Pulse (Phantom of the Opera Fanfiction)

Chapter 12- The Big Announcement

Chapter 12- The Big Announcement

It was obvious that most of the contestants had suspicions of what was happening due to all the talking Christine could hear. She was sitting in the back of the auditorium trying to stay as inconspicuous as possible while everyone else was sitting closer to the stage, but their loud voices were still incredibly audible.

Christine sighed feeling very alone. All of the negative attention she was receiving was beginning to weigh on her, even though she was trying to remember what Erik had said on the phone. She was trying to stay strong and focused on the competition. It wasn't working, though..

She tried to tune out the others and focus on the stage.

Once it looked like everyone was settled, Chris walked onstage. The contestants quieted down immediately, all attention focused on him.

"Good morning, everyone," Chris announced, his bright tone still shining through despite the situation. "We apologize for having to disturb your practice time, but there is an announcement that needs to be made."

Erik Destler suddenly walked onstage to where Chris was standing without waiting for any sort of introduction. Everything around Christine seemed to disappear as Erik took center stage.

"I'll let Erik take it from here," Chris said before handing him the microphone.

Erik had never really chosen to be the center of attention before. Standing onstage holding a microphone was foreign to him, and he now understood how the contestants must feel when it's their turn to perform. He took a deep calming breath to regain control. Looking around, he wished he could see Christine. She was the only person who could make this situation easier. She had to be somewhere in the auditorium. Perhaps she was sitting in the back... Focusing on that belief, he began, "I'm standing in front of you this morning because I feel it appropriate that you should be the first to know what I am about to say. After giving it a lot of thought, I have decided to step down from judging Pulse."

Christine felt her heart hammering. She barely heard the whispers begin again. Guilt. That was what she was feeling.

"Before you begin to form opinions on the matter, I would like to say a few things." Erik's tone was very serious. Everyone became quiet again. "No matter what you have heard, read, or seen, I want to make this very clear. Do not fall for what the press is saying. Yes, a reporter witnessed something last night that came as a surprise to all of you, but I can assure you that he had a false take on it. I did meet with a contestant, but I am being completely honest when I say that it was the first time I have ever met with her alone. I was responsible for seeking her out. She had no idea. And let me say this- My feelings for this contestant have not caused favoritism throughout this season of Pulse. I have given compliments to those that deserve them. I am not and have never been biased. I know talent when I see it and I judge appropriately. I do not mix personal feelings with judging."

The whispering began again, but Erik spoke over it. "There are many reasons for my resignation. I will not explain them, for I believe they are personal, but I do feel this is the right thing to do." Now it was time to say what he thought was of most importance. "I do not want any of you to blame what is happening on the situation that occurred last night. A contestant and I shared, for the first time, a moment of happiness. My resignation really should have occurred before this season began and I am sorry it didn't. I only wish a meeting that should have been private had not caused such an uproar. I must admit that I am disappointed in the world of entertainment." Before handing the microphone back to Chris, he ended with, "Thank you and good luck to you all." Then, after giving Chris the microphone, Erik left the stage.