The Miserable Lives in His Past (on hiatus for awhile)

Chapitre Huit

And through music my soul began to soar! And I heard as I'd never heard before!

    -Paris, 1870 ~ Erik's P.O.V.-

    A few weeks passed since Christine first saw me. She would always come into her room at the end of the day for our lesson, and she would expect to see me in the flesh, only to be disappointed. She often talked about her old friend, the Vicomte de Chagny, who was the new patron of the Paris Opèra House. He never seemed to recognize Christine, and it was very distressing to her.
    One day, I was doing my daily rounds of the Opèra House, when I heard some commotion over in the Hannibal rehearsal. All of the music stopped and I heard Monsieur Reyer say, "Gentlemen, Gentlemen." He was very displeased as Monsieur Lefevre entered with two men, Monsieur Andre and Monsieur Firmin. Lefevre was showing the other men around. "We are rehearsing!" Monsieur Reyer, the Maestro, exclaimed.
    Lefevre didn't care. "Monsieur Reyer, Madame Giry. Ladies and Gentlemen! As you all know, rumors of my retirement have been spreading. Those rumors are true." He paused to let that sink in. "These two gentlemen, Monsieur Gilles Andre and Monsieur Richard Firmin, are your new managers."
    "We are honored to introduce you to our new patron. The Vicomte de Chagny!" Andre exclaimed. I scanned the cast to see if I could find Christine, and when I saw her she was talking to Meg about Raoul no doubt. She tried to get his attention, but he didn't even glance her way. I let out a displeased sigh and quickly ran off to write a note for the new managers.
    When I came back, I heard La Carlotta screaming at the new managers. "...I WILL NOT BE SINGING!" She yelled. She then stormed out. I chuckled a little at her arrogance. The managers were dumbfounded. What do we do? Their faces cried. Ha! Christine was so much better Carlotta. Uggh! Carlotta's voice was so atrocious it made me angry! Anyway, the managers persuaded Carlotta to come back and sing. So she did. She began to sing the aria from Act. 3. "Not if I can help it." I muttered. I slithered silently over to above where Carlotta was singing and silently released a heavy beam right above her. It fell on her and she cried out in pain.
    I heard someone gasp and scream, "He's here! The Phantom of the Opera!" I'm pretty sure it was Meg. Oh Meg. Just as everyone was assessing the damage, I noticed Antoinette Giry walking toward where I was. I quietly dropped the note to her. She bent down to pick it up and quickly glanced my way. I nodded at her. She gave me a faint smile as I scurried away.
    Carlotta started another screaming fit. "FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS THESE THINGS DO HAPPEN! AND DID YOU STOP THESE THINGS FROM HAPPENING, NO! AND YOU TWO? YOU ARE AS BAD AS HIM! 'THESE THINGS DO HAPPEN' UGGH! UNTIL YOU STOP THESE THINGS FROM HAPPENING, THIS! DOES NOT! HAPPEN!" She yelled and stormed out not to return. I smirked. Just as planned. Christine was going to sing.
    "I have a message from the Opera Ghost." Antoinette then told them. Monsieur Firmin shook his head and exclaimed, "You are all obsessed!" Antoinette rolled her eyes discreetly. "He welcomes you to his Opera House. He commands that you leave Box 5 empty for his use, and reminds you that his salary is due." Antoinette skimmed the note. "His salary?" Andre questioned. "Monsieur Lefevre used to give him 20,000 francs a month." Antoinette replied nonchalantly. There was however, a slight twinkle in her eye.
    "20,000!" Firmin exclaimed. Antoinette nodded. "Perhaps you could afford more with the Vicomte as your patron." Antoinette said snarkily. I had to hold back a laugh. She definitely said that for my benefit. Firmin then went on to rant about having to refund a full house. Antoinette looked up at me for a split second to see me nod at her. "Christine Daaé can sing it sir." Antoinette blurted out. Christine took a step back in surprise.
    "A chorus girl?" Andre said skeptically. "She has been well taught. Let her sing." Antoinette assured them. "By whom?" Firmin challenged. The best, most prodigious teacher in the world. I thought. "I-I don't know his n-name." Christine stammered. Firmin muttered something inaudible.
    Christine then started to sing. Her voice is so beautiful! I was so proud of my student, and she hadn't even performed yet.
    Later that night, she came into her room, beaming. "Angel!" She called out. "I am here, Ma Cherie." I announced softly. "Can you believe what just happened?" She exclaimed and spun around in a circle. I smiled at her. "And what has happened?" I asked. "I just received the role of Elissa in the Hannibal performance! Oh Angel! I'm so excited!" Christine squealed. I smiled at her. "That sounds wonderful! I'm happy that you get to share your voice with everyone. Just promise me that you will be singing for me, okay? Obviously sing for yourself, but sing for me, too." I requested. She nodded and smiled. "I wouldn't dream of singing for anyone else." She whispered.
    I smiled fondly at Christine, of course she couldn't see it. We continued on with our lesson and soon, it was over. Christine bid me goodnight and I to her. I think that was the first time I realized how much I truly loved her.

Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed this! I like to think Erik has a sense of humor deep inside. Stay tuned for more!