Chapter Fourteen: See The Light
She could finally feel the sun and he was happy for her. Happy, but alone. Mel continued with her job, sketching the outfits that were to clothe heroes, designing gowns for princesses but mostly doing the small things that an apprentice was to do, hem this or stitch the seam to that. Pins here and cut this much there. Mostly, it was unexciting busy work that had no meaning but held a lot of joy for Mel. This was her job and once she became a great costumer for the opera, it would become her livelihood.
And she was happy. She had close to nothing now, she left most things down in the dark, dank cave that the gruesome Phantom dwelled in, but when she thought aloud, I wish I hadn't left behind my sketchpad, I sorely need it, she would find it the next morning on her desk. Intrigued and a little startled by this, she even tested who was listening and to what extent.
"I wish I didn't left so abruptly, I left behind my lip rouge!" Mel exclaimed, knowing very well that she could not afford such things.
The following morning brought a brand new stick of rouge in a shade she liked very much.
It also seemed as if the Vicomte took special interest in the costume designers, popping in every now and then which made the diva, La Carlotta jealous and the ballet dancers uneasy. Only Mel knew why he came every day. He seemed so bright and enthusiastic, with a bounce in his step that was so unlike Erik but she was drawn to his happiness and his joy at joy. It was sweet and endearing and truly brightened her day to see someone being actually happy with some kind of bright outlook of the world. He would say hello to everyone sewing frequently but tended to linger at her sewing station as she beaded things or fixed a ripped seam, asking what she was doing and how things were going and her opinion on the new management and where her future seemed to be here and- wait, what did he just ask?
"Tonight, at the opera Faust, my brother has a previous engagement and I have a free seat in Box Five. Would you care to join me?"
"Forgive me, monsieur, but I am but a lowly costumer- not even, an apprentice. Surely you have others to come before inviting me."
"Melodie, have you taken any notice? I like you and I would enjoy your company tonight more than any other"
Mel blushed deeply at his compliment, "I suppose I am attending the Opera tonight."
A/N: Hehehe, aren't they so cute together? EC shippers beware, upcoming are... treacherous waters. Also, cookie-wanters note another chance in this chapter title! Hint: 21