The Opera ghost's whisper

I do not own anything

Chap 4

I was terrified.

Don't blame me, you would be too if you find out that you were being haunted by the ghost of the legendary phantom of the opera house, who was known as a genius in virtually any subject you could find at that time. You named it, he was master at it.

But I couldn't stay in my apartment forever. It have been almost a week since the accident at Mr. Harrington's house.

I hadn't heard anything from the ghost again, no whisper, not flying object… nothing at all.

And also, I needed to help Russell to prepare for the show, he did tell everyone that the show would be moved to Sunday November 15th, and we only had four days left to perfect everything, no more accident or Russell's opera house would be closed and his dream of having a famous opera house would be history.

I got out of my bed and went to the opera house.

I couldn't hide anymore, this was not me, I was not a coward that stay in the shadow and let my friends alone out there fighting a battle for his dream, when I promised I would help him with everything I could.

oOo

I looked up to see the dark opera house, this was morning, yet there was this aura around the opera house that made the sky looked like a storm was coming. I never paid any attention to it, but to think, this opera house looked more like a hauted castle than any normal place where people came to enjoy classical music. I wouldn't be surprise if this opera house disappeared right in front of me or a woman ran out of there screaming.

Wait, there was no time to sit back and obsess with the opera house, I hurried walked in the opera house.

Inside, everyone was practicing the final dance in 'phantom of the Opera'.

" hey, Jully. What are you doing here?" Russell walked toward me with the biggest smile ever. " I though after what happened in Mr. Harrington's house, you would be more than happy to stay in your warm and comfortable bed forever."

" well, that was not me, I was not a coward, so I came and see that if you need any help, I did promise to help you with everything I can, right?"

" I do not know why, but everything seems fine, I mean, no screaming, no falling objects on the stage while the dancers were practicing. Nothing at all."

" really?"

"yes, there was nothing happened, so everyone would be ready for the show in no time." Russell laughted. " anyway, there is someone I want you to meet."

" if it is another attempt to find me a woman, then drop it."

" no, of couse not, you did tell me to drop it the last time I tried to find you a lady friend. And she is nothing like the last girl I introduced you, she is a great opera singer, although she was new around this area."

" great. I do not like singers."

" you don't like women at all, let along singers. Come on, I am sure it will not waste your time."

" right…"

oOo

" Madame… Madame…" I followed Russell and walked toward where all the dancers were practicing, he called out for the oldest woman there, who had white hair and cheery smile on her round face.

" good morning, Monsieur Manager."

" err, you don't have to call me that, Madame Butler. Just Russell is fine." Russell said with a small smile.

" then you can call me Anne, and who is this young man with you?" she turned toward me.

" I am his best friend, Julian Walker, nice to meet you, Madame."

" I see, this big guy here did tell me about you sometime, how wonderful you are with music, yet you didn't want to study or do anything that came near this area? Architect, correct?"

" I do not dislike or have anything against show business. It is just not my things, even when I am really good at it. Anyway, since this guy's wife is pregnant with his first child, I will have to stay for a while to help him, I have an apartment near the opera house."

" ahh, sweet Rachel is having her first child, why didn't you tell me, Monsieur?" Anne looked at Russell with displeasure. " it is her first child, there will be plenty of things to prepare."

" I am sorry, I want July to be the first one to know about the child. Anyway, is Mademoiselle Daring here today?"

" oh, I am sorry, Mademoiselle Daring is not here, she is sick."

" oh dear, will it affect our show?"

" no, she said it is just a simple cold, with some good rest, she will be as good as new and prepared for the show in November 15th night, Mademoiselle Daring know every songs, every moves in 'Phantom of the Opera house' by heart. We will be fine."

" I see." Russell looked disappointed. Hah, I though I smell something fishy about this ' Mademoiselle Daring'.

After we left the room, I asked Russell.

" so, tell me about this 'Mademoiselle Daring'? do I need to worry and give you a warning for Rachel?"

" no, no, it is not like that." Russell laughted nervously, while I was just giving him a silent 'are you trying to fool me?' look , he sighed in defeat. " fine, look like I am busted. I just wanted you to meet her, she is a very nice woman… you know… the kind that you should date and marry…"

" don't you dare play matchmaker with me, again, Russ. You know what I would say about that. And you got a horrible eye for a match, the only time you found a right match was Rachel."

" but this one is different, I bet you would love to meet her, she is also a big fan of 'Phantom of the Opera', too, just like you, my friend."

" uh huh…" I raised one of my eyebrows. " fine, I will meet her."

" great."

" if I don't like her, you owe me big."

" Just write it in the paper, right below the time you gave me your lunch when we were first year."

" that list is getting long, so you better pay it soon, or else I will make your child pay your debt."

" how about I let you be my first child's godfather."

" Russ, I will be all of your child's godfather . What is the difference?"

" anyway, if you like her, you will own me, right?"

" no."

" hey, that is just mean, why not?" Russell whined.

" stop whining, you are soon to be a father, and your child need a real mature man to be his or her ' daddy', not a playmate." I punched his shoulder.

" excuse me, Monsieur." A small voice came from behind us. We turned back and saw a small young blond woman.

" yes?" Russell asked. " who are you?"

" I am… the new dancer, my name is Megan Ginger."

" the new dancer? I though Anne said that we already had everyone."

" well, one of the dancers quit… and I am her understudy…"

" right, how can I help you?"

" well, Rihanah didn't leave the script for me, so I though you might have another…"

" ahh, right, Rihanah, that woman pissed me off sometime, quitting without saying anything to the manager. Let's go to my office and see if I have another for you."

Don't go with them…

They will…

Kill you…

They will take you away…

From me…

" huh? What is it?" I said to myseft, looking around. I though I hear the ghost's voice again. Or maybe I just started to imagine things because I kept hearing it? I didn't know, but never mind that, I had another important thing to do then.

" hey, are you coming?" Russell asked. He and Megan were waiting for me.

" yeah, sure, I am coming." I ran toward Russell.

Don't worry…

I will protect you…

You and I will be together…

Forever…

Soon…

(TBC)