Chapter 20 – Christine's new student.

Christine and Larogue had quite a pleasant chat. They talked a lot about singing and music. She was even tempted to tell him about Meg's crush on him, but thought better of it as it would earn her a jab in the ribs, and they did hurt at times.

It was half past five; Zurie was due to arrive in half an hour and Christine paced her room, wondering what song she would ask Zurie to sing.

Ah, I've got it. That beautiful song Cecilia taught me to sing. I'll never forget it. Maybe I could teach her that if she doesn't know it. Why am I nervous? Just do what Erik said, 10 minutes of warm ups, scales and then the song.

The song ran through her head and she began to sing it out loud:

Black is the colour of my true love's hair

Her lips are like a rose so fair

She's got the sweetest face and the gentlest hands

I love the ground where on she stands…

I love my love and well she knows

I love the ground whereon she goes
I wish the day it soon would come…

"When she and I could be as one…" Came a voice from behind her.

Christine spun round to see Zurie there looking at her. That last line of the song she had sung was really good, in Christine's opinion. But as she had only heard that little piece of the song she could not judge just yet.

"You know the song?" Christine asked.

"Yes, my father taught it to me. He couldn't sing it very well but it was my mother's favorite. I didn't think you knew it. No one else that I know does."

"The chorus girl Cecilia taught me the song. I'm glad you know it because I was going to ask if you would sing it for me after the warm-ups."

Zurie looked slightly uneasy with the request. Christine noticed this.

"You don't have to if you don't want to, I just…" She began.

"No, it's alright. It's just that the song reminds me of my mother. It was her favourite song. She died five years ago, and I haven't sung it since." Zurie whispered sadly.

"I am sorry, I know what it is like to lose a mother. And a father." Christine said sympathetically.

"I haven't lost my father. He remarried and so I live with him and my stepmother when I'm not here." She continued. "But I will sing it. I miss the song."

"Well you are slightly early, but that means we have more time. First we shall start with some warm ups."

"Very well, what would you like me to do?" Zurie asked, cheering up a little.

"Well let's see, I will sing and then you repeat back to me in the same scale, alright?"

Zurie nodded in agreement.

"But firstly, to be able to sing, you need to have the right posture. At the moment you are slightly slouched. You need to straighten your back." Zurie stood up straight and made herself as tall as possible. "Also lift you chin slightly." Christine tilted Zurie's chin upwards.

"Hmm, you're very tense. Relax a little and give yourself room to breathe comfortably." Zurie did as Christine instructed.

"Right repeat after me, oo oo oo ah ah ah oo" She sang going up and down one scale, the first ah being the top and then going back down the scale.

Zurie repeated this, she sounded natural but on top of that nervous, as there was a lot of vibrato in her voice.

"Very good, let's try it again. Only this time please try not to feel nervous. I know you are singing on your own, but you need not be. I will help you improve. Try it again on this scale." Christine asked softly.

Christine sang the same on a different scale and Zurie repeated. She sounded a lot better this time. Christine asked her to sing the same on different scales after her and she did, and each time she improved. After ten minutes or so, she stopped.

"See, you're getting better each time." Christine told Zurie, smiling. "You have quite a natural singing voice, so that's a plus side for you."

"Thank you." Zurie replied. She seemed a lot more confident than when she had first started. "My grandmother used to be a singer, so I suppose I owe it all to her."

Christine chuckled. "Right, are you up to singing 'Black is the Colour'?"

"Yes, but can I ask that you sing it with me?"

"I would prefer to hear you on your own first, but only if you feel up to it?" Christine asked.

"Please may I sing it with you, I don't really want to do it on my own." Zurie replied sadly.

"Ok, how about two lines each? Sound fair?"

"Yes I think so."

"I will start first." Christine coughed to clear her throat, opened her mouth and began to sing.

Black is the colour, of my true love's hair

Her lips are like, a rose so fair.

Zurie continued the song… singing to the tune that Christine had just sung.

She's got the sweetest face and the gentlest hands.

I love the ground where on she stands.

Christine looked at her student and gave her a nod. That was better than before. She was just about to open her mouth to sing, when Zurie put her hand up to stop her, and indicated that she would sing the rest.

I want to sing this on my own for Christine. And for my mother too.

I love my love and well she knows
I love the ground where on she goes
And how I wish the day would come
When she and I can be as one

I go to the Clyde and mourn and weep
Satisfied I'll never sleep
I'll write her a letter, just a few short lines
And suffer death ten thousand times

Christine was amazed. Zurie had sung the song with such passion and understanding. It had created a peaceful atmosphere. Zurie's eyes were shut and tears were seeping through her eyelids and rolling down her cheeks. She started to sing again and she heard Christine's voice along with hers.

Black is the colour of my true love's hair

Her lips are like a rose so fair

She's got the sweetest face and the gentlest hands

I love the ground where on she stands…

They both finished the song on a held note. Zurie opened her eyes; they were now red from silently crying.

