Disclaimer: Anything Cannon is not mine! No copyright infringement intended.
A/N: Hello there, fellow Phans! Third chapter is up! In the next few weeks (maybe even longer,) I might not be uploading as much as I have been this Summer, as I will be going back to school soon; Sadly. However, I will try my best to continue to upload new chapters. I hope you have enjoyed this fic as much as I have writing it. Please write a review. I would love to hear what you think; good or bad. Fourth chapter in progress.
Making her way down the wooden staircase towards the back exit, it suddenly occurred to the Ballet mistress that she didn't know whether her daughter had done as she asked. Knowing Meg, she thought, she probably followed me and the Vicomte. Dismissing the daunting thought, she continued her way down the stairs, and through the stables. A large wave of relief swept its way over her. She could see Meg. She quickened her pace, almost sprinting towards her daughter; her high heeled shoes splashing in puddles as she went.
"Meg! Are you alright?" she said, slightly out of breath. She was worried about Meg; whether she was going too, what she would do if she chose to stay, what would happen to the ballet rats, whether Christine was okay. Her mind was overflowing with questions needing to be answered.
"Yes, Mama," Meg hesitantly replied.
"What is wrong, my dear?"
Meg hesitated again. "I am guessing, mama, that you received a letter too."
Her mother's heart skipped a beat. "Yes. I did."
"Well, I would like you to know that I would rather stay, to look after the little ballet girls."
"What will happen to little Monique? She is an orphan, is she not?"
"Indeed she is. And that is why I am here."
Madame Giry said nothing.
"I have realised that you intend to or are maybe on the fence to go or not to go. Whether you go or not, it would be appreciated that you take Monique with you. I can take care of the others and make sure they receive a training place at another opera house. And if they do not receive a place, they will be returned to their families. Here lies the problem. Monique has no family that is suitable to take care of her. her only Uncle is a dangerous alcoholic. In his care is no place for a child."
"Very well." Madame Giry said with determination, "Where is she? Are all of the girls alright?"
"Yes, they are alright. I have put them in the care of Piangi as we speak." She was met with a sharp glare from her mother. "It shan't be for much longer."
Her mother nodded. "And Monique?"
"She is just around the corner." Meg looks behind her as a small fragile looking nine year old, with waist-length, curly,Blood-orange-coloured hair, and silver blue eyes, emerges from behind a corner. She is wearing a white night gown and is carrying a small bag. She wanders over to the ballet mistress.
"Thank you, Meg." Madame Giry said. As her daughter walked away, she called after her, "Take care, Meg, I love you." Meg walked away, saying nothing, as her mother's heart sank. She felt selfish for choosing to go with Erik. Though she felt as though she couldn't deny herself something she desired.
After her daughter disappeared through the back entrance, the opera house began to go up in flames.
"You were late," a familiar voice said from behind.