I've Always Been Here

New Managers and Viscount

"He's been teaching me how to sing. Making sure I have a confident voice." Christine said as I smiled and put up her hair. "The Angel of Music truly has his touches. You were so quiet and shy until I got you into dancing and singing. You sing so beautifully, sis." I said with a smile and fixed up her costume. "I learn from the best. You've always been such a good role model." She said and hugged me.

"Come on, guys! Rehearsals are about to start!" Meg said as we hurried down with giggles and laughter. "Did you hear we're supposed to be getting new mangers?" She asked as we dipped our ballet shoes in the chalk laid in a basket at the bottom of the steps to make sure we don't slip. We made it a little late and starting doing warm-ups as Madame Giry smiled gently and nodded.

Carlotta was rehearsing as I looked at Christine and Meg, making 'no' signal then gagged as they giggled. If anything, Carlotta screeches instead of sings. She rolls her 'R's too much than needed and she's over dramatic about it. We watched the others rehears until it's our turn. Maestro Reyer was always a kind elder and such a hard worker.

Now came Piangi, Carlotta's husband, who's voice also doesn't please the ears. Oh and his little "Mini me". "Gentleman, gentleman." Maestro said as he was interrupted by Monsieur Lefevre. "Monsieur Lefevre, I am rehearsing!" Maestro said as he was always a bit stressed during this time. We did. "Monsieur Reyer, Madame Giry, ladies and gentlemen, please. If I could have your attention." Lefevre said as we all looked at him.

"For some weeks, there has been rumors of my retirement. I can now tell you that these are all true. And it my pleasure to introduce you to the two gentlemen who now own the Opera Populaire, Monsieur Richard Firman and Monsieur Gilles André." He introduced them as everyone clapped for them. "I'm sure you've read of their fortune asmassed in the junk business." Lefevre said as he looked at André.

"Scrap metal, actually." André corrected him as everyone clapped again. There girls talking about how they must be rich. You guest it. Gold diggers. "And we are deeply honored to introduce our new patron. Viscount De Chany." Firman said as Christine and I saw an old friend walk in. "It's Raoul." Christine said softly to Meg. She used to have a crush on him while we were kids. "Before our father died, at the house by the sea." She said softly was I smiled. "You could say they were childhood sweethearts." I said and gently nudged Christine as she smiled bashfully.

"He call her "Little Lotty" and me "Roxie Foxie"." I said with a smile as Christine stared at him. "Christine, he's so handsome." Meg said with a smile. "My parents and I are honored to support all the arts. Especially the world-renowned, Opera Populaire." Raoul said as Carlotta walked up to him and held her hand out to him. "Viscount, gentleman. Signora Carlotta Giudicelli, our leading soprano for five seasons." Lefevre said as Carlotta's maid, seamstress, and her makeup man all cheered as I rolled my eyes.

Piangi cleared his throat, I think, as they looked over to him. "Signor Ublado Piangi." Lefevre said as Piangi bowed his head while everyone clapped. "Hello, Signor. I believe I'm keeping you from your rehearsal. I will be here this evening to share your great triumph. My apologies, Monsieur." Raoul apologized to Maestro. "Thank you, Monsieur Le Viscount! One more time, Signor!" Maestro said as Raoul walked past us.

He must've not seen or recognized me and Christine as Christine looked sad. "He wouldn't recognize us." She said softly was I fixed her hair. "He didn't see us." I reassured her as Meg nodded. "Ladies, monsieurs." Madame Giry said she moved the new mangers ourmt of our way so we can do our part. I semi listened to their conversation as I also focused on dancing. "We take particular pride in our ballet, monsieur." Madame Giry said as they walked around.

"I see why. Especially that little blonde angel." André said as he was talking about Meg. "My daughter, Meg Giry." Madame Giry explained. "And that acceptional beautiful? No relation, I trust." Firman said as I rolled my eyes a little. "Christine Daae. Promising talent, Monsieur Firman. Very promising." Madame Giry said as I danced with my shackles.