998Thank you once again for reading, reviewing and favoring this story. I can't believe it is almost over. I never would have made it past Chapter 1, if it hadn't been for all of you. I can say without a doubt, I'm not ready to say goodbye. Yet we can't dwell on that right now. We have a bunch of things to get to in this chapter and no one wants to listen to my ramblings. So I'll just say one more time that I own nothing and let the drama unfold. Please be advised, this is a longest chapter in the story.
"So you can see why it would be impossible to add another person to the show on such short notice, monsieur. Erik is not the kind of person who reacts well to surprises and I feel it necessary as the director to uphold some semblance of balance. Truth be told, Madame Giry really should have been more involved in the process. She would have reminded me how her brother well…. Gets. We need to be mindful of our artists." Reyes eyed Phillip very carefully, hoping the sound of his knees bobbling did not sound as loudly as he thought they did. At least Antoinette will know I put a stop to this. I saved whatever unpleasant situation was about to occur and not a foreigner.
Phillip got up and went to his desk. He opened the drawer and then looked up at Reyes. "André, I misjudged you. Here, I thought that you were you own man. Instead you let a common female dictate the man you are. You let an inferior being dictate the business affairs of the greatest opera house in the world?" He scoffed. "Indeed this is a shame. All I wanted was something to make my dearly departed brother proud."
"Please Comte, this is business and after further evaluation, I simply cannot have the cast put on edge or unsure of what will happen next."
"You changed the ending before."
"But the cast was aware! It was meant for the audience, so we could take them by surprise. I cannot only have Christine know of the change. The others must…..
"No, André. I suppose you cannot." He stood there with a nonplus look on his face.
For a moment, Reyes thought he had won. "So you understand?"
"I understand perfectly." Phillip picked up the gun that was in his desk drawer, dangling the tag that marked it as a prop. "I understand you are a fool. The same fool I labeled you for when I first set foot in that audacious establishment. You so called directors are nothing more than whore mongrels. Your precious cast is nothing but a flock of infected savages and I will not allow anyone so beneath me, to deny my chance to give Raoul exactly what he deserves."
Reyes should have been more nervous but the fact that the gun in his hand was only a prop, encouraged him to move closer. "Comte, please! I can still honor your dear brother and dedicate the show in his honor."
He laughed and André froze at the sound. "That maggot deserves his place in hell for all he cost me. That is why I am going to see to it that your Prima Donna and her freak are sent there to keep him company. Now then, we can do things my way or the hard way." He pointed the gun at Reyes and grinned. "Are you going to change your mind and help me?"
André was now the one laughing. "Phillip you are not well. Have you lost your mind? The gun is nothing but a farce."
"On second thought, forget all of this."
"See? I knew if….."
Bang. André Reyes body dropped to the floor.
Phillip sighed in satisfaction and blew the smoke from the top of the gun. "You are much too stupid to partner with." He then looked at the gun and yanked the tag off. "No more need for deception, my dear. Tonight, all games are at an end."
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Erik was fuming. He searched for Reyes everywhere but he did not turn up. Finally when he decided to wait for him in the one place he knew he would eventually return, he got more than he bargained for. The door knob turned and Erik was hidden behind the door, ready to pounce on the director the moment he set foot inside his office. Erik waited until the man went to turn on the lantern, when he picked him up by his collar, only to be startled by a very familiar scream.
"What the devil are you doing here, Justin?" He dropped him on contact.
"Me? Erik, what are you doing? Why were you waiting for André?"
"Because I was going to knock some sense into him. How dare he have the gall to change even one cue from my show? What was the meaning of having some random chorus boy sharing Christine's moment where she deliberates her fate? This is an outrage and I will be dammed if I have that beady eyed little man ruin a performance of a lifetime."
"So you know about his change? Meg was here earlier and ransacked the place, trying to find the script. She said that there had to be new directions somewhere."
Erik was now very confused. "How would Meg not know? Are you telling me that no one but Christine knew of the change? Why?"
Justin dusted himself from being on the floor and shrugged his shoulders. "Don't ask me, Erik. While I admire all of you for your passion, this theater life is beyond confusing to me."
