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Log inThe Ghost in the Mirror A Leroux Transfic Sequel
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The Ghost in the Mirror A Leroux Transfic Sequel
Phantomasc Wed Apr 19, 2023 5:49 am
Chapter 1
Genevieve’s Wish
(Child’s POV)
My name is Genevieve de Changy. I am five years old and want to be a doctor when I grow up. Papa is off on his naval ship, again, and Mama is at the Opera rehearsing. My Governess gave me this diary to help me with my penmanship. After this we sewed, (which is important for doing surgery,) then we took my sketchbook to the park, parc de l'île Saint-Germain, it is so pretty there when the sun is out! If only that rabbit would sit still for me! My Governess taps me on the shoulder,
“Time to go in.”
It is so hard to get up with my corset squeezing me, hard to get up without getting my dress dirty, it simply will not do! I take my Governess’ hand, and she helps me up, together we walk back across the street meeting Mama on the way home for tea. We play Mad Tea Party to help me remember my manners. Papa says he doesn't know how that helps, but when he’s home he is glad to be the Mad Hatter!
‘I sewed a straight line of stitches today.” I proclaimed!
“I’m very proud of you sweetie” affirms Mama
“When Is Papa coming home?” I ask.
“Your Papa comes home today,” she smiled.
“He loved getting a letter from you,” My Governess reminded me. My penmanship was illegible!
“I hope he stays,” I pout.
“I know you love him… Presents cannot make up for lost time... “ Mama sighed.
I didn't mean to make her sad!
“I- I’m sorry Mama”
Just then there’s a clattering outside. Papa’s home!
I ran to the door, “Papa!” I squeal.
“I missed you..” Papa hugs me without looking at me, he stands up and kisses Mama.
The manservants carry his steamer trunk they grunt and groan making me believe it’s too heavy!
“There must be a pony in here!” they jest.
“Let Me see what I have here” Papa opens the trunk rummaging as if he can't find what he’s looking for… I hold my breath.
“Here it is,” he announces, handing me the book of Grimms Fairy Tales“Want to hear about my battle with the Cracken?” He picks me up and I giggle.
“Oh My…” my Governess rolls her eyes.
He showed me during the story his heroics, swinging his sword wildly, “Can I try?” I asked.
“The sword is too heavy,” Papa worried, “I love you I can’t let anything happen to you” He looked me in the eye and tore me up, I hugged him... He holds me tight. I wonder why I make him sad.
“I wish I never had to sleep!”
“Why?” Papa asks with concern.
“Because Ihate the dark!” my lip quivers.
“It’s OK, you're safe… I’ll sleep in the chair” Papa always did… when he was home.
Mama tells me one of her Daddy’s stories, it makes her smile, She sings an old Swedish Lullaby, her voice is the most beautiful in the world.
“Misour, you need your rest, let me stay with her,” offers my Governess.
“I have slept in less comfortable places than a rocking chair as of late” He replied crispily.
My Governess and Mama go to bed.
Papa reads me The Sleeping Beauty, and afterward, I stare at the picture of the Prince fighting the dragon intensely!
***
(Papa’s POV)
“She just stared at the prince until her eyes closed,” I told my wife.
“Maybe she thinks he’s handsome” Christine didn’t see how the stare was!
“I don’t think that’s right it’s only a drawing…?”
“Maybe if I took her to the Opera, women play boys there.” What on earth did that have to do with this?
“It is too dangerous!” I barked, “I agreed to let you perform so you didn’t have to ask for money when I didn’t have the time to give you some, but Genevieve is a child!”
I worried after Erik… After Philippe… I knew my daughter was strange.
“What if I tell her about La Sorelli before I take her? “She looks more like Philippe to me”
“You think I don’t know that? I mean It’s getting to where it makes me sad to look at her!” I exclaimed.
Genevieve had heard every word, for when I turned around, she looked half-asleep.
“I don’t belong to you?” bursting into tears she ran from the room.
(Child’s POV)
Where was my real Papa? And my Mama was another Woman? Why did she not want me? I had cried all I could. I went to the music room.
“Who are you? If you are not my Mama?
“I’m your Aunt,” said the only Mama I knew. “Genevieve, I love you” She flung her arms around me.
“My Papa?’ I asked.
“He drowned before you were born. Your Uncle Raoul felt devastated… He has something to show you “ I strolled to my Papa’s study, at least that is who I thought he was…
I knocked.
“Come in Geneieve”
I walked in. He was looking me in the eye!
“What should I call you?” I asked.
“I love being your Papa… Now You know the truth… Would You like to see a picture of him”?
I nodded.
He showed me a photograph “He has straight hair like me” I noticed.
“And you have his smile and his laugh… Your imagination must have come from your mother.”
“And Aunt Christine” I sighed.
“What is it?” Papa asked.
“I want to call you my Papa” I flung myself on his lap.
“That’s okay… the important thing is we are a family”
I sighed this time with relief.
“Do you know why I call you Miricle?”
“Why?” I smile
“Because when I lost Phileppe I was devastated when we found out about you, it was like God had given me the chance to make things right because he died trying to save me..”
“I love you Papa” I hug him tight.
“Why do you want to be a doctor?” Papa asks.
“Because I want to,” I say.
When my birthday arrived three months later, I rushed down our spiral staircase, my tights made that more manageable, even if my high heels did not. I’m wearing a hoop skirt like Cinderella in the book of Fairy Tales Papa reads me. That is why my legs are hurting. I don’t care. It’s my Birthday!
“Happy Birthday Angel!” Papa picks me up and trails me around.
“Happy Birthday Darling” Mama kissed my cheek.
“May I please open my presents now?” I asked.
Mama and Papa laughed, “Of Course!”
My new sketchbook was covered in red leather and engraved “To My Little Miricle, Love Papa” I read it all by myself! We had a six-layer almond cake with vanilla butter-cream frosting, I was not tall enough to blow out the candles without Papa lifting me! When the doorbell rang, the maid went with Mama to the door…. And my real Mama came in!
I wanted to run over and hug her and shout “I love you!” but I waved instead.
“Geneive gets her shyness from Raoul” My Aunt patted my real Mama on the shoulder.
“She gets a lot from Raoul,” My real Mama said, cooly.
“That’s why we invited you here, you can give Geneive something we can’t,” assured my Aunt.
“Sor-Sorelli how nice to see you,” I could tell from how my Papa blushed that he did not invite her.
“Hello, Genevieve” my real Mama whispered, her cheeks turning red. She said the name she had given me, before handing me over to the sisters at Hospice des Orphelins my most secret longing had been fulfilled.
“Hello” I could not help smiling, she was so beautiful! Her long blonde hair was straight like mine, her eyes were emerald green, then I noticed the small box tied with a ribbon she was trying to hand me.
“For me?” I said trying to be polite.
“Go ahead open it,” smiled Papa.
After pulling at the knot holding the gold bow together and finally getting it loose, I pulled off the top of the flat burgundy box… Inside was a pair of ballet slippers!
“Go ahead honey try them on” coaxed Mama.
I slipped the slippers onto my tiny feet and my new Mama tied the ribbons.
I twirl and leap gracefully around the room.
“She’s a natural,” says my other Mama.
“You are performing in Swan Lake, aren't you? Little Jammes is performing the role of Price Siegfried, I hear she is wonderful,” said Mama, looking expectedly at Papa
“Christine I forbid you to take her! Is to Dangours!,” Papa exclaimed.
As Mama puts me to bed, she whispers” I bought tickets. The next time Papa goes away with the navy we’re going!”
Can a girl be a Prince? My most secret birthday wish had come true!
Chapter 2
The Magic of Box Five
As the maid dresses me in my best mauve, lacy silk gown, I can hardly stand still! Mama comes in, polishing her opera glasses. Papa is on another Navy mission.
“You will be sitting right above the stage, Genevieve so you have to remember to be very quiet.”
The carriage seemed to fly us to the Opera. A black-cloaked man met us at the door.
“Hello my name is Erik, do you like chocolate?” He hands me a box. It takes me a minute to notice fairies like the ones I catch with Papa glowing where his eyes should be.
“Are you a fairy?” I ask breathlessly.
He bows “I am King of the Fairies.” he proclaims.
Mama laughs “If Raoul knew what you just said…”
“So he can play with her and I can’t?” Erik pouted. “I arranged this for you Geniveve, Benno, Prince Siegfried’s servant is traditionally the Travesty role, but since you love princes so much…. I hope you enjoy your birthday present from me!”
“You really are a fairy!” I say.
All too soon it was time for the ballet. Mama’s friend led us into his box, the plush red seats made the ache from my corset disappear!
My soul seemed to float on the music, I could feel myself spinning with every pirate, and leaping with every grande jatte! Seeing Prince Siegfried gave me a lightness, a burst of energy, and most of all happiness! “I never knew I could be a boy until I saw you! I want to be like you!” I squealed the moment I saw Little James.
“You are old enough to be trained as a dancer en travesty, your mama says you have a gift” She smiled at my first Mama.
“I will talk it over with my husband” smiled Mama.
I didn’t like that Siegfried and Odette died at the end though! When I got home, I told Paapa how sad it was!
“When you love somebody you do everything you can to be with them. Heaven is a lovely place to be. Let me get my telescope and I’ll show you,” said Papa.
We walked outside, to the park, where Papa said we could see the stars. He held the heavy telescope while I looked inside.
“Which one do you think is your Papa?”
I looked swaying the telescope back and forth.
“That one! It is twinkling as if to say I love you.”
My Papa smiled “That’s the one I picked too, he looks so happy to see us.” Papa’s smile was gentle but bright.
***
(Mama’s POV)
“I would like Genevieve to come to rehearsals with me today,” I declared.
“But why?” asked my husband.
“The Ballet Master would like to meet her, He says dancing is in her blood.”
“But- she’s shy like me” Raoul objected.
“You should have seen her at the Opera last night talking to Little Jammes, about getting to be a boy… I know you love her, she needs this.”
Raoul thought and he sighed.
“Only if I’m her patron,” He declared.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way” I assured him.
Chapter 3
A Very Talented Travesty
(Child’s POV)
As we walked into the rehearsal room, Mama was mobbed by a bunch of little girls. She handed each of them a piece of candy and then gave one to me!
“Everyone, this is my daughter, Genevieve,” I waved slightly.
A tall man walked up. “I am Missour Bernard, you will call me Missour is that understood?”
“Yes Missour,” I said, gulping.
“Now let's see how well you dance!” demands Missour Barnard.
After doing portabras and pleas a million times I am tired and hungry. My first Mama, La Sorelli, walks me to the cafeteria. She tells Mama, “She knows not to show she’s tired”
“I think that’s because she’s excited,” observed Mama.
I eat the steak and potatoes as quickly as I can. Mama talks about her day.
“La Carlotta no longer seems jealous of me, she said she wouldn’t want to be burdened with a child; I told her Genevieve is the joy of my life!”
I grinned.
After lunch, I explore backstage. I see men painting on a big canvas. I run over ecstasy with my sketchbook.
“I can help!” I shout.
“I’m Missour Gaillard the Chief Set Designer, is that a sketchbook?” He crouches down to my eye level.
I nod yes.
