Chapter 2: Ghost Opera

Exactly 10 minutes before midnight Kat sneaks out of the room. Holly plays sleeping beauty and doesn't even notice as she sneaks outside. As soon as her feet touch solid ground she moves a little quicker. Her feet carry her to the stage which she uses as a point of orientation. From there she know where to go to reach the small staircase that leads her down into the chapel. The first thing inside the room she notices are the candles that are lit.

'' Phantom? ''

'' I am here, Mademoiselle. ''

'' You know, you could just call me Kat. Everyone does. ''

'' Kat? ''

'' Yeah, it's a short form for my name. ''

'' If I may ask, what is your whole name? ''

'' Kathrine Jones. ''

'' What a lovely name. Kathrine. '' The young woman smiles at the way her name rolls off his tongue. His smooth voice pronouncing the 'th' softly. He makes her name sound rich, somehow.

'' Why would you wish to be called Kat if your complete name is so marvelous? ''

'' People call me stubborn and moody. ''

'' So you earned that certain short form for you are feline. ''

'' Well I do claw at backs. ''

'' Please do not use such ill language. ''

'' Sorry. So… do you have a name or do you want me to keep call you Phantom? '' As she doesn't receive an answer she nods her head accepting. She doesn't need his name. He doesn't even want her to see him so there's got to be a valid reason for his way of keeping his guard up.

'' Alright, Phantom it is then. No problem in that. How will you teach me how to sing if I hear your voice all around me? That's pretty confusing to be honest... And there's no music. ''

'' Of course. '' Suddenly she hears a piano playing but opposite to his voice, the music only comes from one direction and that's above. Her eyes move to the ceiling and she cocks her head to the side,

'' What are you, David Copperfield? ''

'' Is that another alliteration I do not understand? ''

'' Pretty much. Your lack of knowledge about my world and my lack of historical knowledge is making my sarcasm so much harder. ''

'' You could always completely refrain from it? ''

'' Where would be the fun in that? ''

'' We are in a lesson. This is not a celebration. Please do keep that in mind. '' His voice becomes more strict but she shrugs it off,

'' Partypooper. No cake for you. ''

'' Can we begin or is there another thing you would like to express before? '' She thinks a moment and smirks,

'' Facebook went public and Edward snowden went private. The Kardashians still have their show which is another reason to leave the telly off until The Walking Dead continues in winter. The IS is Out, Gay marriage is In and a teacher from my school is out for letting her student get it in- Which is kind of sad because she was one of my favorites. -America loves gun, Kim Jong Un hates democracy and everybody hates everything with the exception of Ryan Reynolds who is totally awesome. -Now I'm done. '' She almost laughs as he sighs.

'' Meg was it, right? '' Meg stops at the voice of their new leading Lady and turns to her with a friendly smile. The class that came here sneaked around the whole day, many of the dancers and singers didn't like it but they payed a lot of money to come here so none of the others is making a fuss. They were introduced to each other briefly. A few names fell, a few smiles but that was it. Meg barely remembers anything. What she did not forget, however is this woman. After all she just came to visit and is now singing a leading role. Meg heard many women talk about her and she's almost certain that the young woman heard some of that too. If she did then she really hid it well. But the other dancers were not lowering their voices. She must have heard. If there is one thing Meg knows by now then it is that Monsieur Firmin and André work nonofficial for the Phantom. And if he would be displeased about her, he would have let them know.

'' Ah, yes. Can I help you? ''

'' Not really. I'm just looking around. You're Madame Giry's daughter aren't you? ''

'' Yes Mademoiselle, that is correct. '' The woman offers a charming smile,

'' Call me Kat. Everyone does. '' Meg returns the smile and nods. For a moment she feels the older woman's eyes on her body, looking her up and down before her eyebrow raises,

'' Anyone ever told you that you're really pretty? Are you doing anything else than dancing? '' Meg feels her cheeks redden at the compliment. The other ballet dancers did call her pretty too but with them it is never sure how sincere they are. Kat, however, does seem honest.

