"Welcome, friends, to the annual party. We always host one as a celebration for our successful plays. And tonight, we have our honored guest with us. Please welcome to Aimee Beaumont." Firmin announced, gesturing behind the crowd. Aimee gave a slight smile at the applause but she stood frozen where she was standing. She didn't want to bump into anyone or stepping on someone's toes.
It had been a week since the death of Francois and Abigail. News had reached the public quickly but they weren't so gobbled up at it. They assumed the Opera Ghost did it. They cared more of Aimee's performance. They had praised her singing but paired her up with Nicholas as a budding romance in the theater. No matter how much she denied it, the rumors and gossip spread faster than her lips could form the word 'No'. Nicholas didn't mind since he had been through it before when he was in America. He even confirmed it as a joke to make Aimee even more embarrassed about it.
Erik had taken a short trip to Italy for a few days to gather inspiration, leaving Aimee sad and feeling alone. Her frequent visits to his lair had brought the two closer together but with Erik's past with Christine, he tried his best to not further any complications with Aimee.
Nicholas brown eyes flickered at Aimee who was staring blankly ahead whilst guests mingled amongst her. It's like she's invisible to them…He finished his drink and walked over to Aimee.
"So," he spoke, snapping Aimee out of her thinking. "What say you and I hold hands together for the rest of the night?" He smiled seeing the red formed on her cheeks.
"You're making a scene," Aimee said, hearing giggles around her. Nicholas only chuckled.
"It's alright. Haven't you ever played along?" Nicholas asks, guiding her toward a group of his friends.
Erik put down the latest newspaper on his desk, staring at it intently. "Opera Ghost kills two victims. Will his reign of terror ever end?" He let out a sigh, folding the newspaper in half and set it aside. Whenever a death occurs, he is always put in the limelight for it.
"No, I don't think my reign of terror will end," He mockingly answers back the bold titles of the newspaper that stood out to him. He grabs his newly written letters to give to the managers, the patron and so on. Most were the same, demanding for his pay. Others were just a warning as to keep his Box Five empty. Laughter and music were getting closer to him as he ascended the stairs. The diner was filled with crowded guests- drunken guests that were acting a fool of themselves.
He only scoffed and searched for one familiar female. She wasn't there. Erik decided to make a quick stop at Aimee's room but seem to have his own battle. Why would he bother to check on her when he needs to get on delivering the letters and go back, writing his music? He stayed hidden in the shadows as he made his way to Aimee's room. It was empty around the hall, rather like the floor where the diner located. He made a quick knock and let himself in, gently closing the door.
Aimee was seated on the vanity chair, brushing her hair. He caught a faint smell of toffee and apple. It was a very sweet, alluring smell. As if she knew who was there, Aimee looked his way. She gave a little smile. She knew who was there.
"The party gotten too loud for you, Erik?" she asks, setting the brush down. He shook his head, picking a seat far away from her. Any closer, he would lose his temptations.
"No," he shook his head, "I was just going to send these letters to the managers," he cleared his throat and shifted in his seat. "Shouldn't you be at the party? After all, it is for you."
"I was, but I didn't feel comfortable with so many people around me. I did have fun though. However, I don't attend a party that ends in the morning," She stood up, going over to her little bookshelf, running her fingers along the spine.
"Where's your brother?" he asks, watching how she pulls out a book, touching the front cover of the book and place it back.
"He's with Christine. Out to dinner, I think." She then pulls out another book, which Erik stood up and looks over her shoulder.
"What is that?" he asks, looking at the blank cover.
"A book." She handed the book to him, listening as he flips through the pages.
"But there's nothing here." She let out a laugh, taking it away from him.
"How is it that you claim to travel the world and learn many languages, but you seem to fluster about this particular one?" She pointed to the book as she sat down.
"I did travel the world. But I never learned the language of…that."
"It's alright. I'll read some to you." Erik looked at the small clock above the door. It was only eleven. One page couldn't hurt.
Author Note: Thank you, Guest for your wonderful review but also your thoughtful advice. I do see my character as a mary sue but aren't all characters are? I hope to see more from your reviews from you. I do wish to need more help from unsueify Aimee but I can't because you're signed off and Anonymous. and you didn't try to kill me like the previous anonymous guest (xD) nonetheless, thanks
P.s. No, I am not dead lol. Just spending time with family over the holidays. I'll update more from now.