A/N: This is the shortest chapter ever. As I was breaking things up, I realized I had this one random perspective shift, hence short chapter. I'll post the next one shortly. Enjoy, and thank you for the reviews!
Chapter 14
When they reached the dressing room and false mirror the next morning, Madame Giry was waiting in Christine's old chair. She stood up as the mirror opened.
What a sight to see the opera ghost, in cloak, mask, and hat, standing silhouetted in the doorway while a pale, skinny child in a tutu clung to his leg and tried to hide behind his thin frame. Madame Giry covered her mouth, hoping her expression conveyed the required fear and respect rather than amusement. The phantom had long since ceased to scare her, though his overwhelming presence, the few times he had exposed her to it when clarifying his needed supplies, still made her slightly anxious. At this moment, she hardly noticed him at all. She cared only for Christine's trembling daughter.
She got down on one knee and held out a hand. Strict as she was, it could not be said that she did not love the girls entrusted to her care.
"Mademoiselle Émilie," she said kindly, "would you let me lead you to you lesson? We've been waiting for you a long time."
The girl came hesitantly, but of her own accord. It seemed her father would pull her back at the last moment though. He had grabbed her shoulder and started walking backwards.
"Monsieur," said Madame Giry conversationally, "Meg and I would like to take tea with her and then I shall bring her back here at one, if that is agreeable."
With great effort, the phantom stopped moving, uncurled his hand from her shoulder finger by finger, and gave her a little push forward. He had to swallow twice before he could say tightly, "Yes, that will be fine, Madame."
Émilie took Madame Giry's hand and allowed herself to be led out of the room while the older woman distracted her with compliments on her tutu and promises of how much fun she would have and how Meg would dote on her. Only once did she glance back to see her father standing in the doorway, watching her leave. Behind the mask, his eyes betrayed no emotion. He had prepared for this moment well.