Chapter 13 (Part I)
Hailey's P.O.V.
It was starting, and I prayed that Erica was ready. We knew what we were supposed to do, but the execution of doing what we knew must be done was a little nerve wracking. There was only one song left in Act One and then we were up.
I saw Erica across the stage and I thought she was going to make a run for it, she looked like a deer caught in the head lights. Damn it, I couldn't cross the stage to get over to her and knock some sense into her; figuratively of course...maybe physically if it was absolutely necessary.
The next thing I knew Erica was backing up. Oh no, not good, not good, not good. Crap! I was just about to dart across the stage no matter what happened when all of a sudden I saw one of the male dancers grab her by the waist and turn her back around. When the male looked up I saw that it was Anthony, he was patting Erica's back and handed her a glass of water.
Erica took it gratefully as she smiled then began to sip nervously while Anthony gave her the pep talk I couldn't. God, I may be pissed at that boy but I could kiss him right now. I saw him point out towards the audience then Erica smile, what in the world did he say?
At that moment the female dancers that were currently on the stage ran off to go get changed into their Act Two costumes, then when Erica came back into view Anthony had just fixed her hat and was pushing her onto the stage. I waited to see how she would handle herself but she seemed pretty calm. Thank you ANTHONY!
The next thing I knew someone dropped down behind me and covered my mouth before I let out a yelp. I looked up to see Anthony standing beside me, how in the Hell did he get over here? Anthony smiled at my confused expression then pointed up; I followed his gesture to see the catwalks. I forgot he had the secret door on his side, but why was he over here? I thought he was mad at me.
Erica was already part way through the song. She gave the audience a warm smile then sang,
"In the darkness, the trees are full of starlight;
And all I see is him and me forever and forever.
And I know, it's only in my mind, that I'm talking to myself...and not to him."
Anthony and I both smiled, she was doing fine, and I know she was the happiest she had ever been on stage. As she went deeper into the song Anthony whispered, "So you will be leaving after the show?"
I sighed and nodded, "Yes." Both of us went silent, but I decided to pluck up some courage and say, "I thought you were still mad at me."
Anthony shook his head as Erica continued,
"Without him, the world around me changes!
The trees are bare, and everywhere the streets are full of strangers!"
Anthony sighed once again, "Once she reasons with you her logic seems superior and yours seems ridiculous. I do not want you to leave with us on bad terms."
I shook my head, "I don't either."
Anthony slowly reached for my hand and lightly grasped it. I smiled and leaned into him. God, when did I become such a girly-girl? I'm going soft, that can't possibly be good.
Erica finished off the song,
"A world that's full of happiness that I have never known-!
I love him...I love him...I love him,
But only...on my own."
The crowd roared with applause and Erica smiled with a small flush to her face then quickly exited stage right. Her part was done for now, and now it was my turn. Good lord I hope this works!
I waited in silence and before I knew it Piangi started to sing then Anthony quickly let go of my hand. He leaned over and whispered, "Good luck, I'll be right by your side so do not be nervous. Let's give them a show they'll never forget."
I grimaced at this a bit, it will be a show they'll never forget, but I quickly masked my discomfort with a sly smile. "I'm not nervous, you however seem pretty shaken to me."
Anthony looked at me skeptically, moving aside as Christine stepped out onto stage beginning, 'The Point of no Return'. Once we were once again face-to-face he snickered, "Well then, give me something for luck."
I glanced around, "Well, unless you expect something to appear out of thin air I don't see-"
I was cut off when Anthony suddenly leaned forward and kissed me. Being surprised I jumped, which only caused Anthony to smile into the kiss. I was shocked, and before I could actually kiss him back he ended it; quickly jumping up to grab a rope he used to haul himself back up to the catwalks, and then successfully back to stage right.
My cheeks felt like they were on fire and when I turned the 'Corps de Ballet' girls were giggling amongst themselves. They stopped as soon as I turned to look at them, but the tell tale signs of red cheeks and hands over their mouths let me know they had been laughing.
I tried to ignore them and focus on waiting for my cue, but then I saw Erica. Anthony had just passed her and she was looking at me with her eyes wide and her hands covering her mouth. She moved her hands and mouthed, 'He kissed you?'
I wish I hadn't, but I nodded. Erica opened her mouth in a mock scream and began to twirl in her spot. I shook my head, Oh boy; I'm going to be hearing about this later...and probably the rest of my life.
When Erica finally stopped I mouthed, 'Spazz.'
She simply smiled and mouthed back, 'Proud of it.'
Anthony and his dancers exited the stage as Erik pulled Christine over to Erica's side of the stage and finished his verse,
"Past the Point of no return, the final threshold.
