The Phantom's Melody (The Phantom of the Opera)

15. Surprise Casting

Premier night went off without a hitch. Christine wooed the crowd per usual, and Carlotta made her jealousy very clear afterwards. Unfortunately for me, I could hear her yelling in Spanish from the other side of the opera house. But soon enough we were thrusted into our next production. I expected rehearsals to start up soon, so I was savouring that time by relaxing, and more importantly sleeping in for an extra hour in the morning. My sleep schedule had been hectic to say the least, so I was thankful to finally get some beauty rest.

"I don't think I've ever felt this happy." I smiled to myself as I laid back on the gondola boat in the Phantom's lair, my arms behind my head.

"Shouldn't you be taking this time to rest?" The Phantom asked.

"What do you think I'm doing right now?" I looked over at him and smiled. "Getting rest around the dormitories is near impossible. Easier to come down here. After all, you're a man of little words."

He rolled his eyes. "So, you've decided to bother me instead of resting in your own bed. How charming." He muttered.

I smirked a bit. "What can I say? Bugging you really brightens my mood." I teased.

He frowned before walking over. "The new production starts this week." He said, his own attempt at small talk I presumed.

I nodded and laid my head back. "I briefly read over the script. Seems like the managers already decided on Carlotta for the lead role." I sighed. "Can't say I understand what they see in her."

"Neither can I." He muttered. "Have you received your role yet?" He asked.

I snorted. "I don't really need a script to tell me that I'm going to be 'Pretty Girl #8'." I yawned and closed my eyes. "Wake me up in three days." I mumbled.

"Lucille..." He trailed off, and then I heard him sigh before walking away. Soon enough I was falling asleep to the sweet sound of his piano.

*~*~*

Pre-production soon began, and with that the end of my little vacation. It had been nice while it lasted, but of course all good things came to an end eventually.

When we all gathered for our roles to be assigned, I stood with Meg and the other chorus girls and ballerinas. Andre and Firmin showed up, along with Raoul who oversaw the beginning of most productions, and Christine stood beside him while Carlotta kept to Piangi's side. Madame Giry watched everyone as usual, but she seemed more tense than usual.

"Of course, Signora Carlotta Giudicelli, our most talented sapprono, will take on the daunting task of our leading lady." Andre beamed, obviously kissing up to the diva in order to get on her good side. I had to refrain from rolling my eyes.

"Signor Ubaldo Piangi will be providing the voice of the male lead," Andre continued, "and Miss Christine Daae will take on the role of the supporting lead."

Madame Giry stepped forward suddenly. "Messieurs, I have a suggestion if you'd please." She said as she leveled them with her gaze. I couldn't help but notice the small piece of parchment in her hand, stamped with a red seal of wax. I swallowed.

Firmin sighed as he looked at the Madame. "And what suggestion might that be, Madame Giry?"

"It seems like the public adores our leading ladies, Miss Daae and Signora Giudicelli, but perhaps we could introduce someone new to the production." Suddenly her gaze was on me. "Perhaps a Miss Lucille Atelier." I tensed up, automatically taking a step back.

Andre looked over at me and scoffed. "Another chorus girl? Don't be ridiculous."

Madame Giry walked over to me and pulled me forward. "She's a promising talent, Monsieur." I didn't stop to think about how she would know that. Quite frankly, I was scared to ask. "Need I remind you how well my last chorus girl turned out for you?"

Firmin and Andre exchanged a look. "As wonderful as your suggestion is, Madame Giry, we don't have any open roles--"

"You still have yet to cast someone for the role of the contraito. Miss Atelier would be a perfect fit." She reassured them. I shook my head, parting my lips to say something, but she cut me off before I could. "Let her sing for you, Messieurs. She may surprise you."

I felt their gazes scrutinize me for a moment, and then Firmin sighed. "Fine. What more do we have to lose at this point." He muttered.

Madame Giry nodded and guided me forward to the center stage. I threw a look in Christine's direction, but even she couldn't save me right now. I felt my stomach twist with nervousness as I stood there, Monsieur Reyer waiting for further instruction. "What song will you be singing, Mademoiselle?" He asked me.

I swallowed, forcing myself to remember what the Phantom had told me. I can't be nervous. Just take a deep breath. You can do this, Lucille.

"Habanera, Monsieur. From Carmen's opera." I said, raising my chin so everyone could hear me loud and clear.

He nodded and struck up the music. I took another deep breath and closed my eyes for a second as I imagined the Phantom's gentle hands on my shoulders as I sang. I smiled a little to myself, suddenly feeling relaxed as I opened my eyes and started singing.

"Love is a rebellious bird

That no one can tame,

And it's in vain that we call it

If he agrees to refuse."

I recalled to mind every technique that the Phantom had taught me over the past eight months, letting my voice soar. When I finally finished the song, I looked down and closed my eyes, my heart hammering in my chest. I was afraid to hear what they would say, but even more than that I wondered if the Phantom was listening right now. I wondered what he thought of his student; his friend.

"What a promising gem, Madame Giry." Andre beamed as he stepped forward. "It seems the Opera Populaire is full of several hidden beauties, don't you think, Firmin?"

Firmin nodded in agreement. "So it seems, yes." He looked me up and down. "She's quite beautiful, too." He commented.

"I expect that you'll fill the role with Miss Atelier, Messieurs." Madame Giry said as she returned to my side.

The two of them nodded. "Yes yes, of course. We shall send over the script by this evening." Firmin said as they quickly returned to announcing the rest of the cast.

I just stood there, puzzled by everything that had just happened. I turned and looked at Madame Giry, my eyes full of so many questions, but she didn't even give me the chance to ask her anything. "Don't disappoint me, Miss Atelier." She said before walking back over to the chorus girls and ballerinas.

I just stared at her retreating form and then my gaze flicked up to the rafters above us. I pressed my lips together, noticing a shadow moving. Quickly I ran backstage, taking the spiraling stairs up to the catwalk above. I peered through the shadows and bit my lip for a second. "Phantom!" Suddenly one of the shadows stopped and I felt butterflies flutter in my stomach. "It was you, wasn't it?" I asked quietly.

His silence was the only answer I needed. I felt tears prick the corners of my eyes as I crossed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around him from behind. I felt his form stifen, but I didn't let go. I closed my eyes, burying my face into the back of his cloak. "Thank you," I whispered.

"Lucille!" I heard Christine call from below us.

I blinked away my tears and pulled away from the Phantom, quickly running over to the stairs. I glanced back at him once more, smiling to myself before I ran downstairs to where Christine was looking for me. I had to stop myself from crying when Christine hugged and congratulated me.