Chapter 2
Disclaimer: See first entry.
How could I be here? I thought as I took a good look around. It was just like in the movie. There were about six beds down the row next to mine. How could this be? I thought. I must be dreaming. That's it, I am dreaming. Ok, Serena close your eyes and when you open you will be back on your couch with the movie playing. On the count of three, one, two, three! I open my eyes and I am still in the same place I was when I woke up. Suddenly I heard a knocking outside the door.
"Rene, it is Meg. Mama is wondering where you are. We need to get to rehearsal." What in the heck! I thought as I climbed out of the bed. How did Meg Giry know my name? I opened the door and sure enough, there she was in the first costume that she is in when she first appears in the movie. Oh well, I suppose I will play along until I wake up from this dream.
"Alright, Meg, let me get into my costume. Tell Madame that I will be down in a few minutes." Meg nodded and walked down the winding stairs that apparently led to the stage. I looked around and found a closet with the "Hannibal" slave girl costume that was meant for me. I quickly changed into it and put on my slippers. As I finished tying them, I heard another knock. This time Meg came in.
"Come on Rene! Mama said NOW!" She grabbed my hand and we hurried down the stairs. We walked to chalk box and got our shoes ready. Then I followed Meg to the barre and began to warm up. Where was Christine Daae? I leaned down and whispered.
"Where is Christine Daae?" I asked her as we warmed up. She turned around and looked at me strangely.
"There is no Christine Daae. Unless you have a sister who dances here, then you are the only Daae in this opera house." I was confused. No Christine? Then who shall take Carlotta's place when she leaves in a fit of anger. Before I could think I heard a strict voice break my thoughts.
"Serena! Meg! Get up to the stage! NOW!" Madame Giry in all her glory, hurried us up to the stage. We both hurried up the stairs again. Well Meg hurried, I just hurried and followed for I did not know. We walked up to hear two men's voices. I realized they were the managers, M. Firmin and M. Andre. It was like I was watching the movie. I saw Raoul walk out onto the stage as they introduced him. Then it hit me. I was Christine! Well, I was Serena but I was playing the Christine role in my dreams. I knew the movie by heart so I quoted the line that Christine says when she sees Raoul for the first time.
"It's Raoul, before my father died. In the house by the sea I guess you could say we were childhood sweethearts. He called me Little Lotte." I put a wistful look on my face as I said this, just like Christine did. Then it hit me. I was supposed to sing. Now I am not a bad singer but I am nothing like Christine Daae. I am just Serena Anne Davidson, mediocre singer. I knew how to warm up at the barre because of my days in the ballet when I was a little girl. But I did not know the moves to the dance. I will make a fool out of myself. I was jolted out of my thoughts by Meg's next line.
"Christine, he is so handsome!" she said softly. When Raoul had finished his speech and was introduced to Carlotta and Pianji, he walked past me and acting quickly I said with a disappointed look.
"He wouldn't recognize me." I said softly. Meg patted my hand sympathetically.
"He did not see you." She said as she pulled us to our places. Oh no, I thought. I can't do this I am going to do horribly. The music began and a strange feeling came over me. It was like I saw the steps in my head. All of a sudden I was dancing them, just like Christine did in the movie. I heard the managers talking to Madame Giry.
"We take a particular pride in the excellence of our ballets, monsieur." I heard Madame Giry say. I knew Andre would start ogling Meg and then Firmin would start ogling at me. I shivered as those perverted men watched us, but I kept dancing.
"I see why, especially that little blonde angel." Andre said. I knew Madame Giry did not look happy.
"My daughter, Meg Giry." I knew I was to be spotted next.
"And that exceptional beauty, no relation I trust." Came Firmin's slimy voice.
"Serena Daae, promising talent M. Firmin, very promising" I could hear the pride in Madame Giry's voice.
"Daae, you say? No relation to the famous Swedish violinist?" came Firmin's surprised response.
"His only child, orphaned at seven when she came to live and trained in the ballet dormitories." Madame Giry's voice held a sad note.
"An orphan, you said?" Firmin was intrigued. I heard Madame Giry cut off his perverted thoughts immediately.
"I think of her as a daughter also." I could tell Madame Giry did not want to continue this conversation with those men "Gentlemen, if you would kindly stand to one side..." The men moved to the side as the slave girls moved through. I felt so alive now. All my wonderful dancing memories came back to me as I did this piece. We ended it quickly and smoothly. Now it was time for Madame Diva to start complaining. She started yelling at everyone and walked off the stage. I laughed slightly as the new managers begged her to stay and sing the aria from the third act. I panicked again when I remembered that the Phantom drops the scenery and Christine is asked to sing. I cannot sing like I told myself earlier. Here she goes singing. Ewwww, she sounds just as bad in my dream as she does in the movie possibly worse. Suddenly Meg screams as the scenery comes crashing down, nearly smashing Carlotta.
End Chapter 2
My fingers hurt from all the typing. So I shall stop it here. I know it is not very good but I am trying. I would like constructive criticism please. I need help with this.
