Two weeks later...

Sofia woke up, and was more than a bit disappointed to be looking up at the same plaster ceiling. This was not her bed. Which meant that the dream was continuing... Sofia was beginning to wonder if this was a dream... it certainly felt very real.

Goosebumps formed on her skin as she remembered the voice on the rooftop.

"Ready for the show today?" Clara Chirped.

Sofia Groaned and rubbed her face,"Arg. I'm just glad we no longer have to deal with Carlotta."

Clara blew her bangs off her face. "Yeah you gotta admit, Miss Daae does not fit the Prima Donna Stereotype."

"That's for sure!" Sofia chuckled.

"So are you ready for the show today? I'm really excited to see it in person." Clara grinned.

"In person?"

"Yeah aren't you ready to see all our hard work pay off?" Clara asked, powdering her nose at the cracked vanity. "Ready to see Christine shine on stage?"

Sofia frowned, she hadn't really thought about it. But if Christine sang tonight... then that meant tonight was the first time Erik kidnapped her.

"Sofia?" Clara asked, brown eyes meeting hers.

"Yeah. I'm ready." Sofia replied, squaring her shoulders. Determination filled her.

Being the only one who knew of Erik's true nature gave her a sense of control over this story. She had the power to change it. And so that was her duty.

Sofia made a mental note to speak with Christine today. No matter what happened.

The day progressed quickly as Sofia waited for an opportunity to speak with Christine.

Soon said opportunity presented itself.

"Hello. You are one of the seamstresses correct?" Christine asked softly.

Sofia smiled, a little starstruck. "Yes I am."

"I can't find my scarf anywhere, and I am to go on soon." Christine frowned.

"It's just over here," Sofia replied, grabbing the scarf and handing it to her. "But miss Daae, before you go... there's something I'd like to speak to you about."

Christine furrowed her brow. "What is it?"

Sofia inhaled.

"It's about your teacher... your singing teacher."

Christine's eyebrows shot up.

"He is not who he says he is..."

"What would you know about that?!" Christine exclaimed, crossing her arms over her chest.

"He is no angel, he is just a man." Sofia continued.

Christine's pretty face flushed red with rage.

Sofia extended a hand towards her entreatingly.

"I stay in the room beside you. I can hear him teaching you at night."

"You have no right to speak to me this way!" Christine exclaimed.

Avoice coming from the direction of the stage called out, "Christine? It's time."

"I must go. Take care that you do not spread your venomous lies about me. I would never have a man in my room!"Christine glowered.

"Christine that's not what I- Mademoiselle please!"

But it was too late, she had snatched the scarf and was striding purposely towards the stage.

And Christine sung like an angel. Sofia tried to catch up with her after her spectacular performance but to no avail. Soon her arm was snagged, and Clara pulled her back into the bowels of the opera.

"Where have you been? We have things that need mending." Clara reprimanded softly.

"I was just looking for the lady of the hour."

"What? Christine Daae?"

Sofia nodded.

"Surely she has more important things to do than speak to us. Besides, I was thinking we should head out for supper tonight. Well, after we get our pay-cheque that is."

"Tonight?!" Sofia exclaimed.

"Why, yes... unless you have other plans?~"

"I-"

"Oh come on! Some of the other ladies are going, besides Parisian food is always nice right?" Clara practically begged.

Sofia bit her lip. If she wasn't here... Christine would be on her own.

She locked eyes with Clara. Clara elbowed her.

"Come on Soph! Live a little!"

"Well... I suppose..."

"Wonderful! I have just the thing for you to wear!"

by the time they collected their pay, and talked to the other women who were going out, and made it back to the room. the room next to them was silent. Though Sofia listened closely she could not make out the sound of voices.

Clara pulled out a lovely red and pink dinner gown. Little roses adorned the bodice and accented parts of the skirt.

Sofia gazed at it in awe.

"Clara! It's magnificent." She gasped.

"It's just a little something I whipped up out of some extra fabric."

"You're kidding me!"

Clara chuckled,

"...Yeah I am. I borrowed it from one of our co-workers. So try not to spill any soup on it."

Sofia whacked Clara on the arm as Clara laughed at her.

Later as they walked out of the opera house and towards their waiting cab Sofia sighed.

"Hey Soph?"

"Yeah?"

"you've been really quiet...Whats the matter?"

"Have you ever tried to warn somebody about something that you know is going to happen but they won't listen to you?"

Clara's eyes widened, then she frowned a bit. "Yes, but when it comes down to it. You cant make the decision for them. Sometimes people have to make their own mistakes. The important thing is that you tried to help."

"I suppose." Sofia replied.

"So can you try and lighten up? I'm starved and your vibes are killing my appetite!"

"...Vibes?"

"I beg your pardon?"Clara hummed.

"You said Vibes." Sofia replied.

"No I didn't... I said attitude. Are you sure you're feeling okay?"