'' No. It is my only and true passion to dance. I do like singing but if I'd have to choose I'd rather dance. ''

'' Yeah thought so. You move like a full-blooded Ballerina. 's kind of hot. ''

'' I… I'm sorry? ''

'' Well you're- ''

'' Kat! '' Both girls turn on Holly's strict voice while Jessie walks after her, shaking his head. Meg winces as Holly grabs Kat on her neck and glares her down,

'' Stop it! ''

'' I was just saying hello! ''

'' No you weren't! ''

'' I'm so sorry she's not used to the whole '19th Century' thing. '' Jessie says with a friendly smile at Meg. The youngest girl feels her lips twitching in amuse at the play before her,

'' Oh she was not bothering me, please there is no reason for you to hurt her. I was just confused as to what you meant? '' As soon as Holly lets go of her, Kat rubs the aching spot on her neck before regaining her posture,

'' I meant, in all policy, that you are a very attractive girl and if I wouldn't be a little scared of your mother I would ask you out on a drink. ''

'' That is very kind of you but Mama does not like it if I drink. ''

'' How old are you? ''

'' 16, Mademoiselle. ''

'' You have a great body for that age. I knew it, it's the dancing after all. ''

'' T-thank you but you are very attractive yourself. '' Kat smiles at her. Meg's smile fades the slightest touch and she grows a more serious expression as she sees her mother approaching from behind,

'' Hello Mama. '' Kat's smile drops,

'' Maldecir... '' (Damn)

'' Miss Jones, please refrain from trying to ogle my daughter. '' Meg watches Kat wincing at the strict voice in her mother's sound. Only as Kat turns around to give her a guilty smile Meg realizes what her mother just said,

'' Ogle? You were… oh. '' Kat directs her apologetic smile now at her,

'' Sorry…''

'' I do understand that it is normal in your world but I do not wish for you to use my daughter like that. ''

'' I wasn't even serious. I wouldn't really try to seduce a minor. I swear I just… do this. I flirt all the time, really. No harm. '' Holly quickly steps in,

'' She really does. She doesn't mean bad. She just isn't good at making compliments without that certain tone slipping through. ''

'' She flirts with us too. '' Jessie throws in but Meg only looks at Kat,

'' You were flirting with me? ''

'' Yeah. ''

'' Oh. D-does that mean you ...like women? ''

'' To be honest… I like people based on their character, not on their gender. '' Meg feels her cheeks heating up. Men flirted with her before but never before a woman. It does feel a little strange. Madam's face becomes a tad more serious,

'' Miss Jones, you are late for your training. '' Suddenly Kat's eyes widen,

'' Ah, maldecir! -Gotta go, talk to you later! Was nice to meet you Meg! Sorry again, I really didn't mean it in a disrespecting way! '' (Damn) She runs off before Meg or anyone else has the chance to say something. They watch how she waves with another grin at her friends. Holly groans and buries her face in her hands, Jessie smirks a little. Meg looks after her slightly perplexed.

'' You are late. '' She groans. The moment she stepped a foot into the chapel, his voice boomed from all around her. She did run the whole way here, that has to count for something, she thought. She was wrong obviously. He's too strict. Right now she feels like she's part of a badly scripted movie.

'' I know, I'm sorry, I was talking to Meg. ''

'' Can we begin, then? Or do you wish to continue your small conversation with Mademoiselle Giry first? ''

'' Come on don't be like that. I said I'm sorry. ''

'' Kathrine, those are lessons you are in need of. I am not. The less time we spend with training your voice, the more mistakes you might keep. ''

'' I got it, can we just start now Master? '' He sighs in defeat and Kat smirks in victory.

'' How are your lessons going? '' Mister Williams asks. The room they're in is empty, it is most of the time. They meet here every morning so that he can give Kat her pills in peace.

'' Uh, real wicked. I think I'm actually gettin' better. But you know, next to the voice lessons I have the training with Madam Giry for my behavior which kinda sucks. Not because of her, I'm just a real cock-up. '' He gives her a knowing glace,

'' You're good at it. You just don't want to be. ''

'' Great now you sound like her. ''

'' Maybe it's because we share the same struggle. We both have to teach you. ''

'' Hey I'm a nice student. ''

'' If you want to be, yes. ''

'' I'm nicer to her than I am to you. ''

'' Cause you're afraid of her. ''

'' Like you wouldn't be. '' He makes a move to object but sighs then with a low chuckle. Kat's eyes lower to the ground, her voice a little more melancholic than before,

'' I thought I have more free time here. ''

'' Well I think that task at hand really does you good. You look… you know, healthy. '' She arches an eyebrow at him, her arms crossing over her chest,

'' Oh thanks. ''

'' You know what I mean. ''

'' I do. The training and everything is nice. 's just… the performance. ''

'' Well see the positive, if you mess up you're not gonna live long enough to really allow all that panic and shame to come up. ''

'' I swear I'm gonna kill you and dump your body in the sewers for the alligators. ''

Where is she?

