Chapter 4: He's with us, He's a Ghost

After the applause had subsided and numerous members of the crowd had congratulated Ludivine for her "exquisite voice," M. Andre and M. Firmin took the young woman aside. When the audience protested the spiriting away of the young talent, Andre announced. "Really, we must steal her for a little while to discuss her employment." At this, the crowd cheered, for every one of the former patrons agreed that this voice was far better than Carlotta Gindicelli's and was a fitting replacement for Christine Daae's. Firmin now stepped forward, making an announcement himself. "And to discuss the resuming of my management position." Andre looked at Firmin in surprise; this was something he had not expected. Ludivine, on the other hand, was smiling broadly at Firmin. She was glad to have him back… also; the thrill of being cast at the Opera Populaire was still with her. The two men linked arms and assumed a brisk pace towards their office, reminiscing about "old times." Ludivine fell behind them so as not to interrupt their spirited conversation. When in the manager's office, the three went over policies, employment, rehearsals, and, to the delight of Ludivine, salaries. When all was said and done, she signed where she was told to. Andre and Firmin each took hold of an arm and led her to the stairs in the foyer. She stood, frightened but pleased, as the two men garnered the attention of the crowd with yet another announcement. They gave a great flourish, then "Ladies and gentlemen, our new Prima Donna!" The crowd gave a great cheer, and Firmin attempted frantically to regain control for his next announcement. Finally, the crowd quieted. "And, for her debut performance, as well as the opening Opera for the renewed Opera Populaire, we are proud to present Don Juan Triumphant!" The crowd remained silent for a moment, thinking they had not heard correctly. When they all realized that the opening of the opera was indeed the very same as the last seen in this Opera House, the infamous "Phantom's Opera," a great uproar occurred. Everyone was discussing the possibilities of this decision and remembered the disaster that had happened last time. Andre and Firmin descended the stairs to "mingle" with the crowd. Ludivine found herself, in essence, alone. There were people all around her, yet she was somehow alone. Not knowing what else to do, she turned and entered the auditorium. Noticing no one in that room, she dashed up to the stage. Wandering around the sets, she ran her hand along the familiar scenery, letting memories overcome her as she had so many times since that fateful evening… Ludivine recalled the brilliance of the phantom's opera. It was unlike anything she had seen before and, so she believed, would never see again. The sensual Spanish opera had opened her eyes to the soul of the legendary Phantom of the Opera, and had instilled in her own soul an unknown passion for an unknown man… At least, he has been unknown until the actor playing the role of Don Juan had been replaced with another. This masked man had the voice of an angel and had put so much emotion into his song that Ludivine knew that this could only be the infamous Opera Ghost, the man for whom Mademoiselle Daae had been the object of great love and obsession.

Alas, Ludivine also remembered that the man who had already captured her soul had plunged with the young singer to his lair. Ludivine had been occupied, but later had questioned those who had formed a mob, always getting the same response – neither the Phantom of the Opera nor Christine Daae had been found. The Vicomte de Chagny had not been found either, and it was commonly though that the Phantom had taken both far away, killing the Vicomte and forcing Mademoiselle Daae to take him as her husband. Meg Giry often shuddered to think of what horrors have befallen Christine, her best friend, on the night of the fateful wedding.

Ludivine could still vividly recall every movement the Faux Don Juan had made, the quickening of her heart and shortened of breath… however, she could not recall the face behind the mask – another patron had stood up just as it had happened, blocking her view. The next thing she knew, everyone was screaming…

"Mademoiselle Juliette?" a soft, timid voice invaded her thoughts. "Mademoiselle?" the voice snapped her out of her reverie. She turned, and was surprised – no, appalled at where she found herself… atop the tall piece from Don Juan Triumphant! The voice was coming from the stage below, and belonged to a familiar face. It was Meg Giry. Ludivine quickly descended the steps to obtain the same level as the ballerina.

"Mademoiselle Giry, I'm sorry. I didn't… I just wanted to get away..." Ludivine was frantic to explain herself, and thus took no notice of Meg's smile. Meg laid a gentle hand on Ludivine's shoulder. "Please, just call me Meg. And don't be dory – we all long to escape the throng from time to time. I actually came to find you, so that I may tell you something…" Ludivine had calmed at the gentle voice – Very unlike her mother's, she thought. "May we sit down, if it will take some time?" Ludivine inquired. Meg nodded approval.

"Where do you wish to sit?"

"Box five." Meg gasped and went wide-eyed at Ludivine's choice, but began to slowly make her way to Box Five nonetheless. They walked the length in silence. After Meg had shut the door behind them, she signaled to Ludivine to take a seat. Ludivine obeyed, and looked up at Meg questioningly and with a frightened look on her face. Meg saw this and glided into the seat next to her and took her hands in her own.

"Oh, Mademoiselle, I did not mean to frighten you! There are simply a few things I think you should know about…the Opera House." Ludivine grinned, thinking she knew what Meg was referring to. "You mean the Phantom of the Opera." Meg cringed at Ludivine's nonchalant response. "I know, I was there the night he disappeared. No one has seen him, Mademoiselle Daae, or le Vicomte de Chagny since. I only wish..." She trailed off and cast a longing glance around the Phantom's Box.

"Yes?"

"I only wish that I may have met him. And that he hadn't left…" A now-familiar, yet strange pain came to her heart when she said that, although she did not know why. Meg had been afraid that Ludivine would respond that way. She squeezed Ludivine's hands urgently.

"Listen to me, Mademoiselle Juliette…"

"Ludivine, please…" Meg sighed.

"Ludivine, then – Listen to me! He's not what you think he is. He's murderer! He feels no guilt in killing innocent stagehands or kidnapping young women. Ubaldo Piangi was murdered simply so that the Phantom could take his place on stage, next to Christine. He has no remorse, no thought for anybody's wishes other than his own! And, unfortunately," Meg glanced about, continuing in a whisper, "He never left!" Ludivine's eyes widened, and she stood, a smile on her face.

"Then he and Mademoiselle Daae are still here? Under the Opera House?"

"No! He let Christine and the Vicomte go. They went north, keeping contact only with me. But the phantom is still here – and I'm afraid of what will happen now that you're here." Ludivine looked puzzled, so Meg took a breath in an attempt to calm herself and explained, "You see, sometimes one can hear his voice calling from the depths. Only one word…"

"Christine," Ludivine guessed.

"Yes, in a long, dreadful, depressed moan. He still loves her, you see… And you – your voice – it sounds just like…"

"Christine Daae's…"

"Oh, please Ludivine," Meg implored, seeing the glint in her new friend's eyes, "please, don't go looking for him! Swear to me – swear it on my crucifix – that you will not go looking for the Phantom of the Opera!" Ludivine placed a hand on the small silver crucifix hanging from Meg's necklace.

"I swear." Reassured, Meg stood and unlocked the door of Box Five.

"Come, then – let us go meet your fans." Ludivine smiled and followed Mg to the foyer, where the impromptu gathering had turned into a social event, with Opera House staff now wandering around with refreshments. The atmosphere was one of gaiety and renewed hope.

I won't go looking for him… but I won't prevent him from finding me…