Chapter 9 is quite long with a lot happening and it was one of the hardest to write so far. Just to let you know - most of this story is based on the West End version and the original soundtrack but as you'll see later on I've also borrowed some elements from the Australian version. Some of the changes I've made are my own. Please let me know what you think - all comments are welcome!
I spent much of the rest of that day in the theatre, where Mother could keep an eye on me to some extent. She was busy for most of that time, with warm-ups, scales, making sure she could project her voice sufficiently and becoming familiar with the stage.
I had finished my Jules Verne novel but there were parts I wanted to read again. I also watched the other performers – Miss Fleck on her trapeze, Mr Squelch lifting a variety of heavy objects piled on top of each other and Meg's dancing troupe with their irritating song. The other girls simpered and fawned over me, calling me "cutie" and "sweetie pie", amid lots of cheek pinching. I was glad when we had to go back to the hotel for luncheon and left quickly, wondering why girls had to be so silly, even when they were grown up.
Mother seemed distracted over luncheon and I tried not to annoy her. But my questions remained in my mind. She did, however, reassure me that her disagreement with Meg had simply been a silly misunderstanding and that they were both performing at the concert.
Meg seemed to be in a cheerful, friendly mood when we returned. In fact, she was almost too friendly towards us. In between her rehearsals, she brought me to the theatre kitchen for milk and cookies and while we were there chatted to me about, well, everything really – my home, my lessons, what games I liked playing, all kinds of things.
The biggest change in behaviour came from Madame Giry though. True, she was not an affectionate person, but she had been friendly and pleasant yesterday. Today she hardly spoke to us, except in the most formal tone. And that stare.. Each time I saw her, she gave me an icy stare that could have frozen me on the spot. She was very cold towards Mother too, which was surprising. Didn't she practically bring her up, in the Opera House, and care for her?
She was in charge of these gaudy show-time dancers, and I thought this was an unusual job for her, considering she had taught ballet in Paris. When I asked Mother about this, she said she didn't know, but I think she felt a little disappointed with her old friends.
That evening at dinner, Raoul joined us late. "Where have you been?" Mother asked him irritably, "I was hoping you would take Gustave around Phantasma today."
"Why would I want to look around that hell hole? It's bad enough we have to stay in it. I've been..meeting up with friends."
She looked at me and then at her husband, and said nothing.
After the dessert was served, Father berated me for wandering off earlier.
"Raoul, it is fine, Gustave and I have discussed this and it will not be happening again."
"I'm sorry, Father, it was just that Mister Y-"
"Mister Y? What did he have to do this?" He glared at his wife. "You never told me he was involved!" He practically spat the words out, and I could see people starting to look over at our table. "Raoul, not here, I'll explain later."
After our meal, Mother was tired and a little worried, but she still managed to take me around the park, which was staying open until later this evening. I found a little shop selling souvenirs and bought a toy soldier which marched when you wound it up. Louis would love it! It was fascinating and for this reason Mother took it off me for safe keeping. "Best make sure it gets home to Louis and you don't decide you want it instead!" she smiled.
We were both confused by the different currency but I was determined to get used to it and helped Mother count out the right amount to each attendant. I went on the spinning teacups, which seemed a bit tame, and the swingboats. But Mother was yawning now, and eager to go back to the hotel, so I followed her. The big rides would have to wait until our free day!
After I had bathed and got ready for bed, Mother came and tucked me in, as usual.
"What story would you like tonight, dear?"
"Mother, did Mister Y work at the Opera House?"
She sighed. "You are determined to find out about him aren't you?"
"I'm just curious."
"Well… yes, I suppose he did work at the Opera House, in a way... He taught me to sing."
"But that's wonderful! Did he teach Meg as well?"
"No, only me."
"But why does Father hate him so much?"
"Oh, Gustave, I think you should get some sleep and stop worrying about the past."
But I did not think that I would be able to sleep, not with all the mysteries in my head.
