Chapter 10: A New Wardrobe
I awoke suddenly from the morning chill and the cold breeze that ruled it. First time in years since you've been this cold. I blinked numerous times trying to get used to the morning light. From the looks of it, it looked to be around five in the morning. I pulled the blanket up to my chin and rapped it tightly around me. I closed my eyes, trying to find sleep again.
Finding no sleep what so ever I pulled the heavy blanket off and annoyingly stood from the soft bed that I wish I never left. I grabbed the white shirt placed it on leaving the top few buttons undone, then the black vest, didn't even bother to button that up. I slipped my boots on and left the bedroom.
I looked around the upstairs. Every door was shut, and everything was silent. Assuming everyone was still asleep I made my way downstairs. When I first walked up and down these steps I learned in an instant where all the squeaks are, being the person I am I didn't make a single noise. Squeeeeeak. I stopped in my tracks as I sighed from my mistake.Maybe the days of the Phantom is truly coming to an end. What are you complaining about it's what you wanted!
True.
Entering the main room of the house I grabbed my heavy black coat that hung on a hook next to the door and placed it on with a sigh. I walked to a chair next to a window and sat down.
The whole time that past I was just staring out the window, watching the trees, watching the lake just eighty yards away. Listening to the morning birds sing their song of happiness. All these things made me think. What would I be like if I grew up here? Would I fit in? Would people accept my face? Would I be happily married? With a beautiful wife and child to merrily take care of? All these questions, questions that can't be answered. I tried and pictured me in the sunlight but couldn't, I try to picture myself happy but couldn't. Worse, I even try to picture Christine in my arms, watching our children play. Tears rapidly rushed to my eyes. Stop it! Stop it! She loves someone else, there is no "Would I" no "If"! No nothing!
My thoughts of despair were interrupted when the front door opened. A big gush of cold mourning wind came through the door as to my surprise a girl with a high neck blue dress, and black hair tightly held back entered. That girl was Dreama. She closed the door rather quickly yet gently and silently, placing her night sky blue cloak on a hook. She turned to me and stood frozen with her eyes staring at me wide.
We said nothing to each other just stared. It was indeed odd that she was up at this time. Certainly many workers at the Opera never left they never even slept, but this girl didn't seem like the type to be up at five in the morning.
"A bit early to be up don't you think?" she asked breaking the silence. I frowned.
"Oh I agree a bit too early." She knew what I was thinking.
"We all have our reasons. Couldn't sleep?" she said taking a seat in front of me. I shook my head.
"Not really, I awoke not too long ago." I responded looking back out the window. She chuckled and forced me to look back at her.
"What about you?" I asked rubbing my hands together. She shrugged.
"Couldn't sleep either." It seemed like a lie, but I decided not to press it further.
"Well I'm going to get ready for the day; I suggest you do the same for we're going to Clarice's house to get you some new clothes." She said beginning to walk away.
"I am ready." She stopped and faced me with bewilderment.
She looked at me up and down, noticing I'm wearing the same clothes I had yesterday for they were the only clothes I have at the moment.
"Oh well, might as well eat something then, I'll go get mother."
"No, no please you don't have to wake her to feed me I rather not disturb her." But then squeaky steps came to my ears as I noticed Dolly walking down the steps yawning.
She smiled greatly at us. "Good mornin! How'd y'all sleep?" Dreama smiled and kissed her mother on the cheek and left upstairs. "That usually means good mother." She said with a smirk to me. "What about you Erik? How'd you sleep?"
"I slept just fine Madam Dolly. Thank you." I said lightly. She walked to me and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"You're welcome darling. You hungry? How about some steak and eggs?" she said leading me to the kitchen.
"Steak and egg's sound delightful." I said taking a seat at the table. She took in another yawn as she said.
"I hope the boys and Thelma didn't keep you up last night or made you feel uncomfortable in any way…"
"Absolutely not! I have no problem with Tommy or Noah, nor Thelma." I said stunned. She smiled as she began pulling out some steak and eggs along with other eating utensils and spices for the breakfast she was about to cook. Always seems to smile while doing something. I admire Dolly very much for how much she cared, not many had cared for me, only Mme. Giry and…well maybe it was just her. Having someone care for you like Dolly did was something I enjoyed very much! She treated me like I was one of her own. Was this how all children with mothers felt? Or is it possible for this feeling to be just mine and mine only?
