Chapter 4

Erik was experiencing another moment that was indescribable, it was the most intense feeling of joy that he could ever remember having. His whole life had been a big swirling mass of disappointments and tragedies, but now finally, the resounding feeling of excitement and hope echoed into Erik's life, and now that he knew what it felt like, he never wanted it to leave. Erik hardly noticed that the managers were grasping his hands in congratulations, or that the same guide, who was much more agreeable this time, was leading him away to the orchestra pit to get him aquatinted with everything. It all passed it one big flash of moments beyond his wildest dreams and before he knew it, night fell and Erik was being led down the darkening corridors towards the dormitories of the orchestra. Is it always this way? Thought Erik in amazement, do happy moments pass faster then sad moments? The day had passed so quickly that now entering his new home Erik felt a quick flash of disappointment that it was all over. He had never really had much attention paid to him when he was younger, and that day he wasn't centre of attention, but he still was paid more then he was used to. The same guide as before, but as there was no opera going on, he had changed his clothes, pushed open a small door and led him down some stone steps. Torches flickered happily where they stood on the walls, and even though Erik did not like underground areas the steady hum of voice from various doors seemed to reassure him. It was true Erik was used to company, but there were times when he preferred to be alone. Stopping so suddenly that Erik almost crashed into his guide, a door was swung open in front of him and quite quickly he was pushed in.

"Breakfast will be served at 7:00am in the kitchen for the orchestra, be there or you won't be fed." Said the guide calmly and then turned on his heel and left Erik standing quite alone in a small dormitory with 4 other men looking at him. He managed a nervous smile but did not say anything. The men were quite rugged looking, two of the wore hats pulled down quite low over their faces and all of them were smoking cigars and playing cards.

"Right then, who are you?" questioned one of the men who wore a hat. Erik took a deep breath and laid down his things.

"My name is Erik, I just joined the orchestra." The man who asked the question gave him a hearty laugh that sounded like nails on a blackboard, which was soon followed by a fit of coughing.

"Ernie, you gotta stop smoking those you know." Said another man, this one did not have a hat, "it's going to kill you sooner or later."

"I'd rather sooner." Grinned Ernie, "then I wouldn't have to listen to that toad Carlotta." This comment was followed by four deep rumbling laughs that echoed dully around the small room.

"Here, here!" cried yet another man who gave Erik a small wink out of the corner of his eye. "Come on now lads, where are your manners? Introduce yourselves, I'm Steve." Said the man who had given him a wink.

"Hey, hey, you know what would happen if everyone had manners Steve?" shouted Ernie. Steve rolled his eyes in Erik's direction and politely smiled.

"Do tell Ernie." Ernie stood up, swaying slightly from the drink and placed a lock of his hair across his face, to imitate Andre's enormous moustache.

"My dear Steve, if everyone had manners, do you think there would be politicians, or criminals, or carriage drivers?" asked Ernie in quite a serious tone, who was trying to imitate Andre. It really was quite a striking impression. A second round of four deep laughs sounded from all the men around the table and this time Erik joined in quietly.

"Ah so the boy does know Andre!" grinned another man, who Erik did not know the name of.

" 'Course he does Pete, had to go through him to get here didn't he?" Steve smiled, "still remember my first time. Bet he's just as scary now as he was back then." Erik nodded, even though no eyes were upon him.

"Right then my boy." Announced Pete, "Why don't you come have a seat here." He pulled up an old wooden chair, which was quite low down to the ground. Erik hesitated only once, but then walked over and took his place in between Pete and Steve.

"So…Erik…"said Ernie quite slowly, "…you seem to be quite young…19...20 perhaps?" Quite clearly they had all forgotten about the card game spread out before them.

"18, actually." Said Erik. A collective sigh was heard around the table and Pete looked at him with new interest.

"My you must be quite good then, except you took the place of a lazy back bencher. Don't worry, if you work hard enough, you might not be thrown out too soon." He laughed at his own joke as he nudged the forth man who had no name still.

"Well, I did hear that Jacque was in First Chair for 4 seasons." All the men looked at him with suspicion and had their mouths hanging open.

"You mean the Jacque Laffrey?" Spluttered Ernie through his drink.

"I believe so." Replied Erik, to which the men gave him odd stares.

"I don't believe you, you can't be that good. You're still just a kid with no experience. There are much better violinists here then you, people who have been here since before you were born. You would never take his place, Maestro would take someone else from the front." Muttered the forth man angrily, glaring daggers at Erik, who now felt quite small.

"Hush Richard. Don't be silly, they'd never pick him He's lying." Said Pete quickly, who's last statement reminded Erik strongly of Andre.

"Yeah? Know what I do to liars kid?" said Richard menacingly. Erik shook his head, quite afraid to speak and now wished his was back in the room with Andre's loud arguments against him. Had Andre been right in the first place? This was no place for him. What was he thinking?

"Richard, Pete. Stop that. Innocent until proven guilty right? I don't know why someone would lie about something like that, but until we find out who will be taking First Chair, then I suggest you give the kid a break. Andre or Firmin must have said something, and you all know how reliable they can be." Interjected Steve, much to the relief of Erik. A soft murmur was heard around the table in agreement. Just then after a few moments of awkward silence a sharp bang was heard on the door.

"Bed time gentlemen!" shrilled a high voice, and then loud footsteps faded away towards the next door. The men grumbled and stowed their drinks and cigars away in the cupboard and then headed off, each to their own bed in the room. Steve motioned to Erik, who grabbed his things and claimed the bed next to Steve's. When they were all lying down Steve grunted 'goodnight' to which there were four other grunts. Just before Erik closed his eyes he cast a quick glance around his new room, and just like his audition it had a rocky start, but he hoped it would turn out just as well.