My Dearest Saffron

Chapter Three

The next day was our second performance. My excitement went through the roof as I walked to the theater. I could hear my heartbeat. The closer I got, the louder it was. As I walked in, Rosaria gave me a puzzled look.

"You're in a good mood." Rosaria said, walking beside me. "Why's that?"

"Oh. No reason. I'm just happy." I said. "I've gotta get dressed. See you!" I called , and I waved back.

I was running to my dressing room. I really wanted to see if the mysterious person sent me another letter. My mind was all over the place, until...

Thump!

I ran into someone. It was Alexander.

"Oh! Hi, Alexander. Sorry." I said, trying to get past him.

"Wait! Saffron, I need to speak with you." He spoke.

"Norman told me last night that someone had stood in for me during the title song," He explained. "Is this true?"

"Uhm..I need to get ready. See you in an hour!" I ran past him, running to my dressing room, and locking the door behind me. I sighed. I was glad to see he was gone. When I placed down the bag with my belongings, I saw another letter sealed with a red rose. I picked it up, almost squealing and opened it. He had written back to me! I was so happy. The note read:

Saffron,

Your reply was lovely. I am glad you enjoyed the note. I shall be watching again tonight, but not from the rafters. If you would like to search for me, I shall be in Box Five. You will do amazing tonight.

The letter was better than the first one. I jumped with excitement, and started on my make-up. I went in the same order as yesterday, and then I tied my hair back, sprayed it with lots of hairspray, and put my costume and my character shoes on. Warm-ups were easier than yesterday; I had spent all day singing. Rosaria knocked on my door, like always.

"Hey, Saffron? Can I come in?" She wasn't calling me for places. As abnormal as it was, I still let her in.

"Yeah. What's happening?" I asked, sitting down on the vanity chair.

"Are you feeling alright?" She asked. "I've never seen you in such a good mood before..."

"Nothing's wrong, Rose. It's just..." I wanted to tell her about the letters. Whoever wrote them never said to not tell anyone.

"It's...These letters." I finally announced. "Ever since last night someone has been sending me letters. I don't know who is sending them, but I have never seen something written so... Beautifully." I said. I reached into the drawer where I kept the letters, and showed them to her.

"Saffron...Why are you accepting these letters? And replying too... Whoever this person is, they just want to kidnap you or something..." Rosaria paused, her accent breaking with tears. Maybe she was right, perhaps I should stop awaiting these letters. I knew Rose cared about me, she was literally like my own Meg Giry. But there was something about these letters that I was drawn to.

"Fine... I'll stop accepting these letters." I lied. It felt horrible to lie to my best friend, but I couldn't part with these letters. Not yet.

"Thank you..." She whispered.

"Now let's fix your make-up!" I exclaimed. She went to get her supplies, and came back. She sat at the vanity chair, and I helped her do her make-up. We talked about rehearsals that have passed, and we laughed at all the jokes we made.

"There we go! You look great, mon ami!" I said, grasping her hands and spinning her around.

"Thank you. Now let's go before we miss our first scene." She held onto my hand as we crept backstage for the Hannibal ballet and the scenes after. At this moment I truly felt like Christine Daae, and I could tell that Rose felt like Meg Giry. These are the moments that will never be forgotten, for these are the memories that we will remember for the rest of our lives.

~

It was now intermission. I was getting my masquerade dress on. As soon as I got the last sleeve on, I picked up the sparkling mask, and I noticed something. Another note. I had to stop becoming so excited whenever I saw these letters. I was trying to make sure nothing happened to Rosaria, or anyone else. Either way I picked up the letter and opened it.

Saffron-

I want to meet you. Face to mask. Come to Box Five at 10:30 tonight. I overheard your conversation with Rosaria today. I mean you no harm. I wish you more safety than anything. I shall see you tonight.

My heart started beating so fast. I could feel the red flush on my face. I quickly stuffed the letter in the nearest drawer, smoothed out my dress and headed out. At the stage, I waited for Norman so we could enter together.  He arrived in the masquerade outfit he was wearing, and we walked onto the stage, hand in hand. As we walked out, I glanced over to Box Five. I saw nothing but darkness. But then, I saw one thing.

Two bright green eyes.

A/N: Okay so. I already have about 10 chapters written for this. I just need to edit a few. But besides that, I'll keep the updates frequent. :)

WC: 893