Erik then pulled out the script again and re-read the stage directions. "Amita enters Don Juan's home from stage left. She pulls out the revolver and starts to make her way up the stairs. She then stops when she sees her reflection in the mirror. She pauses and ….."
Justin was now on edge to know what happens next. "Yes, go on! Don't stop it there."
He read the next part in silence in order to process what was the inevitable. He then closed the script. "Reyes added that a chorus member, dresses as a villager sneaks in through the open window and pulls the gun from her hand. They struggle and as he knocks her unconscious, he goes and opens the bedroom door firing each and every last bullet to murder the man that slept with his wife."
"Who?"
"The character was in the beginning of the Act 1. He was lamenting over how his wife was drooling over Don Juan." He never looked at Justin. He just stared into the air.
"Erik, why would Reyes agree to such an ending? That's not….. Dear God, he wants you dead. The gun! The gun was going to be real."
He answered matter-of-factly. "Yes."
"But why? What motive? What possible reason?"
"I don't know, Justin. But I have until opening night to find out."
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Days passed and slowly the days turned into weeks. When André never returned, Antoinette worried it was more than just wounded pride. Nadir did his best to track him down but it appeared as if he had vanished without a trace. No friends could comment on his whereabouts, he obviously hadn't come into work and his apartment hadn't been lived in for weeks. The landlady had thrown out his belongings as the rent had fallen due.
What made matters worse was Meg had spoken her fears to Erik and after a heavy tongue-lashing between brother and sister, Antoinette revealed that both she and Nadir were afraid of Phillip's wrath, but neither had suspected this. The moment Christine found out, she wanted to pull out from the opera and make plans to leave Paris with Erik at once. At first Erik appeased her, as he did not want to upset her anymore than she already was. He would wait to convince her of an alternative plan when she was more in control with her emotions. However after a few days, he didn't have to approach her. She knew what he was going to do.
"What are you planning?"
"Amita's last scene. We need to go over this, Christine." He continued to write.
"I told you. I can't do this. It is too dangerous."
"Not if you follow my instructions perfectly and if you allow me to teach you." He put the pen down.
"You were never going to leave with me, were you? Your plan is just to force me to do this scene and hope that all will prevail."
"I don't think having you perform a part you have worked for since you were 13, can be classified as forcing you."
"Angel, why?" She dropped to her knees and pulled his hands to hers. "This is not worth your life."
He brought her hands to his lips and kissed them. "Christine, this is my life."
She pulled her hands away and got up. "You would choose this over our life together? What would make you want to put yourself in harm's way? Are you this selfish? Do you think so little of me or us that…."
He silenced her with a long, slow kiss. He then tilted her head and forced her to meet his eyes "The music is my life, because you are my music. I wrote this for you. Long before I ever contemplated us, I saw you in this part. You wore born to play her and I will not have the de Chagny family take one more thing away from you."
She saw his true intentions. It had nothing to do with his opera. It was for her, it was always for her. Raoul had taken her innocence, her child and for so long her light. Erik did everything he could to bring it all back. Running away would mean he had succeeded in taking something else, only this time it would be taken from him too. Not the glory or the acclaim, but the triumphant in hearing his melodies come to light, by way of his spirit with her voice. The realization hit her and she cried. She cried and fell into his waiting arms.
"Don't you see, Angel? Without hearing you sing, I am already dead."
"The risk….." She could barely keep from having her sobs get caught in her voice. "I can't lose you. I need you far too much, I love you much too much."
"Darling, I will not surrender into that goodnight. I have no intention of dying tomorrow night. I plan on celebrating. My opera will be performed. You will be crowned the soprano of the century, who also happens to be my wife and …" He placed his hand on her very flat stomach. "One day soon, we will celebrate life."
"Erik, you don't know if … I've felt this way before and it was nerves and you can hardly…."
"All the more reason we go and find out together."
"Angel, how can we do all those things if you are not here to share them with me?"
