Bring Me to Life

Chapter 05

They were magical days for Erik and Melissa. During lunch, she touched his feet under the table with the tip of her slippers and he smiled to himself in contentment. They made picnics every day. Her father was so fed up with it he was about to protest, but when he saw her so happy, he gave up.

And then, it was over.

Days went by and a selection for the part of Clara in The Nutcracker was announced. Erik was in Melissa's dressing-room with a bottle of champagne and two glasses.

"What is that for?" she asked, surprised.

"To celebrate your success." he said, popping the cork and serving.

"The selection hasn't even happened yet. Isn't it bad luck?"

"Oh, don't say things like that. I know it will be fine."

"You have too much confidence in me."

Then, she saw it. A ring. Shining. Inside the bubbling champagne flute.

"Oh my God!" she started crying.

"Will you marry me? And I already knew your precise reaction."

"That's not amusing! I could have swallowed it! Of course I will!" she exclaimed, running to his arms. Sweet champagne.

And about the confidence he had... He had too much confidence, but in himself.

888

The results were out. And Melissa knew, she just knew she had been chosen for the main part, because she had been outstanding.

But when she saw the announcement...

Clara and Sugar Plum Fairy - Meg Giry

That was impossible. She hugged and congratulated Meg like all the others, but she knew Meg had neither the skills nor the technique. Should she talk to the Managers?

"We all would make an apology card to you, since you are in Sorelli's place and is like a big sister to us," interveneed Little Jammes.

Melissa's French had really improved. Despite the good time they spent together, Erik actually taught her.

"But you didn't get the part because it is well known and said, or either, rumor has it, you are in liaison with the Phantom of the Opera." said a Ballet Rat.

"And he killed Joseph Buquet, brought down the chandelier, kidnapped Christine Daae, he caused all sorts of accidents in the Opera!" started Meg. Then, she suddenly, squealed "Say, you're engaged? What is that ring dangling from your neck? Is it a secret? Is he rich, eh, a baron?"

Melissa rolled eyes.

"Tell me more about this Phantom, Meg," asked Melissa.

Meg took a deep breath.

"I knew it was a lie. Nobody knows much about the Phantom. Only Christine Daae has actually seen him and brags about it all the time, but doesn't say much. I heard he has many heads, one for each occasion, especially one of fire..."

Melissa laughed without meaning to.

"Laugh at your will! But we all know one thing: he looks like Death itself!"

She didn't want to feel it. She felt terrible for even conceiving it. But it was just like Meg had described...

Erik.

Melissa blanched. It looked like she would faint. She needed to hold on to something, or she would fall...

"Melissa, are you feeling faint? Is it the part? I don't want it! I can't dance it, I can give it to you, gladly."