The Grand opening

France 1864

It was early afternoon in Paris.

Annabel was walking along the cobblestone street towards the Épicerie distracted with her thoughts.

Holding the piece of paper that listed everything Mme Velcius needed, she continued slowly, not paying attention to the passing minutes.

She was in no state of hurry.

It was once again time to add up to Mme Velcius' culinary needs.

It was a very cold day and the dark and upsetting weather matched Annabel's state of mind.

Today was not her chosen day to be in town.

It was the 14th of March, the day her father had passed away, another unwanted memory.

She was fully aware, that this horrible happening was slowly destroying piece by piece of herself.

She knew she had to accept it some other time, though there was no hope of that happening any time soon.

She felt so incomplete without him.

She lost her passion for music, something only Annabel and her father loved and understood. It was what made their relationship blossom even more. Now it was gone.

That was what upset her so much.

She didn't know how to make it return back to her.

She sighed as she reached the Épicerie.

Walking through the entrance she passed some newspapers.

The headlines caught her eye.

'Grand opening of the Opera House'

She remembered the opera house.

About its construction and whether or not she should listen to what Mme Velcius had said about trying to use her experience and apply there.

She had thought about it.

She didn't want to do it.

But later on she came to the conclusion, that if the opportunity came she would try to start dancing there.

She had to use her experience eventually that took so many years to complete. Annabel couldn't stop her conscience from accusing her of thinking to waste all that effort and francs that went into it, all because of Mme Velcius's generosity.

Realizing this now made her feel extremely cruel.

Annabel would never forgive herself now if she allowed this pitiful mourning to control her any longer.

Dancing would mean being without her father but so be it. This was something she had to do.

Annabel finished purchasing everything Mme Velcius needed and with new found determination made her way back.

***************************************************

That very night at six o'clock the whole of Paris gathered to witness the new building and experience its beauty.

Everyone waited with anticipation and journalists stood ready with their excited hands waiting to write down every detail that would follow.

Quade observed every individual who was attending.

In a matter of instinct he quickly adjusted his mask already feeling the inside of it becoming damp.

He also pulled down the front of his hat to isolate the mask to help avoid unwanted attention.

His five head apprentices waited for him patiently until he turned around and gestured for them to start walking ahead.

The five men walked out first while Quade followed. As they stepped outside, the atmosphere of all the people's presence washed over Quade and a cold sensation ran through his entire body.

Horrifying memories were already taking over his mind once he saw all of them. This was probably not very wise.

The people all applauded excitedly and the men walked up towards the mayor who started shaking each man's hand proudly.

"I would like to congratulate these fine men who had worked on this project for so long and who have finally completed it successfully. Paris are overjoyed to be in the position to experience its beauty."

The people applauded more.

"Thank you all for your time in coming here. We hope you will enjoy the public viewing." John said bowing gratefully.

One of the journalists came over hurriedly approaching the men.

"Evening gentlemen, we have heard many stories about this building. Who is the young architect who was the creator of this fantastic monument. May we have the honor to congratulate him personally? All of Paris have been requesting it." The journalist who was a woman asked.

Before Quade could take in what she asked he was pulled forward by the mayor.

Suddenly facing the enormous crowd of people, the anxiety increased. The effect of it was so intense he could hardly breathe.

In reaction he kept his head down trying very hard to stay concealed.

"So you must be him, Messieur?"

She spoke trying to see more of his face.

"Indeed Madame." He answered coldly keeping his distance.

The woman kept on speaking.

"Well I have only seen the outside of this building and I can already tell this is true genius. It is understandable it was such a long process. What is your name Messieur?"

Just as he wanted to reply a flash of light went off and he answered quickly.

He had far enough of this attention.

"Madame, tonight is about the Opera Populair, it is far more important and should rather be focused on. I hope you enjoy the rest of the night."

With that he turned around and walked away making his way behind his apprentices and silently disappeared into the building without causing any more attention.

Quade was going to have to choose his steps wisely.

He can't bare to think of what might happen if someone would find out.

Though it was not going to happen, he was finally allowed to live out his passions and nothing was going to destroy that.

Not again.