Chapter 29
XxX
"What?"
"We are going. I have something to give the mangers. They have been slacking. It's time to—"
Poppy grinned, "Scare the bee gees out of the Opera's company?"
"In a manner of speaking—yes."
Poppy sniggered, but then thought of something. "Erik, I heard the Rats say that the Masque is soon. How soon is soon?"
"I thought you had paid attention to the activities up there?"
"I close my ears to the endless chattering of the girls. You head them: it's enough to give one a headache. Plus, I hurry up so I can come right back down here."
"With me," Erik purposely baiting a trap.
Poppy let out a half laugh and half disgusted sigh. She pushed him back, "No, you pretentious male… Ayesha. Speaking of which…" She turned like she was going to call her.
Erik let out a small growl and grabbed her, "You are teasing."
Poppy smirked, "I am? I didn't know I was. So when is it?"
"February 14th. Tomorrow night."
Poppy grew still. She forgot. Of all things.
Erik saw her go still. "What's wrong?"
She let out a giggle. "I forgot my birthday. How do you like that?"
"Your birthday is tomorrow? You will be 20?"
"Yep," Poppy finally succeeded in pushing Erik away. "Go change. I'm sure that it must be hot. Plus I best scrape a dress up if I'm to go." She walked in to her room to try to think of how she was going to get a dress together within 24 hours.
XxX
She was to be 20? Still so young. Erik contemplated for a minute. Soon an idea came to him. Nodding to his self, he strolled out of the room.
XxX
Late that night Poppy stuck her head out her door, listening for Erik. There was no sound, so she slipped out the tunnel, up to Mme.Giry's room. Thankfully the Ballet Mistress stayed up late. Poppy had turned her sinkin' room upside down looking and trying to think of a good Masquerade costume. She had no idea what to expect, she couldn't ask Erik. He more then likely didn't know ether.
Poppy paused outside Mme.Giry's door. She raised her hand to knock, when the door opened.
Mme. Giry let out a small gasp at seeing Poppy there. "Poppy? Is anything the matter?"
Poppy shook her head, "Everything's fine. I hope that I'm not…it's just that I have a small problem," Poppy paused, "I need some help. I forgot that the Masque is tomorrow and that…if it's too much trouble I'll think of something else."
Mme. Giry smiled, "No dear, it's not too much trouble. You can borrow a dress from the costume room. Come I'll help you."
Relief flooded Poppy, "Thank you so much."
An hour latter they found a dress that suited Poppy. Poppy held the dress out, she grinned, "This will knock Erik out won't it? If he can be shocking…well, for once I can be as well."
Mme. Giry smiled shaking her head. Erik sure has a hand full. Poppy sure had a mind of her own.
