Can I Change Fate?

Part 4

Rose POV

"Everyone in position!" Madame Giry called out as the dancers and actors scurried around the stage. Stretching, I casually looked around, not seeing Abby anywhere. Was she still mad at me for laughing at her? Giving a slight smirk, I turned to see both Meg and Christine head toward me.

"Bonjour," Meg cheerfully hugged me before getting into a stretching position herself. "Have you heard the news?"

I gave a grin. "What? Carlotta finally learned how to sing?" Christine chuckled. Madame Giry suddenly clapped her hands, stopping Meg from giving me her 'news'. The dancers formed a line and started to practice. I followed suit. Thanking my years in gymnastics, I copied the steps with ease.

Looking around for any sign of my sister, I found her talking to Madame Giry. Abby caught sight of me and quickly took her place next to me.

"Where were you?" I asked her casually as we twirled.

Abby sighed. "The doctor wanted to give me some medicine for the pain in my wrist." We leaped in the air and spinned skillfully on the ground.

"How are we going to do this, Abby?" I groaned inwardly. Bringing Christine and the Phantom together is going to be tough....especially when Raoul gets in the picture.

Abby gave me a wry smile. "I'm not going to lie to you. I have no idea."

"Everyone stop for a moment," one of the new directors cleared his throat. Everyone obeyed and waited silently for him to continue. "There is someone we would like you all to meet. Here is the Vicomte de Chagny."

There he came, striding into the room like he did in the movie. His long red hair hung down his shoulders. Smiling widely, his eyes roamed the room before turning to thank the directors. Honestly, what did my sister see in that guy? Smirking, I noticed my sister's dreamy face.

Moving towards Christine and Meg, I gently nudged Christine. "You know him don't you?" I already knew the answer, but as much as I disliked Christine, I hated seeing people down. She nodded sullenly.

"We were childhood sweethearts," she murmured, pushing a strand of her mousy brown hair behind her ear. Raoul then left. Shit! I watched as Abby ran after him. Picking up the skirts of my dress, I followed her.

Think of me

Oh God. Carlotta was singing. I envied the maids who quickly placed cotton in their ears.

Think of me fondly

I had to find Abby before she did something stupid! Looking for any sign of her or Raoul, I jumped when I heard a high pitched scream. Turning, I saw Carlotta struggling under a curtain. The Phantom. Looking up, I saw him peering down at me with those midnight blue eyes through his white mask before disappearing back in the shadows.

Abby POV

I don't know what came over me. Ignoring Rose's warning look, I followed Raoul.

"Wait!" I called. He stopped, confused. His dark brown orbs stared questioningly into my blue ones. "Please, I am a fan of your work..." I started shyly.

Immediately, he relaxed and gave me a kind smile, "Thank you, mademoiselle. I see that you work in the Opera." Taking my hand, he kissed it lightly sending shivers down my body. I giggled softly.

"Yes," I smiled. "My sister and I are dancers."

"What is your name? Do tell," he gazed thoughtfully at me. He wanted to know my name! Taking up all the courage, I could muster, I stared evenly back into his eyes.

"Abby," I said softly. "My name is Abby."

Rose POV

Helping the stagehands push the curtain off of Carlotta, I helped her up. Disgusted, she shoved me off her. "Stay away from me you twit!" Carlotta snapped, brushing dust off her huge red dress. I raised my eyebrows.

Tilting my head, I gave a smirk. "Oh? Well, that's not nice."

"Shut it, chorus girl!" She glared at me, before storming away. "I quit!" She screeched at the director's before stomping off the stage. Sheesh, no wonder Erik hates her. Meg came up to me, rolling her eyes.

"Don't mind her," she sent a glare in Carlotta's direction. "She is always like that."

I laughed lightly. "It's fine. I think I can handle a few insults." I gave Meg a grin.

The smallest of the new two directors wailed. "Now who is going to take the role?" Madame Giry cleared her throat.

"Rose can do it, monsieur."

What?

"Can she sing?" The tall director asked doubtfully. He beckoned for me to come towards him. No! Christine was supposed to be taking this role! Meg nudged me to go forward.

"Sing for us," he commanded. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes. Opening them, I was no longer onstage in the famous Opera House, but sitting next to my father on the piano as he played.

I sung the words softly. They came out effortlessly. My dad smiled gently down at me, urging me on. Smiling, I closed my eyes on the last verse. I was afraid to open them again, knowing that when I do, my father would be gone and I would be back on the stage of the Opera House.

Finally, after a moment, I stared at the gaping mouths of the directors.

_______________________________

She ran after Raoul! Does anybody else laugh their butt off at that? AND PLOT TWIST! Who likes that rose got chosen instead of Christine? If so, slap that vote button in the face, please :)
-Hell's Angel