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Christine looked at Carlotta, still standing quietly by her. "Well, I congratulate you on getting the Countess role, Signora." She said half-heartedly. Truthfully, she could care less. Heaving a sigh she walked to her own place on-stage. She looked at Carlotta, then at the undrawn curtains, taking her place on stage.

(Do forgive the short-ness -bows apologetically-)

(( Um, I'm on vacation in New Jersey. I'll be back on Saturday. Until then, I can't be on the comp. I'm using the motel's comp. Um...can you appoint an understudy to play Meg while I'm gone? ))

((I don't mind at all. I'm used to playing multiple characters.))

Carlotta beamed as the curtains opened and the crowd cheered as the Opera began. she played well, keeping in character, the silly grin on her face.

"Serafimo - your disguise is perfect. " she sang whole heartedly, adding some wavesofher fan for effect. she looked over to the 'door' as one of the sound effect persons implimented the knocking sound as if her husband really was knocking on the door. She pretended to look suprised. "Who can thisa be?"

Don Anttilo calls from behind the props. "Gentle wife, admit your loving
husband." he walked ontot he stage, wving his own fan, accompanied by his smaller counterpart. "My love -" he started. "I am called to England on affairs of State, and must leave you with your new maid." he turned to the audiance, covering hismouth with his hand for his aside. "Though I'd happily take the maid with me." he said, making the audiance laugh.

((Not that Reyer's all that important to the main plot, but I'll be outta town for the next couple of days. Feel free to use him while I'm out; I'll check back in when I get home.))

((My bad. I just thought you'd give a general statement for the go-ahead.))

((Yeah, we good. Just wasn't sure if everyone was where they wanted to be yet or not. Despite the fact that I read all the posts, my memory is only good for a couple of minutes.))

((More characters just mean a longer post and more fun.))

The orchestra struck up, echoing dimly in the hall Antoinette was occupying. Everyone had settled down to watch the Opera or scope out who was at the Opera. Occasionally she would hear feet shuffling from boxkeepers who had been ordered to get their occupants a drink or whatever else they wanted at that moment.

She was glad the Viscount was not saying anything to her, but she assumed he was just here to make sure Christine was alright. Quite a few people had come to her, worried about the brunette. She had seemed so distant since this morning, but she told no one of the real reason. There were so many reasons to stay quiet and not enough ones to spill the truth. Even Meg knew nothing. At least, she hoped her dear daughter knew nothing.

~~**~~

When the orchestra struck up and the curtains pulled back, Reyer gave a face to the trio in outlandishly white makeup and bright costumes as they strolled to downstage right and the woman out of the trio began her lines from behind her ever-moving fan.

"They say that this youth has set my lady's heart aflame!"

One of the men, a tenor, added, "His lordship sure would die of shock!"

But then the other man countered, "His lordship is a laughing stock!" And the audience chuckled a moment.

But the woman again made her presence known. "Should he suspect her, God protect her!"

"Shame! Shame! Shame!" The trio finished in unison. Meg scurried onstage, making the same gestures as the trio were. She too was in a silent role, but it was better than fumbling about with the dancers tonight. The ballet was going to be a sight if the sheep kept up their antics.

The curtain pulled back on the "bed" that was visible upstage center where La Carlotta as the Countess was "kissing" Christine who was playing the page boy. The crowd again laughed at such an over-dramatized scene before the Italian woman sang her part. A "knock" came on the door that was set up on stage right where Signor Piangi walked in, dressed as the Count.

Meg could only watch, trying to keep in character like the trio she was standing with, making faces at the "scandal" before them and little gestures as if they were trying to say something.

All she wanted to do was get off this stage. She felt like she was too close to the edge of the stage.

~~**~~

Ah so the noise went on as planned.

Joseph sipped his little flask quietly, watching from the flies. The moron they had appointed to work up here had gotten ill and nearly fell over from nausea. So here he was, watching the nonsense occurring below him as he tried to get a good view down Carlotta's costume. Corsets were a blessing.

A few men offstage were argueing over how the curtains had been pulled back, but a quick spit of the alcohol on both men shut them up. Joseph was waiting for something weird or bad to happen. He knew about the Phantom wanting Christine for the role of whatever Carlotta was playing (poodle wig lady? whore? he didn't know or care) and since his "idea" had been rejected something screwy was bound to happen.

He didn't know what was so damn grand about Mademoiselle Daae. Her chest was small as the rest of her and she was a little too pale for his taste. Not to say she wasn't a looker in herself, but he'd seen better on the street corners. Oh well. Not his cup o' tea.

Leaning over the railing, Joseph took another swig from his flask and then popped the cork back in it, swishing the burning liquid around in his mouth. When he couldn't take the burning sensation anymore, he swallowed and let loose a small belch.

Damn, looked like tonight would be another noisy, boring performance.