Bravissimo

Something About Her

Erik-

The Opera House is full of chatter, more than I can ever remember. "Prima Donna at fifteen?" "It's unbelievable! But can we expect any less of the Destler daughter?" A fair question, one that ruminates in the minds of many. Before I would have been irate at the fact Annabel left without a trace after her big announcement, but the house is receiving a lot of attention, and maybe that was her intention, but perhaps not.

Her excitement to sign the papers before her performance was present in her smile, and I'm certain I made the correct choice for the House, and it will be for Annabel down the road as well. A bit of laughter and applause is heard outside as the brisk air hits my face. Once again there she is hanging on the outside of the carriage, blowing kisses to all the men who could only dream of holding her hand. At the last moment she hops off and she lifts her head to reveal a beautiful smile. Surprisingly Gustave runs down to greet her and offers his hand to lead her up the steps. Annabel gives a smile that shows she is a bit taken aback but than accepts. "Gustave." I see her say with a nod. The crowd parts as Annabel makes her way up the stairs. "How does it feel to be Prima Donna, Miss Destler?" Annabel just grins as an answer. I place my arm on her shoulder once she reaches my side and give her a nod. "You wasted not a moment to depart from us." I mumble over to her. "The day caught up to me." she simply answers. A simple answer, but a simple lie. Feeling the obvious tension from me she adds; "The questions they had last night, are the same today."

A kind hand is rested on my arm and I look to see Christine, who lifts herself to me and kisses me deeply. "Annabel Destler, being our first Prima Ballerina what responsibilities will this entail?" "She-" Christine starts and everyone looks to her ready to hear what she has to say. "Well, Annabel already does so much. Didn't you hear of her conducting both the ballet and orchestra at the same time? She performs quite the amount already for us." I nod in agreement and the reporter writes in his notes. "Annabel, you and your mother are both Prima Donna's at the very same time! What say you about this?" Another quickly barks at her. "I think we've both worked hard and were both kindly rewarded our positions. And will continue to do so going forward." she says casually lifting a hand to greet Darius as he walks with Eliot and Michael. "Annabel how did you feel up there on stage? You did so many incredible things dear, let us tell you." The man says as he looks back to the people who are already nodding their heads in agreement. "The leap with the lightning!" "Keeping absolutely still while spinning? How did you do it?!" "Your poor muscles dear, were they not tired?" "Annabel!" They holler and Annabel steps back blinking her eyes. The energy is different with the people today and she seems to enjoy it. Darius stands close by and nods kindly to all of us. "Well to be honest-" Annabel says taking a step forward and I grip her shoulder, after giving a small gasp she steps back. "To be honest and fair to myself, the spinning I've done for as long as I can remember. And yes it was tiring I suppose, but that is what practicing is for." "Annabel?" "Annabel!" she nods her head to a taller woman towards the middle. "How are you coping with the loss of your grandmother, we all feel for you and your family dear." Annabel gives a warm smile; "We are still all very hurt, but taking things day by day. I thank you for your kind words."

Darius-

I scoff as Monsieur Destler keeps her at arms length, still! What say he when she becomes her mothers age? I scratch delicately at my back and look to my right at Eliot. "How's it healing today, Matthews?" Michael asks and I shrug. "Like Annabel says; "day by day" I suppose." "You know you've got to stay away from her, if you want it to heal. If you want it to stop." Eliot says to me. "How could I?" I ask and he shakes his head at me as I look back to Annabel. How could I?

"Miss Destler? Are you working underneath the Phantom's thumb? Does your brother know the story?" A hurt look befalls Annabel's soft features and I quickly follow as the family turns around and walks inside. I smile as I see Madame Giry's gift being nailed up in a tasteful part of the foyer.