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Blessed Conversationalist
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 Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:42 pm
Chapter 30: A new Charge.
Meg was quiet as she limped along the underground passage that led toward the Phantom’s underground home. She had only twisted her ankle slightly but she was in more pain then she could imagine, mental and physical pain. Though Erik held her tightly to him and she could feel the warmth and the strength of his arms around him, she shivered with cold and shock from the events that had just transpired. It was shocking, she had never seen behaviour like this from a member of the cast and it was frightening as she remembered the look of sadness in Erik’s eyes as his masterpiece began to fall apart around him. She had a terrible foreboding feeling of deja vu, like it had all happened before and that something incredibly terrible was going to happen but she wished beyond hope that it would not involve Erik again. She prayed that, whatever happened, he would keep his temper under control.
He had already taken her to box five where he scribbled a quick note and left it where the managers would find it and then without a glance back he marched her off into the darkness. She could not believe what had happened to the girl who had once been a dreamer and a friend. In the beginning they had shared so much hope for the future and now, Meg could see that Christine was far more desperate then anyone had first anticipated. She was no longer angry with Christine but felt sorry for her and wondered what in the world would drive a person to so much. What was going on in her head, what had happened in the short three years that she had been away and with her new husband. Could things have really been that bad for Christine Daae. She could only imagine what was now going on high above them in the theatre and ballet halls.
“You’ll not take the stage with her again. She’s nothing but a chorus ballerina now, you’ll never have to deal with her,” Erik whispered as they walked slower.
“But I need the practice and they need me there to guide them, I shall see her everywhere in the theatre, in the ballet hall and in the dormitories,” Meg whispered.
“You’ll not be returning to the surface, as it will be dangerous for you, I can’t allow anything to happen to you,” he said as they stopped and he looked deep into her eyes, “You will remain in my home and the space will be provided for your comfort and your practice,” he said softly but with a hint of urgency.
Meg remained silent as they continued to walk. The fear and the love in his eyes was to much for her to protest and she knew that he had only her best interest in mind.
“I will guide them, as I have watched you dance enough and know how you move through the sequences. I will keep them in order and only when the show is ready for the public will you take the stage. I don’t want to risk another uncalled for interruption in the production and what would I do if you were injured severely?” he asked as he helped her up a ladder and over another narrow patch of ground.
“I’ll do as you wish,” she said not wanting to upset him anymore then he already was and she could tell that the outburst was playing heavily on his mind.
Meg fell silent again. She knew not to argue with him and if his wishes were to keep her safe then she would do all that he asked her to do. The truth was she didn’t want to return to the stage just yet. Her ankle was swollen and sore and her head just wasn’t in the right place after listening to Christine’s mad ranting. She felt far safer with a man that had once killed out of lust then with a woman seeking fame at any cost.
She welcomed the warmth of the green space and the company of the many animals as the wall moved away to the underground world. Erik whistled into the open space and quickly Tangae crept across the moss covered grown as the two of them emerged into the blinding bright light.
“Take her to the house and care for her,” Erik whispered to Tangae, who purred loudly.
Tangae bent low to the ground and Erik helped Meg mount the great beast.
“You’ll be safe with her, she knows ways of finding me if anything goes wrong. She’ll not leave your side as long as I am gone,” he said and petted the great cats head.
“Where are you going?” Meg asked softly as fear spread across her face.
“I have things that I need to deal with before I retire for the night,” he said softly, “don’t worry I’ll keep control of my temper, I dare say I don’t have that in me anymore,” he smiled and caressed her face, “a woman’s love changes a man.”
Meg nodded sadly but couldn’t help but feel great leaps in her heart for him. It was true she did love him, she believed his words but feared he may get angry. She didn’t dare say anything else.
“The worst of my fury is done with,” he said noticing her sadness, “I only need to teach Christine a new lesson.”
Meg looked tearful for a moment as Tangae stood again and began to walk slowly across the mossy field to the great wooden doors of the Phantom’s palace.
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:43 pm
Chapter 31: A New Revenge.
Erik watched silently from the shadows as Tangae gently brought Meg across the field to the house. The tiger was smart and agile and could even open the doors to the house without anyone. He watched until the two of them disappeared into the darkness of the entrance hall and knew that she was once again safe. He then turned quickly and, following yet another path, made his way back up into the living areas of the theatre.
As he passed the back stage area he heard the movers in the small dressing room that had belonged to Christine. He hardly glanced in as he passed through the shadows of the back stage. That place only held negative feelings for him now. The brightness that had once resided inside now lived down deep in the darkness of his world. A love that he had never dreamed he could feel. He felt calmer and no longer ruled by his passion. His mind was clear in his love for Meg and he had long ago put Christine far from his thoughts. She was not who he once believed her to be. Her new countenance was disgusting to him and he regretted even looking on her again.
From the entrance hall, of the theatre, he could hear the gossip starting. Men and women, who had witnessed what had happened, whispered over exaggerated accounts of the events but the fear of the Phantom was not with them. Instead their whispers were of sympathy for him and his masterpiece. He grinned to himself as he carried on his way. Up further and further he traveled, until he stood outside of the managers office. The door was open only a crack but Erik could see that Andre was the only one inside. He paced in the shadows, before the door, waiting for something. Erik knew that he was waiting for Firmin to return from overseeing the transfer of the new Diva to her new Living quarters.
Soon enough Firmin returned to the office. As he stepped into the office and began to close the door behind him Erik stepped out of his hiding place and placed his foot in the door to stop it. Firmin spun around only to come face to face with the Opera Ghost.
“Good god, man,” Firmin hissed still breathing hard from the fright, “you should learn to knock.”
“I’m not one for formalities, Gentlemen, nor am I one for face to face meeting but because of today’s developments I have decided that we should have a chat. There are things we need to discuss that I could not have demanded in notes,” Erik said as he motioned for Firmin to sit down and he took a see himself before the two desks.
