XXIII
Christine ran through the halls with Meg and skidded to a halt just before the stage. Antoinette fixed them both with stern looks as they began to warm-up just like everyone else. Thankfully Christine had not injured her ankle badly, it had only been sore for a day.
"You two are late," Antoinette, scolded.
"I'm sorry maman, Christine was helping me find my shoe."
"Well next time don't lost it," Antoinette scolded, "we have enough trouble without late dancers."
The two girls flinched slightly at the scolding. Everyone had been on edge since the Opera Ghost's visit. Apparently he only ever spoke when something had truly angered him and that frightened everyone. Meg and Christine exchanged worried looks; it felt as if they were the source of all the trouble.
"Finish your stretching and come here," Antoinette called, "we must begin."
"Madame Giry?" Monsieur Reyer asked.
"Oui?"
"I wonder…never mind. We should begin."
Antoinette sighed. For the past week everyone had been asking questions only to receive no answers. One angry rant and Erik had disappeared as if he never even existed. Not one note or word, no changes to the cast, to the surprise of everyone, and no threats. Silence, that was all they had to work with. Silence and the hope that it was due to contentment and not the planning of something terrible.
The silence stretched for another week, then a note arrived. Antoinette nearly laughed when she read it.
"He would like to say that the progress on the opera is pleasing and that his salary is due soon…there is nothing here that suggests anger Monsieur Lefevre."
"Well Madame, it seems that we have dodged a bullet of sorts. Thank heavens, this means that there will be no appearances on opening night I trust?"
"It appears that way Monsieur, it appears that way."
"Well then, only four days to go everyone. Let us hope we stay on his good side for those days."
Christine entered the chapel after rehearsal and lit the candle for her father. Despite her frequent visits she found very little time to do so anymore. Between rehearsals, spending time with Meg and lessons there was barely time to eat let alone pray. She was glad then that her Angel waited until she unfolded her hands to greet her.
"Praying Christine?"
"Yes, for my father…I miss him you know? I still dream that he is alive sometimes and then I wake up and he isn't there."
"I'm sorry Christine."
"It's been so long…"she murmured, "but I can still remember his face and hear him playing the violin. Madame took me to visit his grave yesterday…"
"That must have been difficult for you," Erik replied quietly.
"I used to wonder why he left me and I was angry at him because…because he hadn't sent you to me…but you're here now, he kept his promise and I'll keep mine."
"What was your promise Christine?"
'That I would make him proud, he always made me promise that."
"Let us begin with your scales."
Christine nodded and began to run through her scales. The lesson that day was short and she was glad for it. She was tired and the performance would be upon them soon, besides she wanted to spend time with Meg, it had been a long time since they had searched the halls for the infamous ghost, and that night they planned to do so again.
"Christine focus!" Antoinette snapped, "The performance is tomorrow."
"Sorry Madame," she replied.
Christine had been having trouble focussing for the past two days. Her Angel had been teaching her some difficult vocals and his voice seemed to linger in her mind. She refocused on the task at hand and fell back into step with the others.
"Christine!" Antoinette scolded again.
Christine winced and tried to catch up again, thankfully the dance was almost over, "I'm sorry."
"Very good, go and stretch, Christine could you come here?"
Christine bit her lip and chewed it nervously, "Yes Madame?"
"Where is your head today child?" she asked, "the performance is tomorrow and you are falling out of step. Is something the matter?"
"No Madame, I'm sorry I guess I was just…thinking of something else."
"Well do not, you have talent Christine and you have not had this problem before. Try to focus hmm?"
"I will Madame, and I'm sorry."
"Very well, do better tomorrow…you may go now my dear."
"Focus!" her Angel's voice sounded angry and she flinched, "where is your mind today child?"
"I'm sorry, I was thinking of the ballet."
"Oh? Well focus on this now, I am trying to teach you something!"
"Don't be angry," she whimpered, "I'm very sorry."
"Try again, from the top…Qui la voce sua soave mi chiamava…" her Angel's voice sounded a bit rough today.
"Qui giurava esser fedele, qui il giurava…"
"Good continue."
"Alright…E poi crudele, mi fuggì! Ah, mai più qui assorti insieme nella gioia dei sospir. Ah, rendetemi la speme, o lasciate, lasciatemi morir-"
"Very good, that is enough for today. You may go."
"I didn't finish the song though," she murmured guiltily.
"I know," he groaned, "you are improving, we will continue with this next lesson…and remember Christine, focus on one thing at a time, otherwise you will never improve."
As she left Erik pressed and hand to his forehead and slid down the cold stonewall. He felt terrible, his head hurt and his throat was on fire. He gave a small cough before climbing back to his feet and making his way back to the lair where he fell onto the bed.Loosening his collar he sighed heavily. Tomorrow was opening night and he meant to attend, after all Christine was to perform. Still he felt terrible and vaguely wondered if he had a fever, he felt warm. He groaned softly and closed his eyes, hopefully it would pass.
Hmmm, not a lot of feedback for the last chapter, I do hope that I get more for this one. Umm, let me think, first thanks to all who gave the last chapter a review, love all my readers! Sorry I haven't updated sooner, its written out until chapter twenty-five or six I think but I haven't had time to actually come on line because of school, alas, in class essays and chemistry to study for! So please review if you have read and I hope to update later tonight or tomorrow morning.