It was only in a matter of minutes before breakfast was served in front of me. I tucked the napkin and began to eat. Each bite was sensational! The juiciness of the steak was so delicious I practically closed my eyes with each bite I took. The eggs I must say was no different. Everything was delicious! I have never eaten this much in years!
As I neared the end of my morning feast the rest of the family walked in the kitchen.
"Good morning." Dean yawned to his wife and me.
"Good mourning Dean." I said with a small smile. Everyone came in saying there 'good morning's' I greatly returned it.
Everyone began there meal and began there conversations. I looked around and notice Thelma was now done. Fast eater. I thought. She stood placed her dishes out of the way and made her way out of the kitchen. Everyone was pretty much done. They stood and helped cleaned up, I did as well.
Everything was going well, I went into a little conversation with Tommy and Noah about what they usually do when a festival occurs, they sing with there father Dean. Being the people they are I had no idea Dean, Tommy and Noah could sing! Now I was truly starting to feel eager to go to this festivity. I wonder if Dolly could sing, her voice, her posture, all show some sort of indication that she has the voice to sing. Bunny told me she could sing, Dreama, well assuming she could for she could play the violin. Could Thelma? I couldn't picture it. Thelma was indeed a woman of many surprises, but I doubt she was the type to sing in front of a crowd.
My attention was taken when Dreama entered with a high neck white top and a long black skirt.
"Alright everybody, Erik and I are going to head over to Clarice's house to get a few things." She said motioning me to her side. I nodded to Tommy and Noah ending our conversation and made my way to the door of the Tamber's house. Dreama followed.
"What size are you?" she asked as we walked down a trail toward the area were many people were. I was stunned by the question. A bit inappropriate to me really, well my shirt was practically forced off by Thelma when I first met her so I couldn't complain.
"Um, I don't really…I uh, it's been two weeks since I measured myself for clothes." It's true; the last time I did was when I was preparing for Don Juan Triumphant, the last Opera I've written, and the only true masterpiece I will ever write.
"Well that's fine, Clarice will measure, she always measures just in case the costumer makes a mistake."
"That's good to know." I responded with a sigh.
We stayed silent the rest of the way, we passed many cottages, gardens, children playing, and people talking of joy.
We finally reached the cottage of Clarice. She had a nice place, the gardens weren't as beautiful as the Tamber's, her cottage was one story, look to be a place only meant for two or three people.
Dreama knocked three times. After a minute or two the door opened to reveal a woman who looked to be around her forties maybe older, her hair was dark silver, with a gray high neck dress. She looked at me and stilled, then gave a smile and nodded. She then turned to Dreama and her smile became larger.
"Why hello my Little Angel of Music how's you?" she asked with her country accent. I froze at what she called Dreama, did I hear correctly?
"I'm doing fine Mrs. Fabric maker." She said sarcastically with a gleeful smile. "And how are you doing on this fine day?"
"Well I'm doing fine knowin' my fabric's safe in the cabinet and that Thelma isn't trying to steal it!" Dreama laughed at her mention.
"Oh Clarice you know that was when she was a little girl, she ain't going to do that anymore."
Being the woman Thelma is I can't even imagine her as a little girl.
"Memories are hard to get rid of." The old woman replied giving Dreama a warm hug.
Amen to that.
Did I truly hear right? Did this old woman call Dreama Little Angel of Music? All these years I have thought The Angel of Music to be something Christine's Father made up, obviously I was wrong. Though come to think of it, the only reason for Madame Clarice to call Dreama Angel of Music must be because Dreama could sing. I have heard from Jonnie and the others the whole family could sing, except one couldn't. That must be Thelma.
My thoughts were stuck somewhere between my own and what Dreama and the Madam were talking about when rapidly Dreama's laugh pulled me to there conversation.
"Oh forgive me where are my manors? Mrs. Clarice, meet our dear new comer and new friend Erik Munoire, Erik, meet Mrs. Clarice Bridges."