“Let me see how good your drawings are,” I give him my sketchbook, Missour Gaillard slowly examines my drawings turning the sketchbook lengthwise and sideways for what seems like hours! I shit from one foot to the other anxiously.
“These are beautiful!!” Missour Gaillard smiles and takes my hand leading me over to the canvas.
“We're trying to draw a Medevil Village, can you help us figure out a realistic color for the straw roofs?” Missour Gaillard asks.
“I think partially blending the yellow and brown oil paint will give the staw a realistic look,” I suggest.
“Do as the child says” Missour Gaillard instructs the painters,
“Maricer are you distracting my new Traesty dancer?” Miss our Barnard’s arms are folded.
“He offered to help.” pouted Missour Gaillard.
“Time to get back to Ballet Class Georgus,” Missour Barnard says sternly.
“This season the next ballet to be performed will be Geselle,” announced Missour Bernard. “And they want a few children for the first act, the elder girls will audition first.”
I watched the older girls, quietly moving my feet along with theirs. When it was finally my turn I let the music take me away from the staring eyes. After the music stops, Missour Bernard can’t hide his shock!
“Your Aunt and Mama told me you are more comfortable as a boy. May I call you Georges?” I nodded gratefully. “You learn fast,” he continued. “You can dance onstage in the back”
I wanted my Papa to be able to see me, but just not everyone so I was happy! When we got home I told Papa “The music makes me feel wonderful, and I get to be a village boy!”
“That’s wonderful-” his voice quivered. He gave Mama a ‘we need to talk look.
“I better go practice,” I excused myself.
***
(Mama’s Perspective)
“Christine, what did Erik do?”
“Nothing out of the ordinary… He thinks she wouldn’t have to rely on the foyer de la danse if she starts making money early.”
“She relies on me!” my husband seemed jealous.
“Think of Erik as an extra pair of eyes watching over her.”
“Yes, your Angel of Music is good at spying…. We wouldn’t have gotten custody if he hadn’t admitted to killing Philippe at my trial. But what was his intention?”
“Same as you, to protect her” I answered.
***
(Child’s Perspective)
As I practiced my scampering, jumping mischievous little boy role, I got distracted looking at my first Mama. Missour Bernard snaps “Clumsy!” I stood up, I tripped only a little. “Focus on yourself boy!” he said more gently, but crisply. I focus. I must not disappoint him! I glissade and ciseaux, and feel the joy of movement outside my corset, in my tan shirt, brown trousers, and vest, with a cap to accent, for the first time I am free to be myself!
On the night of the performance, I was in the dressing room of my first Mama, (the Prima Ballerina had her own!) and I asked her about my Papa.
“What was he like?”
“He was tall, handsome, very gentle with me, he loved me… I tried to teach him ballet once, but he was too stiff!” she laughed with tears in her eyes.
“Would he have wanted me?”
“Absolutely!” she swooped me into a hug.
I take my position at the back of the stage when the curtain goes up I look for Papa… he’s in Box Five, phew! Then the music takes over and I dance! I’m the only child on stage.
When I return to my Mama’s dressing room Papa is there waiting.
“Did you see me, Papa? I was perfect!”
“You were so easy to find because you are so tiny!” he said, hugging me.“No matter where you go I will always find you!”
As Erik walks Mama and me home that night he asks her in a sincere tone “How do you know Raoul hasn’t cheated on you? He is a count after all”
“Erik you shouldn’t say such things in front of Genevieve!”
I look into his laughing eyes. “Mama he’s just teasing,” I say laughing.
***
(Erik’s POV)
I want to help Georges like I helped his Mama, I have to remember that the Managers don’t know a thing about music.
(Firmin Richard’s POV)
I Missour Firmin Richard found a blasted letter on my desk, from that annoying ghost;
Gentlemen,
Young Geniveve’s seventh birthday comes in March, and her Papa likes to give her dolls, it would be advised that the children perform the performance of Coppélia for her parents as a gift for the little girl. She will be cast as Franz, I do believe that was the tradition, and some traditions should never die. Franz is a damsel in distress! A pretty feminine role for a little girl don’t you think? No need to worry about where to get Animatronic dolls, Gentlemen, I am a ghost of many talents.
Your Obedient Servant,
O.G
(Child’s POV)
“We are putting on Coppélia for it will soon be Georges's birthday, and as a present to you all, it is little girls only!” announced Misspur Bernard. The girls cheered. “Now who would like to audition for Swanhilda?” Everyone raises her hand, but me. “Then Georges will be Franz and I will be Dr Coppélius since I’m old!” We all laugh.
Missour Gaillard and I have fun imagining the wildest toys to fill the shelves in the background.
“We’ll need some real toys too,” suggests Missour Gaillard.
“My rag doll Victora would look great with the other dolls,” I offer.
“Don’t you think she might feel a little plain next to these eggstavagent toys?” He raised his eyebrows.
“My Papa and I where walking past a toy shop and she was in the window, and I tugged his arm and pointed and he went in and got her.” I explained.
“Well such love will look eggstavagent” Missour Gaillard proclaims!
This is my first time dancing with a partner, an extremely talented and beautiful 10-year-old girl named Priscilla, I hope to be just like her, as a boy! We battement and pas de cheval and triple pirouette; I can barely keep up! Priscila is kind and slows down. When I finally get it, we move on to act two. Missour Bernard and I relevé and tendu sneaking up on eachother. Then he makes me fall asleep like Snow White, except with a fake drink. Priscilla comes to my rescue and I am in her debt forever! I can’t understand how to stage kiss so we kiss for real in the wedding scene, which I like a lot!
Papa says “Did you kiss Priscilla?” She’s so beautiful and talented I don’t know why he’s surprised! We make our way to the foyer de la danse.
In the foyer de la danse I meet Papa’s friend the daroga.
“So you’re the little mutarajjila I’ve heard so much about,” he smiles.
“What did you just call her?” Papa looked startled.
“Mutarajjula means a girl who is like a boy”
“That's because she’s still in costume,” Papa explained.
What difference did a costume make? The daroga did not seem to think it made any difference I felt.
“Let us go to dinner,” said Papa hurrying Mama and me out of the foyer.
I’m in my blue dress and tights and corset again, this time I’m aching and sad!
“I love Daroga! He didn't call me a girl!” I say enthusiastically!
“Sweetheart you know the ballet is just pretending don’t you?” asks Papa
I nod and quietly eat my herb-encrusted lamb.
***
(Mama’s POV)
“You know? mutarajjila does fit Genevieve.” I said thoughtfully to Raoul after my niece went to bed.
“It’s too long to fit her,” he joked.
“The ballet master called her Georges. I asked him why, and he explained she should stay in character.”
Child’s POV ***
“Plié, port de bras, plié, port de bras, plié, port de bras, plié, port de bras, plié, port de bras…” My legs feel like jelly I’m glad to sit down. It had been two years since my role in Gisselle. I longed to be on stage, out of this scratchy tutu, and in pants again! Missour Bernard announces “This season the ballet will perform Sleeping Beauty and I will be playing The evil fairy!” The other girls started laughing!
“Shut up!” I exclaimed, “If I can be a boy why can’t he be a lady?” The girls were stunned and quiet.
“Thank you, Georges, very insightful” smiled Missou Barrand. (Georges is what Missour Bernard calls me en travesty) “Would you like to play the prince since you are such a polite boy?”
“I’m playing the princess, won’t that be scandalous?” My first Mama, La Sorelli pointed out.
“Random boy at the Princess's birthday then.” Missour Barnard declared.“As for the rest of you you can practice through lunch for laughing at me!” the girls moaned. I grinned.
After Ballet class, I run backstage to find Missour Gaillard.
“We’re doing Sleeping, Beatty, and I think we should glue jewels to the stained glass windows we paint for the castle so they’ll shine colors on the floor like real stain glass windows!” I exclaim.
“That sounds quite expensive…” Missour Gaillard says thoughtfully. “I know I’ll ask the costume department if they have extra,” He snaps his fingers.
As I paint glue on the set for one jewel at a time, I tell him about the girls laughing at Missour Barnard.
“He certainly has dramatic flair” Missour Gaillard shakes his head.
I Pas de Chat across the stage on opening night with a basket of violets for the baby Princess hanging over my arm, (which unlike thousands of times in rehearsal the basket doesn’t fall off), and then I watch the other dancers do their entertainment for the baby princess. Then, Missour Barnard as the Evil Fairy bursts in causing all sorts of havoc before cursing the baby! I don’t think I’ve ever seen him happier! After the end of the performance, I asked him why he wanted to be the Evil Fairy.
“Because she’s the one with the power, who causes the whole plot to happen,” he answered.
***
(Mama’s POV)
“Why would the management allow Missour Barnard to play a woman?’ asked my husband.
“Because the man who choreographed it in Russia did,” I answered.
“But why would he want to do it?” asked Raoul, petulant.
“Why don’t you ask Missour Bernard?” I suggest.
“Never mind!” My husband crinkled his newspaper in a frustrated manner.
Chapter Four
My Magnum Opus
(Child’s POV)
Two years later, Missour Bernard announces We are doing a new Children’s Ballet called The Nutcracker and they want us! All the girls cheer! I will have to compete with everyone it seemed, but they all wanted Marie, not the Nutcracker, I got the role then!
I burst into Papa’s study excitedly, “can you teach me to sword fight, Papa? I need to fight the Rat King!”
“I guess you’re going on eleven… Yes of course darling!” He pulls a sword and a dagger off the wall.
Lunging, swishing, blocking, swords clanking as we play, it’s exhilarating! We finally fall, exhausted and laughing!
“You’re very strong!” My cheeks glow with his praise.
***
In rehearsals, however, things don’t go so well. “Georges stop being so rough! This isn’t a battlefield! These are your friends!” Missour Bernard scolded.
I stop, looking down at my feet.
“It’s all right Georges, we do stage fighting differently your Papa doesn’t know that.”
He pulls me out into the hall and shows me prime, seconde, tierce, quarte, quinte, and sixte.
“Prime, sixte, quarte, tierce, and quinte” Missour Bernard directs us. This is the best day of my life!
I go backstage to see Missour Gaillard. “I want a real Douglas Fur for the tree and real presents for all my friends!” I suggest calmly.
“I’m sure we can use our Christmas Bonuses for the presents, I’ll convince Missour Barnard to use his as well,” Missour Gaillard smiled.
Papa and I go out to cut our tree and the tree for The Nutcracker.
“It was generous of you to buy the girls presents” smiled Papa proudly.
“It’s what Mama would do” I reminded him.
“You’re right,” he ruffled my hair.
Missour Bernard plays Herr Drosselmier Pirsilla plays Marie. It’s nice to dance with her again! We spend most of the performance just sitting there holding hands, and watching other dancers, but I don’t mind, I feel more like a boy than ever in my soldier's uniform!
Mama and Papa are there for our December 23rd performance. On Christmas Eve I go to church in my blue velvet fur-lined dress. On Christmas day, we take fruit and vegetable preserves to the Hospice des Orphelins where I was left as a baby and have our Christmas feast of ham, rolls, potatoes, and asparagus for supper. We have hot cacao and fruit cake for dessert, the hot cocoa is my favorite. The next day Papa reads a review of my performance in Le Matin.