"I'm not letting anyone take this from me. If you say I'm selfish, then I am. I will not surrender or sacrifice anything we deserve. Nor would I put myself in a situation where I could never love you again or touch you again or finally know that we are to be blessed with a child. There is no more time for fear. Do you trust me?"
He was so passionate, so assertive and strong. How could she not believe in him? "I should be the one asking you that. You are putting your very life in my hands."
He shook his head. "My life always has been in your hands."
She embraced him with all she had and then spoke from her heart. "I trust you more than anyone. " She then wiped her tears, getting into character. "Now show me the last scene, maestro."
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Before the performance, Justin had his men surrounding the outside of the theatre and throughout the front and back of the stage. With the help of Meg, they were disguised as town folks and random chorus members, even scenery. As no one had proof of Phillip's plan, they couldn't stop him from entering the theatre. They could however be on guard and ready to attack on command.
Meg was off stage and took notice of the tree bush that had moved a little closer to the left since she started practicing. She rolled her eyes. Gracious, they are not. She mumbled under her breath. "I hope you're right, Justin."
"Of course your husband is right." He placed his hands on her frame and she jumped with fright.
"Don't do that!"
"Meg, it will be alright. I have my men watching the comings and goings. We have Erik and Nadir on alert and Christine knows her part perfectly. However this plays out, our family will be safe."
She wasn't so sure. "What if Phillip decides another way for another day? Are we to be on our guard for the rest of our lives? Am I to constantly practice my turns with some random bush moving and thinking it is all natural, because your guards don't realize that they are to be still on stage?"
In an effort to lighten the mood, he called out to his guard. "Bernard, come at once."
The bush got up and walked over to the couple, causing Meg to laugh while Justin remained composed. "You're not cutting it as a bush. We will do without your presence on stage. Climb up to the railing and keep watch up above, alright. You'll see anyone try and enter from the front that way."
"At once!" Bernard ran off the stage and climbed to the railing.
"Anything else we can do for you, my Duchess?"
She smiled, and went to hug her husband. "It is good to love a member of the royal army. Justin, isn't there a way to arrest him or…." She stopped herself. They had been through this before. "When will there finally be some peace? How can Erik and Christine take any more? I can't even begin to know what Christine is feeling right now."
"Meg, you listen to me. Your uncle and Christine are not the type of people who will just roll up and die. None of us are. That's why we all found one another and made this family our own. We may have to deal with complications and murderous madmen, but we will always have each other to love one another through it. Phillip won't miss any more chances. We will end this all and win tonight."
She nodded and kissed him quickly. "I better go and get changed."
He tugged on her hand. "Christine isn't the only one who will be adored tonight, Meg. Tonight, my wife, Duchess Meg Rushing will be the Opera House's newest reigning Prima Ballerina. When you bow tonight, I will take full possession and proclaim that you are my wife and I couldn't be prouder."
Her smile beamed. "I am lucky I fell in love with you."
"So am I." He kissed her one last time before they parted, and turned to ask one final question. "Tell me, do you dancers follow that superstition about breaking legs too?"
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The house was beginning to fill up. Justin looked up and saw the rope dangling for the final scene. He knew better than to have it displayed like that, so he called attention to the stage hand.
"Boy, that rope should be hidden until the last scene in the final act. See Monsieur Khan in the lighting booth. He will know what to do."
"Yes, monsieur."
He then went to his seat and stopped in his tracks when he saw his cousin, Comte Philip de Chagny sitting down before him. Is fate kind or cunning to have him sitting so close to me?" Their eyes met and Justin had no choice but to trust in fate's kindness.
"Cousin, since when do you engage in the theater?"
Phillip looked at Justin up and down and smirked at his uniform. "Since when do they let our esteemed military spend their nights unattended?"
"My wife is the lead dancer in this opera, or have you forgotten?"
"Your wife?" He took off his hat. "Frankly since you abandoned your real family for this regimen of freaks and whores I lost track of you."
"Do you dare insult my family?" He had his hand on Phillip's suit's lapel.
Phillip looked at Justin's fist around his lapel and looked up at him. "Ranking is everything, Justin. Unhand me now and if you ever touch me again, I will bring your offensive actions up to the powers that be. A Comte ranks higher than a meaningless title duke who married into squalor."