“It has been quiet an eventful day, hasn’t it,” Andre said ruffling through the account books and trying to break the unbearable silence that had developed.
“That would be the polite way of putting it,” Firmin grunted.
“Too true, gentlemen, I can see you are as unhappy with the developments as I am,” Erik said as he made himself comfortable, “I can’t say that I am entirely pleased with the events but I am trying to suppress my temper as I know you cannot afford another chandelier.”
“Thank god,” Andre seemed extremely worried.
“I suppose the events of today will be the publicity that you have been waiting for,” Erik stated
“Yes, well people do like a good mystery,” Andre smiled.
“Its more of a tragedy, isn’t it?” Firmin asked.
“It is unfortunate, but nothing more than that,” Erik said confidently, “I believe that our little Mademoiselle Fillande will be able to sing the role. She had a beautiful young voice, she was a good choice by our beloved ballet mistress. She will work hard, I will meet with her shortly to arrange a few emergency lessons. You may also publish that information when you give your interviews to the press,” Erik said seriously looking from one to the other, “you may speculate about my relationship with the young diva, as well as Mademoiselle Giry but it must be known that I am unhappy with Madame Daae. I am disgusted with her behaviour and you can quote me on that,” Erik stated.
“You are willing to be acknowledged in the press?” Andre asked, stunned at the Phantom’s words.
“Yes, you can tell your public that I am indeed returned, and that yes the drama is my greatest work to date. You may say that I fancy the leading ballerina, and that I am coaching the new soprano, whom I wish keep secret until opening night, do not give out her name,” Erik stated.
Firmin frantically wrote notes on a long sheet of paper as Andre stared wide eyes at the Phantom.
“You are good,” Firmin said after Erik had paused and re read what he had written, “is there anything else?”
“Well, I am sure you can embellish what happened today, leave me out of it but be sure to mention the brutality of Christine’s behaviour,” Erik said and sighed a little, “it is unfortunate to take revenge in this way but I feel that Madame Daae needs the humiliation to calm her down. Nothing else is working so we’ll have to send her out like La Carlotta.”
“It pleases me greatly to know that death isn’t an option,” Andre smiled weekly as he listened to the Phantom.
“I am not willing to risk that anymore,” Erik said with a frown, “I do hope that nothing drastic will have to happen.”
“Oh praise the lord,” Andre said, “our budget just couldn’t handle drastic measures anymore.”
Firmin read and reread everything that he had written down, it seemed to good to be true to have an interview with the Opera Ghost, would people believe it? “Do you really believe this will have your desired effect?” her asked handing Erik what he had captured on paper.
“Oh yes,” Erik smiled after he had reread what he had just been handed, “you make add or subtract whatever you feel is necessary. However I would like to be left as far out of the controversy as possible, I’ve done nothing wrong this time around, you have to agree with that.”
“You’ve been nothing but a pleasure to work with,” Andre smiled fearfully.
“Thank you,” Erik smiled, bowed and left the office.
“Can you believe this Andre,” Firmin nearly jumped for joy as he waved the paper over his head, “its is the scandal that we needed.”
“And with the permission to print we’ll keep everyone happy,” Andre smiled from his seat.
“Well, all except Madame Daae,” Firmin chuckled.
“She deserves what she gets for nearly ruining the show!” Andre said angrily.
“I agree,” Firmin smiled and went back to scripting exactly what he would say to the press the following day.
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Blessed Conversationalist
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Blessed Conversationalist
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:44 pm
Chapter 32: A woman’s Madness:
Christine sat alone in the ballet dormitory for a very long time, stewing over what had happened, where her plan went wrong and becoming more and more angry and less remorseful. She blamed her situation and the whole ordeal on Meg and not the Phantom. It was her jealousy coming through as she paced up and down the empty room. How could it be that a girl who was nothing compared to her could obtain a love that one a man killed for. Christine didn’t understand how she could not have won the Phantom’s heart when, at one time, she hadn’t wanted it. She was distressed and hated Meg even more for being the kind hearted person that would see the goodness in anyone, even a monster like the Phantom of the Opera.
“Well at least you weren’t kicked out completely,” she said to herself as she walked, “you could have been completely banished from this place but they know they can’t work without you. You’ll just have to work to show them that Meg Giry is nothing and that Christine Daae is and always will be the star of the Opera Populaire. As for the Phantom, he must still love me,” she cooed to herself, “or I would be gone. He’s just playing with me,” she said pushing his love for Meg as far out of her mind as she could possibly manager.
She believed herself to be the next legend of the Opera Populaire, she would go down in history, much like the Phantom himself, and she deserved the title. She could do all that it took to get what she wanted, just as the Phantom had done, only three years before.
“Would you killed for this?” a voice inside her asked as she looked into a mirror that hung on the wall, “if it comes to that, yes, I would, but there are worse things then death for Meg Giry, isn’t there?” she asked herself, “never dancing again, a career threatening injury,” she said to herself, “what I did tonight was nothing, and if I have to push her off the stage to stop her from dancing I will, then there would be no reason for the Phantom to give her his undying love and affection, she would be useless to him. It will be returned to me, everything that was taken from me tonight and in my past, it will come back to where it belongs.”
Christine sunk into her bed as the ballerinas started to arrive from a long day of work. She pretended to be asleep as they crept in and whispered to one another.
“They have let her come back to the ballet troop,” she heard one of the younger ballerinas say in shear disgust at seeing Christine in bed.
“Trust me, she is becoming just like La Carlotta, I was here when she was and the woman was a tyrant. We rejoiced when she was gone and now we have a new tyrant, Christine Daae. She has to understand that she is washed up. That Viscount, that she married, stole her youth and her talent and now she has nothing of interest for anyone,”an older girl whispered and was met with loud giggles, she hushed them as she looked cautiously at Christine’s bed, “I dare say she wont last much longer here, the Phantom wont have it, for isn’t it obvious he has the love of a ballerina now?”
