Okay, the updates are going to get farther and farther apart because I have realized how many things I want/need to do. (Mainly) right now there are 2 wants (Good Neopets account, which requires time, and updating the stories here), 1 need (School!), and 1 more thing that I can't tell you about right now. You'll find out soon enough what it is.
oo0o0oo
Tori pattered off-stage, a big grin splitting her face in two. She had not been this happy since…well, since before her parents died, really. She had sung her part beautifully, and now, nearly out of the wings, could still hear the wild applause of the audience.
People mobbed her on the way to her dressing room, shoving flowers in her face and asking for autographs and doing ABSOLUTELY everything besides simply move out of the way; they could barely hear Tori's quiet "Excuse me" as it was.
At least it helped that Madame Giry managed to join her halfway towards the hallway that led to her room, because once at her side, she managed to fight off the huge throng of people and got Tori to her dressing room ten times faster than if she had walked alone.
As soon as they had safely entered the silent, light blue haven, Madame Giry closed the door behind them. She put her hand on Tori's thin shoulder and complimented with a smile, "You did very well, little Tori. Very well indeed."
Looking to the side, she retrieved a rose off of the blue and pink vanity and handed it to Tori delicately.
"He is pleased with you."
Madame then left, leaving Tori to quietly contemplate the delicate rose. She felt the black satin ribbon, enjoying the feel of it on her long fingers.
Who had sent this? Had it been some admiring fan wanting, like everyone else, for her to go on a date with them or get her autograph? Or was it a secret admirer, who refused to give her anything more than a small, dark trinket to simply say, "I love you"?
Had it been her Angel…?
Just then, the door opened. Tori didn't look up, but instead sighed and wearily turned to face who it was.
Her eyes widened at the sight of Raoul, who was in an expensive suit and was smiling warmly at her, revealing pearly white teeth. In his hands was a bouquet of flowers.
"Hello there," he said, laughing a little at Tori's shocked expression and giving her the flowers.
After a moment Tori regained her composure and took the flowers. "Thank you, sir," she said quietly, smiling herself. She placed the flowers delicately on her desk, next to a dozen others.
Raoul, noticing the other flowers, frowned, but quickly smiled again as he looked back to Tori. "Would you…" He cleared his throat, a little nervous. "Would you like to go to supper with me?"
Tori was a little reluctant, seeing as she didn't admire the Vicomte too much and the Angel of Music had promised her that he would come that night, despite whether se had gotten the lead or not. But after a minute of weighing her options, she looked down at the ground and nodded slowly.
Raoul smiled once more. "Alright then, I'll ready my carriage. Supper in two minutes, Miss Tori."
He bowed and exited the room, leaving Tori to stare after him, a little amazed that she had said yes.
She turned to face her mirror and took out the little crystal veil that had been embedded deep in her hair. She then brushed her hair and headed off toward where she got dressed, grabbing a comfortable, simple, velvety dress and her flat, laced shoes along the way.
Tori could have sworn she heard distant footsteps and a voice calling her name while she put her dress on.
A/N: Muhuhaha...Tori's true self will start to emerge...next chapter!