Me: HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! I´m back and with two new chapters! :3
Erik: About time you published something new! These readers had enough of re reading the old chapter! Plus you left me for a LONG LONG LONG time! Show a little courtesy! *huffing and puffing*
Me: I´m sorry Erik but I had to start school and I had a lot of homework and I nearly fail a class because my teacher relied solely on technology and did not teach us anything! Oh I thought I was going to die or go nuts and kill the stupid fool but I thought would Erik approve of my action... I knew you would so I did the opposite endure the teacher´s class harrassment and got a C but I receieve good marks on the other classes :D... I am sorry I left you alone but I had to. Forgive me?
Erik: *crossing his arms* I suppose i have to forgive you... anyways on with the show!
Me: I´d like to thank the people who commented on the story so far and I´d like to tell the viewers that I will not reveal Rebecca´s origins until chapter 12 or 11. Also hope you like this new chapter of Guiding Light and I do not own phantom of the opera the music mentioned here or the characters (except for my own)
Elena's P.O.V~
"Mommy?" Erik said as he looked at me in a way I all too well know: Disgust.
"Meg, please guide Mathew and Rebecca back… I need to talk to Erik," I said as I stared at the phantom. Meg led them in a hurried pace out of the lair, as soon as they were gone Erik grabbed me by the shoulders tightly.
"Why did you lie to me Elena? Answer me!" Erik erupted as he held me tighter.
"I did not lie to you," I wanted to cry. How could he ever think that!
"How many other men have you slept with?"
"I didn't sleep with anyone Erik!" I said as I broke from his grasp and stared at the man I trusted more than my own family.
"Oh really? Then you must be the Virgin Mary! How stupid do you think I am? Do you really think I don't know how the creation of a child is done? God, Elena." I was shaking with terror and started to cry. This was the second Erik saw me cry and I believe it would be the last. He looked shocked and slightly remorse because he stopped grasping me.
"Elena, I-I'm sorry," Erik said as he turned his back on me, "I don't want you to see you Elena for the longest of time… I need to be alone… Don't come back unless I look for you."
"Fine if that's what you want then I'll leave," I said as I left his lair.
As I got to my dressing room I noticed my trunk, clothes, books, and personal things packed. I then saw a note at my desk and read it.
Elena,
I cannot and will not let you stay here another moment. While you were with the famous Phantom, Meg, Rebecca, and I took the liberty to pack your belongings. As soon as you find this note please ask one of the stage hands to help you with your luggage. I shall be waiting outside of the opera with Meg and Rebecca. I know this letter really doesn't give you a choice of your living arrangements but I want to be close to you, protect you and Rebecca. Please forgive me.
Mathew
I smiled at the note and did as I was instructed. Erik did not want to see me so be it but at least he will be professional about his work. As the stage hand helped me with my trunk and bag I sighed and thought of how a wonder day was just ruined by a memory from the past.
(Opera Populaire rehearsals next day)
The entire ensemble was on stage in their positions for today's rehearsal act of Faust. As we were going on without a director or Madame Giry we were interrupted by two frightened and disheveled managers.
"Oh! Stop! Stop this instance! Ladies and gentlemen we are very ashamed to inform you that the Faust performance in late May… has been cancelled."
A chorus of shock and questions erupted. I was the loudest one of the group of questions. I had practiced long and hard for this role. Margarita was my dream role and when I finally had the chance to perform it, and it just magically got cancelled.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please calm down! Mademoiselle Vega, Firmin and I know that you as well as your fellow workers have put a lot of effort in the rehearsals, however certain circumstances make us do these things-" Monsieur Andre managed to say before I interrupted him.
"It's the Phantom isn't it?" I asked rather furious.
"Phantom why I've never heard such-" Monsieur Firmin was about to say his own explanation but I intervene as well.
"Oh please messieurs we all know the Phantom is real and that he's the reason why we have the sudden changes!" I said as the crowd started to riot as well. The managers tried to calm the rest of the actors but their quest was fruitless. This continued for quite a while until we all grew tired of it.
Oh God what will happen now? I thought we heard the news of what was to come.
(One week later)
"Elena marvelous job on your footing, however put a smile on your face; you look like you want to strangle someone," Madame Giry said as she passed Meg and I to look at the rest of the ballet girls. Why was I dancing with the rest of them? The great Phantom of the Opera had developed a craving for the art of ballet so he chose for us to perform SwanLake. I guess his plan was for me to be out of this production. Ha! Que gran ingenuo! I did know how to dance ballet however I never liked it so I never pursued a passion for it. Dancing on the other hand was a different story. However, practicing in a small room and wearing this, this thing made me want to go to Erik's lair and strangle him. To make matters worse Rebecca had gotten sick with the flu a disease you don't really see where I am from. It has been a week and still Rebecca is worse, so I had to sacrifice a bit a sleep to make sure my daughter was alright. Madame Giry was awfully cheery today; she didn't scowl at anyone or demanded perfection. Instead she smiled and made comments to herself. I became rather uneasy but kept dancing. There was still no lead for this production but I knew right away who was going to receive it.
