Chapter 4 Rehearsal
around a month later
I sat comfortably in the Pillar, watching the first rehearsal of Aphrodite. I smiled as Aria sauntered onto stage, carrying herself just as a goddess should. Over the last month, we had become wonderful friends. She was quite an interesting girl. We met almost every day, except Wednesday. She had some mysterious appointment that night, and when I asked her about it, she would glare at me and walk away. Some days I couldn't believe it; I had a real friend that was not afraid of me. It sounds childish, but it means a lot to me.
Anyway, Aria stood haughtily in the center of the stage. She began to sing her part.
Who can resist the goddess of love?
Come thither, young Heracles.
Who can resist the allure from a goddess above?
Come with me.
The young man the managers had finally chosen for Heracles stepped up from behind her, a played look of intoxication on his face.
Goddess, give me your name!
Test me no longer, O lovely one.
Seduce me, for my heart can never love again,
For the need of you has stirred my heart, For your beauty I lie stunned.
I watched, intoxicated myself. It was a rather sensual piece of work, and I was proud of it. Aria stalked around the young actor, Hans. She was a rather talented actress.
Hush, my dear Heracles.
Love is seeping into you very soul.
Tonight, you will discover a goddess's miracles.
As with the script, Aria slunk up close to Hans, running her hands around his body enticingly. Something ugly within me bloomed, and I did not like what I was feeling. Don't be jealous, fool. It's only a play!
Aria continued.
I shall make you a very god,
To be seated by my father above.
Forget the undeserving sod,
about you,
Come with me and forget your life here.
Come, join me in the throes of passion, do not resist your allure.
Hans slipped accordingly into Aria's arms, and they began a passionate dance.
The fire in me burst into full steam. Hans loved her! Not only for show but true!
But why should I care? I berated myself. She was nothing more than a friend, for the Almighty's sake. Aria could court anyone she wished, right? I could not love another, for dear Christine filled my heart. But the naked fury returned as my eyes focused on the two on the stage. The scene ended perfectly, Aria's back against Hans's chest, their faces turned opposite ways. The stagehands drew the curtains momentarily, then Fayette and Reyer mounted the stage, praising the two. Granted, the rehearsal hand gone most excellently.
I paced back and forth in Aria's little room. The fire that had blown me over still simmered within, and I awaited Aria's return so I could batter her. Yes, my rage was that deep. Since the first time we had met, I had never again harmed her so.
Aria walked in as expected. The second she closed the door, I launched myself on her verbally. It was a good thing her little get away was so far from other used rooms, because otherwise I would have been detected.
"What was that today!"
Aria jumped about 5 feet in the air and spun around. "W-what?" She stammered.
I hate repeating myself. "I said...What the HELL was that today! At Rehearsals!"
Aria's spheres filled with self-criticism. "I...I thought it went rather well..." she mumbled, lowering her head and biting her lip. I snarled and pinned her to the wall, her head dangerously between my hands. Aria's eyes bloomed with disbelief and fear.
"Oh the performance was wonderful! But what in God's name are you doing with Hans!" I snarled.
Aria's green orbs flashed sudden understanding, and to my incredulity instant anger.
"Erik! For the love of...He's the love interest! I have to pretend!"
"PRETEND? I wasn't born yesterday Aria! You were BEYOND pretending!" I roared at her. Instead of overflowing with guilt and fear, as I expected, her eyes shifted thru a range of emotions I was not about to figure out now.
"Erik...I feel nothing for him. He is a very nice man, but..."
I thought about that fop, Hans. He was fairly tall, although shorter than I. Hans had very dark, nearly black eyes and a rather innocent face that was topped with onyx black hair. I hated him for his perfection.
"He's beyond nice, to you though, isn't he! Hans is everything you could ever wish for!"
To my immense self-disgust and mortification, I felt a rush of tears nearing the surface.
"Erik. You're working yourself into a tizzy, not me. Deep breaths." Aria said gently.
"I don't need to hear this! Do what you want; I could care less." I don't think I could ever have uttered a bigger lie.
Aria's eyes widened with anger and sadness. "How could you think-"
But I was already out the door.
I walked swiftly down to my island, desperately trying to sort my feelings. Of course I'd feel some jealousy- Aria was dear to me, because I had never met one like her. But she was just a friend. That's all she could ever be. I ground this thought into my head, and suddenly felt sick. Christine was the only one for me! Christine...Christine... I closed my eyes and imagined her flawless face, close to mine, just as it had been before our one kiss. The joy at the mere memory of her returned perfectly, driving all mystery of Aria from my mind. Christine- her name reminded me of tiny bells ringing in my ear. It looked like a beam of sun peeking from behind a fluffy white cloud. It smelled like a rose in the springtime. It spelled Angel. I settled before my organ, stroking the tenderly worn ivory keys. Music slipped from them, surrounding me like an angel's wings and caring for me.
It was the usual soft tune that came to mind when I thought of Christine. I let me mind wander while I played, my hands having a brain of their own. When I jolted back into my body, I noticed how much the sound of my playing had changed: from soft and timid to bold and forward. It was a much jauntier resonance than before. It was shrouded in mystery, bursting with kindness, and loud with simple enjoyments. It was not focused on Christine anymore, and I would not allow myself to realize who it was regarding.
