The Angel Of Music - |P.O.T.O.|

Think Of Me

Everyone was so nervous and anxious to the great spectacle that would happen this evening. The hearts were beating faster and the theatre was all in an unstoppable motion since last week. The play is called Hannibal, and the final rehearsal was on.

As a matter of fact, there was something that united all of the cast and back workers, and it was their dislike upon the main spanish singer La Carlotta. All in that Opera House knew that she was mean, selfish and always wanted the attention focused on her, and her only. Besides, she had a powerful voice, but her technique wasn't one of the best. And she didn't know how to act at all.

— I can't bare it anymore. — One of the many actors said to the group, which was behind the stage waiting for their time to perform.

— Oh God, neither I. — The other protested. — My ears are bleeding!

The gathering let go a soft laugh. As the rehearsal kept going, the cast blessed the director, who came and interrupted Carlotta's presentation. And, as usual, the maestro got furious.

— Monsieur Lefèvre! I'm rehearsing..!

— Monsieur Reyer, — He raised a hand to the man as to stop him from one more scandal. — Madame Giry, — The director called the administrator and ballet chief. — mesdames et messieurs! Please, if I could have your attention. — all the murmurs faded at last. — Thank you. As you know, for some weeks there have been rumors of my iminent retirement. I can now tell you that these were all true.

— A-ha! — La Carlotta pronounced herself, and the murmurs returned.

As much as Monsieur Lefèvre tried his best to calm the voices, it was a task too hard for him. Suddenly, three beats were heard by all the Opera Populaire, and it couldn't be less than the exemplary Madame Giry, making no effort to silence the crowd.

— Mercy. — The director seemed a bit embarassed. — Where was I? Ah, yes. As I was saying, I am going to retire. And it's my pleasure to introduce you to the two monssieurs who will now own the Opera Populaire. — Soft murmurs came back in astonishment. — Monsieur Richard Firmin and Monsieur Gilles André.

A wave of applause filled the great room in a matter of instants, welcoming the two new directors of the parisian Opera House. Monsieur Lefèvre continued the speech:

— I'm sure you've read of their recent fortune in the... junk business.

— Scratch metal, actually. — Monsieur André corrected, so proud of the conquest.

— They must be rich. — one of the actresses whispered to her friends, giggling upon that interesting thought.

— And we are deeply honored to introduce our new patron... — Richard Firmin spoke with gladness. — The Vicomte de Chagny!

All the clapping hands were now directed to the handsome well-dressed man who appeared from the back of the stage, so very welcomed by everyone as well. One of the many ballerinas widened her eyes in surprise.

— It's Raoul! — She whispered to her best friend, capturing her attention. — Before my father died... at the house by the seal..! — The sweet girl talked as it was a grand secret they both kept. — Well, I gess you could say we were childhood sweethearts... he called me Little Lotte...

— Christine, he's so handsome! — Her friend answered back, giggling.

— My parents and I are honored to support all the arts, especially the world-renowned Opera Populaire. — The Vicomte continued.

Feeling like the new directors needed with all their hearts to know the greatest of the Opera's singers, Carlotta walked up to them with a big smile and one hand extended, waiting to be kissed.