From Heaven's Mind
Chapter Four
Erik watched the new choreography and nodded to the dance instructor.
"That's good. We'll have that in Act Three."
"Sure, Mr Destler." The instructor said and ordered the dancers off the stage. Erik noted something on a notepad and turned to his assistant, Tony.
"Ensure they keep that theme throughout. And look into the costumes."
"Yes sir." Tony nodded. He was an enthusiastic young man aged twenty-six with light blonde hair and thoughtful dark eyes. Erik had interviewed several people for the assistant job and although Tony didn't have much experience, Erik knew he would do a good job. His simple love of theatre and music made him an ideal candidate.
Erik looked around for the lead female singer, Michelle and ordered her to rehearse the second act. The beginning of a new opera was always a pain, getting everything into something that vaguely resembled order. Once a routine was set up, it was always much better.
He sank into a chair as the orchestra began. Tony smiled.
"Having fun?"
"No. I never have fun on the job." Erik said shortly. Tony laughed.
"You mean you don't enjoy this?"
"I didn't say I don't enjoy it. I simply mean it's extremely inconvenient."
"Fine, your choice. How's Mrs Destler?"
Erik's expression softened visibly. Tony was reasonably certain he wasn't aware of it though.
"I spoke to her last night. She's starting her new job today."
"Bet she's excited."
"Absolutely thrilled. And she's coming out this weekend."
"Cool. Oh…" He winced as a prop statue got knocked and went flying with a booming crash. Erik ground his teeth as he got to his feet, ready to start yelling. Tony couldn't help giving a grin. Eccentric man, Erik was. But he got the job done. And he got it done well.
Christine entered the Opera House, half nervous and half-excited. After consulting the receptionist she was pointed towards a large conference room. Hesitating outside the luxurious doors, she turned the handle.
Inside the room, milling around were around twenty-five people, all talking cheerfully. Christine hovered by the door for a moment before James Pewter spotted her.
"Christine! Excellent, come on in, we were waiting for you."
"My car was-"
"Playing up? I told you to get that looked at." Said a voice behind her. Christine whipped around to see Max grinning at her.
"Max!"
"Oh, you've met? Max is my assistant director." James said.
"What?" Christine said, shocked. Max laughed delightedly at having surprised her.
"Told you I had an interview! And now I get to bug you all day long. Won't it be fun? Just like old times."
"Be still my beating heart." Christine said sarcastically but smiled anyway. At least she'd know someone. That always made things easier. James was looking delighted.
"Let's get everyone else introduced."
He took Christine's arm and took her round to meet each person in the room. Christine knew a few of them by sight, having noticed them around the opera house on previous visits but not by name. At least, not until they reached the last person, an attractive woman of Christine's age, talking with a man.
"Christine Destler, Rebecca Griffins." The woman turned and blinked in surprise.
"Christine? Christine Danes?"
Rebecca Griffins had played Carlotta in their performance in The Phantom of the Opera. Christine smiled.
"I didn't know you were in this."
"I didn't know you were!" Rebecca replied, "What part do you have?"
"Arietta, the Angel. You?"
"Caroline, the second female lead. I thought you were in New York!" Rebecca said in a friendly way. Christine was rather relieved. Although they had eventually made their peace, it would be a lot easier if they were getting on in this opera.
"I was, for a while. But I got this part and stayed in town."
"Did James say Christine Destler?" Rebecca suddenly noticed.
Christine smiled and nodded.
"Yes, he did." She confirmed.
"You married him?" Rebecca said in a surprised voice.
"Yes, almost two months ago."
"Congratulations! I had no idea." Rebecca said warmly. Christine smiled.
"Thank you."
"Is he here too?" Rebecca asked, peering around the room to catch sight of the masked man. Christine shook her head, her heart twinging slightly. She missed him more than she had realised.
"No… he's in New York, working. He'd already started his opera when I got this one so I stayed behind."
"Oh, that can't be fun." Rebecca said.
"Not really. But I'm flying out to see him this weekend."
"But I'll be working you hard before then." Max said, appearing beside her. "Hi Rebecca."
"Hey Max. How are you?"
"I'm great."
