A/N #1: I'm sorry about the song Cameron sings... I made it up as I wrote. I know it's bad.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Phantom song The Mirror (Angel of Music Reprise). I merely used it for here and changed a few lyrics to help it make more sense.
A month later, Christine stood in Box Five, observing rehearsal for a new production of Mon Ange, an opera that someone had found in the gutters of the street not long before. Unfortunately, Pablo was ruining the part of Henri, the male leading role.
"This won't stand any more. I'm getting rid of him - now," she murmured to herself determinedly, walking over to the flies. Then she untied the rope to a scenery piece, just like she had not long before and let it go so that it would fall on Pablo again.
Panic ensued once more. She softly sang along with her theme song as the choristers sang it.
She's here, The Phantom of the Opera!
She's with us, it's the ghost!
Beware The Phantom of the Opera!
She's with us, it's the ghost!
When a once-again-angry-at-Christine François had lifted up the scenery so that it was no longer on top of Pablo, Berrain said to the infuriated Pablo, "These things, Monsieur Bertelli, do happen."
"Yes," shouted Pablo, "for the past five months, these things do 'appen! Well, no 'more! I am 'eaving!"
Then he stormed off the stage once again. This time, though, it seemed that he wouldn't come back the next day.
"Oh, dear," sighed Renoir, the conductor. "We've nobody else to sing Henri's part! We shall have to cancel the performance!"
At this, Berrain and Erisma looked at each other and groaned. Cancelling a performance meant refunds, and refunds meant losing money. They hated that.
Cameron came forward timidly. "If you don't mind, Monsieur Renoir, I - I could sing Henri's part. I've been taking lessons from a great teacher... I've learned a lot from her."
Christine smiled upon hearing this. She, a great teacher? How flattering he was!
"What is their name?" demanded Renoir Berrain, and Erisma in unison.
"Well, I - don't know her name, monsieurs," Cameron said nervously. "But - oh, please, let me try! I'll do my best, truly..."
Berrain, Erisma and Renoir looked at each other for a moment before shrugging rather hopelessly.
"Well, we don't have much choice," sighed Renoir, turning back to Cameron. "All right, Monsieur Luc, this is your one chance to prove yourself to us. Come forward and show us what you're capable of. I'd like you to sing Henri's aria from Act Three."
Christine leaned over the railing of the flies, looking down at the stage intently. Cameron was about to have his chance to perform as the lead tenor. She hoped that he didn't become so undone from fear that he messed it up, but she didn't think that he would.
"I suppose we'll have to make do with one or two refunds tonight... but at least it won't be all of them," Erisma murmured as he leaned close to Berrain, who nodded in agreement.
Refunds? Christine felt appalled. How dare they think that operagoers would demand refunds because her student was experienced at being the lead! This made her hope that he didn't act afraid even more.
Cameron came forward, looking terrified. As the accompaniment began to play, he took a deep breath, and then he began to sing.
My angel sings for me in the night...
My angel and guide...
When is my angel coming for me?
I've never seen my angel...
Please let me see my angel...
Three hours later, he was singing that same song on stage. Christine hid in Box Five, smiling with pride. He was a wonderful singer and student. She loved him so much.
She swept her gaze across the entire auditorium, seeing the looks of awe and enrapturement on the faces of all of the operagoers. This caused her to smile. The managers wouldn't have to worry about refunds - not with Cameron performing.
Let me see my angel...
I know it's much to ask...
But please...
Let me see...
My...
Angel!
The song was finished. The audience rose for a standing ovation, applauding thunderously. Cheering came from all corners of the auditorium. A full smile on her face, Christine walked out of Box Five stealthily and made her way to the room where she and Cameron had lessons.
A few minutes later, Cameron pushed through the crowd and closed the door behind him. Then he walked over to the mirror, his face flushed with excitement and exertion.
He was just about to kneel in front of the mirror, and Christine was just about to praise him, when Emilie walked in.
"You were exquisite, Cameron!" she exclaimed delightedly. "Now you and I must go celebrate with dinner. Come, come!" She grabbed his wrist.
Cameron gasped. "No, Emile!" he protested, pulling his wrist out of her grip. "I must rehearse before going home... or going to dinner. I'm sorry, but if you could wait for a little bit, I'll be happy to join you."
"Oh, Cameron, you rehearse too much!" said Emile, shaking her head and obviously not listening. "I'll return in two minutes."
Then, without another word, she turned and walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.
"Emilie, wait!" he exclaimed, looking helpless, but it was no use.
Angered, Christine quickly walked away from the mirror to to the front of the room and grabbed the key. She stuck the key in the hole and locked the door, feeling just slightly bad for what she was doing. Then she quickly walked back to behind the mirror.
Cameron was about to walk out of the door. He wasn't leaving - she wouldn't let him get away from her, especially not to spend time with Emilie!
She sang angrily:
Insolent girl of foolish actions,
Basking in your glory...
Ignorant one!
That bold young lady,
Sharing in my triumph!
Cameron looked terrified at his Angel of Music's anger. He replied:
Angel, I hear you
Speak, I listen,
Stay by my side,
Guide me!
Angel, my soul was weak, forgive me
Enter at last, Angel...
She sang softly:
Flattering boy, you shall know me...
See why in shadow I hide...
Look at your face in the mirror...
I am there inside!
Cameron stared at the mirror, overjoyed. There she was - his Angel of Music! She was there, standing behind the mirror!
Angel of Music, guide and guardian,
Grant to me your glory!
Angel of Music, hide no longer,
Come to me, strange angel...
As he started walking towards the mirror, she slowly began to open it so that he wouldn't notice her deception. Of course, he was in a trace, so it hardly mattered. She sang:
I am your Angel of Music...
Come to me, Angel of Music...
I am your Angel of Music...
Come to me, Angel of Music...
She extended her hand through the mirror to him and held her breath, hoping, even praying, that somehow this could work.
With just a moment's hesitation, he took it.