Inside My Mind: The Phantom of the Opera as told by Miss Christine Daae

Chapter 3: Taking Center Stage

Oh I hate Meg so much for doing this to me, and my voice teacher and I hadn't even finished going over this song.... at least not the beginning anyway. But there's nothing I can do. Firmin calls me a "ballet girl". Oh why is he so quick to judge? "Well, she's been taking lessons from a great teacher", Meg says, coming to my defense. "Oh, from whom?" Firmin asks. Shaking, I say "I don't know, sir". Not having of it, Firmin continues "oh not you as well, can you believe it? Full house and we'll have to CANCEL!" Andre motions to me, "Daae, that's a curious name. Any relation to the violinist?" I smile and say "My father, sir". Madame Giry approaches us and encourages the managers to "Let her sing for you, Monsieur, she has been well taught". "Very well", Monsieur Reyer says abruptly "from the beginning of the aria then, ma'amselle. Gentlemen, please."

Meg hands me the scarf and whispers "You can do it" Clutching it, I turn and face the audience. I nod and Monsieur Reyer starts playing. I take a deep breath. "Think of me....... think of me fondly, when we've said good bye!" My voice cracks and I try to run off stage but the sound of Madame Giry's cane against the floor sends me back. "Remember me, every so often, promise me you'll try". I hear Firmin say "Andre, is doing nothing for my nerves" but Andre assures him saying "Don't fret, Firmin."

I lift the scarf over my head slowly and continue, my voice getting stronger. He is going to be so proud of me! "On that day, that not so distant day, when you are far away and free. If you ever find a moment, spare a thought for me!" Andre and Firmin scream "Madame, Monsieur". I must have pleased them enough because the next thing I know, it is time for the gala. Madame Giry has my costume waiting for me and pretty soon I am turned into Elissa. My mind is racing "this is it, I am singing tonight!"

The house is packed, and I am achieving my lifelong dream! My heart is pounding but I continue to sing. "And though it's clear, though it was always clear, that this was never meant to be. If you happen to remember, stop and think of me. Think of August when the world was green, don't think about the way things might have been. Think of me, think of me waking silent and resigned. Imagine me, trying too hard to put you from my mind. Think of me, please say you'll think of me, whatever is you choose to do. There will never be a day when I won't think of you!" I wrap the scarf around me and do the "Carlotta strut" as I called it during rehearsal. The orchestra plays the instrumental and I swear I hear someone say something, but the music is too loud and I am too 'in the moment' to care. I take another deep breath as the instrumental ends.

"Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade. They have their seasons, so do we. But please, promise me that sometimes, you will think......." I start the credenza, my hands holding the scarf, raising it higher as I go "ahahahahaaaaaah ahahahAAAAAAH ahahahahahaha aAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAof me!" I throw the scarf and drop into a child's pose. The whole theater erupts in applause. I hear the managers saying "Brava, Brava!" I stand up and walk to the front of the stage to take my bows. I bow twice, spin around, and bow to the people sitting behind me and then the curtain drops.