A/N!!! My apologies my friends! Chapter 6 I posted was only the rufdraft=( THIS chapter is all ready and spell just fine! Enjoy and please R&R I'll have the next chapter up soon!!!
Chapter Six
I was laughing to myself when I shut the two way mirror; it felt good to laugh at those idiots again. It was the same every time - they think they're brave and without fear, but once they get a little taste of the Opera Ghost, they go running with their tail between theie legs! Ha! This little group was certainly amusing, though, to see their face's pale and eyes grow wide.
It has been awhile since I've had any fun, I thought to myself.
I looked up when I heard the door to the prima donna room swing open and slam shut. I saw Mlle. DeBeaux searching the darkness.
"Hmmm, what are you up to now?" I whispered stepping closer toward the glass.
She stopped in the middle of the room and put her hands on both sides of her hips. What are you looking for girl? She then glanced at herself in the mirror briefly, and she then did a double take and began to smile. The look on her face made me feel uncomfortable, as though she was looking right at me, as if there was no mirror at all. An involuntary shudder ran throughout my body, and to make things worse, she began walking toward the mirror! As she got closer, I took several steps back into the shadows, and I began to feel sick with memories. Flashes of Christine flashed before me, of the night of her debut. I lead her through the mirror then, and now Josephine had the same uncanny gleam in her eyes, just like Christine had....
I swallowed hard. "Stop it. Stop it!" I grounded through clenched teeth. "Now was not the time for those thoughts."
When I saw her hand go to open the mirror, she stopped mere inches of the gilded frame. She didn't open the mirror after all, and she only stood there. I knew she wouldn't open it. But what was this strange feeling within me now? anticipation, perhaps? or was it disappointment?
I groaned loudly, irritated with myself.
She started wrinkling her brow in wonder, and she tilted her head toward the mirror – listening, no doubt. I felt like kicking myself for being so careless. I must get used to walking about unknown and unheard. All these years of isolation have caused me to become quite careless - Stomping around without any caution or concern. Now I must perfect it again. I must get used to being around them, I thought gritting my teeth.
The sound of footsteps outside the door caught both of our attention. Josephine hid behind the door so she wouldn't be seen by whoever walked through the door, I assumed. A young girl poked her head through the door, timidly walking in. She was a rather petite little thing with blonde curls.
"Josephine? Josephine?"
"Ah, so this must be the 'Olive' Josephine was speaking of when she was in my lair…"
I turned my attention back to Josephine, who closed the door silently behind 'Olive'. She then smiled wickedly to herself. Intrigued, I stepped a little closer, and she crept behind her little friend and poked her sides. The young girl screamed so loud that if she went any louder, she might have broken the two way mirror and revealed where I was. The little thing then fell over, and I felt a grin on my own lips for it was rather amusing, the clumsy girl.
"I can't believe you, Josephine DeBeaux, you should be ashamed of yourself!"
The younger girl scolded Josephine for apparently she did not find it funny. Josephine was practically on the floor laughing, but I didn't bother listening after that. I became rather bored with all their chit chat, and so I began to observe the room that once had held glory: one of the finest rooms for a prima donna. I had not had the chance to see the new prima donna suite, but from what I remembered from the prints for the construction, it is to be rather grand.
"Well, I guess—Josephine your neck! My goodness Josephine what happened to you?"
What! I looked back at the girls, and the blonde one was pulling at the collar of Josephine's dress shirt.
Blast!
"What do you mean, Olive? I'm perfectly fine"
"Look for yourself, Josephine."
Josephine walked slowly up to the mirror, and she lowered her white collar, revealing the bruises that were spread across her delicate skin. She then touched the small cut where my dagger had punctured her skin, when Josephine's eyes glistened with tears. I was unable to watch her reaction any further. I have done many horrible things to many men in my life, but never to a woman. I have wanted to hurt those women, who deserved it, like Carlotta or the Shah's disturbing mother, but I clenched my jaw and never before have I harmed a woman by putting my hands on them…
"Josephine, you still didn't tell me how those bruises got on your neck."
"I tripped and fell."
"You fell! She's never going to believe that!" I silently scolded her from behind the mirror.
"And landed on your neck? Honestly, Josephine, how stupid do you take me for?"
Grrr...
I leaned back on the wall, frustrated. I wanted to give this girl a piece of my mind for not being a better liar.
"You found him, didn't you? He's the one who did that to your neck, didn't he?"
Hearing the blonde one emphasize the word him, made me stand up straight and resume my position near the mirror. I looked from Olive to Josephine and then back to Olive who went on with her panicking tantrum.
"Olive, please calm yourself! It's not--"
"Calm myself? I can't calm down! You found the Phantom of the Opera!"
I cursed under my breath. If that girl goes to the authorities and tells them her friend found the Opera Ghost still alive… I will be done for! I am still wanted for murder. I might as well go back to my lair grab what I can then leave!
