Hey everyone! Got back down to my normal time. Hurray! Loved all the great reviews you guys sent my way, so thanks! And for those of you who were missing Brielle and Erik interaction in the last chapter…I am pretty sure you won't be disappointed with this one!
Thanks to Terpsichore314 for her wonderful editing! She wizzed through this chapter like a pro! (and it is pretty long!) So three cheers for her! Hurray! But anyway besides that I hope you all enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 50: Party Time
Brielle tapped the well-used deck of Tarot cards against the simple three-legged table in her new bedroom, quietly contemplating all the things that had happened earlier that day. Father Thomas's words flickered back and forth within her head, like moths gathered about a single flame, both bringing her a sense of peaceful certainty as well as a feeling of dread. If I forgive him for what he did to my family then there will be nothing left to protect my heart against him. How can I give up my anger up when I know that if I do I will get my heart broken? I know I love him…as surely as I know the sun will come up tomorrow but I cannot abide the thought of loving someone who does not care for me in the same way. Could I live with just a friendship? Could I handle being near him without loosing my mind? I will not make a fool of myself…Going through the dramatic shuffling techniques Marie had taught her, she absently flipped a card out of the deck and onto the table. Her carefully darkened eyebrows drew down slowly as she frowned at the picture of an embracing man and woman upon the card's lacquered surface.
"The Lovers…great, just what I need right now," she sighed to herself as she snatched up the card and stuffed it randomly back into the deck.
Looking up then from the picture book she was reading, Aria tilted her head to the side in question. "M-Momma, what does l-lovers m-mean?" the child asked curiously.
Shaken out of her endlessly spiraling thoughts, Brielle set the deck of cards upon the table, turning to look over her shoulder at her daughter. "It is a word that means that two people love each other very much," she said carefully, not wanting to go into more detail than she needed to.
Nodding sagely, Aria turned her eyes back to the book in her hands without further comment, apparently satisfied with the explanation. Turning back to the small table, Brielle caught sight of her reflection in the mirror hanging on the wall opposite her. Wrinkling her nose at herself she tucked a wayward strand of dark hair behind one ear.
"I think I am going to end up hating this mirror. I am already getting tired of looking at myself all the time."
Turning a page, Aria smiled secretly to herself. "I l-like it," she said simply. "It m-means we aren't a-always alone."
"What do you mean?" Brielle asked as she stood and walked across the room to flop down on the bed next to her daughter. Absently trailing her fingers over the child's dark hair she glanced momentarily at the book in Aria's hands. The Frog Prince…that used to be her favorite story. Where in the world did she get a copy of it?
Tilting her head into her mother's touch, Aria's smile widened into a grin, revealing the unsteady wiggling of her loose front tooth. "I c-can't telllllll yooooooooou," she giggled in a sing-song voice.
Glad to see a hint of mischievousness gleaming in the child's gray eyes, Brielle arched an eyebrow, trying hard not to laugh with Aria. "Oh really? You can't tell me, can you?"
"N-Noo!" Aria squealed as Brielle leaned forward and mercilessly began tickling her daughter about the waist. Letting out a sound halfway between a laugh and a scream Aria squirmed about on the bed, her little legs kicking wildly over the side of the mattress.
Laughing now, Brielle stopped for a moment, giving Aria a moment's breath. "Will you reveal your secrets now or must the torture continue?" she asked between chuckles, raising her hands claw-like into the air and making a menacing tickling motion.
Sliding quickly off the bed, Aria raced to stand on the other side of the table, her dimples flashing wildly as she watched to see if Brielle would give chase. "I w-will n-never tell!" she finally shouted as her mother climbed to her feet.
Fisting her hands upon her hips, Brielle struck a dramatic pose before leaping forward to chase after Aria around the table. "No use in running!" she huffed happily as she dodged to the side, making an attempt at catching the dark-haired girl. "I will get…"
Brielle was cut off short when the door to her room was unceremoniously thrown open to bang against the wall. Letting out a startled gasp, the Irishwoman spun to face the intruder, wrapping one arm around Aria's shoulders when the child raced to hide behind her skirts. Carlotta stood in the now open doorway, her chest rising and falling a little too fast as she scanned the room with darting, wide eyes.
"I a'heard de screams. What are you doing in 'ere? It sounded like someone was-a being killed in 'ere!" she snapped as she straightened her velveteen jacket prissily, the wariness in her gaze fading behind the goliath fortifications of her ego.
Relaxing her hold on her daughter, Brielle felt the smile slip from her face at the sight of her new employer. Likewise straightening in an attempt to meet the taller woman on a more even playing field, the Irishwoman fought the urge to ask the singer why her parents had never taught her to knock. Stop it…she was concerned by all the noise…be nice. "Sorry, I didn't know that we were being so loud. We were just playing a game."
Sniffing at that, Carlotta swept further into the room to sneer over the few worldly possessions dotting the dresser and table tops. "Well it waz damned annoying," she snapped as she raised a hand dramatically to her forehead. "I-a 'ope you are 'appy now because I 'ave a headache! And everyone 'as better tings to do den to take care of me in my time ov need!" Sitting down in a huff, Carlotta made herself comfortable at the small table in the middle of the room, looking strangely content with the arrangement despite her complaining.
Sucking in a breath to keep the venomous retorts from spewing out of her mouth, Brielle slowly ushered Aria back to the bed before coming to stand near Carlotta's side. Glaring daggers at the older woman's darkly beautiful face, Brielle pinched her mouth shut, determined not to be riled by the singer's childish and mean words. Well, fine if she isn't going to be civil, then I just won't say a word. Employer or not…she is treading on my last nerve. After several moments of silence ticked by Carlotta turned to look directly up at Brielle's mutinous expression, a hint of an unexpected emotion rising up behind her dark eyes. If I didn't know better…I would say she almost looks lonely. No…she wouldn't have come in here to bitch about everything if that is so…that would be stupid.
"Well what are you just standing around for?" Carlotta snipped moodily as she crossed her arms across her chest.
Her temper retreating now, Brielle carefully watched the singer's every expression, stupefied when she caught sight of another weak flickering of sadness in the older woman's gaze. How didn't I notice that before? The sorrow hiding behind the tantrums…Clearing her throat, the Irishwoman relaxed her stance, feeling slightly guilty for all of the terrible thoughts which had run through her head moments ago. "Um…If your head is hurting perhaps I could fetch you some medication?" Brielle began slowly between gritted teeth, trying her hardest to sound friendly.
