Scars of the Soul

An Arrival

         "Adrik, have you ever wondered what life will be like in Paris?"

        My brother glanced back at me from the railing for a moment, before a ghost of a smile graced his face.

           "I think we'll be safer there," he answered. "I know how hard it is for you to have a reputation follow you and hurt you."

          "Aren't you worried? I mean, you had a career as a composer you could have still pursued."

          "Hey, I'm not the musician in the family. That's you. Besides I can always write for someone else if I feel like it."

          I laughed at my brother's reply and turned to our small stack of suitcases.

           "Will you indulge me in a performance before you swear off music forever?"

          Adrik grinned at me, before picking up a music case. "Only if my dear sister plays a duet with me." The strangers on the deck around us milled about, currently giving us no heed.

          "How can I refuse?" I grinned as I picked up my flute case. "What song should we play?"

          "Whatever comes to your heart. We have no music stands and it will be easier than trying to find two copies of the same music. Do you want to follow my lead or do you want to lead?"

          As he took out his violin and began tuning it, I thought it over. "You lead this time. I'm not sure what sort of melody I want to make." He nodded at me, then tucked the violin under his chin, ready to play. I raised my own instrument to my lips, watching for his first movement.

          The music that soon sprang forth was a cheerful tune, but the cheerfulness of my flute was matched with the melancholic cries of Adrik's violin. It felt like it shouldn't have blended, for something so cheerful and happy as my melody should be matched with something equally cheerful. Other passengers began giving us more and more attention and I realized we had gathered quite the crowd.

          Adrik took a short moment to observe our audience before cutting the melody off with a dramatic crescendo. He smiled at me, ignoring the crowd's pleas for more.

         "It's too bad you won't be performing with me in Paris," I whispered to him, nudging his shoulder. "They loved it!"

           He looked away from the crowd, his cheeks heating in embarrassment.  "Annette, do you really think I would be hired? It's one thing to shake off a terrible reputation-but you know of my injuries."

           I sighed sadly and turned my attention to our ferry captain, who had announced our imminent arrival. With it, a wave of giddiness washed over me.

           "Well, Adrik, we're almost there! I can see us in the orchestra-or maybe even composing world-famous operas!"

          Adrik merely laughed at my giddiness, and as the passengers around us gathered up their own belongings, he easily gathered up our meager baggage.

           "Pardon me, monsieur, but you will not perform because of a reputation?" Someone asked from behind us. Since I was walking in front of my brother, I could not tell who had spoken.

          Adrik huffed. "Miss, with all due respect, please don't pry."

          The person was determined, and their footsteps continued to follow ours, even as we shuffled down the port.

          "I work at an opera house with a reputation!" She called. "We need some new musicians."

          Now that we had finally gotten through the large throng of people, I could finally turn to identify our follower. Blonde hair, graceful form-was she a dancer?

          "Miss, what is the name of the opera house you are employed at?" I asked.

          "I'm a ballerina at the Opera de Populaire," she replied. "My name is Meg Giry."

          "If I may," Adrik inquired. "What are you doing so far from the opera house? Surely you must be needed for rehearsals."

          Meg shook her head. "I was sent out on an errand," she replied. "My managers wanted to find some fresh talent to impress the public, but I couldn't find any."

       I looked at Adrik with an excited grin. "What sort of talent are you looking for?" I asked.

          "They didn't say. But I can see what they have to say about you."

           "What are the chances, Adrik?" I exclaimed. "We are headed to the Opera de Populaire!"

          Adrik looked at Meg, and then at me. "Would it be alright if we traveled together then?"

           Meg smiled. "Sure! It will save us time and we can get to know each other better!"

           "We're going to be in for a long ride then," Adrik said. "We should at least be comfortable enough to disclose our names," he finished, giving me a look.

          "Oh! Right!" I said sheepishly. "I'm Annette Blackburn, and this is my brother, Adrik."

          Meg smiled. "It's nice to meet you two!"

          "Likewise," I replied.

           As we were chatting, Meg led us to a carriage and paid the coachman his fee. Then he loaded up our luggage and helped the ladies in.

          After we had gotten settled in, the ride passed by in comfortable silence. I glanced out at the sky to see the sun painting the sky various shades of pink and red. Only moments later, I felt Adrik's head droop onto my shoulder as he fell asleep. Meg and I made small talk for a short while before she, too, slowly nodded off, with the assurance that I would wake her should anything happen.

          Now that I was the only person awake, I carefully moved Adrik's head so he was leaning against the edge of the seat. Without the risk of awakening him, I opened my small purse to check our meager savings.

        Only a few small, pitiful coins reflected the lights of the streetlamps outside, and I knew that it would take a long time to gain enough to get a place to stay-if I managed to get myself a job at the Opera de Populaire.

        "Well, whatever happens," I whispered, glancing at Adrik. "My brother and I are in it together. I promised you, mom, that I'd take care of my little brother. Whatever it takes, he'll get the good he deserves."

———————————-

Well that was a lot of dialogue lol.

Unless I really feel the need to describe a setting I generally don't as you can tell.

For the geography buffs, Annette and Adrik traveled from Dover, England, to Calais, France (although I'm not sure what sort of procedures they would have had to gone through.)

Next chapter they will arrive at the opera house and will meet more well-known cast members.

The image at top is not mine. I found it on Pinterest (where the other outfits will be found.