“Who would want a over the top Diva anyway, singing is so over rated,” another ballerina giggled and pirouetted in the dormitory. The other girls laughed with her knowing just how seductive the dance could be.
Christine had turned to face the wall, with her back to the room, when the ballerinas had started to arrive. The ballerinas could not tell that she was listening to their every word but she did not care. Her idea of self worth was much higher and her judgement was so clouded that she had to suppress her laughter at the stupid ballerinas. She smiled to herself as they whispered to each other and laughed at Christine’s expense but Christine, the whole time, was plotting on how to get ride of them all while she was scheming against their beloved leading ballerina.
The chatter ended when Madame Giry entered the dormitory. The ballerinas had always been paranoid to let their mistress hear any of their negativity. The woman always looked so strict and serious. She was never one to put up with anything and had always caught the scheming before it could transpire into anything else. It was like she had a sixth sense that way. She walked up and down the rows of beds with a look of anger and suspicions on her face, analyzing every girl as she passed. It almost felt, for the ballerinas, like she could see deep within them and read their inner most thoughts. It was a terrible feeling when the woman was angry and her eyes fell on you.
“I want you all to listen and listen well,” Madame Giry said into the silence of the room. She spoke loud enough that it would have woke even the soundest of sleepers, “Christine Daae are you listening to me?” she asked as she stepped forward and jabbed Christine in the back with the end of her cane, “I know you are awake and always have been.” the ballerinas gasped.
Even if Christine had been asleep, she couldn’t fake it now. After the sharp, painful, jab she rolled over in bed, rubbing her eyes and looked up at the ballet mistress.
“Listen all of you,” Madame Giry said, never taking her eyes off Christine as the rest of the ballerinas gathered around, “another display, like that of this afternoons, will not be tolerated in this institution. We have absolutely zero tolerance for anything that anyone should be planning and should you try anything you will be removed from this place and asked never to return, humiliated for your crimes against the arts and this school. Had it been up to me, Christine would have been banished on the spot and until I have been contacted by the Phantom and give him my opinion on the situation you will not be in this performance at all,” she said staring down at Christine.
Madame Giry turned sharply away from Christine and headed for the door, “do I make myself clear ladies?” she asked as she walked out.
“Yes, Madame,” echoed through the hall and after the ballet mistress as she left.
Christine rolled back over in bed to face the wall again. She smirked to herself, she didn’t believe a word of what the old woman had said. One day she would rule the theatre again, as she had when she had started, and her first step toward that goal would be to be ride of Meg Giry. With her out of the way, Christine knew she would could move into the place of power. The theatre was no longer at the hands of the opera Ghost but was like putty in the Diva’s hands.
“The first to leave, when I am queen, will be you. You old bat,” Christine hissed under her breath as she listened to the frantic gossip of the Ballerinas.
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:45 pm
Chapter 33: Fear the Phantom:
When his meeting, with the managers, had finished and Erik had made clear all of the things he was waiting to hear circulated as rumor, he headed back into the shadows of the theatre. He had one more matter of business to attend to before returning to Meg’s side. He worried greatly about her but knew that she was well hidden and until he could return to take care of her, Tangae would not leave her side.
He moved quickly and gracefully through the theatre until he found himself outside of the dressing room that had, only hours before, been occupied by Christine Daae. For the first time in his life he didn’t know how to proceed in speaking to the young woman who was taking over in Christine’s place. He was certain that the young singer would be able to pull off the roll, as he had never seen anyone so attentive in his life when it came to learning how to sing and loving the lyrics. He couldn’t decide if he should dare frighten the poor girl and use magic on his first visit or if he should just knock and see if she answered. Finally he decided on the direct approach. He knocked once, on the solid wooden door and before a response came, he grabbed the handle and walked in.
The young girl stopped hallway across the room and gasped as the masked man, the Phantom of the Opera, walked into the dressing room and closed the door, locking it behind him. With every step he took she fell back further into the darkness of the small room, until her back was against the mirror at the back of the room.
She stared fearfully into the eyes of the Opera Ghost, tears rising in her eyes as he moved closer and closer, never in all her life had she been so frightened.
“Mademoiselle,” Erik said as he bowed to the quivering girl, “I am only here to congratulate you.”
His words didn’t do anything to comfort her. She was rooted in fear as tears rolled down her pail face.
“I am not here to hurt you, my dear,” he said softly.
Erik’s heart ached to see the fear that he could still instill in people. The young woman looked so afraid and helpless before him her eyes wide with fear and her back pressed against the mirror willing it to move. He had grown used to the softness in Meg’s eyes when she looked at him. She never showed him any fear anymore but here in the eyes of a young girl, who know only of his past, was helplessness and fear to the point of tears, merely by his presence. Perhaps it would have been better to prepare her for this visit with a message from the managers, but it was too late for that now.
“Please do not be afraid of an old man,” he said as he sat down in a chair that sat against one wall. He became very quiet and just watched as she got used to his presence in the room.
“What have I done to bring you here, Monsieur?” Genevieve whispered still with her back against the mirror.
“You’ve done nothing but a wonderful job in my drama. I am pleased to say I have not seen enthusiasm and knowledge in a singer as young as you before. I am very much looking forward to having you in the leading soprano roll. That is the reason I have come to you this evening. You need not be afraid of me. I only come to offer my assistance should you feel you need it,” he said, watching the young woman’s every move.
“And you believe I can do this? I am just a chorus girl,” Genevieve said as she slowly moved away from the mirror and cautiously sat down in a chair facing the Phantom.
“Christine Daae was nothing but a chorus girl before she was the envy of all the singers in the Opera Populaire,” Erik answered matter of factly.
“Yes, that is true,” she whispered, “but she had always been here, I have only just come.”
“Yes, but I know you are familiar with the roll, dare I say you have it already memorized. I’ve seen you sing along with Christine from the chorus. It is quite convenient actually, for me anyways, instead of trying to recast the roll this late in the production with a singer that is not familiar with the show in any way,” he said and almost smiled.
