The Phantom's Guardian (the Phantom of the Opera fan fiction)

Part 5 - Meet the team

Author Note: I do not own any character from the Phantom of the Opera books/ musical/ movie. Only my characters (Desiree, Sharon, the old musician, Clara, Alice, Esther) and any others I may add along the story are mine.

The Photo above is not mine, it is just how I imagined Desiree would look in her disguise (Minus the long hair)..

Part 5 – Meet the team

The Opera Populaire was quite identical to the Palais Garnier, except for the name, obviously. Desiree just walked through the market place and was now standing in front of the building. She always found Madame Giry quite intimidating and was worried that she would not get the job. Erik explained that although he could have written a note to ensure the employment, he did not want Desiree to be associated with the Phantom to get the inside information. Adjusting her waistcoat, Desiree inhaled and exhaled deeply to prepare herself for the second interview since she arrived in this world.

Instead of entering from the front entrance, she took a side door and found herself in a room bustling with action. It seemed like a dress fitting room because she recognized the costumes for Carlotta and Piangi as Elissa and Hannibal in the first scene. Girls were running about the room, pulling down and cutting yards of silk, measuring lace trims, embroidering fabrics and pinning pieces on mannequins. One girl turned to her and squeaked in surprise.

"What are you doing here? You can't be in here, this is a staff-only room!"

Desiree hurried to reply,

"Oh, I am so sorry, mademoiselle, I was looking for Madame Giry to ask for a job. Can you kindly direct me to her whereabouts?"

The girl blushed and replied,

"Oh, I see. Madame Giry is at the rehearsal; just follow the corridor to the back of the stage..."

They were interrupted by a sharp voice,

"Clara!, what on earth are you doing? Where are the corsets for slave dresses? I swear, if we do not have them ready for the dress rehearsal tomorrow,...., and WHO ARE YOU, SIR!!"

A short, plump woman with a flushed face stepped in front of Desiree and glared at her. She had a measuring tape around her neck and a pincushion tied to her wrist. She seemed quite livid that a man was disturbing her trainee's work.

Desiree apologised with a smile again, bowing low, "My deepest apologies, Madame, My name is Derrick Beaumont, I was just explaining to. Miss ..."

"Levett, Clara Levett, Monsieur, and this is Madame Esther Dubos. She is in charge of costume designs", Clara interjected, giving Desiree another bashful smile.

"Ah, Miss Levett, that I was looking to find employment and mistakenly barged into your workroom. I would not cause more delay, I shall be on my way, Madame Dubos."

Madame Dubos still seemed quite angry, but she sighed and turned to Clara instead.

"Clara, enough with the chitchat, please finish the corsets, dear, so that we may return home on time today"

Clara seemed hesitant to part with Desiree but dropped her head and returned to her work.

"It is not your fault that you mistook the room, but please be careful next time.",

She hesitated and looked at Desiree's attire. Before she could recognize the costume, Desiree rushed to get out of the room

"I surely will, and now, I will be on my way. Good day, Madame."

Only Desiree's luck would have her walking right in front of the dressmaker. She let out a huge sigh and decided to get new clothes from the market later today.

.......

Following Clara's instructions, Desiree easily found the rehearsal and quickly located Carlotta, Piangi and Madame Giry. Carlotta was wailing with a prop of human head in her hand so she was the easiest to locate. Piangi was standing behind the stage elephant. He was so red and fat and with his tiny legs, he resembled a beetroot. Madame Giry was standing at the side with her famous staff, her hawk like eyes scanning the whole scene unfolding with uncanny precision.

Desiree just stood there a moment, taking the view in. Once again she felt marvellous that she was actually witnessing the characters she so often dreamed of. Not wanting to disturb the rehearsal, she decided to wait until the scene was over before talking to Madame Giry.

Then the slave girls pranced out,... and Desiree's mouth fell open in surprise.

............

Christine Daae was a vision. Or the girl who Desiree guessed was Christine was. After all, she outshined the other dancers like the moon. Brown bouncy curls frame a heart-shaped face with cheeks flushed from exertion. Wide doe-eyes sparkled with innocence; small nose and thin lips added to her femininity. Her white skin was almost translucent that you can see green veins climbing up a long elegant neck. Her small graceful frame was undoubtedly a result of ballet practise. As a woman, Desiree felt envious of her beauty yet Christine looked so pure that it was almost impossible to hate her. No wonder both Erik and Raoul fell for her, this face coupled with an angelic voice would enchant any hot-blooded man and bring protective instincts to the fore.

Desiree did not know how long she was gazing at Christine but someone coughed and she snapped to attention. Apparently, the rehearsal was over and Madame Giry was standing beside her with a smirk on her face. She must have thought that Desiree fancied Christine!

"I am so sorry, Madame, I was carried away by the performance. The production would be great."

Madame Giry merely inclined her head and spoke,

"What is your business here, young man? The rehearsals are not open to public"

"Oh, yes, where are my manners. My name is Derrick Beaumont, Madame. And I was told that if I wish to seek employment here, I should speak to Madame Giry."

Madame Giry still looked unimpressed. Desiree hastily added,

"Though I might not look that muscular, I can handle manual labour and I can be quick on my feet."

Her unblinking stare was making Desiree nervous...

"I can also write and read so I can help with taking notes and I can,... I can... also sew!!"

Madame Giry raised an eyebrow.

Desiree was sure she was blushing, but she carried on,

"My mother was a seamstress and I used to help her out!!"

"Well, we do need someone running around the theatre for the odd jobs and I believe Madame Dubos has her hands rather full with making costumes for the new cast. The pay will not be large, of course, but if you are willing..."

"Of course, I am willing, Madame. I can even start today, if you wishes so!". Desiree was estatic.

       

Author Note: I felt like writing so two parts in a day , yay!!!! Please vote, comment and share this story if you like this.
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