Bravissimo

Don't ask questions

"Erik's birthday... I can't believe he didn't tell me? But unfortunately I am not surprised he hates it." I say sadly sitting at the island in the kitchen. The two exchange glances. 

"I don't know him really, mother does, but Christine he must not regret his birthday anymore! If he wasn't born he wouldn't have met you!" Meg says putting her hand on my back. 

"It's true dear." Madame Giry says sitting across from me. "Erik has positively changed much from before, and we and he have you to thank." She says and I grin and stand. 

"I should go see him." I said starting to walk away. 

"Dear, you should give yourself some space." Madame Giry says. 

"But Madame Giry I don't... I don't want, to be away from my Erik." I say and Meg smiles. 

"Antoinette." She says and I raise my eyebrows. "Dear we're friends now no? Closer than ever before? Call me by my name." 

"R-really? Okay! Antoinette..." I say and giggle and she smiles. 

"You can't go! We have plans! And Erik said he was busy." Meg says. 

"Plans?" I ask. 

"Yes, us and Carlotta are going out today for some fun." My eyes go wide. 

"What kind of fun?" I say crossing my arms. 

"Don't worry love," Meg says. "The only drinking that will happen is by Carlotta." She says with a chuckle.

"Ah scuse?" We hear a few feet from the door. "I was told we're to have fun today no?" Carlotta says holding her white dog. I gasp and she hands him over. "Come now lady's we've no time to waste!" Carlotta says and walks back outside. I turn around and see Antoinette holding out a letter, one of Erik's opera ghost letters. I giggle. 

"Is he serious?" I say and I quickly take it and carefully rip under the stamp.

"My dear, my orders are simple, go out with the women and have fun. You deserve a day out. I only ask that you be mindful of your surroundings, and stay safe. Be back here by 9 o'clock, as the party starts then. I'll be attending as well and will see you there. Some things may not make sense today but just trust your friends won't you? So do as your told and listen to my letter my love.
Your faithful servant. E.D."

"Some things won't make sense today?" I ask and Antoinette nods her head. "Okay..." I say. I hold the letter to my chest and smile. 

"True happiness." Meg says. 

"It's beautiful." Agreed Antoinette. I blush when I realize I'm still hugging the letter. I hand it back to Antoinette and nod my head. 

"It's still Erik's birthday, and I have one thing to do." I say and jog out of the kitchen. I make my way to the manager's office and run into Firmin.

"Monsieur!" I say and curtsy. 

"Miss Daae! Whatever are you running from?" He says and looks around. 

"Nothing! I have a request!" I say. 

"Of me?" 

"Of you!" I say and smile. 

"What is it dear?"

"Have you a theme for tonight?" 

"Actually no I was about to make it simply formal." I shake my head and my hands across each other. 

"No." i say and smile. "Tonight can be nothing but normal. You see it's Erik's 44th birthday! We must make it Masquerade, it's his favorite." 

"It's been a while, since we've done that. So... sure why not!" I put my hand on his shoulder.