When Love Begins

Such Grand Old Friends?

3rd person POV:

"Heaven help me, could it be? No, it couldn't possibly..." Meg was so excited. She couldn't believe Christine was finally in America. Christine, on the other  hand, had no idea who this person talking to her was.

"Sorry do I...?"

"Yes, I think you do!"

"Have we..."

"Go on, take a guess." Meg spread out her arms, in hopes that Christine would recongnise her.

"Wait, it can't be... is it?"

"Yes!" They ran into each others embrace, hugging for the first time in ten years.

"Ohmygod, I can't believe it's you!"

"Look at you Christine, regal as a queen, and beautiful."

"Meg, and you as well. I could hardly tell it's you!"

"My dear old friend Can't believe you're here old friend. After all this time,"

"Christine, you came! You look sublime."

"You look the same."

"My sweet old friend. Never thought we'd meet, old friend."

"What of your career?" What of it? Thought Meg. It hasn't been great. You were always the one in the spotlight. 

"Everything's great! And isn't fate a splendid thing?"

"It brought me here."

             "To see the sights?"

"And sing." 

Across the stage, Madame Giry and the Vicomte had found each other.

"You."

"My god,it's you!"

"Is this a dream? It's been ten years."

"What brings you here?" Madame Giry already knew, of course. But she wasn't completely sure as to why they were on this particular stage.

"What do you think? Christine. She's here to sing."

"I read the news. For Hammerstein?"

"No, plans have changed. He's been out-bid."

"Out-bid by whom?"

"The contract's here. It's rather strange."

Meg grabbed onto the piano, sure she had heard Christine wrong.

"Sorry did I hear you right? Here to sing?" Christine nodded her head.

"Tomorrow night."

"That seems odd, there must be some mistake. That's the leading lady slot. I've been booked."

"No, surely not."

"This was meant to be my lucky break." Meg sat down on the bench, unsure of how to handle the situation. Christine went over to her and sat.

"Look, I hardly sing. Just one little thing, and aria."

"Christine it's a thrill just to share the bill with you." I always have. Thought Meg. It's never just me in the spotlight. Meg and Madame, unaware that they were talking about the same thing both said, "My dear old friend. It's becoming clear old friend, someone's overlooked his leading act."

"Well, double-booked to be exact," Raoul took out a piece of paper and  handed it to Madame Giry. "Now, my old friend, can you clarify old friend. This Mr. Y, with whom we signed. Who hides behind the pseudonym?"

"You havn't guessed?"

"I've no idea."

"It's Him." Raoul took a step back, and grabbed the paper.

"HIM!?"

"That's what I said."

"You work for him?"

"Now you do too." Madame Giry looked a little smug for the Vicomte. He looked over to Christine, unsure of how she would take this news.

"My poor wife, we thought him dead. She'll be appalled."

"Unless she knew..." Raoul walked over to Christine, with the intent of finding out the truth.

"Darling, please, are you alright?" He grabbed her arm.

"Tell me now, this music, who was it's creator?" Christine struggled to get free. She was sure there was going to be a bruise there later.

"Darling, please, don't squeeze so tight." He dropped her arm.

"Something's going on here, I'll deal with you later." Madame Giry and Meg stood together, watching it unfold.

"What's this about?"

"I wish I knew."

"The truth will out, before we're through."

"My dear old friends, can't believe you're here, old friends"

"My dear Christine,"

"My dear Vicomte,"

"What does this mean?"

"What does he want?"

"My grand old friend, I don't understand, old friend."

"Maybe it's a joke?"

"Some silly game,"

"And what his am is in the end, I couldn't claim to comprehend old friend."

"This isn't fair,"

"We need to think,"

"I need some air,"

"I need a drink."

"My poor old friend, isn't this a bore old friend?

"I'm still amazed,"

"I'm still confused."

"I'm feeling dazed,"

"I'm feeling used."

"And yet, old friend, let's not get upset old friend."

"We can sort this out,"

"I'm sure we will."

"Without a doubt, because we're still such grand old friends. Such devoted and old friends. Back again at last. When everyone is doing great. Won't this be fun? So much fun. With two old friends, trust able and true old friends," They all grabbed a cup from the table that was on the side of the stage.

"Let's raise a glass."

"To times gone by."

"To Mr.Y." Everyone shot Raoul a dirty look before Meg jumped in.

"To happy ends..."

"To such sincere, and very dear old friends. Old friends!" Raoul sat his cup down before he took a drink.

"No offence, by I need something stronger. Madame, I shall see you tomorrow, were I am sure you will both surpass yourselves. Good day." He walked away, and Christine started to rush off after him.

"Raoul, please! I can explain!" She remembered that thy wern't alone, and turned back to the Giry's. "I'm sorry. Look, I wonder, would you mind...Gustave?"

"What is it?" Meg walked over to her friend.

"My son! He was with...Gustave!!" Christine ran out, looking for her son and Meg followed.

"Christine, wait!"