Author's Note: I'm updating every three days, so here is your chapter! Hugs and kisses to all of my lovely reviewers. Remember, reviews are good for the soul! Review replies at the bottom.
This chapter is dedicated to Dern, for being cool, supportive, and squeeful for the MC goodness.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
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Remember me
The audiences' gaze was set on me. Our restaurant was unusually focused on the music. Most bars the musician just fades into the background, but not ours. The music was the driving force of the business. A change in singers was a big thing.
Once in a while
Almost as big was the change of pianists. I had called my friend Michael and asked him if he'd like to play the piano for me. Michael Crawford was a minor celebrity in the world of pianists, therefore a big deal.
Please promise me you'll try
I had spent hours on my hair, make-up, and outfit. But that didn't stop me from feeling incredibly self conscious.
When you find, that once again
I was wearing a black skirt that was long enough to touch the floor, but only just. Paired with it I had a low-cut red shirt, with a black shirt under it for modesty's sake.
You long to take your heart back and be free
Myhair had taken the most time. I had to wash it, dry it, and curl it. The result was beautiful ringlets that reached half way down my spine.
If you ever find a moment
Sweat was trickling down my back. I could feel the eyes of everyone in the bar, even Meg, boring into me. It was quite discomforting. I didn't have stage fright exactly; I was just a bit apprehensive.
Spare a thought for me
I hope my dad could hear me. Even though it was just a bar, he would have been proud of the way I kept the audiences eyes and ears. I was glad for the musical interlude however. Even if it was just a brief one.
We never said our love was evergreen
I hope my Angel would be pleased. We had worked for even this small triumph for so long. And after this, who knew? Maybe I could get a job singing for somewhere other than a bar.
Or as unchanging as the sea
Letting my eyes patrol around the room, they fell on one table in particular.
But if you can still remember
It was Robert.
Stop and think of me
It had been seven years since I had seen him, and how he had changed. He hadn't grown much taller; he only looked about five foot ten. Last I had seen him he had been five foot seven. But his hair was several shades lighter, it had used to be a light brown, it was now dishwater blonde. It was slightly shaggy, but didn't quite reach his collar. But his face was the same.
Think of all the things we've shared and seen
It was the same face that had haunted my thoughts for months after that particular move. In fact, it had haunted me right up until my Angel came to me. I could practically see myself playing practical jokes on his friends, eating pizza, and watching him struggle with the violin.
Don't think about the things that might have been
In fact, his face reminded me strongly of my father's face. It had optimism in it that could not be hidden.
Think of me, think of me waking, silent and resigned
I wonder what my Angel was thought of my performance. It wouldn't have been possible if not for him. I wanted him to be pleased. He was my sole reason for singing. And singing was one of my only reasons for living.
Imagine me, trying to hard to put you from my mind
My angel had promised to come to me tonight, in my apartment. He rarely came to my apartment, as I was a bit embarrassed. As often as not I couldn't pay for electricity, so I lit my flat by candlelight. It had a lovely effect, but visitors were often judgmental. I knew my Angel wouldn't care, but from habit I kept people away.
Recall those days, look back on all those times
I couldn't help but wonder what my Angel looked like, despite my father's assurances that the Angel of Music didn't have a body. How could a voice as beautiful as my Angel's voice not have a body to go with it?
Think of the things we'll never do
Robert was staring at me so intensely I felt rather self conscious, all over again. What if he didn't like the person I had become? Why did it matter to me?
There will never be a day when I won't think of you
My insides nearly melted with relief as I realized I was nearing the end of the song. Soon I would be in the room in the back that served as a dressing room, preparing to go home. And when I got home, my Angel would be there, to share in my great triumph. I could feel my face lighting up with the last lines.
We never said our love was evergreen
Or as unchanging as the sea
But please promise me
That you will think of me
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Review Replies:
Monj: Thanks! I thought people would like my Carlotta. She's a fun character.
KitArchivist: Yay! A new reader! I wanted to give a new twist to it. I really didn't want it to be just another modern re-telling. And I never felt that most of the backgrounds for Christine were realistic.
Tink20: I'm glad you're enjoying it! Thank you so much for reviewing.
PhantomsHeart: I bet you are getting quite the collection. We're big on hats. I'm glad you liked my Meg. I had to dig through the book to find her description.
Harem98: I'm glad you like the story so far! Please keep reviewing!
Dern: MC goodness AND Robert! This chapter is the jackpot for you! I seriously had a big dopey grin on my face after reading your review. Thanks so much!
Han Solo666: I'm glad you like it!
Ahomelesspirate: I'm glad you liked my Leroux details. I didn't want this story to just blend in with the crowd. So I spent a long time adding in small details like that. Thank you so much for reviewing! I can't tell you enough how much it means to me!
