Chapter 5: Secrets

Madame Giry was a kind, just woman but she was also firm when it came to giving instructions to her students,

"Continue with your stretches" she said before approaching Hope with a king smile whom was sleeping the stage with a broom,

"How are you settling in?" she asked gently,

'I am very well, thank you. What performance are they preparing for?' she signed curiously,

"The Nutcracker. It is to be this year's Christmas jewel upon the stage" she said proudly with a blissful sigh but she was soon rolling her eyes when Carlotta stormed into the auditorium, followed quickly by her bumbling husband as she complained about the current weather,

'Who is that?' Hope asked and the ballet mistress let out a unimpressed sigh,

"That would be the dark cloud that keeps this opera house in constant shadow. Carlotta. The opera's diva for the last 7 seasons" she grumbled but Hope held an expression of uncertainty,

'I can sense arrogance and pride but... Her passion for perfection is something to be admired' she commented and Madame Giry looked surprised but held a soft smile on her face,

"You have a gift" she said, causing Hope to look at her worriedly,

"You are able to see goodness where others struggle too" she praised gently and Hope gave a silent sigh of relief.

Erik kept an eye on Hope, making sure she was safe but is watchful gaze never lasted long as he would always slip away to check on Christine, smiling in bliss when she would sing in memory of her father whilst reminiscing in the opera's chapel.

Madame Giry took afternoon tea with Hope sometime later after rehearsals,

"I'm afraid my daughter Meg will not be joining us. She is on a walk with her beloved, Peter" the ballet mistress explained causing Hope to smile brightly as she took a sip of her tea,

"What of you, Hope?... Is there a gentleman in your life?" she asked and saw how Hope's happy expression faded slowly,

"Oh... I see this is a painful subject" she said gently as Hope placed her tea cup down on the table gently,

'I... There was a man. One whom I thought would return my feelings but... It seems he preferred a woman with the ability to speak' she signed sadly and Madame Giry placed a comforting hand over her own,

"Oh my dear child" she whispered but her expression became concerned when Hope winced and her eyes glowed before she stood quickly knocking over her chair as she backed away,

"Hope?... What did you see?" the ballet mistress asked causing Hope to look at her surprised,

"Don't worry, child. I know a seer when I see one" Madame Giry assured,

'Seer?' Hope signed curiously before watching as Madame Giry closed the door to ensure privacy,

"A Seer is someone whom possesses the rare ability to see into the future but it is a gift I have not seen in quite a long time... What did you see?" she asked gently and watched as Hope looked at the ground,

'Usually... My visions are clear but... This... This only came in flashes' she signed,

'There was... Fire... So much fire. People were running, screaming in fear and... There was pain but... Not physical pain... It was a pain of heartbreak' she signed as a tear fell down her cheek and she stumbled but Madame Giry quickly assisted her to sit down,

"Careful, don't force the visions... It seems your gifts are growing stronger. You're not just seeing the future... You're feeling the emotions felt within the future you see" she said astounded as Hope's eyes became heavy with exhaustion.

So Hope's visions have been explained but what could Hope's latest vision mean?

Kind Regards,

TheAuthor1996