"I just need to get through the concert tomorrow, dear. It's very important to us, as you know."
"I know, Mother." I just wanted to see her happy again. That was all I wanted. Tomorrow she would sing, Mister Y would pay her the money, as agreed, and we would go home.
"Mother, everything will be all right when we go home won't it? Father will pay off his debts and the servants will come back-"
"I'm not sure about that part, Gustave, they have probably found other positions by now. But I don't mind helping Adele and Berthe with the chores; we had to do chores when I was living in the Opera House after all."
"Will I still have to go away to school? I'd like to go to the village school, with Louis and the other boys."
"I don't know, dear. Perhaps. We will have to wait and see."
"I'll still have to take over the estate, won't I?"
"Well, I suppose you will, if everything starts to improve for us, and all the debts are paid. " Noticing my glum face, she put her arms around me and held me close.
"Gustave, it doesn't matter to me what you become. A vicomte, a sailor, musician, architect.." She cupped my face in her hands and looked into my eyes. "I will always, always be proud of you, whatever happens. Such a wonderful, kind boy.. You know, sometimes I have this silly wish that you would stay as an innocent little boy forever... You won't, of course. But I just know that you will become a fine young man. I know you sometimes have strange thoughts and ideas, and I don't always understand them, but I love you, all of you, and always will."
"I love you too, Mother, so much," I whispered, clinging to her; my one rock in the midst of all this uncertainty.
I hope with all my heart that I have made her proud.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I remember it was warm and sunny that day; the day my old life ended.
We had breakfast in the dining room as usual. Father didn't join us; I head him and Mother talking loudly last night about the mornings' events, and he had stormed out.
It was much like any other day really; I wish I could say that there was a sense of foreboding with ominous symbols everywhere; that Mother's tealeaves were in the shape of a gun perhaps. But no, nothing.
When we got to the theatre, I saw Meg and her mother over in a corner, having a heated discussion. Meg was clearly upset and slammed the door on her way out. I wish I'd seen that there was something wrong, right there and then, but I didn't. Madame Giry glared at me when she saw me looking in her direction and I hastily buried my nose in my book. She continued to be cold and distant towards the two of us, and it puzzled me. Had I offended her without realising?
Meg returned to the auditorium a little later, more composed now and as friendly as ever. Too friendly; I realise that now. She had some new ideas for her performance and Madame Giry was keen for her to explain them to everyone. When the rehearsal was up and running she strolled over to Mother.
"Christine, I'm not needed here for another hour; why don't I take Gustave around the park? I'm sure he would prefer that to sitting in here again?"
Yes, that sounded a much better option so it was all arranged.
It was fun, I'll have to admit. I slid down the helter-skelter twice, then went on the swingboats again and bought a postcard with the Statue of Liberty on it. Meg treated me to my first hot dog and my first stick of candy floss. "Yuck, it's just sugar!" I complained. "That's why children like it", she grinned.
We sat on a bench and continued yesterdays' chat about life in the chateau. She listened with almost exaggerated interest as I told her about Louis and the things we got up to, about music and the books I liked. She nodded frantically with wide eyes as I told her about Alfie - "Oh, I love dogs too!" - and shook her head sadly as I explained how we'd had to sell my beloved pony a few months ago – "oh, you poor thing!"
She was keen to know about Mother, and I answered her questions in complete innocence.
"And your Mother brings you into Paris, to a café and the park! And all those lovely stores that she buys her dresses in. Such a lady of leisure!" she remarked, and I thought I could hear a trace of sarcasm.
I did try to explain that things were different now, with most of our money gone, but she quickly changed the subject. We talked about the Ferris Wheel and some of the other rides.
"But tell me, have you no nanny?" she enquired.
"I did when I was very little but Mother says that they had different opinions on how to raise a child. So she got a position with a different family."
The maids were blunter about it – they remembered this nanny as "a nosy, interfering old hag" but I didn't tell Meg that.
