Bravissimo

Notre Ballerine

June 17, 1876. Five years Later.

Christine-

"Annabel! It really is such a pretty dress! Carlotta bought it for you for today!" I say trying to get her to like the big pink and gold dress Carlotta decided to spring onto us yesterday. "I'm just saying, it's her birthday, she should wear what she wants." Erik says standing on the porch ready to go to the quick get together that has been planned for Annabel. 

"I'm all ready momma!" Annabel yells down and I go up the first set of stairs to meet her. I see her up there and can't help but smile as she carefully comes down the stairs. I take her small hand in mine and show her how to walk down the steps in such a dress. "You look so pretty sweetheart!" I say at the end as she walks down, her blonde curly hair bouncing along with her. I kneel down, hug her tight, and kiss her cheek. 

"Let's go show your father." I say. "Well, alright." she says and walks to the patio. I open the door and let her step out. "Hi daddy." she says with a small smile and Erik turns around and smiles brightly when he sees her. He gets down on one knee and she walks over to him, Erik glances at me than back to Annabel and gives a small chuckle but covers it up by clearing his throat. 

"You really do look beautiful darling. Do you like it?" he says and looks up at me. Annabel looks at Erik for a moment than back at me unsure, and finally looks to Erik and slowly nods her head. Erik chuckles and beckons her to him with his finger and she walks closer to him. Looking directly at me he whispers something into her ear and she looks at him at gives a small, little laugh and shakes her head. 

"Really?" he says with sarcasm only I of course could comprehend. "Uh-uh." she says shaking her head again making him smile and I glare at him and cross my arms. Now knowing, he's asked if she truly likes it or not. He picks her up and shakes his head. "Oh, I can tell!" he says and she giggles.

On the way there I look at Annabel who sits opposite Erik and I. "Annabel." "Yes, mother?" She answers. 

"Annabel, you will keep your gloves on today, all day, understand?" She looks to Erik hoping for him to say otherwise but he just looks at her with the same seriousness as I. "Yes, mother." she says a bit sadly and it breaks my heart. 

"But if it is just you father and I, I can take them off." she says and I shake my head. "No, Annabel." "Yes! I can. Those are the rules." She says smiling but stops once she sees her fathers stern look. 

"What did your mother say?" he asks, and I know he's feeling just as terrible as I do about it. "To... leave them on, all day." she says slowly, kicking her feet a bit whilst feeling the tension.

"But Andre doesn't care and-" "Annabel Lee! The gloves stay on, from now until you go to sleep, that is final." Erik says and she again slowly nods her head. The carriage stops and Erik quickly leaves but not before hiding the fact he's wiping a tear away. 

"Annabel stay here a moment for mommy, will you?" I ask. "Can't I come with?" "Annabel just a moment please! I promise." I say, give her a smile and step out. I walk to the back of the carriage and bring Erik to me. 

"It's alright darling, I know." I say trying to cheer him up about all this, though seemingly impossible. "I can't.. I can't stand it Christine. It's not her fault." "She knows, love! She knows, and she always will. Because we will always remind her. That is, if she ever even does feel that way. However, we know she will have to learn sooner than most that the world is unkind." Erik nods his head and kisses my forehead. 

"It's just so unfair, and I know it's nothing like what I went through, but it's close enough." "I know dear, I know. But let me tell you something?" "Anything." he says and playfully kisses my cheek. "The way Annabel sees her hand, it's not, sadness or confusion or fear it's-"