The Phantom's Daughter

14. Pre-Performance Nerves

After a week of intense rehearsals, the phantoms opera was finally ready to be performed.
"I guess this is it" Christine said quietly.
Elise and Christine were sat in her dressing room, awaiting the start of the show.
They were both in costume, and they could hear the audience members taking their seats.
Meg was running some last minute errands for her mother, so she wasn't with them.
Earlier that evening, the phantom had left a black rose in Christine's room, which was his way of wishing her good luck.
He had also left Elise a small note as well, telling her to break a leg, and make him proud.

"I suppose it is" sighed Elise.
"Did you see the security measures that the directors have put in place" asked Christine.
"Yes. Madame Giry tried to usher me away before I saw the police arrive with their guns, but she didn't succeed" admitted Elise.
"I'm sure they don't mean to actually kill your father"
"They see him as nothing more than a monster and a murderer. So I expect they'll shoot to kill".
Christine stood up and placed her hand onto Elise's shoulder.
"Maybe if they knew the truth about you, they would see him in a different light. Buquet's death could be seen as your father's way of protecting you" suggested Christine.
Elise shook her head, "Revealing my secret won't help either of us. It'll just ruin me. And I don't think he'd want me secret to come out, even it would make people more sympathetic towards him. My father is a murderer, and nothing will ever change that".

Christine sighed, "If you're sure that you're making the right choice".
"I am. And promise me that no matter what happens tonight, you won't tell anyone my secret" begged Elise.
"I promise. I would never betray you like that" replied Christine.
"Thank you... I know it can't be easy, being my friend, and also being scared of my father"
"It's not easy. But I do it, because I don't want to lose you as my friend"
"I'm glad that I have such a good friend then"
"So am I".

"Do you think you're ready to perform tonight?" Questioned Elise.
"I don't think I'll ever be ready. But I want to get this over and done with" admitted Christine.
"I have to admit, that after years of watching him write at his piano, I'm excited to finally get to hear his opera, properly. Because nothing sounds the same in rehearsal as it does on opening night" revealed Elise.
"You mean you've seen where he writes, in his underground home?".
Elise bit her lip when she realised that she'd said too much.
"No. But I've walked in on him playing in some of the practice rooms, since he doesn't bother hiding himself, if it knows it's only me who's going to see him" she lied.

"Oh. Right" mumbled Christine, not quite believing Elise.
"Anyway, it will be nice to see and hear it all come together. He is really good at creating music" admitted Elise.
"Yes, his songs were always so enchanting, which is why I thought he was an angel"
"Some people are just born that talented, and music is a part of them. I never had that gift. Possibly because I'm too much like my mother, who was not a music lover from what I've heard. I can't be sure though, because I have no memories of her"
"I'm sorry. It can't be easy not remembering your mother. I miss my father like crazy, and I'm so thankful for the memories that I have of him"
"She died straight after my birth, and since I can't remember being a baby, I don't have any memories of her. I don't even know what she looked like".

"You parents may have brought you into this world, but we are your real family; me, Meg and Madame Giry" insisted Christine.
"I know. And I've no idea where I'd be without you three" agreed Elise.
"I had a family before I came here. But I'm so glad that I found another when I arrived"
"I just hope that we can all still be a family, once this is over"
"I will still be part of your family, once I've married Raoul. Nothing will change that"
"That wasn't what I meant. I don't mind you leaving us for him, because you love him. But I am worried about what my father has planned. I tried to get it out of him during the week, but he didn't give anything away, which scares me, because he really is capable of anything"
"I know. And I'm scared too".

"But I guess there's nothing we can do, because it's too late to back out now. We have to go through with it" sighed Elise.
"I didn't want to do this, but Raoul forced my hand. He said that this was the only way to free myself from the phantom" revealed Christine.
"It seems to me like he cares more about catching my father, than he does about your own happiness and wellbeing"
"I'm sure that's not true, it only seems like that"
"I hope so, for your sake, since you're the one who's marrying him".

Suddenly the orchestra began playing the overture, which made the girls jump.
A second later the door opened and Madame Giry walked in.
"It's time" she announced.
Christine and Elise both shared a nervous look.
"Good luck" mumbled Elise.
"Thanks, you too" replied Christine.
"Well then, let's get this over with" sighed Elise, as they all headed out the dressing room and began making their way towards the theatre.