"Brava Brava!" Christine cried. "Zurie that was fantastic. You are incredibly advanced for a beginner." She went over to her drawers and handed Zurie a tissue.

This compliment cheered Zurie up. "Really? Thank you, was it alright? I'm sorry I got upset. The song just reminds me so much of my mother and I really miss her." She said while dabbing her eyes dry.

"But you sang it with such passion, that's what made it sound so good." Christine told her excitedly.

"I did it for you and my mother." She replied.

"Well I think we will leave it there for now. Next week we will work on some breathing techniques. I just wanted to hear you sing, and most impressive you have been."

"Alright, so this time next week?"

"Yes, I will explain to Madame Giry where you will be."

Zurie giggled. "It was rather difficult to get away from class."

"Well I will see you around then, goodbye Zurie."

"Miss Daae, thank you for this." Zurie said before wrapping her arms round Christine in a friendly embrace.

"You're very welcome." She said softly.

With that, Zurie let go and headed out of the door. Christine sighed. She was very impressed by the way that Zurie had sung that song with such passion and empathy.

"The child has some real potential, doesn't she?" Erik's voice said from behind the mirror.

"I had a feeling that you would be watching." Christine turned to the mirror smiling.

The mirror slid into the ground revealing the man Christine loved standing behind it. She walked up to him and embraced him. Erik hugged her back.

"See, I told you your first lesson would be fine." He told her softly.

"Yes but only thanks to your advice." She stated.

"Well you are as good a teacher as you were a pupil. I think Zurie will go far with you to guide her." He said lightly.

"You mean as I did with you?" She said teasingly.

"Oh yes." Erik kissed her lightly on the forehead. "She is quite a fan of yours."

Christine chuckled. "Yes I know, but she is not too keen on you."

"Not many of the ballet Rats are. You didn't believe in me at one point."

"I know but now I do." Christine whispered, kissing him on the lips. He responded and kissed her back.

I must be the luckiest person alive. He thought dreamily.

They pulled away but he felt a strong urge to kiss her again; he wanted her to be his in every way. It would all happen eventually. After all she did love him.

"Shouldn't you be learning your lines and songs for Faust?" He asked.

"Erik, I'm very…" Christine opened her mouth wide and gave a long yawn. "Tired."

"Then my dear you should rest." With that, Erik picked her up in his arms. She was as light as a feather. He carried her over to her bed and laid her down gently.

He turned to leave but he felt her hand grab his gloved one and pull him back towards her.

"Please Erik, stay with me." She said sleepily.

"As you wish." He whispered. He walked over to her door and silently turned the key so that her door was locked.

He lay down beside her and she rested her head on his chest. Erik gently reached up and stroked her hair, feeling her gently breathing beside him. Being together like this made the urge to go further more powerful.

I must stop thinking this. I should not but I can't help feeling like this. I really want her, but I have her in all other ways so why do I feel this way?

"Erik, please sing 'Music of the Night' for me." Christine requested.

Erik sat up slightly, and then began to sing. Christine wanted desperately to stay awake and listen to the song, but there was something about the way Erik sang it that was very hypnotic and it was causing her to sleep.

Help me make the music of the night…

He looked down at Christine. She had fallen asleep. He smiled and kissed her forehead. She had her arms wrapped around his stomach, her head on his chest and one of her legs over his.

Erik also felt very tired. Some sleep may do me good. Also it means I get to spend longer with my Angel.

Erik shut his eyes. His breathing became in rhythm with Christine's and he began to drift off to sleep.

-

Christine woke up the next morning to find that Erik had gone. She looked to see the time, it read 7.00. The corner of her eye caught a glimpse of a note sealed with a red wax skull. She reached out for it and opened the letter.

My Dear Christine.

I'm sorry I had to leave you, but I have many things to attend to as do you today. I wish you luck in your rehearsals. If you would care for help on the songs then please come to see me later on in the evening.

Until then have a good day.

With all my Love - Erik.

Christine smiled and put the letter in its envelope and put it in her side drawer.

She went to get dressed and headed down for her usual breakfast, only to find that sitting on the table next to Meg was Larogue. They were laughing and talking. Christine smiled. They seemed to be getting along rather well. At least this would keep Meg off the subject of Erik.

"Ah Miss Daae." Byron exclaimed. "I'm sorry. Have I taken your seat?"

"No, no please stay, I will grab another seat." Christine said.

She pulled up a chair, but noticed that it was rather quiet.

"Where are the younger ballet dancers?" She asked Meg.

"Oh, mother made them get up earlier this morning, as the dancing is very difficult, she is suddenly being very hard on them, and I don't know why." Meg said concerned.

"Could it be something to do with the Opera Ghost?" Byron asked.

Christine and Meg didn't know what to answer to this question. "Possibly." Meg said, Christine shot her a warning look.