"You disgusting pig."
"I will not stand and listen to such insults. How dare you!"
"You walk out of this theater, you will not walk out alone. Just remember that, dear cousin." Justin brushed Phillip's shoulders. "Enjoy the performance."
Phillip eyed his surroundings and realized that it was now or never. He left his coat, jacket and hat on the seat and pretended to approach the bar. He then noticed that all entrances backstage were either blocked or guarded. He saw the same stage hand that Justin had inquired about the rope.
"Oh boy?"
"Monsieur?"
"I think I have a bit of a problem and I need to discuss this with the stage manager."
"What problem, monsieur?" The boy looked bewildered.
"I found this prop right off the foot of the stage."
"What?" He panicked. He was in charge of props. "Oh no! Monsieur, I was in charge of the props. I was responsible for taking them from one place to the other after this morning's run through. I must have… Please don't tell."
"Don't tell? How else do we get this gun back in its proper place?"
"I could put it back! No one would be the wiser. Please, monsieur!"
"I don't know, boy. What you did was careless. How else will you learn about being more careful?"
"I will! I can! I do! I'll never let another prop go astray again, monsieur."
He faked a smile. "Alright. But be careful. Fortunately it is only a prop." He placed the gun in the boy's hand.
"Thank you, monsieur." I better make sure Madame Dexter has this right away. I'll personally give it to her before the final scene. She won't have to go to the prop table at all.
As he was about to run away, Phillip stopped him. "There is one thing you could do to restore my faith."
"Monsieur?"
"I trust you to be responsible with any future props, and you can trust me to be as quiet as a mouse as I watch from backstage."
"Backstage? But….."
"It's a matter of trust, no my boy?"
He bowed his head. "Come with me, but please be very quiet and don't tell anyone." He then gave him a cloak to wear. "Put this on. You'll blend in better and remember, no talking, right?"
Phillip covered up his head with the cloak. "I wouldn't dream of it."
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Christine sat in her dressing room trying to calm herself from everything she was feeling. Excitement, to be on stage with her Angel, to help him share his music with the world. Anxiety, for she had no idea what tonight would hold. Would they succeed in finally putting an end to the madness? Would they truly be free to embrace their love and keep their family safe? Nervousness, for fear that after all the pain and suffering to get here it still wasn't enough. Was God still seeking retribution?
She placed one hand on her scar. "Little one, tell Mama. Is it really too late?" She then thought for a moment about all the signs she had been feeling lately. True, she had them before and it proved to be nothing but this time it felt different. Was it just wishful thinking? After all, how could she be so soon after her last appointment? What if she really was with Erik's child and something happens to Erik? So much depends on her this evening. At first she was afraid to disappoint her husband but now she was afraid that her errors could cause him to lose his life.
The plan was simple enough. All she had to do was play her part and when the intruder entered, she needed to stall him from going up the stairs. Just a few moments so Erik would have enough time to swing from the rope Nadir planted up above and knock the man down. What if in the struggle he harmed the baby? What if he succeeded in knocking her unconscious for real and Erik would be helpless? She needed to control herself or she would never make it through the first Act.
She poured herself some water and then looked at herself in the mirror. Within seconds as if it were his infamous cue, Erik appeared through the dress mirror and entered as he watched her eye him.
"How is it that you always know when I need your presence to calm me?"
He looked wonderful in his costume of burgundy. The only pity was that he had on his flesh mask but she knew it was unavoidable. He approached her carrying a long stem red rose with a black ribbon.
"This token is usually given after the performance, love." She teased but took the rose and brought it to her lips. She then inhaled its scent. She looked at him with worry. "Do you mean there is a reason why you give this to me now and not… Erik!"
He immediately placed his hands on her bare shoulders. "Christine, no. I came to give this to you because I couldn't resist seeing you once more before the world discovers what I have known for almost 20 years."
She shook her head and traced the edge around his mask that no one could see, except those who really knew him. "My papa told me he would send the Angel of Music to me, but he really sent me much, much more." She kissed him applying all her might to make sure his real lips could feel her to him. "Can you feel that?"
