Disclaimer: I don't own the Phantom of the Opera or any of its songs, script, etc.

A/N: Andrew's POV once more. Enjoy it, it's fun(ny). :)

Showstopper

Chapter 10 – Saving Grace?

"Andrew! What in the name of everything holy are you doing?" a voice shrieked. I raised my head and saw Joelle Moreau, a former chorus member now playing Madame Giry. She was an okay girl but her all-work-and-no-play attitude along with her rather plain lifestyle and features just weren't my type.

All I was able to produce was a gasping wheeze. Joelle dropped her bags and quickly freed me from the noose. I fell on my back gasping for air, while Joelle stood over me making tsk-tsk noises.

"Andrew, not that I haven't routinely fantasized about this happening but you are just plain spoiling me," Joelle said bluntly.

Did I mention she was sarcastic?

I gave her the worst glare I could muster. "You actually think I did this? He's really here, he's the one who put me in it!" I gasped, massaging my neck.

Joelle rolled her eyes. "Yeah right, and Gerard Butler finally came to his senses and asked for my hand in marriage. If this is just one of your lame attempts to get more publicity I am not impressed," Joelle snapped. "Amused, yes, but that's beside the point."

"What are you still doing here anyway?" I asked, not remotely caring who Gerard Butler was at the moment.

Joelle's eyes rolled once more. "Never mind. If it's not some stupid dye-blonde who worships the ground you walk on, you wouldn't know what it was." she muttered. Joelle was another one of the few girls who did not find me charming. (And let's get that straight – I am charming.)

I glared at Joelle. I hate it when nobodies put me down – especially ones that are partially right.

"That's not true," I hissed angrily, getting to my feet and towering over her. But she went on, undaunted.

Joelle crossed her arms. "Yeah, right. I'm telling you right now, Andrew, you mess with me or my friends or get more pig-headed than usual and I'll report this to Mr. Marshall – and he'll cart your sorry butt off the production," she said with a smug grin.

"You can't do that! I'm the star!" I snapped.

"Stars rise, fall, and can be replaced. Don't tell me you didn't hear about the cast member who got caught smoking weed in the wings a couple years back? I do because I was on tech crew and caught him. An attempted suicide or poorly planned publicity stunt will be just what the witch doctor ordered," Joelle said simply.

I unclenched my fists and took a deep breath.

"Aren't our characters supposed to be allies?" I asked.

Joelle smiled. "That's why they call it acting, slimeball. By the way, you're welcome. Have a good night."

With that, she turned on her heel and sauntered off the stage singing softly, "Your hand at the level of your eyes, phantom."

As I went back to the wings I heard a faint masculine voice chuckling.

"I think I'm in love."

I seized my bag and hurried outside. I definitely didn't want to deal with him a second time today. Joelle's threats didn't really to me... But I knew she wasn't bluffing. People who dared to cross her paid dearly for their error. How a witch like that got to play the part of Madame Giry I'll never know.

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A/N: ooo, fun chapter, lol. Thanks so much to Queen Ame for giving me a hand with it, it's très exellente!