Feel the Music

Chapter Six

Chapter Six: Just Another Day

PHOEBE POV

I was walking down the hallway with Sorcha in my arms. She played with the white ribbons on my pale blue dress. The way that she played with the silk fabric warmed my heart. She was so gentle and curious like a kitten.

As soon as we stepped foot on the stage, Carlotta stalked over to me and barked,"YOU-A ARE STEALING MY-A SPOTLIGHT!"

"This again! Are you that stupid?!," I put Sorcha down by my side and signed as I yelled,"I am helping you win the admiration of the Deaf community! I am the one who has to translate for an ignorant and nasty hyena! And in case you are wondering who I am talking about, it's you! The untalented and vain diva who wears the most ridiculous clothes I have ever seen in my life!"

"EXCUSE-A YOU?!," and with that she slapped me hard across the face,"KNOW-A YOUR PLACE!"

"That's it!," I swiftly grasped her hair and yanked on it. Carlotta wailed and attempted to squirm away, but my grip only tightened. I felt a warm substance trickle down my cheek. I had just noticed Carlotta had managed to claw my face,"TRY TO HIT ME AGAIN! I DARE YOU!!! TRY IT! YOU'LL LOSE EVERY TOOTH IN YOUR GHASTLY MOUTH!!!"

"Ladies!," Firmin and Andre came rushing over. As they tried to tear us off each other, but it took a few minutes for Andre to pull me away.

"LET ME GO!," I screeched. I tried to lunge at Carlotta, but to no avail. My actions only caused more men to come over to restrain me.

"Madmousielle Callahan, please calm down!," Andre pleaded. I stopped, knowing that wasn't how I usually behaved.

"I'm fine. You can release me now, sir," I added calmly as I smoothed out my skirt,"I apologize for my actions, but I do not stand for such intolerance at the workplace. It is unprofessional and beyond disrespectful."

"But was it necessary to try ripping out our diva's hair?," Firmin inquired as he released Carlotta. I watched as she stomped away shouting about a dog and her hair.

"I have lived my entire life being discriminated because I am Deaf. It is horrible to have people stare at you, to have them judge you silently amongst themselves, and acting like we can't do what the Hearing can. I have been treated like that for far too long. I don't want to live through any second of that cruelty. So, if you want me to stay then I expect the respect I deserve. Otherwise, I won't hesitate in quitting and being a private interpreter for a Deaf noble. And I have been offered such positions many times," I stared them down as I signed. Refusing to back down and be treated unfairly. I deserved respect.

"We apologize, Madmousielle Callahan. And we promise to improve the attitudes of our cast," Andre gave a slight bow.

"Good. And I will be honest that I have heard Carlotta's singing, which makes me long to be completely Deaf. Not with just most my hearing gone. She is rotten and doesn't deserve the privilege of performing in this opera house. And since your alleged 'diva' has left, I am going to return to my room to practice the show in peace. Good day," I gave a quick curtsy before picking up Sorcha and heading to my room.

Erik POV

I watched Phoebe leave the stage with my jaw dropped. I was amazed by her passion for her culture and how alike we really were. Except she had dealt with Carlotta's foul behavior much longer than I did. When that hyena first came, I had put itching powder in all her costumes. And that was on her first day.

I began making my way through a secret passage that lead to the mirror in Phoebe's room. I had been thinking about how Christine stood in shock, while her new friend fought Carlotta mercilessly. She appeared so innocent and fragile as she remained standing aside. Oh! How I loved her in every way possible!

"Nothing's gonna harm you. Not while I'm around. No one's gonna hurt you. No sir, not while I'm around," I heard a melodic female voice sing from down the passage way,"Demons are prowling everywhere, nowadays. I'll send 'em howling, I don't care. I've got ways," I stopped in my tracks, closing my eyes as I listened to the enchanting voice. Letting the beautiful sound envelop me in warmth, sending my soul soaring with every note uttered,"No one's gonna hurt you. No one's gonna dare. Others can desert you, not to worry, whistle, I'll be there!"

I had to know whose beautiful voice was filling my being with such joy. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes, as I began to approach the mirror. And when I peered through, I discovered the voice belonged to Phoebe,"Demons'll charm you with a smile, for awhile, but in time....nothing can harm you. Not while I'm around. Being close and being clever, ain't like being true. I would never hide a thing from you," She had Sorcha's small hand pressed against her throat,"Like some...no one's gonna hurt you, no one's gonna dare. Not to worry, whistle, I'll be there! Demons'll charm you with a smile, for awhile. But in time...nothing can harm you....not while I'm around."

I was nothing short of impressed. I hadn't believed her when she said Deaf people could sing or be involved in music. Now I bigger plans for her. I would perfect her voice, so that she would be flawless. And a Deaf singer, was sure to be a hit.

Phoebe would be my new student.

(Author's Note: Thanks for reading, my little squishies! Be sure to comment, favorite, and share it with your friends! I always love constructive criticism!)