Erik

My dress for Christine was nearly complete. Only a few touch ups on the skirt, and it was to be ready. Since she finally decided to accept the role of Cinderella, I was going to be in charge of her costumes, accessories, props and anything else she needed.

Her dress was to be the finest, and the most beautiful of them all. Her tiara had real diamonds and crystal, as well as silver. It wasn't easy, but worth it to see the tiara upon her head, especially the dress and accessories she was to wear.

My clock rang, announcing the start of the first real Cinderella rehearsal. "Well, time to watch my lovely Christine in action."

I made my way up to the theatre, finding everyone else gathering for the first dress rehearsal with ball gowns and tuxedos. My Christine walked in with her friends, a frown upon her face. Tear stains covered her cheeks, and her eyes were red. She had been crying.
Anyone who approached her, she denied them contact or speech. instead, she continued her path. The director approached her. To my surprise, she stopped to hear what he had to say.

"Christine, I know you didn't want to accept this role, but-"

"No lecture please. The only reason I chose to do this is because of the phantom," she interrupted briefly.

He sighed, nodding. "Of course. Do you have the lines and music?"

"Yes. I have studied them as well as the music. The choreography I already have," she explained.

Jesy ran to the two of them. "Mr. Ryan, there is a problem you must look to immediately. No time to explain."

He ran off with her. Christine studied her script carefully, reviewing the blocking and lines she had. "Oh my Christine. Don't be so glum," I pleaded quietly.

The one playing the Prince tapped her shoulder. "Hello. Christine isn't it?"
She nodded silently.

He smiled, holding out his hand. "I'm Jackson. I play the Prince," he introduced himself.

She smiled lightly, shaking his hand. "Yes. His royal highness, Christopher Rubert, Windemer Vlademir, Carl Alexander, Francois, Reginald Lancelot, Herman Gregory James. Pleasure to meet you."

He chuckled, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Um... So, how are you doing with all of this phantom stuff?"

She shook her head. "Jackson, I don't mean to be rude. But, I do not wish to discuss him. If I do, I think I will explode."

Jackson raised his eyes. "No problem. We won't talk about it. No problem with me."

Christine eyed him carefully, smiling slightly. "You certainly seem like an awesome guy. I've heard you sing. You're very good, as well as your dancing."

Immediately, I could see the affection in her eyes. It was causing my anger to boil. "Not him. Not him. You belong to me."

Luckily, the director appeared. "Alright. Places everyone. Let's get this going. Christine, you know what to do."

She nodded, going to the wings.

"Pleasure talking to you," Jackson added, going to his place.

Christine didn't quite have her costume yet. I was still working on the adjustments for making it turn into a ball gown on stage. The orchestra, started, and Christine became a completely different person. She was smiling, and completely in character. Such a beautiful young lady.

Her part finally came up.

It makes you wish
That the world could be
As lovely as it knows

They continued onto the next scene, where the men were practicing with their swords. It looked good, but some of their footing was off. With me being a skilled fencer, I was going to be strict about it.

But I decided to spy on Christine. She was sitting in a little chair, looking over her lines, as I knew she would. She was using her time responsibly, as I expected her to. I could tell she was still flustered. Her actions and facial expressions showed it.

My head shook in disappointment. "Come my Christine. Where is that beautiful smile you possess?"

After rehearsal, she went to the dressing room, helping other girls adjust their ball gowns. That gentle touch and elegant work was rather admirable. Alyssa stormed in, screaming her head off.

"AH! Christine Daae!" she pointed a sharp finger at her.

Christine stood, putting down her needle and thread. "Alyssa, it wasn't-"

Before she could finish, Alyssa slapped her across the face. "That is for stealing my role."

My love rubbed her aching cheek, looking rather surprised at Alyssa. "Why are you blaming me? I didn't have a choice."

Alyssa slapped her other cheek, giving me more anger, and my love more pain. "You are behind all of this. I know it. You may not be admitting it, but you are guilty."

Christine shook her head. "Vous avez pas le droit de me blâmer, Alyssa. You have no right to blame me."

Mckenna stepped in front of Christine. "Leave her alone, Alyssa. You have no proof she is behind any of this. I suggest, you leave while you still can."

"Mckenna," warned Christine, "Violence is never the answer. Just leave it be."

But Alyssa left the room without another word. Everyone was silent, too afraid to say anything. "Well, that was quite a show," blurted out Ella.

Christine grabbed her things and walked out with her friends. They were planning to hang out after rehearsal. I had no problem with it, until that boy appeared at Christine's side. Not Raoul, but Jackson.

"Hi Christine. How are you?" he asked nervously.

She smiled, putting a curl behind her ear. "I'm a bit flustered at the moment. But, I will live, I think."

He chuckled, looking down at his feet. "Uh... I was wondering..." he started. "Would you... Like me to help you with the dance?"

Christine smiled, nodding gently. "I would like some help."

Both of them were a bit nervous around each other. "Great. Uh... Do you want to meet-"

"Why don't you hang out with us?" she said quickly. "We can talk. You can join us, if you want."

My anger was at its peak, about to overflow. That was the last question I wanted her to ask him. "What? No Christine. Why would you do such a thing?"

Jackson beamed with happiness. "Sure. Let's do it. Where are we going? I'll pay."

Cory stepped up. "Whoa Jackson. You don't need to pay. You wanna chill with us, we pay."

He tried to argue, but Ray came in. "No back mouth Jackson. You listen to us. We pay."

Since him saying yes, my anger was overflowing by the second. "If he touches my Christine, another fatality may happen."

The six of them started walking down the street together. Christine was talking to Jackson most of the time. I decided to follow her. I know, it's considered stalking, but I loved her, and still do. I wanted to protect her. That was what I was going to do. With a black trench coat grasping me, and black fedora disguising my face, I walked a few steps behind the group, staying out of sight.
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Thank you all for reading my story. I know it's moving a bit slow, but action is coming up soon! Promise!
My next story is one of these three genres.
- Fantasy
- Historical Fiction
- Fanfiction
Which one?
Luvs to all from ME!
God Bless!