“The young Nutcracker appears to be a sexless little sprite named Genevieve, who performs as if she were a boy.”
Papa looks at me. “Do you understand what Lerox is saying?”
I just smile.
Papa’s POV ***
“Her position in the Bourgeoisie has been brought into question!” I try to keep my voice down.
“What do you mean dear?” asks Christine.
“How is she going to get married?” I ask
“She’s ten I don’t think we should even worry about that yet” My wife is oblivious!
“Gaston Leroux called her “sexless” like she isn’t even human!” I exclaim.
“Genevieve didn’t mind. She loved that!” Christine was calm.
“You and Erik encouraged it- this- thing- I don’t know what-”
“Behavir” my wife finished for me.
“Erik still has a hold on you doesn't he?”
“No this was my Idea! I was the one who invited La Sorrelli, and she told me about Little James being Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake!” Christine was asserting herself!
“It was fine when it was understood she was a “She!” She can’t be a ballerina anymore!” I asserted back.
“I’ll be the one to tell her.” My poor wife looked defeated.
Child’s POV ***
Mama comes into my room with the breakfast tray. “Darling… Papa wants you to quit the Ballet.”
“Why?” I ask
“He wants his little girl back. What that review described confused him… He just doesn’t come from the world I do.”
“What is so confusing? I’m not a girl” I say.
“The Opera Is just pretend dear,” explains Mama.
“What-Why?” now I’m confused.
I don’t know” Mama Puts her arm around my shoulder.
I have to be a boy for real! If Travesty is only pretending to Papa…But how?
Chapter 5
My Assimilation
My Governess smiles at me from across the table. “Remember what you wanted to be when you grew up?”
“A Doctor!” I’m enthusiastic now.
“Your Papa agrees women can have careers because he met your mother during hers.” she paused, “Madeleine Alexandrine Brès was the first woman to be a doctor in France, she could take care of women better because she is a woman because women are different from men.”
“If a girl can be a boy at the Opera, then men and women aren’t different!” I retort, my anger coming out like lava erupting like a volcano! My voice rose louder than I meant it to.
“Would you rather be a wife? My Governess threatens.
Not, because “Wife” is not what you would call a boy! I keep this thought to myself, however.
My Governess teaches me Biology, Chemistry, and Math. Biology is gross! Blood, broken bones, where babies come from…. Chemistry is fun, particularly the Bunson burner big flames make me feel excited! Math equations go in patterns and when you memorize the pattern, you can get it right every time!
As I try to fall asleep that night, my rag doll, Victoria, says “How are you doing Georges?”
I answered “I don’t want to be a doctor! I want to be a boy!”
“Well, many boys are doctors, but your being a girl would be important. Have you thought about maybe a doctor could turn girls into boys?”
“You mean perform magic?” I ask
“Science and magic aren’t that different stick with it and you’ll see..”
I must be dreaming! So I close my eyes…
(Papa’s POV)
My Sister bought her tattered copy of Little Women over as a gift for Geneive.
“When you told me about her wanting to be a boy I thought of Jo… Hopefully, this wil help”
“Doesn't the father die in that book?? I don’t need her asking more questions!”
“It's the sister Beth who dies,” she answered
“Would you like to see Genevieve?” I asked.
“I’m sorry I don’t have time to visit,” she just left!
I knew the fact that Philippe and Sorelli were not married was a disgrace… If either of my sisters took the time to get to know Geneive…
(Child’s POV)
Papa had a new story for me. It was the biggest book I had ever seen! He read ‘
Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo lying on the rug...
We had to stop when Meg and Jo got home from the New Year’s party.
“Do you know why Jo felt uncomfortable at the party?” Papa asked.
“Well corsets hurt and her hair pens hurt…but Laurie was nice and no one had to see her dress” I answered.
“Laurie did,” Papa pointed out.
“But Laurie talked to her like she was a boy,” I clarified. “Papa… Girls being boys in plays is normal!”
“Yes, I suppose so. Let’s see how the rest of the story goes.”
When we finish, Jo is Married! This is what the word “Woman” means. “If you love someone it’s not a burden,” says Mama.
“I love Priscilla!” I declare.
“Women don’t marry each other.” Papa tries to explain.
“Why?” I of course ask.
“Because only a man and a woman can have babies, so it’s not practical.”
“Yuck!” I declare.
Now I know I don’t need to be a boy, but I just want to be a boy!
The next night Mama tells me of Bradamate the woman who was a knight.
“I love that she rescued Ruggreio, just like a boy would,” I said enthusiastically!
“She’s like me I had to rescue Daroga and your Papa from Erik’s torture chamber because he wanted to marry me.”
“I thought Erik was your friend,” I said dismayed.
“I knew him a long time before that happened, he pretended to be the Angel of Music, my father had said he would send me, but he didn’t understand that he was a second father to me. The Angel was meant to look after me when my father could not. Once he understood I loved him, because I kissed him he let me marry Papa.!
“I love both Erik and Papa too,” I say “Mama if a girl can be a knight, Why can’t a girl be a boy?”
“If magic existed there wouldn’t be a reason,” Mama answered. “We just need something that doesn't require magic”
Like Science! I moll over how this happened in my mind, in my bed that night. My limited knowledge of medicine makes it seem impossible so I start pacing back and forth in my room. The more Y pace the quicker I breathe and the smaller my room seems, so I just need to get out! I fling open my bedroom door, take Papa’s wallet, and run downstairs out the front door onto the street.
Chapter Six
A Gay Discovery
I flag down a carriage “To the Opera” I say thinking of the only place where I feel safe and happy.
When the carriage arrives at the Opera, I see Missour Barnard, walking down the steps in a top hat, dress coat, and tie, not the causal clothes he wears at rehearsals.
“Missour Barnard!” I call out excitedly.
“Gorgeous what are you doing here? Where is your Mama and Papa?”Missour Barnard seems concerned.
“My government is trying to teach me to be a woman. I don’t want to be a woman!” my lip quivers.
“Walk with me, since a child can’t be out on the streets of Paris alone at night” Missour Barnard takes my hand.
“What have you been doing since you left the Opera?” asks Missour Barnard.
“Studying to be a doctor” I answer
“Do you like it?” Missour Barnard probs.
“No, it’s gross” I react honestly
“When did you decide you wanted to be a doctor?” Missour Barnard asks.
“When I was five” I reply.
“Oh I see, it was before you became my talented Travesty dancer” he smiles.
“This is the Palais-Royal I need to stop by the Watchmakers to pick up a present” explains Missour Barnard.
In The watchmaker's shop, Missour Barnard picked up a beautiful bejeweled gold watch with the initials M and G engraved on it after we walked to a cafe where Missour Gaillard was waiting.
“Gorgeous. Missour Gaillard is my husband” MIssour Barnard hugs him.
“I didn’t know two men could marry each other,” I say without thinking.
“We got married in the gardens here” explains Missour Gaillard “You can see Heaven and make your Vows before God easier when you can see Heaven,” adds Missour Barnard.
“Sounds lovely” I smile. “How did you meet?” I ask the same question I asked Mama and Papa who met when Papa ran into the sea to fetch Mama’s red scarf.
“I used to paint settings for the Opera, one time Léon made a suggestion of what would work better for his Ballet set, and we got into an argument in front of the whole Opera!” Missour Gaillard was blushing.
“I loved that you were willing to defend your art” Missour Barnard tickled some soup from under his husband’s chin.
“You were right as always,” Missour Gaillard turned to me “You know all about that don’t you Georgus?”
“Yes,” I giggle.
“How do you like your Ice Cream Georgus?’ asks Missour Barnard.
“ it’s the most intense vanilla ever!” I answer.
“ I don’t know how you know that because it appears to be mostly on your face” chiles Missour Gaillard handing me napkins.
“Who proposed to who?” I asked I loved to hear about the time my Mama and Papa pretended to be betrothed when Erik proclaimed Mama was betrothed to him!
.” Léon said he wanted my opinion on a Ballet he was choreographing and as he was dancing he pulled me into the dance and after clumsy I fell to one knee and I proposed.” Missour Gaillard kissed Missour Barnard on the lips just like Mama and Papa do.
“Can I see your rings?” I clap eagerly.
They show me two matching silver bands.
“Why are they silver?” I ask because Mama’s and Papa’s are gold.
“A Silversmith down the road from here made them” answered Missour Barnard.
“I wanted them to be gold” pouted Missour Gaillard.
“Which is why I bought you this” Missour Barnard gave his husband the watch. Happy Anniversary my love” Missour Barnard kisses Missour Gaillard on the lips, just like when Papa gives Mama a present.
“Genevieve thank goodness we found you!” Papa suddenly hugs me.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THESE DEGINERITS? Screams my Governess, “Not to mention you stole your Papa’s wallet!” she turns on the couple “You should be in prison!”
“Oh My gosh call Police Commissioner Mifriod!” Missour Barnard teases looking Papa in the eye.
“No need he thinks I’m a lunatic anyways, as in he wouldn't believe what I saw anyways.” Papa shoots my Governess a sharp look.
“I’ll contact Opera House management and get you both fired!” My Governess continues her threat.
“I will write a letter yo the Oper Ghos then” Missour Barnard’s eyes flash angrily.
“Let’s not make the Opera Ghosr angry with me again” Papa is now pleading with my Governess terrified.
“Your son should be able to choose his own path in life,” says Mi.sour Gaillard.
“Thank you for keeping my daughter safe! Papa leads me away.
(Mama’s POV)
“Missour Banatd is queer,” Raoul says to me after putting my child back to bed.
“I know dear,” I say calmly.
“How did you know?” asks my husband
“I was there when Missour Barnard and Mi.sour Gaillard fought ober the set, they reminded me of how you and I fought.”
“We never fought when we were children” denies Raoul
I just laugh.
“He is close with Erik… is Erik….?”
“Honestly, because we’re married, I don’t know. One time Erik wrote a letter saying La Sorelli “Danced like a cow” Erik told me that he was shocked when he received such a fiery letter back from Missour Barnard defending the technique that Erik has great respect fo him, no one else ever stood up to him and they've been friends ever sincw”
Chapter Seven
The Trunk’s Key
(Child’s POV)
As is tradition, Mama, Papa, and I have a picnic in the attic on the anniversary of Daddy Daaé’s death so that we can tell his stories. My favorite is the Angel of Music. After our picnic, I explore the relics of the attic. At last, I come across Papa’s old trunk, and in it his old suits, I find a dark blue one that’s about my size, I change into it and go to the park After climbing trees, I go for a walk and run into Police Commissioner Mifriod.
“Excuse me, miss, do you have a permit to be dressed like a boy!” Drat my long hair!
“No, why?”
“It’s the law,” says Mifriod, “What’s your name?”
“Geniveve de Changy,” I say because I’m not at the Opera anymore! It hurts to lie to him.
“That explains this,” He rolls his eyes “I’m going to take you home, this time.” he takes my hand and walks me home. Of course, Papa opens the door
“Genieve I was so worried where- I’m so sorry she is… imaginative. This won’t happen again”
“I knew you are eccentric de Changy, but this… Mifriod walks away shaking his head.
