Bravissimo

Magnolias and Signatures

September 1884

Christine-

Inside the Opera House foyer, Erik holds Gustave with one arm as Andre and Firmin discuss later performances. "Christine, why don't you choose which opera to perform? You must have a favorite?" Andre says and I smirk looking at Erik. "Well, my fav-" I start to say but can't seem to talk as Erik smiles down at me knowing my favorite is Don Juan. Besides the fact it gives me butterflies when I merely think about it, I got to perform it with Erik, no matter how badly it ended. 

"I like Il Muto, it was Annabel's favorite when she was a baby as well." I say and Erik chuckles remembering the day he came home and heard her trying to do the laugh with me. "It's true, it was." Erik says. "I don't know if the public is ready for Il Muto." Firmin says cautiously. 

"Oh, come now Firmin, that was fourteen years ago! I'm sure it will be fine." I nod truly believing that it will be okay, Il Muto doesn't have to be a bad memory anymore, and maybe it's time for a redo. "Well, now that we're on favorites, what is Gustave's?" Firmin says taking Gustave's hand and shaking it making him smile. 

"He seems to like them all!" I say putting my hands up as Gustave reaches for me. "I actually can't think of any I dislike that your father has made, Gustave. How about you?" Firmin asks Gustave. "No." Gustave says with a smile and a headshake. "Not so much for his mother." Erik says with a chuckle and I cross my arms. 

"It's not that I dislike it dear." I say and Gustave nods along with me and we all chuckle. "See? Listen to your boy." I say and Erik shakes his head, "No I'll listen to someone with the facts. Where's Annabel?" he says with a grin. "Speaking of! I think I hear the crowd getting excited." Andre says and Firmin gives his warm laugh.

We walk outside and a large crowd of people cheer as they see us, Gustave gives a little wave and grins when the people wave back. "Christine!" "Monsieur Destler!" "Are you all here to discuss the next opera?" "Have you written something new for us?" "Little Gustave looks adorable! We'll get to know him more in five minutes than Annabel in thirteen years!" They say and Erik's jaw tightens at the last comment. I put my arm under his trying to console him, I know it's not easy. But we both know keeping her away for so long was the best decision. 

"Christine, where is she? Where is Annabel?" They yell. "A-nna?" Gustave whispers and I nod making him smile. "Is she coming here?" "Where is Annabel?" They continue and Erik lifts his head and nods with a subtle knowing smirk, brings his hand up and points across the street. Everyone looks to where he points and a carriage turns a corner. Standing on and hanging onto the back of it, is Annabel. Her baby blue dress flows in the wind along with her long and curly, dirty-blonde hair. Erik crosses his arms and laughs as Andre leans over and says, "I see you haven't failed in passing on "how to make an entrance," to our dear girl." The crowd cheers and Annabel comes into view with a grin from ear to ear. How excited she must be, not having to go to school any longer focusing solely on what she desires. A decision Erik and I made a while ago, as it seems her talents are being wasted there. How smart she already is amazes me. Before the carriage passes us, Annabel hops off the back and makes her way through the crowd.

"Hello!" "Hello! Good to see you." "Thank you so much, you are too kind." we vaguely hear her saying as she smiles and shakes the hands off her adorers. "A pen? I need a pen." she says and takes one from a fan who then puts his hand over his heart as she uses it to sign the papers, books, top hats, dancing shoes, and anything presented to her to sign. Cautiously keeping a good amount of distance from them but very close nonetheless, as well as being aware of her gloves as she was taught. 

"What a little trooper she is with the people, it's shocking really." Firmin says and I giggle behind my hand. "She's been dealing with them since she was five. Do you remember that Firmin? Andre? Her fifth birthday?" I say and they look at each other and whistle in shock. "Of course we remember, but simply can not believe it was eight years ago." Andre says and I nod. Erik, not taking his eyes off of Annabel and the people around her, has his arms crossed waiting for her to be finished.