Merry Christmas, Christine

Erik wanted to give Christine something special for Christmas, something that no one else could give her. Something that no one else would do for her. And that was when the idea came to him: He would get rid of Carlotta for her, so she could be the Prima Donna and get the spotlight she deserves.

The upcoming opera show was about the Nativity. Carlotta, as usual, was playing the female lead, the Virgin Mary. Christine would be playing a shepherd boy. This did not seem right to Erik. Why anyone would cast Carlotta as the Virgin Mary and not Christine was a mystery to him.

Erik wanted to see Christine up there, center stage, singing her heart out. God knows she deserved it. She had the talent. And she would be splendid as Mary. The little ingénue had the sincere innocence and kindness that was needed for Mary’s character. And her sweet soprano voice could break any heart. He did not want to see Christine, yet again, in the background, with her talent going unknown and unappreciated. Passed over.

But Erik had to admit that all of this was not only for Christine. He was also doing this for himself. There was something satisfying about watching her perform. She was his prized student, his muse, his angel. If it was up to Erik, Christine would never be a chorus girl again.

I’ve decided, concluded Erik, Christine will play the Virgin Mary. Carlotta must go.

Erik did many threatening acts to get rid of Carlotta. He sent her many intimidating notes, hoping to impose fear on her. He stole her libretto and other various items for the show to try to provoke her temper. These operations went without success. Becoming annoyed, he finally decided to use the tainted throat spray.

And it worked. Erik overheard Carlotta yelling (with even a more unpleasant voice than usual):

“You expect me to sing in front of everyone like this?!? Outrage!!! Do you want me to embarrass myself?!? This is not happening! Goodbye!”

Carlotta made a dramatic exit, as usual. A true diva.

Erik grinned to himself. Finally, she is gone. A diva never wants to soil her reputation with one mortifying performance, even if that does mean giving up the lead role.

Erik watched Christine as the Virgin Mary from Box 5. Her beautiful voice filled the entire opera house. Erik knew that she was charming her audience at the very moment. She made an excellent Mary. I knew you would be perfect.

By the end of the show, the audience was on their feet, applauding. Christine was beaming. Her smile was wide and her eyes were glowing. Erik was very content in knowing that he caused this, that her happiness was a result of his actions.

“Merry Christmas, Christine,” said Erik, and he faded into the shadows.

The End