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

Part 13 - Rehearsals and Plans

       

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

Part 13 – Rehearsals and plans

          "Poor fool he makes me laugh, ha ha ha ha ha .."

          Rehearsals in the theatre meant that Desiree and other workers have to put cotton balls in their ears to tolerate Carlotta's high pitch while cleaning the stalls in the auditorium. Although the managers decided to put Carlotta in the leading role, the lack of another qualifying soprano and Raoul's insistence led to Christine being cast as the understudy. Monsieur Andre and Firmin could not subject Raoul's decision as they were now aware of Carlotta's mood swings. Naturally, this was poorly received by Carlotta, who complained that it is unnecessary and she won't miss any show, even if she fell ill. Moreover, poor Christine had to tolerate Carlotta's condescending remarks whenever it was Christine's turn to rehearse.

          "NO, NO, don't put your hands on my neck, you little fool!! How many times have I told you I cannot sing when someone is touching my neck???"

          Desiree sighed as she heard Christine apologizing faintly and Carlotta continued patronizing her.

          "Can't even act properly in silent role, how can she sing and act .... amatrice(amateur) incompetente(incompetent) ... wonder how she got the role ...."

          Desiree did not know how Christine could take such talk but she was shaking with fury at Carlotta. ('If I had a lasso, I would gladly use it on her now'), she thought, gritting her teeth. Unable to listen any longer without interrupting them and causing a scene, Desiree stopped her work and left the auditorium.

Desiree also noticed that Madame Giry was always in a bad mood since the managers decided to disobey Erik's demands. She remembered that in the story, Madame Giry warned the others not to go against the Phantom, to no avail. These days, the ballet mistress walked around with a permanent scowl on her face and she looked older with worry lines on her forehead. The gloomy mood could be felt all over the theatre, even usually cheerful Meg and Clara were anxious, going about their jobs wordlessly. Desiree passed the ballet girls silently practicing, heading for the store room for more cleaning supplies and almost stepped on a figure lying on the floor.

Upon close inspection, she found out that it was drunken Joseph Buquet, who was half-collapsed on the corridor. Desiree remembered that ironically, he was the only cheerful one in the theatre nowadays. He lifted his red-rimmed eyes and sneered at Desiree.

       

"Ahh... tis' you... the lady-boy. ..Ya think us unworthy of yer company. don't ya?....," he slurred.

Desiree felt cold seep into her spine at his words. She looked around the corridor. Fortunately (or unfortunately) for her, it was deserted. Trying to sound pissed-off despite her trembling hands, she asked gruffly,

"What do you mean? How dare you call me lady-boy!!".

Buquet grinned and his dirty teeth made Desiree felt queasy.

"Well.... ya look awful like a lady and ya always loitering around girls like Clara and Meg. Always hiding behind Madame Dubos's skirts to avoid the heavy-lifting. Ya must have been quite the Mama's boy back home. Don't let me catch you when I am sober, I might teach ya proper lady manners, Monsieur Pretty-face, hee hee hee.", he drawled.

Disgust twisting in her belly, Desiree seethed,

       

"You know what? Men like you are what make me prefer the Opera Ghost over normal people."