"Olive, please. You must believe me when I tell you that he's dead. I saw everything with my own eyes, do you understand? There is nothing to worry about."
I held my breath in my throat. She better believe you, girl, I thought bitterly.
"Is- Is the Phantom of the Opera really dead Josephine?"
Josephine pulled her arms around herself, as if holding herself together. An expression then played across her face that I could not comprehend. Was it remorse? No, what would she be remorseful for?
"Yes, Olive... he's dead. He's been dead ever since the opera burned down.... there's nothing to fear."
The sound of Josephine's voice was calm and reassuring. I forgot that I was holding my breath until I let it out. I waited until the two girls walked out of the room to make my way down to my lair.
Finally able to relax in the privacy of my lair, I went into my room spreading out on my bed. I rolled onto my stomach to get comfortable. I realized my throat was getting more irritated and my lungs were sore from the long journey above.
I coughed hard to gain some moisture into my dry throat, but it didn't help. I then rolled onto my back and began contemplating on all that happened tonight. What an exhausting night!
It had been almost five years since I came in to contact with another person; Antoinette Giry only came back to the opera house after the fire was cleared just to make sure I was still alive. She never came back again - after all she had done for me and I for her - she never called up on me. It was for the best, I would always reassure myself. But she was the only person I could call a friend. I take that back, there is Nadir, but that fool of a friend went back to his home land long ago.
I felt my chest tighten when I realized how alone I really was, and then this girl had interrupted my solitude. How dare she...
You didn't enjoy the contact with her....?
"No, I did not."
You lie…
"And because of you I almost killed her," I spat, with an acid tone.
Yes, but if it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have met a new friend. Besides, she really is a pretty little thing, isn't she? So talented with that sword, and just imagine what she looks like when she dances.
I didn't answer the voice. I only raised an eyebrow to the question for it was too hard to see her beauty when she was cover with dirt and soaked in water. But the one thing that did catch my attention was her eyes; they were beautifully round, almond shaped eyes with long black lashes. They weren't like Christine's at all.
Christine had big, innocent dark brown doe eyes, and she was always too trusting, but this Josephine DeBeaux's eyes were quite the opposite. Her amber eyes were mysterious, untrusting, and cautious. How unlike Christine indeed! And the expression she would make as she was thinking made me want to know what she was thinking. How very odd; she is very different than most girls.
"I've never really seen a woman other than the actresses who where men's clothing or actually use a man's sword." Standing in a defiant position, a smile spread across my face.
"A woman knowing how to fence? Ha!"
I mumbled drowsily. The night's events finally trigger my body to finally want to sleep. I felt my heavy eyes close for the night, but one thought made its way out.
"What new surprises are in store?"
***
Once I had more strength within me, I raided the good Doctors laboratory yet again to gather the medicines and herbs that I lacked. Only this time I did not disrupt anything even though it was quite tempting. He was rather crossed about the last time I misbehaved in there. I felt the devilish grin rise up to my lips; word got around that supplies and food were missing, and many had started to talk, but I for one was not worried about their gossip.
I was seated in box five. It had been weeks since I had come up to the surface last. I had spent most of my time at "home," recuperating back to the way I used to be. My health had gotten better considering that I wasn't poisoning my body anymore. I had to get my body used to food again, so I started eating mostly broth and some bread. Once I was able to keep it down, I went onto solid foods that would give me the proper nourishment that my body needed. Therefore I had to eat three time a day...
Leaning back I let my head fall back against the plush red cushion of my chair. I closed my eyes out of complete boredom. I was bored, and I hated being bored. Also, I was sluggishly tired from the lunch I had consumed. This is what I get for eating! I sighed hard removing my mask to rub my eyes, which burned slightly. I wondered if I had been sleeping too much?
Out of nowhere a piercing scream made me jump out of my chair. A petite young woman with blonde curly hair came running onto the stage and hid behind a stage prop.
"This little one seems familiar..."
Then it dawned on me.
"This girl was the one Josephine scared in the prima donna room! Her name was...O… Ol... Olive!" I snapped my fingers. "That's her name. And if Olive is here then that means Mademoiselle Josephine isn't far behind."
As if on cue, Josephine stepped out onto the stage searching for her small friend. In this light, I was able to see Mlle Debeaux for what she really looked like. Her long brown hair spiraled over her shoulders like waves at sea. It was wavy at first but curled half way down her back. Her oval face had soft features, and she had an average Parisian nose. Her full lips were a soft shade of pink, and I was reminded of the white roses that turn pink at the petal's tip. She wore a simple gown that cut off of her slender shoulders, and the top lining came right under her collar bone. The jade gown fit her body like a second skin, and the color was quite nice against her olive tone skin.
"Olive, don't you think we're a little old for this?" Josephine asked sheepishly to the little one.
