Birthday Surprise! (Lenoir/OPEN)

[anastasia]

She had absolutely no clue whatsoever of when Lenoir's birthday was and having looked something up recently on Michael Crawford, she began to speculate. Did they both have adjoining birthdays? If so, there was very little time to really get things set up!

Within a span of a couple days, Ana dropped a note to a couple people and got a cake made. That was the toughest part since she had no clue of what sort of cake he liked. She began to realize how much she did not know about him and began a resolution to really get to know him. So far, he's proven to her that he was so much more than a mere Phantom, it would only make more sense to really get to know him better. What sort of friend would she be if she knew nothing about him?
Shaking her head as she brought the three tier cake in and set it on a table then immediate worked on some form of decorations like balloons and a couple streamers. Not sure how much of a party to make it but perhaps he'd want something simple. She was not about to make it overbearing for him or overly lengthy. Massive dance parties and buffets were over rated at times. No doubt he'd be touched that someone at least made an effort. Or so she hoped. What if he didn't like it at all? Well, it was one way to learn about him she supposed.

Everything now looked to be in place so now she waited to see who would show up first before having Lenoir come in.

[Adina Gillespie]

Adina had been busying herself in her room with some sewing and reading. She had been desperate to learn to do new stitches if she were to work on the curtains for Lenoir's box in the Opera House. She looked at the clock hanging on her wall and saw it was past noon. She hadn't been outside her room for a few days.

When she finally got up to go out, she looked down and saw a note just underneath her door and picked it up to read it... Her eyes widened and she immediately dropped it and rushed out the door. Lenoir's birthday was today?! Why hadn't he told her about it?! Oh dear, the curtains weren't finished just yet! What was she to do?! She looked around and bustled downstairs to see if he was around... The Opera House! Surely he would be there if not more people. Surely Ana would be there; she was so nice. And then there was Lu and Meg. But when she arrived at the Opera Populaire....

"Qu'est-ce que c'est?" Adina asked, looking around the beautifully decorated theatre. There were balloons all around; it looked to be a party was to take place! But for who she wondered? Then she saw Ana setting down a cake on a table upon the stage. She smiled and moved towards the woman. "Good afternoon, Ana!" She called out happily. "What is all this? Is someone having a birthday today?"

[anastasia]

Looking up to see the young red-head arrive and smiled! "Brilliant!" she muttered, "Hi!" finally! Someone that would be helping her celebrate! Moving towards Adina, glancing all around and nodded, "I'm taking a wild guess that today is Lenoir's birthday. And I think," then turned her gaze to Adina with a warm smile, "it would only be right that we, for once, give him a little birthday party since I doubt he's ever had one in his life. He deserves one." Still smiling and placed her hands upon her hips as she looked around again. "You think it's too much? Or not enough?" Not sure how extravagant Lenoir may want it or perhaps he wouldn't want anything on this magnitude.

Turning her attention back to Adina, "I was going to wait a little longer to see if anyone else showed up before I go get Lenoir." With a wicked smile as she moved closer to Adina almost secretively, "I'm thinking about blindfolding him and bringing him in here. It would be nice to have people in various places around the stage to surprise him from the wings after I bring him in and remove the blindfold. We'll immediately start in with the Happy Birthday song." She stated, telling Adina the plans.

[Erik Carriere]

Erik had been informed through a note left in his domain that there was to be a party for his dear friend Lenoir. In fact, it was to be a birthday party. It occurred to him that he had no idea when Lenoir's birthday was, until now at least. As a matter of fact, he had no idea when anyone's birthdays were. Except for his own and his father's birthdays anyways.

He didn't exactly know what he should wear to the party, so he decided upon his dark blue vest, then the classic black of the rest of his cloths, even his shirt. He put on white cloves and brought along his cane that was all black except for the top of the cane which was a black panther head with dark blue jeweled eyes. It was one of his favorite canes that had been very expensive, had he actually bought it. Then the final touch before he left for the party, his black cape with the silver inside.