"That's unusual for a family like, well.. a family like yours."
I shrugged. "I don't mind. Mother looks after me, or one of the maids. And most nannies are horrible anyway."
She laughed at this.
"So you have no-one to look after you here in New York?"
"Yes, Mother of course!"
She said nothing, but she seemed to be deep in thought.
Then I went on the carousel, with the beautiful white and gold horses, clinging to the twisted pole. I waved to Meg, but she seemed more interested in flirting with the attendant. Indeed, most of the attendants seemed to know her.
"Better get back now, Gustave, they'll be wondering where I am," she told me, taking my hand and leading me back to the theatre.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Mother and I had our lunch at a café that day. Then we strolled over to a news-stand, which also sold books. They had lurid, brightly coloured covers and the assistant explained that they were called "dime novels". We found one called Adventure Stories for Boys, which Mother bought me. "Don't tell your father" she murmured. I looked forward to trying to read it in English.
"Why is Madame Giry so rude to us today?" I asked.
"She's just... well it's just her way, I suppose. She was always very strict at the Opera House, never showed much emotion. Don't let it bother you, my dear."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
My new book was harder to read than I had thought, even with the help of a dictionary. Mother and I were still trying to improve our English, although Meg and Madame Giry were glad that they could talk to us in French. I think they missed France. Meg was eagerly demonstrating the changes she had made to her routine, but it still sounded like a noisy din to me.
With Mother's permission, I wandered outside and stood by the back door, just to get some fresh air. As I stood there, I saw Raoul running from the direction of the beach. Calling out to him, I left the doorway to go and meet him, wondering where he'd been. He was spending most of this trip in the bar and I knew how upset Mother was about it. To my horror, he looked like he hadn't slept all night. His eyes were bloodshot, his hair was dishevelled and his clothes were creased and dirty.
"Where were you?" I gasped, "Mother's been so worried. Have you been drinking?" Immediately, I regretted asking that question.
He stopped in front of me, panting a little and put his hands on my shoulders. "Where's your mother?" he demanded harshly.
"On the stage, rehearsing. She's going to be so angry with you-"
"Never mind that!" he barked and I nearly jumped out of my skin.
Looking around, he gripped my arm and made me follow him around the side of another building, away from the crowd. To my surprise, he knelt in front of me.
"Look at me", he ordered, in a softer tone. With unusual gentleness, he held my face in his hands and looked into my eyes. He had never done this before and it frightened me more than his anger did.
As he gazed at my face, his expression turned to one of fear and then sadness. Slowly, he rose, with what sounded like a cry of pain.
"It's true!" he gasped, clasping his hands over his face. Just like Mister Y had done... "It's true. I've known, deep down I've always known, but now…"
He reeled backwards and I could see tears welling in his eyes. I panicked. What was going on? Why were all the adults behaving so strangely?
He was crying now. I had never seen Raoul cry before. "Father, what is it? What's wrong?"
He stared at me, taking a step backwards, away from me. "Gustave, oh, Gustave.."
"What is it? Please tell me, Father!"
He turned his back to me for a long time, not saying a word.
"Father?"
Slowly he turned around.
"Gustave.. I never understood you, did I? Never even tried… All these years!"
"Father, it doesn't matter! Everything's going to be all right, I just know it. We'll be going home soon and you can pay off all your debts and we can be happy. We can do things together when we get home-"
"No, it's too late, too late.." He sounded like he was in pain again, and it scared me. "Gustave, your mother can't sing tonight," he told me suddenly.
"What? But she has to! It's all been arranged, she's the final act!"
"If she sings, he's won. He can't win, he just can't..."
He was rambling, making no sense and I was unable to comfort him. "Who? Do you mean Mister Y?"
He glared at me. "Don't mention his name! Ever!"
"Father, why do you hate him? Is he dangerous?"
He put his hands on my shoulders again, roughly. "He is a monster, Gustave, inside and out. He should not have shown you his face. I don't want you going near him again, do you hear me?"
