Bravissimo

Ever-present

Putting on a comfortable dress to wear to the opera, one easy to remove to get into costume, I can't help but wonder how Carlotta feels about this. I would feel replaceable, sad, used even. Maybe there is something we can do to ensure she knows how much she means to us? But maybe she's relieved to get back to normal. Is it possible she is tired of the lead position?

"Christine are you ready? We need to go." Erik asks from the living room where he sits with Annabel Lee who wears a pink dress. It's truly adorable, and gifted from Meg who'll be elated to see her in it, and also lucky, as Annabel grows by the minute.

"Yes dear." I answer as I walk out the door slipping on a jacket. "Remember her blanket please, it is getting chilly." I reach for the door but Erik grabs my arm pulling me back and kisses me passionately.

"Well!" I say catching my breath and regaining my vision. "Just what was that for?"

"My wife." he answers with sarcasm and opens the door and I shake my head.

When we reach the Opera Populaire I take Annabel and allow Erik to help me out. I cover Annabel with her blanket wanting to protect her and her eyes as I ready myself for the flash of the camera. Having to prepare myself for the instant change back into fame. Before pulling me out Erik looks into my eyes and asks, "Ready? My Angel of Music?" I take a deep breath and nod. As I thought, the moment I step out of the carriage, praises and yelling is heard along with the flash of cameras. Erik wraps his arm around us and guides me to the front door. "Christine!" I hear behind me but I continue to walk up the steps.

"Do we have the time?" I ask and Erik checks his pocket watch and looks at me.

"Five minutes, no more. Understood?" he asks and I nod my head. I turn to Erik and casually hand over Annabel who he easily hides under his cloak.

"Christine, you've been gone for so long! We are so happy to have you back, what are your thoughts as you take back the stage?" A woman asks me.

"I am excited to return to you as well, I just hope that my new "best" is better than before. I have been practicing regularly." I say.

"Christine, you're understudy has done well in your absence, what would you publicly like her too know?" 

I smile and say, "I would like to thank La Carlotta for singing in my absence as Prima Donna, the lead isn't always easy. I want her to know how much she means to me and the Opera Populaire, as she cannot and will not be replaced." I say and look further back for my next question. I hear Erik clear his throat and see him tap his watch, as I am running out of time.

"Prima Donna! You say you've been practicing? Is it easy to do so without... your teacher?" A man asks and I Immediately fix my posture.

"No more questions." I say and turn around. The reporters yell after us as I make my way up the stairs. I turn around and quickly kiss Erik goodbye. "You'll do beautifully." Erik says giving my hand a kiss before letting go and my hand is grabbed by Antoinette at the top. She quickly leads me away to the Prima Donna room, and I try to shake away my resentment for the question I was asked.

I slip into the light green dress and smile as the excitement hits my soul. I vocalize with Antoinette and smile as she pulls the strings to the corset nice and tight, feeling just as it did back then. "Excited?!" she asks as she fixes my hair back. I nod and let out a deep breath. 

"It's special, no? Annabel's first time seeing you perform? Though she may not remember." she says and I grin. "Yes, that is exciting, I doubt she'll stay awake for the whole thing however, it is near her bedtime already." I say. 

"Christine, it is so good to have you back." Meg says stepping into the room. "It is amazing to be back. By the way Annabel is wearing her dress gifted by you." I say stepping into the costume shoes. I haven't worn heels in months now, only formal flats, but I'm already used to them. "I'll have to steal a peak before you go. Well good luck!" She says and waves goodbye to return to the ballet dancers.