"I felt that. I felt it right here." He placed her hand on his heart. "In mere moments, you will finally take your place again. You will give my music the only voice it has ever desired or deserved."
"Angel…."
"I know you're afraid. So am I but it isn't enough to stop living. We agreed to the plan. I have Justin, his men, Nadir and you."
She looked at him in surprise. "Erik, I could fail. He could push me down. He could be too fast for me. He…."
"He could fall at your feet, as any man with half a heart would. All I need is a moment of distraction. You will not fail and thus we cannot fail. Now let's think past this night. We celebrate. There will be press and parties and….."
"All I want is you."
It was now his turn to be surprised. "But…."
She placed her finger to his lips. "I want to celebrate in our home with you. Then tomorrow I want us to go and see Charlotte. Antoinette made the arrangements and…."
He grinned. "You think it's….."
She lifted her shoulders up and then down. "We need to find out. You were right and I can't think of a better way to celebrate our lives, then learning we created one."
"My lady….." He then noticed her costume. "You're going to wear that?" He went directly behind her.
"What do you mean? This is my costume for first act, you know that. …. Why? Is there a problem with it? Is it…."
He then leaned in and kissed her neck, and with the help of a little magic, he produced a beautiful sapphire and diamond necklace. "I know this wouldn't be something Amita would wear but it is perfect for the Prima Donna to wear after the performance."
She touched it, staring at their faces in the mirror. "It's exquisite."
"Perhaps you can wear this and leave the rest off as we celebrate tonight, love? That's what we should be thinking about, alright?"
She smiled at his teasing. She nodded. "I love you, always and forever." She held back her urge to cry.
"Remember, I will always love you." He then walked out of the room grateful that his mask could hide his tears.
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The end of Act one was an absolute success. Madame Giry believed that the opening night box office numbers were at a record high. The audiences laughed at all the right places and were spell bound by Erik's "Music of the Night." They clapped profusely for Meg's dance solos and everyone couldn't speak more praise in regards to Madame Dexter.
When the cast was not experiencing an adrenaline rush from the cheers, they were facing a new tension as the finale came closer and closer. Meg saw Christine waiting for her entrance to sing her final duet with Erik, and she grasped her hand.
"Almost home free."
She smiled at her best friend. "Meg….."
"Don't! Your father wouldn't have sent you Erik just to have him be taken from you after all you both went through to be together. This is just a complication, as Justin would say. We can take it!" She squeezed her hand again.
"You brought us back together. If I hadn't run into that day on the street….."
"There, you see? It was not all for nothing. Now you better be ready to lip lock with my uncle for all the world to see." She laughed and pushed her along and mouthed that she loved her. As she stood behind the curtain, she noticed something odd.
"You? What are you doing just standing about like that? You are not needed in this scene. Go and help the others! You're late for…" She realized he didn't belong in more ways than one. Why would someone linger about back here? No one would do that unless he was an… Oh no! Intruder. Stay calm. Get Nadir. "Oh you chorus members really don't make me regret leaving the lineup. So lost and so helpless without guidance. " She then causally walked away until she was sure he couldn't see her and ran to the lighting booth.
Erik and Christine sang their final duet and the applause was uncontrollable. The script called for them to break apart and have Don Juan lead her towards the bedroom. Only they wouldn't break apart. They knew that the next scene would seal their fates forever. Instead, Erik kissed her passionately and when he had no choice but to stop so he could grasp a bit of air, he spoke clearly and with firm direction.
"You loved a monster and made him a man. Christine, I need you brave, my Angel. Trust me." He picked her up and carried her off stage as the curtain went down to prepare for the last scene.
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Erik placed her down and started to walk away so she could change. She pulled him back.
"Don't."
"Christine, you must have your moment. I'll be watching." He made a point to touch her one more time. The ladies helped Christine change and the stage hand brought Christine her gun.
"Madame, please. Allow me."
She smiled as the boy looked at her in awe. "Thank you." She looked at the gun and cringed. She was thankful she wouldn't be the one shooting. Keep him safe, papa. Please, he's all I have.