"I don't know why you're practicing this Megara Giry; you and I both know you'll receive the part for the black and white swan(s)," I stated as we were dismissed for our 15 minute break.
"Oh stop it Elena! You flatter me too much! Besides maybe you'll get the part; I mean look at you, you have the essence of a dancer! A week has passed and you were put in my group!"
"My dear friend I may have the essence of a dancer but not of a ballet dancer… There is also the fact that Erik is not on good terms with me," I said as I stretched my legs a bit and yawned a bit.
"I see your point but you are a really great dancer Elena! I just know it! If only you were to show it a bit!" Meg claimed as she stretched her arms.
Just as I was about to protest a man along with Madame Giry came in. I was rather perplexed Madame did not look like a woman who would be happy because of young man. I looked at them attentively until Madame Giry cleared her throat and with a small thug of her staff made everyone look at her. All of us knew that was our cue to go and start practicing again. We all went back to our rows and as if by an act of magic we did everything perfectly.
Just as we were about to finish, the man started to laugh and shake his head. I stopped a few seconds before the pianist actually stopped. How dare this man laugh at us! How rude of him! Quien se cree que es!
He seemed to notice but shook it off. He then cleared his throat and smiled.
"Ladies," the man said as he walked from row to row, "I must say that was entertaining and painful to watch."
As he said that he was already in my row he looked at me and was scanning me. I did the same. He had short sleek dark chocolate brown hair and dark coffee eyes to match; he was tall maybe as tall as Erik and from what I could see fit but as well as lean. The man had a barely sun kissed tan and what some people call a five o'clock beard. His top lip was rather thin but his bottom lip was full and luscious and their hue was a pale pink. He wore some black pants and a red poet shirt that showed his toned chest. I stared at his chest but quickly turned away and heard the man laugh. Meg saw my every move and decided to inquire about the reason the man laughed.
"Why painful, monsieur?"
"Painful because most of you were not driven by the music. Most of you were just dancing because you were told to but you did not feel the rhythm of your soul or the music," the man said as he looked at me.
"I'm sorry monsieur but I do not understand you by feeling the rhythm," a shy ballet girl whom everyone directed as Tina confirmed.
"Well ladies I cannot explain to you what feeling the rhythm is but I can show you," he stated as he whistle for someone. Out of the corner of my eye I saw three men walking in with a guitar, maracas, and a set of portable drums. The man then gestured all of us to form a line and he stood in the middle. I refused to be a part of this so I sat down on the floor of ballet studio (I was at the end so I bothered no one) and watched this man.
Escucha el ritmo de tu corazón
Feel the rhythm
A Spaniard I thought as I heard the man speak fluently in my language. The music started and he begun to sing.
From the coast of Ipanema
To the Island of Capri
All the way to Kuala Lumpur
I will follow you wherever you may be
I rolled my eyes at the man, a typical romantic. I kept watching him as he begun to dance flamenco style.
From the moment I first saw you
Knew my heart could not be free
Had to hold you in my arms now
There can never be another for me
When he said this he looked at me and smiled. He then grabbed a ballerina and began to dance with her for a bit then proceeded to another and another.
All I need is a rhythm divine
Lost in the music
Your heart will be mine
All I need is to look in your eyes
Viva la musica
Say you'll be mine
He stopped in the middle and looked down at the rest of the dancers. I then noticed I was tapping my foot to the beat of the song.
Can you feel the heat of passion?
Can you taste our love's sweet wine?
Join the dance and let it happen
Put tomorrow's care right out of your mind
The last line I knew was directed at me but I did not looked at the man instead I stopped myself from tapping to the beat of the song. I had to be strong no matter how wonderful the music sounded.
As the music drives you closer
And you fall under my spell
I will get you in my arms now
Where the night can take us
No one can tell
I felt myself blush a bit did he noticed that? Did he really know that his music was giving this effect on me? I looked at him again he was dancing to the next couple of girls while the others were dancing with their own moves.
All I need is a rhythm divine
Lost in the music
Your heart will be mine
All I need is to look in your eyes
Viva lamúsica
Say you'll be mine
I kept denying myself to loose control. I had to calm myself down, however when there is a bunch of girls dancing their heart's content it was rather hard to have that restrain.
Gotta love this moment together
Nothing else matters just you and the night
Follow on the wings of desire
Now the rhythm is taking you higher
No one can stop us from having it all
Every single girl was dancing around me and then I saw the man look at me and reached for my hands. He slowly made me stand up. What surprised me however was what the man said afterwards.
You are my heart… You are my soul
I was fully standing up and saw into the man's eyes then slowly walked away from him. When the man saw this he grabbed my hand and pulled my body towards him, he began to sing and guide me in a dance.
All I need is a rhythm divine
Lost in the music
Your heart will be mine
All I need is to look in your eyes
Viva lamúsica
Say you'll be mine
All the dancers and myself included repeated the chorus another time. I closed my eyes and let go of the man and let the rhythm guide me. I did my own flamenco moves and the man quickly followed my moves.
Can you feel the rhythm?
Can you feel the rhythm?
Can you feel the rhythm?
