The aroma of melting wax, spiced cider, and smoky-savory finger foods offers an olfactory-parallel to the rich décor. Considering Tomlin’s creepy alliance with Erik, I expected gothic, but he chose elegance over eeriness.
Building on the glittery gold floor, he stationed round black tables and matching chairs along the edges of the room, adorned with “spider” webs made of delicate gold chains in place of tablecloths. Black-and-gold-damask plastic plates, gold silverware, miniature pumpkins rolled in glitter, and fall bouquets of orange mums, ivory roses, and sage greenery in crystal vases complete the settings. Ivory tapers in wrought-iron candlestands add a touch of illumination between tables. Black-shimmer organza drapes the side walls in sweeping arcs that reach up to the domed center of the ceiling. Each panel is tied to a chandelier almost the size of the theater’s. Glistening gold streamers drizzle down from the crystal fixture, making me think of the “octopus” at the rave, leaving my stomach queasier than it already is. I reach for my pumpkin cider, lifting the plastic stemware to my lips. The brown sugar-and-nutmeg coating on the rim adds a comforting dimension to the flavor.
Lining the back mirrored wall is a row of ivory trees with twisted branches, seated in matching pots and varying from four to six feet in height. Black leaves, wired to the scraggly ends, add a haunted quality, while some branches are left bare. Behind, panels of sheer gold organza drape across the mirrors from the ceiling to the floor, with individual black leaves pinned in place to simulate the wind’s movement. Loose leaves speckle the floor in intervals and bring the motif full circle. The chandelier’s electric bulbs are turned off, leaving only the candles to cast gentle, warm light and long shadows over everything. It’s sparkly and mystical, with only a subtle hint of Halloween.
The opulent serenity is at odds with how I feel.
Appear oblivious. Etalon’s instruction keeps looping through my brain, making me second guess everything. How do I appear oblivious while knowing the danger hidden beneath this opera house for over a hundred years is about to lurk into full view? Two worlds colliding, and my four accomplices and I have to ensure there are no casualties.
My heartbeat knocks in rapid rhythm against my sternum. I can actually see its movement beneath my dress where the one-strapped bodice hugs my curves like a second skin. The sage panel of fabric I’m trying to use as a wrap keeps sliding off my shoulders. Sighing, I rub my temples. The gold-leaf metal headband is too tight atop the golden-brown wig I’ve swept into a high bun. Under the wig cap, my thick hair bulges and takes up too much space. I consider removing the headband, but there’s too much riding on getting this role right. So I choose to ignore the dull throbbing headache, although the stress isn’t making it any easier.
Over at the dessert buffet, my friends gather to fill their plates with bite-size ganache truffles and assorted candies. Quan and Sunny came as the Corpse Bride and her prospective groom—complete with bluish-gray complexions. He helps her with her plate since she has only one working arm. The other is hidden inside her tattered gown to make room for the skeletal limb covertly sewn into the bodice. Jax is a butterfly collector with round owlish glasses that magnify his blue eyes, and a handlebar moustache that looks like a fat brown caterpillar. Tiny artificial monarchs cling to his safari hat, shirt, and pants. He’s tucked his giant net under his arm to help Audrey resituate her angel-size set of monarch wings across the black leotard and spandex polka-dot skirt that cling to her dainty form. After the wings are in place, Jax thumps one of her springy antennae, causing the sparkly bulb to bob back and forth on her head. She gives him a playful scowl before reaching for the cookie cups and dropping two on her plate. She probably wouldn’t have agreed to the matched costumes had they not purchased them before I sucked his face and his energy; but at least it’s giving them something to bond over now. Seeing them happy and teasing is my one bright spot. I’m determined they’ll get the chance for many more memories like these.