Erik continuously glanced at the note he brought with him so to make sure he got the information right, then placed it in the pocket of his pants once he got to the doors of the Opera House. He came through the doors, making not a sound, and observed Ana speaking to the red-head that had exploded at him the last time they met. He took a moment to be in some awe at the decoration, it made the Opera House much more lively which was good to see for a change. Erik then quietly and stealthily moved towards the two woman that were conversing. All he caught of the conversation was the very end, something about a birthday song. "Any one know how many guests we are to expect?" He asked suddenly, smiling.

[Christine Lucinda Dallas]

When Lu came back to her suite after breakfast and her early morning ride with Effie, she found something had been stuck to her door with some type of transparent tape. She pulled it off the door, thinking that was quite a handy way to attach a note somewhere. She opened it and saw it was from Ana Goodwin-Hart, one of the ladies from the baking party. She was inviting Lu to a surprise birthday party for Erik Lenoir, the masked fellow who had made the nice spiced apple cider for them. It was today!

Lu smiled. She liked parties. And the best thing of all was that she was being included, asked to come to the party! That warmed her heart. She took the note and put it on her dressing table and took off her bolero hat and fringed jacket and riding gloves and hung them up. Now what could she wear to a party? She looked through her closet. Most of her clothes were men's trousers and jackets although she had quite a few fancy dresses. But they were too fancy for a party like this. So she settled on an aqua skirt which came to her ankles, her black western boots, and a western shirt of matching aqua with black on the top back and both shoulders. There were silver conchos with leather fringe on both sides too. She put on some concho earrings that matched the ones on her shirt. It was quite a smart looking outfit and she stood in front of the mirror for a bit in different poses to see how she looked. She pulled up her hair in different ways and decided to pull it up on her head in a knot in back and leave thebangs down. She tied a blue scarf around the knot.

Then there was the problem of a gift. He dressed so well and seemed so wealthy. What could she possibly get for him. She sat down and pondered. He probably had everything. And she doubted she could get him to wear anything but that fancy penguin suit he always wore. Then she had it! She would make him something to eat. He looked a little skinny anyway. Ana probably would bring a cake. But she wouldn't have a home made apple pie, the recipe of which had been handed down to Lu from her Mother. Of course Lu's mother had died when she was five. But she remembered her apple pies and thank goodness Ma Dallas had written down the ingredients! Lu made an apple pie she swore was as good as her own mother's pies.

Lu put her old clothes on again to do some baking and went down to the kitchen. She had learned how to use the new fangled gas stove from Ana and she hummed to herself as she found the ingredients and mixed them together, first making the pie crust, rolling it out and shaping it on the glass pie dish she had found and then baking it a few minutes in the oven. Then the apples, washed, cut into slices, boiled till they were tender, and the sweet filling which was put in with the apples. Finally strips of rolled out crust were put on top in a basket pattern and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. Into the oven it went for a while. Lu rinsed and wiped the dishes before she put them into the strange machine called a dishwasher, on which she had also been instructed carefully by Ana.

She cleaned up the table in the kitchen and finally the pie was ready. It smelled wonderful! Carefully putting it on a cake pan with a cover that turned so you could carry it, she went back to her room to dress. In a few minutes she was ready. She hoped the pie would still be warm when she arrived. She looked again at the handwritten note. It said the Opera House.

She opened the door, looking around to see if anyone was there. Ana and Adina were already there. "Hi, gals," Lu said. "I made a apple pie if that's okay. Fer Mister Len-wah. Hope he likes apple pie. Didn't know what to git fer a fella what looks like they got everything."

[anastasia]

Her attention was on Adina and had no clue anyone else was in the Opera until Carriere spoke up and nearly spooked her. Twisting around to see Carriere, a hand upon her chest and sighed then smiled. "Good of you to come," and she broke away from Adina to go over to Carriere and greet him with a hug. "And haven't a clue who all will come. I guess we shall see. hmm?"

Then her attention was diverted to Lu and she smiled, "Lu!" Seeing the pie and laughed, "Oh, brilliant!" Snickering as she moved away from Carriere and approached Lu, "We shall find out. I'm sure he'll appreciate it nevertheless." Grinning at her.

