A/N: Well... I stayed up too late again... Oh well. It was worth it... Mostly :P

Chapter Thirty-two

Too Much Practice

A few days later, the director decided they were ready to practice with the rest of the cast. The second La Carlotta opened her mouth, the room was filled with such a terrible, shrill sound that Darcey flinched, playing the note wrong to make an equally horrible sound. No. Carlotta was definitely worse. "It's best if you tune her out," Nadilee said sympathetically. Darcey nodded and proceeded to follow the advice as well as possible but she couldn't help but flinch at a few exceptionally horrible notes. Why in the world, was she the lead? Darcey could sing way better than that.

In following practices, Darcey had an easier and easier time tuning her out. Carlotta got somewhat better but she was still terrible. While she sounded horrible, Nadilee and Darcey's duet was sounding wonderful.

They were now on the final week of rehearsals and were very busy perfecting everything. In early weeks of practicing, Darcey had had lots of free time. Much of that time had been spent with Lionell. She had even seen Erik once when he had come to her room to help her with an exceptionally difficult part in her music. Now, almost all her time was spent rehearsing and practicing. Sometimes even meals were sacrificed in the chaos that ensued while trying to prepare for opening night. Opening night was on December fifth, just four short days away. Darcey was excited but also terribly nervous. This would be the first time she would be preforming in front of people. There might be people she knew from before. What if someone recognized her? She tried to push the thought out of her mind. Lionell hadn't recognized her, why would someone else? Pushing the thoughts to the back of her mind yet again, Darcey focused on the music. For the most part, the orchestra was ready. The cast however, didn't seem like they would be ready in time. Costumes were unfinished and disasters often occurred. Nadilee said it was normal and that they would be ready when opening night came. Darcey had a hard time believing it.

Finally, around midnight, they were allowed to go to bed. Darcey slowly put her violin and music away. She was so tired. She managed to walk, dragging her feet, to her room and set the violin case down heavily on the floor. She coughed and rubbed her eyes tiredly, while sitting on the bed. She smiled sleepily to feel the warmth coming from the warming pan under the mattress. She coughed again before climbing under the sheets fully clothed. She fell asleep instantly.

As Erik lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, he found his thoughts turned to Darcey. He had started to welcome these thoughts rather than attempting to push them away. He had walked pass the patron's office that day they had a picnic. He had felt the need to make sure that nothing bad was happening. To make sure she was safe. After checking to see what they were doing, he had forced himself to leave. It hurt his heart to see them together. Though he thought it unlikely, he thought he still had a chance of winning her heart. He wished it would be so.

Almost a month had passed since they had kissed. He wanted to kiss her again. He rolled onto his side. He wondered if she was in bed yet. The director had been keeping them up late in rehearsals for the coming production. She wasn't getting enough sleep. She spent almost every spare moment practicing when most were getting some extra rest.

Since he couldn't sleep anyways, Erik decided to go check on Darcey. If she wasn't in bed, he would have to interfere and insist on shortening the time of rehearsal or at least convince her to skip extra practicing tomorrow. He didn't bother to throw on a shirt but just his cloak, mask, and boots. He didn't plan to be gone long.

He started up to her room, walking quickly as the air got cold. Winter could be such a pain. He soon got to her room and he slid open the mirror. He approached the bed and froze at the sight before him. He quickly lit a candle and set it on the table by the bed. He could see the sweat on her brow as she tossed and turned. He placed a hand on her forehead and was shocked by how warm she was. She had a very high temperature. He had to get her cool. He pulled back the covers to find her fully dressed. He quickly sat her up and began to unbutton her dress. She mumbled something and he paused.

"Erik... so warm," she managed.

"I know. I'm going to make you better. I need to change you out of these clothes." he finished with the buttons and pulled on the sleeves to bring it up over her head. He made quick work of the rest of her clothes until all that was left was her chemise. It was drenched in sweat and he knew it would have to go too. He gently pushed her back until she was no longer leaning against him. "Can you sit here for a second? I'll be right back." She nodded slightly and he let her go. She was having trouble sitting still and he knew he would have to be quick. He hurried to find her nightgown and returned. She looked so pale. He slipped the thin straps of her chemise off of her shoulders and she helped weakly to pull her arms out. He then pulled her nightgown down over her head. He pulled it down all the way and proceeded to pull her chemise off now that she was covered.

He pushed her down until she was laying down. He covered her with the covers as she was now shivering. He didn't know what to do. "I'll be right back. I'm going to get help." Darcey nodded, her teeth chattering, and closed her eyes. Wasting no time, Erik rushed to Mme. Giry's room. He knocked on the door and entered. He was surprised to find her up.

"Yes, Erik?"

"I need help. Darcey has a high fever."

"Did you cool her down? Change her clothes? What is her current condition?" she asked surprisingly calm.

"Yes to both. She was shivering when I left."

She tsked at him. "She's too cold. If she shivers, it will only heat her core more. You need to get her body temperature up to normal. Then place cool cloths on her forehead." She sat down on her bed.

"How do I get her warm quickly?"

"Hold her." Erik was taken aback.

"Pardon?"

"You heard me. Hold her in your arms. Don't tell me you don't want to. What man wouldn't want to hold such a beautiful young woman?"

"Certainly are blunt," he muttered.

"Hurry. The longer she shivers, the warmer she will end up and make breaking her fever harder. Once she is warm, only keep a light blanket on her. I will expect her fever to be broken by morning. In return, I will get the day off for her and make sure no one bothers you. Go! Now!" she shooed him out the door. "I trust you, now go!"

He couldn't argue with that and hurried to follow her instructions. He entered to find her still shivering. He climbed under the blankets after shrugging out of his cloak and stepping out of his boots. He pulled her against his chest. She whimpered and he stroked her back. It was going to be a very long night. He kissed her forehead. But she was worth every second.