By that time Mama has come to see what’s going on. “Geniveve why would you leave without telling anyone?”
“I’m sorry Mama... Missour Mifriod impliedI could get a permit, How?”
“From a doctor, I asked our family Lawyer, Missouri Ozanne, because I feared this would happen,” sighed Papa. “I’ll go get the Doctor” Papa left
When the doctor came he asked, “Do you still find corsets uncomfortable?”
“Yes, it hurts my sides,” I answer.
“How about the tutus at the Opera?’ the doctor asks.
“They’re too scratchy,” I say
“Can you wear high-heeled shoes?” the Doctor asks.
“They pinch my toes, which hurts,” I explain.
“How about feather boas?
“They itch,” I explained.
“Well there does appear to be a medical reason, she's sensitive.” proclaims the Doctor Papa sighed, this time with relief.
***
(Papa’s POV)
I go to the police station with the Authorization Letter for Police Commissioner Mifriod.
“Why didn’t you just tell her it was illegal? You didn't have to allude to there being a permit!”
“I saw the review in Le Matin, since you are eccentric, being that stunt you and your friend pilled at your trial, I figured your niece was as well.”
“So you're saying this is my fault?” I rebuked.
“Yes,” snapped Mifriod, “Now here’s her permit, get out of my office!”
I gladly did so.
***
(Child’s POV)
“Your Mama insisted I take you to the tailor’s since I’ve worn a suit before,” explained Papa. as we sat in the carriage.
I fidget in my seat in anticipation. When we get to the tailor shop, I run in. A rainbow of muted colors hits my eyes. The Tailor smiled at me, “Welcome, my little friend, Your Papa told me all about you”
He measured me carefully, measuring my chest, my waist, and the length of my leg. “Pick the colors you like,” says the Tailor.
I pick dark blues and greens, and browns, and then dark reds and white for the shirt that goes under the jacket. As it will take time to sew the suits we, unfortunately, have to leave the shop.
“When will my suits be ready?” I ask Paoa.
“They will all be ready in a few months,” answers Papa.
“I approved of you wearing pants,” says My Governess, “Women should be allowed to wear what they want.”
“Like Missour Bernard wanted ti to wear a dress as the Evil Fairy in Sleeping Beauty” I analogized.
The look of shock on my Governess’s face says it all.
(Papa’s POV)
“Mifriod still thinks I made the crimes Erik committed up,” I tell Christine.
“Erik wore his mask in court,” reminded my wife. “He couldn’t tell who he was and wrongfully assumed he was a friend of ours”
“He thinks I made Genevieve act that way that’s why he let her go,” I voiced my contempt.
“I don’t think that makes sense,” comforted Christine, “I think God gave us a miracle”
“He certainly did,” I agreed.
***
(Child’s POV)
One day, the boxes from the Tailor Shop arrive! The servants carry the boxes up and put them to the side of the full-length mirror in my room. I pull the pants on first on the right leg then the left leg, pulling them up until the cuffs are just above my feet. Then after my maid takes off my dress and corset, I turn the shirt so I can see the inside, reaching my left arm to the hole that looks like it is on the right sling my arm back, turning my arm in a circle, to get the sleeve over my shoulder, and push my arm through the sleeve, doing the same thing with my right. I bring the buttons to the hole and push each one through the hole starting from the top. I put the jacket on doing the same thing with my arms as I did with the shirt. I don’t know what to do with the tie and ask Papa for help.
“Make the color of your shirt stand up, then put the tie around it unevenly. Make an X then wrap the thick end of the tie around the thin end, then push through the loop around your neck to form a knot, then push the thick end of the tie down through the knot.”
I look in the mirror and feel light, bouncy, and free!
“Do you know You are my Miricle, Dressed like that you look almost like…”
“My first Papa, Does that make you sad?” noticing the tears in his eyes.
“No, I feel complete again” Papa smiles “Are you comfortable?”
I would like short hair “A lot more comfortable than I felt in a long time,” I say truthfully.
Chapter Eight
Deus Ex Machina
Over the next five years, my breasts have grown, and I try not to look in mirrors anymore. So of course, my Governess decides to tell me all about them.
“They produce milk to feed your baby, the danger is they can get cancer and have to be cut off”
“How do you get cancer?” I ask intrigued.
“I don’t know,” She shows me a letter from Frances Burney written in 1811 explaining the removal of a breast. When Daroga comes to dinner he asks “Genevieve were you only pretending to be a boy at the Opera?”
“Missiur Barnard let me be a boy!” I replied
“Did you like that?” he asked.
“Yes, because I am a boy”
“Isam says al-khilqī, or pretending to be another gender is wrong, but you say you weren’t?”
“I was not pretending!” I exclaim.
“You were in costume Genevieve! That’s pretending!” exclaims Papa horrified.
“That was the only way I could be a boy! I want to be one for real!”
“It would bring you peace then?” asked Daroga
“Yes,” I piped
“Then you must let him,” Daroga told Papa.
“Is that even possible?...” Papa drops off.
I give Frances Burney’s letter to Daroga. He knows who to give it to.
“Geniveve get back in bed!” My Governess demands that night.
“I’m going to be a boy, I am going back to the Opera and you can’t stop me!” I scream at my Governess.
“At least let me take you,” said Erik, who was standing on my balcony.
He propels us down the side of the mansion We walk through the streets to the Opera, we go through Mama’s dressing room mirror then down to the lake, rowing across it.
When we get to the house on the lake Erik says “I know you don’t want people to notice you have breasts… You gave a letter from Frances Burney explaining how to remove them, I can do that if I follow her instructions-”
“You can do that?” I interrupt excitedly.
Papa bursts through the door Mama, and La Sorelli my first Mama, behind him is Missour Gaillard and Missour Barnard, “You give her back to me!” My Governess must have told them.
"Please, don't drown her!" screams my first Mama.
“He is not here against his will, he ran away, but I’m glad you are here, I was just going to start the surgery.”
“WHAT SURGERY! Why?”Papa seemed scared.
“Because some girls who are like boys, but then there are girls who are boys” explained Daroga, who had brought Erik the letter.
“I don’t want my breasts!” I exclaim!
“How will you take care of your children?” Papa asked as if that was at all important at the moment!
“I will figure it out,” I say
“Erik’s not a doctor! Papa says.
“He's a Genius it’s the same thing!” I argue back.
“He doesn't have a medical degree, is what Papa means,“ says Mama “Erik are you sure you can do this?”
“Yes, it’s not too different from what I used to do as the Royal Executioner of Persia. Except he’ll be alive at the end!’
” HOW DO I KNOW THAT? THEY ARE ABOVE HER HEART AND LUNGS! And all you’ve done is kill people!” Papa was panicking. “And she’s A beautiful young woman!”
“I’m a man Papa!” Didn’t you know that from the way I stared at the picture of the Prince when I was little?
Papa looked at me “Why didn’t I think of that?”
“Because you’re not me,” I expressed my frustration.
“I knew,” sighed Mama “I’ve known for a long time.”
“I knew from the way Christine described him,” Daroga displayed his open-mindedness.
"I knew he was a masterful Dancer En Tavesty I never knew why though," my first mama, La Sorelli, admitted.
“This sounds like it’s going to hurt, are you prepared for that Gorgus?” asks Missour Gaillard.
“No” I admitted “I just feel sad”
“A Travesty Dacer can tolerate pain Maricer,” comforts Missour Barnard.
“I think God made you this way If an actual doctor does this I’ll let you but first I will cut your hair,” Papa smiled in relief.
Mama takes. her sewing scissors out of her pocket, and Papa carefully cut my hair.
Long story short Erik did the surgery because no doctor would.
Genevieve’s Wish
(Child’s POV)
My name is Genevieve de Changy. I am five years old and want to be a doctor when I grow up. Papa is off on his naval ship, again, and Mama is at the Opera rehearsing. My Governess gave me this diary to help me with my penmanship. After this we sewed, (which is important for doing surgery,) then we took my sketchbook to the park, parc de l'île Saint-Germain, it is so pretty there when the sun is out! If only that rabbit would sit still for me! My Governess taps me on the shoulder,
“Time to go in.”
It is so hard to get up with my corset squeezing me, hard to get up without getting my dress dirty, it simply will not do! I take my Governess’ hand, and she helps me up, together we walk back across the street meeting Mama on the way home for tea. We play Mad Tea Party to help me remember my manners. Papa says he doesn't know how that helps, but when he’s home he is glad to be the Mad Hatter!
‘I sewed a straight line of stitches today.” I proclaimed!
“I’m very proud of you sweetie” affirms Mama
“When Is Papa coming home?” I ask.
“Your Papa comes home today,” she smiled.
“He loved getting a letter from you,” My Governess reminded me. My penmanship was illegible!
“I hope he stays,” I pout.
“I know you love him… Presents cannot make up for lost time... “ Mama sighed.
I didn't mean to make her sad!
“I- I’m sorry Mama”
Just then there’s a clattering outside. Papa’s home!
I ran to the door, “Papa!” I squeal.
“I missed you..” Papa hugs me without looking at me, he stands up and kisses Mama.
The manservants carry his steamer trunk they grunt and groan making me believe it’s too heavy!
“There must be a pony in here!” they jest.
“Let Me see what I have here” Papa opens the trunk rummaging as if he can't find what he’s looking for… I hold my breath.
“Here it is,” he announces, handing me the book of Grimms Fairy Tales“Want to hear about my battle with the Cracken?” He picks me up and I giggle.
“Oh My…” my Governess rolls her eyes.
He showed me during the story his heroics, swinging his sword wildly, “Can I try?” I asked.
“The sword is too heavy,” Papa worried, “I love you I can’t let anything happen to you” He looked me in the eye and tore me up, I hugged him... He holds me tight. I wonder why I make him sad.
“I wish I never had to sleep!”
“Why?” Papa asks with concern.
“Because Ihate the dark!” my lip quivers.
“It’s OK, you're safe… I’ll sleep in the chair” Papa always did… when he was home.
Mama tells me one of her Daddy’s stories, it makes her smile, She sings an old Swedish Lullaby, her voice is the most beautiful in the world.
“Misour, you need your rest, let me stay with her,” offers my Governess.
“I have slept in less comfortable places than a rocking chair as of late” He replied crispily.
My Governess and Mama go to bed.
Papa reads me The Sleeping Beauty, and afterward, I stare at the picture of the Prince fighting the dragon intensely!
***
(Papa’s POV)
“She just stared at the prince until her eyes closed,” I told my wife.
“Maybe she thinks he’s handsome” Christine didn’t see how the stare was!
“I don’t think that’s right it’s only a drawing…?”
“Maybe if I took her to the Opera, women play boys there.” What on earth did that have to do with this?
“It is too dangerous!” I barked, “I agreed to let you perform so you didn’t have to ask for money when I didn’t have the time to give you some, but Genevieve is a child!”
I worried after Erik… After Philippe… I knew my daughter was strange.
“What if I tell her about La Sorelli before I take her? “She looks more like Philippe to me”
“You think I don’t know that? I mean It’s getting to where it makes me sad to look at her!” I exclaimed.
Genevieve had heard every word, for when I turned around, she looked half-asleep.
