June fifteenth, 1898

Dear Madame Giry,

I do not know if this is your current residency anymore. But I pray that this will reach your hands as soon as possible. However, to the point I would kindly like to invite you and Meg to return to France in the near future-four months from now; October 17th, here at the Opera Popular. There has been a significant change in my life in which I would like for the two of you to bear witness to; a marriage.

It's been a few years since you left-three and a half if I am counting right. Lots has happened since I last wrote, and heard no response; The Opera Popular is preparing to open the rehersal wings for teaching students. Carlotta will be permitted to help teach, though she is going to deal with more administrative things. Alexi has also put in a hand for help as our official book-keeper. Carlotta has found someone, if it means anything to you; Alexi's single boss Misseur Albert Hauster. Despite not being an easy to please man, they both hold high expectations and it suits them nicely. It's very comical to see them sometimes.

Symon's three today. Today . . . how time has flown. He looks more and more like his blood father every day, which is haunting at times. He loves Alexi though, which I had hoped would happen. He has his father's hair and ear for music. He likes to dance if someone is playing-or if I wind up the music box for him. I think when he is older I will hire someone to teach him in some sort of instrument. What though I am not sure-that should come to me with time.

How are you and Meg? I think about the two of you often these days, as Carlotta and I prepare to open the opera house. There is so much I wish you were within arms reach to ask about, but I have been able to manage well enough. The main theatre in the building is not open yet. That room is going to cost us a fortune . . . we will probably have to sell things sometime in the distant future but Carlotta and I will get around to it when that time comes.

How is Erik? As I mentioned he comes and goes from my mind as I watch my son grow. What does he do now? I ask because I am would like to tell my son the truth when he is old enough to hear it. It is yes, many years from now, but I don't want to answer the question incorrectly to him the day he realizes he is not Alexi's son. Mirrors can be such truth tellers. Thanks Erik by the way, for the music box-for Symon. He treasures it dearly and treats it with the upmost care, a rarity amongst infants I find these days.

Meg, I know you told me you would send word of how you are, but I already know. You are doing great, and I miss having you at my side sometimes. Carlotta is sarcastic sometimes to the point where I want to pull my hair out, but not enough to kill. We have ironed things out, and get along like sisters-but not like how you and I bounced about for that masquerade ball at the Opera Popular. That is a day I hold dear to my heart, and if you were here with Madame Giry for my big day I would love to have you at my side for it.

I have to go-I am preparing flyers that have to go out this afternoon for tomorrows mail, pertaining to the enrollment of students is now open. It's most exciting!

I hope to see the three two of you there. I would like Erik there-for old times sake, but I truly doubt that it would be a possible thing at this point.

Much love and kind regards to all,

Michelle Le'Clair'e

Owner, manager, and instructor of the Opera Popular

Paris, France

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Michelle sealed the letter and sent it out with the rest of the mail doubting to hear anything back, knowing that since that one letter long ago, that no one had contacted her. Perhaps Carlotta was right and they just no longer cared.

Then again perhaps something had happened.

They would find out in a few months.

The engagement had been a splendid one that had occurred a month ago, when Alexi had taken her out to a nice restaurant. Carlotta had once again agreed to take Symon off Michelle's hands under the request of Alexi. She had known before Michelle to what he was planning.

The resturant though was classy, and Michelle had dressed nicely for whatever event it was that Alexi was taking her out for. He had only told her "dress in your finest". She had been conserned only with the why, but a suprise was a suprise so she played along.

Dinner and wine were splended, expensive and very over the top when it came to reflecting on how the first part went. Then dessert was presented, and that's when Alexi decided it was time to pop the question.

"Michelle Le'Clair'e," he had stooped onto one knee, "Will you marry me?" he presented a gold ring, elegntly decorated with gemstones surrounding a diamond.

The resturant seemed to have an echoing moment, because then the entire facilty was quiet for that one moment-whether it was for good or bad intentions, it didn't matter.

But everyone was watching.

Michelle had been shocked; despite being well aquainted with Alexi, holding deep emotions to the man, she was afraid. This had been one of the things she had hoped might have happened between her and Erik.

But this is not Erik, she reminded herself, Alexi will never leave you.

There would be no other opportunity for love, and why would she want anyone else who could accept her son, when charming Alexi was already being called 'dad' by Symon.

"Yes," she had answered.

There was a buzz of sound that was of hands coming together in applauding, as Alexi slipped the ring onto her finger, their eyes locked.

This is the man I will spend the rest of my life with. she had thought with a positive manner.

