The Curious Cast of Coney Island

Chapter 11- Courtship and Mischief

Raoul asked her a bit about her childhood, her past, how she ended up on Coney Island through the short ferry ride. Gustav never let go of her hand through the trip, even while they were seated and stationary.

Aria answered every question, softly squeezing Gustav's hand. She spoke about being given up before she had a chance to show her real parents that she was worth it, about what she did while at the orphanage, like helping out with the younger kids as she grew older, and then she spoke of how she ended up on Coney Island.

"I think it's pure luck that I ended up at the Island." She said softly, being honest. "I know Madame Eliza was trying to help me get out into the world... Trying to find anything and everything that I could be suited for before making me leave. She knows I like singing and dancing... And saw the opportunity to get me to someplace new." She rested her head on Gustav's shoulder. "I know Mister Y paid for my carriage ride and everything else to get me there... So, all I can think of is that Madame Eliza sent a letter to Mister Y, possibly asking if it was okay." She said, slowly looking to Raoul. "But... I'm not entirely sure."

Raoul couldn’t help but smile to her answer. He was pretty sure that Aria had been picked by random chance and fit like the missing puzzle piece. She was what Phantasma needed. And Gustav.

"We often do that to those who ask. Usually out of orphanages." Gustav explained. "We certainly didn’t know who you were before you came in… And if he knew of you, he wouldn't have known which one was you."

"He might have. I mean, I was the only one wearing horrible clothing." She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head while resting her head against his shoulder again. "All the other girls were wearing the nice leotards and tights." She told him, making a point.

"Many of the performers come off the street, you know." Gustav stated. "You wouldn't be the first and surely won't be the last."

"No, I don't suppose I'll be the last." She told him, smiling softly as she gazed up at him, completely in bliss. "But... I do have to thank the streets for where I am now. I don't think I'd be this happy or actually able to provide for myself." She admitted, letting out a slight laugh. "Maybe, if I ever find my true parents, I could thank them for giving me up."

"I was curious about that. They didn't leave any note or anything?" Gustav wondered, leaning back with his arm around her, thoughtfully looking out toward the sea through the window. He thought it was rather strange that her parents would give her up. There was absolutely nothing wrong with her. And he’d seen her beautiful, flawless body in the dying light of the sun.

"No. Not a note... Nothing." She told him, looking up at him. She let out a soft sigh, resting against him. "I... I don't know what I'd do if I met them." She spoke honestly. "I feel like I'd want to slap them for giving me up..."

"Well it could have been a matter of circumstance." Raoul suggested. "Perhaps your mother was unmarried and didn't have the means to care for you. It's not always malicious. She could well have wanted to keep you, but simply couldn't."

"That's possible. Or perhaps they died, and there wasn't anyone else that could care for you. Or! Maybe your dad was someone powerful and your mum was his mistress and to keep their secret she was forced to give up her only child."

"That's an interesting story, Gustav. But I suppose we'll never know." Raoul chuckled, trying to make the conversation a bit lighter.

"I don't know, perhaps with her newfound fame, someone will step up and try to claim her. Of course, you know I wouldn't allow something like that to put you at risk." Gustav said, turning his head to look at her, smiling softly.

Aria nodded with a soft sigh. "I'll never know." She told him, smiling softly to him in return. "But... As long as I have my new family, I don't care." Her smile grew as she looked at them.