"Oh thank you Christine!" another of the ballet corps said, as they all shared a large pitcher of cider. Mama Valerius had gotten more than she knew what to do with from a friend in the business, and though her and Erik had a nice time drinking some – he seemed to like to more than the hot chocolate – there was still far too much left. Raoul was off on some business trip with his older brother, and the remainder of his family couldn't stand her. Bearing gifts or not, she was still a singer working in the Opera Populaire. But she didn't care about that now, she was sharing the cider with Meg and the others in the ballet corps, having asked the ballet mistress to let them have some time off.
The small talk and gossip was cut off when the door opened, and none other than the resident Prima Donna waltzed in. Or rather, strutted. There were many comparisons made behind her back that involved an angry hen. And even though Christine didn't like to be rude, she was jut so awful to some people that it was hard not to giggle at her when she was being a diva.
"What are you leetle brats doing in the middle of the foyer?" she demanded.
"We got permission from Madame Giry to have a break for refreshments." one girl said quietly. A few others nodded.
"Well get out!" she said with a flip of her ridiculous hairstyle.
"You can't just make us leave!" a girl protested. Seeing the Prima Donna turn an odd shade of red, Christine stepped in to be a peacekeeper.
"Oh, just look at the time." she said, though there was no way to tell what time it was in the room, "I'm afraid I have to go, and you should get back to practice." there were sighs of resignation, but it was time for them to get back to work anyway, so they got up and left, leaving only a seething Carlotta and a meek Christine standing with a pitcher and a few mugs.
"I don't suppose you would like some?" she asked, more out of politeness than anything. Christine assumed that the diva would just flounce out, her goal met. To her surprise, she only sniffed in her usual above-everyone-else manner.
"What ees it?"
"Apple cider." Christine said, offering a mug meekly.
"Never had eet, never want to." the woman said, and turned to leave.
"Oh, are you sure? Its very good, I assure you."
"Don't act so smart with me, mademoiselle."
"I-I'm not, ma'am. I just thought you would like to try some." The woman looked torn between trying it and smacking the pitcher from her hand. "If you would?"
"Fine. Don't think I am a friend, now."
"I wouldn't have considered it." Christine said in a kind tone, but mentally was dancing. This was progress! She poured a mug, which Carlotta did indeed admit was very good, and took another. They parted ways, for once, in peace.
Meanwhile, Erik had decided it was time to reestablish himself in the Opera. There would be a performance the evening of Christmas, and he still expected his francs. He found the pair of managers in their office, drinking brandy and laughing about something. His voice came from the ceiling above them, although he was on their right.
"I see you are getting into the Christmas spirits." he said. Firmin gasped and Andre nearly spilled said 'spirit' onto his shirt. Laughter echoed around the room at his own joke, which either the managers didn't catch, or were to scared to remark on. "Now, since we are on the topic of a spirit, good monsieurs, I would like to remind you of my salary, lest you forget."
From behind his watching point Erik chuckled again. Sadly, these managers were much more dense than the last, who had gone so far as to banter puns with him. A direct approach was better with these men.
"Its the ghost, Andre." Firmin pointed out brilliantly.
"Yes, I know, thank you." he snapped back.
"Gentlemen, please." he said dryly. "No need to argue. Will I be able to expect my pay on time or will there need to be other methods taken to encourage punctuality in the future?"
"It will be in Box Five as always." one said, gritting his teeth.
"Good. Until then, sirs, I bid you good day. Do tell that littlest ballet dancer she needs new point shoes. Hers are falling apart."
"She has no money for such things, monsieur ghost. The ballet mistress expressed the same concerns."
"My concerns are for the Opera, and they will be addressed. I will talk with Giry. Have a good evening."
It was a clear dismissal, and a few seconds later he heard Firmin whisper, "Did he make a play on the word spirit?" to which he chuckled. He would not ask Madame Giry anything, she had no money for new shoes either. It seemed he would have to take matters into his own hands. He would talk to Christine, instead, who could get the proper size.
A/N: Sassy Erik is the best Erik ((get it? because a spirit means entergetic but also ghost and also alcohol?)). Did he just decide to get a ballet girl a christmas present? I like to think so. Carlotta may not be in the Christmas spirit either but maybe their rivalry can be helped a little. . .