I stalked up a tunnel, making my way to rehearsals. An extremely black mood covered my head in a cloud. I slammed my fist into the unforgiving rock of the passage wall and growled as blood seeped around my fist. "Erik!" A voice called me. I started and turned violently. It was not Aria. Who the-
I leered into the face of the Persian. It had been quite a while since I had talked to him.
"Well daroga, what can I do for you?" I snarled at him. A perfect candidate to release my fury on.
"What have you done to her, Erik?" He blubbered. "Have you harmed her?"
I advanced on Nadir, enjoying the way he fearfully retreated. Aria never acted this way, so it was gratifying to see that I had not lost my touch.
"Why were you shouting at Aria? I cannot let you seduce her and end up the same as Christine." He snipped, trying to draw himself up.
I roared and grabbed his throat, shoving him against the wall. "How dare you! I have not seduced her you fool!"
"Then what, Erik?" The daroga choked, "Is she your friend?"
It seemed he emphasized the word friend. "Of course! That's all she's ever been!" I shouted.
"Erik, I saved your life! Let me go!" I had unconsciously tightened my grip of his throat.
"Don't you dare suggest that I do not act as a friend to her!" I continued, pressing Nadir hard against the wall. I wanted nothing more that to crush the life out of him. Did he think I used her as a slave to get information, or anything other than a friendly companion! I growled.
I felt a hand on my shoulder and another on my wrist, pulling - or attempting to- me away from the daroga. "Erik, stop!"
I turned my fire-spitting eyes onto Aria, who remain defiantly unafraid. "Erik, he can't breathe."
"Don't tell me what to do, you silly girl!" I spat at her.
"Don't you dare take that tone with me, Opera Ghost!"
That was the name she used on me when I was being impossible.
"Don't insult me!"
"Don't tell me what to do!" she mimicked.
"Don't you mimic me!"
Suddenly her eyes went furious and she shoved me away from the daroga and faced me head on. "Don't tell me who I can and can't court!"
"You will do as I say!" I shouted. That was probably the stupidest thing I had ever said. Aria had not, has not, and never will do what I tell her.
"I'm not your slave, man!"
"I have a name!"
"So why does everyone call you the Opera Ghost!"
"Don't go there!" I snarled warningly.
Suddenly Aria's lips tilted into an amused smile.
"What are you smiling at!" I snapped.
"I win."
"Won what?"
"I distracted you."
I jumped and turned. The Persian was still there, staring at Aria in awe.
"Get out of here." I growled.
The daroga hastened to obey. Aria called after him. "Erik's my friend!"
I turned back to her gruffly. "You did not win."
Aria rolled her eyes and slapped me playfully.
I hesitated. "Aria...I-I'm sorry...about last night."
She shrugged amiably. "Apology accepted."
Suddenly Aria picked up my hand- the blood encrusted one. "Oh Erik." she sighed. She bid me to turn around as she ripped the hem of her shift off.
"Aria, you really don't need to..." I mumbled uncomfortably.
"It'll get infected. Promise me you will clean it out properly."
I promised, and she bandaged my hand expertly.
"There," Aria said, and made her way to rehearsals.
The Love of Aphrodite was the first production since Don Juan, and the managers were desperate to get money and support. I wondered with tempestuous satisfaction if my dear friends the Changy's would give me the delight of attending. I felt a devilish grin cover my lips before I turned back to the ongoing run through of Aphrodite.
In this scene, Athena, who is also in love with Heracles, finds her sister and he together, and raises hell. Marianne, who loathed her deeply, was playing Athena, unfortunately for Aria. Aria didn't say much, but I could gather it from her eyes.
Marianne, in her weak high voice, began.
How you dare, sister!
To take my love from me!
You scandalous little bur!
Reassured our father shall agree...
That it is because of your seductive murmurs,
That has caused the mind to flee!
Aria detached herself from Hans, in whose arms she had been entwined, and regarded Marianne haughtily.
Father will surely allow,
That Heracles came to me unspoiled,
For, dear Athena, he has agreed to be mine now.
Athena, your wisdom cannot match charm unfoiled,
You will never win a lover with guile in sound.
From your mouth jealousy uncoiled,
I say now, aloud:
I have not caused his mind to flee!
I smiled at Aria from my box. After a few lessons from Fayette she had improved amazingly, and she was definitely a gem in the Opera.
After rehearsals I met her in a tunnel as agreed.
"Well...did I do alright?" Aria bombarded me instantly.
"You did beautifully, my friend. Are you attending the gala?" I asked. I wasn't sure.
Aria blushed deep red. "I've been invited. I figured I'd just make an appearance and escape to the roof."
"The roof?" I questioned bemusedly.
"Yes...Someone's lighting fireworks all night when it gets dark. Everyone watches from the ground, so I've decided to be up there."
"Alone?"
"Unless you want to join me."