She turned them all, "Ok.. I'm going to go get Lenoir. I'll have him blindfolded and when I remove the blindfold surprise him and we will immediately go into the Happy Birthday song." Pondering a moment, "Umm, doubt any of you have heard it. So, pardon my horrid voice but here's how it goes-" and sang the little song for them:

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday, Dear Lenoir!
Happy Birthday to you!

Smiling, " I'll be right back. If anyone else comes, tell them what the plan is. Ok? Be right back!"
And with that, she dashed out of the Opera to go find Lenoir.

[Erik Lenoir]

Erik was in one of the elaborate sitting rooms, reading. He had built a fire and was sitting next to it feeling warm and cosy It was his birthday today, but no one had ever made a fuss a bout it and he expected nothing. He almost forgot really. The warm sunlight came in the windows even thought the day outside was cold and crisp. Too cold to go outside unless there was a real necessity. It was the middle of winter, the days when Erik would always stay close to the fire.

He heard the wind whip a bit about the outside of the mansion and he glanced out of the window, glad he wasn't out there. He continued to read, then glanced a the fireplace. It needed more wood and he pulled out the iron screen and put another log on the fire., then pushed the screen back. He reminisced. A lot had happened since he had come here last year, It was just overt a year now. It had been just a few days before his birthday that he had come here. The first person he had met was Christine Ellen. He wondered where she was now. He hoped she had made her escape successfully, but perhaps something dreadful had happened to her. There were some others he had seen in the beginning too, who no longer seemed to be here.

Erik, though, now had no real wish to leave the mansion. Things had settled down and he had his beautiful home to live in and he had made many friends. And he was accepted here. It was not a bad life. Back in Paris, he would have been in hiding or would have had to leave the country, which is in effect what he did. Left the country, and indeed the century too. The police were unlikely to find him here.

Just then he saw Ana peek in the room. "Were you looking for someone, my dear?"

[anastasia]

She wandered around looking for Lenoir praying to dear God he was not in his Lair. She wasn't up for going down below. The Tunnels and the underground made her VERY uneasy. The only time she was able to endure it was because she was with Lenoir and Lavalais. They made her feel safe.. in a manner of speaking. Going alone was frightening!

Peering and peeking into room after room that was not a living quarters at least. Finally she peeked in one and spotted him. A smile spread upon her face as she stepped into the room.

"You," and smiled. A mix of something was planned and trying to hide it. Standing there in a long dark denim skirt that went to her ankles, a medium denim button-up shirt that had half sleeves and brown 2 inch heel boots, her long chestnut hair cascading loosely all around but well groomed.
Rather nonchalantly she strode towards Lenoir pondering how to get him to stand so she could put the blindfold on.
"I have to show you something. It's a surprised," and she pull out a dark blindfold with a smirk.

[Erik Lenoir]

"You're looking for me?" Erik said in surprise. He put down his book. "What did you want, dear?" Ana looked as if she were up to something. Behind her eyes, he could see a bit of mischief, he thought. He smiled.

Then she pulled out a dark blindfold. The colour drained from his face. Did she wish him to take off his mask and put that on over his eyes? Certainly he would not do that. Erik only bared his face for certain people, those he trusted, and he already had done that for Ana. But if she wanted him to go somewhere unknown with only a blindfold on, she was badly mistaken.

"I'd rather not take off my mask, Ana. It's not something with which I am comfortable. What are you doing, in any case? If you wish me to come somewhere, I will do so, but not blindfolded and not with my mask removed." He remained sitting, wondering what she had in mind

[anastasia]

Nodding as she strode to him and stood near where he sat. She smiled as she watched him. He was so adorable at times, even the way he called every lady he liked 'dear'. How sweet. She had to desperately restrain herself from snickering when he said 'dear'.

Opening her mouth and sighed heavily but still had a pleasant look upon her face and shook her head, glancing down a moment as she held the blindfold. "I won't force you to take off the mask." and she moved over to stand behind him where he sat, one hand upon the seat while the other held the piece of black cloth. She leaned closer to him from behind, "Can you trust me," she said softly close to his ear. Her long chestnut hair draped over the back of the seat, her shoulders and even down to his shoulders and behind him. Almost holding her breath wondering if Lenoir would take a leap of faith in her and trust her. Even if he didn't know what was going on.

