XL
Christine sighed and watched the rehearsal, Carlotta swatting at members of the chorus that got too close. Meg rolled her eyes and reached her arms up over her head in a stretch.
"So, have you heard the rumours, Christine?" she asked.
"What rumours?" Christine asked, still watching the display before her.
"That Monsieur Lefevre is leaving," Meg said, "rumour has it that he is retiring."
"Oh…really?" Christine murmured, "I wonder why."
"Maybe he's had enough of this," Meg laughed, pointing at the stage, "or maybe he's had enough of the Ghost ordering him around and threatening people. Who knows. All I've heard is that he's retiring. No one seems to know the details."
"That's a shame."
"Hello?" Meg said, waving her hand in front of Christine's face, "Christine, you in there?"
"Sorry, Meg, I was just thinking."
"You've been 'thinking' a lot lately. What about? Some handsome young man?"
"No, Meg."
"Oh, so it's a handsome older man," Meg teased.
"Meg, its nothing like that," Christine sighed.
"Sure it isn't," Meg said, rolling her eyes.
"It isn't!" Christine insisted.
"Uh-huh."
"If you must know I was thinking about the performances," Christine said, shoving her friend gently.
"What about it?" Meg asked.
"Just about it," Christine replied, "you know, how it will go and everything."
"They will go just as any other performances have gone," Meg said, "the audience will love them because of La Carlotta, we'll hate them because of La Carlotta and the Ghost will like certain parts."
"The ones that La Carlotta isn't it," Christine finished.
"Exactly…oh, we're on!"
"Marvellous," Erik praised, smiling down at Christine.
"Thank you," she replied quietly.
"You know all of the parts now, don't you my dear?" Erik asked, running over the different parts that Elisa sang in the opera.
"Yes, I do," she replied.
"Well then you may go now, Christine. Make sure to get plenty of sleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day."
"Oh…alright. Good night, Angel."
"Good night, Christine," he replied, still smiling down on her.
Tomorrow would be the performance and tomorrow he would see her on stage, singing in front of hundreds of people, all of whom would love her. The idea made him smile, his Christine would be the star of the Opera Populaire, and for making her a star she would surely love him.
The last thought made his smile falter though. Yes, he had taught her everything and listened to her dreams and troubles for years. She knew the parts to the upcoming operas backwards and forwards, but something still bothered him. Christine only knew him as an angel, and he had to admit that an angel was not far off from a ghost.
He gave a heavy sigh and decided to go up to the roof before heading back down to his lair. It was a cool night, but not altogether uncomfortable. He went over to the edge of the roof and stared out over the city of Paris. The sun was just setting, bathing the city in a orangey-pink glow. It would be now that most people would be sitting down to eat or to spend time with their families.
"The view is lovely, isn't it?" Antoinette asked, coming up behind him.
"I suppose it is," he replied, "how are you tonight, Madame?"
"Very well, thank you. And how are you on this fine evening?"
"Fine…"
Antoinette shook her head and handed him a pike of bread. Erik gave it a quizzical look before taking it, "Thank you."
"I figured that you had not eaten anything today."
"You would be correct…"
"Is there something on your mind?" Antoinette asked.
"How did you know I was up here?"
"I saw you," she replied simply, "well, perhaps a moving shadow would be more accurate."
"I should be more careful then."
"Hmm, everyone is eating or in their rooms."
"Not everyone," Erik assured her.
"Well, everyone should be in their rooms. Now, what is bothering you?"
"Nothing, I was just appreciating this stunning view. I never tire of it."
"No, I do not think anyone could ever tire of it," Antoinette said, "the performance is tomorrow, are you looking forward to it?"
"Yes, actually, I am. It will be a marvellous performance, Madame. Better then any this theatre has ever seen."
Antoinette frowned slightly, "I see, so you are still planning on having Christine perform?"
"Of course I am," he shot back, "tomorrow will bring many changes to this theatre."
"Hopefully they will all be good," Antoinette said.
"Yes…have you ever wondered what people do outside of this theatre, Madame? I wonder about it whenever I come up here at night."
"Most people are home with their families, eating supper or sitting by a fire."
"Hmm…"
"Something the matter?"
"No, I was just thinking of what it would be like to…never mind. I should be going now, good night, Madame."
"Yes, good night, Erik."