"Yes Father.. I'm sorry I went to his workshop yesterday."
"You must promise me not to go anywhere with him or speak to him. If he approaches you, walk away. Run if you have to. And then come and tell me. Promise me, boy!"
He gripped my shoulders so hard that it hurt. "I-I promise!" I cried, and he released me.
"I have to change and wash. I need to think, damn it!" he snapped, pushing me aside and running towards the hotel.
Nothing was making any sense.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
When I made a brief visit to the hotel room later, Raoul was sound asleep. I was glad - a good sleep would do him good.
The hotel agreed to us having an early dinner because of the concert. Mother hardly ate anything due to her nerves, but I enjoyed a delicious meal of roast chicken.
As we made our way to Mother's dressing room, I saw Meg and her troupe preparing to go on stage. She turned our direction and I thought I saw her shoot me a dirty look, but convinced myself I was mistaken. Then, just before I entered the dressing room, I saw a shadow out of the corner of my eye and felt a shiver down my spine. Without looking around, I knew it was Mister Y, watching us. But why? Was Mother in danger? Was I?
I helped Mother get ready that evening. When she put on the earrings that had been provided for her, I told her she looked beautiful, like a queen in a fairy tale.
"You are beautiful too," she smiled. "Oh Gustave, you haven't really had a proper vacation yet, have you? I've been so busy and distracted, and your father, well.." She paused. "We'll have a nice day together tomorrow, I promise. We'll get up early and go down to the beach. Maybe you could learn to swim? Or we could go to the park again, perhaps go on the Ferris Wheel together? I've heard the view from the top is wonderful. Whatever you want to do will be fine with me."
I hugged her. "Thank you Mother!"
Just then Raoul entered. He looked far more respectable than earlier; he was wearing a clean shirt and trousers, with his hair neatly combed. I was relieved.
"Father, doesn't Mother look lovely tonight?"
He closed the door behind him and smiled at both of us, leaning against the door in a relaxed manner. "Indeed she does," he replied happily, "Just as lovely as when I first came to her dressing room door at the Opera House."
Mother smiled at him too and it lifted my spirits even higher. This was what I wanted – the two of them being pleasant to each other instead of fighting.
"And you Raoul! You're just like that handsome young man in the Opera box, the one who used to throw me a single red rose!" He chuckled at this. I knew this story. It was so good to see them talking about their courting days, when they had first fallen in love. And they were happy, both of them.
"Gustave, would you mind waiting outside for a while please? Your mother and I have things to talk about."
It would be nice for them to talk alone for a while. I looked at my mother. "May I go exploring? By myself?"
"Yes, but stay backstage, dear. I don't want you walking on to the stage in the middle of somebody's performance!"
I smiled. "Don't worry, Mother."
"And don't leave the theatre. When I'm finished singing, meet me back here."
"I will" I called over my shoulder, and I was gone.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Nothing matters now, not even Mister Y, I thought, as I strolled around backstage. Mother and Father are being nice to each other again. They love each other, just as they did at the Opera House. Mother will be happy again. Everything is going to be fine.
I hummed a tune to myself as I watched the stage hands, scene shifters, curtain puller and all the others involved in the concert working at their various tasks. Miss Fleck and Mr Squelch got huge rounds of applause and Dr Gangle seemed to be enjoying himself immensely, introducing all the different acts. So much activity going on backstage, with performers coming and going. With all the distractions I did not notice Raoul leave the dressing room nor was I aware that Mister Y was now in that same dressing room, having used one of his many secret entrances. Just two of many things that did not fall into place until much later.
Normally everyone backstage was friendly towards me but they were too busy to talk to me now and after a while I decided to go and wait for Mother, like she told me to. Dr Gangle had just announced her and she would be on the stage any moment now. But as I turned around, I felt myself bump into someone and immediately apologised. Looking up, I saw Meg smiling at me.
"Hello Gustave," she purred.
