Chaos exploded when Ella returned to the rest of the dancers. The ballerinas swarmed around her, a hundred things flying at her at once, their babble overwhelming her.
"Did Jacqueline really push you?"
"How come you didn't say anything?"
"You get to sing! I'm so jealous!"
"You're lucky the Phantom likes you. I wish he'd tell them to give me a chance to sing!"
Ella could feel a panic attack coming on from all the attention. She sent a pleading look to Madame Giry who understood instantly. Madame Giry slammed her cane against the floor and everyone immediately fell silent. "Let the poor girl breathe!" she ordered. "Now Ella, if you wish, you may say what happened. If you don't, that's your choice."
She knew that no one would give her a break until she told them what they wanted to hear. "I don't know what happened," Ella replied honestly. "One moment I was at the top of the stairs, and the next, I was at the bottom. I didn't see Jacqueline, I didn't see the Phantom, I didn't see anyone. I felt someone push me, but I couldn't tell you who. For all I know, it was all in my head, and I just tripped over my own two feet."
"Madame Giry!" Monsieur Reyer called. "We need to begin rehearsing!"
Since they were already mid-production, and Ella couldn't dance for obvious reasons, she was excused for the remainder of the day. She thought about going to the chapel, but since she was on crutches, stairs were an extreme challenge, and she didn't dare try to climb any more than she had to. The doctor had told her that she would be able to walk normally in the next week or so, but until then, she was in for a week of misery.
Out of the corner of her eye, Ella caught a shadow move. Whirling around, she found herself face to face with Erik. "Since I now believe you have plenty of time on your hands until the next production, you now can spend the next few days focusing on improving your voice."
She cringed at the thought of having to go down to the chapel. "Yes, of course. It's just I…"
"And because you're injured, we'll be using your dressing room for the time being," Erik said, seemingly reading her mind, then added almost as an afterthought, "If that's acceptable to you."
Ella stared at Erik, mesmerized. Last night, she felt an undeniable pull towards him when he comforted her. Not to mention the fact that she had nearly kissed him. She wasn't sure if he had felt the same attraction towards her, or it was all in her head. Then she realized he was still waiting for an answer. "That's perfectly fine," she finally replied.
"Then come, we have work to do."
When the strange pair reached Ella's dressing room, Erik helped Ella sit down. "This isn't ideal," he muttered "But we'll make it work."
"Erik?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
He seemed slightly taken aback at her statement. "For what?" he asked.
"For making them let me stay. I was afraid they were going to dismiss me." Ella could feel tears beginning to form. "I know you said you wouldn't let them, but I was scared you wouldn't stop them. I thought they wouldn't listen to you."
Erik reached out and gently wiped a tear away. "I told you I wouldn't let them send you away. When I make a promise, I never break it. You never needed to worry." As he pulled away, Ella felt that urge from last night again, but she turned away. It was just that he was always around when she needed help. That was the only reason she thought she felt this way Ella told herself.
Kiss her! a voice in Erik's head screamed as he gently caressed her face. Kiss her! Instead, he dropped his hand back to his side. He took a step back, wondering what had gotten into him. Erik needed to get his mind off that subject now. "Have you been practicing that song I taught you?"
She nodded. "Yes, of course." When Erik gave her the go ahead, she took a deep breath and began to sing.
"Could this night it last forever
Every moment held together
As if in a perfect trance
And such a thing could be
No one else would understand it
We would know the Gods had planned it
And for such a night as this
That they gave memory
And we would live inside this night
Within the dreams of candlelight
If you would bring this wish to life
And spend this night with me
Could this moment last forever
And this dream our one endeavor
If the stars would just enchant
And time would then agree
Every moment of tomorrow
From this evening we would borrow
If this wish the stars would grant
And gently oversee
And we would live inside this night
Within the dreams of candlelight
If you would bring this wish to life
And spend this night with me
And we would live inside this night
Within the dreams of candlelight
If you would bring this wish to life
And spend this night with me
And spend this night with me"
That did not have the effect Erik wanted. If anything, the voice he was trying to drown out was growing louder. "Erik?"
He turned back to Ella. "Yes?"
"If you don't mind my asking…" Erik tensed, thinking she was going to bring up his mask again. "How is any of this helping me? I mean, I'm only singing for you."
"One step at a time," he replied. "You couldn't sing in front of me when we started. And now, partially thanks to Jacqueline, you're going to be in the chorus. You're working your way up. Soon you'll be ready."
Ella smiled at the praise. "Thanks to you."
Erik heard footsteps heading down the hall, as well as the chatter of the ballerinas. He exchanged a glance with Ella. "Lunchtime," she explained.
He helped her to her feet. "Well in that case, I shouldn't keep you any longer. Be careful," he cautioned. "Watch out for Jacqueline. I don't want you to get hurt any further."