Waving an irritated hand in the air, Carlotta made a series of deep clucking sounds in her throat. "Ah, ah…forget about my pain. What does it matter to anyone? No one cares!"
Rolling her eyes, Brielle shrugged and came around the table to sit opposite the grumping singer. Watching this whole exchange with a great deal of interest, Aria raised both her hands to muffle the giggle bursting out of her mouth. Hearing the stifled sound Carlotta turned her head with a snap, and sitting up straighter she pointed a finger in the child's direction. "What is she snickering at, eh? I see noting funny."
"She isn't snickering…she is just smiling because she doesn't often get to see such richly dressed ladies. I was just a cleaning lady until you hired me after all," Brielle said convincingly, almost believing the lie herself.
Turning to shoot Brielle a sharp, suspicious glance, Carlotta tapped a ringed finger against the chair back in irritation. Seeing nothing out of place in Brielle's impassive expression, the Italian woman relaxed once again, a smug smile blooming across her face. "Of course, I forgot dat for a moment. No wonder she is staring, yes?" she said with a laugh. "I am-a telling everyone dat you are my new assistant by de way. Dis is so I don't have to share. And I-a see dat de dresses I sent fit. Dat is good because you looked terrible and I can't 'ave ugly people around me, especially a new assistant."
The arrogance with which Carlotta said that last sentence made Brielle burst out laughing. Catching the fierce glare the singer sent her way, Brielle quickly settled down, clearing her throat a little self-consciously. "Yes, the clothes were greatly appreciated. It has been a long time since I have had anything new."
Raising her hand then as if she were in a classroom, Aria bounced happily upon the bed. "C-Can I have n-new clothes too!" she demanded, bringing both Brielle and Carlotta's attention back to her.
Looking slightly shocked that the child was actually addressing her, Carlotta stared blankly over at Aria. Without answering she turned back to Brielle. "Is she always so…eh…how you say…blunt?"
"Yes, I am afraid she gets it from me," Brielle replied, motioning for Aria to sit still. "Shh, love, don't bother the…eh…nice lady."
Slowly an amused smile pulled at the corners of Carlotta's mouth as she raised a hand to pat at her elaborate hairdo. "You 'ave a funny daughter. She isn't afraid ov me like all de other brats in dis place. She is very brave, yes? Like I was at dat age." Looking over her shoulder the singer addressed Aria. "I suppose I could-a get you some clothes too since you-a make me smile, yes?"
"H-Hurray!" Aria screeched.
"Oh no…you can't…" Brielle began uncomfortably, feeling the gesture was something akin to charity. "With my new salary I can certainly afford to buy her things myself. You need not offer to do so."
Waving a dismissive hand in Brielle's direction, Carlotta ignored her arguments. "Ah, no! I will do what I want! If I want to buy tings den I will," the singer stated definitively. Spotting the pack of cards upon the table then Carlotta leaned forward and peered at the deck curiously. "Did you know-a I was coming today?" she finally asked after picking up one card to study it closer.
Having hoped that this odd meeting would have passed without mention of her new job, Brielle internally grimaced. "No…I mean I didn't know that…" Stopping there the Irishwoman practically heard Marie's voice in her head saying over and over again the main theme behind all her lessons. Always be mysterious. It is the mystery over all other things that makes a fortuneteller successful.
Letting out a sigh, Brielle plastered her best mysterious expression onto her face. "Oh, I mean yes. Yes, I knew."
Clapping a hand onto the tabletop, Carlotta gave a satisfied grunt. "I knew it! You will read my fortune now, yes?" she asked in such a way as to make it clear that there would be no saying no.
Smiling through her panic, Brielle slowly slid the cards towards herself across the table. "Yes, of course. If that is what you would like," she said hesitantly as she began to shuffle the deck, mentally going over all the meanings of the cards. Ok, so The Hermit means that there is a need for prudence. Justice means that there will be a positive resolution of conflicts and the Hanged Man means…damnit what does it mean?
Taking a breath, Brielle stopped shuffling the deck and set it on the table. "What would you like to know? Something from the past, present or future?" she asked, trying to sound certain of what she was doing.
"Future," Carlotta said quickly, a hint of nervousness sharpening her features as she glanced momentarily at the mirror over Brielle's shoulder.
Nodding, Brielle closed her eyes, feeling slightly foolish for the dramatic show she was attempting to do. "All right…the future…" she said, waving a hand over the cards before picking one off the top and laying it down on the table. When Carlotta gasped aloud Brielle opened her eyes and glanced down at the picture of Death's grinning skull on the card she had turned over. Wincing at the ill luck of the draw, Brielle looked up to see all the color draining out of Carlotta's face. Shit, Brielle…this was supposed to make her feel better! Even if she is a royal bitch half the time, the poor woman still thinks she is the target of the blasted Phantom of the Opera.
Desperate to save the situation, and Carlotta from fainting dead away at her feet, Brielle pasted an over bright smile on her face. "Ah, this is a good sign."
"What?" the singer asked shakily, tearing her dark eyes away from ominous image on the table.
Tapping the card with a conviction she didn't feel Brielle nodded. "Yes."
"But…but…it is Death!" Carlotta gasped, raising both hands up to cover her mouth in horror.
"No, no…you misunderstand. That is the name of the card it doesn't mean that anyone is going to die. You see the position of the card is important. When it is upright like this it is a good sign. It means that there is a new beginning coming into your life."
"Really?" came the uncertain reply.
"Yes, perhaps it is referring to the reopening of the Opera House. I have heard that you have a great deal of fans whom have been waiting to hear you sing again. They said how wonderful your debut was when you first started your career in the Italian Opera," Brielle said truthfully, recounting the rumors she had heard from the other cleaning ladies, purposely leaving out the bit about how strained and overdone Carlotta's voice had become.
Leaning an elbow on the table to steady herself, Carlotta remained quiet for several moments as she caught her breath. "Yes, dat makes sense. I was afraid for a moment dat…" Falling silent, the singer glanced up at Brielle before quickly straightening. "I tink dat is all for today, yes?"