“I will do my best, sir, though I have never really had any real training in a soloist way,” she said and blushed.
“That is not a problem, we can arrange a few lessons if it would make you more comfortable, before throwing to the sharks,” Erik said.
“Really?” she asked brightly and smiled for the first time, “it wouldn’t be any trouble with the show so soon?”
Erik laughed a little, “trouble, my dear, that is no trouble. Trouble would be trying to teach a brand new girl the whole show in a matter of days. It would mean disaster for the drama if you did not agree to take the roll and as the composer and casting director for this, my greatest achievement to date, I will do all in my power to make sure you are ready for what is in store for you.”
“That is so kind of you sir,” she said softly and smiled at him.
Erik stood again and bowed to the girl before turning and walking toward the door.
“When shall I expect my lessons?” she called after him.
“We will discuss that tomorrow, tonight I think some rest is in order. It has been a very strenuous day for all of us,” he said and disappeared out into the hallway.
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Blessed Conversationalist
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Blessed Conversationalist
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:47 pm
Chapter 34: The Phantom’s Diva Disaster.
Christine pranced through the ballet hall the next morning filled with a mind to show everyone what was what. Her pride and disillusionment was very high, running through her, telling her she could do no wrong as she was the favorite and had been for so long. She was lost to the world and truly to herself. Her mind was not complete at that time. She didn’t seem to notice the stares of the other ballerinas. The whispers that followed her though the ballet hall and the rumors that had started were loud to the world but oblivious to Christine. The ballerinas giggled as they watched her act so proud, because they knew it was now the end of her career. It was certain that she wasn’t long for the ballet troop.
It wasn’t until Christine came to a group of ballerinas, closer to her own age, that she learned what was really happening. That her mind had allowed her eyes to register what had been before her the whole time. They were huddled around something and laughing historically. She had managed to come close enough to hear their conversation before any of them realized she was even there.
“Oh, well look who it is ladies,” one girl said loud enough to get the attention of the entire ballet hall, “its Madame de Chagny.”
“No, no she goes by Mademoiselle Daae again,” another corrected and giggled.
“we must feel so privileged to have the once favorite of the Phantom in our presence,” a tall, lanky girl, mocked and bowed to Christine.
“Yes but it is now public knowledge that he is seriously displeased with her,” another girl said, waving around a news paper.
“What is that?” Christine yelled grabbing at the paper but the other girls pranced away with it.
“Look at what else it says,” another girl laughed from further away, waving yet another paper, “he will never again waist a moment on Christine Daae. He is to busy with his star ballerina and the new diva to take the lead roll away from Christine that he can’t even be bothered.”
“It can’t be true,”Christine gasped.
“Can’t it?”a voice broke the nasty chatter and noise that filled the ballet hall.
The ballerinas stopped in their tracks as Madame Giry emerged from the shadows. She walked briskly through the hall with a paper in her own hands.
“It is surprising how much people love the drama, you have made front page news, Christine, it seems you have been singled out,” she said and placed the paper in Christine’s hands, “I dare say you’ll have to believe it now.”
“You can’t believe everything you read,” Christine hissed
“That is true, but it is never the case,” Madame Giry said, “if it is printed then it is true until someone contradicts it. So until we are proven wrong, until the Phantom gives another interview, which is most unlikely, you will never be permitted to perform as a singer in this establishment. You are a black sheep, as the outcast of this institution you would be wise to gather your things and leave. You are quite possible the biggest disgrace that our resident composer has every had. I thank all that is good that he may be able to redeem himself yet,” she said as she stared deeply into Christine’s eyes.
Christine’s heart sank, never had she ever heard such words of spitefulness come out of the woman’s mouth. She had always been a very stern kind of woman but never did she ever seem spiteful and yet every glance, every move and ever word screamed out how much Christine had done wrong. She couldn’t bare to believe any of it and rushed around the room as she grabbed at the news papers to be rid of them.
“It is your want to read what is being said about our prima dona?” Madame giry asked as Christine screamed at other girls to show her the paper.
“It is,” Christine said looking angrily at her teacher.
“Very well,” Madame Giry said and threw a paper at Christine’s feet, “perhaps if you read it aloud those of us who have not had the joys of reading the whole article will be brought into the know. It is quite the intrigue.”
“I would rather not,”Christine hissed.
“It was not a request,” Madame Giry smiled, “you’ll read it aloud.”
Christine glared at her teacher even angrier then before. Never had she hated this placed more then she did now. It was disgusting for her to be there and to see how she was now being treated and still her mind told her that she had done no wrong, that they were the jealous ones. She pulled the paper into her hands and looked down at the headline. It was a terrible sight to behold and yet she was now surrounded by the giggling Ballerinas and being prompted by Madame Giry to read aloud.
“You wish to humiliate me more,” Christine hissed to her teacher.
“This is what you wanted, Christine, the attention is yours,” Madame Giry said loud enough that it echoed off the walls of the ballet hall, “please, now that all eyes are on you, I think you should satisfy your audience and read to us your story,” the ballet mistress said and then fell silent.
The ballerinas all followed suite and the ballet hall fell into absolute silence. No one moved and all eyes were on Christine. She trembled for the first time since returning to the theatre. She could not bring herself to look at the article.
“Very well, young woman, I see you are no longer going to take my orders and so I assume that we shall see you leave this place before the day is over. However I will not relinquish my hold on you just yet. You will here what this article has to say,” Madame Giry announced and clearing her throat she took up the paper and began.
“For the first time in the great history of disasters, scandals and musical drama the Phantom of our beloved opera has been making headlines but never in such a way as this. The managers of the Opera Populair sat down with our reporters very early this morning to bring to light the strange affairs eclipsing the new drama, ‘we simply needed a new drama for our establishment and thought that the Phantom would be the best man for the job,’ said Monsieur Andre to reporters this morning, ‘we knew there would be some trouble, as there always is but we never dreamed it would come to this,’ he said when asked about the plans to bring back the phantom, ‘at first we had anticipated disaster by the hands of the Phantom himself, it has happened before, but never in our wildest dreams did we think anything like this could happen’ he added before going silent.”
