☼☼☼
"Signora!" cried Andrée and Firmin in unison. They were pleading with la Prima Donna for half an hour and their justifications didn't seem to please her. Since Christine Daaè's arrival, Carlotta began her monstrous rampage in the Opera house. She paced through various rooms, trying to find the owners. As she left a room , Carlotta would slam it shut and leave a redolent scent behind.
"When were you two going to tell me that she was to come here? On my stage!?"
Just then, Raoul de Chagny entered, his head first to see if there was any serious damage. He saw nothing troubling except Carlotta's wrath. Gathering his wits, he stepped in and courteously acknowledged Mr. Andrée, Mr. Firmin and lastly Carlotta. She, in return, was shocked and noticed an innocent smile play on Raoul's lips. Clearly someone was enjoying the moment. Carlotta chose to ignore it with a wave of her lorgnette. Both messieurs were delighted to see a familiar young face again.
"Ah! Our admirable Count! We are pleased with your return." Carlotta included a "Humph!" and exited the room; her head reeled back and high in complete hostility. All three men watched her departure and looked at each other with either a shrug or raised eyebrows. Then, they resumed their welcoming.
"So...how was
your trip to Paris?" asked Andrée.
"Oh, come on
now, monsieur Andrée, you don't have to hide your
anticipation. He likes to know how mademoiselle Christine is."
he said this last remark to Raoul, who in turn gave a smile.
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Erik left his abode and concealed himself in the room where the props and sets were stored from previous productions. He stared at some of them with mild interest and others with pure detachment. Usually, this room would become useful when he needed inspiration, or to never be discovered. He didn't want to see Madame Giry, it would only remind him of what he had done to her; all the more reason in calling him dangerous. Erik hid his anguished face in his hands as he sat on the bed used for "Il Muto". What was happening? Everything was never as it was before. By the iteration of Christine's name, he could unleash such devastating events that all, including himself, would suffer. Through his chain of thoughts, Erik didn't hear the door of the room open and a tango of footsteps rush nearby. A voice awoke him from his thoughts. It was the voice like that of an unmentionable goddess which broke his despair.
By the sudden realization that he wasn't alone, Erik jumped and fell off the large bed. He grunted out the discomfort of the hard flooring and made a mental note that he ought to send a notice to messieurs Andrée and Firmin. They are to change to composition of the floor in order to prevent unfortunate mishaps and injury. He feared to have hurt his back or worse, his tail bone. His attention was directed towards the culprit. The voice broke off to humming and Erik stayed still. He caught sight of a large mirror and recognized it as one of his own. The figure entered in view of the mirror and Erik felt a jolt down his spine.
"Christine?" he blurted out and instantly regretted his action.
Christine's silhouette stopped humming and went towards the bed. She thought to have heard something or someone. Her heart danced and when she looked to the side of the bed, Christine found no one. Disappointed, she moved towards the mirror and sighed. Christine was unaware that on the other side of the mirror, stood the Phantom. His head leaned sideways against the frame as he stared back. He noticed her hand on the reflecting surface and he placed his mirror-like. Erik noticed her eyes gleam with a tint of sorrow and discovered that she still loved him and perhaps, more than ever...