Collette and many of the other ballet girls rehearsed their own scenes in the privacy of the dormitory. They all knew the main reason they did this was because most of them could not stand another high note from Cherie'. In truth most of the cast could not bear to hear another note from Cherie'. Some said she was worse than Carlotta. Cherie' would whine and complain and threaten to leave if she didn't have each thing her way. Collette knew that despite the difficulties, Ansel Dupre' and Ramond Gaston would want Cherie' around since she was indeed the new Prima Donna.
Collette had been thinking about her angel of music these past couple of days. She doubted if he would ever return. She did behave rather poorly last time they encountered. Surely even an angel knew about forgiveness. Would he show her some? She knew she forgave him for abandoning her in such a manner.
Madam Giry thought the Opera house had seen the last of Carlotta but obviously she had a twin who was even more annoying and loud. She had been paying close attention to make sure Mousier Egenhauf did not leave his post and the phantom take the opportunityto save his sanity. She could see the corner of her eye the expression's on Mousier Dupre' and Mousier Gaston's faces. It would not be long before they would receive their unexpected notes from the phantom. Madam Giry still felt that it would be a mistake on Erik's part. He was still wanted for murder and many other charges, including the fire of Don Juan.
Collette noticed something in Madam Giry's eye that did not look pleasing. With one eye she had been watching the man at the post and with the other eye she watched the owners of the opera house. Collette wondered why Madam Giry kept a quiet like manner to her but Collette had a feeling that Madam Giry knew more of what was going on at the opera house than most people gave her credit for. She looked up and saw the gentleman was still was at 'his post' she glanced at Mosier Dupre' and Gaston and noticed that they were being handed notes. She continued to watch and saw their faces go from pale to a deep shade of red. What did the letters contain that would cause such a reaction? Mosier Gaston rose and stomped out of the theatre room and into the hall. Collette reached for a royal purple robe that was handy and hoped it was dark enough for her to be able to hide in the shadows. She crept down the hall, hiding in the shadows or behind tall items. Collette was a master at hiding in the most obvious places; She had James to thank for that.
"Ansel, do you think it is genuine? I mean there is a rumor he is dead. Could it be a joke someone is playing on us?" Said Ramond Gaston in an irritated voice. Ansel Dupre' in his chubby self walked around in circle as if it would help him think well. Collette wondered if his mind could think at all.
"Are you willing to take the risk Mosier Ramond? We have heard tales or rather rumors of the phantom of the opera."
Collette gasped. The phantom of the Opera sent the notes. But how could that be? The phantom was dead. Collette's breathing picked up a notch and the voices grew fainter as her inner thoughts grew wilder.
"…And maybe cancel tonight's production. I don't want to take any chances of an incident. Should we perhaps pay the salary asked?" Asked Ansel. Ramond Gaston only shrugged. He towered over Ansel, his features were more handsome and he was a bit younger, perhaps in his late twenties? A bit young to be taking the responsibilities of running an opera house, Collette would have thought but Ramond Gaston did seem to have the knack for business.
"We will take the risk. Perhaps it is someone deciding their salary isn't enough." Said Ramond Gaston striding up the stairs. Ansel figuring it was the only the left to do followed Ramond. Collette wanted to follow close behind but decided against it and returned backstage.
"Oh there you are." Said Meg approaching Collette. Collette smiled and hung the cloak in its place followed Meg down the corridor.
"It has been said that the phantom is not dead. Some of the crew has been receiving letters signed, O.G. I hope there are no more incidents. Mam has put to much of herself in this opera house to handle more accidents." Meg said.
"Accidents?"
"There was a stage hand that when he saw the phantom tripped and hung himself. Most people think the phantom murdered him but Mam said that it was a mere accident and people don't really know the truth when they see it." Meg chatted on but Collette's thought returned to the Phantom that had been portrayed to her. The phantom hadn't committed that murder? What was true? Madam's Giry version or those who were a victim around him?
"Collette, are you with me?"
"I am sorry what did you say?"
"I asked you if you were going to the costume fitting this afternoon with the other girls?"
"Oh, I was hoping to go with you." Collette said hoping that the flattery would please the young energetic girl. Her praise was paid off for Meg gave her a smile and Collette looked at the blond hair and the fair complexion and wondered if she was looking at an angel?
"I get to have my fitting sometime after the girls. Mam likes the others to go first. She says it is good character building for me." Said Meg giggling. Collette smiled. Meg was a sweet and innocent girl. Total oblivious to the world around her. Something Collette wished for.
Madam Giry watched the two girls disappear behind the stage. Meg had befriended the lost ballet girl. Madam Giry had noticed that Collette's visits to the chapel had ceased. In her heart Madam Giry was pleased. The phantom could not treat Collette like another Christine. Christine was gone Collette was not a replacement.
