3. MADAME GIRY
Madame Giry's house was dark. A single candle lit her room. Burning incense permeated the room with a sweet fragrance. The ball was a disaster. She observed herself in the mirror, while arranging her hair in various styles. This was her usual ritual whenever she felt lonely.
Suddenly, the candle flickered. M. Giry's eyes darted toward it. When she returned back to the mirror, she gasped. There, staring at her, was a reflection of the Phantom.
"I didn't mean to frighten you. I just thought you could use some company," said Phantom.
M. Giry smiled. "It's alright. You'd think I'd have grown used to your sudden entrances by now. Would you care for something to drink?"
"No. Thank you."
M. Giry took a moment to compose herself. She stood up to face Phantom. "Business is good, I see. You truly are a genius. You've certainly mastered the art of thievery."
The Phantom handed M. Giry a small bag of coins. "Here's your half. I wouldn't call it genius, exactly. Just alot of hard work and luck. I hope to retire soon. This rolling-of-the-dice with fate business is going to eventually get me caught."
"I understand that," said M. Giry. "The same could be said for Love. Would you continually gamble your heart away for some floozy who could never comprehend or truly appreciate you? Oh sure, there's a chance you can win. But life is too short and the odds are against you."
The phantom removed his mask and then sat on the bed. He raised his head. He looked at M. Giry. "I appreciate the advice, madame, but matters of the heart are a different beast altogether. If I could feel with Logic, life would be so much more simpler, to be sure. But that's just not how it works, Madame. If I have to live the rest of my days alone, then so be it..."
M. Giry suddenly found herself overwhelmed with pleasure. She needed to nurture this poor, starving soul. She walked to him and then sat by his side. She clasped one of his hands in hers while running the other through his hair, above his ear. Leaning close to his ear, she whispered. "It doesn't have to be that way. You don't have to be alone."
Erik turned to face her, about to speak. She silenced him with a kiss. She felt his body tense up, before it relented. Warm hands touched her face. She could sense the passion welling up within him, as the kissing became more and more intense... pursued became pursuer.
Suddenly, Erik pushed her away. "I can't do this. I was left abandoned and deserted the last time this happened, remember?"
M. Giry caressed his face gingerly. "Erik, that was a long time ago. He's not in the way anymore."
Longing to lose herself in his arms again, M. Giry leaned in to kiss him again. Her whole body warmed as his fire transferred through from his lips to hers.
Erik pushed her away again and then stood up. He picked up his mask. "I've grown to accept over many years that it was never meant to be between us. You've chosen your fate when you became his mistress. He may be dead and out of the picture, but the memories are still fresh. Good day, madame."
The phantom replaced his mask and then walked out the door.
With that, the phantom was out of her life... again.