"What happened with Cara on Friday?" Christine asked curiously. She hadn't seen him since then.
Max pulled a face.
"Urgh, it was a bloody nightmare. She screamed at me for ten minutes and then stormed off."
"What did you do then?"
"I went home." He said, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world to do. Christine's jaw dropped.
"Max!"
"What? The woman is crazy. I wasn't about to argue with her." Max said, looking terrified at the thought. Christine rolled her eyes and turned to Rebecca.
"Are all men this useless?"
"I have no idea. I only seem to meet the useless ones." Rebecca smiled.
They were interrupted by James calling for everyone's attention. The three of them turned to look at him, along with everyone else. He smiled around at them.
"OK everyone, let's get proper introductions done. And enjoy the relaxation whilst you can, because tomorrow the hard work starts. Everyone here is a vital part of Des Yeux d'Ange so let's all get along, children." There was a slight ripple of laughter. "As you know, I'm James Pewter and I'm directing. The young man hiding at the back with the two lovely ladies is my assistant director, Max Hodges."
Max held up a hand in greeting as they all turned to look at him. James continued to name the people dotted around and eventually said,
"And now for our main characters. Christine Destler and Stuart McKenzie, come up here for a moment."
Christine moved forward nervously and was joined by a man a few years older than herself with dark blonde hair and a handsome face. James put a hand on both of their shoulders.
"These two are our Arietta and Roberto. I've heard both of them sing and believe me when I say, this is going to be one hell of a show."
Christine felt herself blushing and tried not to. Stuart was staring up at the ceiling, a slight grin on his features. James smiled.
"So, everybody get mingling for half an hour and then we'll go to the main theatre and read through the score." He disappeared, apparently mingling. Christine smiled at Stuart and held out her hand.
"Christine Destler."
"Stuart McKenzie. You must be good, he's been raving about you since I arrived."
"He hasn't…"
"Oh, he has." Stuart laughed. "Have you performed here before?"
"No… but I was at the New York Opera House."
"Impressive."
"I was dating the director." Christine grinned. Stuart blinked in surprise and she laughed. "I'm kidding! Well, sort of… I mean, we were already together. We're married now, so I'm not sure that really counts."
Stuart chuckled at her babbling.
"I look forward to working with you, Christine." He said.
"And you. Have you worked here before?"
"Yeah, a couple of times. I've been in London a lot of the time, though."
They chatted for a few minutes before everyone began to move towards the theatre. Christine caught up with Max and Rebecca as James handed out scorebooks. Christine flicked through, scanning the lyrics and tunes.
"Wow…" She murmured. Rebecca made a sound of agreement. They sat down, glancing through the score. At the beginning of the book was a summary of the story and Christine read it.
The story begins with Roberto and Caroline, a couple engaged to be married through an arrangement. Roberto is unable to accept that he must marry a stranger, as he is a strong believer in destiny. Whilst contemplating his fate, he finds himself in a cemetery where he prays for guidance. He is unaware that he is being watched by Arietta, an angel. She hears his prayers and appears before him as a human to help him learn to love Caroline. The more she tries to help him fall in love with Caroline, the more his feelings grow for her. She is aware that love between humans and angels is forbidden. The day of his wedding arrives and she must leave him. He begs her to stay and she tells him that she cannot. She ascends to heaven and Roberto, heartbroken and despairing, kills himself in the cemetery where he first saw her, to be found by Caroline.
"I love a happy ending." Max commented. Christine laughed.
"I know, it's so depressing. Fun though."
"Yeah, at least we both live to the end." Rebecca agreed. Stuart snorted.
"Yes, lucky you. I get to commit suicide."
"It could be worse. You might have had to marry Rebecca." Max grinned. Rebecca glared at him.
"And what do you mean by that?"
"Oh… nothing…" Max said innocently.
Christine rolled her eyes.
"I'd never believe you're almost twenty-five, Max. You act like a four-year-old."
"Where's the fun in being serious all the time? Lighten up, Chris." Max said, slinging an arm around her shoulders.
