Chapter 5 Only Friends

I stared out into the stage, watching the next rehearsal. Apparently I had been wrong; Tomorrow was the gala, but this was the 3rd rehearsal. I wrote a letter to the managers informing them that they should probably have more rehearsals before the first performance. All of the young actors needed serious work. The chorus and ballet girls tripped over both their feet and their voices. Athena- Marianne- could only just reach her highest notes...but with more practice she'd be passable. Aria was doing well...but then she had never really done badly either. Hans was definitely up to par. If he succeeded in pulling Heracles off I was sure he could go far.

"Cut! Excellent work, you two." Reyer announced, gesturing at Aria and Hans. "Take a lunch break and be back by one, if you please."

Aria trotted backstage. Hans followed her, and before long they were both laughing and joking about this and that. I felt a tug at my heart. Aria looked...happy, talking with Hans. I wondered if she ever looked the same way when she spoke with me. I longed to be down there, in Hans's shoes...no worries except the pressure to remember lines and keep a tune. I longed to be normal.

But I never would be. I berated myself for wishing such things.

"...so how's your beau, Aria?" I heard a girl sneer.

I turned my attention back to Aria and Hans, who were joined by Cecile and Marianne.

Did Aria have a beau? Was it Hans? Had I, who knows every little detail, not discovered this? I listened from behind the wall tensely, watching Aria thru a vent.

"Hans is not my beau. We're only friends!" Aria snapped. To my horror a flush colored her neck.

Hans nodded in agreement.

Cecile snickered. "Not this one. The other one."

Aria's eyes clouded in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"The one you talk to in your sleep!" Marianne burst out, sniggering with Cecile.

Aria's face turned a deep shade of pink. "I d-don't know what you're talking about!" she whispered, covering her face with her hands.

Cecile wailed. "Erik, will you just listen to me? Erik, you don't see me...Erik, oh Erik!"

My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. She dreamed...about me?

"Stop it!" Hans said aggressively, glaring at the antagonists and laying a hand on Aria's shoulder.

"You have cause to be jealous, Hans. She's never mentioned your name in her sleep!" Cecile and Marianne chortled cruelly. "Erik, Erik, Erik!" They chorused as they skipped away.

I backed up against the wall behind me and sank to the ground. She dreamed about me...me! I covered my mouth to block the heaving gasps bursting from me.

"...Who are they talking about?" I heard Hans question.

Immediately all of those sensations disappeared and I stood up to listen. Would she tell Hans everything?

Aria wiped her tears from her face and stared at the ground. "He's...He's..."

Hans squeezed her shoulder encouragingly.

"He's...the rat-catcher!" Aria finally gasped out, a laughing-sob issuing from her mouth.

Hans laughed lightly, but returned to his serious manner. "Really. Who is he?"

"No one, Hans."

"Aria, please tell me..."

"No one!" Aria said in irritation. "I'll meet you at lunch."

Hans cast her a last, concerned glance and headed off. Aria sighed, finally alone, and passed a hand over her face. To my horror, she made her way to the switch and opened the very wall behind which I stood.

Aria stiffened and looked up very slowly. Our eyes met. She gasped and slapped a hand over her mouth. Aria's eyes filled with tears and she began to back up. She abruptly spun around and ran. I followed her silently. Aria ran all the way to her little room and collapsed in the middle of the room. She tucked her knees to her chest and cried softly.

I pressed the switch and opened the mirror, walking to her quietly. I could hear her immediately trying to silence herself as I knelt next to her. I drooped as Aria flinched beneath my hand.

"Y-you heard...?" she whispered to me.

I hesitated. Would it be easier for the both of us if I lied? I didn't know what would happen it I said yes.

"Heard what?" I replied, my voice lower that usual. I didn't know if I had wanted to hear that or not.

"Never mind." The relief in her voice was unmistakable. I hated myself for lying to her and being the coward that I was.

"I-I'd better get to lunch then." Aria said, forcing a cheerful smile on her face. She picked herself up and nodded me a goodbye. I was left standing in the room, alone, as always. I sank to the floor and cradled my head in my hands. She dreams about me. I couldn't comprehend it. Only friends.