[Erik Lenoir]

"No, I won't put that on, with or without my mask. Please do not ask me to do so. If you wish me to close my eyes, I will do that.... and I promise you that I will keep them closed until you tell me to open them. But no, I will not put that on. It reminded him of some of the things that were done to him in the travelling freak show. He would not put it on for anyone.

"It's not that I don't trust you, Ana, I just...well, it brings back bad memories. Please put it away." Her fragrant long hair was touching his back as she leaned over and it even touched his cheek, which made him tingle a bit. He turned and took one of her hands in his cold one, however it had warmed up a bit from the fire and he was feeling quite comfortable. "You understand dear, there are things I do not wish to do."

"So what is this mysterious thing for which I am to close my eyes?" He smiled again and picked up his book. "Let me put this away." He stood and placed it in the bookcase. " Are you amenable to me simply closing my eyes? I promise not to peek..."

[anastasia]

At first it felt like a rejection. Not realizing how much a blindfold bothered him. It hurt somewhat, more superficial than really understood. Did he not trust her? It somewhat began to feel like that and she lost the smile as she glanced down beyond his shoulder, trying not to lose the joy in treating him.
Please don't ask him? Well, she already did! It left her a bit stunned and silent. Luckily he continued on with a reason why he would not allow the blindfold. Nodding she understood why even if it hurt very slightly. But she'll get over it. She always did. After all, she would not make another person suffer for her own wants. Least of all Lenoir.

Nodding in understanding while pressing her lips inwardly and together, turned her head to look at her side as she then stuffed the black cloth into the pocket of her lengthy denim skirt and made a mental note never to use a blindfold in Lenoir's presence ever again for his sake. Making a mistake was good so long as the person learned from it. In this case, it was one more thing she learned about him. More and more she realized she really did not know and oh how she wanted to know more about him!
Returning her head back to where it was before she looked away to watch as her hand stuffed the blindfold away, at that time noticed he took hold of her hand. A slight smile slowly spread as she straightened up, "I understand," replying softly as she forced away her own selfish pain. She would not question any further and only wanted this to be a good memory for him, not a bad one. He was the priority, nothing else. There was oddity or uneasiness but warm sensations as he held her hand. She was comfortable in his presence and it showed. She at least was trusting him which was an amazing feat unto it's own. She rarely trusted anyone for various reasons. But to her, the reasoning was, he would never hurt her. Not in the ways she thought he would. After all, ... and her thoughts trailed off. She was diverting from the task at hand.

Opening her mouth with barely a snicker coming from it, "Now if I told you it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?"
"Alright," as she moved away from behind the chair and waited patiently for him. Wondering if anyone else had showed up for the surprise party or not. Either way, there were a few there already to at least make it enjoyable.

With a pleasant visage and almost childlike joy, "No peeking!" she urged him with raised brows. Granted she would have threatened with something pleasant but she would not torment him for he might not welcome it.
Holding out her hands to him. "Do you trust me?"

[Erik Lenoir]

Ana seemed upset with Erik when he flatly refused the blindfold. But he simply wouldn't, so any of those things that brought back ugly memories. He didn't care who asked him to do it. It would not happen. He didn't want to hurt her feelings though. She seemed like a sensitive soul.

He touched her hand to reassure her that it wasn't she that was upsetting him, it was his memories. And she was a very sensitive soul. Every time they talked, it seemed that Ana was hiding something of herself from him. Not that he needed to know. If she felt like revealing herself, she certainly would in time. So Erik really didn't wonder about her secrets. He had plenty of his own, enough for both of them.

She told him she understood, but he was sure she didn't. He wasn't about to explain though. It seemed he had put a bit of a pall over her happy spirits. He noticed she was wearing a long denim skirt, something like the western woman would wear. It looked good on her. "You look lovely today, Ana. And you won't tell me where we're going, I suppose." He smiled. "All right. Do surprise me."

She held out her hands to him and asked if he trusted her. "Yes, I do," he said with a bit of solemnity. He stood up and took her hand. Then he closed his eyes. "All right. They're closed. Now what do we do?" He smirked just a bit. He wondered what she was up to. And he knew she had something in mind!