“We reported to you earlier this month about the return to the opera by the infamous Diva Christine Daae. She had been cast by the once lustful Phantom to play, once again, the leading lady in his newest opera ‘La Dance Du Diable’. In a great turn of unfortunate events the Phantom has sat down with the Managers to discuss the direction of how the opera is to proceed. The opera in question is set to open in mere days. Monsieur Andre and Monsieur Firmin both seemed quite distressed when speaking with our reporters, ‘Christine Daae has been nothing but trouble since her coming back to the opera,’ Andre informed us, ‘her animosities toward everyone in the cast grew to breaking point yesterday evening when she physically assaulted the staring Ballerina, Mademoiselle Meg Giry,’ he added. ‘It seems to many involved that the attack was a result of a growing jealousy that Christine had been developing toward Meg,’ Monsieur Firmin informed us and confessed, ‘the Phantom of the Opera is very displeased with her. So much so that he had pulled her completely from the show and has placed her back in the ballet troop. Madame Giry informs us that she will not deal with the young woman’s antics and so we must let the young woman go. She will not be permitted back in the Opera Populair and will be asked to leave immediately’.”
“It seems to this publication that the Phantom has an eye for yet another young woman as Christine Daae has been replaced by a chorus girl of very little training, a Mademoiselle Genevieve Fillande. When asked if the speculation of the same tragedies of three years ago occurring Andre answered, ‘we have been told by the Phantom himself that Mademoiselle Fillande is simply fit for the roll. She has put much effort into her place in the chorus and he believes that she knew the show well enough that she can be placed into the leading position without much trouble,’ but this does not explain why the young woman was chosen. We may speculate that the phantom has taken to the young woman as he once did Christine, but the managers assure us that, that is not true, ‘we are under the impression that their had been a rather lengthy courtship going on between Mademoiselle Giry and the Phantom for some time. I dare say that it is the ballerina and not the diva whom the Phantom is looking to now,’ Firmin told us but would not speculate further.”
“When finally brought back to the subject of Christine Daae, Firmin came forward to say, ‘the Phantom has told us he has been quite mislead by Mademoiselle Daae’s character. He is exceedingly displeased with her and will have no more contact with the diva ever again. He says that she is quite possible the biggest disgrace his career has ever seen, much more then the affair of three years past.’ If this is indeed the truth we will be covering the departure and any activities surrounding the Opera Populair in the coming days.”
“We can now only say that Monsieur Andre and Monsieur Firmin as in a rather sketchy situation. To be so close to opening night and only having a new diva in rehearsals at the present and an injured staring ballerina, but they both seem to be very optimistic as to the shows success, ‘it’s brilliant and heart breaking, truly the Phantoms life story if ever their could be one,’ Andre beamed as we inquired as to the show. ‘We cannot tell you anything more about the plot but promise a wonderful evening of love, lust and heart break,’ Firmin added, ‘Mademoiselle Giry is breath taking, this roll will throw her into world recognition, never in all my life have I ever seen anything as beautiful as her passionate dancing,’ he finished beaming with pride for this long awaited event. The opera opens two nights from Monday and is set to run for a month at the Opera Populair.”
Madame Giry finished reading and folded the paper in her hands, “have you any doubts now as to your fate, Mademoiselle Daae?”
“No,” Christine whispered, her head bowed in shame and embarrassment, “I will gather my things and be gone today,” and with that she bowed out of the ballet hall and ran off in tears.
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:48 pm
Chapter 35: Meg Awakes.
Meg remembered nothing of what had passed after her return to the manor underground. She lay in her large warm bed, the artificial light pouring in the window and across the bed. Her body had been in so much turmoil the previous evening that once it was over and she found herself safe from the terrors of the ground levels she moved, as if already lost to the world. Tangae never leaving her side, she found her bed room and changed her clothing and fell into a deep sleep.
She found it so very strange, and yet very reassuring that she felt so safe in a place that had once been feared by so many. Even though the underground parts of the opera house had been so widely searched, no one really wanted to fine the Phantom. There was to much fear surrounding him at one. Meg now found it almost laughable, he was such a gentle, quiet, misunderstood man. His musical genius was beyond anything of the time and if one looked passed his scars his face had rather handsome features. Strong cheekbones, a predominate nose and eyes that had a life and a captivity to them that could melt her heart. His voice, through she seldom heard him sing, when he did was warm and kind. His passion lived deep within him and wasn’t easily obtained but Meg felt for the first time that she had reach into a part of him that he had never given up to anyone.
That previous night he had held her so tightly and with so much fear that he trembled himself, she had felt it but had not given it much through. He was indeed worried for her and couldn’t get her away from the danger fast enough. She was safe, he knew that, and with her safe he could put his mind at ease.
When morning had finally arrived, Meg awoke well rested, with only the memory of what had happen the previous evening. The pain in her ankle was gone and yet she was a bit startled to be alone. It had become a normal occurrence to awake to Erik beside her or at least present in the room. He was not present on this morning, only Tangae remained at the bed side.
As Meg stirred in her bed, so did the great cat. Leaning over the side and placing her feet on the floor Tangae raised herself up and placed her great head on the mattress at Meg’s side. She was a loyal companion, not only to Erik.
“You have been a very loyal ladies maid,” Meg whispered to the great cat as she pet Tangae’s head.
Meg leaned her injured foot onto the floor to check the injury, it was completely healed with rest. She was pleased that she would be able to continue the drama for Erik, but she was worried that he had not returned to her. Surely if he had returned to the house Tangae would have known, but as she was still at her side, Meg became worried. She walked to the door quickly, on silent dancers feet and out of her room to search the rest of the house.
