Bravissimo

What is Earned

A morning of intense training leaves Annabel clearly satisfied as she smiles and drinks her water, as if she has not in days. Moments before, Alexandra and Annabel spun in perfect sync, though anyone could tell that one was less than happy to be doing so. If only their relationship had been different from the start, what a legendary pair they would be. Annabel converses with the other ballerinas who seem to hang on her every word while Erik and I remain in deep conversation with Antoinette and Durand. Durand more in tune to his silent conversation with Meg across the stage, and I can not help but roll my eyes.

"The choice here seems obvious." Antoinette says with a grin. "The lead no doubt to go to our Annabel. The people see it as well! Ask Firmin and he'll tell you the truth is there in the numbers, more WILL come, if Notre Ballerine performs." "I hardly believe it's fair to simply hand it over." Alexandra speaks up as she approaches us. "And who are you to question it?" Antoinette snaps back. "Someone who wishes to earn said position... Madame Giry." Alexandra says with her bowed and a small curtsy. I look to Erik whos arms are crossed, ready to dismiss her immediately. "I believe that would be fair." Durand says with a nod. What would be fair is you being far away from here, never to be seen again, I think to myself as Erik menacingly walks forward. "You dance for it, then, along side my daughter. That is of course, what you are asking of us?" He says towering over her as she shrinks back into her small figure and slowly nods. Alexandra practically shaking as Erik has never spoken to her like this, let alone at all, and has probably been hoping all this time, that that day would never come. Snapping his cape to the side Erik looks to the small group of ballerinas.

"Annabel." Erik commands and immediately leaving the conversation, Annabel comes our way. Erik steps aside for her and Annabel smiles curiously between the five of us. "Annabel, your fellow ballerina feels she fits the upcoming lead better than you. She feels, that well handing it to you isn't to her liking and that she wishes to compete for it." Antoinette says mockingly and through her teeth, looking at Alexandra as if she were a child. Annabel's eyebrows raise and she looks to Erik unsure, and than to Alexandra. Alexandra stands uncomfortably as she's been put in the spotlight. However one could ask that if she can't handle the attention here, why should she on stage? Annabel takes a breath and looks at Alexandra; "Is what Madame Giry says, true?" She asks sincerely and Alexandra nods respectfully, as Erik remains behind Annabel. "Well, it is not my Opera." Annabel states. A statement we have been noticing has been coming from her a lot, not as disrespect, but to remind those in question that the final decision has never been hers. "I say I would be delighted to oblige, as it seems nothing but fair, however the decision lies with those around us." she says with a small smile. Erik immediately gives a nod as his answer as Annabel looks straight up at him with a smile as he looks down at her. What an adorable photo that would make. I, full of faith, nod as well as Durand, leaving an annoyed Antoinette, who had already made up her mind. But alas she nods as well.

"Might I ask one thing?" Annabel says. "Of course." I say curious. "I wish that Monsieur Durand make this final decision." Taken aback and speechless I look to Erik who does not seem surprised at her request, the two looking at each other as if to read each other's mind. Erik with a stoic look on his face, and Annabel a sweet smile on hers. With Durand making the decision, it would make it impossible for Alexandra to say it is not fair. However, it is very possible Durand has already made up his mind. Erik seems to internally fight with himself in allowing someone like Durand to make such a decision for his opera, let alone his daughter. "If that is what is needed." he answers, each word painfully spoken as he does not look away. "However, do what is expected, or I shall."

Annabel smiles, ignoring her father's sinister threat and her nose scrunches up, just like mine when I smile. The small act makes me happy as the two girls make their way to center stage.