An unexpected surge of sympathy washed over Brielle as she watched the older woman collect her composure. "You know this means you have nothing to fear here, that you can start anew and slough off the past," she said before thinking better of offering kindness to such a mean-spirited woman. "I am sorry that this upset you. I should have been quicker to explain things." Pausing there, an idea popped unbidden into her head. "I know that Con…er…the lead violinist is throwing a party tonight. Perhaps you should go and have some fun…to get your mind off this upset."
Carlotta stared at Brielle for a split second, looking rather put back by the Irishwoman's suggestion. "You are a very strange woman," she said finally as she stood and stepped away from the table. "To invite me to such a ting, imagine ha! But bye-bye now, I 'ave many tings to do today."
Likewise standing, Brielle followed the older woman to the door. "Good day to you, Signora."
Nodding absently, Carlotta swept out of the room, and pausing a few steps down the hallway the dark-haired woman turned and looked back at Brielle, a smile flickering across her face. "Yes…I tink it will be a good day."
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Later that evening, Brielle was distracted from the game she was playing with Aria by the loud, discordant sound of several musicians warming up drifting underneath her closed door. Sharing a curious glance with her daughter she quickly got to her feet, opening the door to peer out of her room. Several moments passed as she listened to the racket before it dawned on her what the noise must signify. "I suppose that signals that Conner is actually going to throw that fool party after all," she said, wrinkling her nose back at where Aria was sitting at the table.
Aria flashed a grin at that and jumped down from her chair. Coming to stand next to her mother, she wrapped both arms around Brielle's legs, a pleading expression pouting out her bottom lip. "C-Can I go with y-you to Uncle C-Conner's p-party, Momma? I n-never g-get to g-go to parties!"
Patting the eager child on the head, Brielle frowned. "Well I wasn't going to go either, love. There will just be a lot of old people there and it wouldn't be any fun for you at all."
Not dissuaded in the least by that statement, Aria stuck out her bottom lip more, widening her eyes till Brielle was sure they would pop out of the child's head. "P-Please Momma? J-Just for a l-little bit?"
Feeling her resolve waver in the face of such masterful begging, Brielle rolled her eyes heavenward before bending to take Aria by the hand. "All right, we will go for a little bit. But I won't have you staying up half the night so if you get too wild we will come straight back here."
Skipping about happily at her mother's side, Aria nodded enthusiastically. "I won't b-be wild!" she squealed as she continued to dance about excitedly.
Shaking her head over Aria's already frenzied behavior, Brielle led the way out of their room and down the hallway. From further down the hallway the sound of a lively Irish melody could be heard starting up. Swinging their clasped hands playfully at their side Brielle felt a little bit of her daughter's silliness leak into her own behavior. "Hopefully they haven't already broken into the liquor," she murmured to herself as she continued to smile down at Aria.
Nearing the backstage area, Brielle passed by several old curtains hanging slightly askew in front of one of the back walls. Just as she was passing the last in the row a gloved hand shot out from behind the fabric and latched onto her upper arm, dragging both her and Aria out of the hall and into the shadowy space between the curtains. Letting out a startled expletive before she could stop herself Brielle opened her mouth to scream.
"Please don't do that. I have been waiting hours to be able to talk to you alone. It would be terribly annoying to have a crowd come barreling in to your rescue before I even get to say anything," Erik's even baritone stated through the shadows as the hand upon her shoulder released her.
Peering across the short distance between them Brielle struggled to pick the annoying man out from the shadows; as usual he was dressed nearly head to toe in black, the glowing white of his mask the only part of him standing out in the dim light. "Do you enjoy scaring me like that?" Brielle hissed in irritation. No…this can't be happening right now. I need more time to think things through…I need more time to make a plan. I can't see him yet. She thought to herself, a hint of panic making her heart pick up its pace within her chest. "One of these days you are going to jump out and I am going to have a heart attack!"
Now that her eyes were adjusting to the dim light filtering in through the fabric Brielle could see the blasted man shrug off her statement. "If that should happen I know the perfect way to bring you back to life," he said with a fair amount of amusement lightening his tone.
"Ha, ha…" Brielle replied, feeling a little foolish that she couldn't think of a better retort than that.
Aria chose that moment to break away from her mother's grip and jump forward to tug upon the hem of Erik's dark cloak. "W-We are g-going to a party," she said happily, showing none of the reservation that saturated Brielle's every action. "D-Do you w-want to come?" she finished innocently.
Staring down at the bouncing form of her daughter in shock Brielle quickly glanced up to Erik's face. What the hell? When did this sudden change come about? Blast that man…he has already turned Aria to his cause. "Yes, Erik…" Brielle chimed in sarcastically. "Why don't you come along?"
Ignoring the snottiness in Brielle's tone, Erik bent slightly to gently brush a hand over Aria's head. "I am sorry. I can't go with you right now but I am sure you will have a great deal of fun."
Puffing up as the annoyance built within her, Brielle crossed her arms across her chest. "You said you had something to say…so say it."
Noticing the sharp hint of anger leaking into her tone, Erik looked up quickly. "Oh yes," he said as he straightened, the tenderness in his tone fading as he faced Brielle directly. "Why didn't you tell me you had moved into Chr…into the mirror room?" he demanded.
Out of all the things she was expecting him to say that wasn't it. "What?"
"Why didn't you tell me what room you were moving into?" he asked again a little louder, assuming that she just hadn't heard the question.
In the five seconds it took him to restate the question Brielle felt her initial irritation shoot past simple annoyance straight into jealous fury. "Ohhh…so you want to know why I didn't tell you that I am now living in Christine's old room?"
There was a short pause. "I didn't say that."
"No, you didn't have to. I am sorry I forgot to tell you…I suppose I didn't realize I was treading on sacred ground." When Erik made a frustrated gesture with his hands Brielle jumped in before he could respond to her attack. "Was there something else you had to say?"
Letting out an annoyed breath, Erik fisted his hands at his sides. "I have a great deal to say about your new employer," he stated coolly.
Her hackles rising in response to the protective, disapproving nature of that simple statement, Brielle pursed her lips into a thin line. "Oh?" she said slowly, that one word daring him to continue.
Not taking the hint to stop while he was ahead Erik took a step closer so that they practically stood nose to nose, only Aria's small body acting as a separation between them. "I don't like how she talks to you," he said darkly, the barely concealed danger in those words sending a strangely delighted shiver down Brielle's spine.