It hadn’t been long since Meg had first come to the house underground, but in her time there she had become very familiar with the floor plan of the home. There wasn’t anywhere she was not aloud and, though it had been the home of a bachelor for many, many years, Meg felt completely comfortable in this place. In fact she wished never to have to leave it. She had every thing she had ever wanted right in the Opera Populair.
As she walked through the house she couldn’t help but admire the majesty of the place. Much of the elegance of the upper levels of the opera house were mirrored in this place. And yet a silence had captured the house that was eery. She had never heard it so quiet before. The birds from the green space could not be heard in the darkness of the inner walls. There was no music, no singing, nothing but the soft patter of her dainty feet on the cold floor could be heard as she walked.
She passed every room as she walked on determined to find Erik. Her heart beet harder in her chest as she passed room after room and he was not there. She was taken a back by the amount of feelings she was feeling for him at that moment. It had all happened so fast and yet she believe she could never live if he did not return to her. Terrible thoughts of duels, of captures, or even death passed before her eyes. She was worried for him and wished more then ever that he was beside her. The love she felt for him was suffocating as she could not find him. Tears welled in her eyes as she walked and at every turn she was distressed to not find him.
Her countenance must have changed as she walked on because Tangae walked closer and quicker beside her, leaning herself close to Meg for support. It was clear that the great cat was feeling the same anxiety as Meg was.
Finally they came to a room that Meg had never ventured into before. The door had always been closed and she hesitated before reaching out for the handle. Slowly and with as much courage as she could muster she pushed open the door.
A great sigh of relief came over Meg as she stepped into the room. Her heart leapt to see what she saw. There, in a high backed chair, close to a low fire and fast asleep was the man that had filled her heart with so much passion and joy. She walked slowly to his side and seeing that he still wore his hat, gloves and cape, from the previous night, she silently and dutifully removed them and placed them to one side. She had placed a light blanket around him and kissed him on the cheek before she decided to study the room.
It was a very handsome room, a library of sorts, with the walls lined with books and maps. It was, most certainly a well used room. Slowly, as she scanned the books she pulled one down and walked to another chair close to the fireplace. Sitting down she began to read.
Meg was unaware of how much time had passed before she was interrupted from her book by Erik. He seemed a bit stunned to have her by his side but the shock of seeing her quickly melted away.
“How long have you been here, watching me, I presume,” he asked as he pulled the blanket from around him and folded it.
Meg did not move from the chair, but closed the book and set it in her lap, “I’ve quite lost track of the time,” she smiled, “I couldn’t tell you just how long I have been here but, I dare say, you can tell me how long you have been here.”
“I returned late,” he said and returned to his seat, “there was much more to do then I had anticipated and more today. I don’t know how I am going to deal with all of this,” he sighed and looked into the dancing flames of the fireplace.
“Is there anything I can do?” Meg asked.
“No, you have enough to do, I fear I have to take this on, on my own as I always have,” he sighed.
“You truly don’t believe you are alone in all of this drama. I am here for you and will do all in my power to help you. I would not have it any other way, I want to be apart of your life and I wish for you to know it.”
At these words Erik turned from the fire and looked on Meg in a way he had never dreamed to he would ever look on anyone with. He at one time had wished to see Christine in such a light but it had never happened and he had long ago given up that hope. But here she was, before him and for him. More beautiful was she, in his eyes, then any woman he had ever looked upon because they had moved past lust and to something much deeper. He saw in her eyes love. She never loved on him with fear, she never cringed to touch him and she loved him entirely. He stood and walked across the room to her.
Falling to his knees before her and taking her hands he looked deep into her eyes. They sparkled down at him with a love he had never seen in all his years. She smiled sweetly at him and leaned in and gently kissed him. That kiss was a kissed he had never dreamed of receiving, it was free and full and filled his soul to the very depths.
“But how is this possible?” he asked never looking away from her capturing eyes, “what have I done right?”
Meg giggled lovingly at his confusion, “is it possible that you’ve done nothing?” she asked.
“That is impossible,” he said but smiled.
“Then I no not what was done, but I love you none the less and that should be all that matters,” she said.
There were the words he had always longed to hear and she had just said them willingly and full of life. He could not believe what he had just heard. A smile spread across his face. Meg could not help but smile back at him.
“You will change your mind, I fear,” he sighed.
“I believe I shall not,” she whispered, “but if you are so very worry that I would you should ask me to marry you.”
“Would you?” he asked her without even thinking.
“I most certainly would,” she said a smile crossing her face that she could not hide. A blush rose up in her cheeks and tears swelled in her eyes, “I would,” she repeated.
“A monster such as this?” he asked as he removed his mask and placed it in her lap.
“I do not see a monster,” she smiled as she caressed his face, “I see, compassion. I see, eyes that have captured my soul, beautiful eyes,” her face blushed as she spoke to him, “lips, that taste of heaven,” she added and leaned in and kissed him again.
Filled with joy Erik could not help but pull her into his arms, “I pledge to you every happiness I can give you,” he whispered into her ear, “the world, if you want it, is yours.”
“Promise me nothing but yourself and I will be the happiest woman in the world,” she whispered back.
The fell silent for a long time as they sat on the floor of the library in each others arms, staring into the crackling fire and listening to the silence that filled the space around them. For the first time in all of his life everything seemed perfect. He knew very well that there were trials that they would face. The most pressing was that of an angry Christine Daae and of the opening of the drama, but none of it seemed to matter at all. Not at that very moment. It seemed to them both like the world had slowed to a stop and they wished it never to recommence its turning, but they knew it must.
“There is much to be done,” Erik whimpered as they sat together.
“Yes, you’ve already said that,” Meg giggled, “what is there to do and you must allow me to remain with you for I do not think I could bare to be away from you just yet,” she said as she looked deep into his eyes.
“Then I shall not cause you any such pain,” he smiled down at her, “but we have some very serious business to attend to,” he said as continued to tell her of his meeting with Andre and Firmin.