Burning… Burning
I felt free to emit my emotions and to just lose myself within the dance. The girls were now singing what the man sung twice.
Can you feel the rhythm?
Can you feel the rhythm?
Can you feel the rhythm?
Burning… Burning
As they sung for the last time I twirled rather quickly and felt a hand on my back and felt the man turning me to face him. He guided my in his own dance again and I was too into the music to run away
Can you feel the rhythm?
Can you feel the rhythm?
Can you feel the rhythm?
Burning… Burning
At the last stanza he went faster, twirled me around, and then placed his hand on my back and the other grabbed my hand. He dipped me down and our faces were rather close. I was panting and the man smiled. I started to blush uncontrollably. He then slowly got my back to a standing position and reluctantly he let go of my hand.
"Ladies my name is Miguel Sebastian Iglesisas and I'll be one of the dance instructors for this production of SwanLake as well as play Von Rothbart," Miguel said with that smile of his.
Oh god! How can he play Von Rothbart? I thought as Madame Giry placed herself next to him.
"Well, what do you think of my girls Miguel?" Madame Giry asked as she looked at Enrique attentively.
"All of them have the music with in themselves; some need to push harder to get themselves out there," Miguel said and pointed at me, "this one has to loosen up, but otherwise than that she has the rhythm following through her body like blood. She is music divine itself." At that point I knew I would not get along with Miguel. Who does he think he is? He was judging me before he even got to know me. Loosen up HA! I'll loosen up when I get my hand on his neck! That was a bit too violent maybe I should get some more sleep…
"I have no doubt about it, but based on your observation… who is meant for the lead role?" Madame Giry asked as she gestured toward us.
"Ah well based on my experience with this ballet I must deliberate carefully… You," he pointed at Meg and made a gesture for her to come over, "you remind me of a young and talented Antoinette Giry; tell me what is your name."
"My name is Megara Giry," Meg said as she blushed a bit at the comment.
"Ah so this is your daughter Antoinette, no doubt she has your gift. Alright now … you," he pointed at me. I was perplexed and I pointed at myself and mouth "me" to him.
"Yes you, come over here," he said as stared at me with enthusiasm. I walk towards him and Meg but gave myself distance from Miguel.
"What is your name?" he asked with real sincerity.
"Elena… Elena Vega," I squeaked out.
"Well my fellow Spaniard you and Miss Giry here are the two perfect candidates for the lead roles. You see Miss Giry has that innocence and gracefully movement needed for Odette/ the white swan. While you senorita have the passion, impulsive, seductive, and lustful appeal of Odile/ the black swan. I needed to just choose one of you to play both parts; however I find this the hardest decision I ever made," Miguel said as he looked at both of us intensively.
"I have made a decision," he looked at me, "and I have decided that-"
"Sir, I won't accept Meg Giry is the best dancer and will be a great lead for this production." I said as I looked at him in the eyes.
"Elena," Meg gasped as she tried to stop me.
"Senorita, will you let me finish? Thank you. Now what I was going to say was that since I could not choose between the two so I chose both of you. Miss Giry will be the pure and innocent white swan while you senorita Vega will be the lust provocative and evil black swan." Miguel said as he cupped and stroked my cheek with his hand. I was shocked by his action and turned away from his hand he then directed himself towards the rest of the girls, "rehearsals start tomorrow, so prepare to get lost in the music ladies. You are dismissed."
The girls looked at Madame Giry for approval which she agreed to with a nod. As the girls quickly left the room I was pulled back by Meg, Madame Giry and Miguel.
"Elena, you have the most difficult dance routine in the whole ballet so Miguel here has offered to personally rehearse with you today," Madame Giry said rather cheerfully.
"Mademoiselle it would be an honor to rehearse as well as work with you," Miguel said as he bowed and gently grabbed my hand to kiss it. I whisked it away rather quickly I wasn't going to let myself be "charmed" by his compliment! After all, he did insult me and I do not like him. Instincts told me not to trust this man.
"That's very kind of you Madame and monsieur but I have to tend my daughter she is rather sick and I need to get home quickly," I said as I emphasized the fact that I have a daughter.
"Well then let me walk you home señora Vega."
"Señorita, I am not married señior," I spat out at the man and glared at him.
"And I am not that old Elena so please don't call me señor," Miguel said quite amused, "anyways let me walk you home."
"Then do not make assumption of my status and the answer is no," I said not caring for the apparent anger showing or that Madame Giry and Meg were around.
"I insist! Besides we are to work together Elena and we have to get to know each other. Although being in your mere presence would suffice me," Miguel asserted.
"OH ALRIGHT! You may accompany me home but that is all! Y ni se le ocurra a ser algo que me ofenda," I declared as Miguel offered me his arm, "I'll see you tonight at dinner Madame Giry and Meg."
"Of course we'll look forward to tonight Elena," Madame Giry said as Meg nodded.
As we stepped out of the building I had the strangest feeling that someone was following me so I looked back and saw nothing.
"No it couldn't have been Erik," I mumbled.
"Perdon? No escuche eso?"
"I said what a lovely afternoon it is," I said while observing my surroundings and trying to get my thoughts away from the phantom of the opera.