Holly finally gets out of her bed. After waiting for over half an hour for Kat to return she finally decided to go look for her in case she got the bright idea to walk around here at night. Holly finds herself hoping that her friend didn't went outside for a walk and got lost on her way. She woke up yesterday to find her gone already but there she fell asleep after waiting for her for ten minutes and she forgot to ask her about it today. Before she leaves the room she goes back to her bed to grab her phone, in case she needs a light. She has to use the light of her screen the moment she reaches the part of the Opera that isn't close to a window where the moon can offer some light. She stops herself from using the flashlight to make sure she won't disturb anyone accidentally. After checking the stage and her dressing room, she looks around helplessly until she remembers that Kat mentioned the chapel once.

It's worth the try…

She silently makes her way down the stairs that lead to the chapel but stops as she hears Kat singing. She can't make out the song but that's definitively her. She wonders why she didn't hear her already as she was at the door upstairs. Before Holly has the chance to step closer, Kat suddenly breaks off and groans,

'' Come on Master! We're at it for hours! I'm exhausted…'' Holly's eyes widen and she fumbles silently for her phone. While staying in she shadow she carefully opens her camera and makes sure that the lens has a full view on the room. Her finger presses the record button. On the display she can see what happens in the room without having to glance past the frame. Kat stands in the middle of the room, her breathing still rather heavy from the singing but her eyes not really focused on anything.

'' We will do one last chord. '' Holly moves her phone around a little, trying to spot the man that's with here but the room is completely empty. It's almost like the voice is coming from every direction. But that's not possible, right?

'' You said that the last fifteen chords too. '' Kat stomps with her foot with a stubborn pout. She crosses her arms and pushes her hip out. His voice is completely unaffected by her behavior,

'' Be quiet and focus. ''

'' Yes Master. But eh, if I have to be quiet I can't sing. ''

'' Please spare me this mockery, Mademoiselle. '' She smirks at the annoyance in the voice,

'' Back to Mademoiselle are we? ''

'' Kathrine, I am merely trying to take your mind off the performance. If I may remind you, it was you who came for another lesson after hours. ''

'' I was really nervous okay! I'm supposed to be bloody singing in front of a whole fucking lot of bloody- ''

'' Language, Kathrine. Please. ''

'' English's the language, Phantom. You're welcome. '' Holly rolls her eyes. Sometimes she just wants to punch Kat in the face. She can imagine that the man feels similar right now. Kat called him Master. But… She can't be talking to the Phantom of the Opera, can she?

'' We have to work on your sarcasm. ''

'' You could throw me over your knee and spank me. I was a naughty girl. ''

'' Please do not use such ill-mannered words either. '' She sighs,

'' Fine, sorry. I'm just… really nervous. ''

'' I assure you, there is no reason for that. You will be perfect. '' Holly glances past the door frame for a second to take a better look at Kat's face. Her eyes are on the floor, her lip between her teeth. The praising words of the Phantom probably didn't even reach her. And if they did, she's hiding it because she doesn't believe it. Despite the confidence she always beams with, the Anxiety is still a part of her and sometimes it's breaking her apart.

'' Well maybe I wouldn't be so nervous if a certain someone wouldn't always point out how important this is! ''

'' Are you implying that I put pressure on you? ''

'' Yes! ''

'' I am wounded you would even consider this. ''

'' Spare me the faked emotion, Spock. ''

'' Another alliteration? ''

'' Right on the spot Sherlock. ''

'' Kathrine. ''

'' This is hard! I always talk like that but usually people understand me. Do you know how hard it is to be funny, sarcastic and from 19th Century! ''

'' How about you leave out the sarcasm entirely? ''

'' Yeah, no thanks Mister Critic. I swear, at some point I'm trained in sarcasm 19th century style. ''

'' I do not doubt that…''

'' Was that a sigh I heard there? ''

'' Yes. ''

'' At least you're open. Well, sometimes. And honestly, you need a little fun in your life. You're too stiff, this is gonna give you a heart attack sooner or later. ''

'' Considering the current events I think that, if something will give me a heart attack, it will be you. ''

'' Now you're just complimenting me. '' She grins a moment but that expression soon drops. With a sigh she sits down on the floor cross-legged and puts her face in her hands. Holly abruptly spots the faintest tremble on her body. She's by now so used to this that she abruptly spots her panic even if Kat's good at hiding it behind a charming grin and a witty comment.