I thought about it, thinking sourly about my last adventure on the roof, the day I finally learned of Christine's fiance. I sighed. I really wanted to, but I would not oblige myself. Besides... if my Angel attended the gala with her husband I would be plenty busy feeling wrath at them. "Perhaps."
Aria smiled ruefully. We walked slowly to Aria's little room. I was giving her tips on playing her violin. It was very old and the strings were near broke, but she could caress music out of it with such loving care it still played beautifully. I usually sat nearby, composing or reading, feeling happy to have such a musical friend.
"What are you playing tonight?" I asked.
Aria bit her lips, curiously nervous. "It's...it's..."
I fought off impatience. "Hmm?" I prompted.
"...Something I've composed..." Aria finally spilled out, speaking barely loud enough for me to hear.
"You've composed it? Interesting. I would love to listen. Have you pinned one of your poems to it?"
Aria heaved a sigh. "It's...too complicated for that."
"How do you mean?" I asked, now completely intrigued.
"Oh I don't know!" She snapped.
Aria was anxious indeed. It took a lot for her to lose her cool. (Unlike me.)
"Why don't you begin?" I suggested, sitting in a nestled little corner. Aria took a deep breath. She prepared her violin, giving it an extra stroke. Aria had no music before her when she began.
I listened with increasing awe and stupor as her music came alive, caressing every fiber in my soul and holding my heart with beautiful love. But suddenly it changed from gentle to overpoweringly disgustingly desiring, and I suddenly knew it was a man's feelings for Aria.
It beat on me and made me cower. It hugged me and told me all was alright. Her music kissed me and told me of unknown emotions. It shrouded itself in mystery. It wept in sorrow, enough to make my own tears spring into my eyes. It leapt at the simple joy of a blossoming rose.
The resonance became increasingly confused and furious at times. It would return to its gentle touch, then retreat again in bewilderment, leaving me feeling rather bereft. And then it stopped.
I opened my eyes, very, very slowly. Aria had leaned her violin against the wall; her head hung, and I wanted nothing more than to comfort her. I watched in bemusement as her shoulders rose and fell in silent, heaving sobs. I forced myself into action, and in four steps was close to her.
"Aria...?" I whispered, pressing my hand gently into her shoulder. Aria ducked her head lower, and it rested on my chest, weighted by emotions I didn't know. Controlled by forbidden feelings, my arms wrapped tightly around her and pulled her into me. Aria's little hands rested against my chest, and she poured her tears into me. I felt as though I was taking advantage of her, but I couldn't help it...my breath hitched and raced off. It was the first time in 2 years I had been so close to anyone. My heart felt that it was going to explode...holding her so close. Emotions I'd forced myself not to let come into being bursted from me, and I clutched Aria closer, resting my head against hers. I offered no false words of comfort, because I needed to know the source of her pain before I would dare say anything.
All too soon, Aria's emotions ran dry, and she pulled back slightly. My arms trembled and dropped, resigned. I could still feel the warmth of her body molded into mine, but I hastily pushed these outlawed feelings away. Aria wiped her face and refused to look at me. "Sorry..." she mumbled.
I cupped her cheek and my hand and tilted her face up. "Will you be alright now?"
Aria trembled and sighed. "I don't know."
Suddenly I was reminded of Don Juan Triumphant. That bit of work- no, not the play that all of Paris heard, but the real Don Juan, the path of my life- had been my utmost masterpiece that no one would ever hear. I played it once, long ago. I nearly blew myself away. I'm sure that anyone who had heard it would have keeled over like I had almost done, listening to Aria's work. It was one in the same- our emotions poured into our beloved instruments, the only outlet we had. Maybe some day I would play Don Juan, the real thing, for Aria...
She brought me back to my senses, muttering. "I shouldn't have played it. Apologies."
I focused my eyes on her, wondering what her sorrows were. I was so concerned. She had wormed a lot of information from me, but I knew little of her. I mentally kicked myself for this...how could I be such a terrible friend? On second thought, however, I hadn't had much practice in the buddy business.
I forced myself back to the now. Aria stood like a rock. Her green eyes were dull and glazed over, reflecting mysteries forbidden to me. I lead her over to a chair and sat her down in it, my worry growing. I had never seen her this obedient before. Normally, she would have already pushed me away and claimed she could sit down without assistance, thanks.
Aria stared vaguely down at her hands in her lap.
I knelt down, picked them up, and massaged them gently. "Come back, Aria."
She shook her head distractedly and looked straight into my eyes. That look burned straight into my heart, making it thump so loud I figured the Persian could hear it.
I couldn't breathe. Had I ever really noticed...how beautiful her eyes were? Aria's orbs were of the deepest green, deep, deep. A rose's leaves could have blended into her spheres. I gulped, rendered speechless. Nevertheless, Aria finally came to herself completely, blushed, and averted her gaze. The feelings took too long to fade.
I replaced her hands and stood up, backing away slightly. If I did not get away from her soon...I could not let myself feel as I did. I loved Christine, my sweet timid angel. "Take care of yourself, Aria. I must...depart." Aria nodded soundlessly and I walked away, letting the reliable blackness of my most intimate friends melt me into darkness.