The Curious Cast of Coney Island

Chapter 5- More Notes

Class began just an hour later, the sun shining through the windows, allowing a natural glow about each room, and even onto the stage for the time being. Each dancer stood in line at the bar, waiting already when Aria arrived. But, before she could join them, Madame Dumont touched her arm, a look on her face that showed nothing. "You won't be joining today's lesson. Mister Y has asked me to give you this." She handed her a red envelope, her voice also showing no emotion whatsoever. The other girls snickered, whispering amongst each other.

"I knew it. She wouldn't last a week." One of them whispered loud enough to be clearly heard.

“She doesn’t know a thing about ballet.” Another whispered, snickering once more.

Aria swallowed softly and gently took the envelope. "I... T-Thank you... Madame Dumont." She said softly, feeling her heart sink. She bowed before taking her leave, walking out into the hall to have some semblance of privacy. Red usually meant anger, and she was so scared, her hands trembling. Was she really going to be let go by the great Mister Y? Was she being kicked out of Phantasma by simply not able to keep up with the dancers, even if she was putting full effort into rehearsing every single step needed? Sniffling to try and stop the tears, her fingers trembled as she worked to open the elegantly sealed red envelope. The tears didn’t stop as she pulled the letter out, but she wasn’t scared about what was going to happen as she read the note.

"Mademoiselle Aria,

I would like to speak with you privately. Wait beside dressing room four. Do not wear your dancing shoes. Please bring your costumes and dancing clothes.

Mister Y."

On the unoccupied dressing room door, clipped where one's name would be displayed, was another red envelope. Inside was only a key, tied with a black ribbon.

The key to the dressing room door.

Inside, the room was freshly dusted. Fresh flowers were in a vase on the vanity, the curtains drawn, the cushions puffed, and the costume rack emptied. On top of the dresser was a book of music. The title the same as their current production.

No dance diagrams, just the music and several books neatly stacked. "Music theory." Volumes 1 through 4, bound in red canvas.

She moved about the room with her arms holding onto the costume and her dancing clothes, like Mister Y had requested. She swallowed softly and carefully set the articles in a chair before gently picking up one of the music theory books. "What..." She spoke softly, turning around to look at the room. "Is going on?" She asked softly.

"You will no longer be working with the chorus." Mister Y said from the doorway, seeming to appear from nowhere. "You'll be working privately with Madam Dumont or myself. When our current Jane Claire leaves in two weeks’ time, I will be offering the leading role to you. That is, if you'll accept my offer. If you do, this dressing room is yours."

Aria had jumped and let out a squeak, turning to look at Mister Y. A hand rested on her chest as she looked at him, trying to slow her frantically beating heart. "You... Wish for me to take Jane's place when she leaves? I..." She blushed and looked at him. "I-I'm honored, Mister Y." She said softly, bowing before him. She straightened, then motioned to the clothing. "What would you like me to do with those, then? It would be a shame to get rid of them..." She told him.

Mister Y looked over at the articles of clothing he had nearly forgotten about. “You will not be needing them. Your costumes will be changed, and new ones issued to you so you can practice with Miss Claire. You’ll be her understudy until she leaves.” He told her, watching her nod. Then he spoke to her again, seeing her curiosity about why she was being chosen for the understudy, then to be placed as the leading role.