Chapter 3: Guilliame
That Monday, Caroline reported for the auditions. Observing her and the others were the musical director Reyer, the ballet mistress Mme. Giry, the managers Monsieurs Firmin and Andre and, of course, Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny. Caroline had kept her promise to Raoul and hadn't told a soul, not even Carly. Of course, Caroline knew Carly must be suspicious of her behavior the last few days, but nothing would break Caroline's promise to her love.
What Caroline didn't know was that there was someone else watching the auditions. This person remained hidden in the shadows of the opera stage, so no one saw anything of him. His red velvet mask matched the curtains perfectly, alerting no one to his presence.
Anyone familiar with Raoul and Christine's story might guess that this mysterious masked man is Erik, the legendary Phantom of the Opera and Christine's former tutor. Yet, those familiar with Erik remember that his mask was either white or black, depending on which account of his tragic tale you heard. So why would the so-called Opera Ghost be wearing a red velvet mask? The answer is simple—the masked man afore mentioned watching the Opera auditions isn't Erik. This man is known as Guilliame.
The story of Guilliame brings us back six months before the day of the auditions. It was nearly four months after Christine broke Erik's hear and fled with Raoul. Erik, leaving his mask behind to make people think he was dead, was alone and brooding. His musical compositions were dark and tragic, reflecting the torment of his soul. That day, a boat came across the lake—in tact. Erik thought his beloved had returned and went to meet the boat. Inside, however, was a young man, lanky, tall and blond. Erik couldn't see the upper portion of the man's face, since a red velvet mask covered it. The young man's lips and chin were exposed and Erik could see desperation in the man's chilling pale green eyes.
The young man exited the boat. He stood before the Phantom and introduced himself only as Guilliame. "Why do you come here?" Erik asked. The lad explained his story to the Phantom and asked to stay under the Opera House with him. Erik had his doubts, but realized what talent this man had. Guilliame soon became Erik's new protégé, and ended Erik's loneliness somewhat. Having Guilliame around wasn't so bad, but Erik still yearned for Christine.
Afterward, Guilliame snuck around the Opera Populaire, careful to avoid being seen. His sighting may re-invoke the riotous mob that had tried to kill Erik the day Christine was kidnapped off the stage. When Guilliame had heard the managers talk about an audition, the young masked man just had to attend.
Which is where our story resumes its' correct place. Guilliame sat up in the rafters, out of sight from the others. Yet he could certainly see and hear everything that went on. No one attracted his attention and he began to believe Erik was right when he said that the auditions would be boring. He turned to leave and return to the lair, maybe spooking Little Meg on his way back down. He smiled at the thought of the ballerina's distressed and frightened face after he pulled his last prank.
A frightened Caroline was called on to the stage. She was never really one to get stage fright, but right now she had it. Monsieur Reyer took the girl's music and told her to nod when she was ready. Raoul smiled at the nervous singer, hoping to encourage his secret lover. Caroline smiled back and took a deep breath. Exhaling, she nodded to Reyer. The musical director started to play the composition and Caroline began to sing.
Caroline's singing attracted Guilliame's attention, causing him to stop mid-action. Her voice was beautiful, a little rough from not enough opera use. Guilliame turned to see where the harmony was coming from and saw a beautiful angel. She looked almost like the description of Christine Erik had given him, but Guilliame knew the real Christine. Who was this blonde angel? he wondered. He was curious and decided to stay until the end of the audition.
Caroline ended as the four observers gathered to discuss her. "We'll tell you at the end," said Monsieur Andre. Caroline was waved off the stage by Firmin as Reyer handed Caroline her music. As the girl left, Guilliame was furious. If it were up to him, that young opera singer would've been hired on the spot! The new Phantom slipped to his hiding spot above the managers' office.
In the office was Firmin, Andre, Reyer, Giry and Raoul. They were discussing in hushed voices. "What about that second girl we saw, Diane?" asked Firmin.
"Oh, yes, she was a beauty," Andre commented.
"Beauty doesn't necessary mean talent, Monsieurs," Madame Giry warned.
"Giry is right. She was beautiful, but completely tone deaf. How about the fourth girl, a Mademoiselle Sabine?" Reyer asked.
"No appeal," remarked Firmin.
"Too soft," commented Giry.
"How about the tenth soprano, Armelle?" Everyone agreed she was extraordinarily talented ("and beautiful," said Andre).
Raoulthen asked, "What about the last girl, Caroline?"
Guilliame held his breath. They were going to criticize his angel—an angel named Caroline. Guilliame knew they would be fools to not sign her. He listened carefully, moving closer to the floor of his hiding spot. "Caroline, she did have the voice of an angel," Reyer replied.
"And did look like one," Andre said.
"Yet, her voice hasn't been properly trained for the opera," Giry said.
"Giry is right—again. It doesn't sound like Mademoiselle Caroline uses her voice for opera much," Reyer said. Guilliame made a face. At first, he started liking the musical director, but now went back to hating him.
Raoul, though, needed to get Caroline into the opera to get his plan in motion. He tried to bring up Caroline's talent again. "But she is almost as talented as Miss Daae," Raoul said.
"With little training in the art of the opera," Reyer replied. Upon that, the others agreed on Armelle to fill the vacant female spot.
If Guilliame was angry before, he was in rage after that discussion. Once again, his blonde angel was passed over and denied. As well as insulted. Guilliame followed the young Vicomte as Raoul went to talk with Caroline. Guilliame wanted to see Caroline again, and longed to be the one to comfort her. Unfortunately, no one here knew of his existence. Especially her.
Raoul approached Caroline, who was staring out the window. "Hello," Raoul said. Caroline turned around and smiled at her lover. Raoul tried to return her smile, but was only able to give a weak grin.
"I didn't get in," Caroline said, dejectedly.
"I'm afraid not," Raoul said. Caroline nodded, and blinked, trying not to cry.
Raoul hugged her. "I tried to get you in, but I was out voted in that office. I'm sorry," Raoul said.
Caroline sniffed and asked, "Now what about our plan?" Raoul shrugged and told her he would think on it. Caroline pushed away from Raoul's embrace and smiled. "Well, back to Le Cirque Boheme." She kissed Raoul's cheek and walked out the door.
Guilliame ran through the back alleys to find Le Cirque Boheme. He had to see Caroline again, maybe help her get into the opera. After all, hadn't Reyer really only denied Caroline because of her lack of opera training? Maybe he could make her an offer she couldn't refuse. The one thing he kept pushing from his mind was the fact that his blonde angel was smitten with Raoul, who had also stolen Christine away from Erik. Guilliame found Le Cirque Boheme and entered through the stage door.
A/N: As of the next chapter, Chapter 4, this story will be moving to the POTO section of books. I've taken some of my reviewers' advice, some friends' advice and some of my own advice and made this decision. And I don't know if the rating will go up. I still have to think over that…I know what lies in store because I'm transferring this story from a notebook I'm writing in and with that I'm up to chapter 14…so I have to see…I'm rambling…see you next update…Mac