A/N: Here's one more! I feel I owe you a quick update after such a long hiatus. Thank you to all readers, and a special thanks to all those that reviewed! Reviews really do help give me motivation to struggle through a writer's block. So here's a new chapter dedicated to the reviewers, as always R/R and enjoy!
Julianne and I talked all night. We were still talking when the sun began to crest over the hills on the horizon. It felt so good to discuss everything that had happened to me with someone who simply lent a sympathetic ear. When I told her of what mother did she sadly smiled and expressed that it didn't surprise her. She and Trevor, a tall man with a strong build, hazel eyes and matching hair, had run away together to escape mother's disapproval or more accurately her down right forbiddance of the marriage. Trevor was far from aristocracy, a carpenter by trade and my mother saw it as a disgrace for one of her daughters to associate with him let alone marry him.
Julianne had expressed that when she left with Trevor she lost all contact with our family, with the exception of the occasional letter from me and a few of my siblings. She had tried many times to contact our parents but mother refused to answer them. I didn't have the heart to tell her that when mother ever received a letter from her she would throw it in the fire without even reading it.
Julianne glanced toward the window noticing the light beginning to flood into the sitting room.
"Oh dear," she said, "we seem to have let the night slip away, come get some sleep."
The fabric was soft against my skin as I pulled a clean dress on. My sister was so kind since the moment I arrived at her house. She refused to let me help, saying I've suffered an ordeal and need to rest and recoup. It was nonsense but I enjoyed it regardless.
"Morning," I said entering the kitchen.
"Good morning!" Julianne replied, handing me a plate of eggs and nodding towards a table filled with many delectable breakfast items.
"Julianne this is amazing, you really shouldn't have." I said taking a scoop of eggs and eyeing the fresh croissants.
"Oh it was nothing." She said sitting down.
"You really need to let me help. I don't know what to do with myself these days. I am not use to having this much free time." I laughed.
"Actually I was talking with Trevor this morning and he told me that he over heard that the managers at the Opera house in town are looking to hire a few new staff members. As well as having auditions for the new production, though if I recall you don't have much of chance of being a chorus member," She smiled
I laughed quietly and nodded. I was a terrible singer I couldn't carry a tune if my life depended on it.
"They are hiring seamstresses though;" She continued "Which you said you had some talent with, and all positions come with room, board and a small salary."
I sat quietly chewing my breakfast as I mulled over the idea. The Palais Garnier is world renowned; would they hire a nobody like me? Surely they only hired the best, even for costumes. Sewing elaborate costumes was an art and I knew the stitches and the theory but I doubted that that was enough. It was worth a shot though, wasn't it?
Perhaps misreading my silence Julianne continued, "Not that we want you to leave! I enjoy having you around, it's just you expressed wanting to have something to do and you talked so magnificently about freedom that I assumed you'd want to find your own way. But you're welcome to stay here as long as you want."
"No you're right," I said placing my napkin on the table. "I should find my own place or at the very least a job. Perhaps we can head down there this afternoon?"
"Of course." Julianne said as she began to clear the table.
It was stunning. The first time I ever entered the marbled halls of the Palais Garnier my breath was taken away. The marble pillars, the polished floor, the magnificent staircase. It was glorious.
"Can I help you?" A stern voice called crashing me back to reality.
"Actually, yes. My name is Sara Newman," I refused to use my married name, "I am here in search of a job"
"Well, Mlle Newman it would appear as though you are in luck. Auditions for the new production are tomorrow in the theatre, sign up sheets are in the room over there." He pointed to his right. "For all other positions, including maids and seamstresses see Mme Dubois through there." He pointed down a long hallway on his left.
"Thank you monsieur." I replied and headed down the hallway.
After much searching I finally located Mme Dubois and after a few demonstrations of my skill I managed to secure a position. It came with room, board and a very meager salary. I practically skipped as I headed back outside to inform Julianne and Trevor.
"I had no doubt!" Julianne cried as she squeezed me in her arms, "when do you start?"
"Tomorrow morning."
"Well then we will help you unpack, and treat you to dinner," Trevor smiled, "then you can come to your new home and rest up for tomorrow!"
The morning light streamed across my face, waking me. I cannot express my dislike of mornings. I felt tired and grumpy but rose all the same and prepared to head down to my first day of work in this magnificent building.
I had only just entered the sewing room when a dumpy, grey haired woman that was Mme Dubois entered.
"Alright ladies, this is Sara Newman, she's new." Mme Dubois said as she lazily pointed in my general direction, "we have a new performance coming up and we will need new costumes for everyone. Auditions start in an hour, successful candidates will begin to arrive in about two. So I suggest you prepare!" And with that she turned briskly and exited the room.
Invisible to anyone in the room two golden eyes watched as the new seamstress scrambled about preparing for the impending influx.
A/N: Six chapters in and we are finally at the Palais Garnier! Hope you enjoyed, as always please review! I see many people reading and I'd like to hear from you! Also I know it's been a long ride but don't fret, lots of Erik in the next Chapter!