Chapter Eleven: Auditions

Meg hurried and slipped into her ballet out fit and ran out the door. Erik was waiting for her in the gondola. He helped her in and they made a silent trip to the other shore. He helped Meg out of the boat and followed after her. They went to the mirror and Erik went out first, checking if it was clear.

"Come out, Meg," he said, turning towards her. She walked out of the mirror and stood beside Erik. "I wish you the best of luck."

"Thank you. Are you going to be watching?" she asked hopefully.

"But of course. I never miss auditions. You must be going; they are going to start without you." She nodded and made her way out the door.

Meg made it on time. She took a look around and saw her friends Samantha and Jessica. They spotted her and hurried over.

"Meg! It's so nice to see you again," Samantha said.

"We heard about your mother. I'm sorry," Jessica said.

"It's alright. Are you two here for the audition?" Meg asked.

"Of course!" they answered in unison.

"Did you see anyone else we know here?" Meg asked.

"La Sorelli is here…" Samantha trailed off as one of the new managers approached them.

"Bonjour Mademoiselles. My name is Arnold Dublex. My daughter, Lily Dublex, and I are now the managers of the Paris Opera Populair. Do any of you go by the name Marguerite Giry?" he asked.

"I am her," Meg said, stepping forward.

"Splendid. You are on next," he said, scurrying off.

"Good luck, Meg," Samantha said with a smile.

"I bet you'll do great," Jessica said also smiling.

"Thanks guys," Meg said, returning their smiles and heading towards the stage. She went to center stage and waited for the cue to start dancing. She took a quick glimpse at box five and smiled when she saw a figure watching her. The music started and she danced her heart out. From leaps to turns, to gliding and spinning. It was her favorite dance and she perfected it. The music ended and Meg stopped dancing. There was a loud applause and Meg smiled sweetly and walked off stage. Mademoiselle Dublex came up to her and shook her hand.

"That was a beautiful performance. I would be honored if you became our new Prima Ballerina," she said.

"What? Me? Really?" Meg said in shock.

"Yes. I could tell from the way you dance that you absolutely love it."

"Yes, I do. Thank you so much, Mademoiselle."

"Call me Lily. I've always hated formality. Just don't tell my father," Lily laughed.

"Alright. Thank you, Lily," Meg said with a smile. Lily returned her smile and walked away. Jessica and Samantha came up to her next with grins on their faces.

"Meg, that was wonderful. I've never seen you dance like that," Samantha said exitedly.

"Yes, it was as if you were dancing for someone," Jessica said, then squealed. "Meg, were you dancing for someone? A gentleman by chance?"

"Of course not," Meg lied.

"Well, would you like to come to dinner tonight with us? It's been so long since we last did that."

"I would love to, but I must rest. I didn't sleep to well last night. Sorry."

"That's alright, we understand. We'll see you tomorrow," Jessica said, taking Samantha by the arm and dragging her over to a group of boys.

"They never change," Meg mumbled to herself. She smiled to herself and made her way back to Christine's dressing room. She entered the room and shut the door behind her. When she turned around, she saw Erik standing there with a smile on his face. She noticed he had been smiling a lot the past few days, which was fine with her. She loved his smile.

"So, how did I do?" she asked nervously. He walked over to her and held her hand in his.

"You did wonderful. I think this was the first time I've ever seen you put so much passion into your dancing. Why is that?" he asked curiously. Her cheeks turned pink and she turned away.

"I wanted to impress you," she said barley above a whisper. He took his hands and cupped her chin, bringing her eyes to meet his. There was an emotion inside her eyes that he never saw before.

"You have no need to impress me. I like you just the way you are. Don't ever change," he said seriously. She smiled and said,

"I promise I won't." They made their way back into the lair deep in their thoughts the whole way.

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Crappy ending, I know. It's been a while since I wrote for this story. I'll try and get a new chapter up soon. Please review and tell me what you think.