They spent a couple of hours listening to the music and attempting to sing along, generally getting a feel for the music. Christine hadn't heard anything like this before, it seemed to be half opera, half jazz. An interesting and rather enjoyable combination. She wondered who had written it. As they all wandered out to the car park, she turned to Max.
"Want a ride?"
"Sure." They went to the car and Christine pulled on her seatbelt.
"What do you think so far?" Max asked.
"I think it's going to be great. I mean, the music is amazing and I know that Rebecca's a good singer. I haven't heard Stuart but I'm sure he's great too."
"He is. I've heard him." Max confirmed. Christine changed gears as they moved onto the main road towards Jameson Street.
"I'll see you tomorrow then." She said, pulling up outside the house. Max nodded and smiled at her.
"You're going to be awesome, Christine."
She smiled and pushed him.
"Out. Before I get all embarrassed." He grinned and climbed out of the car. Christine began to drive to the other side of town. Rochdale Avenue was a little way outside of the main town and Christine was halfway down a country lane when there came an ominous spluttering from the engine.
"Don't you dare…" She hissed.
It dared. A moment later the engine cut out altogether and it didn't matter how many times Christine twisted the key in the ignition, the car refused to start. After muttering various rude words and kicking one of the wheels, Christine perched on the side of the bonnet despairingly. She was a good ten miles from the house and just as far from town. She pulled out her mobile phone and tapped in Nadir's number.
No signal. How very typical. Christine shook the phone furiously, not expecting it to do anything. It didn't. But by some miracle another car seemed to be heading towards her. She waved her arms until it drew to a stop, only to see Tom and Meg laughing at her from the front seats.
"Let me guess. Sentimental value doesn't keep it running." Meg smirked. Christine glared at her.
"Don't be so smug."
"Fine." Meg pulled the car over behind Christine's and the two of them got out. Tom stared as Meg marched around to the front of the car and lifted the hood.
"What is she doing?"
"She's not just a dumb blonde. She's pretty handy with cars." Christine said. "Didn't you know?"
"No, I didn't. That's kinda hot." Tom grinned.
Meg laughed from underneath the bonnet as she fiddled around. After a few minutes she lowered the lid.
"Now, I'm no expert when it comes to cars but I can tell you exactly what's wrong with this particular car." She said.
"What is it?" Christine asked.
"It's buggered. Get a new one." Meg said simply, wiping her hands on her jeans. Christine rolled her eyes.
"Well, I could have told you that."
"But you didn't. Jump in; I'll give you a lift. You're lucky we were on our way to see you." Meg said, going around to the driver's seat. Christine collected her things from her car and locked it before climbing into the back seat.
Nadir came out of the library as Christine, Tom and Meg entered the house.
"Hello, you three."
"Hi Nadir. Christine's car broke down; we'll need to get someone to pick it up." Meg said. Nadir smiled at Christine.
"I'll bet you're regretting Erik's offer of a new car now."
"Look, I like that car, OK? It has served me well." Christine objected.
"Until it died on you."
"It died an honourable death." Tom said solemnly. Christine couldn't help smiling and pulled a face.
"Fine. I give in. I'll get a new one."
"I'll call someone to pick it up." Nadir assured her.
They went into the living room and Christine looked at her friends.
"So, to what do I owe the honour of this visit?"
"What, we can't just visit our bestest buddy when we feel like it?" Meg said, eyes wide and pouting.
"No. What do you want?" Christine said dryly.
"We wanted to talk to you about Max." Tom said, settling into a comfortable armchair.
"What about Max?"
"It's his birthday in two weeks." Meg said, perching on the arm of Tom's chair.
"I know."
"And we wanted to give him a party. But we figured we should ask you first, it being your house and all."
"Sure, that sounds fun!" Christine smiled. "What day?"
"We're thinking a Friday night."
Christine thought about it. Erik would be coming home on that Friday and she really wanted to be here for him when he arrived.
"Can we do it on the Saturday? Only, Erik's coming home on the Friday…"
"No problem. So that's a go ahead?" Meg said.
"Absolutely. Just don't expect me to help plan. I'm terrible at that sort of thing." Christine said. One of the servants entered with drinks and set them down before disappearing. Tom grinned.
"Good service."
