Bravissimo

Awake

Darius-

I've never practiced dance while upset. Everything is harsher, sloppier, and grim.

"Why are we even practicing this? Madame Destler is unwell we have no lead. We are wasting our time here." Michael says to me in the span of time he has next to me during our number. It seems like more people than myself are in a grim mood today. "What's up yours?" Michael says to me noticing my demeanor.

"Nothing of importance." I answer though the woman on my mind is far from it. I look over to the side and see Monsieur Destler speaking to an unamused Annabel. "It seems our lead problem is taken care of." I say and nod towards them.

"Annabel, as a cheery lead? How queer. I truly doubt it." He retorts and he is not wrong, Annabel thrives in the gloom of the Opera, if I'm to be blunt. But what does Michael know about Annabel anyhow? I'm the one that knows her best besides her father. I walk to the side as we finish and see Annabel uncross her arms as she agrees to what her father tells her. The two of them walk over to all of us and a hush falls.

"Due to my wife's illness, Carlotta will then be called upon. Not to worry, little adjustment will be needed. Now-" Monsieur Destler continues. I feel Michael nudge me and he nods to Annabel's side where her sword lies in its holster.

"Yes, Monsieur Destler has taught Annabel for many years now." I nod.

"As if I would have even messed with her beforehand." Eliot whispers and chuckles as does Michael, but I cannot find any reason to laugh.

***

"Careful! Careful now, oh please." I hear Christine beg from the window. The clanging of the two swords ringing through the yard. Monsieur Destler does not stop and neither does Annabel, and for a while I feel very real fear as their fight looks to be very real. Annabel pushes against her father's sword, keeping her feet beneath her. Her back begins to bend and yet he pursues. He's outwitted her and all she can do is hope he eases on her instead he pushes yet even more and her leg steps back, her bad one. It quickly begins to shake as a soul would before the fiery gates and quickly fails her. Annabel falls to her back, getting cut by her father's blade. The redness drips down the blade as he offers her his hand and she takes it. He puts his hand on her shoulder, tells her something and walks away to get a bandage. I take a deep breath and look everywhere but at Monsieur as he walks inside. Annabel leans against the tree catching her breath and holding her cut shoulder. He's tough on her, tougher than he is on anyone else. Besides the obvious reason of his harshness on her being she is a woman in a cruel world, I believe he worries she feels invincible. Sometimes being shown you are not, is important.

***

I snap out of my thoughts as Carlotta enters the room, all rich clothes, gems and all. Annabel gives her a grin. "Carlotta-"

"Hush dear." She interrupts and Annabel is genuinely taken aback.

"Was I NOT even considered?" she yelps like a wounded dog. Annabel raises a brow to her father who remains unbothered.

"My dearest friend is ill, and you truly thought of cancelling before considering Moi?" she cries.

"Of course not Carlotta! Who told you we were to cancel? Nonsense, please utter nonsense." Annabel coos, always a soft spot for Carlotta.

"Oh!" Carlotta says with her wrist to her forehead accepting Annabel's embrace. "Than what, was I to be asked the night of performance?" she asks, and we look to Monsieur Destler as she does have a good point.

"I was holding out... for my wife's health." he answers grimly.

"And how is she now my friend?" Firman chimes in appearing to have come from the woodwork. Monsieur only shakes his head as an answer.