'' Kathrine. ''

'' Hm? ''

'' You will be wonderful. '' Holly's eyes narrow, did he notice her change too?

'' Are you gonna drop something on me if I mess it up? '' The softest chuckle reaches her ears but his voice is serious,

'' How could I ever harm you? My beautiful angel of music...'' Kat's lips turn into a smile before she lies down on the ground and curls up into a ball, sighing in comfort.

'' Kathrine, do not fall asleep here. The floor is cold, you will fall ill. ''

'' You worry too much, Cupcake. ''

'' Kathrine, please go to bed. ''

'' That means I have to stand up…''

'' Yes. ''

'' I don't wanna. I'm pretty comfy. ''

'' Your friend will become worried if she does not find you. I do not wish for you to get into any trouble. ''

'' Holly's sleeping like a rock. I know it. I always hated that. I want to party, she wants to sleep. I want to go out at night on a class trip, she is tired and rather stays in our room. I want to explore the area, she says it's too dangerous. Boooooring. ''

'' Your friend does seem to worry for you, I cannot say that I am disappointed about that. She does seem like a good friend. ''

'' She is. She's the best. She always takes care of me even though I'm a lot of work and don't always show how much I appreciate her. '' Holly can't help but glance around the door again. Half of Kat's face is hidden from her but she can still see the small smile on her friend's lips. Kat's arms are wrapped around herself softly. Holly knows that Kat is very bad at expressing what she feels. She's especially bad at telling people what she thinks about them, at least if it's something that's really important to her. But here she opens up to this man who's face she doesn't even see. Still, leaving out the fact who she's talking to, Holly can't help but feel extremely light right now at the words of her best friend. Of course Kat always let her know that she cares for her but she never said words like that. Not sober. Holly can't remember ever feeling this moved about so simple words.

'' In that case I am grateful for her presence. '' Holly's eyes widen slightly as she quickly presses her back against the wall again. Thousands of thoughts running through her mind.

'' I think… she would like you too. ''

'' If she really does care about you, I doubt that she would be pleased if she finds out you are with me. ''

'' You're really insecure about yourself. No, really. She's great. She doesn't make an opinion abut you until she met you in person. She's not the kind of type to listen to gossips. She would maybe at first be worried about me but if she gets to know you like I do she would like you too. ''

'' Like me 'too'? Does that mean you like me? ''

'' Yeah, sure. I wouldn't be here if I wouldn't. ''

'' Perhaps. I, on the other hand, have no choice but to teach you. ''

'' Aw don't be like that. We both know you love me. ''

'' How could I not? ''

Holly waits patiently until Kat agreed to sing one last aria and both are busy with each other before she sneaks away. As soon as she can't hear Kat's singing anymore, she starts running until she's back in her room and her back is pressed against the door. Out of all people Kat had to befriend with the Phantom of the Opera. A murderer. If it wouldn't be so much like her, Holly would wonder how Kat managed that. It's not only that she befriended with him, he just confessed to be in love with her. Kat may be oblivious to the honesty in his voice but Holly could hear it. Slowly Holly shuffles back to her bed and drops down on it, her face burying in her hands. She tries her best not to just print this man off as what others said he is but this is different. This isn't just about that he could or could not be an asshole or really arrogant or something like that. He did kill people, he is dangerous, he could hurt Kat. But the way he talked to her, the small laughs Kat could get out of him, the praises he gave her, the way he never spoke too harsh with her even though he scolded her at one point. Holly shakes her head. She has to talk to Kat. At least tell her to be careful.

'' Kathrine, one last thing. '' Kat stops at his voice and turns around to face the room again. Even though she cannot see him, she always makes sure he can see her.

'' Yes? ''

'' I heard you were trying to take advantage of Meg Giry. '' Her soft expression drops and he can watch anger blooming on her face. Madam Giry was not complaining about it, she just mentioned it with slight amuse in her voice as they talked.

