Preparations

As I began to wake, I stretched my arms above, expecting to feel the cool wooden headboard, but instead feeling the metal panels of the bed. I froze before realizing the previous day's events. I threw the duvet off of me and shot upwards, glancing around the dimly lit room. Meg's quiet snores filled the room. I grinned. I was still here.

I entertained myself by grabbing my bag from the foot of my bed and beginning to read the Phantom of the Opera, ironically. I'd brought the book with me to Paris so that I got excited for my trip to the Palais Garnier. As soon as Meg and Christine began to wake though, I threw the book back in my bag. I didn't want to freak them out by announcing about a book being made about them and…well, the Phantom too obviously.

I got up when Meg and Christine woke, preparing myself for the day ahead. Due to us heading straight to rehearsals, I dressed myself in my ballet costume and politely asked Meg if she'd mind doing my hair again. She agreed instantly, declaring how much she loved helping the other girls with their hair. I was so grateful, given how useless I normally was with organizing my own hair.

Thanks to constant rehearsal, the day flew by quickly. Before I knew it, we were having our dress rehearsal for tonight. As I was part of the Ballet Corps, my costume was the same as Meg's. It was a beautiful emerald gown, with lac sleeves and a full, laced skirt. It was beautiful, the material soft against my fingers.

Our hair had to be the same, so with more help from Meg, she pinned my side up to make an elaborate bun at the back, leaving the rest of my curls co cascade down my back. Once Meg was finished, I glanced in the mirror. She was so good at this! She had left a stray ringlet of hair on either side, resting softly against my cheeks.

"Oh Meg, thank you again!"

She smiled. "That's okay. I find helping others with their hair quite therapeutic actually. It could be a feasible occupation, should my dancing ever fail."

"There's no chance of that," I snorted. "You're too good Meg, though I'm certain you'd make an amazing stylist too."

"What can I say? I have many talents to draw from." She laughed. "Anyway, I should best go and see where Christine is. She asked me if I would be able to help with her hair but I haven't seen her since the end of dress rehearsal."

"Maybe she's in the chapel."

Meg clicked her tongue. "Oh of course, I shall check there first." Meg said.

I smiled whilst watching her leave before turning to examine my hair again. Meg truly was great at this. I wondered why I'd suddenly been gifted with voluminous curls, just like I'd always wanted to. Maybe in dreams, the things I wanted most were just more accessible. I was still pondering about this when three taps at the door caught my attention.

Wondering who it was, I called; "You may enter."

I stood from the dressing table and turned, just as the door opened. Oh, on second thoughts, I wished I'd have stayed silent, I frowned.

Raoul glanced round the doorway, presumably looking for Christine. He frowned before smiling apologetically as he stepped further inwards a little. He was dressed impeccably, likely having just arrived to watch Christine perform.

"I apologize for disturbing you. I had hoped I would find Christine here."

"You could always try the chapel. That's where I suggested to Meg anyway. She was looking for her too."

"Yes, I shall do that." He mumbled before pausing briefly. "Thank you." He added quietly, before slipping back through the doorway.

I watched the door, as I tried to process that. Did he really just say thank you? Obviously he was just being polite, but given the lack of goodwill between the two of us so far? Well, I wasn't expecting that.

Meg and Christine hurried back so that we could prepare for tonight. I smiled as Christine excitedly chatted to Meg about how she was to meet Raoul at the end of tonight. As much as I didn't like him nor did I believe that they were really meant to be together, she honestly seemed happy.

"What do you think he wishes to speak to me so urgently about?" She pondered, pursing her lips whilst Meg dallied with her hair.

"Hmm, it is curious." Meg replied.

"Maybe he wants to make the two of you more official." I teased, unable to help myself. I couldn't help but wonder if things would transpire the way they did in the musical, though I hoped not for everybody's sake. We all knew what happened when the Phantom's instructions were ignored…

"Maybe he shall ask you to marry him, Christine! That would be so romantic!" Meg added gleefully.

"Oh, I doubt it shall be that. That seems a little too hasty." Christine replied. Her mouth was still pursed though, her forehead creased as she continued to wonder.

She didn't have much more time to wonder though as it was time for the show to start.

Not too brag or anything, but a familiar face might be making an appearance in the next chapter. I'm such a tease lol. ;)