“I don’t belong to you?” bursting into tears she ran from the room.
(Child’s POV)
Where was my real Papa? And my Mama was another Woman? Why did she not want me? I had cried all I could. I went to the music room.
“Who are you? If you are not my Mama?
“I’m your Aunt,” said the only Mama I knew. “Genevieve, I love you” She flung her arms around me.
“My Papa?’ I asked.
“He drowned before you were born. Your Uncle Raoul felt devastated… He has something to show you “ I strolled to my Papa’s study, at least that is who I thought he was…
I knocked.
“Come in Geneieve”
I walked in. He was looking me in the eye!
“What should I call you?” I asked.
“I love being your Papa… Now You know the truth… Would You like to see a picture of him”?
I nodded.
He showed me a photograph “He has straight hair like me” I noticed.
“And you have his smile and his laugh… Your imagination must have come from your mother.”
“And Aunt Christine” I sighed.
“What is it?” Papa asked.
“I want to call you my Papa” I flung myself on his lap.
“That’s okay… the important thing is we are a family”
I sighed this time with relief.
“Do you know why I call you Miricle?”
“Why?” I smile
“Because when I lost Phileppe I was devastated when we found out about you, it was like God had given me the chance to make things right because he died trying to save me..”
“I love you Papa” I hug him tight.
“Why do you want to be a doctor?” Papa asks.
“Because I want to,” I say.
When my birthday arrived three months later, I rushed down our spiral staircase, my tights made that more manageable, even if my high heels did not. I’m wearing a hoop skirt like Cinderella in the book of Fairy Tales Papa reads me. That is why my legs are hurting. I don’t care. It’s my Birthday!
“Happy Birthday Angel!” Papa picks me up and trails me around.
“Happy Birthday Darling” Mama kissed my cheek.
“May I please open my presents now?” I asked.
Mama and Papa laughed, “Of Course!”
My new sketchbook was covered in red leather and engraved “To My Little Miricle, Love Papa” I read it all by myself! We had a six-layer almond cake with vanilla butter-cream frosting, I was not tall enough to blow out the candles without Papa lifting me! When the doorbell rang, the maid went with Mama to the door…. And my real Mama came in!
I wanted to run over and hug her and shout “I love you!” but I waved instead.
“Geneive gets her shyness from Raoul” My Aunt patted my real Mama on the shoulder.
“She gets a lot from Raoul,” My real Mama said, cooly.
“That’s why we invited you here, you can give Geneive something we can’t,” assured my Aunt.
“Sor-Sorelli how nice to see you,” I could tell from how my Papa blushed that he did not invite her.
“Hello, Genevieve” my real Mama whispered, her cheeks turning red. She said the name she had given me, before handing me over to the sisters at Hospice des Orphelins my most secret longing had been fulfilled.
“Hello” I could not help smiling, she was so beautiful! Her long blonde hair was straight like mine, her eyes were emerald green, then I noticed the small box tied with a ribbon she was trying to hand me.
“For me?” I said trying to be polite.
“Go ahead open it,” smiled Papa.
After pulling at the knot holding the gold bow together and finally getting it loose, I pulled off the top of the flat burgundy box… Inside was a pair of ballet slippers!
“Go ahead honey try them on” coaxed Mama.
I slipped the slippers onto my tiny feet and my new Mama tied the ribbons.
I twirl and leap gracefully around the room.
“She’s a natural,” says my other Mama.
“You are performing in Swan Lake, aren't you? Little Jammes is performing the role of Price Siegfried, I hear she is wonderful,” said Mama, looking expectedly at Papa
“Christine I forbid you to take her! Is to Dangours!,” Papa exclaimed.
As Mama puts me to bed, she whispers” I bought tickets. The next time Papa goes away with the navy we’re going!”
Can a girl be a Prince? My most secret birthday wish had come true!
Chapter 2
The Magic of Box Five
As the maid dresses me in my best mauve, lacy silk gown, I can hardly stand still! Mama comes in, polishing her opera glasses. Papa is on another Navy mission.
“You will be sitting right above the stage, Genevieve so you have to remember to be very quiet.”
The carriage seemed to fly us to the Opera. A black-cloaked man met us at the door.
“Hello my name is Erik, do you like chocolate?” He hands me a box. It takes me a minute to notice fairies like the ones I catch with Papa glowing where his eyes should be.
“Are you a fairy?” I ask breathlessly.
He bows “I am King of the Fairies.” he proclaims.
Mama laughs “If Raoul knew what you just said…”
“So he can play with her and I can’t?” Erik pouted. “I arranged this for you Geniveve, Benno, Prince Siegfried’s servant is traditionally the Travesty role, but since you love princes so much…. I hope you enjoy your birthday present from me!”
“You really are a fairy!” I say.
All too soon it was time for the ballet. Mama’s friend led us into his box, the plush red seats made the ache from my corset disappear!
My soul seemed to float on the music, I could feel myself spinning with every pirate, and leaping with every grande jatte! Seeing Prince Siegfried gave me a lightness, a burst of energy, and most of all happiness! “I never knew I could be a boy until I saw you! I want to be like you!” I squealed the moment I saw Little James.
“You are old enough to be trained as a dancer en travesty, your mama says you have a gift” She smiled at my first Mama.
“I will talk it over with my husband” smiled Mama.
I didn’t like that Siegfried and Odette died at the end though! When I got home, I told Paapa how sad it was!
“When you love somebody you do everything you can to be with them. Heaven is a lovely place to be. Let me get my telescope and I’ll show you,” said Papa.
We walked outside, to the park, where Papa said we could see the stars. He held the heavy telescope while I looked inside.
“Which one do you think is your Papa?”
I looked swaying the telescope back and forth.
“That one! It is twinkling as if to say I love you.”
My Papa smiled “That’s the one I picked too, he looks so happy to see us.” Papa’s smile was gentle but bright.
***
(Mama’s POV)
“I would like Genevieve to come to rehearsals with me today,” I declared.
“But why?” asked my husband.
“The Ballet Master would like to meet her, He says dancing is in her blood.”
“But- she’s shy like me” Raoul objected.
“You should have seen her at the Opera last night talking to Little Jammes, about getting to be a boy… I know you love her, she needs this.”
Raoul thought and he sighed.
“Only if I’m her patron,” He declared.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way” I assured him.
Chapter 3
A Very Talented Travesty
(Child’s POV)
As we walked into the rehearsal room, Mama was mobbed by a bunch of little girls. She handed each of them a piece of candy and then gave one to me!
“Everyone, this is my daughter, Genevieve,” I waved slightly.
A tall man walked up. “I am Missour Bernard, you will call me Missour is that understood?”
“Yes Missour,” I said, gulping.
“Now let's see how well you dance!” demands Missour Barnard.
After doing portabras and pleas a million times I am tired and hungry. My first Mama, La Sorelli, walks me to the cafeteria. She tells Mama, “She knows not to show she’s tired”
“I think that’s because she’s excited,” observed Mama.
I eat the steak and potatoes as quickly as I can. Mama talks about her day.
“La Carlotta no longer seems jealous of me, she said she wouldn’t want to be burdened with a child; I told her Genevieve is the joy of my life!”
I grinned.
After lunch, I explore backstage. I see men painting on a big canvas. I run over ecstasy with my sketchbook.
“I can help!” I shout.
“I’m Missour Gaillard the Chief Set Designer, is that a sketchbook?” He crouches down to my eye level.
I nod yes.
“Let me see how good your drawings are,” I give him my sketchbook, Missour Gaillard slowly examines my drawings turning the sketchbook lengthwise and sideways for what seems like hours! I shit from one foot to the other anxiously.
“These are beautiful!!” Missour Gaillard smiles and takes my hand leading me over to the canvas.
“We're trying to draw a Medevil Village, can you help us figure out a realistic color for the straw roofs?” Missour Gaillard asks.
“I think partially blending the yellow and brown oil paint will give the staw a realistic look,” I suggest.
“Do as the child says” Missour Gaillard instructs the painters,
“Maricer are you distracting my new Traesty dancer?” Miss our Barnard’s arms are folded.
“He offered to help.” pouted Missour Gaillard.
“Time to get back to Ballet Class Georgus,” Missour Barnard says sternly.
“This season the next ballet to be performed will be Geselle,” announced Missour Bernard. “And they want a few children for the first act, the elder girls will audition first.”
I watched the older girls, quietly moving my feet along with theirs. When it was finally my turn I let the music take me away from the staring eyes. After the music stops, Missour Bernard can’t hide his shock!
“Your Aunt and Mama told me you are more comfortable as a boy. May I call you Georges?” I nodded gratefully. “You learn fast,” he continued. “You can dance onstage in the back”
I wanted my Papa to be able to see me, but just not everyone so I was happy! When we got home I told Papa “The music makes me feel wonderful, and I get to be a village boy!”
“That’s wonderful-” his voice quivered. He gave Mama a ‘we need to talk look.
“I better go practice,” I excused myself.
***
(Mama’s Perspective)
“Christine, what did Erik do?”
“Nothing out of the ordinary… He thinks she wouldn’t have to rely on the foyer de la danse if she starts making money early.”
“She relies on me!” my husband seemed jealous.
“Think of Erik as an extra pair of eyes watching over her.”
“Yes, your Angel of Music is good at spying…. We wouldn’t have gotten custody if he hadn’t admitted to killing Philippe at my trial. But what was his intention?”
“Same as you, to protect her” I answered.
***
(Child’s Perspective)
As I practiced my scampering, jumping mischievous little boy role, I got distracted looking at my first Mama. Missour Bernard snaps “Clumsy!” I stood up, I tripped only a little. “Focus on yourself boy!” he said more gently, but crisply. I focus. I must not disappoint him! I glissade and ciseaux, and feel the joy of movement outside my corset, in my tan shirt, brown trousers, and vest, with a cap to accent, for the first time I am free to be myself!
On the night of the performance, I was in the dressing room of my first Mama, (the Prima Ballerina had her own!) and I asked her about my Papa.
“What was he like?”
“He was tall, handsome, very gentle with me, he loved me… I tried to teach him ballet once, but he was too stiff!” she laughed with tears in her eyes.
“Would he have wanted me?”
“Absolutely!” she swooped me into a hug.
I take my position at the back of the stage when the curtain goes up I look for Papa… he’s in Box Five, phew! Then the music takes over and I dance! I’m the only child on stage.
When I return to my Mama’s dressing room Papa is there waiting.
“Did you see me, Papa? I was perfect!”
“You were so easy to find because you are so tiny!” he said, hugging me.“No matter where you go I will always find you!”
As Erik walks Mama and me home that night he asks her in a sincere tone “How do you know Raoul hasn’t cheated on you? He is a count after all”
“Erik you shouldn’t say such things in front of Genevieve!”
I look into his laughing eyes. “Mama he’s just teasing,” I say laughing.
***
(Erik’s POV)
I want to help Georges like I helped his Mama, I have to remember that the Managers don’t know a thing about music.
