Chapter 53
Disclaimer: I don't own the Phantom of the Opera.
Slowly Poppy got stronger. Over the course of the week, Mme. Giry helped her strengthen her leg muscles. She would run Poppy though ballet exercises. At first, it was painful, moving and stretching her muscles that hadn't been truly moved in a week and half. But Poppy didn't complain. She wanted to get stronger, she was sick to death of the bed. Erik now allowed her to move around the lair, but didn't deem that she was ready to go back up to the Opera house. They were closer then ever after, Poppy had told Erik of the near death experience choice she had. They also decided that there was no need to tell anyone else about it. It confused even Erik, so they tried not to think too much onto it.
When Erik was not down in the lair with Poppy, he was up in the Opera House. Now that he was back, it was running smoothly. Reyer had been driving the orchestra to their limits. In doing so, they were perfect. There were no wrong notes played, no squeaky horns. They were beautiful sounding to the ears. Reyer and the musicians beamed with pride when Erik observed them one day and made no criticizing remark. They learned that if he doesn't say anything, they were doing great. He had told them, that to apprise too much, made one sloppy, but he did tell them that if they continued to sound as good as they have been, they would be the one of the best orchestra in France.
Carlotta and Piangi were both easy on the ears now. One could understand what they were singing. Carlotta was still the lead diva, but was kept in check by Erik. He didn't put up with her acting up. Besides, within that year, she was going to retire. Even she was stating to admit she was getting too old. She had told Erik this, she was returning to Italy with Piangi. He wanted to return home. His father was dying and Piangi had to take over the family business. Plus Piangi still held a grudge against Erik for hitting him over the head. Erik had smiled and wished them luck.
The Ballet Rats was another thing. Erik had moved Meg Giry up to leader. The girl was not that bright, but she was a wonderful dancer. It was the only change Erik made before he turned control over to Antoinette. He could hardily stand to be around the chattering girls. Once they had gotten over them being scared of him, and the fact that he was the one they had once told stories about, they were always giggling about him. Some of them even developed crushes. One day after shooing them off, he turned to Mme. Giry to see her smirking. He threw up his hands and told her that she now had full control over them.
XXX
It was the opening night for Faust. Erik had been avoiding telling Poppy. He wanted it to be a surprise. He had decided that she was strong enough to now come back up to the Opera house. When he had deemed that every thing was going fine, he went down to the lair. Poppy was sitting on the couch trying to embroider. Mme. Giry had taught her, for something to do. Poppy loved it, but had no talent for it. It had nothing to do with her eyesight. Mme. Giry had assured Erik that many blind women did it. They would use their fingers to guild them. And Poppy did just that. When she had first started, she pocked her self with the needle countless times. Now she didn't jab her fingers no more, but it still proved interesting to watch her.
"Shit!"
Erik watched as Poppy backtracked and picked out a mis-stitch. "Language, Cuquelicot,"
He laughed.
Poppy jumped, "Erik! You are down here early. Is everything alright?"
"Yes, everything's fine. But come with me for the moment."
Poppy put her embroidery aside. "Ok. But are you sure you're fine? You sound anxious." She picked up her cane, and walked over to him.
Erik took her by the hand and led her up the tunnel, "Everything is fine. I just have something you should see."
Erik led her up the tunnel and back stage. Everyone was rushing around, doing last minute preparations. Meg was the first one to notice. "Poppy!"
People all stopped what they were doing and rushed over. Poppy was lost in a sea of people. After a few minutes of this Erik told them to back off.
"It's so good to see you again Mademoiselle Poppy. I hope you will think of singing again?" Reyer asked.
"I haven't thought of that. I'm not sure. I'll have to talk to Erik about that." She was wondering the same thing herself.
Carlotta surprised her by greeting her. "Piacere? You are feeling better?"
Poppy flashed a friendly smile at her, "Si, grazie. Thank you."
"She'll be up here now more often. You all can talk to her later. Right now you all have a opera to put on." Erik told them gently.
As they all moved away, Poppy turned to Erik. "An Opera? The Opera house is back up and running?"
"Yes. They are to perform Faust." Catching her smirk, "What?"
"I should have guessed."
"Am I that easy to predict?" Erik inquired.
Poppy just grinned, "At times."