What warm unspoken secrets will we learn...
Beyond the point of no return-?"
Christine quickly walked away from Erik and began her part. I was so nervous now I didn't even notice Christine was quickly at 'decided, decided' which was my cue to go. I became really nervous all of a sudden; what if I mess up, what if I stumble, or what if the plan doesn't work? I must have paled because Erica grabbed Anthony from his side and pointed at me.
Anthony stepped as close to the stage as he could without being seen and held his hands up slowly. He patted the air a few times, signaling me to calm down.
I took a deep breath as I spun around to face the audience and did what I call a 'giant wave' with my arms. I kept dancing as I listened to Christine sing, she was actually pretty good. Before I knew it I saw Anthony walking, or dancing, towards me.
I had to keep a smile from appearing on my face, but then it wasn't so hard when I remembered what we had to do. This dance was very...intimate. Crap!
My face was on fire once again and I was face to face with Anthony. He quirked his mouth in a small grin, I'm going to kill him! He's enjoying this way too much! I suddenly had an idea that would wipe that stupid grin off of his face.
Erik and Christine were at the top of the bridge now and grabbed each other. The dancers naturally had to do the same thing, but when Anthony grabbed my waist and I grabbed his I dug my jagged clipped nails into his sides. Anthony winced then quickly turned me around. My head was supposed to be turned to the side for the choreography so Anthony had my ear. He whispered, "I'm going to get you for that!"
I couldn't say anything at the moment since I was facing the audience and the love-birds above me had stopped their little song. This was the really intense scene for me, Anthony was caressing my arms. I'm not going to lie, I shivered a bit at this, but I refused to blush. Anthony kissed the crook of my neck and I nearly jumped, that wasn't in the script.
Once more Anthony whispered in my ear, "I wish you did not have to leave."
I sighed sadly, if only he knew how much I didn't want to go right now. Erica had run back onto the stage, but Erik was too preoccupied to actually notice. I didn't turn my head but my eyes found hers and she nodded once. I saw she had the rope in her hand, which was nearly invisible off stage, and was about to execute her plan. Erik is going to be so pissed.
Erik began to sing,
"Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime.
Lead me, save me, from my solitude.
Say you want me with you here, beside you.
Anywhere you go, let me go too.
Christine, that's all I ask-"
"Christine!" Erica screamed, looking up at the two.
Christine's eyes snapped down to Erica and Erik turned violently to glare daggers at her, but before anybody even realized what was about to happen Erica tugged hard on the rope.
There were several thump's heard and then...complete darkness. I leapt out of Anthony's arms and ran to the lever. I pulled down and heard Christine scream as the two fell through the trap door and into the 'fire'.
I sighed, they got away. The plan WORKED! I heard confused voices around me and a distinguishable male voice shout for somebody to get the lights back on. I was about to return to my spot with Anthony when all of a sudden he was in front of me.
"What did you two do?!" He yelled, "Where did they go?"
"Anthony calm down," I said. "There both safe, Erik was planning on doing this anyway because Christine was going to-"
I was cut off when I heard the sounds of Erica struggling against someone. Then, all too soon, the lights were coming back on. Erica came running over to me with a red mark across her cheek, but before I could say anything Anthony pushed me away from the lever that had obviously dropped the two down through the trap door.
Erica caught me, and then I heard that same voice who barked the order to turn the lights back on scream, "He's the Opera Ghost's assistant, shoot him!"
Anthony whipped his head up to look at the speaker then Erica and I both screamed, "No!"
A single shot rang out, and a body hit the floor with a hard, thump!
(I was going to end it here but I'm not now, it would be too short...and too cruel ;D)
Chapter 13 (Part II)
Erica's P.O.V.
It was starting, and I prayed that Hailey was ready. We knew what we were supposed to do, but the execution of doing what we knew must be done was a little nerve wracking. Only my song was left for Act One, and then Hailey was up.
God, I'm not ready for this. Yes, Erik had been coaching me all week but I know I'm going to mess up! I looked around and thought about making a run for it, backing up a bit as I did. I could easily run for it. That thought became a reality when I realized my feet had made the decision for me. At this point though, I was fine with it.
Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, Anthony grabbed me around the waist and hauled me back to my spot. He chuckled, "Not so fast Cinderella, it's not midnight just yet. Here, have a drink, I had a feeling you needed one."
I took the water from him gratefully and began to sip at it while he rubbed my back. I sighed, I just want to get this over with...it's just another show choir performance.
Anthony chuckled, "Keep telling yourself that. I know what will make you smile though."
I looked at him skeptically, "What?"