(Firmin Richard’s POV)
I Missour Firmin Richard found a blasted letter on my desk, from that annoying ghost;
Gentlemen,
Young Geniveve’s seventh birthday comes in March, and her Papa likes to give her dolls, it would be advised that the children perform the performance of Coppélia for her parents as a gift for the little girl. She will be cast as Franz, I do believe that was the tradition, and some traditions should never die. Franz is a damsel in distress! A pretty feminine role for a little girl don’t you think? No need to worry about where to get Animatronic dolls, Gentlemen, I am a ghost of many talents.
Your Obedient Servant,
O.G
(Child’s POV)
“We are putting on Coppélia for it will soon be Georges's birthday, and as a present to you all, it is little girls only!” announced Misspur Bernard. The girls cheered. “Now who would like to audition for Swanhilda?” Everyone raises her hand, but me. “Then Georges will be Franz and I will be Dr Coppélius since I’m old!” We all laugh.
Missour Gaillard and I have fun imagining the wildest toys to fill the shelves in the background.
“We’ll need some real toys too,” suggests Missour Gaillard.
“My rag doll Victora would look great with the other dolls,” I offer.
“Don’t you think she might feel a little plain next to these eggstavagent toys?” He raised his eyebrows.
“My Papa and I where walking past a toy shop and she was in the window, and I tugged his arm and pointed and he went in and got her.” I explained.
“Well such love will look eggstavagent” Missour Gaillard proclaims!
This is my first time dancing with a partner, an extremely talented and beautiful 10-year-old girl named Priscilla, I hope to be just like her, as a boy! We battement and pas de cheval and triple pirouette; I can barely keep up! Priscila is kind and slows down. When I finally get it, we move on to act two. Missour Bernard and I relevé and tendu sneaking up on eachother. Then he makes me fall asleep like Snow White, except with a fake drink. Priscilla comes to my rescue and I am in her debt forever! I can’t understand how to stage kiss so we kiss for real in the wedding scene, which I like a lot!
Papa says “Did you kiss Priscilla?” She’s so beautiful and talented I don’t know why he’s surprised! We make our way to the foyer de la danse.
In the foyer de la danse I meet Papa’s friend the daroga.
“So you’re the little mutarajjila I’ve heard so much about,” he smiles.
“What did you just call her?” Papa looked startled.
“Mutarajjula means a girl who is like a boy”
“That's because she’s still in costume,” Papa explained.
What difference did a costume make? The daroga did not seem to think it made any difference I felt.
“Let us go to dinner,” said Papa hurrying Mama and me out of the foyer.
I’m in my blue dress and tights and corset again, this time I’m aching and sad!
“I love Daroga! He didn't call me a girl!” I say enthusiastically!
“Sweetheart you know the ballet is just pretending don’t you?” asks Papa
I nod and quietly eat my herb-encrusted lamb.
***
(Mama’s POV)
“You know? mutarajjila does fit Genevieve.” I said thoughtfully to Raoul after my niece went to bed.
“It’s too long to fit her,” he joked.
“The ballet master called her Georges. I asked him why, and he explained she should stay in character.”
Child’s POV ***
“Plié, port de bras, plié, port de bras, plié, port de bras, plié, port de bras, plié, port de bras…” My legs feel like jelly I’m glad to sit down. It had been two years since my role in Gisselle. I longed to be on stage, out of this scratchy tutu, and in pants again! Missour Bernard announces “This season the ballet will perform Sleeping Beauty and I will be playing The evil fairy!” The other girls started laughing!
“Shut up!” I exclaimed, “If I can be a boy why can’t he be a lady?” The girls were stunned and quiet.
“Thank you, Georges, very insightful” smiled Missou Barrand. (Georges is what Missour Bernard calls me en travesty) “Would you like to play the prince since you are such a polite boy?”
“I’m playing the princess, won’t that be scandalous?” My first Mama, La Sorelli pointed out.
“Random boy at the Princess's birthday then.” Missour Barnard declared.“As for the rest of you you can practice through lunch for laughing at me!” the girls moaned. I grinned.
After Ballet class, I run backstage to find Missour Gaillard.
“We’re doing Sleeping, Beatty, and I think we should glue jewels to the stained glass windows we paint for the castle so they’ll shine colors on the floor like real stain glass windows!” I exclaim.
“That sounds quite expensive…” Missour Gaillard says thoughtfully. “I know I’ll ask the costume department if they have extra,” He snaps his fingers.
As I paint glue on the set for one jewel at a time, I tell him about the girls laughing at Missour Barnard.
“He certainly has dramatic flair” Missour Gaillard shakes his head.
I Pas de Chat across the stage on opening night with a basket of violets for the baby Princess hanging over my arm, (which unlike thousands of times in rehearsal the basket doesn’t fall off), and then I watch the other dancers do their entertainment for the baby princess. Then, Missour Barnard as the Evil Fairy bursts in causing all sorts of havoc before cursing the baby! I don’t think I’ve ever seen him happier! After the end of the performance, I asked him why he wanted to be the Evil Fairy.
“Because she’s the one with the power, who causes the whole plot to happen,” he answered.
***
(Mama’s POV)
“Why would the management allow Missour Barnard to play a woman?’ asked my husband.
“Because the man who choreographed it in Russia did,” I answered.
“But why would he want to do it?” asked Raoul, petulant.
“Why don’t you ask Missour Bernard?” I suggest.
“Never mind!” My husband crinkled his newspaper in a frustrated manner.
Chapter Four
My Magnum Opus
(Child’s POV)
Two years later, Missour Bernard announces We are doing a new Children’s Ballet called The Nutcracker and they want us! All the girls cheer! I will have to compete with everyone it seemed, but they all wanted Marie, not the Nutcracker, I got the role then!
I burst into Papa’s study excitedly, “can you teach me to sword fight, Papa? I need to fight the Rat King!”
“I guess you’re going on eleven… Yes of course darling!” He pulls a sword and a dagger off the wall.
Lunging, swishing, blocking, swords clanking as we play, it’s exhilarating! We finally fall, exhausted and laughing!
“You’re very strong!” My cheeks glow with his praise.
***
In rehearsals, however, things don’t go so well. “Georges stop being so rough! This isn’t a battlefield! These are your friends!” Missour Bernard scolded.
I stop, looking down at my feet.
“It’s all right Georges, we do stage fighting differently your Papa doesn’t know that.”
He pulls me out into the hall and shows me prime, seconde, tierce, quarte, quinte, and sixte.
“Prime, sixte, quarte, tierce, and quinte” Missour Bernard directs us. This is the best day of my life!
I go backstage to see Missour Gaillard. “I want a real Douglas Fur for the tree and real presents for all my friends!” I suggest calmly.
“I’m sure we can use our Christmas Bonuses for the presents, I’ll convince Missour Barnard to use his as well,” Missour Gaillard smiled.
Papa and I go out to cut our tree and the tree for The Nutcracker.
“It was generous of you to buy the girls presents” smiled Papa proudly.
“It’s what Mama would do” I reminded him.
“You’re right,” he ruffled my hair.
Missour Bernard plays Herr Drosselmier Pirsilla plays Marie. It’s nice to dance with her again! We spend most of the performance just sitting there holding hands, and watching other dancers, but I don’t mind, I feel more like a boy than ever in my soldier's uniform!
Mama and Papa are there for our December 23rd performance. On Christmas Eve I go to church in my blue velvet fur-lined dress. On Christmas day, we take fruit and vegetable preserves to the Hospice des Orphelins where I was left as a baby and have our Christmas feast of ham, rolls, potatoes, and asparagus for supper. We have hot cacao and fruit cake for dessert, the hot cocoa is my favorite. The next day Papa reads a review of my performance in Le Matin.
“The young Nutcracker appears to be a sexless little sprite named Genevieve, who performs as if she were a boy.”
Papa looks at me. “Do you understand what Lerox is saying?”
I just smile.
Papa’s POV ***
“Her position in the Bourgeoisie has been brought into question!” I try to keep my voice down.
“What do you mean dear?” asks Christine.
“How is she going to get married?” I ask
“She’s ten I don’t think we should even worry about that yet” My wife is oblivious!
“Gaston Leroux called her “sexless” like she isn’t even human!” I exclaim.
“Genevieve didn’t mind. She loved that!” Christine was calm.
“You and Erik encouraged it- this- thing- I don’t know what-”
“Behavir” my wife finished for me.
“Erik still has a hold on you doesn't he?”
“No this was my Idea! I was the one who invited La Sorrelli, and she told me about Little James being Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake!” Christine was asserting herself!
“It was fine when it was understood she was a “She!” She can’t be a ballerina anymore!” I asserted back.
“I’ll be the one to tell her.” My poor wife looked defeated.
Child’s POV ***
Mama comes into my room with the breakfast tray. “Darling… Papa wants you to quit the Ballet.”
“Why?” I ask
“He wants his little girl back. What that review described confused him… He just doesn’t come from the world I do.”
“What is so confusing? I’m not a girl” I say.
“The Opera Is just pretend dear,” explains Mama.
“What-Why?” now I’m confused.
I don’t know” Mama Puts her arm around my shoulder.
I have to be a boy for real! If Travesty is only pretending to Papa…But how?
Chapter 5
My Assimilation
My Governess smiles at me from across the table. “Remember what you wanted to be when you grew up?”
“A Doctor!” I’m enthusiastic now.
“Your Papa agrees women can have careers because he met your mother during hers.” she paused, “Madeleine Alexandrine Brès was the first woman to be a doctor in France, she could take care of women better because she is a woman because women are different from men.”
“If a girl can be a boy at the Opera, then men and women aren’t different!” I retort, my anger coming out like lava erupting like a volcano! My voice rose louder than I meant it to.
“Would you rather be a wife? My Governess threatens.
Not, because “Wife” is not what you would call a boy! I keep this thought to myself, however.
My Governess teaches me Biology, Chemistry, and Math. Biology is gross! Blood, broken bones, where babies come from…. Chemistry is fun, particularly the Bunson burner big flames make me feel excited! Math equations go in patterns and when you memorize the pattern, you can get it right every time!
As I try to fall asleep that night, my rag doll, Victoria, says “How are you doing Georges?”
I answered “I don’t want to be a doctor! I want to be a boy!”
“Well, many boys are doctors, but your being a girl would be important. Have you thought about maybe a doctor could turn girls into boys?”
“You mean perform magic?” I ask
“Science and magic aren’t that different stick with it and you’ll see..”
I must be dreaming! So I close my eyes…
(Papa’s POV)
My Sister bought her tattered copy of Little Women over as a gift for Geneive.
“When you told me about her wanting to be a boy I thought of Jo… Hopefully, this wil help”
“Doesn't the father die in that book?? I don’t need her asking more questions!”
“It's the sister Beth who dies,” she answered
“Would you like to see Genevieve?” I asked.
“I’m sorry I don’t have time to visit,” she just left!
I knew the fact that Philippe and Sorelli were not married was a disgrace… If either of my sisters took the time to get to know Geneive…
(Child’s POV)
Papa had a new story for me. It was the biggest book I had ever seen! He read ‘
Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo lying on the rug...
We had to stop when Meg and Jo got home from the New Year’s party.
“Do you know why Jo felt uncomfortable at the party?” Papa asked.
“Well corsets hurt and her hair pens hurt…but Laurie was nice and no one had to see her dress” I answered.
“Laurie did,” Papa pointed out.
