(Translations)
Chapter 2
Nicole got off here knees and dusted the dirt off of her ballet skirt. She straightened herself and extinguished the candles in the chapel by waving her hand in front of them. Then she went to the kitchen. "I wonder what Jacques is making for breakfast," Nicole thought.She always goes to the kitchen in the morning to talk to Jacques, the cook for the Opera Populaire. She also went there to get an early breakfast.
Ever since Nicole started working at the Opera Populaire, Jacques had becomea brother to her. She told him almost everything, except about being a witch. He, the younger ballerinas, Meg Giry, Madame Giry, and Marie De Lonclay (the Prima Donna) were the only friends she had. All of the other ballerinas her age, except Meg, treated her like an outsider.
After a while, Nicole was greeted with the smell of freshly cooked eggs. "Bonjour, Jacques. How are you this morning?" Nicole asked. (Hello, Jacques)
"Salut, Nicole. Moi, je suis super. Et toi? "asked Jacques. (Hi, Nicole. Me, I'm super. And you?)
"Je suis bon. Thank you for asking. What is for breakfast today?" (I'm good.)
"Bagels, an orange, and coffee for everyone else. For you there are scrambled eggs, toast, and coffee. I thought I would surprise you today," Jacques said as he handed Nicole her plate.
"Thanks Jacques. I needed this," Nicole said. She looked down at her plate and slowly began to eat. When she looked back up, Jacques was giving her a concerned look.
"What's wrong, cherie?" Jacques asked. (, dear)
"Today is the anniversary of my parents' death. I can't seem to let them go," Nicole said.
"How long has it been?"
"It was five years ago. I was sixteen."
"Je suis desole. The pain will pass in time, Cherie." (I am sorry.)
"Jacques, I don't understand why it hasn't passed by now."
"I suppose there will always be a little bit of pain. It is hard to forget about people you loved and cared for."
"I don't want to forget them. I just want to forget the pain."
Jacques walked over to Nicole and put his arms around her. "I know Nicole," he said. "You better hurry. You don't want to be late for practice." He put his arms back at his side and walked to the counter.
" Alright Jacques. Thank you. I really needed that talk," Nicole said.
As Nicole finished her breakfast, everyone else in the opera house came down for his or her breakfast. Nicole went to the ballet practice room. She always tried to get a little private practice in before the other ballerinas came for practice. She also enjoyed getting hints from Madame Giry.
Madame Giry, over the last two years, has become a second mother to Nicole. She always went to Madame if she had a major problem.
Nicole was practicing the first dance for "Hannibal," when she heard the door open. "Nicole, there is no need for you to practice before everyone else," Madame Giry said. "You know these dances by heart."
"Madame Giry, you always say that practice makes perfect," Nicole said. She stopped her pirouette and turned to face Madame Giry. Madame Giry slowly walked over to her. She put her hands on Nicole's shoulders. Then she put a lock of hair back behind Nicole's ear.
"I never expect anything less from you Nicole," Madame Giry said.
"You also always say that, Madame," Nicole said.
"You are the most talented ballerina I have ever had, Nicole."
"Now you are joshing me, Madame."
Madame Giry placed a hand on Nicole's right cheek. She gently rubbed her thumb against it. "I speak nothing but the truth, Nicole. I was wondering if you would help Meg and I with the younger ballerinas today," Madame Giry said.
"Of course, Madame," Nicole said. "But I still don't believe you."
"Whether you do or not is up to you dear. I still hold to what I said."
"Why do you need my help with the little ones, Madame?"
"We always need more help this close to opening night. Besides, they all look up to you. Especially the ones in Clara's age group."
"I suppose I should know that. I do love to be with them, and helping them anyway I can."
"I know you do dear. Well, I guess we should get ready for the rest of your class."
"Yes, Madame."
Just as Nicole finished her reply, the rest of the ballerinas around her age came in. Nicole took her place in the front line next to Meg Giry. They all waited for Madame Giry to give them directions.
Author's NoteSorry that I haven't updated in a while. I was on vacation last week, and I couldn't get to a computer with internet. I will try to update in the next couple of weeks, but I can't promise anything.
For anyone who knows French, I am sorry if my French is a little rusty. I didn't have any of my notes from school with me when I typed this up.