Her Story by tactics

Previous disclaimer applies.

Chapter 1

It was crowded backstage, as usual, blurred words of praise met my ears as I made my way to the chapel where I knew my Angel would be – waiting for me. As he always does.

Reaching the chapel had been a feat, considering the masses of people backstage stopping me to offer their congratulations. My rather large gown proved to be an obstacle as well. Nevertheless, the need to hear his opinion of my performance overwhelmed me.

As soon as I reached my refuge of sorts, I lit a candle, illuminating the framed portrait of my father on the altar.

I hope I made you proud tonight, father…

Then a voice, my Angel's sweet melodic voice, sounded and echoed around the small room.

"Brava, brava, bravissima…"

A smile of pride was then etched into my features. He approved! Just then, Meg appeared at the doorway and sat next to me, offering her sincere congratulations and asked me who was teaching me, my great secret, so to speak.

I told her of my Angel, my tutor.

She looked at me, disbelievingly. A mixture of apprehension and caution crossed her features. It could've been in my mind, but I heard a familiar violin tune echo around the room, engulfing me in its glorious warmth. Lyrics from long ago left my lips as Meg led me out of a chapel.

Angel of Music –

Guide and guardian…

Grant to me your glory!

Angel of Music,

Hide no longer –

Come to me, strange angel!

I felt his presence all around, an unspoken feeling of security and slight anticipation then crept into my heart. The mere thought of seeing him thrilled and frightened me at the same time… It must have shown physically as Meg looked at me worriedly and led me by the hand to search for her mother.

Madame Giry led me to my dressing room, firmly closing the door behind us. Then she turned to me and said with a motherly smile, "You did very well, my dear…"

Then she retrieved a single dark red rose among the numerous bouquets that decorated the room. She placed the crimson blossom in my hands and said softly, "He is pleased with you." Tentatively I stroked the black silken ribbon that was wrapped around the flower's stem. A soft smile touched my lips.

I was lost in my giddy happiness of having pleased my Angel; I did not notice Madame Giry take her leave. The flower's soft petals tickled my cheek as I inhaled its sweet scent. I walked over to my vanity and lit the candles surrounding it, giving more light to the room. I placed the rose on the table, just admiring it with a dizzy, childlike affection.

Was it possible to be attracted to something, or someone, that one has not seen before?

I lost my train of thought as I heard a familiar tale being told by a familiar voice. "Little Lottie let her mind wander…" the voice said – it was distinctly male. I turned around to find my suspicions correct. It was Raoul, with a large bouquet of pink carnations in hand, reciting to me my favourite tale as a child. I could not help but smile, my previous disappointment at him not noticing me temporarily forgotten.

He recited the rest of the story, and we reminisced for a while, talking of what we used to do as children. Then I told him of my Angel of Music and in reply he said, "Oh, most definitely! You sang like an Angel tonight…" and embraced me. Confusion flooded my mind – did we really reconcile after discussing our past in five minutes?

He released me and said, "And now, we go to supper." I realized with defiance that he did not believe me when I said that the Angel of Music had visited me. I replied with a subtle cold tone, "No, Raoul! The Angel of Music is very strict!" He gave me a boyish grin and teased, "Well, he shan't keep you up late..."

With that, he sauntered to the door and said, "I'll be around with my carriage. Two minutes, Little Lottie." Before he could hear me reply he had closed the door on me. I frowned. Raoul had always been the sort of person who got whatever he wanted and loved it. My frown deepened. Maybe those years of separation really had changed the both of us.

With a sigh I changed out of my costume into a comfortable dressing gown, intending to go to bed. The day was just so exhausting.

Just as I emerged from behind the screen and my hand was about to turn the doorknob, his voice resounded, cold and hard, around the room. He was accusing Raoul of taking advantage of my success, and attempting to share in the triumph that was rightfully his and his alone, considering he taught me everything I knew. He was stating the truth really. I had known that Raoul would not have noticed me at all if it weren't for me replacing Carlotta tonight.

I decided that I wanted to see him – to see my Angel in the flesh. I called to him beseechingly. His voice then warmed and returned to that deep, silky tone that I was so used to, that I loved to take comfort in. He told me to look in the mirror.

As I did, my breath was caught in my throat as I saw a silhouette take shape in the blackness of the mirror. A sharp outline of a porcelain white mask took shape, and then a lithe form of a man dressed in dark formal wear. I was mesmerized. Did angels truly take shape as humans? With a presence so demanding yet so sinfully attractive at the same time?

Against my better judgement I walked towards the mirror like a moth to a flame. Here was a man that had tricked me into believing that he was an Angel of Music, and he did not even vaguely resemble one. By right I should have been angry and ran out of that room to tell Madame Giry… but I didn't. If anything, I took a twisted comfort in the fact that my mentor was human.

The mirror slid open to one side, and this Angel, this man… God, I did not even know how to refer to him anymore! He had a gloved hand extended to me, inviting me into the catacombs of the Opera House. Hesitantly, I reached out my trembling hand and placed it in his, expressing my trust without words.

TBC

A/n – Yes, I am aware of the slight Raoul-bashing.. What can I say? No one likes him! This is an EC fic – nobody's SUPPOSED to like the fop… So yes, another chappie finished… Review only if you want to, no worries.