The Phantom's Daughter (Book 2)

Morning Swim

"Good God, it's freezing" complained Elise.
Meg and Elise had gotten up at dawn, and had headed to the island's pier.
"You'd think that it would be warmer, since it is actually summer now. And America is almost warm all year round. Not like back home, where we had proper seasons" continued Elise.
"You didn't have to come" reminded Meg.
"Well I don't like the idea of you coming up here alone. What if you got into trouble and I wasn't here to rescue you?"
"You don't come every day, but I do. Trust me, I know what I'm doing. And don't worry, I don't swim if the tides look too strong"
"Well, that's reassuring".

When they reached the end of the pier, Meg untied her coat and handed it to Elise.
"I'm feeling colder, just looking at you" admitted Elise as she stared at Meg's swimming costume, and exposed skin.
"Are you coming in today?" Asked Meg.
"You must be out of your mind. It's cold enough with my clothes on, thank you very much" replied Elise.
"Fair enough"
"You know, you could always swim in one of pools on Coney Island, like a normal person. Or swim in the sea during the day"
"It's too busy to swim during the day. I like to come when it's empty, so that no one will disturb me. Besides, I'm too busy in the day, especially during the summer. Five shows daily, remember".

"The shows aren't that long" reminded Elise.
"No. Not like the ones we used to perform in, at the opera house, which could be up to 3 hours long. These shows are more like half an hour each, and I'm not even in every number. But I have rehearsals during the day as well, so I am too busy to do anything for myself" replied Meg.
"I guess that's true. It's one of the reasons I stopped performing, I wanted more free time" admitted Elise.
"The water is also warmer in the day, and I like the cold temperature of the water, first thing in the morning, before the sun has had time to warm it".

"Who likes cold water?" Shuddered Elise.
"I don't normally. But the sea is different. It's calm, cool, and peaceful. It helps wash everything away, which is why I have to do it at the start of each day. It helps me prepare for the new day" admitted Meg.
Elise turned her head uncomfortably, as she knew that Meg had a lot to wash off each day.
"Did you see that Mr Thompson last night?" Elise asked quietly.
Meg ignored her, "If you're not coming in, you can hold my towel".
Meg thrust her towel into Elise's arms, before diving into the sea below them.

Once Meg was back from her swim, the two of them headed for one of the bars in Phantasma, owned by Erik, as neither of them had to pay in any of them.
"Morning ladies" greeted Jeff, who was the barman that morning.
"Morning. 1 black coffee please, and make it quick, before I freeze" replied Meg, who's wet hair fell down her shoulders, making her coat damp.
"And I'll have a tea" added Elise.
"Milk and 2 sugars, right?" Questioned Jeff.
"Yep, that's me" replied Elise.
Jeff grinned and nodded before fixing up the girls drinks.

"Do you feel better after your swim?" Questioned Elise.
"Yes. But I'll feel much better once I've got something warm inside me, especially if it's caffeine" answered Meg.
"I hear that".
When the drinks arrived, Meg immediately began downing hers in one go.
"How can you drink that, it's still scorching hot?" Asked Elise, who could see the steam coming off Meg's drink.
"I don't care, I need it in me now" admitted Meg.

"Fair enough. But I'm going to drink mine slowly, so that I don't burn my throat" announced Elise, as she placed her hands around her mug.
"That's fine with me" replied Meg.
"You must drink loads of coffee, to keep you going all day"
"I do have several cups a day, it's true"
"Personally, I can't stand the stuff"
"I don't drink it for the taste, but for the energy it gives me"
"I guess you do need the energy, since you're performing and rehearsing pretty much all day".

"You're lucky you can do whatever you like all day. I'd love to have the freedom that you have, just for one day" sighed Meg.
"No you don't, you love being the leading lady. This is all you've ever dreamed about, right?" Questioned Elise.
"I guess... What are you doing today?" Asked Meg.
Elise choked on her drink, "Um, nothing that interesting, I can assure you".
Luckily Meg didn't notice Elise's strange behaviour.
"Well, I guess I'll see you later. I need to get ready for my first show" admitted Meg as she got up from her bar stall.
"Break a leg" replied Elise.
Meg nodded and walked out the bar, leaving Elise alone with the barman.

"Can I get you anything else?" Asked Jeff.
"No thanks, I'd better get going as well" admitted Elise.
Jeff's face fell, "Oh, well I guess I'll see you tomorrow then. I'm on the morning shift again".
Elise bit her lip, as she wasn't sure that she would be able to waste time like that, the next day. Christine arrived in several hours, and Elise expected that Christine would take up most of her time, over the next few days.
"I don't know if I'll be up this early tomorrow, or the next few days" admitted Elise, bending the truth slightly.
"Oh. Enjoy your lay in tomorrow then" mumbled Jeff.
"I will. See ya Jeff"
"Goodbye Miss Y".