The stage hand saw her looking fearful at the gun and wanted to reassure his crush. "Madame, don't worry. It isn't real. There is nothing to be afraid of." He then took it from her. "Let me show you."
The boy was about to point it right at himself, when Phillip grabbed him by the arm. "That won't be necessary." He yanked the gun from his hand.
"Hey! I told you to keep quiet."
Christine's eyes widen in fear. "Phillip!"
"My dear, Christine. We meet again. You look the same, trimmer maybe since the last time we met." He grinned. "He saw the cast members react in alarm. "Good people. I have no quarrel with you. I only want what is mine. Come, Christine. Let's be a good little thespian and follow the script. If you behave, I promise I won't hurt you…..Yet."
He took her by the arm and rammed the gun into her back. "We mustn't keep Don Juan waiting." He then turned her around to face the cast. "Anyone tries anything. I will kill her on the spot."
Erik couldn't hear anything. There was no music. He couldn't hear anyone enter the stage. He pressed his ear to the door but nothing. From behind him, Nadir whispered his name to ensure he did not attack in surprise.
"Erik, Phillip is backstage. He was watching the whole time."
"Good God! How did he….. Forget it! Give me that rope."
"Wait! He could have Christine. We don't know…"
Suddenly the music played and both men looked at one in another. The plan had to change and fast. If Phillip was backstage, he may already be beside Christine.
"Here, you better put this on."
Nadir, what is this?"
"Let's just say not all theater props are fake. Hurry."
"Erik!"
He heard her scream his name and without a second though, the rope pulled him across the stage and he dropped to his feet. "Let her go!"
"Very chivalrous, Don. That must be why the ladies like you so much. Tell me, Christine would you like to watch while another lover of yours dies? I say you can't be a very popular social call."
Erik stepped toward him and Phillip tightened his hold of Christine. "Don't even try it, Freak. You may have done me a favor by killing that useless brother of mine, but she is the cause of all of it. So I'll make you both a deal. I can either kill her and get my revenge that way, or I can watch her kill you. Either way she will feel pain and that is all I ask."
Justin's men surrounded all of them, but were too paralyzed to move for fear that Phillip would shoot. Erik spoke and he prayed Christine would follow his lead.
"Shoot me."
"What?" She could barely recognize her own voice.
Phillip was surprised by Erik's response. "Did you just say what I think you said? My God, Christine this freak would rather pick death than a life with a whore. I can't say that I blame him."
Ignoring Phillip, Erik continued. "You won't be arrested. Everyone here is a witness that you had no choice. Do it."
"No!" Her entire body began to shake. "Never!"
"Give her the gun, Phillip. She will shoot me."
Give her the gun? She suddenly understood. He wanted her to have the gun and then Philip would be caught. Yet, how could Phillip be that stupid….. "Give me the gun."
Justin motioned for his men to stay put. He had no idea what was happening, but he didn't want to make any moves in haste. He had to trust Erik.
"You aim it right at his heart." Phillip pointed the gun at Erik to show her and then placed it in her hands. "Showtime."
She hesitated and Erik motioned with his eyes to go ahead and pull the trigger. She didn't understand but she had no choice but to trust him. Don't you trust me? I trust you more than anyone. The words from yesterday came flooding back to her.
"Damn it, whore! We don't have all day. Aim for him like this!" He pulled out another gun and before he could be stopped, he shot Erik right in the chest, causing him to fall down.
Christine screamed, running to her husband's side. Justin's guards suddenly took aim and fired on Phillip, killing him instantly. The audience had no idea what they were seeing before their eyes, but when Erik shook his head as he sat up, all they could do was erupt in thunderous applause.
Erik smiled, standing up. "Nadir, I suppose I owe you one. He looked up and then brought his eyes towards Christine. "I told you I had no intention of dying tonight, Angel."
All Christine could do was faint into his arms.
Author's note: According to Wikipedia, bullet proof vests were invented in the 1800s. I'm going to go with that piece of info and run with it. One more chapter left!