"But maybe it's the managers." Christine said uneasily. "You know now that Carlotta is gone, they might be putting pressure on everyone to get this right. Also, it is a difficult piece to perform."

Byron just nodded with a sort of puzzled look.

"Excuse me for just a second while I go to the gents." He walked off leaving the two friends.

"What did you go and say that for?" Christine spat.

"Well he asked. Besides, I had to try and make it seem normal." She whispered back.

"He has had enough tales from the other girls. I don't expect it from you as well, at least you know Erik is not a bad man." Christine hissed angrily.

"Look I'm sorry. I just said it's possible, nothing more. I know you love him, but you are over reacting about the things people say." Meg shot back.

"Maybe, but I don't want him to think bad things about him."

"So you are then?" Meg said lightly. Christine looked puzzled. "In love with Erik."

"Well why do you think I came out of his bedroom when you came to find me yesterday morning." Christine realized she had said too much.

"Di – Did you sleep with him?" Meg asked alarmed.

"No!" Christine hissed. "I've only just realized I'm in love with him. I want to take it slowly."

"So that mean you will sleep with him."

"Look I don't know. Stop asking me these questions."

"Christine you know he is old enough to be your father!"

"Age does not matter. I love him and that is that." She said angrily.

Great, I was hoping that sort of conversation wouldn't come up. I know he is old enough to be my father. But I can't help whom I fall in love with.

"But anyway, what about you and Monsieur Larogue?" Christine changed the subject.

Meg went a deep crimson at the question. "Christine he is so handsome. I was so shocked when he came and asked to sit next to me it was like that saying, umm…"

"Love at first sight." Christine finished for her.

"Yes, and don't you think he is so handsome, and apparently according to mother he is a brilliant singer, and also did you know that…"

Christine switched off. Meg was going to babble on for ages about him. It did occasionally get irritating when she went on and on and on.

Here we go again. I will be here for the next 5 months, but I'm glad our conversations 'hopefully' won't go Erik's direction. I just have to put up with Meg going 'yap yap yap'

Christine was not aware of it, but with every little fact Meg was telling her, she responded by saying 'yeah' or 'uhuh' or nodding.

"…So that's what we were discussing just before you came to breakfast... and you aren't listening are you?" She finished quickly.

"Uh?" Christine replied stupidly.

"See, I knew you were not listening." Meg pouted.

Luckily, before Meg could go on about this, Byron returned. "I think we should make our way to the main theatre, so that we can practice."

"Yes, very good idea." Christine agreed quickly.

My hero! She thought. As all three walked in the direction of the main theatre.

-

"Christine!" A voice called out as she entered the room with the other two.

"Hello Zurie." Christine replied to the twelve year old who was walking towards her.

"Zurie Beaumont!" Called Madame Giry.

Zurie froze on the spot. She swallowed hard before turning round and walking back to her place.

Christine smiled. As she watched the ballet dancers get into position.

"Clarissa, point those toes! Andrea legs straight, and Zurie, less looking at Miss Daae and more concentrating!" Came a string of commands from the ballet Mistress.

Zurie went red, but continued with the dancing.

And to think I used to have to deal with that.

"Christine!" Meg called.

"Coming." Christine called back, but first she had to speak with Madame Giry about Zurie's singing lessons.

"Alright, take a 10 minute break." Madame Giry told her class.

Christine approached Madame Giry. She could sense that she was incredibly tense.

"Madame? Are you alright?" Christine asked sympathetically.

"Yes yes I'm fine, shouldn't you be practicing?" Antoinette asked.

"Yes but I need to explain something to you."

"It's about Mademoiselle Beaumont, isn't it?" She asked.

Christine looked surprised. How does she know? Erik? Yes it must be, and the fact that Zurie wasn't at evening rehearsals.

"Is it alright if she comes to see me every Thursday evening?" Christine asked.

"Yes, that is fine, her skills as a ballerina are always above the rest, so yes, it is fine. I must say I'm impressed. First a student, then a lead soprano then a teacher." Madame Giry smiled.

"Well most of it is down to Erik." She replied.

"He has guided you, but it was you who chose to teach young Zurie."

"I suppose so. She is very talented, even though she has had no proper training."

"Hmm, I see Meg has taken a liking to Monsieur Larogue."

Christine couldn't help but giggle slightly. She turned to see them again, laughing like crazy, it was obvious they had just clicked.

"Yes, it would appear so, but Madame he is very handsome. But my heart belongs to Erik." She trailed off dreamily.

"Yes, Meg told me about that. He has loved you for a very long time you know."

"I know, and now we are together. It would almost be impossible for us to be separated. I'm in love Madame."

"It appears that Meg and Byron want you to go and start practicing with them." Madame Giry pointed out.

Christine headed off toward the two to begin her proper rehearsals for Faust. Unaware that a pair of blue eyes and yellow eyes were silently watching from box five.