Chapter 2: Mending The Seams
Maria placed another pin into Carlotta's skirt to secure it so that she may so it correctly,
"OW! What were you place those pins you little rat!" the Italian diva spat,
"Apologies, Madame Carlotta. It won't happen again" Maria assured politely and the diva groaned,
"I don't not have the patience to deal with your incompetence when the phantom continues to harass me" she moaned causing the seamstress to look up at the diva with a curious expression,
"The phantom?" she pressed gently,
"The spirit that haunts the opera house" one of the ballet girls provided as they did their stretches,
"They say he's a genius who shall put up with nothing but perfection" Meg Giry provided and Carlotta huffed,
"He can be no genius if he does not recognise my musical talent" she grumbled, flicking her fan to provide herself with a cool breeze.
Carlotta went on stage to rehearse her aria and Maria winced, feeling that her ears might start bleeding and Meg giggled at her expression,
"Don't worry. Here, these will help" she said, presenting Maria with two small items and the seamstress giggled,
"Earplugs. Yes they'll come in very handy" she thanked but the friendly conversation was interrupted when the ballet mistress banged her cane on the floor, summoning the ballerinas to their positions as they began to practise their dance number.
When the day ended, Maria gathered the props and costumes before heading towards the wardrobe department not seeing how the wall she passed, slid open and Erik heading to the rehearsal room to see Madame Giry,
"How are the routines coming alone?" he asked and the ballet mistress nodded,
"Very well, They'll be ready for the show" she assured and Erik nodded,
"Any news?" he asked,
"Apart from La Carlotta throwing a tantrum, a few sets that need a fresh paint job and some steps that need work, No" she provided,
"Oh but the manager's did hire a new head seamstress" she told him and he gave a thoughtful hum,
"Is she any trouble?" he asked and the ballet mistress shook her head,
"No, she's a very hard worker and very well prepared, she carried a small medical kit and an emergency sewing kit with her at all times" she told him,
"And does she believe in ghosts?" he asked and Madame Giry sighed,
"No, I'm afraid not. The topic of the opera ghost was raised but it didn't stir any nerves or fear" she explained causing Erik to groan,
"Then it seems I must make her believe" he murmured,
"Please, Erik. There is no need for that. She's a nice girl and the wardrobe department hasn't looked more organised" she pleaded,
"You know everyone must believe in me so that my demands will be continuously met" he reminded her causing the ballet mistress to sigh as Erik took his leave.
Maria was sewing a rip on one of the costumes when her candle suddenly blew out causing her to look around the room that was still partly lit due to the moonlight outside and Maria's eyes fell upon a shadow that obviously belonged to a man,
"Who's there?" she demanded firmly,
"The true manager of this opera house" a haunting voice whispered but Maria stood tall,
"So you're the so called phantom I have heard so much about" she said unimpressed before hearing an echoing chuckle,
"Bravery. This is something I admire but you would do well to be cautious and respect my existence, Mademoiselle" the voice said warningly but Maria folded her arms,
"I shall not be pushed around by anyone, especially not by a man who refuses to show himself" she replied and Erik gritted his teeth,
"Stubborn, female. Those whom play too close to fire can easily be burnt" he warned and went to leave,
"Yes but those responsible enough may stand as close to flames may receive only warmth with out fear of being burnt" she said causing Erik's eyes to widen in shock.
A young Erik built him and a young Maria a fire,
"Careful, don't get too close. You might burn yourself" Erik warned her gently from behind his cloth mask but heard Maria giggle,
"Don't worry, Erik. Those responsible enough may stand close to flames and receive only warmth without fear of getting burnt" she replied as they both began toasting marshmallows.
Erik turned back looking at the woman's shadowed figure,
"Light a candle" he told her,
"I told you. I don't take..." she began,
"Would you please light a candle?" he requested and Maria was surprised before retrieving a matchbox and sparked the wick of the candle and Erik was stunned,
"Maria" he murmured and he saw the curious expression on her face,
"Miss Jones!" one of the managers called making her turn but when she went to look back, the shadow had vanished,
"Coming!" she called back before going to see what they wanted.
So Erik has finally found Maria but will he reveal himself to her? Review in order to unlock chapter 3!
Kind Regards,
TheAuthor1996