"Can we hire them for the party?" Meg teased. Christine rolled her eyes and reached for the phone as it began to ring.
"Hello?"
"How was your first day?" Said a familiar voice.
"Erik!"
"Of course. How was it?"
"Oh, it was fantastic. Max is working there too, he's James' assistant and do you remember Rebecca Griffins? Well, she's in it too and we were just going through the score today but tomorrow we're going to be…"
Meg and Tom listened in amusement as Christine rambled on and on about her day. Eventually she paused for breath and Erik said,
"So you enjoyed it?"
"It was amazing. But what about you? How's your opera going?"
Tom snorted and Meg glanced at him. He shrugged.
"You can just imagine the arguments they have. My opera's better than your opera."
"Normal people fight about bills. They fight about operas." Meg agreed as Christine put the phone down and turned to look at them.
"Erik and I never fight. Except for that one time… but that wasn't even really a fight, more of a difference of opinions, if you must know." Christine said. Nadir came in, putting his phone into his pocket.
"Your car is on its way to the scrapheap." He informed her. "And when I'll take you shopping for a new on next week."
"We should have a funeral for it." Meg suggested brightly. Christine rolled her eyes. Only Meg would suggest such a thing. Noticing Christine's expression Meg snorted.
"Come on, it's not like you didn't think of it. Remember when you insisted on having a funeral for your hamster?"
"Leave my pets out of this!"
Nadir and Tom had both burst out laughing and Christine glared at them.
"I adored that hamster!"
"As much as Trister?" Nadir asked.
"Of course not. But I was still distraught when he died."
"Poor little Fudge, cut down in his prime. Truly a hamster among hamsters." Meg said putting a hand over her heart. Tom snorted and Christine hit him.
"Stop that! Meg, you as well."
"Sorry Christine. Come on, Tom. We've got things to do. We'll see you later." The two disappeared, although Christine was almost positive she heard further laughter coming from the entrance hall.
That week passed in a confused rush of rehearsals, late nights, early mornings and quick phone calls for both Erik and Christine. The whirlwind of activity left both so exhausted they never had either the time or energy to do more than exchange a few words before going to bed.
On Friday morning, suitcase in hand, Christine arrived at the opera house for the morning rehearsal. Friday afternoons were strictly for extras and dancing, so the main characters were allowed to leave early. This proved to be very convenient for Christine, as it meant she could take an earlier flight to New York.
As James called a halt to rehearsals, Christine seized her jacket. Max smiled.
"Off to America?"
"Yeah, I'll see you Monday." Christine said, anxious to get going. Rebecca smiled.
"Have fun."
"Bye!" Christine waved, half-running from the room. Max laughed.
"You know what? I think she might miss him a bit."
"You don't say." Rebecca grinned.
Christine settled happily into her seat on the plane. A girl in her late teens was in the seat beside her, flicking through a magazine. She'd briefly smiled and introduced herself as Andrea before turning back to her reading. Christine felt excited, although the flight would take a few hours. The prospect of seeing Erik again, even after just a week, was wonderful. How could she not have realised how much she would miss him? Because she had. More than she could really explain. Just waking up in the mornings in their large bed was rather depressing when she found herself alone.
"Are you OK?" Andrea asked curiously. "You seem a little jumpy."
"I'm fine. I'm just excited." Christine grinned.
"Me too. I'm going to see some friends and check out a few universities, it's going to be so cool!" Andrea smiled. "What about you? Sight-seeing?"
"My husband. He works in New York and I work in England. It's my turn to fly out." Christine explained with another excited smile.
"Aw, you miss him?"
"So much." Christine pulled out her purse and showed her a small photograph of herself and Erik. It was one of her favourites, the pair of them in the garden of their home. Nadir had taken it the previous year on a glorious summer's day. Christine was beaming at the camera and Erik smiling only slightly, although his happiness was obvious.
Andrea smiled.
"How long have you been married?"
"Two months." Christine replied.
"Not long then."
"No, that's probably why I miss him so much. I only met him two years ago but I just can't imagine being without him now."
"That's so sweet! I wish my boyfriend was a romantic…" She grimaced and Christine laughed. Andrea turned back to her magazine and Christine slipped on her headphones, listening to a CD as she waited for the end of the flight.