He smiled, "Whenever you would perform in your...Show Choir, you could never force yourself to smile so you and Hailey would wrack your brains minutes before the performance for something funny to concentrate on. Most of the time you would look out into the audience to find someone acting foolish."
I smirked and nodded, "I remember, you see some of the funniest things in the audience."
Anthony nodded, "I know, so I want you to look out at the audience now. See the family in the second row?" I nodded my head and Anthony counted, "Three...two...one."
There was a small family of four. A mother, a father, a son of probably six or seven, and a sister at least ten or eleven. When Anthony hit 'one' the brother wiped his nose with the back of his hand. He looked at the snot on his sleeve and grimaced, then turned and wiped his arm on the sleeve of his sister's gown. I could see the girl give a small shriek of 'gross!' before the boy started snickering and she started smacking him. The mother broke the two up quickly before they could successfully cause a scene, but when she turned the boy stuck his tongue out. Thankfully, this did not go unnoticed and the father leaned over and hit the boy upside the head with a program.
I burst into a fit of giggles and didn't think I was ever going to be able to catch my breath. It was one of those moments that disgusted you at the same time it was funny because it was just so natural.
The girl dancers started to exit the stage and I was about to walk on stage when Anthony quickly grabbed me and fixed my hat before it fell to the ground. What a horrible entrance that would have been.
"Thank you," I said with a smile.
Anthony smiled as he pushed me out onto the stage, "Good luck Cinderella, knock them dead."
I smiled back at him before I walked to the center of the stage. I looked out at the audiance and took a deep breath,
" On my own, pretending he's beside me.
All alone, I walk with him till morning.
Without him, I feel his arms around me;
And when I lose my way I close my eyes...and he has found me."
Out of the corner of my eye I tried to see Anthony but he was gone. Strange, where could he have gone?
"In the rain, the pavement shines like silver.
All the lights, are misty in the river.
In the darkness, the trees are full of starlight;
And all I see is him and me forever and forever.
And I know, it's only in my mind, that I'm talking to myself...and not to him."
I glanced out of the corner of my eye to where Hailey was standing...Oh, so that's where Anthony went. Ah sweet, sweet logic. Get's them every time.
"And although, I know that he is blind-
Still I say, there's a way for us.
I love him, but when the night is over;
He is gone; the river's just a river."
This was the happiest I had ever been up on stage. I was actually singing by myself and doing a decent job. I never want this feeling to end!
"Without him, the world around me changes!
The trees are bare and everywhere the streets are full of strangers!
I love him, but everyday I'm learning;
All my life I've only been pretending!"
I snuck another glance at Hailey and Anthony, they were holding hands! Yes! They made up, this is so perfect.
"Without me, his world will go on turning;
A world that's full of happiness that I have never known-!
I love him...I love him...I love him,
But only...on my own."
I flinched as the audience suddenly roared with applause. I smiled then quickly exited the stage and caught my breath. Did I really just do that? That was amazing; I could honestly die happy right now.
I sighed then leaned up against the wall and slid down. The next thing I heard was a smooth voice say, "You seem pleased, how did singing on your own for the very first time feel?"
I sighed in bliss, "Absolutely wonderful. I will remember this the rest of my life. Th-...thank you, Erik."
I could tell he was smiling when he said, "There's no need to thank me. I give credit where credit is due, and you deserved to be heard on stage, if only at least once."
I smiled, "You deserve to be heard too, Erik. I promise Hailey and I will make sure that nothing bad happens."
"Why would it?" Erik asked with a hint of amusement.
I sighed, "You forget I know what's going to happen and what you're planning to do with a certain chandelier."
Erik let loose a dark chuckle, "Mademoiselle, you know me too well."
"Erik," I warned. "Don't do anything foolish, okay?...Erik?"
Someone jumped down beside me and I nearly screamed, but seeing that it was Anthony I relaxed. "Oh Anthony, it's you. What were you doing?"
I glanced over to Hailey's side for a milli-second after I asked this question and blanched. The 'Corps de Ballet' girls were giggling and Hailey was blushing profusely. Since when does she blush?
Anthony walked past me, ignoring my question, and sighed dreamily. Wait, no. He couldn't have...could he? I looked over to Hailey again and we locked eyes. My hands immediately flew to my mouth to cover my smile while my eyes widened. Hailey saw my expression and practically begged me not to say anything...but I did.
I mouthed the question, 'He kissed you?'
Hailey waited a moment then nodded. I opened my mouth in a mock scream then started to twirl around in place. I am never going to let her forget this!
When I finally calmed down I turned to see Hailey shake her head aggitated and mouth, "Spazz."
I simply smiled and mouthed back, "Proud of it."
