Christine kept her head down and sniffed as they walked along. Occasionally she glanced at Madame Giry, who walked quickly toward the Opera Populaire.
"This is your new home," Madame Giry said. They walked around the side of the Opera to the back. Christine stared at all the people bustling around, the horses snorted and ate their hay. Men unloaded things from wagons, and children scurried about. They walked inside, the interior was just as busy as the exterior. Random objects laid all about, some donkeys were on the inside, people moving about everywhere. Christine paused to take it all on.
"Come," Madame Giry said.
Christine scurried to catch up.
"I will show you the ballet dormitories. You can have one hour to yourself before the others come from class." Madame Giry said.
They climbed upstairs to the very top of the building. Madame Giry opened a door revealing a large room with beds lined up inside.
"This is where you will sleep, dress, and amuse yourself if there is time. Your bed will be this one." Madame Giry pointed to a bed in the middle of the room. An old faded blanket was laid on top.
"You have one hour until the others return from class and then there will be lunch. Then you will begin your lessons." Madame Giry started.
Christine sniffed and nodded. Madame Giry turned sharply on her heel and left. Christine sank into the bed and cried. Her papa was gone and she was all alone. She cried until the other girls returned. She could hear their peels of laughter coming up the stairs. The door swung open and Christine could feel their gazes.
"Ugh not another one, another little ballet rat fresh off the streets." An older girl called.
"Maybe this one will burn up too, like Élisabet!" The older girls began to laugh.
Christine bit her lip to stop crying. She hung her head in shame as the girls laughed even harder. As quickly as they came, they left for lunch.
"I don't think you're a rat." A small voice said.
Christine looked up. A blonde girl about her she looked back at her.
"Come on, we need to eat before practice." She held out her hand, "I'm Meg. I think you know my mother the instructor. She's not as strict as she appears, so don't worry and I'll help you catch up in no time."
Christine took her hand and listened as Meg prattled on as they left the dormitory.