Bravissimo

First Impressions

After about half an hour I put on a white shirt and walk through the front door, up the steps and down the aisle. Christine sees me walking down and sends a small kiss my way whilst continuing to talk to Meg and the dancers. I nod my head to her and them with a smile and look up on the stage. My blood boils as I see Charles Durand holding my daughter. Carlotta, standing next to him gives me a small wave. He tries to talk to Annabel but gets no response as she simply stares forward and he looks sheepishly at Carlotta. As I make my way up on stage he says to her, "Not a very excitable child." However she now sees me making my way over with my hands out and a big gasp along with a smile comes my way. 

"No, she just needs some quality." I say as she reaches for me and I scoop her up from him, spin her around and bring her up to my face giving her a big kiss on the cheek. Her laughter fills the room making the other women giggle. I look at her and tilt my head making her smile then give her a toss and she gasps. "Annabel shush!" I say teasing her and lift her above my head and give her one more toss. As she's up in the air she squeals with joy and I catch her, her big eyes and grin making me chuckle. "Enjoy that while you can." I say with a chuckle as I keep her hands from taking my mask.

"Erik!" I hear Christine say upset and she walks up to me. I look at Annabel and whisper. "Uh oh! Your mother is mad." I say giving her small head another kiss. "Oh, Christine she's fine, you see?" I say giving Christine a smirk. She looks at me unamused and puts her hands up to take her, Annabel looks at me unsure of where to go. She only puts one hand out to Christine making me laugh. 

"Dear, do be careful, it's all I ask." she says with a smile. The dancers resume their practice and we walk back over to where Andre, Firmin, Charles, and Carlotta stand and talk.

"So Christine! When can we expect you back? That is if you still want to." Andre says jokingly. "Oh, I say maybe within the month or so? It's been far too long, I can't wait to sing again. I really do miss it here." she answers. 

"Though I have loved having you all to myself, I can't be selfish for much longer. Though there must be some things you don't miss." I say looking her in the eye with a smirk. "You surely don't miss the Phantom, Christine, after what just happened. It's terrifying and cruel." Carlotta says dramatically but Christine and I have not broken eye contact. 

"Oh, yes, The Phantom can be...." Christine searches my eyes for words with a small smile. "difficult. But, in a way, would it be the same without him? I think not. I think.... not." she says, her words drifting off. She takes a deep breath as she breaks our gaze and says, "But no doubt it can be cruel of course!" she says, quickly. 

"No one would know better than you." I say. Standing behind Christine with my hand on her shoulder, I look down as Annabel rests her hand on her mother as well and looks up at me. "I just feel so bad for the dancer, she's probably spooked for life!" Andre says with regret. "Oh, I think she'll be just fine." I say staring daggers into him then I look away after he sees me.

"Does she keep you up at all?" Firmin asks smiling at her. "Oh! No, she's a great sleeper, however when she does cry and scream, she has no mercy for our ears." Christine says with a laugh. 

"Erik! Seems you've got your work cut out for you! Future Prima Donna?" Andre asks, and I smile and nod my head. "Oh yes, we'll have to see." I say, imagining the future of Christine, and Annabel both singing together on stage, what moments there will be. 

"You've got a sleeper there Erik." Carlotta says and I look to Annabel who's fallen asleep on my shoulder. "Do you want me to take her love?" I ask, guessing Christine will want to catch up more and she nods her head. "She would not take a nap today. Stubborn one she is." Christine says smiling as I sway side to side. I walk away to a more quiet side of the room, as the dancers leave for the night. Moving her from my shoulder to my arms, I can't help but grin. I hum "All I Ask of You" to her as she peacefully sleeps.