"Good evening, Miss Giry," I replied politely, turning to walk away, but her hand on my shoulder stopped me.
"Not talking to me tonight?" she asked, in that strange American-accented French.
I stammered a polite reply.
"Well, that's a pity, because I have just the treat for you, while your mother is performing."
My eyes widened.
"You know the Ferris Wheel? I know how you've been dying to go on it. Well, it just happens that Jimmy, the attendant, is a very good friend of mine, and I was telling him about you earlier. He's agreed to let you ride on the Wheel tonight, for free, and you'll have it all to yourself! How does that sound?"
To ride on the Ferris Wheel, at night, after everyone else has left!
She eulogised about how lovely the view was and how it would be so exciting. I did protest a little that Mother wanted me to meet her afterwards, but she assured me that we would be back in plenty of time.
True, I thought, Mother told me not to go off with strangers. But Meg isn't a stranger, is she? She was Mother's friend from those days at the Opera House and she's already taken me around the park. I can trust her.
"Thank you! That sounds-"
She grabbed my hand far too quickly and began leading me out the door before I had finished my reply. I saw Miss Fleck watching us but she was still wary of approaching me after Mother's rebuke.
"Yes, Gustave, you will see everything! Such a nice treat for you, is it not? Now come along, before Jimmy leaves to go home."
I have been told since then that Christine Daae sang like an angel that night, for her last performance on earth. All the audience were transfixed and not a sound could be heard as her voice soared to heights unknown. But I remember none of it.
The woman who had once been Mother's friend practically dragged me out the door and across the park to another, smaller entrance at another end of the park, which led on to the beach. My initial enthusiasm started to disappear. "Miss Giry, the Ferris Wheel is over there," I told her, pointing. "Oh, I've just remembered, there's something I wanted to show you on the beach-"
"But I need to be back in time-" I protested.
She looked at me with frightening malice.
"Don't worry; I'll be more than happy to explain everything to your mother!"
My heart began to thump with fear. "Miss Giry, I want to go back! Please!"
Suddenly, she grabbed me and lifted me with ease into her arms. "No!" I cried, "Please, I want my mother!"
I struggled with every ounce of strength, but she continued to hold me tightly and half carried, half dragged me towards the rocks, as I screamed for help. She knelt on a rocky outcrop, where the water was deeper and as I looked up at her pleadingly, her eyes had a wild, deranged look about them. Why is this happening?
"Hush Gustave, it will be over soon. As long as you don't struggle, that is…" I kicked and thumped, with no intentions of giving in quietly. "I swim here every morning," she said, her voice taking on a frantic, desperate tone. "I try to cleanse myself every day. And I cannot. The worst thing is, it was all for him and he never even cared!"
Suddenly, my body was plunged under the waves. It was just like my nightmare..
She pulled my head up and I tried to fight against her strong grip. "You don't understand, do you, little boy? He's giving you everything, everything… All that I should have had!"
My head was under again and I struggled for breath. I'm going to die! I thought in terror. Why is she doing this? I don't understand..
Suddenly, those hands were no longer holding me down, and I burst above the surface, drinking in all the air I could. Voices were calling my name – Mother and Mister Y!
Lots of things happened at once. Meg let go of me, Mother was crying and Mister Y was shouting. I saw Miss Fleck and Madame Giry as well, but I just ran, soaking wet, to my mother's arms, sobbing with relief.
"Oh Gustave, thank goodness you're safe!"
"I'm so sorry Mother, for wandering off again!
She was soaking now as well, but all I cared about was that she was there. Mister Y was trying to calm Meg down and the two theatre hands that had accompanied them ran to alert the police.
Suddenly Meg pulled a gun out of her pocket. Mother and I screamed as she pointed it her own head. She wept as she described how Mister Y never noticed her, even after all her hard work and everything she did for him. Madame Giry was aghast as her daughter spoke of all the men who had given her money, the money that Mister Y used to buy Phantasma. I did not understand everything, but it sounded like she had done something bad to earn it. Mother and I clung to each other as she assured me that Mister Y was here, that he would sort everything out.