"Oh come now, Josephine! I haven't played this game in so long! I used to love it, and besides, no one is around to notice!" Olive said with a squeal.
"That's what you think my dear..." I mummbled replacing my mask.
"Now, close your eyes so I can hide. Oh, and count to 30!"
Josephine then sighed dramatically, "Fine, one-two-three-four-"
Her body shape was different then most of the dancer's, very different. They were tall and thin, with no shape to their body; some of them reminded me of a stick with legs. As for Josephine, she had shape to her - more curves - that reminded me of an hour glass and her posture was great, as that of a dancer should be.
The voices were right for once. She was quite attractive; she didn't over-powder her face like most women did these days.
My eyes followed the lines of her body, from the graceful sway of her gown to the way she brushed the bangs from her eyes. I even caught myself staring at her full breasts.
My face got hot with embarrassment and shame so I turned my attention elsewhere. My gaze settled on the new chandelier that was above me. It was different than the one before, and it wasn't to my liking at all but it would have to do.
I hadn't realized how long I had been staring at the chandelier until there was no one in sight on stage when I looked down.
With a sigh, I decided to go back to my lair. I stood up and opened one of my secret passages, closing it behind me so no sound could be heard from it. I made my way into the darkness of the catacombs, kicking a rat out of my way. I reached inside my jacket pocket for my gloves and only found one. Cursing under my breath, I turned and made my way back to box five, where I had left the other glove. Once there I retrieved my the other glove. While I placed them back onto my cold hands, something outside the door caught my attention: a shadow swayed from underneath the door.
Being that it was still early in the afternoon and I was dreadfully bored, why not play ghost to lighten my mood? I hadn't had the pleasure of giving the new staff a good scare yet… I felt a wicked smile curl my lips. With a dark chuckle I silently stood in the shadows where I would not be seen and waited for the person to enter my box. The door knob slowly turned - I couldn't help but think aloud melting more in the shadows.
"Everyone knows this is the Opera Ghost's box....perhaps I shall remind you of that."
I patiently waited for my prey.
Finally the door to box five opened and closed. I waited for the perfect moment to scare the intruder out of their mind. As the intruder walked passed me, I smiled smugly. The scent of lavender and lilac was in the air - a woman was in my grasp, even better for the thrill. They scare far too easily!
Ignoring the sweet sent, I gathered up my cloak and pushed myself deeper into the shadows, buying my time to let the curious pandora gaze upon my opera from my box. It was the least I could do, since she was going to give me the entertainment that I craved! I heard the menacing laugh of the voices inside my head, my blood pumped faster and faster as I waited, and I could almost hear her scream!
Now...do it NOW!
When she began to relax, I moved closer, making sure to throw my cloak behind me so she would hear the whoosh of it. She heard it. I was close enough to see the tension in her shoulders and the shake of her hands at her sides. A part of me wanted to just leave the poor soul alone, but the voices were too strong, as was the thrill, and I felt that I could not walk away. I took a deep breath, preparing to use my ventriloquism to surround her, but she said one word that stopped me dead in my tracks...
"E-Erik? Erik, is that you?" she turned and faced the darkness.
It was her!
Too stunned to move, I had to forced myself back into the shadows where I saw her searching for me. It was impossible to see her expression for I could only see her silhouette.
"Erik....?"
There she goes again! Damn her! I was not sure if I wanted to confront her or scare her. Pull yourself together man! I scolded myself. I was looking forward to giving the scare of a lifetime!
She lingered only for a moment longer, then she slowly walked toward the door, opening it wide so the light in the corridor shown through the box. After a few seconds she closed the door and left me there alone with my thoughts. I was standing in the shadows for quite some time after that, feeling very much like a fool. I then felt the anger build up inside me. Hands clenched into fists and nostrils flared, I stormed into the hidden pane, where I let my fury loose.
"How dare that ignorant little chit disobay my rules! No one steps into my box without my permission, no one! That is my box, MINE! AND WHY DIDN'T I SCARE HER WHEN I HAD THE BLOODY CHANCE!!! "
My voice echoed everywhere, and the stomp of my boot cause the rats to squeak and scurry in fear away from me.
"She disobeyed my rules, and she will pay. You WILL pay Mademoiselle Debeaux!"
On the way back to my lair, I went over every trick and sceam I could think of to punish her. Once there in the grotto, I paced like a caged animal, creating an idea that would teach her to never step foot in box five again. I felt the lust for blood, the urge to feel her squirm beneath my hands!
Punish her...PUNISH HER!
The voices were worsening for the need of revenge. Grabbing my coiled weapon from the table, I made my way back up to my box, and for some odd reason, the sinister song that the ballet rat had sung years ago was echoing through my head…
Keep your hand at the level of your eye
It might just save your life!
Keep your hand at the level of your eye
You just might keep the precious seconds of your life...
Magic, magic is his lasso, one swipe of it and you're through!