“But Laurie talked to her like she was a boy,” I clarified. “Papa… Girls being boys in plays is normal!”
“Yes, I suppose so. Let’s see how the rest of the story goes.”
When we finish, Jo is Married! This is what the word “Woman” means. “If you love someone it’s not a burden,” says Mama.
“I love Priscilla!” I declare.
“Women don’t marry each other.” Papa tries to explain.
“Why?” I of course ask.
“Because only a man and a woman can have babies, so it’s not practical.”
“Yuck!” I declare.
Now I know I don’t need to be a boy, but I just want to be a boy!
The next night Mama tells me of Bradamate the woman who was a knight.
“I love that she rescued Ruggreio, just like a boy would,” I said enthusiastically!
“She’s like me I had to rescue Daroga and your Papa from Erik’s torture chamber because he wanted to marry me.”
“I thought Erik was your friend,” I said dismayed.
“I knew him a long time before that happened, he pretended to be the Angel of Music, my father had said he would send me, but he didn’t understand that he was a second father to me. The Angel was meant to look after me when my father could not. Once he understood I loved him, because I kissed him he let me marry Papa.!
“I love both Erik and Papa too,” I say “Mama if a girl can be a knight, Why can’t a girl be a boy?”
“If magic existed there wouldn’t be a reason,” Mama answered. “We just need something that doesn't require magic”
Like Science! I moll over how this happened in my mind, in my bed that night. My limited knowledge of medicine makes it seem impossible so I start pacing back and forth in my room. The more Y pace the quicker I breathe and the smaller my room seems, so I just need to get out! I fling open my bedroom door, take Papa’s wallet, and run downstairs out the front door onto the street.
Chapter Six
A Gay Discovery
I flag down a carriage “To the Opera” I say thinking of the only place where I feel safe and happy.
When the carriage arrives at the Opera, I see Missour Barnard, walking down the steps in a top hat, dress coat, and tie, not the causal clothes he wears at rehearsals.
“Missour Barnard!” I call out excitedly.
“Gorgeous what are you doing here? Where is your Mama and Papa?”Missour Barnard seems concerned.
“My government is trying to teach me to be a woman. I don’t want to be a woman!” my lip quivers.
“Walk with me, since a child can’t be out on the streets of Paris alone at night” Missour Barnard takes my hand.
“What have you been doing since you left the Opera?” asks Missour Barnard.
“Studying to be a doctor” I answer
“Do you like it?” Missour Barnard probs.
“No, it’s gross” I react honestly
“When did you decide you wanted to be a doctor?” Missour Barnard asks.
“When I was five” I reply.
“Oh I see, it was before you became my talented Travesty dancer” he smiles.
“This is the Palais-Royal I need to stop by the Watchmakers to pick up a present” explains Missour Barnard.
In The watchmaker's shop, Missour Barnard picked up a beautiful bejeweled gold watch with the initials M and G engraved on it after we walked to a cafe where Missour Gaillard was waiting.
“Gorgeous. Missour Gaillard is my husband” MIssour Barnard hugs him.
“I didn’t know two men could marry each other,” I say without thinking.
“We got married in the gardens here” explains Missour Gaillard “You can see Heaven and make your Vows before God easier when you can see Heaven,” adds Missour Barnard.
“Sounds lovely” I smile. “How did you meet?” I ask the same question I asked Mama and Papa who met when Papa ran into the sea to fetch Mama’s red scarf.
“I used to paint settings for the Opera, one time Léon made a suggestion of what would work better for his Ballet set, and we got into an argument in front of the whole Opera!” Missour Gaillard was blushing.
“I loved that you were willing to defend your art” Missour Barnard tickled some soup from under his husband’s chin.
“You were right as always,” Missour Gaillard turned to me “You know all about that don’t you Georgus?”
“Yes,” I giggle.
“How do you like your Ice Cream Georgus?’ asks Missour Barnard.
“ it’s the most intense vanilla ever!” I answer.
“ I don’t know how you know that because it appears to be mostly on your face” chiles Missour Gaillard handing me napkins.
“Who proposed to who?” I asked I loved to hear about the time my Mama and Papa pretended to be betrothed when Erik proclaimed Mama was betrothed to him!
.” Léon said he wanted my opinion on a Ballet he was choreographing and as he was dancing he pulled me into the dance and after clumsy I fell to one knee and I proposed.” Missour Gaillard kissed Missour Barnard on the lips just like Mama and Papa do.
“Can I see your rings?” I clap eagerly.
They show me two matching silver bands.
“Why are they silver?” I ask because Mama’s and Papa’s are gold.
“A Silversmith down the road from here made them” answered Missour Barnard.
“I wanted them to be gold” pouted Missour Gaillard.
“Which is why I bought you this” Missour Barnard gave his husband the watch. Happy Anniversary my love” Missour Barnard kisses Missour Gaillard on the lips, just like when Papa gives Mama a present.
“Genevieve thank goodness we found you!” Papa suddenly hugs me.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THESE DEGINERITS? Screams my Governess, “Not to mention you stole your Papa’s wallet!” she turns on the couple “You should be in prison!”
“Oh My gosh call Police Commissioner Mifriod!” Missour Barnard teases looking Papa in the eye.
“No need he thinks I’m a lunatic anyways, as in he wouldn't believe what I saw anyways.” Papa shoots my Governess a sharp look.
“I’ll contact Opera House management and get you both fired!” My Governess continues her threat.
“I will write a letter yo the Oper Ghos then” Missour Barnard’s eyes flash angrily.
“Let’s not make the Opera Ghosr angry with me again” Papa is now pleading with my Governess terrified.
“Your son should be able to choose his own path in life,” says Mi.sour Gaillard.
“Thank you for keeping my daughter safe! Papa leads me away.
(Mama’s POV)
“Missour Banatd is queer,” Raoul says to me after putting my child back to bed.
“I know dear,” I say calmly.
“How did you know?” asks my husband
“I was there when Missour Barnard and Mi.sour Gaillard fought ober the set, they reminded me of how you and I fought.”
“We never fought when we were children” denies Raoul
I just laugh.
“He is close with Erik… is Erik….?”
“Honestly, because we’re married, I don’t know. One time Erik wrote a letter saying La Sorelli “Danced like a cow” Erik told me that he was shocked when he received such a fiery letter back from Missour Barnard defending the technique that Erik has great respect fo him, no one else ever stood up to him and they've been friends ever sincw”
Chapter Seven
The Trunk’s Key
(Child’s POV)
As is tradition, Mama, Papa, and I have a picnic in the attic on the anniversary of Daddy Daaé’s death so that we can tell his stories. My favorite is the Angel of Music. After our picnic, I explore the relics of the attic. At last, I come across Papa’s old trunk, and in it his old suits, I find a dark blue one that’s about my size, I change into it and go to the park After climbing trees, I go for a walk and run into Police Commissioner Mifriod.
“Excuse me, miss, do you have a permit to be dressed like a boy!” Drat my long hair!
“No, why?”
“It’s the law,” says Mifriod, “What’s your name?”
“Geniveve de Changy,” I say because I’m not at the Opera anymore! It hurts to lie to him.
“That explains this,” He rolls his eyes “I’m going to take you home, this time.” he takes my hand and walks me home. Of course, Papa opens the door
“Genieve I was so worried where- I’m so sorry she is… imaginative. This won’t happen again”
“I knew you are eccentric de Changy, but this… Mifriod walks away shaking his head.
By that time Mama has come to see what’s going on. “Geniveve why would you leave without telling anyone?”
“I’m sorry Mama... Missour Mifriod impliedI could get a permit, How?”
“From a doctor, I asked our family Lawyer, Missouri Ozanne, because I feared this would happen,” sighed Papa. “I’ll go get the Doctor” Papa left
When the doctor came he asked, “Do you still find corsets uncomfortable?”
“Yes, it hurts my sides,” I answer.
“How about the tutus at the Opera?’ the doctor asks.
“They’re too scratchy,” I say
“Can you wear high-heeled shoes?” the Doctor asks.
“They pinch my toes, which hurts,” I explain.
“How about feather boas?
“They itch,” I explained.
“Well there does appear to be a medical reason, she's sensitive.” proclaims the Doctor Papa sighed, this time with relief.
***
(Papa’s POV)
I go to the police station with the Authorization Letter for Police Commissioner Mifriod.
“Why didn’t you just tell her it was illegal? You didn't have to allude to there being a permit!”
“I saw the review in Le Matin, since you are eccentric, being that stunt you and your friend pilled at your trial, I figured your niece was as well.”
“So you're saying this is my fault?” I rebuked.
“Yes,” snapped Mifriod, “Now here’s her permit, get out of my office!”
I gladly did so.
***
(Child’s POV)
“Your Mama insisted I take you to the tailor’s since I’ve worn a suit before,” explained Papa. as we sat in the carriage.
I fidget in my seat in anticipation. When we get to the tailor shop, I run in. A rainbow of muted colors hits my eyes. The Tailor smiled at me, “Welcome, my little friend, Your Papa told me all about you”
He measured me carefully, measuring my chest, my waist, and the length of my leg. “Pick the colors you like,” says the Tailor.
I pick dark blues and greens, and browns, and then dark reds and white for the shirt that goes under the jacket. As it will take time to sew the suits we, unfortunately, have to leave the shop.
“When will my suits be ready?” I ask Paoa.
“They will all be ready in a few months,” answers Papa.
“I approved of you wearing pants,” says My Governess, “Women should be allowed to wear what they want.”
“Like Missour Bernard wanted ti to wear a dress as the Evil Fairy in Sleeping Beauty” I analogized.
The look of shock on my Governess’s face says it all.
(Papa’s POV)
“Mifriod still thinks I made the crimes Erik committed up,” I tell Christine.
“Erik wore his mask in court,” reminded my wife. “He couldn’t tell who he was and wrongfully assumed he was a friend of ours”
“He thinks I made Genevieve act that way that’s why he let her go,” I voiced my contempt.
“I don’t think that makes sense,” comforted Christine, “I think God gave us a miracle”
“He certainly did,” I agreed.
***
(Child’s POV)
One day, the boxes from the Tailor Shop arrive! The servants carry the boxes up and put them to the side of the full-length mirror in my room. I pull the pants on first on the right leg then the left leg, pulling them up until the cuffs are just above my feet. Then after my maid takes off my dress and corset, I turn the shirt so I can see the inside, reaching my left arm to the hole that looks like it is on the right sling my arm back, turning my arm in a circle, to get the sleeve over my shoulder, and push my arm through the sleeve, doing the same thing with my right. I bring the buttons to the hole and push each one through the hole starting from the top. I put the jacket on doing the same thing with my arms as I did with the shirt. I don’t know what to do with the tie and ask Papa for help.
“Make the color of your shirt stand up, then put the tie around it unevenly. Make an X then wrap the thick end of the tie around the thin end, then push through the loop around your neck to form a knot, then push the thick end of the tie down through the knot.”
I look in the mirror and feel light, bouncy, and free!
“Do you know You are my Miricle, Dressed like that you look almost like…”
“My first Papa, Does that make you sad?” noticing the tears in his eyes.
