Your Voice

Chapter 16

Hello! Sorry I haven't been updating recently. School just started. But thank you for your kind comments and keep voting! Enjoy!

Christine

"Sir," I walk up to the stage manager, Erik right behind me. Unlike when I first got here, the stage is packed with performers. The dancers are stretching, singers are warming up, artists are fussing for what seems like the millionth time over the backdrop. Along with the cacophony of singers warming up and the noisy clicks and stomps of those running from wing to wing, I hear the orchestra warming up for rehearsal: the strings being tuned, brass instruments being blown.

"Ah! Miss Daae, Mr Y, what can I help you with?" he asks us after spotting us squeezing out of the crowd. Erik hands the sheets of music to him. The man flips through it eagerly; ever since Erik started selling his music to him, his theatre has been thriving.

"A duet," says Erik, locking his fingers with mine, "that Christine and I will be singing."

"Could I hear it?" The stage manager hands back the music and Erik agrees. Together, we walk out of the chaotic auditorium. The noise fades as we exit and I appreciate the few moments of silence. The stage manager invites us into his office, and motions for us to sit at the piano. The once barren walls are now decorated with gleaming plaques and awards. All this came after Erik and I joined the company. Gladly, I stand next to Erik, who readies his hands on the keys.

"Whenever you're ready," says the stage manager, taking a seat. We glance at each other and nod.

Once upon another time

our story had only begun

You chose to turn the page

and I made choices too

Once upon that other time

we did what we thought must be done

and now we have no choice

we do what we must do

We love, we live

We give what we can give

and take what little we deserve

Once upon another time

I knew how our story would end

and maybe I was wrong

but now the moment's gone

Were it still that other time

I'd make time itself somehow bend

But now I'm not that strong

and time keeps moving on

We love, we live

we give what we can give

and take what little we deserve

We love, we live

we give what we can give

and take what little we deserve

Once upon another time

"Spectacular!" The stage manager applauds, "I'll have this right after Miss Daae's aria, is that alright?"

"Yes," I take Erik's hands, beaming.

"Oh, and one more thing we need to discuss."

"And that is?" Erik turns around.