Collette entered the chapel very quietly. Meg and Collette had had their fitting; Collette's costume was the first piece of clothing she ever wore with a somewhat plunging neckline. She wondered how she could dance without the neckline falling any lower. The chapel was dark, the stained glassed windows held their elegance and enchantment more than ever.
She lit a candle and said a silent prayer. Part of her wanted to call out to her angel of music but something held her back. She finished her prayer and rose from her position on the ground. With a final glance at the picture that hung on the wall, she turned and walked away. Her emerald green ankle length skirt made a rustling sound as she crept down the backstage hall. Her white blouse slightly clung to her. Collette felt hot and sweaty for some reason. Her nerves bounced up and down in her head. She was being watched and she knew it. No one was visible to the Seeing Eye that is what Collette didn't like. The hidden danger that lurked in the halls of the Opera Populair.
Collette entered her secret room as she now called it. It held a smell of roses now, as she often took the unwanted flowers to this room. It was prettily decorated with dried flowers and fresh ones. Roses were a common flower to give. They meant beauty, love, admiration, and many others. Collette walked over to the dresser where it was all tidied up and the drawers were now locked. She withdrew her payment from the bosom of her dress and laid it on the dresser. The vase of dried flowers sat on the corner of the vanity, Collette tipped the vase upside down and retrieved a small key. The key unlocked the two top drawers in the vanity. The first drawer held her money while the second one held her treasures. A rose with a black ribbon was her one of her favorites. Sometimes she would tie her hair up in the black ribbon and let a few wisps on hair hang on her face. Today she just held the black ribbon, stroking its silkiness and fineness. Collette laid the ribbon back in the drawer and withdrew a handkerchief with the embroidered initials; C.D. Collette knew that it was Christine's. She fingered the red embroidery floss. Did Christine like the color red? Or was it the phantoms color? Collette heard footsteps approaching the door. She quickly snapped the drawer closed and locked it. She barely had time to drop the key in the vase when Meg rushed into the room.
"Oh there you are. Come on, I have something to show you." She said grabbing Collette's hand and pulling her out the door with her. Collette gave a small laugh and followed the anxious girl.
Meg paused outside a door and motioned for Collette to close her eyes. Collette grinned but did what she was told. She heard the door open and Meg took her hand and led her into the room. She walked slowly so that Collette wouldn't trip. Collette still held a hand out to the side of her. It was constantly banging on bolts of fabric or a dummy. Collette knew they were in a seamstress room.
"Ok, open your eyes." Meg said. Collette opened her eyes but it was Meg that gave the shriek of delight. Standing before her was a costume that Collette recognized to be from Hannibal. She had seen the poster advertising the play. Collette noticed a few changed but still fingered the beautiful outfit.
"Oh Meg I am so proud of you." Meg looked at her in surprise.
"No, No, you are to be the lead ballet dancer. Mam says it is your turn." Meg said putting a arm around Collette's shoulder. Collette looked back at the costume. So they were going to do Hannibal again? Cherie must be excited for such a important role. Collette turned to Meg and gave her a hug as to take all the air out of ones lungs. Meg gasped and Collette broke the embrace. Meg giggled and the two ladies retreated out of the room. Collette was pleased to be getting a better role in the ballet than she had been.
Collette and Meg were chattering amongst themselves when they came upon Madam Giry and a stranger. Collette thought the stranger vaguely familiar.
"Meg, Collette, I would like you to meet Mousier Joseph Badeau." Said Madam Giry nodding to Collette.
"Isn't that a coincidence Collette, you last name is Badeau. Any relation?" Meg asked looking from one face to another. Joseph lifted his eyes in a questionable way.
"No, we have no relation I am afraid. It has been an honor Mousier. If you will excuse me?" Said Collette and quickly retreated. The whole episode was not lost on Madam Giry. Her face looked at Collette's departing figure and thought about the mysterious girl.
Collette fled to the dormitory and sank on her bed. A book was on the pillow where she left it. It was a book of poetry. First Edition. It was rare to have such a new book yet it was something to be treasured because of its significance. A gift from the ballet girls, it meant all that much more. Collette have never really liked poetry but being in a romantic city, poetry tended to grow on you. Collette had even made up some poems on her own. The door opened, Collette knew without looking up it was Madam Giry with questions. She had not mistaken the look in her eyes when she pivoted and left the group. Collette pretended to be deeply absorbed in the book.
"Collette, do you know that man?" Madam Giry asked. Collette looked up.
"No, I don't." It was the truth. She couldn't figure out though how to tell that Joseph Badeau was her stepfather's great-great grandfather. Madam Giry gave her the eye but did not press any further. Without saying another word Madam Giry left the room. Collette gave a sigh.
Madam Giry entered her room. There was a secret Collette was hiding. Madam Giry knew Joseph didn't have any sister or any daughters. Was Collette a relative? Madam Giry turned her thoughts to the upcoming production of Hannibal. The last time Hannibal played Christine Daae was introduced to the world.
A/N: Sorry it took me a long time to post. Hope it was worth it. Look for the next chapter!