Erik stepped out of the shower and pulled on a towel robe as he heard the buzzer for the apartment go. Rubbing at his hair with a towel, he made sure his mask was in place and went to the intercom.
"Yes?" He said, rather impatiently.
"I've got a delivery for Mr Erik Destler." Said a familiar voice. Erik smirked.
"Oh, yes? And what might that be?"
"One wife who is rather desperate to see her husband."
"Send it up straight away." Erik said. Christine's laugh was cut short by releasing the intercom button.
Moments later there was a light rap on the door. Erik, now dressed, pulled the door open and pulled Christine inside. Her suitcase fell to the floor and the door slammed shut as he pulled her into a passionate kiss. After a few moments she pulled back, breathless.
"I missed you too."
His reply was another kiss. She smiled.
"Aren't you going to ask me how my flight was?"
"Tell me later." He smirked, taking her hand and leading her towards the bedroom.
It was some time later. Christine stretched luxuriously and Erik smiled.
"Hungry?"
"Starving." She replied with a grin. Erik pulled on his clothes again as Christine went to shower. He was cooking eggs when someone knocked at the door. Wondering who it was, he opened the door. Tony stood in the doorway with a pile of notes. Erik had forgotten that he'd told the assistant to bring the notes to him that evening.
"Come in, Tony." He said, turning the oven off. Tony placed the notes on a table and smiled.
"Sorry it took me so long."
"It's not a problem." Erik was about to say something further when Christine appeared in the doorway to the bedroom, dripping wet clutching a towel around her. Her eyes widened at the sight of the stranger, she let out a very strange noise and darted back into the bedroom.
Tony stared in surprise and Erik realised what was wrong. Christine's things were all in her suitcase, which was by the door. He hastily picked it up and took it to the bedroom. Tony gave a knowing smile when his boss returned.
"That, er… that's my wife." Erik said, clearing his throat.
"I gathered."
A few minutes later, Christine emerged, her hair curling damply around her face. She smiled weakly and Tony.
"Hi… sorry about that… I didn't know anyone was here."
"Oh, no problem Mrs Destler. Tony Dimarcus."
"Christine Destler." They shook hands and Christine glanced at Erik.
"I'll let you get one with your work. I'm rather tired."
"Of course. Goodnight." Erik said graciously. Christine kissed him lightly, smiled once again at Tony and disappeared into the bedroom.
Tony grinned at Erik.
"You know what, Mr Destler? We can sort this out on Monday."
"I think that might be better, Tony." Tony went to the door and winked at his boss.
"Have a good weekend."
Erik rubbed his forehead as his assistant left. He had no doubts that everyone in the Opera House would have heard this story before Monday. Christine poked her head out of the bedroom.
"Has he gone?"
"Yes."
"Oh, Erik, I'm so sorry! I didn't know he was here." Christine cried, going red. Erik smiled slightly at her embarrassment. How odd. She would be twenty-five next month but was still so easily embarrassed. Quite different from the young woman he had met over two years ago at the auditions for The Phantom of the Opera. She had been quite cold and withdrawn. It was as if Christine wasn't quite sure what do with her emotions now she had them all back in use again.
"Don't worry yourself about it." He told her. She cringed at the memory and slid onto a stool in the kitchen as Erik returned to cooking their food.
As they are eggs, bacon and tomato Erik glanced at her.
"How was work today?"
"It was fine. Stuart and I were practising our first song and hit all the wrong notes. We're driving James insane." She smiled at the thought and then glanced at Erik. "Do you know him? James, I mean?"
"Why would you think that?" Erik said, sparing some egg on his fork. She shrugged.
"I don't know. I just got that impression. Do you?"
Erik considered her for a moment.
"No. I don't know him." And that wasn't even a lie, Erik thought wryly. He'd thought that had he did know James Pewter. But he didn't.
A/N: Thank you all for your kind reviews. It's comforting to know that there are people out there thinking of my family in this hard time. You guys are truly awesome.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter! I'm having a little trouble getting into a writing mood. So leave a contribution in the box below and help inspire me!
Lotsa luv
Katie