Finding herself automatically leaning towards the magnetic pull of his presence Brielle jerked back a step, horrified at her own actions. Get a hold of yourself! I knew it was a bad idea to talk to him right now…damnit! "Yes, well I don't see how it is any of your business," Brielle snapped, the panic bubbling up in her blood making her voice harsher than she had intended.
"Of course it is my business!" Erik retorted quickly, Brielle's tone sparking the ember of his own temper. "As your friend it is definitely my business. She is a condescending witch and I have half a mind to…"
Stabbing a finger in his direction, Brielle pushed against the rock hard planes of his chest, trying to put some distance between them. "Now you listen to me carefully, Erik! You will leave Carlotta alone no matter what childish thing she does. There will be no strange noises or any odd tricks played upon her. Do you hear me?"
"Why in the world not!" he blurted angrily. "I will not stand by while someone mistreats you, Brielle!"
"Really? Why ever not? You used to be so good at turning a blind eye while I was being mistreated. Perhaps a little change of locations will help you out in that endeavor!" Brielle exploded before she could stop herself. Instantly regretting the blatant meanness of what she had said Brielle raised a surprised hand up to cover her gaping mouth.
Whatever the masked man had planned on saying in response, died before it left his mouth. In the darkness she could see his shoulders slump slightly as he turned his face away from her. Silence ruled for several tense moments as Aria shifted slightly between them, her small head turning first to stare up at her mother then at Erik. Clearing her throat nervously, Brielle opened her mouth to apologize but found that she couldn't find the right words to say.
After another few agonizing moments passed she let out a deep sigh. "I appreciate your concern, but you really have no right to tell me what to do," she said quickly, wanting desperately to break the unbearable silence. "And you really shouldn't judge Carlotta so harshly."
"Oh? And why is that? From what I can tell she deserves to be judged as a sniveling little shrew."
"For being a man who has suffered the cruelties of the world and one who has always demanded tolerance but never gotten it, you certainly are an intolerant cad sometimes," Brielle sighed, as she reached down to take Aria's hand in her own. "I might not like Carlotta but at least I can see the reasons behind her selfishness. She feels that an end is coming that maybe she isn't ready for yet. Fear often makes people do strange things. You would do well to exercise more restraint in forming opinions about people."
With that said, Brielle turned, stalking out of the curtains, pulling Aria behind her. Well that went badly. I am turning into a nag...I didn't mean to say all of that but it just kept pouring out. Maybe Conner had the right idea…maybe a party is just the thing to work the hostility out of me. God I could use a drink!
"Momma, w-why w-were you yelling at Erik?" Aria finally asked as they drew closer to the riotous music playing from the stage.
"I really don't know," Brielle said on a sigh as she felt her righteous anger desert her.
"W-Well you shouldn't," the child continued. "H-He is trying to be good."
Bending down to plant a kiss on Aria's head, Brielle smiled. "How did I ever get such a smart little girl?" she asked herself as they stepped out upon the stage and into the crowd of revelers.
Light and music bathed Brielle's senses as she surveyed the gathered crowd with a small amount of trepidation. Lord, there are a lot of people here! The entire stage was packed with people of all classes and positions. Laughter and conversation droned underneath the loud four piece band, creating an exciting buzz that filled the entire theater. Energy cracked through the air as several couples began whirling about the floor, clearing a large section in the middle of the stage for the unofficial dance floor. Maybe this won't be as bad as I thought it would be…
No sooner did they appear in the crowd than Meg came pushing her way through the other partygoers toward them. "Brielle! I didn't think you were coming," she huffed as she came up alongside the Irishwoman, waving quickly to Aria before she linked arms with Brielle. "I am glad you decided to come. People are already starting to get drunk and this is just the first hour. At least together we can fight off the stagehands!" Meg said with a laugh.
"I don't think you would need any help in kicking unwanted behinds off the edge of the stage," Brielle replied, her mood lightening slightly as she glanced around the room at all of the happy faces surrounding her. "Do you know where my brother is?"
Meg's smile instantly pinched shut into an annoyed line. "Off chasing skirts no doubt," the blonde said quickly. "But no I haven't seen him lately. The one time I spotted him he turned straight around and ran off into the crowd. Does he always act so strangely?"
"Most times, yes," Brielle said with a laugh. "Though I am sure he didn't mean anything by it."
"Oh, I am not mad about that," Meg said, casually inspecting her nails. "I wouldn't have even noticed that he was ignoring me except for the fact that he knocked over about two stagehands in order to run off."
Watching the blonde carefully out of the corner of her eyes, Brielle was slightly alarmed by the feigned indifference she saw in Meg's expression. Conner better be careful…apparently Meg isn't as immune to his charms as I thought. Opening her mouth to respond, Brielle was interrupted when Meg cut her off.
"Though I have heard that he has already downed an entire bottle of wine," Meg continued, prattling on for a terribly long time about someone she had just said she didn't care about.
"Who has already had an entire bottle of wine?" A sharp disapproving voice demanded from behind the trio.
Wincing, Meg and Brielle both turned to face the older Giry woman. "Oh, no one mother," Meg said sheepishly.
Raising one auburn eyebrow first at her daughter then at Brielle, Madame Giry tapped her fingers against the dark handle of her cane. "Uh-huh…You just make sure you don't get yourself into any trouble, Meg Giry, or I will have your behind!" she chided. Turning her attention to where Aria hung on her mother's skirts, the ballet mistress's hard expression broke into a soft smile. "Come to see the party, have you?"
Nodding happily, Aria let go of Brielle and padded over to the older woman, holding up her arms until Madame Giry bent and picked her up off the floor. "B-But I am n-not supposed to get w-wild," Aria said seriously, making Madame Giry laugh.
"Sound advice," she replied before looking to Brielle. "I am going to steal your daughter for a while. I hope you don't mind. If you need us we will be sitting and watching the young people dancing." And without further ado the ballet mistress swept off to go and sit near the back of the stage where several couples were twirling across the floor in time with the music.
Brielle shared a surprised look with Meg before they both burst out laughing. "There really is no arguing with her is there?" Brielle asked.
"No there isn't," Meg chuckled. "I hope you really don't mind."
"Oh, it is all right. Aria will have more fun watching the dancing than being dragged around by me," Brielle said as she tried to wave off a young man with a tray of wine glasses. When the teenager didn't take the hint, Meg snatched the bottle and the two remaining glasses from the tray and then gave the boy a swift push away from them. Pushing one of the glasses into Brielle's hands Meg took a gulp from her own cup.
