory of their childhood bliss.
"Or of chocolates?" He grinned handsomely.
"Father playing the violin…" Christine clapped her hands together firmly while she laughed as Raoul imitated the image of a violin being played. He stopped instantly however and threw his hands across the table excitedly as though he had some great secret to tell.
"As we read to each other, dark stories of the north…"
"No." She stated firmly, gently touching his hand with her own. "What I loved best, Little Lottie Said, 'was when I'm asleep in my bed.' And the angel of music sings songs in my head…"
His face fell instantly and he withdrew his hand from hers feeling vanquished in a way he couldn't quite explain.
The rest of their meeting was spent in silence.
XxxxXXXXxxxx
The days continued onward. Christine remained well preoccupied with rehearsals, costume fittings, and other important preparations and her free time practically became nonexistent.
She hadn't been aware at the responsibilities that came with having a lead role I the Opera. Other times when she had graced the stage as a lead it was by mere accident and though vocally she had been well-prepared she know knew nothing of the perfection she entailed as she practiced scales around the clock, memorized her scripts, and dealt with the other numerous details that she found now to be taking up the majority of her life.
While she didn't mind it necessarily, she found herself missing Erik and her other friend's horribly. She had spoken with Meg on a few occasions during meals. But now that they were involved in different elements of the Opera they rarely saw each other. And Erik…well they had enjoyed a few short meetings together. Hardly any time was spent for talking as he normally just gave her a tip or two on her harmonizing and scattered away without another word. It almost seemed as though he was avoiding her or some reason…then again Erik did have his times where solitary was the only element in which he could thrive.
It didn't matter if they didn't have as much time as she liked.
She knew he was there watching over her.
And more than most of the time that was enough.
XxxxXXXXxxxx
Hey after re-reading this chapter I could kind of see where you might find it a bit dull…but let me assure you that if you are indeed a little bored that things are about to get very interesting…
Please review! I thrive on feedback!