But Meg turned back towards us with hatred in her voice. "Yes, my dear old friend, that's what I was doing while you were swanning around Paris with your tea parties and balls and your fancy shops. And as for you..." She bent down so her face was level with mine. "You spoilt little brat! Do you have any idea of what the real world is like? "Oh, I had to sell my pony!" she mimicked, and I sobbed quietly, remembering how kind she had been to me.
Mister Y stood protectively in front of Mother and me while trying to comfort the distraught Meg. I tried not to listen or look around, I just wanted to go back to the hotel.
"Give me the gun Meg," he commanded her softly, "I take full responsibility for all that happened to you. If only I'd known.. But, please, don't do this."
He stood behind her, placing his hands tentatively on her shoulder.
"You feel neglected and pushed aside, don't you? You've been used terribly, and I am so sorry for that. Please Meg, I can see that you have beauty underneath.."
Slowly Meg began to calm down, and Mother turned my head away. I held on to her tightly. She kept one arm around me as she tried to reassure me. "She's lowering the gun now darling, everything's going to be all right.."
And then Mister Y spoke the words that would haunt him for the rest of his life.
"We cannot all be like Christine, you know."
All of Meg's self-control snapped. "Christine! It's always about Christine!"
I buried my head in Mother's side as a gunshot rang out.
Meg screamed. Mother gasped, and I held on to her for dear life. But she was slipping out of my arms and I looked at her stomach and realised with a sickening dread where the bullet had gone...
I could not support her and she slumped to the ground, blood seeping everywhere.
Everything happened at once. Madame Giry and Miss Fleck ran for help, Meg screamed about how she didn't mean to do it, Mister Y uttered a gut wrenching cry... And I moaned. "Mother, mother.."
Mister Y was kneeling beside Mother now, and I looked around frantically. "Where's Father?" I wept, "He should be here!"
Mother was groaning in pain now but she looked at me with gentle eyes. "Your father, your real father, is here, Gustave.." She moved her head towards Mister Y, looking at him with such love and devotion.
No! No! This couldn't be happening! Mister Y could not be my father! He was a monster, he was hideous!
She turned to me. "And Gustave, my darling boy, please, always, look with your heart, like I've always told you. Please…" She lifted her hand and placed it on my face. I closed my eyes, weeping and trembling with shock and grief. She could not die; she was everything to me, the centre of my whole world... And Mister Y was not my father!
It was all too much for me. I screamed and ran down the beach, as far away as I could.
Panting and crying, I stood looking out to sea. But I knew I had to return. I could not stay away, not when Mother was seriously injured. Still in shock, I walked back to where she lay, blood seeping from her dress. I knelt beside her, and she told me how sorry she was and how much she loved me. She must have known at that moment that the end was near, for she took my hand and placed it into Mister Y's.
"Please," Mother begged him weakly, "Please love him for me and take care of him."
No, this wasn't possible! She was giving me to him!
"I can't!" he gasped, glancing at me in fear, "What will I do?"
"Just love him. Give him all you can give. Please, Erik."
Erik? Was that Mister Y's real name?
Mister Y held her and nodded slowly, as she begged him to come closer. And they kissed. I had never seen her kiss Raoul like this, or look at him with such love. They loved each other! They must have loved each other long ago. In Paris. Why did I not know about this? And.. Mister Y was my father…
I saw her go limp in his arms as they kissed that one last time. Numbness enveloped me and I could not register or understand what was happening. Everything seemed to be happening through a window. Mister Y laid her on the sand, her body still and lifeless. Miss Fleck returned to the group with Raoul, who held his wife in his arms, tears falling down his cheeks. And everything continued to happen through that window, as I laid my head on my mothers' lap, her perfume still wafting in the air, the whole world full of deathly silence.