"BRIELLE!" An all-too-familiar voice bellowed from across the stage, barely being heard over the din of the musicians and the gathered crowd.
Stiffening at the sound, Meg turned her head towards where Conner was waving at them over the tops of other people's heads. "Oh…I just forgot I have something I have to do," Meg said quickly as she whirled about and shot off in the opposite direction, leaving Brielle staring after her.
Oh my God…please tell me I don't act like that around Erik! I would just die…Without thinking about it, Brielle raised the glass of red wine to her lips and took a hearty swallow just as her brother broke through the crowd. Perhaps it was the first warm bubbling of the wine in her stomach, but Brielle knew then that she didn't want to act as silly as Meg and Conner were. Lord…loving someone is a pain in the ass.
"There you are!" he said a little more loudly than was necessary as he came up alongside her, draping an arm around her shoulders. "I have been looking all over for you!"
Sagging under his weight, Brielle tried to push his arm off of her but to no avail. "I hear that you have already had a bottle of wine. I doubt you were looking that hard!"
"Gahhh, who told you that pack of lies!"
"Meg did."
Jumping as if someone had poked him with a needle, Conner looked anxiously over his shoulder. "She isn't still around, is she?"
"No…I think you scared her off. But for the love of God, quit leaning on me so. You are going to topple me over!"
Smiling sheepishly, the redhead removed his arm and took a step back, looking surprisingly steady considering the amount of alcohol he had consumed. "Isn't this a great party?" he asked brightly. "This is exactly what everyone needed."
"You most of all, right?" Brielle asked sarcastically as another wave of soothing warmth from the wine went to her head. Automatically she raised the glass to her lips again with a smile.
"You bet," Conner replied lightly, casually shoving a man who had staggered too close to him with a full bottle of wine. When the fellow fell to the floor with a laugh, Conner bent down and snatched the bottle away from him, filling Brielle's glass in one easy gesture. "Hey, before I forget, can I ask you something?" he asked, between taking a swallow from the bottle in his hand.
"Yes, I suppose," Brielle replied, frowning down at the man on the floor as he crawled off into the crowd.
"When you married John you were in love with him, right?"
"Yes, what kind of question is that, Conner? Are you trying to depress me?" Brielle demanded, pushing away Conner's bottle when he tried to pour more into her glass.
"No…I am not trying to depress you. It was just a simple question…" Pausing for a moment the redhead raised a hand to scrub over his face in agitation. "So that means you know how it feels, right? To be in love that is."
Blinking up at her brother a little fuzzily, Brielle tried to make sense of what he was saying. "What in the world are you talking about?" Leaning forward, Conner tilted the bottle into Brielle's glass again. Jerking her arm back out of his reach, she was slightly startled to see that her glass was completely empty. When did that happen?
"So tell me…what it felt like. I am curious."
Raising an eyebrow in his direction, she was about to say something flippant but the hint of seriousness in his expression stopped her. "It felt really wonderful. Like I was floating two inches off the floor. A sweet, gentle feeling. Like coming home after a long absence."
Narrowing his eyes in thought, Conner nodded slightly. "Ah…so it was easy, right? Made you really happy?" he asked, a slow relieved smile playing across his face.
About to nod her head in agreement Brielle suddenly stopped, thinking of her tumultuous feelings for a certain Phantom. "Well…sometimes. Then of course there are the times when you think you are losing your mind. When all you can think about is that one person…and wondering what they are doing...always questioning if what you are feeling is the right thing. When every breath comes on the hope of seeing them again."
Grimacing openly, Conner let out a string of curses, raising a hand to run through his already wild hair. Turning, he stalked away from Brielle several paces before whirling about and returning to her side. "Are you sure? I mean maybe you are a little confused. That IS your fourth glass of wine," he said hopefully.
Scoffing at that, Brielle pointed a finger at her brother. "This is not my fourth glass. It is my second!" she said defensively before looking down to once again find her cup empty. Wow…no wonder I am starting to feel so lightheaded…four…that can't be right. "And I am not confused that is exactly how I feel about….um…felt…"
Smiling over his sister's slip of the tongue, Conner planted a kiss on her cheek, the anxiety which had been darkening his features once again hidden behind his infectious grin. "Oh…that is how it feels huh?"
"Shut up. You know what I meant!"
"Yeah…I sure do!" Conner said, dodging when Brielle swiped at him with one hand. "You should really think about getting out on the dance floor, Bri. I find a little fun always helps keep your mind off of things."
Grabbing hold of her brother's arm before he could run off, Brielle forced him to look back at her. "Conner, dancing and drinking and fooling around will not always be enough. Eventually a person has to face reality."
Patting her hand, Conner dropped his eyes to the floor, avoiding her worried stare. "That is where you are wrong, Bri. I have faced reality a long time ago and made peace with my chosen way of life. What I refuse to do is allow myself fall for someone like Da fell for our Mother. You were too young to remember…but I know what love can do to a man. A part of him died the day she did." Pulling out of Brielle's grip, Conner blew her a quick kiss and disappeared into the crowd.
Left completely flabbergasted over her brother's uncharacteristically candid statement, Brielle could only stare after him, watching his bright head weave towards the dance floor near the back of the stage. Wow…he has it bad, doesn't he? I thought it was just an infatuation before…but now…could it really be that he is falling for Meg? What a thought! "Someone must have put something in the water…everyone is going insane."
"Pardon me, Madame," A man's voice inquired from behind her then, causing her to spin about, startled by the intrusion on her thoughts.
"What!" she snapped before she could temper the irritation in her tone. Glaring openly up at the averagely handsome man grinning down at her, Brielle jerked back a step when he made as if to touch her arm, and the alcohol-laced good mood which she had been basking in evaporated almost instantly.
Slightly taken aback by her unfriendly reply, the man's smile faltered upon his face. "Er…do you want to dance?" he asked hopefully.
"No," Brielle said quickly. "Bye now."
Still not taking the hint, the man lingered a little longer. "Well, how about if…"
"She said no. Now shoo!" Meg piped up as she came skirting around the edge of the crowd. Faced with two unfriendly females, the man gave up and slunk off just as Meg came up alongside Brielle, her large brown eyes scanning the people around the Irishwoman. "Hey, Brielle, can you believe these men? They are enough to make a girl pull her hair out."