[anastasia]

She may or may not fully understand what it was that she triggered in him. If God be willing, he will tell her. Though who knows when. Humbled a little more as she felt she had stepped a little too far beyond her boundaries. Perhaps someday she will find that happy medium between the extremes of over eager and too restrained.
His touch reassured her as a hefty sigh escaped her lips while glancing down.

Looking up to Lenoir with a slight smirk, barely raised brows and started to blush a little- her? Blush?!? Well, yes. It was a compliment. She was never used to compliments. Usually they were precursors to something someone wanted. But not with Lenoir, right? She hoped not. It still made her a bit uneasy. Beauty always had a cost and for the longest time she was foolish to use it in both a positive and negative way.
Damnit! Not something she wanted to betray at this time. Or ever really! Well, perhaps someday she will be vulnerable to reveal her past to Lenoir. But not that thought started to frighten her.
Quickly she had to shove those fears and thoughts aside. Again, this day was for him! Nothing else will matter.
With barely a smile but being at least gracious for his compliment. "Thank you," was her simple, soft reply.

Change of topics. Well, more like a return to the original topic actually which was a surprise party for Lenoir! Slowly a grin appeared upon her face as she shook her head, her lengthy chestnut hair rippled with each movement, "Nope," shifting her visage to once again pleasant with something in mind.

When he took her hands, stated he trusted her, it felt like her whole being would burst! If anything that was perhaps the best thing anyone could say to anyone. Nothing really mattered in life if there was no trust. If he truly trusted her just as she wanted to trust him, there will no doubt be a lot of trails and tribulations that will test their friendship.
His words still made her spirit soar, Smiling as they were hand in hand, she waved her other hand before his face then snickered. "Alright," Paused a moment as she tried her best not to be so giddy. After all, no doubt he might get a hint just be sensations alone. Taking a deep breath as she turned, "Just let me lead you, keep your eyes closed. Trust me, I won't let anything happen to you." That felt like it meant more than it should have or perhaps it was true. Either way, she was grinning

Carefully she led him through the Sitting Room, avoiding obstacles, opening the door to guide him through. Never letting go of his hand. She then led him down the corridor and hallways to the Opera. Occasionally from time to time while she was leading him, she would wave a hand in front of his face to be sure that his eyes were closed and when they were, she was in delight, a couple times she softly giggled.

Finally coming to the doors of the Opera, she opened them to guide him inside. "Keep your eyes closed," she whispered into his ear. After closing the door she carefully led him towards the stage. Silently she watched and mouthed for any who was watching to get ready and hoping the others were not making a sound.

Leading him up to the stage and had him stand in the center of the stage not far from the cake, waving for the others to come on stage.
Leaning closer to him, softly spoken in his ear, "You can open your eyes now." Hoping he would like what little had been done to celebrate his day.
"Happy Birthday, Lenoir!" As she stepped back away from him, glanced at the others and started leading them into the 'Happy Birthday song'-
"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Lenoir. Happy Birthday to you." Crossing her fingers mentally hoping that it was his special day to celebrate otherwise she'll feel like an absolute idiot!

[Erik Lenoir]

Erik couldn't imagine what she had in mind. He closed his eyes and followed her, hearing her close the door, and then she led him down the hall for quite a distance. In his mind's eye he was picturing how far it was and trying to figure out where they were going. When he heard the wooden doors to the opera house creek, he knew where they were, but still didn't open his eyes Entering the opera house, he felt the floor's gentle downgrade to the front stage. She led him up on the stage and told him to open his eyes.

Then he remembered...his birthday. A party? A surprise party? Why that was for other people, not for him. Erik never had a birthday party in his life...He was...very surprised...He smiled and felt as if he were seven years old and was the centre of attention...good attention....people that loved him...

There were a few of the people he cared about in the mansion. Ana of course, Adina, Carrière and Lu. Teressa and Emilie were conspicuous by their absence. They sang the Happy Birthday song, led by Ana. He kept smiling, and felt a bit strange, not knowing exactly how to react, considering he had never had a birthday party before.