My Forever and Always (The Phantom of The Opera)

Chapter 11

Note: If you aren't reading this chapter in continuation, just go through the last chapter once. Indeed, this update came after a LONG break. I'll try to be more regular going forward.

Clarissa POV

I woke up in the morning pacing around my room. I had a lot going through my head for today was the day I'll visit the countess' Manor. But everything that happened with Erik last night was a whole emotional roller coaster that occupied all my thoughts. I remember hugging Erik while he sobbed, I cried too. Embracing your friend was probably not the most appropriate act in this time period, but I couldn't care less. I couldn't begin to fathom what he's been through all his life. If the many novels, movies and fictions serve any truth, then it must not be a pleasant life. I was proud of him that he could open up, and I was glad that I found a friend I could trust and confide in.

Today marked a really important day. I washed and got dressed into an emerald green gown with satin gloves to match. It wasn't too gaudy but was elegant and convenient. I picked up my neatly packed briefcase and hopped on to the carriage waiting for me at the gate.

The carriage took me through cobble-stoned lanes and past some beautiful landscapes. It then rode an upward hill. Through the corner of the road, I could see the imposing manor. The Countess' Manor stood out amongst the wide expanses of green pastures and was a grandeur to be marvelled. 

Hopping off at my destination, I walked through huge double-doored entrance and was escorted inside by the butler. The sweeping expanse within the mansion was made of marble. I looked up to see an elegant space decorated tastefully with lush and expensive fabrics and metals. The space was furnished with antique items, armours, paintings and sculptures. It is one thing looking at monumental places with historic importance, but its completely different when you see such places at the time of their glory. Not a monument or heritage but a residence and living legacy. The butler led me through the giant lobby-like space and multiple halls of gold and marble. I finally entered a study-room of sorts. The room had bookshelves reaching the roof, a study table, coffee table and a piano at one corner. The coffee table was placed near the balcony and I saw two noble women sitting there and having tea and confectioneries. I walked up to them. It was Countess Elizabeth and her companion who I saw at Opera Populaire. She was Ms. Antoinette, a niece of Countess Elizabeth and a nobility. Three maids who were serving them were told to stand near the entrance as Countess Elizabeth invited me in and asked me to take a seat.

"Mlle Clarissa, we were expecting your presence." The Countess chimed with a polite smile. Ms. Antoinette, who was a young woman, barely 19, with brown hair and elegant features, nodded while sipping her tea. "Indeed, seeing your cosmetics was something we look forward to. The very product descriptions that you gave us on that day left us intrigued." She said.

"The honour is mine that I could present my creation to you both." I said and smiled at both Elizabeth and Antoinette.

I looked up at the clock, an hour had passed by. The contents of briefcase were spread open on a table, with both the noble ladies looking at them intently. I had explained and sampled moisturisers, foundation, lip tint and eye shadows made with combined knowledge of modern-day cosmetology and natural ingredients. From the look on their face, they were clearly impressed.

I took a last bite of my pastry when Countess Elizabeth cleared her throat.
"Everything"

I looked up with a questioning look.

"We want everything that you showed us, we are truly mesmerized by your creation Mlle Clarissa." The countess said.

Antoinette continued, "Yes indeed, I had the best cosmetics at my disposal from all over the world, yet nothing compares to what you created by your own hands."

I smiled and thanked them a lot. I felt happy and grateful hearing their generous praises. I couldn't believe this was actually working out. It's very much confirmed that they'll buy my stuff, but then I thought, should I increase the pricing to make this a niche product? Since I'm selling it to nobility. While I was deep in my thoughts, a man entered the room. He happened to be the person who accompanied the party on the day of the Opera.

I noticed his presence and greeted him, he introduced himself as Countess Elizabeth's brother, Andre. Elizabeth and Antoinette quickly had Andre seated and gushed about the products. I kept smiling throughout as the three of them now started showering me with more questions and impressed looks. Amidst our conversation, Andre mentioned his new house and how he was looking for some fresh architectural designs. Apparently, all designers and architectures around Europe have a repetitive and rustic style. Every manor started to look identical to him. While I was listening to their conversation, a thought struck me.

Its past the lunch time and I'm rushing back through the large corridors of The Opera Populaire. The place was lively and bustling with activities and I could hear muffled voices dance instructors, shouting stagehands and giggling ballerinas. I was on my way to Erik's place, I had news for him. I placed my things in my room and rushed around hallways finding an empty space to sneak through a secret passageway. I walked around absentmindedly until something short came and collided with me around the corner.

I looked down holding that something or someone in my arms. I was greeted by a small head with soft brown locks. The curls toppled over as the kid raised her head, two shiny honey-brown eyes peered at me through the curls.

"Hey, are you alright kid? You shouldn't be running in the hallways."

The girl backed up and looked at me properly, she was insanely cute. You know sometimes you just look at kids and think, 'Wow, this one will look hot when they grow up', that's what I thought looking at her. This kid will certainly grow up beautiful, her fine facial features peaked through.

In her sweet voice she shyly said, "Sorry mademoiselle, I am late to my practice and Madam Giry is very strict."

"Aah that's fine, I'm not angry at you. I'm just worried you'll fall and hurt yourself. Marble floors can be quite slippery, especially in those (I pointed to her feet) ballet shoes."

I smiled at her. Something about this girl was so familiar, yet I couldn't put a finger to it.

"You're so kind miss. Are you a dancer too?"

"No, I'm with the Stage- "

I was cut off by another child's voice. A blonde girl in pigtails came running and yelled,

"Christine! There you are! Let's run or mama will make us do extra stretching!"

.....