"I know what you mean," Brielle said with a smile, suddenly feeling extremely happy to see her friend back again, her momentary irritation passing as she linked arms with Meg. "So did you decide it was safe to come back since Conner left?" she asked as she snagged a bottle off of a passing woman's tray.
Trying to look indignant at that, Meg only lasted a few moments before bursting out laughing. "No! I wasn't even looking over here….why, did he say something about me?"
Laughing along with Meg, Brielle shook her head. "I am not going to tell you!"
"Ah, you are so mean," Meg said, wrinkling her nose.
"I can't help it," Brielle gasped between chuckles. "I think I am halfway drunk."
"Fine. I don't care if you tell me or not!" Meg said, crossing her arms as she looked off past Brielle to where all the couples were dancing a few yards away. "But I think you should know that Momma took Aria to bed about fifteen minutes ago."
"What? What time is it?"
"Around ten o'clock, I think."
"Really? That thing about flying time…no…time flying is true!"
Continuing to gaze off at the dance floor, Meg only nodded vaguely, her expression quickly darkening. Following Meg's line of sight, Brielle caught sight of her brother dancing rather vigorously with some yet unidentifiable female. Without a word, the blonde took Brielle's hand in hers and she set off to get closer to the dance floor. Stumbling along after her friend the Irishwoman mentally cursed Conner's timing.
"Meg, I hate this song the musicians are playing. Let's go over and ask them to play something else," Brielle said quickly, wanting to distract Meg from the racy scene playing out in front of them.
Ignoring Brielle's suggestion, Meg came to a sudden stop near the edge of the dance floor. Wincing, Brielle recognized the graceful woman Conner was currently twirling across the floor. Raising a hand to pinch at the bridge of her nose, Brielle shook her head when Conner dipped Maryann, the whiny prima ballerina, until the top of her head almost scraped the floor. God, he had to pick one of the most annoying girls here. Maryann let out a high-pitched squeal of laughter as Conner drew her upright again; at the sound of the other girl's giggling, Meg tensed up next to Brielle.
"Um, Meg…" Brielle began, laying a hand on her friend's arm.
A bright white-hot surge of jealousy billowed up behind Meg's normally soft brown eyes, filling her small body until she was practically shaking with the emotion. Shrugging off Brielle's hand, Meg marched forward onto the dance floor, pushing other couples out of the way in her hurry to get to the center, her focus never leaving the redheaded Irishman and petite ballerina in front of her. Unable to do anything but watch, Brielle clasped her hands nervously in front of her, hoping all the while that Meg wouldn't do something she would later regret. She isn't normally this confrontational…this could be bad.
Planting herself directly behind Maryann as the other ballerina continued to giggle insipidly, Meg reached out and poked the girl in the shoulder. Starting as if she had been stuck with a hot poker, Maryann turned toward Meg, a sour expression pinching the prima ballerina's face. At that exact same moment, Conner met Meg's gaze over the top of his dance partner's head, his green eyes widening in shock.
"Oh, look, it is the little Giry," Maryann said sweetly, turning back to Conner with an insidious grin stretching across her face. "Go away, Meg. Some people are trying to dance around here."
Having opened her mouth to say something to the other dancer, Meg shut it again after Maryann's falsely sweet statement, apparently losing some of the alcohol-induced momentum which had carried her out onto the floor. Fisting her hands at her sides, Meg's delicate golden curls shivered about her face as she stared furiously at Maryann's back, struggling for something to say; her eyes automatically rising to meet Conner's once again.
Tensing at the condescending tone Maryann used to speak to Meg, Conner's worried expression disappeared behind barely controlled aggravation. His green eyes hardened, turning sharp as broken glass as he lowered his gaze to look into Maryann's upturned face.
"Yeah, trying is the right word," he blurted out rudely, looking completely shocked with himself as he clamped his treacherous mouth shut, a dark blush working its way up his throat to stain his freckled cheeks a bright red, all the while flickering his eyes to Meg's face.
Seeming to draw whatever strength she had been lacking a moment ago from his statement, Meg raised her chin up and tapped Maryann on the shoulder again. "That is your cue to exit stage left, Maryann," Meg cooed, echoing the prima ballerina's sickeningly sweet tone.
Maryann's mouth dropped open in outrage as she looked back and forth between Conner and Meg, not completely believing that anyone would have the nerve to speak to her like that. Raising her chin up stubbornly, she fixed her steely gaze upon Conner long enough to slap him across the face before turning and flouncing off into the crowd. "If you want to waste your time with a second-rate partner then by all means go ahead," she called nastily over her shoulder before disappearing into the crowd.
Left looking after the retreating dancer's figure as she weaved through the other couples, Meg and Conner slowly brought their eyes back to each other. Shifting awkwardly, Conner raised a hand to rake through his unruly hair, looking for the first time in his life like he didn't know what to say. "Sorry…normally I don't speak to a lady like that but…she shouldn't have said those things about you," he said with a shrug, dropping his gaze almost shyly to the floor.
"Yes, well…I don't normally pick fights like that either," Meg said with a nervous laugh.
Catching Meg's eye, Brielle gave her an encouraging motion, mouthing for her to dance with Conner. Now that I am sure they both feel the same way…it is time that they should stop fooling around. Grinning to herself she watched Meg turn back to Conner and step into his stunned hands, Brielle turned and slowly made her way to the edge of the crowd. Raising a hand to her head, she waited for the room to stop spinning as she stumbled slightly off to stage right, leaving the gay music and bright laughter of the party behind her. I definitely drank too much…which is funny since I never meant to drink anything at all. I am a blessed mother after all…I have no business getting intoxicated…I…
Weaving to the left, Brielle lost her balance and toppled to the floor. Laughing for no apparent reason she lay where she was, content not to get up right away. The sound of a footstep behind her did nothing to put a damper on her drunken hilarity. Turning her head slightly she watched a pair of highly polished men's dress shoes stride across the floor toward her. A thrill raced up her spine as those shoes stopped about a foot in front of her, and though she hadn't seen the man's face she was sure she knew who was now standing over her. The certainty only grew stronger as the man knelt and placed a hand upon her back, and with his touch came a deep visceral sense of recognition that made her heart skip a beat within her chest. Erik…
A deep defeated sigh escaped her throat as she closed her eyes. The cool logical voice within her head wound down into silence, no longer counting the cost of the future. As Brielle opened her eyes to the blessed silence in her mind she smiled. Erik…
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Deeply upset by the tone of his last meeting with Brielle, Erik had stood like a statue in the shadows, paralyzed by what she had said. The truth of her words had cut through his mind like a razor blade, leaving him reeling and alone to drown in the endless whirlpool of is own thoughts. I demand tolerance…but am intolerant. When did I fall into the shoes of those who made my life a hell?
