Solange's Diary

[Solange Fournier]

Dear Diary,

There are so many new people around. I have met a few lately. First I met Charlotte, a ballet dancer, who seems quite nice, but almost as though she'd rather be left alone. Then there's Jeanne, who is so welcoming I forgot how shy I was.

Then there's the man, who I've heard of before but never met. I think his name is Philippe, all I've heard is he's a wonderful singer. He seems to really like Charlotte. They were chatting for quite a while.

I wonder how many other new people there will be?

Madame Giry gave me some good advice on my singing. I'm so grateful for her help.

Anyway, I've prattled long enough.

Solange.

[Solange Fournier]

Dear Diary,

It's been so long since I've written, and now I shall fill this page with fears and hurt words.

I am beginning to think I am cursed. No matter how hard I practice and how long I practice for, I am still getting nowhere in my quest to improve. I was not even given a part in the new opera, 'Le Roi Amour', which was disappointing, but made me realise that I perhaps was not as good as the teachers at the Conservatoire told me I was. So then I practiced long and hard to learn everyone's parts, so that, Heaven forbid, if something went wrong, I might be able to help out by filling in any of the female roles. Well, something did go wrong, La Carlotta was hurt backstage, blood was everywhere. I tried to clean her up, get her back onstage, but I was pushed away by Madame Giry. Carlotta did not want to go back onstage, instead wanting to be taken back to her room. So, Madame Giry had to find a replacement pronto, choosing Roslin Byron.

I am disappointed, and am slowly beginning to believe I am cursed. Or hated. Perhaps the infamous Phantom is doing all he can do to make sure that I shall never have a role in this Opera House.

It is a pity, though. I thought I was at least better than Carlotta. Perhaps I was just deluding myself.

Solange.

[Solange Fournier]

Dear Diary,

I look back on my last words and I laugh at myself. I was acting like such a spoilt brat, I should have known that things could only get better.

Diary, I am in such a state of delirious happiness that I don't know what to do with myself! The Masquerade was a success - I wore the most beautiful gown of white silk with pink trimmings and I felt like I was pretty for a change. The cast for the next opera, Le Soufre Consigne, was announced and I was given a part. I am very excited, I personally think that my role of Voletta is more engaging than Kristine's part of Alavda, even if she is the lead and I am the minor. The only thing I am afraid about is my hair - I really hope I can wear a wig, because I have no desire to colour my blonde hair black!

My feet were so sore by the end of the masquerade, mainly because I spent much of the evening dancing with an enchanting man. Chase Molyneux is his name, and from what I understand his family OWN the Opera Populaire. That is a little daunting for me, I do not want to seem like a money-hungry brat, because that certainly is not me. I quite like Chase for who he is, and I'd really like to get to know him better.

Oh, I should probably get some practice done, I will let you know about all the new people that have arrived later.

Solange.