Author's Note: Hey guys! As promised, here is another chapter. I hope that you guys enjoy this chapter. I am working on setting this up for a big climax eventually...but that won't happen for a few more chapters...like a lot more chapters. Anyways, not with the story!

Chapter Twelve: The Auditions

The next day, Erik took Christine up to the theatre. He had spoken to Madame Giry and made arrangements to have Christine audition for the lead in the latest production, Hannibal. "Come my dear. The time for the auditions is near," Madame Giry said, taking Christine by the hand.

She looked nervously back to Erik. "Go ahead. If you need me, I'll be up in box five," he said.

They walked up the stairs to the stage where Andre and Firmin were. "Ah, Vicomtesse! It's good to see you! I take it that the Vicomte has found you?" Andre asked.

"That is none of your concern. I am only here to audition for the lead. If you don't mind, I would like to be addressed as Miss Daae, please."

"Of course. Anything you wish," Firmin replied.

"She's going to audition? You're actually going to allow her to audition?"

All heads turned at the sound of a familiar screeching voice. Carlotta stood in the doorway.

"Signora! It is good to see you!"

"Never mind that! I can't believe that you are letting this...this..."

"This what, Signora?" Christine took a step towards her. "I have every right to audition as you do. Just because you've held the lead in every opera since you got here does not mean that you will continue to get the lead. I deserve a fair try just as does everyone else in this opera house. Now if you will step aside Signora, I would like to sing the song that I have prepared!"

Carlotta fell silent.

Satisfied Christine walked over to M. Reyer and handed him some sheet music. "This is the song that I would like to sing, please."

He nodded. "Of course Madame. Please wait a moment and then we will begin."

A few minutes later, the music began and Christine took her place center stage. After a quick glance up to box five to make sure that Erik was indeed there, she began to sing.

"Think of me, think of me fondly when we've said good bye.

Remember me once in a while; please promise me you'll try

When you find that, once again, you long to take your heart back and be free

If you ever find a moment, spare a thought for me."

Her voice started out quiet, but with each note became stronger. Erik watched from his hiding place with a smile on his face. "She's doing very well," he whispered.

The music grew to a crescendo and Christine took a deep breath and continued the song.

"We never said our love was evergreen or as unchanging as the sea

If you can still remember, stop and think of me.

Think of all the things we've shared and seen

Don't remember about the things which might have been

Think of me, think of me waking silent and resigned

Imagine me, trying to hard to put your from my mind.

Recall those days, look back on all those times

Think of the things we'll never do

There will never be a day, when I won't think of you."

Erik stood up from his seat and tried to get a better view of the stage. She looked so relaxed and natural on stage, as if she was meant to be there. Christine glanced up at him and their eyes met. He smiled and nodded. She looked towards the back of the theatre and finished her audition.

"We never said our love was evergreen or as unchanging as the sea,

But please promise me, that sometimes you will think...of...me!"

Applause burst out all around her. Carlotta looked on with a scowl on her face.

"Miss Daae, it would please us greatly if you would sing the lead in Hannibal. Please tell us that you will." Andre said, coming up to Christine.

She smiled. "I would love to Monsieur."

"Then it's settled! You will sing the lead a week from tonight."

Christine stepped off the stage and started to make her way over towards box five. Suddenly, Carlotta stepped in front of her.

"I don't know what has happened to you in the past few months, but I just wanted to tell you that I...I...I think that your voice has really improved. If I had to lose the lead to someone, I'm glad that it was you," she said.

"Thank you Signora. Perhaps we will audition for the lead role again in the future."

Carlotta shook her head. "No, I don't think that will be happening. I won't be singing any longer. Ever since Piangi died, I have lost my will for singing. I do hope that you have a long and successful career here at the Opera Populaire."

"I am sorry to hear that Signora. I hope that you find what you are looking for."

"I wish you nothing but the best Vicomtesse."

With that, Carlotta turned and left.

Moments later, Erik stepped out of the shadows. "What was that all about?"

"Carlotta has stepped down as the reigning diva of the opera house. She has apparently lost the will to sing since Piangi's death."

"That's wonderful! This means that you, my dear, are the new diva of the Opera Populaire!"

Okay, there's chapter twelve. I know that it's short, but I just wanted to convey the feelings during the audition process and I also wanted to get Carlotta out of the way. That's why I had her step down as the diva. I hope that you guys enjoyed that chapter. If you did, please let me know! I enjoy getting your reviews!

Sarah