Within moments all was decided and Meg hurried off, reluctantly, to obtain some more formal attire as the Phantom pulled his cape back around his shoulders. Reluctantly he replaced the mask on his face, suddenly it felt like he did not need it anymore but be decided it would be better to wear it in the upper levels. Quickly he scooped up his hat and gloves and walked out of the library with a purpose. After all there was a drama to prepare for.
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Blessed Conversationalist
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Blessed Conversationalist
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:49 pm
Chapter 36: A Final Act.
Christine fled from the ballet hall in tears. It was true she had completely crewed up all of her hopes and was now exiled to find her own way in the world. Her mind was suddenly clear, clear to the world and all that happened in it. She had hardly anything and could do nothing but face her own problems. That was the saddest truth of them all. There were many things that an unfortunate woman could fall into when no longer respected by the world. And all of the horrors flooded into Christine’s mind, and yet she could do nothing more but face the uncertainty of the rest of her life.
She gathered to her the few belonging she had and sat sobbing on the bed that she had occupied in the ballet dormitory. She hadn’t been there long at all and yet it was the only home she knew. Where was she to go? How would she survive? She had gained a small amount of money and saved it. Stashed under her pillow she cradled the small sack of coins in her hands as she cried. She was a ruined woman and soon she would have to face the fact that Meg had gained everything the world had to offer.
The horrors of her past and future flooded in all around her.
“How,” she asked herself, “how could everything be so terrible?”
“Because you were not careful,” Madame Giry said as she entered the ballet dormitory. She was alone but looked as severe as she had earlier that morning, “you have made some very grievous mistakes and now you much face them all. There is nothing more we can do for you here. You understand that I believe.”
“I do,” Christine said as she choked back her tears.
“Never had I ever thought you would end up like this Christine,” The old woman said as she sat down on the bed beside the sobbing diva, “I had, had great expectations for you and yet you have failed me, it was not I who failed you. You could have been great you know, and perhaps you can again, but it will not be in this place.”
“Where could I go?” Christine asked for the first time looking into the old woman’s eyes, “there is no where for me now.”
“You are not without your skills and I believe that if you were better behaved you could have regained some of your previous glory but that cannot happen here. Do not think me heartless, young woman, as I have done all in my power to help you along the way, even if my reprimands were insincere you had been like a daughter to me,” she said and held out another small sack of coins to Christine, “use these wisely they should tide you over until you get another position somewhere. I have written directly to a few other institutions and they are willing to audition you,” she added and held out a small sheet of paper, “it isn’t much but I believe that you can act your way into their ranks, but be cautious not to use any of the antics you have tried to apply here. They will not do you any good and you are going to have to counter act the stories that are going to follow you by way of the media. I do not know how you will be out of that terror,” she said and stood, “but that is what awaits you. I wish you well but I do not ever wish to see you back in this building. Never again will you dance on this stage, or sing, as long as I live,’ she concluded her speech and left the ballet dormitory.
Christine sat silently for a few moments looking at the list of names and paces. There were but two, but they were well known ballet institutions and the money would bring her as far as their doors. At least she had some hope for the future.
“So that is it,” she said to herself, gold coins in one hand and the sheet of paper in the other, “perhaps fortune has smiled on you and one day you will see that it has, but as of right now, no one is smiling. You’ve really done it and they hate you for it. At one time you had hated and feared what lived within these walls and now you must morn the loss of it all. It was all you knew,” she said to herself and dried her tears, “that is all, there will be no more of this.”
Picking up her case, that contained the few items of clothing she had left and her personal effects, she walked out of the ballet dormitory for the very last time.
She walked slowly through the silent opera house and toward the foyer. No sound could be heard in the darkened hallways. No one was present in the doorways. It was a sad and silent procession she made through a place that had once been such a great part of her life and such a terribly dangerous place at one time. Now it was she who was exiled.
As she pulled open the door leading into the foyer she was caught by a great shock. There, lining the great stair cases and the walls were every last member of the company. High atop the stairs stood Madame Giry and the Managers. All around them the ballerinas, the chorus members, the cast and crew of all that was to happen and all that she had disgraced so badly.
Christine fought to keep her composure as she walked toward the great gilded entrance doors. Two footmen stood on either side of the doors. It seemed like a mile across the floor that she had to travers to gain her escape, all eyes trailed her in silence. The looks on the faces that she past were that of anger and hatred. She couldn’t reach the doors fast enough. But just as they were within her reach a voice called out to her.
She turned, suddenly, a hope spread through her body, perhaps it was not yet to late. As she turned she watched the crowd on the staircase part and there in their mists stood the Phantom of the Opera and at his right, holding tightly to his arm and looking prouder then every before stood Meg Giry.
They descended the stairs to the stunned glares and the whispers of the entire congregation. Never had the Phantom make a spectacle such as this before. They walked regally down the stairs and Meg smiled lovingly at him. Across the floor they came and stopped just in front of Christine. She looked horror struck to behold them. But there they were, Meg dressed in the finest cloths she had ever beheld in her life and Erik looking as strong and menacing as ever he had.
“You are to apologize to the fair lady before you depart,” Erik said looking down at Christine.
Christine was horror struck, she turned an angry glare at Meg but with all the eyes of the congregation on her, she could do nothing but curtsy and apologized to Meg.
“I thank you,” Meg said softly, “and I do wish you luck,” she returned the curtsy.
“You must know, Christine, that I shall never think of you again after this day. Long ago I would have died to see you here, but I have lost that part of me only to be filled with a greater love for another. You and I were never meant to be, no matter how much I had wished it, but I want you to go into the world knowing that I am loved, a really and sincere love,” Erik said as he looked down and pressed his hand to Meg’s, that held onto his arm.
“I wish you happiness,” Christine whispered as tears welled up in her eyes once more.
“And now I shall offer one final favor to you as you leave,” Erik said and he reached out and pulled open the door himself.
Outside the door an army of media men had been waiting. As they saw the door open they called out to Christine but to their surprise they did not see her at all but the ominous figure of the Phantom himself. They stepped back in fear and Christine stepped out of the great gilded door. Erik bowed slightly to Christine and Meg curtsied. Christine returned the niceties and she stepped down the stairs and away from the crowd.