Erik gave a small bow and returned to the theatre, making the long journey down to the dark depths of the theatre. Tomorrow he would ensure that Christine would be playing the lead, tomorrow the new managers would arrive and he would finally have his will done. Christine was ready and so was he.
Christine and Meg hurriedly changed into their costumes, helping each other. As usual the two were late . They hurried down into the crowded backstage, giggling and chatting as they joined the other girls who were already stretching. Antoinette glanced back at them and they pretended to be engrossed in their arm movements.
The sound of Piangi reached them and four men pushed through the crowd to the stage, led by Monsieur Lefevre.
"This way. Rehearsals, as you can see, are underway for a new production of Chalumeau's Hannibal."
Monsieur Reyer grumbled, "Monsieur Lefevre, I am rehearsing!"
Monsieur Lefevre turned to him and Antoinette, "Monsieur Reyer, Madame Giry, ladies and gentlemen, thank you - may I have your attention, please?" Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned towards them, "As you know, for some weeks now there have been rumours of my imminent retirement. I can now tell you that these were all true and…it is my pleasure to introduce you to the two gentlemen who now own the Opera Populaire: Monsieur Richard Firmin and Monsieur Gilles Andre. I'm sure you have read of their recent fortune amassed in the junk business."
"Scrap metal actually," Andre corrected.
Firmin stepped forward, "And we are deeply honoured to introduce our new patron."
"The Vicomte de Chagny," Andre said, practically beside himself
Christine looked up and her face paled, "Its Raoul! Before my father died…at the house by the sea…I guess you could say we were childhood sweethearts…He called me 'Little Lotte.'"
"Oh Christine…he's so handsome," Meg said
Raoul was quickly introduced to all of the leading cast and then quickly excused himself, apologising for interrupting their rehearsal. Christine watched as he went and sighed, turning to Meg and trying to hide her disappointment, "He wouldn't recognize me…"
"He didn't see you," Meg insisted.
Erik watched the rehearsal lazily, it was nothing spectacular, though he had to admit that he did enjoy the ballet. It wasn't long before Carlotta broke down and had one of her fits, causing the two new managers to try their hand at what Monsieur Lefevre had become so gifted at, grovelling. Unfortunately their method involved having her sing Elissa's aria from act three. It worked, of course, and Erik found the perfect opportunity to assert himself. After all, Buquet had left his post.
He quickly moved over to it and unwound the rope that held up the backdrop. Releasing it, the backdrop crashed down onto the stage and he quickly moved away, knowing that Buquet would rush over to pull the scenery back up. As he left he dropped a note for Antoinette to pick up, he knew that she would already be looking for it.
Meg turned to Christine and gasped, "He's here…The Phantom of the Opera…"
Christine nodded and turned to look at the scene before them. The backdrop had landed just behind the diva, not actually on her, so she was not injured. Unfortunately the incident had ignited her temper and she stormed off, much the distress of the two new managers.
"Signor Giudicelli, she will be coming back, won't she?" Andre asked Monsieur Reyer.
"You think so, messieurs? I have a message, sir, from the Opera Ghost," Antoinette announced.
"Oh god in Heaven, you're all obsessed!" Firmin exclaimed.
"He welcomes you to his opera house-," Antoinette continued.
"His opera house?" Firmin interrupted
"-and commands that you continue to leave Box Five empty for his use and reminds you that his salary is due."
"His salary?" Firmin snorted.
"Well, Monsieur Lefevre paid him twenty thousand francs a month."
"Twenty thousand francs!" Firmin exclaimed.
"Perhaps you can afford more, with the Vicomte de Chagny as your patron."
Christine and Meg turned to one another as the two continued to talk. Firmin seemed to be getting more and more frantic as he spoke. Andre mentioned an understudy and Meg had to bite her tongue not to laugh. As the managers talked Meg decided to revisit the appearance of Raoul.
"So, childhood sweethearts? That's so cute, Christine. Why haven't you mentioned him before?"
"I really didn't remember until now. It was so long ago, and we were so young."
"I'm sure that next time he'll see you, and then he'll remember, Christine," she said cheerfully.
"I don't think so, Meg."
"Of course he will and then you will be the talk of the theatre."
"Christine Daae could sign I, sir," Antoinette said confidently, causing Meg and Christine to turn and look at her.
