Beneath The Mask Of Music

Chapter 3: Think of Me

"Grandfather, I dont see why we couldn't have this conversation down there, it's not like we were discussing anything that should be private." Said Charlotte as she took the pins out of her hair and removed her hat, showing off her ruby red lips and chocolate brown eyes.

Of course, Charlotte did have a point, a rather good one in fact, as all that was discussed was a grandchild calling her grandfather by 'Monsieur ', but that was not the reason he brought her here.

"Charlotte, child, listen to me. I have never been one for affection, especially after your mother ran off to London to elope with your father. I was upset, and devoted myself to this opera house. It filled a void that was left by your mother when she abandoned this place. I worked as hard as I could, fighting of spies for other opera houses, keeping good talent, even listening to Carlotta's horrid squawking," Charlotte laughed at that, for even if she hadn't heard the diva, if everyone was saying that she was a bad singer, it must be true. "But I kept her around because I could never find anyone for even come close to your mother's talent. That's why you're here. I know you have a beautiful voice, just like her, because you are a spitting image of her. The only thing that is different is your eyes. Your have your father's brown eyes. I know that you can earn a living here, Charlotte, rising over Carlotta, the publicists, and ghosts. You'll do wonderful, my girl."

Charlotte was speechless. Here she was just an hour ago, angry at this man for abandoning her family, and offering her a job like nothing ever went wrong. But now... he explained why he wants her here, but could it be true? Does he really see Caterina in Charlotte? Of course her mother taught her to sing at an early age, but it was so long since they sang together for the last time on her deathbed. Charlotte never thought she'd be anything like her mother, with how successful she was at this opera house, but she had her chance now, and she wouldn't waste it.

"Grandfather... I-I don't know what to say... I personally don't believe I could ever be like her, but just to know that you do... Thank you." And with that, she wrapped her arms around Lefevre. Maybe she was forgiving him too quickly, but it didn't matter at that moment, because he was the last family she had, and he would be in another continent in just a few days time.

She released him from the hug, and saw that there was only love, and tears of happiness in his eyes. While she finally understood, she had to ask,"Grandfather, earlier, you said you didn't want anyone to hear or see us... why?"

Well, Lefevre knew the answer to that question. "Charlotte, I am known around here to only care about the success of my shows, no matter how I treat people to get there. I know it is silly and quite selfish, as I am leaving today, but I don't want anyone to think of me as a pushover." And with that last sentence, he gave her a kiss on the forehead and moved through the door to say his final goodbyes to his staff.

Charlotte stood there, thinking of what all Lefevre said to her. Fighting through horrid squawking, bad talent, liars, and that last one... ghosts. She thought it figurative, but the look in his eye said it was a true statement, a real ghost perhaps. Charlotte laughed at herself. She didn't have time for ghost stories anymore. She was being silly, thinking that he meant an actual ghost.

"Ghosts... very funny Grandfather."
The girl turned around opened the curtains of Box 5, looked out across the stage of dancers, and slowly backed out, down the steps to those awaiting an introduction.

****

As Charlotte was reaching the final steps, she finally understood why everyone wanted Carlotta gone. She thought an animal might have been brutally hurt, but alas, all she saw on stage was Carlotta starting her aria from Act 3 of 'Hannibal'.

"-Once in a while, please promise me you'll try
When you find that once again you long to take your heart ba-"

As though hearing Charlotte's thoughts to put the ensemble out of their misery, a large sandbag fell from the ceiling, just mere feet from Charlotte. While she was startled by almost being hit with 30 pounds of sand, she almost didn't notice the backdrop that was being held by the bag fall on top of Carlotta during her aria. All she heard was the yelling and the shrieks of Carlotta, although Charlotte was less than worried, considering it was just a felt backdrop.