Their lips met for a short moment, and then he returned to his seat. But Michelle's heart pounded in her ears with excitment. Somone who cared for her and her son-someone who she cared about would now be a part of her life forever.

Michelle stared at the ring sitting on her finger and smiled recalling that night when she had returned to the apartment she still shared with Carlotta. Symon raced to the door and leapt up into her arms happy to see her-Liam and Elma at his heels.

"So, how'd it go, my darling?" Carlotta asked in her teasing tone.

Michelle entered the parlor where Carlotta was reading a romance book, Symon still in her arms, and showed Carlotta the ring.

"You said yes?"

Michelle nodded.

"I am so happy-and the ring is nicer than I had imagined."

"You knew?"

"Of course I did. That's why I kept Symon tonight."

"You twit," but they were in a fit of giggles. There was no anger. There couldn't be when the night had been so perfect.

Symon looked at his mother confused.

"What is so funny?"

"It's nothing, my darling."

"But why are you laughing?"

"For happieness, Symon."

"Why?"

"Your mommy here is about to marry your father," Carlotta answered before Michelle could put the words together.

Symon still looked at Michelle with a confused face, but turned his attention to Carlotta, "What does that mean?"

"Means you're all going to live together under one roof,"

"But can I still come visit you?"

"Of course," she winked, "Now I think it's a bit past your bedtime isn't it?"

He nodded and after giving his aunt a hug and mother a kiss, went off to bed.

Carlotta waitied until he was out of the room before speaking again, "So, are you happy Michelle?"

She nodded enthusiastically.

"Good," she handed her a sifter of brandy, "A drink, for bedtime," she began to paugh again, "I would have loved to have been there with you two when he popped the question."

"What did you two do this evening?"

"Dinner, a story or two, and I let him stay up to play with Liam and Elma until you got home so long as he went to bed after." she grinned, "I am going to miss your little man when you two move out."

This statement was true; she had bonded with Symon greatly over the years, and she loved to play the piano for him. Symon was quick to pick up on some of the things she was playing but his little hands were too small to hit the keys still.

"You'll grow into them," she had remarked giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze.

Michelle now looked at the pile of mail she had to send and the pile of mail to sift through.

This will be easy. she told herself silently, and began the robotic process of folding letters into envelopes and putting a mark of postage on each.

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Michelle didn't expect a responce from Madame Giry but received one despite her doubts.

Dearest Michelle,

We are pleased to hear the news about your engagement, and yes, I have recieved your previous letter. Life is quite busy for Meg and I here in America. It's nothing like what we were used to at the Opera Popular.

To answer your question, Erik's taken up a job with a local theatre company. His looks are taken with stride here, as a battle wound. It has been a relief to know he is more welcome here than he was there. I am glad you consider allowing Erik be known in Symon's life when the time comes. He will be opening a small play when your event is and will be unable to attend, but we shall let him know anyway.

We are actually traveling to London about the same time so Meg and I will be mmost overjoyed to ear witness to your event. We will be in England for a time visiting Christine and Raoul, but while in France, I would be most pleased to see the progress you and Carlotta have made while we have been gone.

Speaking of Carlotta, I am glad you two have worked things out and you have set her in the right direction somewhat. I am familiar with her friend Misseur Hauster-a good couple if you ask me.

Thank you for writing, and telling us about Symon. We look forward to meeting your treasure when we come to your marriage to Alexi.

With love,

Madame Antionette Giry, and Meg.

Michelle let Carlotta read the letter.

"Damn Madame Giry," Carlotta remarked as she read the mentioning paragraph about herself, "'Set me in the right direction'? Please, you and I were aleady there in the right direction; we just needed a while to know it."

"I know,"

"So Erik won't be coming?"

"No,"

"Good. He doesn't deserve to see Symon," she paused looking over the letter, "You asked what he was doing?"

"Yes,"

"At least you are thinking of Symon when you asked."

Michelle didn't answer.

"You miss Erik still,"

"Not really. I see him every day in Symon."

"That's not what I meant,"

"I know, and the truth is that I don't miss him much. He was great company, but I feel more at peace with Alexi."

Carlotta nodded, "I am for one glad to hear that. You deserve someone who won't just up and vanish."

Michelle grinned and taking the letter back slipped it into the trash bin.

"We have work to do don't we?"

"Indeed; we are having a public speech today about our school." she paused, "Speaking of which, Albert has set up a meeting for us with the head of education here in town so we can really call this place a school."

"When?"

"Friday,"