I am so so sorry that I haven't been consistent with my writing! I have these things called "Lack of inspiration" and "I have the memory of a goldfish". I know these are dumb excuses for why I'm keeping you all on a cliffhanger, and I can't say how sorry I am to keep you waiting. I hate it when authors do that, but I can't complain too much because I know how they feel and I do it myself a lot… Anyway, I hope you all are having a great day, and please stay safe during these troublesome times! 3
As soon as they were gone, Firmin fell into his seat with a thud, "Blasted, superstitious gentlemen. They have got my nerves all riled up for what? A hooligan in a mask who thinks he can get his way with a few empty threats…" Annabelle pursed her lips in thought, 'Clearly, Monsieur Firmin doesn't believe in the Opera Ghost. But the ex-managers did… Why? What happened during their time here that made them so afraid of this… man?... Was he even a man? Perhaps not…'
While Annabelle was lost in thought, Rémy asked her concerned, "Are you alright?" Annabelle quickly snapped back into reality and laughed embarrassed, "Sorry, I was just thinking… I can assure you I'm fine, Rémy," she gave him a thankful smile. She thought it was sweet that Rémy was worried about her, but perhaps he just wanted to be seen in a positive light by her uncle? She doubted that he was that kind of person though, it just didn't seem like him.
Rémy nodded and asked, "Would you like a glass of water to help you calm down?" Annabelle smiled, "That would be wonderful, thank you Rémy," Her smile was so genuine that Rémy felt his heart start to pound, 'Out of all the ladies I've met, she is the sweetest and kindest woman I've ever met.' He then left the room to go get Annabelle some water, while Andre looked through the book to see the mysterious red writing. "I can barely read this handwriting… I don't know how the previous managers could memorize this if I can barely understand the manuscript," Anna got up and walked over to look at the book once more, "It reminds me of a child trying to be fancy with their writing, Uncle…" He nodded and glanced at Firmin warily, "I think you should go home for tonight Annabelle… It's been a long day…"
She was about to argue when she noticed how infuriated Monsieur Firmin was and thought it best to leave. "Alright, I will see you at home, Uncle. Have a pleasant night Monsieur Firmin," And with that, she left the office. She found her way to the front of the Opera House and took a deep breath, 'Tonight has been rather strange,' she thought to herself as she waited for a cabby to come so she could go home. She rubbed her arms trying to warm herself up, "I wish I had long sleeves…" she muttered to herself quietly, when all of a sudden, she heard a middle-aged woman calling her name, "Excuse me! Are you Annabelle? The niece of the new Assistant Manager?"
She turned around confused to see a proud-looking lady coming down the steps towards her. She ran to the woman for she was half afraid she'd slip and fall, "Yes, yes that's me!" The woman smiled and gave her a knowing smile, "I suspected so, not very many girls have eyes like Aquamarine such as yourself…" Annabelle blushed, "Thank you Madame…" The woman nodded, "Madame Giry. I am the Box Keeper of this establishment," Annabelle tilted curiously, 'She looks like she's been here for several years, no wonder she is filled with confidence,' she then reached out to shake her hand, "It's wonderful to meet you Madame Giry,"
Madame Giry smiled as she shook her hand, "The pleasure is all mine dearie. Oh!" She reached into her dress pocket and pulled out a folded note, "I found this while cleaning Box 5, it's for you…" Annabelle froze and paled a bit, she still didn't know the full reason why most of the staff feared box 5, but Madame Giry spoke of it as if it was commonplace to find mysterious letters in forbidden box seats, "You… Are allowed to go into Box 5?" She asked, curiosity overcoming her fear, "Why of course! I would hardly deserve the title of Box Keeper if I wasn't allowed in the box seats," she answered with a chuckle.
Annabelle realized how silly her question sounded, but she continued to ask, "I thought Box 5 was forbidden for anyone to enter?" Madame Giry nodded wisely, "Only a select few are allowed to enter the Phantom's box. However, from time to time he allows people to go in. I am one of those people, someone has to keep the place clean," She started laughing at her joke, causing Annabelle to feel somewhat relieved. "Well, it was wonderful to meet you, Annabelle, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow…" Annabelle nodded and gave her best attempt at a smile, "Likewise Madame Giry," she felt bad lying to her, but she was utterly terrified of this man who had the power to kill her, but didn't for reasons she was unsure of. Madame Giry went back inside, leaving Annabelle to herself once more. She looked at the note anxiously, but before she could open it a cabby pulled up to the front of the Opera House.
She waved her arm at him, "Excuse me!" she yelled towards him, trying not to trip as she ran. She told the cabby man the address and went inside the cab. She stared out the window, the empty streets were both calming and eerie. She stared at the note and took a deep breath, 'It's just a letter, Annabelle, it's just a note... She unfolded it and began to read, "Dearest maiden Annabelle. It was a pleasure to finally meet you tonight after I first saw you save that oaf Buquet I've been dying to speak with you…" She shuddered at the reference to Monsieur Buquet almost dying, but she kept reading, "It's a shame that business got in the way of our conversation, but I must remind everyone who is really in charge in this opera house… No matter, I will be able to see you tomorrow in my Box Seat around noon. I will warn you however if you fail to come, I doubt that the assistant manager will be able to assist anyone tomorrow… With warm regards, Erik, the Opera Ghost."
Annabelle put the letter down next to her, the red words pierced into her mind, I to speak with me? Uncle will not be able to assist anyone? Why oh why did she have such rotten luck…' She hugged herself tightly, refusing to let tears fall. She needed to be strong and level headed, just like Nanna. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves, "I guess I am going to meet with the Opera Ghost tomorrow…" she muttered to herself quietly. After a few minutes, they finally arrived at her Uncle's home. Annabelle got out of the cab and thanked the driver as she paid him her fee, then she went inside. Once she got to her room, she changed into her sleepwear and wearily got into bed, "I wonder what… Erik… wants of me…" she muttered to herself as she drifted off to an uneasy sleep.