"What, a chorus girl? Don't be silly," Andre said, dismissing the idea.
"She has been taking lessons from a great teacher," Antoinette insisted.
Christine could feel herself pale as the other dancers all looked at her. Her heart rate increased and she knew that Meg was giving her a questioning look while the others were glaring or muttering amongst themselves.
"Who?" Andre asked.
"I don't know his name, Monsieur," Christine said uneasily, knowing how foolish she must sound.
"Let her sing for you, monsieur. She has been well taught," Antoinette assured them.
"Alright," Andre said, "come on, don't be shy…come on. Come along. Just, just…"
"From the top of the aria then, mam'selle," Monsieur Reyer said.
Christine slowly moved forward and heard Firmin whisper, "Andre this is doing nothing for my nerves." Then Andre reply, "Oh, she's very pretty."
Monsieur gave her two bars before she began to sing. She started quietly, nervous with everyone listening and watching her. But Monsieur Reyer was encouraging her, along with Meg and Antoinette. After a few moments she began to enjoy herself and could hear her voice growing in confidence as the cast all watched, Andre and Firmin both with smiles on their faces.
"Bravo!" Firmin exclaimed when she finished, "very good, very good indeed."
Christine smiled and soon found herself being prepared for the night's performance. She was hurried to the costumes department to try on the dresses and headpieces they would need. Some exceptions had to be made, but overall they fit well. Antoinette made sure to help her get ready, and she appreciated it as her nerves began to take hold.
"I don't know if I can do this," she muttered, "there are so many people out there."
"You can do this," Antoinette assured her, "you have an amazing voice, my dear, and you have no need to fear. Pick someone to sing for and sing for them alone."
Christine nodded her head, the choice wasn't hard, she immediately thought of her Angel, "Thank you, Madame…may I go to the chapel for a moment?"
"Of course, but do not take too long."
"I won't."
Christine stood in the chapel, just taking comfort in the unseen presence of her Angel. She took a few deep breaths in attempt to calm her nerves again and closed her eyes, "Angel?"
"I am here, Christine," he replied.
She smiled, "I'm relieved…I'm so nervous."
"You needn't be," he murmured, "they will love you, Christine. Just as I do."
"Thank you," she said, "I'll be singing for you tonight."
"That is an honour, Christine, thank you," he said, "now go, the performance is about to begin. I will be watching, Christine, so there is no need to be nervous."
"Thank you," she said and turned to leave.
Erik smiled as anticipation bubbled inside him. He wanted so much for her to do well and if all did go well, then he would allow her to meet him. She had always used to ask to see him, when she was little, perhaps now was the time.
He took a deep breath and made his way through the passage until he was near Box Five. He waited until he heard the overture and then a while longer before edging out and making his way towards the box. He was about to enter when he heard someone clapping from inside. Eyes narrowing he waited a moment and then managed to catch a glimpse inside.
"Ah, our new patron," he hissed, turning and storming away. He wouldn't interrupt tonight's performance, not for any reason. Instead he found a place that was located almost directly under the orchestra pit.
From bellow the stage he could hear everything perfectly, though he could not see anything. It did not really matter, when Elissa's aria from act three came he listened and could not help but smile at the sound of Christine's voice. It was as perfect as ever as was she, and she was singing for him.
Christine smiled widely as the theatre applauded, though her head felt light. She heard Monsieur Reyer congratulate her and was touched that the old conductor thought that she did so well. Once the applause died down she made her way backstage and pushed her way through the crowd and down to the chapel, there she lit a candle for her father and knelt to pray, still exhausted by the performance.
"Brave, brava, bravissima…" his voice echoed through the small room and she looked up and smiled.
"I did well?" she asked.
"You did marvellously," he replied, kindness and gentleness etched in his voice, "and tonight I will have something very special for you, Christine."
"Something special?" she repeated, confused by his words.
"Christine…Christine…" Meg sang, causing Christine to turn and look at the stairs.
"Christine…" Erik echoed, leaving as the blonde ballet girl entered. He had a lot to do if all was to go as he planned.
A/N: Well here is is, the last official chaper of the story, though I thinkI will have a little epilogue up tomorrow or the day after that. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I spent a lot of time going though my POTO companion to get all the dialogue right. So please leave a review!
