Chapter 44

Aren't I sweet? 2 chappies in one day! Well one last night, and the other early this morning. No wise cracks here so I'll just get on with the chapter.

The next morning, the whole opera company was called to the Grand Foyer. They had gotten the news that Firmin and Andre had resigned as mangers, and had instated a new one. They fidgeted and whispered among themselves. Firmin and Andre came out from their office. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are here to inform you, that though we still own the Opera Populaire, we are no longer your mangers."

Confused muttering rose.

"Quiet! Quiet please!" André raised his hand, "it is my…pleasure…. to introduce your new manger… Monsieur Erik Leroux."

Madame Giry was a bit taken back from this. The night before, Erik and Poppy had told him what happened. She hadn't truly believed them, but this conformed it. She watched as Erik and Poppy came out from the office. Erik seemed to hesitate a little, until she saw Poppy place a hand on his arm and smile reassuring at him. He gathered his self and again became imposing. When Mme. Giry looked up at him, it at first seemed that he wasn't wearing his mask, and then saw that one of his white masks have been painted. The company took one look and panic broke out.

Cries of ' That's the Phantom!' and other such was called out.

Erik watched them with disapproval. He shot a glace at Poppy. She was trying to hide the smirk that was threatening to show its self. Firmin shot a worried glace at him. "Good luck." He whispered to Erik. Then nudging André, they hurried down the stairs and out the doors.

Erik watched them go. His eyes then turned to the company down below him. They had quieted down and were staring up at him fearfully.

"Just tell them what you expect and the rest will come naturally."

He turned to Poppy. She smiled up at him. "Go on."

Erik turned back to the people. Taking a deep breath he began, "These are my expectations. One: I will not allow slacking. If you wish to continue your career here at the Opera Populaire, you will work hard. You will find that I am fair as long as you are trying."

His calm, firm voice shocked them into silence. Mme. Giry stepped forward, "What do you want us to do about the burned auditorium? Opera productions will not be able to be preformed until that is fixed."

Erik nodded, "I am quite aware of that." he pulled a binder of paper out from under his cloak, and people were reminded of the Valentine's Masque. "Monsieur Dufour?"

A middle aged man stepped forward hesitantly. "Y-yes Monsieur?"

"You are the head carpenter are you not?"

"Yes Monsieur, for 20 years now."

"I know. Good. These here are the plans and directions to fix the stage and seats. I want them done correctly, and soon. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to fix the stage."

Dufour took the binder. "Now go. If there is any trouble, do not hesitant to come to me if you have questions." Erik instructed him.

"Yes Monsieur", he turned to the rest of the workers under him, "Come. We have work to do." The workers slinked out behind Dufour.

Then he turned to Mme. Giry. "As before, you are in charge of the Ballet Croups. Make sure that they know their temps de cuisses. They need work."

Mme. Giry gave a slight smile and a nod. "Come. You heard him. They do need work." With that, she ushered the girls out of the room.

Erik then turned his criticizing eye on Carlotta. She had been staring at him all the time fearfully. The words that Poppy had told her came back at her. "You should be glad he even thought of you. After all, he did put you in his Opera." Now she was afraid he would turn her completely out.

What he did surprised everyone. "Signora Carlotta Giudicelli. If you wish to remain at my opera house, you will learn to listen. Your voice is good, but you use too much vibrato. Monsieur Reyer will help you to use your voice properly. Is that right Monsieur Reyer?"

Monsieur Reyer stuttered, but finally nodded.

"Signor Ubaldo Piangi will join you as soon as he is feeling better." Erik added, shooting a crooked apologetic half-smile at the bandaged man.

Piangi grumbled and rubbed his sore head, but nodded.

Erik stared down at the shocked people. "You still here? Go!" At the hard command they scattered. Erik took Poppy by the hand and led her into the offices. Once inside Erik shut the door and rubbed his temples. Poppy smiled understanding at his groan. "It was not so bad was it?"

"Not as bad as I expected. They were not as bad as I had imaged that they would be." Erik admitted.

"I think the mask helped."

Erik took her in his arms. "I have thought of doing that once, but I just never tried it. I'm glad you thought of it."

Poppy shook her head, "It was not truly my idea. It came from the book. The white mask would have been a bit too shocking for them…." Poppy was cut off when Erik leaned in and kissed her.

"Thank you for not talking me out of it." Erik grinned, knowing how she'll react.

Her eyes went wide, "Talk you out of it!" she scoffed, "I believe Monsieur Egotistical Male, that it was the other way around!"

Erik just laughed and kissed her again.

Awwwwwww! Was that not sweet! See I told you that I had and still have surprises up my sleeves.