“No, I feel complete again” Papa smiles “Are you comfortable?”
I would like short hair “A lot more comfortable than I felt in a long time,” I say truthfully.
Chapter Eight
Deus Ex Machina
Over the next five years, my breasts have grown, and I try not to look in mirrors anymore. So of course, my Governess decides to tell me all about them.
“They produce milk to feed your baby, the danger is they can get cancer and have to be cut off”
“How do you get cancer?” I ask intrigued.
“I don’t know,” She shows me a letter from Frances Burney written in 1811 explaining the removal of a breast. When Daroga comes to dinner he asks “Genevieve were you only pretending to be a boy at the Opera?”
“Missiur Barnard let me be a boy!” I replied
“Did you like that?” he asked.
“Yes, because I am a boy”
“Isam says al-khilqī, or pretending to be another gender is wrong, but you say you weren’t?”
“I was not pretending!” I exclaim.
“You were in costume Genevieve! That’s pretending!” exclaims Papa horrified.
“That was the only way I could be a boy! I want to be one for real!”
“It would bring you peace then?” asked Daroga
“Yes,” I piped
“Then you must let him,” Daroga told Papa.
“Is that even possible?...” Papa drops off.
I give Frances Burney’s letter to Daroga. He knows who to give it to.
“Geniveve get back in bed!” My Governess demands that night.
“I’m going to be a boy, I am going back to the Opera and you can’t stop me!” I scream at my Governess.
“At least let me take you,” said Erik, who was standing on my balcony.
He propels us down the side of the mansion We walk through the streets to the Opera, we go through Mama’s dressing room mirror then down to the lake, rowing across it.
When we get to the house on the lake Erik says “I know you don’t want people to notice you have breasts… You gave a letter from Frances Burney explaining how to remove them, I can do that if I follow her instructions-”
“You can do that?” I interrupt excitedly.
Papa bursts through the door Mama, and La Sorelli my first Mama, behind him is Missour Gaillard and Missour Barnard, “You give her back to me!” My Governess must have told them.
"Please, don't drown her!" screams my first Mama.
“He is not here against his will, he ran away, but I’m glad you are here, I was just going to start the surgery.”
“WHAT SURGERY! Why?”Papa seemed scared.
“Because some girls who are like boys, but then there are girls who are boys” explained Daroga, who had brought Erik the letter.
“I don’t want my breasts!” I exclaim!
“How will you take care of your children?” Papa asked as if that was at all important at the moment!
“I will figure it out,” I say
“Erik’s not a doctor! Papa says.
“He's a Genius it’s the same thing!” I argue back.
“He doesn't have a medical degree, is what Papa means,“ says Mama “Erik are you sure you can do this?”
“Yes, it’s not too different from what I used to do as the Royal Executioner of Persia. Except he’ll be alive at the end!’
” HOW DO I KNOW THAT? THEY ARE ABOVE HER HEART AND LUNGS! And all you’ve done is kill people!” Papa was panicking. “And she’s A beautiful young woman!”
“I’m a man Papa!” Didn’t you know that from the way I stared at the picture of the Prince when I was little?
Papa looked at me “Why didn’t I think of that?”
“Because you’re not me,” I expressed my frustration.
“I knew,” sighed Mama “I’ve known for a long time.”
“I knew from the way Christine described him,” Daroga displayed his open-mindedness.
"I knew he was a masterful Dancer En Tavesty I never knew why though," my first mama, La Sorelli, admitted.
“This sounds like it’s going to hurt, are you prepared for that Gorgus?” asks Missour Gaillard.
“No” I admitted “I just feel sad”
“A Travesty Dacer can tolerate pain Maricer,” comforts Missour Barnard.
“I think God made you this way If an actual doctor does this I’ll let you but first I will cut your hair,” Papa smiled in relief.
Mama takes. her sewing scissors out of her pocket, and Papa carefully cut my hair.
Long story short Erik did the surgery because no doctor would.
Last edited by Phantomasc on Tue Oct 01, 2024 4:23 pm; edited 15 times in total (Reason for editing : I got a beta reader)
Phantomasc- Posts : 35
Join date : 2014-04-07
Age : 30
Location : Chicago, Illinois.
Author's Note
Phantomasc Fri Apr 21, 2023 5:31 pm
This PhanPhic wasn't researched down to the smallest detail, fortunately, I put Erik in there for all the people who have crushes on him., and that turned out to be a good thing because I could explain most of my Ballet inaccuracies away. As for the swords in The Nutcracker that inaccuracy was left over from an early draft that I didn't want to change. I have Cerebral Palsy and have never done Ballet, but as I told a friend, "I never realized how easy it is to lie as a writer! I'm writing Phantom of the Opera TransFic about Genevieve De Changey who is TransMasc and thus of course is a dancer en travesty, and I've never danced ballet! Google"Ballet Moves" and Copy+Paste French. I can somewhat guess by the written descriptions of each move if it's what I think should be a synonym for "scamper" or "leap" but do I know anything no! Since the words are French my writing has style!"
When I started exploring If I was Transgender, most of the official information I could find was on kids under the age of 18, Goregous being a kid is based on that research. I would also acknowledge that kids being transgender is a hot-button issue in the UK, Australia, and America. It was not my intent to provide political commentary but that is what the story is by default. That being said, a child who is lucky enough to know they are Transgender should not have to wait until they are of age to deserve gender-affirming surgery, which is why Georges is 15, at the end of the story. Erik performs the Top Surgery on Georges because I was an Erik/Christine shipper when I was younger and wanted to show what active support of a Transgender person would look like.
My Characterization of the Persian, Is based on the fact that I was seven when 9/11 happened, And in the United States Islamophobia was part of my childhood. So reading the book when I was 12 he was the first good Middle Eastern character I had seen since Disney's Aladdin, so that means a lot to me to have him be accepting of my Trans character, being that multipole gender indenities existed in non-white cultures for a long time. I came across Kumu Hina about a girl dancing the hula with the boys in her hula class because she was mahu or in white terms Nonbinary. (I identify as Bigender) It resonated with me, so I came out to my Mom and she accepted me. So Persain's acceptance is reflective of that experience. As a white Non-Muslim writer, I felt that was the right move. Most Muslims I've seen in the media are conservative compared to the liberal white characters. It is, however, a controversial move, there are Muslims online who believe being Transgender is against their religion, I discovered during my research. I got my Information from A Way Beyond the Rainbow a Muslum Podcast episode #74 - On Gender Atypical Individuals and Intersex and I am so grateful. The fact that Gaston Leroux gave me a reasonable portrayal to work with blows my mind.
I came across that Women could get a permit to wear men's clothes for medical reasons, which in one documented case was "Riding a Horse." So Georges is autistic, like me, I hope it came across throughout the entire story, though I don't think it did.
While I love "Love Never Dies" it can't cover all my identities anymore. So I wanted Phantom to still be with me on my Trans journey so when I came across The Travesty Dancer in Nineteenth-Century Ballet, on JSTOR, my heart fluttered. I had grown up watching the Mary Martin (directed and choreographed by gay Ballet and Broadway choreographer Jerome Robbins the inspiration for Miissour Barnard) and Cathy Rigby versions of "Peter Pan" so this wasn't a new concept to me that's why there are swords in The Nutcracker! I hope that since I wrote Fluffy Comfort younger readers will get the help they need on their own Trans Journeys.
With Love,
Phantomasc
When I started exploring If I was Transgender, most of the official information I could find was on kids under the age of 18, Goregous being a kid is based on that research. I would also acknowledge that kids being transgender is a hot-button issue in the UK, Australia, and America. It was not my intent to provide political commentary but that is what the story is by default. That being said, a child who is lucky enough to know they are Transgender should not have to wait until they are of age to deserve gender-affirming surgery, which is why Georges is 15, at the end of the story. Erik performs the Top Surgery on Georges because I was an Erik/Christine shipper when I was younger and wanted to show what active support of a Transgender person would look like.
My Characterization of the Persian, Is based on the fact that I was seven when 9/11 happened, And in the United States Islamophobia was part of my childhood. So reading the book when I was 12 he was the first good Middle Eastern character I had seen since Disney's Aladdin, so that means a lot to me to have him be accepting of my Trans character, being that multipole gender indenities existed in non-white cultures for a long time. I came across Kumu Hina about a girl dancing the hula with the boys in her hula class because she was mahu or in white terms Nonbinary. (I identify as Bigender) It resonated with me, so I came out to my Mom and she accepted me. So Persain's acceptance is reflective of that experience. As a white Non-Muslim writer, I felt that was the right move. Most Muslims I've seen in the media are conservative compared to the liberal white characters. It is, however, a controversial move, there are Muslims online who believe being Transgender is against their religion, I discovered during my research. I got my Information from A Way Beyond the Rainbow a Muslum Podcast episode #74 - On Gender Atypical Individuals and Intersex and I am so grateful. The fact that Gaston Leroux gave me a reasonable portrayal to work with blows my mind.
I came across that Women could get a permit to wear men's clothes for medical reasons, which in one documented case was "Riding a Horse." So Georges is autistic, like me, I hope it came across throughout the entire story, though I don't think it did.
While I love "Love Never Dies" it can't cover all my identities anymore. So I wanted Phantom to still be with me on my Trans journey so when I came across The Travesty Dancer in Nineteenth-Century Ballet, on JSTOR, my heart fluttered. I had grown up watching the Mary Martin (directed and choreographed by gay Ballet and Broadway choreographer Jerome Robbins the inspiration for Miissour Barnard) and Cathy Rigby versions of "Peter Pan" so this wasn't a new concept to me that's why there are swords in The Nutcracker! I hope that since I wrote Fluffy Comfort younger readers will get the help they need on their own Trans Journeys.
With Love,
Phantomasc
Last edited by Phantomasc on Mon Sep 23, 2024 7:16 pm; edited 4 times in total (Reason for editing : new UserName)
Phantomasc- Posts : 35
Join date : 2014-04-07
Age : 30
Location : Chicago, Illinois.
Why Adding Diverse (Original) Chacters to your Fanfiction Helps Your Writing
Phantomasc Sat Sep 28, 2024 7:44 pm
Gaston Lerouex's "The Phantom of the Opera" has a great basis for positive representation. Erik is deformed and therefore Disabled, the Persian is a person of color, and Christine is a woman. All that was missing was queer people, so it was an easy story to add queer people to. Gorgeous in the original concept was supposed to love drawing and painting, but it practically got cut out in favor of him being Transgender. When I added Missour Gaillard and made him Chief Set Designer, the once-forgotten sketchbook from Chapter One became what makes Goergus more than Transgender, the doll Victoria no longer comes out of nowhere in Chapter Five. It is established that Goergus knows who Police Cimissinor Mifriod is before they meet in "The Trunks Key" Adding more queer characters instead of having Goergus be a token minority made me a better writer.
Phantomasc- Posts : 35
Join date : 2014-04-07
Age : 30
Location : Chicago, Illinois.
Similar topics» Another awful looking fanficcy sequel
» Love Never Dies - for FANS of the sequel
» Other Books by Leroux
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» Love Never Dies - for FANS of the sequel
» Other Books by Leroux
» Random Leroux questions
» Leroux's Fantasy Lake
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