Part IV

A New Home

1874

As Madalynn stepped into the foyer, she was instantly bombarded by multitudes of well dressed people. They chatted and laughed gaily, with long white gloves and exquisite jewelry, while the swishing of expensive fabric reaching her ears. Suddenly self-conscious of her attire, Madalynn felt red creep into her cheeks as she eased her way through the crowed that was leaving the performance. She made for the large front doors of the Opera quickly and stepped out onto the dark Parisian streets. Everything was so different now than it was in 2006. The streets were dusty, and instead of cars waiting out front, several horse drawn carriages awaited their wealthy passengers, horses pawing at the ground and snorting impatiently. She glanced around at the houses, very much different. Most of these buildings and houses were gone now. Having lived in Paris all her life, she was surprised at how disoriented she was in her surroundings.

"Are you lost?" someone inquired of her, touching her shoulder gently. Caught off guard and half expecting another unpleasant handkerchief, Madalynn whipped around while taking a step back. However, to her relief, the figure held no handkerchief and was in fact a woman. Letting her guard down and sighing in relief, Madalynn answered truthfully that she was, all the while looking the woman over. She could have sworn that she recognized the older woman, who wore a dark brown dress with auburn hair that was braided neatly over her shoulder...the memory of the Prima Donna's dressing room came back to her. It was Madame Giry.

"What is your name child?" She asked kindness in her pale blue eyes.

Madalynn instantly felt comfortable with her. "Madalynn Pelletier"

"What are you looking for?"

Madalynn had to think about this. What would she tell her? She knew nothing about what was here in 1874, and she could not exactly ask for the nearest gas station or payphone to call her mother at her office. Stammering and looking around at her surroundings she finally settled on the opera house,

"The Opera Populaire...is this it?" Madalynn smiled sweetly at her.

"Why yes, it is dear. What would you like here?" Madame Giry gave her a look that clearly stated that she knew she was certainly not here for an opera.

Thinking about what to tell her, she finally managed an answer she thought the woman would accept.

"I am here to find work." Madalynn said, deciding it was better for her to live here and work than on the streets. At least she could have more time to explore the mirror and figure out how to get home.

"Well, can you dance my dear? Or sing?"

"I danced when I was 6...and I love to sing. I do not know if I do it well though." She remembered when her mother would drive her to dance classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Her teacher had often told her mother she possessed talent. As for singing, she never did that outside of the shower.

Madame Giry considered this for a moment. "How old are you?"

"I just turned 17"

Madame Giry thought a little while longer. "Do you have a family? A home?"

Madalynn almost laughed. Yes she did, but it would be hard to explain that they were more than 100 years away. Controlling herself and even managing a sad countenance, she simply said "No" on both counts. Madame Giry's mouth curved down slightly. She had always had a soft spot for the homeless and orphans, especially those that she could help in any way. She thought of Christine and how she had taken her in once Gustave Daaé, her father, passed away and taught her to dance. She turned out to be a very talented soprano and after the Great Disaster went on to marry the Viscomte Raoul de Chagny.

Madame Giry could not help but remember how it broke Erik's heart, and how it lay shattered still.

Pulling her thoughts back to the present, she studied Madalynn. She was a very pretty girl. With a little help, she was sure she could dance. Letting out a sigh, Madame Giry spoke. "You may live and train with me. It will be hard work, but it is better than being alone and hungry on the streets. Come with me child, I will get you cleaned up."

Grabbing her hand, she led Madalynn up the steps of the Opera Populaire, into her new home. Something drew her attention to the roof right before she passed into the door way, and she looked up in time to see a figure turn, a dark cape flowing behind.