Bravissimo

Our Favorite Guy

Christine-

A few weeks after Annabel was born, Erik found his way to the lair through the basement. He knew there would be a way, it was just the treacherous task of finding it. And he's been taking care of the Opera House that way. No one knows when he comes or goes, or how he does it. 

As Annabel grows so does her tree gifted to us from the wedding, now she grows near nine months old and the tree buds it's very first flowers.

I get dressed and ready for the day as I wait for Erik to get home. Annabel sits on the bed and plays with a small black teddy bear. I look at her and see her watching the door and give a small laugh. "Waiting for daddy to come back?" I ask and her eyes light up at the word "daddy" the only word she understood in that sentence. 

"I know darling, I know. I want him to be here too, soon enough he will I promise. You know what always makes me happy when he's gone? Singing, come now." I say as I reach for her, and her for me. "Let's go get you ready for your nap and sing a little, hmm?" I grab one of my folders filled with music and I vocalize as I carry her up the stairs and grin as I see her giving me her cute little smile. I sit down and face her to me singing her lullabies that are as old as time. She looks a bit unamused.

"Hmm, are these songs not really to your liking dear?' I ask then lift her above me. "Don't tell me you're going to be as picky as daddy!" I say and she laughs and attempts to put her dress in her mouth as I bring her back down. "You're right though darling, lets sing one of your Father's." I open my folder and place it in front of us. "Alright my Anna Bee! Which one shall we sing?" I ask her and she reaches to the left sheet I'm showing her. "Il Muto? Really? Alright." I say and giggle as I put the folder back to the side, Annabel looks to the door for a moment, but I get her attention. She looks up at me with curious eyes as I say, "I really like this song, it reminds me of your father, you know why?" I ask a bit higher pitched and she smiles. "You know why?!" I say tickling her tummy receiving an adorable giggle in return. "Because as well as caring, smart, and handsome as your daddy is, he is very funny. And weeellll.-"

Oh... oh he makes me laugh! Hahahahaha Ha Ha ha ha ha hahaha!" I begin to sing with a smile and as I sing Annabel laughs and does a few little yells and screeches trying to do what I do. I get up and twirl her around and bring her to my shoulder when I hear her gasp and I feel her burry her head in my shoulder and laugh. 

"Hmm, what is it darling?" I ask as I turn around and am met with a smiling Erik leaning against the door frame.

Erik-

I watch the crew perform the second to last song in my latest opera. The dancer that I had asked Andre in my latest Opera Ghost letter to let go, is still here and is ruining the whole number, and there are multiple out of tune flutists. The only one doing well is surprisingly Carlotta. I walk down the aisle up to the stage. 

"Andre really this is a mess, why is that dancer still here?" I say outraged, and Andre puts his hands up defensively. "Monsieur Destler, if you'll hear me out? I thought maybe we give her a chance?" 

"Andre I gave her a chance, then another, then you and I both saw she was not improving. Get her off my stage." I say as Firmin approaches. "Erik, with all due respect I really think you should reconsider, she'll be great the night of the opera." I rub my temples in frustration. 

"I let you take over the casting, but one was a mistake, she does not fit the choreography, I want her gone." "Erik?!" I hear behind me as Meg runs up to me and I grin. She embraces me in a hug and I pat her on the back. "Erik, what are you doing here? How is Christine and the baby?" she asks as I see Antoinette approaching also. 

"I'm here to make a few changes, and I am still not being listened to. As for Christine, she is doing great and misses you all greatly-" "And for my grand daughter?" Antoinette asks with a smile and I grin.