Beauty Of Music

Chapter 15

"He wants you to what?" asked Erik in a stunned tone.

It was now the next morning and Erik came to see Catherine before she had to get on with her duties. The whole night, Catherine barely slept because of all the excitement after hearing Cholet's offer and wanted to tell Erik so badly. But since Erik informed her last night that he would come to see her in the morning she had to be patient and, in the end, she managed to get a few hours' sleep.

"Sing Margarite in 'Faust'" she said excitedly.

"When did he ask you this?" asked Erik as he circled around her.

"Last night, before Christine and I went to bed. It was so unbelievable that I wanted to tell you right away. Though I am glad you have come now like you promised" said Catherine with a beaming smile.

"Well, that's certainly wonderful news. We have a lot of work ahead of us" said Erik as he walked a few steps away from her then turned to look at her.

He was excited for Catherine but kept his emotions in check.

Catherine couldn't stop smiling and she looked at Erik with admiration.

"Oh Maestro, I don't know how I could ever thank you. From our very first lesson you've been encouraging me to follow my dream and now it is coming true" she said.

She began walking towards Erik.

"And to think, none of this would have ever happened without you" she said as she threw her arms around his shoulders and hugged him.

Erik stiffened, feeling Catherine's arms around him, for he had never received such affection from a woman. After a few seconds he began to relax and closed his eyes, taking in her warmth.

XXX

A month soon past and it was now the night of Catherine's Opera debut. During the entire month Catherine and Erik met every night in the music room to practice her arias for the Opera and during the day she would be at rehearsals with all the other members of the company. Ever since the night at the Bistro, Catherine had the support of every member for they saw she was talents as well as a sweet soul, so they all took her under their wings. And now that opening night was upon them, Catherine prays with all her heart that her hard work would make her dream of becoming a great singer come true.

As the Opera House began to fill with patrons, Catherine was in a private dressing room, given to her by Monsieur Cholet, applying her make up. Her hair was licked back into a tight bun and she was wearing a white under dress.

There was a knock at the door.

"Yes?" she called out meekly.

The door opened and revealed it was Phillippe and Christine. Phillippe was dressed in a dark suit with a white shirt and bow tie, in his right hand he held a single red rose. Christine was wearing a navy dress with a military style top.

"Oh Chrissie, Phillippe, is this really happening?" sighed Catherine.

"Of course, it is we have always told you you're wonderful" said Phillippe as he took her by the hand and kissed it and then gave her the red rose.

Catherine looked at the rose and admired it's beauty then sniffed its soft petals.

"You will shine like a star tonight Cathy. Like you were always meant to be" said Christine, resting her hands-on Catherine's shoulders.

They looked at each other's reflections in the mirror and smiled. After giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze Christine let go of her shoulders and left with Phillippe. After they closed the door behind them, Catherine continued to get ready.