Clarice looked at me and gave a warm smile and took my hand. I did not have to offer it she just took it.
"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" The woman gasped. I frowned deeply, what is so breathe taking about me? My face was in plain view! She should be scared. This whole time of being mask less I'm pretty much used to the whole gasp, wide eyes situation.
I turned to Dreama, maybe she could give me a clue, but instead she was looking away leaving me with a glimpse of her blushed cheeks and smile.
"Sorry for the interruption darlin' now how may I be of service?" The old woman asked.
"Well, you would do us great favor if you would kindly make our friend Erik a new wardrobe." The woman looked at me up and down slightly blushing.
"Well I believe I could give you that favor, what's your size mister Munoir?"
Again with the size.
"Pardon me Madam Bridges, but I'm afraid I do not know my size." I said directly.
The woman smiled.
"Well then looks like were gonna have to find out won't we?" she said gesturing us to walk in.
"Can't make a wardrobe without knowing what size to make it." She said placing a soft smooth hand on my shoulder and guided me in her main room.
We walked in front of a couch with maroon colored flowers sewed into it. I sat down quietly next to Dreama, taking in the room I saw many mannequins with beautiful dresses for balls. Some even looked like the one's I have seen in Paris at the Ball Masque; other mannequins had afternoon and evening suits for men and gowns for woman, clothes for men and woman who worked, children for parties, tea, and many more. The room was filled with wardrobes; I even found one similar to what I used to wear when I was The Ph… I don't even want to think of it. But I couldn't help but wish I had the piece of attire on me.
Wishing I stopped my gaze Mrs. Bridges spoke.
"I see you've found a winner Mister Munoire. I myself think it's a well good piece, the best I've made I think."
My head shot to Mrs. Bridges.
"Oh, um, yes indeed, a fine piece Madam." I felt a bit of a fool acting this way, the feeling was unbearable, the feeling of not knowing what to do, what to say, how to react.
"Why thank you sir…"
"Please…call me Erik everyone else does." I interrupted.
"Thank you Erik and you can call me Clarice, Mrs. Fabric Maker, whatever you wish really." I nodded in agreement. "Now let's get you measured." She said motioning me to another room.
I stood and walked toward her, leaving Dreama alone on the couch.
I entered the room Clarice was in. The room was a bit cluttered having all the measuring material, sewing material, and fabric material all lying about for Clarice to use. The room had two windows, lighting the whole room not making a single shadow. In the center of the room was a small table that was suddenly kicked to the side by Clarice. I looked at her as she rolled her sleeves.
"All right step right there." She said pointing to where the once was area where the table stood. I walked to the center as instructed and waited for the next.
Clarice placed a tape measure around her neck, took a piece of parchment and writing implement and walked to me.
"Now, hold still as I measure you."
She started with the top, she measured my neck, marked it on the piece of parchment, them my shoulders, marked it, my chest, marked it, my arms, marked it, my stomach, all the way to the bottom.
Every time she measured something on me I would freeze. I held my breath as I saw her smile at my tension.
She suddenly laughed.
"You are officially the first person to be so nervous to have someone else take their measurements instead of doing it themselves."
I frowned.
"How did you know I used to take my own measurements?"
At this she laughed again.
"Well it quite simple really. If you had someone else do it you wouldn't be so jumpy."
I chuckled at her response. After all the reply was simple like she said.
She jotted down her last piece of information and stood.
"Now Erik, what sort of clothing are you interested in?" she asked getting ready to write down more important information.
I looked around in deep thought. I have seen what she was able to make. She had good taste and was able to make what looked like anything. Yet what could I wear that would not make me look like an idiot? Why bother thinking you never paid attention to the type of clothing that you wore. Then again maybe I have been paying attention. I knew exactly what I wanted for the Masquerade ball, for Don Juan Triumphant, for every thing that I have worn in the past, why was it being so hard for me to choose now?
"Having some trouble deciding?" she said holding her pen to her chin.
I slightly nodded in disappointment.
"Well you don't have to worry, because I can already see you in some rather excellent choices."
"Such as?" I asked lifting as eyebrow.
"Well, you would look very nice in a white shirt, black vest and a dark blue coat and how about some brown trousers?"