“It’s him,” one reporter yelled.
“The Phantom, himself,” another gasped.
But not one of them moved. They were awe struck, or horror struck, but it didn’t even occur to them that they had missed the story they had come to capture. Christine disappeared into the crowd and left the Opera Populair forever.
The great gilded door closed on the reporters and Erik and Meg stepped back toward the crowd in the foyer. Walking back the way they came the crowd parted once again to let them pass. They started to mount the great stairs once more all aware of the eyes on them.
“You should all stop gawking, and return to your practice,” Erik said as he addressed the crowd, “Full dress rehearsal will start in one hours time,” he added and he and Meg disappeared together into the darkness of the theatre.
Madame watched them out of side, a joy filling her to her very soul, finally her daughter had found her place in the world. Meg would be a very happy woman.
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:50 pm
Chapter 37: As Time Goes On.
It is not all together uncommon for human beings to be kind to one another. Kindness is an activity of human nature and yet so is scepticism and hatred. To some, what is different must always be looked on with disdain, and so that is how Erik believed he would always be seen. But compassionate hearts are not altogether unthinkable and he, though unsightly in the physical, was found to be a loving and beautiful person by one who could see deep within and forgo the outward appearance.
And so it was, for Erik and Meg, a beautiful and simple life together. She would not be without him if he would have allowed it and they remained very near to each other at all times. The wedding between them was small and quite. Held within the darkness of the theatre walls, Andre and Firmin, along with the brides mother were the only witnesses aside from God. It hastily took place on the eve of the dramas opening night. Meg wore a simple, white dress, no fancier then a night gown and Erik arrived without his mask. It was but the managers, Madame giry and the priest who were privy to knowing the Phantom’s name, aside from his bride and they were sworn to secrecy. Meg could not help but smile through the whole of the service and when he had placed the cold gold ring on her finger she felt as if she would burst with joy. Their vows said and a kiss assured her that he had been feeling the exact same way. It was the happiest moment in either of their lives and they were over joyed to have shared it with each other.
When the service was ended, Meg was whisked off by her mother and into costume and makeup and Erik was left in solitude to marvel at what his life had become. Never had he felt so much happiness in all of his life. Never had he allowed such happiness to befall him and yet he could not deny the happiness of the woman he loved. He gave freely of his feeling to her and felt hers in exchange.
He took his place, shadowed by the curtains of box five and awaited the commencement of his newest work and to behold his bride, dancing only for him, on a night that could not bring more happiness to a man of music. For it was on this night that all of his toils and dispar had been dashed away. He had taken a wife, who loved him, and was soon to be witness to what his life’s work had really amounted to.
Nerves had never been a problem to Erik, but on this night there was much to aware of. He wouldn’t have admitted to anyone that he was terrified of what was to become of him. Had he been asked three years earlier he would have said he feared nothing, not even death. But on this night he felt a fear greater then anything he had ever anticipated, he was facing the future.
The performance of the Phantoms La Dance du Diable was met with rave reviews. Meg’s performance brought the audience to tears. The duets of Genevieve and Rene produced and on stage chemistry that even the audience could not deny. The Opera Populair was once again shining like a star in the world of the arts. Madame Giry was held in great esteem for her ballet. Monsieur Reyer for his music and the Managers for their unusual plot to bring the Phantoms music back to the public. But most of all the Phantom was praised for his musical genius. Something he had always wished for and was never able to have.
Meg was swept up in the adoration of the public once the curtain fell. The back stage area and her dressing room were flooded with admirers but the simple gold ring on her hand was what eased her mind and chased away much of the adoration as she was already taken. However her dance was beyond anything anyone had seen and her skills were in very high demand after that point. She could not escape the offers to travel the world, to perform for royalty and nobility in many countries and yet she refused it all.
Meg had vowed early on she would dance only for Erik and now with her new iconic status she refused to leave the opera populair. When the run of La dance du Diable she vowed, to the press, not to take the stage until the Phantom had finished his newest work. She would dance only to his music as it moved her so deeply. Never did they lead it out that a union within the opera had occurred but the rumor of the Phantoms new love spread deep into the public. Meg disappeared into the darkness of the underground with her new husband as soon as she could escape the masses in the back stage areas.
Into the darkness of opening night, their wedding night, they fled into their palace under ground. And it was in this place that Erik led his new wife to their bridal bed. She did not quiver to behold him and gave of herself freely and passionately to him. He was strong and gentle and felt only their hearts and their passion as he laid with her. Smiling and whispering sweet nothings to each other, a deep, timeless, love had taken hold over them both, for the rest of their days, they could not have been happier. They would, from that moment on, be but one soul.
Erik and Meg were not the only ones to live happily, Andre and Firmin had finally realized what they had set out to do. They had saved the Opera Populair from ruin and gained their own iconic status at the same time. They had been offered many position with many great institution but they were all turned down. Working peacefully with the Phantom had gained them a great ali. Never would they worry again about the stability of their institution as it was always a place for the Phantom to publish his works and to see his beautiful wife alive with dance and moved by his passionate music.
Christine, on the other hand, did not have an easy life. She was left to start all over again and though the rumors of her turmoil and devastating behavior did not follow her into the world, she had to start from the very bottom and never gained any great esteem. She was but a chorus girl and would forever be that as she had long ago lost what the Phantom had given her. She still looked at Meg’s fame as a waist of her own talent as it could have all been hers, but it was not to be. She lived and died a Chorus girl.
And so it was, the opera was saved and the music played on. But the greatest surprised of all was that Erik lived happily until his dying days. He had a full and respected musical career, a beautiful loving wife and a family he was most proud of. His son carried on in his footsteps with his musical genius and his mothers fair complection. He went on, under the ever watchful eyes of his father, to gain greatness in the world. But, alas, that is another story.
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Blessed Conversationalist
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