Having finally found the strength to pull himself out of his musings and move, Erik made his way quickly up several flights of stairs to look down upon the stage from a bird's eye view. It was from this vantage point he watched the revelers down below, always keeping a close watch over Brielle and Aria. An hour passed far too quickly as the sinking sensation in his stomach faded and he found a smile touching his lips, his eyes reflecting the torchlight from down below as he silently laughed over Aria's mad dancing near Madame Giry's side. Brielle is going to have a terrible time putting that one to bed tonight. Perhaps reading the child a little bit of the book I gave her would help…
Just as Erik contented himself with that idea, the dance mistress led Aria away, and he once again turned his attention to Brielle. When he finally spotted her particular dark head out of the sea of people, he was more than just a little annoyed to find some young man bothering her for a dance. For a split second he watched the scene with impassive regard; until, that is, the stranger reached out and laid his hand upon Brielle's arm. Jerking up straight Erik ground his teeth as caustic rivers of pure jealousy shot through his veins. Sitting forward to watch the scene better, Erik glared down from above with a morose and explosive fascination until the very moment the young man walked away defeated.
But even after he watched Meg race up to Brielle's side laughing about something, Erik found that he could not relax the viselike grip he had upon one of the backdrop ropes which was hanging near his head. Something unnamable about watching another man show interest in Brielle served to make one thing poignantly clear to him. He realized that he didn't want any other man to so much as look in her direction and that he wished, with every fiber of his being for it to be him to ask her to dance and laugh with her. Suddenly, his chosen position in the shadows no longer held the appeal it once had, and for the first time in a long time the urge to show himself in front of strangers, if it meant to be nearer Brielle's side, clouded his judgment.
Without thinking Erik climbed to his feet, stalking quickly along the catwalk with an agility born of years of practice. Passing the staircase to the lower floors, he grabbed hold of a rope and swung out over the three-story drop without the slightest bit of hesitation. Sliding down the length of the rope, he hit the floor with a thud, his eyes instantly turning to the blazing light coming from the stage. Pausing with his hand still upon the rope he suddenly realized what he was doing. Looking around quickly, he ducked out of sight, wondering over his sanity. I was not just about to walk out into the middle of the damned stage! That is not what I was just doing!
Shaking his head Erik leaned against a large set piece. Yes…that IS what I was doing…I swear to God that woman is going to be the death of me one of these days. Tilting his head to the side, the masked man listened to the stumbling footsteps of a partygoer walking down the hallway. Well it sounds like someone was having a fun tonight. A hiccup sounded as the person came closer to his hiding place, making his brows draw down into a frown. Wait a second…that sounded almost like…A loud thump of a body hitting the floor was punctuated by an overly loud bellow of laughter. Pushing away from the wall, Erik strode around the set piece he was lounging behind, his eyes instantly spotting the black-haired woman laying face first on the ground. Though he couldn't see the lady's face, he was certain of who was sprawled across the hallway.
Hurrying forward, he came to kneel next to Brielle, one hand going out to touch her gently on the back. The worry was an instant sickness in his stomach until she smiled goofily up at him. "What are you doing? Are you alright?" he asked quickly, becoming irritated when she stifled a laugh.
"Did I fall down?" she asked vaguely, pushing herself up into a sitting position.
"Yes…are you drunk?" he accused, the disapproval he heard in his own tone giving him pause.
Ignoring his question, Brielle threw open her arms and wrapped them tightly around his neck. "I knew it was you! I didn't see you but I knew! I am so glad you are here…I have something very important to say to you!" she gushed, sagging against his chest with her head falling onto his shoulder.
Startled by this uncustomary display of affection, Erik froze, every muscle in his body tensing up as he struggled to figure out how to respond. After a moment of taut silence he raised both hands up to make an attempt at prying Brielle's hands off of him. The softness of her body pressing so intimately against him was quickly becoming a distraction. "You can tell me tomorrow when you actually know what you are talking about," he said a bit raggedly.
Resisting his attempts to pull away, Brielle fisted her hands in the folds of his cloak. "I am in full control of what I am saying," she stated airily before bursting into gales of laughter.
Feeling the tug of a smile touching his face, Erik quickly cleared his throat and fixed a fierce frown into place. "Then why did you fall over?"
Seemingly stumped by that question, Brielle raised her head to look directly into his face. Her eyes, lamp-like in the darkness, seemed to stare right into him, invading his soul within a second's breath. Releasing her hold upon his clothing, she raised a hand to trace the furrow between his brows. "Always so serious," she murmured quietly, the tone of her voice dipping seductively lower.
A thrill shivered through his body as her finger traced across his forehead and down his left cheek, stopping only when she came to the corner of his mouth. Transfixed by the intoxicating power of her gentle touch, Erik felt himself turn his face into her hand. A moment passed before he brought his eyes slowly up to hers. Steadily watching his every move with those knowing storm gray eyes, Brielle brushed the very tips of her fingers over his bottom lip, sending a shock wave of sensation boiling up his spine. Jolted into motion, Erik jerked away from her touch and staggered to his feet, his heart thundering within his chest as a blush worked its way up his neck. What am I doing? She is drunk, she doesn't know what she does…
"I think you should be put to bed…" he said unsteadily, raising a hand to scrub across his face as he fought for control.
Shrugging, Brielle leaned forward and tugged upon his pant leg, once again ignoring what he said. "I am sorry I was so mean before, Erik. I think it is because you confuse me so sometimes."
Peering down at her between his fingers the masked man sighed. "And what? You aren't confused now?"
"Oh no…everything is clear now. That is why I have something to tell you. See I don't want to act like a moron like my brother is. Though I think he is getting better. But I promised myself a long time ago that I wouldn't ever love another man…but I am not really sure we get to decide such things. And Father Thomas told me today that I was standing in judgment of you…which I didn't even realize I was doing. People can find forgiveness for the past…and your past is no exception…I shouldn't have been so nasty to you," she babbled earnestly, slipping back and forth between Gaelic and French, until Erik bent down and helped pull her to her feet.