I flinched at the brown. Fortunately Clarice saw it.
"Or black trousers?" I nodded. "Black it is, yes I can see it on you already, wearing at a tea party maybe?" she laughed at her thought then quickly wrote it down.
"Yes you shall need more then that though, you'll never know how many tea parties you'll be invited to go to, a good looking man such as yourself and all."
I flinched.
"Excuse me?" what on earth is wrong with this woman?
Ignoring my question she continued describing outfits.
"How about something brown? I know you're a bit off with that color but I think just an all brown suite would do well for a party of five. A white shirt, dark brown vest along with the coat and trousers. I think it would do just fine!" she wrote down the design with excitement.
I found it odd to be wearing an all brown suite but if she said I would look well then I suppose she must be right.
As I looked up I noticed she was staring at me.
"Forgive me, I'm rambling on about what you would look good in, I just assumed you didn't know what you wanted."
"No, no, actually I didn't know but I do have one in mind."
She prepared herself to write.
I described an outfit I knew too well. The one I feel I will be most comfortable in, though she insisted that it was a suit for parties I don't think I would be wearing it much. The more I think of it, the black outfit that I have worn most of my adult hood at the Opera was indeed for a celebration.
After sometime with Clarice I walked out with five white shirts, three black vests, four black trousers, and two pairs of black boots, along with shoes for partying only as I promised Mrs. Bridges. Indeed I walked out with clothes for working; the others were being made by Mrs. Bridges right now that was the only choice I had, unless I wanted to wear the same clothes for a week.
Dreama and I walked down the dirt road for about three minutes before I broke the silence.
"Why did she call you Little Angel of Music?" I asked with such interest I couldn't even clarify correctly.
"Well when I was little, her husband had just died; she was so lonely all by herself. Ever since her husband died no one wanted to bother her, meaning they would no longer ask her to make clothing. She was growing poor and extremely unhappy, I couldn't bare it. She used make my clothes when I was just a baby. If it wasn't for her I swear you'd be seeing me in nothing but rags."
I shuddered at the thought of what she might actually look like in rags. Surprisingly I found it exciting.
"I went to her one day and asked if she could make me a dress for a festival that was coming up. She greatly granted my wish. I never left her side as she did her magic, but not only did I never leave her side, I practiced my singing in her house, and to my surprise whenever I stopped she would urge me to continue. Everyday when it was time for me to leave she would say: "Keep Practicing Angel of Music and you shall never fail!" Her words were so inspiring I never stopped practicing. When my dress was done I invited her to come to the festival, she greatly accepted. For the first time in along time people saw Clarice happy. When ever someone asks her what got her so happy, she simply says My Little Angel of Music sang to me." She looked down as her smile fainted.
"It just pains me that I can't sing for her anymore." She stopped and looked at me. We stared at each other for what seemed like hours. Her eyes, so intense, so sad, yet happiness were somewhere floating in them. But was there also a hint of…I couldn't name it, perhaps there was some sort of connection between me and her?
I had to break the silence! Her eyes, those beautiful eyes, so many emotions.
"Why can't you sing for her anymore?" with this she flinched and quickly looked away.
"That there is none of your business!" she declared roughly. She made one more glance at me then rushed off.
Anger spread through my veins. Stupid! I knew I had to break the silence between us, I knew I had to say something, and I knew I shouldn't have asked that question, I knew it would upset her. Yet I asked her anyways.
I would have gone after her but something told me it was not a good idea. Something told me it would only upset her further. That was the last thing I wanted.
I went back inside the cottage to put my new clothes into the room Dreama lend me. Afterwards I headed to the main room to maybe just sit and think, but the sound of metal clashing together and the sight of people gathering around one area near the Tamber's cottage made me get up and head outside.
Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't updated in a long time, I know i said this chapter was going to include alot of Thelma but turns out that jst didn't happen, but for sure the next chapter is deffinatly going to include her. sorry if their are lots of confusion in this chapter, I read it and just didn't get it, I tried to fix it but I just didn't know what to fix. Well pretty please Review I didn't get as many refviews as i wished but i'm just gonna have to deal with that.
Thanks a million!
Crytsal Lynn A.