Paris, France
"...She's a beauty."
Ethan, one of Sophie's most loyal admirers in the old run down church knocks down the new kid with his knuckles.
"Don't go ogling over our lovey Sophie. Tell you what since you're new here kid, I'll explain how things here goes."
The new kid rubs his head and scowls at Ethan.
"What gives Ethan? You're a kid yourself. I reckon you're not a year older than I am!"
Ethan can feel pairs of eyes watching him. His loyal followers. He puts on a show by disciplining the new kid again with his fists. This time the new kid keeps his mouth shut.
"Listen kid. Around here I'm the boss. You listen and follow me then I can guarantee your future to a good family. It's tough in these drab parts of the town but luckily for us, our angel and saving grace is the gem of the church and keeps this drab place functioning."
The 'angel and saving grace' of the church watches as Ethan once again intimidates one of the new kids. Oh not again. Ever since he was a young kid, Ethan's tendency to scare off the new kids with his behavior never seemed to disappear. One of the kids were so traumatized she refused to even speak to another boy.
Sophie sets down the wash bin. She is intent on instilling kindness in the boy for despite the harsh world he was born in, if you are kind then god will surely recognize your efforts.
"Ethan! What did I tell you about intimidating the new kids? Look you see, you've frightened the poor boy."
The kid begins to well up in tears. Ethan shakes his head in disbelief because he is so sure that was only a mere quarter of his mighty strength.
"Sophie...I was just disciplining him. I can't have a new kid going around and thinking he can do whatever he wants. He'll get himself killed out here! I've got to whip him up into a tough soldier."
Sophie narrows her eyes at him.
"Okay Samuel, I'm sorry. I'll be less menacing I promise."
Her eyes narrow even further as Ethan sighs and holds his hand up. She knew he was crossing his fingers. In his mind she could see through every little mischief.
"Samuel, is it?"
He nods and warily looks up at her. "Lady. This place isn't very nice. I miss my parents. I want to go home."
"S-Samuel…"
The poor child, he doesn't know his parents are gone forever from this world. Sophie hugs him close to her chest and pats him on the back. She opens her mouth.
Don't cry, Don't cry,
Everything's gonna be alright,
Your loved ones may be far away,
But fear not, fear not,
Their hearts are forever close,
Be good child, be good child,
For the long journey they face away from you,
The heavens surely need them more than we,
Until then, until then,
Be a brave young man to make them proud.
All the kids in the church come out to hear her sing. Even the birds and animal folk stop to pay attention. Blond hair as radiant as the sun that highlights her crystal clear blue eyes. Delicate and porcelain features that are graced with utmost elegance. Sophie is indeed the Church's gem. Someday Ethan will live to tell the tale of the most beautiful woman he has ever laid his young eyes on.
Sophie ruffles the hairs on Samuel's head.
"Brave men don't cry Samuel."
Samuel nods obediently, wiping away the tears at his cheeks. "I'm sure they are busy in heaven and will come back for me when the time is right. Until then I shall be brave!"
"Now that's the spirit! All right children, come now let us all return inside and offer our prayers to the lord."
Sophie smiles in content as she watches the little ones shuffle inside. She lifts the wash bin into her arms.
"...Sophie?"
Paul's familiar voice prompts her to turn around. She smiles and old man Paul feels instantly delighted to be in her presence. Her presence is a breath of fresh air, radiating a soothing spring breeze.
"Good day Sophie, how are you fairing?"
"Good Paul. Thank you. I take it that you have another letter for me?"
"Why yes I do. Again from the mysterious E of the Paris Opera House. If I didn't know any better I would suspect that it is two lovers exchanging letters to one another, eh?"
A blush creeps at Sophie's fair cheeks. "Oh Paul! You still know how to make a woman blush. But you are wrong. E is nothing but a person that I am eternally grateful for. He is none other than my benefactor."
"That smitten look on your face says otherwise girl. Anyway. It's been years since I've been delivering these letters to you. Don't you think it is time you ought to meet this person?"
Meet the person? Why hadn't she ever thought about meeting E? Surely it would be a bother to him. Such a busy person from the opera house may have no business mingling with a mere orphan such as herself.
"E and I have met already long ago. If E wishes to meet with me again then so be it. I won't persist. Have a good day Paul."
"Whatever you say. Good day to you Sophie."
Sophie glances around to make sure that none of the kids are loitering around to take a peek at the letter. Imprinted on the center is a blood red skull. It glints against the rays of light. Her fingers brush over the thick seal.
Dear little Sophie,
The nights are sleepless. Somber I am, I ponder each day thinking of my beloved. These days I begin to feel myself trapped, within my own fear and relentless anguish, and to the beating of my beloved's heart.
Within my mad affairs, I fear this will be our last correspondence. I am a man overcome with jealousy. Maddening anger. Impulsive tendencies. I am becoming someone...something I am not. Little Sophie, I am not the boy I used to be. I am warping into the devil himself. The time I have spent writing these letters were a great joy. Best regards to you and the church.
I have deposited XXX Francs inside. Do as you will with it.
Farewell.
Sincerest, E.
Droplets of water stain the letter. Sophie wipes away the tears with her fingers. Her heart lurches for him as his words utter great pain and frustration. This man who she met once in her youth has been with her ever since the death of her father. He has offered words of comfort and encouragement all these years. To her, Erik is like another family member that cannot be replaced.
She shakes her head in determination. Their friendship does not end on his terms. Sophie will find him and and when she finds him...She has no clue but for starters she would like to express her gratitude.