"You know you aren't making any sense at all right?" he asked as he set her on her feet, taking a careful step away from her when she moved to embrace him again. She really has to stop doing that…he thought as he warily watched her sway a little unsteadily.
Waving a hand in his direction, Brielle raised a finger to her lips. "Shh…don't talk so loud!"
"I wasn't talking loud," Erik replied with a laugh, unable to stand unmoved before the hilarious situation unfolding before him.
"Well, then come here…I think I am going to fall over you crazy man," she demanded, sounding more like her normal no-nonsense self.
Hesitating for a split second, Erik let out a shaky breath. Okay, Erik…Take control…just…just take control of yourself. This is Brielle…the woman who befriended you…Don't think of how fantastic it felt to have her arms around you. But deep in his gut he knew this excuse could not work for long. Since the moment he saw her step through the Opera's doors something had changed between them. The long absence, the percolating anger only served to add a new and dangerous edge to their relationship. There was a desperate urgency shimmering just under the surface of their every meeting a look. A friend…the dearest sort of friend.
Holding out a hand he gently took Brielle's in his own. "You really need to get to bed. I daresay you are going to feel terrible tomorrow."
Hopping a step closer to him, her fingers easily weaving through his, Brielle leaned against his shoulder. "Yes, but I feel wonderful now!" she replied smoothly, laying her free hand against his chest. "Lead on! It is time to go to bed!"
"Yes, well…" he said, shying away from her touch as he took a step forward, leading Brielle down the hall slowly.
They walked along steadily for some time before Brielle's coordination began to deteriorate. Even with Erik's support her feet started to drag, tripping her up so much that finally he gave in and put his arm around her waist. As he tried to pick up the pace, finding the close contact extremely disconcerting, Brielle began to giggle beside him. Looking down at her to see what was so funny, Erik once again found her silliness tugging a smile from his reluctant mouth.
"This is all so strange. The Phantom of the Opera is practically carrying me back to my room…looking out for me. Thank you, Erik…especially after what I said earlier," Brielle finally said, gripping the front of Erik's jacket tighter when her feet went out from under her again.
"Don't thank me. Everything you said was true. I have never had the pleasure of having someone in my life who wasn't afraid to be honest with me. Until I met you of course."
Raising her head to gaze up at him, the smile slipped from Brielle's face, her eyes going dark as she focused in on the shyness creeping into his expression. "I don't know what took me so long to figure it out," she breathed.
"Figure what out?"
"That I love you," she replied quickly, her voice going soft, caressing his ears with every word.
Stopping in his tracks Erik's eyes darted back to her face, sure he had misheard her. "What?" he asked, hearing the word falling from his mouth without any conscious thought of forming it.
"I love you, I love you, I love you," she repeated, with each repetition making his heart stop and shudder into a start again.
"Do not say that…" he pleaded quietly.
Without another word Brielle rose up on her toes, tipping forward until her lips practically fell against his, pressing firmly against his mouth, her sweet wine-laced breath washing over his face. Caught off-guard, his hands instantly came up to wrap about her waist without any of the normal hesitation in his touch. Urgently she moved her mouth over his, trying to draw him out of his temporary paralysis with each subtle movement. He was able to resist for a moment longer before the power of his desire refused to be repressed any longer.
All thought came to a crashing halt within his mind, for the first time in his life leaving his head as empty as the Opera's cellars after sunset. Distantly he felt her hands slide up to curl behind his neck, drawing him closer, pulling at his heart as time itself ground to a stop. Forgetting for a moment that he shouldn't return the touch, that she must be making some sort of mistake, Erik gave a shudder as his arms tightened around her waist, crushing her soft pliant body to him in a moment of carnal surrender.
Stumbling to the side from the force of their embrace, the couple nearly toppled over the scattered set pieces at their feet. Paying the misstep no mind, they only clung tighter until Erik's back hit the far wall, steadying his reeling senses enough for him to momentarily break contact to change the angle of the kiss. Absently he heard the metallic ping of his tie pin as it shot off into the night, sprung free when Brielle's wandering hands tugged at his neckline. Heat spread like a wildfire from low in his stomach to set his mind aflame with fire and light. Images filtered through the blazing inferno raging within his head, showing him snapshots of his life since the very moment he remembered truly feeling alive, since the moment he met Brielle. In his mind's eye he could see her smiling over the top of a book at him and the graceful way she always diffused his temper. Deep within his heart he finally felt whole.
Slowing the frantic pace they had set, Erik raised both hands to Brielle's face, gently caressing her warm cheeks as he trailed a series of kisses along the outline of her perfect mouth. Deepening the well of emotion filling up within him, this new, slower warmth spread through his body, enveloping his very being to the point where he could not tell where he stopped and Brielle began. This moment of sweet fullness did not last, Erik's formidable brain kicking back into motion after remaining quiet for far too long.
Pulling back reluctantly, Erik leaned his forehead against Brielle's. Breathing harshly, they stood together in the darkness holding onto each other in order to remain standing. What have I done? I swore I wouldn't but I did it anyway… "Brielle, I am sorry…I shouldn't have taken advantage…I…"
Stopping in mid-apology, trying desperately to gather his scattered thoughts, Erik felt Brielle slump limply against him. Looking down he realized that the apology was unnecessary, for Brielle was now completely passed out against him, her small body clinging to his shirtfront even in unconsciousness. Leaning his head back against the wall behind him, Erik found himself wishing for strength as he bent at the waist and scooped her up into his arms. Walking unsteadily down the hall, he allowed the shock to numb his storming emotions, if just for a little while. Reaching Brielle's bedroom door, Erik quietly entered, careful not to wake the sleeping child in the cot across the room. Moving quickly to the larger of the two beds, he laid Brielle out upon the mattress, settling her head carefully against the pillow. Staring intently down at her sleeping face he took a deep breath.
Conner said that there is more than one kind of love, he thought numbly. She might not even remember any of this tomorrow. Please God…don't let her remember…Sagging forward tiredly, Erik raised both hands up to cover his face, only then realizing the wet track of shocked tears staining his cheeks. That can't happen again.