I turned and heard Erik start singing in Piangi's place, praying that the plan worked. I saw Anthony go out to dance for his part and I was transfixed, everything just felt so...surreal.
Erik dragged Christine closer to my side of the stage and she locked eyes with me for a second before she started to back away from Erik to begin her part. I glanced back over to Hailey and she seemed dazed, her body was here but her mind was somewhere else. Well, at least she's not nervous.
I spoke too soon. Christine was quickly at 'decided, decided' and all the blood quickly drained from Hailey's face. She danced onto the stage with the other dancers but she looked like she was about to be sick.
I quickly grabbed Anthony and pointed to Hailey. He understood what I was talking about and he went as close to the stage as he could to calm her down. Hailey seemed to relax then continued on with the dance.
Soon Anthony was out there next to Hailey and they seemed to be teasing each other. Well, Anthony was teasing Hailey and Hailey was-oh, that's got to hurt. How she always kept her nails that jagged was beyond me, but I could guarantee that Anthony would have ten moon shaped scratches that were bleeding right now.
I laughed, and that's why you never get on Hailey's bad side. I picked up the rope and readied myself for what I was about to do.
I waited a little longer then I ran back onto the stage, but Erik was too preoccupied to actually notice. Hailey didn't turn her head but her eyes found mine and I nodded once. I had the rope in my hand, which was nearly invisible off stage, and was about to execute my plan. Erik is going to be so furious.
Erik began to sing,
"Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime.
Lead me, save me, from my solitude.
Say you want me with you here, beside you.
Anywhere you go, let me go too.
Christine, that's all I ask-"
Looking up at the two I screamed, "Christine!"
Christine's eyes snapped down to me and Erik turned violently to glare daggers at me, but before anybody even realized what was about to happen I tugged as hard as I could on the rope.
There were several thump's heard and then...complete darkness. I waited a few more seconds then heard Christine scream as the two fell through the trap door and into the 'fire'.
I sighed, they got away. The plan WORKED! I heard confused voices around me and a distinguishable male voice shout for somebody to get the lights back on. I was about to untie the main rope from the others, to stall for time, when two large figures grabbed me in the dark and tried to wrestle the main rope away from me.
I struggled and grunted as I twisted and turned in their hold to get away with the rope still in my hand. All too soon though I realized struggling against the two men was a big mistake, but refusing to relinquish the rope was even worse. One of them became so aggravated he yelled, "Bitch!"
The next thing I knew my body hit the hard wood floor of the stage and I rolled a few times before I finally stopped. The force of the impact when I hit the stage caused the wind to be knocked out of me; I gasped for breath immediately after I stopped rolling then grabbed my cheek in pain. That's when realization had dawned on me; one of them had struck me!
Another realization hit me; the lights were slowly coming back on. The blocks! I had to get away from here and find Hailey so we could go down to the lair. The lights were coming back on faster and faster now, I saw Hailey's silhouette in one of the last strips of darkness but she was flung back all of a sudden just as the last light was returned.
I quickly caught her before she hit the floor, and then I heard that same voice who barked the order to turn the lights back on scream, "He's the Opera Ghost's assistant, shoot him!"
Anthony, who was the only one standing next to the lever that had obviously dropped the two down into the 'fire', whipped his head up to look at the man who had given the order.
Hailey and I both screamed, "No!" I wasn't going to let anybody here die.
A single shot rang out, and a body hit the floor with a hard, thump!
Confusing I know, but you all will understand later. Okay, so I am NOT updating on Mondays anymore because...well, Fridays are my updating days. This was just a special case because I finished this chapter early and I had five reviews. Speaking of which, thank you to Judybear236, FP33, StuddedHeartbreaks, and my two guests 'Opera Girl' and 'Erik's Lady.' To answer their questions (since they don't have accounts),
Opera Girl:
I actually update on and will update (another story) on Friday, but I've updated the past two Mondays because I missed a Friday and I had 5 reviews so I kept my promise. Hailey does like POTO but it's only a fondness, not an infatuation like me. As you've read, she's an Assassin's Creed fan, and that means exclusively.
Erik's Lady:
Ha ha, I do the exact same thing with a few of my favorite POTO stories. Yes, it is the 2004 movie version but the actual Erik which I'm using has yet to be revealed. And please thank whoever recommended this story to you for me, please.
Okay, so last but not least I wanted to say that I will not be updating this story Friday, but for those of you who know of my other works you're in for a surprise. You may not be reading this story Friday, but I'm sure most of you who know of me won't be disappointed. I'm sorry I'm being sneaky, but I'm just so happy with what I've done this weekend. Before I give anything away I'll sign off now, until Friday,
Phan3145