'' Take advantage of her? Come on! Seriously?! I wasn't planning to rape her! Just, you know, flirt. It wasn't even an honest attempt because trust me if I wanted to chat her up she'd be in my bed before her mom could have spotted us. '' He cannot decide how he should react to that so he decides to ignore her confident statement,

'' Why would you do that? ''

'' Cause life's short and she's hot. '' That simple answer does throw him off a little again. He quickly tries to regain his posture and right now he feels glad that she cannot see the expression on his face.

'' ...Please refrain from this in future. ''

'' Yes Master. Don't worry, I'm actually a little afraid of Madam Giry so I wouldn't try to hit on her more seriously, even if I wanted to. To that comes, she's a minor. I don't do teenagers. '' This confuses him,

'' Why would you hit her if your intention was to woo her? '' Suddenly a sweet laugh comes from Kathrine's lips as she puts her hands in her hips to smile into the room,

'' That's a saying. Hit on her means I'm trying to flirt with her. ''

'' The sayings and alliterations of your world confuse me. ''

'' Well there's something I can teach you. I better get going now. Holly will kick me out of bed in not even 4 hours. See you later! '' She waves over her head while running out of the room. He waits until he can no longer hear her feet on the stairs. With a look to the window he notices that she forgot the bottle with water he placed there for her. After their second lesson she complained about a dry throat and said she will take water with her for their next lesson. She forgot it, like he thought she would, so he made sure to place a bottle next to the window for her. She was very happy about it.

Holly waits patiently on her bed for Kat to return. It takes almost another hour until the door finally opens and Kat slips in silently. She's barely making any noise on the creaking wood planks that cover the floor. That's how she always gets away, she's very fast and quiet about it. The moment Kat spots Holly sitting on the bed she freezes, for the blink of an eye she sees worry on her face before her lips turn up in a guilty smile,

'' Hey why are you up? Did I wake you? '' Holly decides not to tell her right away that she saw her, hoping Kat will tell her herself. But her patience is running thin.

'' Where were you? ''

'' Had to go to the bathroom. ''

'' You were gone long. ''

'' I didn't find it at first… and got lost on my way here. Somehow I ended up close to where the stage is. I think I got the way now. ''

'' So you haven't been anywhere else? ''

'' Where could I have been? I wasn't outside. I case you notice, I'm still in my sleeping cloths and it's frikkin cold outside. ''

'' I don't mean anywhere outside. I meant, for example, the stage or your dressing room. Or the chapel. '' Suddenly Kat's charming aura drops and her eyes get a colder look. She snorts

'' Tienes que estar bromeando…! '' (You got to be kidding) Holly titles her head at her friend, so she did just hit a nerve there. Kat only slips if she's really excited about anything.

'' You know. ''

'' Yeah. ''

'' How long? ''

'' For about an hour. '' Holly shakes her head. Kat makes no move to interrupt her,

'' Kat… I don't think I really need to tell you how dangerous this game is that you're playing, right? '' Kat avoids her eyes stubbornly. Holly feels like she's scolding a child that doesn't know what to say. Sometimes Kat is like that to her. Like a child who either completely attacks or doesn't say anything at all to keep herself from saying anything nasty in her rant. Because Kat has the ability to find your weak-spot and if you manage to make her your enemy she will destroy you with that. Maybe that is what worries Holly the most about this. Right now the Phantom is gentle with her, polite. But if that should change for whatever reason and Kat becomes mad she might say something she doesn't want to say. Or what Holly fears more, she might say something she definitively meant to say. And he would kill her.

'' I'm not playing. '' She lastly mutters.

'' I'm not sure if you're telling me the truth. I'm not even sure if you know if you're telling the truth. '' Her eyes avoid her again. Holly sighs,

'' I'm not trying to scold you or forbid you to see him. I just want you to realize that you can't treat him like the blokes in our world. He's dangerous. A murderer. That's a fact if you like it or not. ''

'' I know. ''

'' Good. -We should sleep some more. We have to get up in 4 hours. ''

'' What, that's it? No more questions about how this happened or what I think I'm doing or… or a moral speech or something like that? '' Holly shrugs and lies back down, barely glancing at Kat,

'' Maybe I'm still a little flattered about your compliments. '' Kat's eyes barely have the time to change into confuse before they suddenly widen as she realizes what Holly meant. Her mouth drops open, her finger pointing at Holly,

'' You fucking eavesdropping asshole! ''