Chapter 16
In the past week a lot of events had happened. Poppy didn't talk to Erik at all. She rose in the morning and with out a word went up a safe path that Erik had shown her. Poppy ended up telling Reyer that she had strained her voice that she will not be able to sing. He had panicked of course, until Poppy ruefully mentioned Christine. He had her to sing, and moved her to Poppy's spot. Poppy turned and walked away, before anyone could see the tears that were threatening to fall. Before practice, she told Madame that she was feeling sick and could not perform that night.
"Poppy what's wrong?" She asked.
Poppy just shook her head. How can she tell her that she was suffering from hate and heart ach? "I just don't feel too well. I am just tired. I-" Poppy was interrupted by a loud commotion.
Reyer had been instructing Christine when Lefevre interrupted the singers practice.
"This way. Rehearsals, as you see, are under way for a new production of Chalumeau's Hannibal."
Right on cue.
Poppy heard Reyer, let out exacerbated sigh, "Monsieur Lefever, I am rehearsing." Poor guy. Poppy had always felt sorry for the ol' guy.
Lefever went on, but Poppy tuned him out. She walked to the back of the stage and ran right into some one. "Oh! So sorry!"
"Pardon?"
Poppy repeated in French, "I'm sorry. I didn't see you."
"It's fine Mademoiselle. May I have your name?"
"She sighed, "It's Poppy O'Collen."
He laughed a little, "You are not a native here in France?"
Poppy couldn't help but smile, "No. How can you tell?"
The man laughed again," For one thing, you have no accent, and your French is a bit broken."
She smirked, "If you think it's bad now, you should have heard me when I first came. I couldn't speak any at all."
"I say that you are doing remarkably well."
Poppy dipped her head, "Thank you."
"You going to dance or sing in the opera tonight?" he asked.
"Non. I'm not."
"That's a shame. I would have enjoyed watching for you."
Poppy blushed. What was wrong with her? She was acting like a preteen schoolgirl. "Monsieur, I gave you my name, you have yet to tell me yours."
"My apologies Mademoiselle. My name is-"
"The Viscomte de Chagny!" a voice rang out.
He chuckled a little, "And there you have it. I am Raoul de Chagny. Now I must be going, but may I see you latter?"
Poppy opened her mouth, but nothing came out. "I-you-must go. They are dieing to introduce you."
"You are right, it was a pleasure meeting you." He then did something that really surprised her; he took her right hand and lightly kissed it. "Good bye." He then walked off to join the others.
Poppy stood there feeling even sicker. Raoul de Chagny. The Fop. The...but...he was charming. Poppy walked off disgusted with her self. She knew what would happen now. The two new owners will drool over the dancers. But since Carlotta was not here, things, she knew will go differently. Also Christine will spot Raoul, maybe even get introduced. She sighed as she made her way down to Erik's lair. He might or might not be there. More then likely he was still up playing around in the flies. She was half way to the lair, when her cane got trapped in a hole and snapped. Poppy picked up the pieces. The broken wood lied in her hands. Suddenly she burst out into tears. She fell to her knees. It was all too much. Her finally being able to be a full performer, then have it taken away. Of course she could of said no and walked out, forgetting him. But she was...was what? In love with him? She could love him unconditional, but he'll never love her back. He wanted perfect Christine. Even if Poppy helps Erik, Christine will still break his heart. She was that kind of female. One that wanted looks. As Poppy sat there having a break down, she didn't hear Erik come up behind her.
"Poppy what's wrong? Are you hurt?"
The concern in his voice made her cry even harder. She stood and ran the rest of the way to the lair. She ran straight into her room. Lying on the bed, she cried the painful tears that always made her eyes hurt. She cursed herself for being so weak.
XxX
Erik watched Poppy run away. He had left the flies early, when Madam Giry flagged him down. She told him that she was concerned about Poppy. Poppy had aberrantly asked not to dance that evening. Said that she was not feeling well. Madame then presided to tell him that Poppy has been really pushing herself past her limits. Very dangerously. That when Giry called the day, Poppy stayed behind and continued. Also that she has not been eating at all. Now that Erik looked back and remembered, Poppy had been looking even more tired and white. Also thinner. He was worried about his feisty companion. But he'll have to see to her latter. Tonight was the night that he truly introduces himself to Christine.
