25Hey! I'm glad that I suprised a few people. Yay. But anyway, my schedule shouldn't be as busy now that prom is over, thank god. It was...meh. Not the greatest thing in the world. And we couldn't find anything to do after we left so we drove around for hours. It was sad. My parents actually came home from wherever they were drunk and I didn't. Quite sad. But anyway...THIS STORY IS A CREATION OF MY MIND. I DON'T OWN PHANTOM OF THE OPERA OR THE ORIGINAL CHARACTERS, BUT I OWN THIS STORY! HEHE IT'S MINE!
The party went suprisingly well. Meg forced Raoul to go to bed before he was too drunk, thankfully. There were a few drunk noblemen who tried flirting with me and Mama, which was actually quite comical. I was quite exhausted when we left, and the moment we got home, I went straight to bed.
The next few weeks were extremely busy. I had ballet practice every day, then I had to work on conditioning my voice for Hannibal. After the first opera was completed, I wanted to take a few days off to rest, but I was not allowed. Practice for Hannibal started the next day.
Finally, it was the opening night for Hannibal, my premire as a singer. I was absolutely terrified. As I sang my biggest solo, Think of Me, I could feel my voice shaking, but I tried desprately to keep focused. After it was over, I took my bows and the rest was a blur. I have no recollection of leaving the stageand fighting my way through the people to my dressing room. The next thing I remembered was my family coming into my dressing room and showering me with flowers and praise.
After a few minutes, they left me to change out of my costume and recompose. I was overwhelmed and there were people banging on my door. I just wanted to be left alone, but Mama told me what to expect, so I wasn't suprised.
I sat down and started taking down my hair, when I heard my door open. I turned to look, only to see Elijah standing there. I smiled and ran up to hug him.
"How did I do? I was so nervous, Elijah! I thought that I was going to faint."
"You sang beautifully. A few of the older patrons, my parents included, all agreed that you looked and sounded exactly like your mother. I'm so proud of you."
"You're embarrassing me! I'm too modest to be in this position."
"That's what I love most about you. It is so easy to embarrass you. It's adorable."
"That's a horrible thing for you to say! You shouldn't try to embarrass me!"
"I can't help it! I tell you that you look beautiful, which you always do, and you get embarrassed." I sighed.
"I'm sorry, then. I'll try not to get embarrassed so much." He smiled and kissed me gently on the lips. Just as it started getting passionate, there was a hard knock on the door.
"Madeline, are you almost finished?" It was Dante. The mood was quickly ruined.
"Yes, Dante, I'm almost finished. You try changing out of these things. It's impossible."
"I'd rather not. Just hurry up. Everybody is waiting and getting impatient."
"It will just take a few more minutes, Dante. Give me time!" I heard him walk away and sighed with relief andElijah looked at me strangely.
"You haven't told them about us yet?"
"I'm sorry, Elijah. Try to understand. It's not that easy. They still think of me as their baby. Just give it time. We've only been 'official' for a short while. I will tell them, though, don't worry. But now, make yourself useful and help me! These costumes are so difficult!"
"You won't tell your parents about us, but you want me to help you undress. This is certainly inappropriate."
"Eli, don't start with morals right now. I really need help. This costume is uncomfortable. Please?" He exhaled and did as I said.
Within minutes, I asked Elijah to leave and I finished changing. I quickly left the room and met up with my impatient family.
"I'm sorry it took me so long, but I had difficulties. I'm very sorry, though."
"It's okay, Madeline, I understand. Those costumes are buggers." I looked at Mama with thankful eyes. She was the only one who truely understood. We started out of the opera house, but before we left, Dante grabbed my arm and held me back.
"Is there something going on with you and Elijah."
"No!" I quickly looked away and nervously started playing with my hair. Dante simply nodded.
"That's what I thought. How long has this been going on?"
"What are you talking about? There is nothing."
"Maddy, you can't hide this forever. People aren't stupid. I've seen the way you look at each other and I heard him in your dressing room. So don't undermine my intelligence. It's insulting."
I sighed heavily. He was right. "It hasn't been going on long, maybe a few months at the most. Officially, that is. I just haven't found the right way or time to tell anyone. I've wanted to tell, especially you, but I just can't put it in words. It's so special, so right."
Dante started walking and pushed me a little get me moving. "Hurry up, we have to catch up. Wait...tell Maman that you want to stay and celebrate tonight. I have to talk to you about this. I'm rather blown away, although I shouldn't be. Everybody has seen it coming for years, ever since you two were tots."
I smiled and shook my head, but ran to catch up with my parents. "Maman, can I please stay to celebrate our great triumph tonight? Please?"
Mama looked and Papa and sighed. "Fine, darling, but I wantdon't want you staying out too late or going alone. If you decide not to come home, stay at your brother's. Do you understand." I nodded, then quickly ran back to catch up with Dante.
"She said yes. Now what did you have in mind."
"I need to talk to you about several different things. First of all, congratulations tonight. You did extremely well, and I think that you have found a permanent position as the leading soprano. Second, rehearsals for the next opera will be in two days, so practice. Naturally, you will get the part since you are the best we've had, but for fairness, you must audition. Third, I need details about...this. You and Elijah. Not just from you, though. Where is he? I need to talk to him, as well."
My mouth dropped. "Dante! You are acting too much like a father right now. He's going to get it enough after I tell Papa so he doesn't need it from you. I'll tell you everything when we get to your flat." Dante smiled at me.
"I got you good. I wouldn't interrogate him. I know his intentions are well. Now let's go. I need to hear about this from you."
Hehe, that's how my brother was when he heard about my sister and one of her boyfriends. My brother is a sweetheart, though, and he has the sweetest girlfriend. Anyway, R&R, I know this chapter was bad. And the title had nothing to do with the chapter. No secret engagement.