Bravissimo

Don't Take Him

Erik-

I lie here awake, waiting and thinking. What will tomorrow bring? Will her singing be the same as when I was unknown to her? So much has changed, and I can't help but wonder; will she still sing as she did before? Will she still love it the way she always has? I hear her laugh and it warms my heart causing me to smile. 

"Hush now Meg!" Christine says walking in with her friend. 

"Sorry, sorry." Meg answers, "Okay, however I really did like that second house though. And my dearest friend you would be so close! It's so perfect, for both of you." Meg says excitedly. 

"Can I tell you a secret?" Christine says. 

"Always." Meg answers. 

"I really, really liked it too. But Meg this is... a big change, and though Erik wanted it, it just needs to be his final decision. We need it- I... need it to be his decision." Meg sighs. 

"Can't we go look at more it's early, Christi-" Meg must have stopped at Christine shaking her head for an answer.

"Christine, just dinner and dancing! I miss you, your friends miss you, so does mother." Meg begs. I get up and stand in the corner and watch. Meg takes Christine's hand. "Christine, please Monsieur De-" 

"Is asleep! So please, you must be quiet." Christine says hushing her friend once again. 

"It's only 8 o'clock." Meg says lowering her face immediately regretting it. Christine smiles and lifts her young friends face. 

"It's 8 o'clock, yes. So you remember." She says. I cross my arms and smirk to myself, as Christine remembers my rules. 

"Like you said so much has changed-" 

Christine, with all the patience in the world for her friend says. "Not this, this is different." And in an even quieter voice she whispers. "The Angel of Music, is very strict." 

"He's strict... I know, I know." Meg says sadly. 

"It's not like this is against my will Meg. It's time." Meg nods her head and heads to the broken mirror. 

"I will see you tomorrow my friend." Meg says and walks away. Christine takes a deep breath and walks right passed me, when she sees the bed is empty she puts her hands on her hips. 

"Well, I know YOU didn't forget mon chéri." She says and turns around to see me. I smile and take her hand walking her to the piano. 

"You remembered." I say. 

"Of course my Angel." This will be the first time I'll be teaching her face to face, and we both know it. 

"Think of me." I say and she nods her head and faces the water. She begins to sing and all my worries from before completely leave. It's the same as before maybe even better, she's more relaxed, familiar, and happy. The few times I correct her she looks at me as she always has, and I still have the same effect, as I'd hoped. Being able to stand next to her and show her, have her listen, and put a face to the voice, was like nothing I ever thought this would be. And when we sang together, no fear of the unknown, and the comfort of having each other there, was what I always wanted.

Christine-

"It's today. Erik, the first concert this is it." I say. Us both getting ready after a night and morning of practice. 

"Yes my dear, I simply can not wait. You, out there, singing for me." 

"And only for you." I say with a smile. "You'll be in box 5 yes, my love?" I ask. 

"The best place to watch you from dear." He says giving me a kiss and I deepen it. "The concert..." he says. 

"Yes?"