Opera Ghost

Chapter Twelve

Daniel insisted they go out shopping for costumes that day. He claimed his ankle was all better, but Jessalyn could still see him wobbling about on it with a slight limp. She kept her mouth shut about what she had experienced, but she couldn't hide everything. On the cab ride through Paris, Tony noticed her gazing out the window blankly.

"Hey are you okay Jess?" He asked.

"I guess so, Tony." She replied. He rubbed his chin in thought.

"Well, I guess if that what you say, I have to believe you." He said sarcastically. "Now come on, tell me what's really bothering you." Jess leaned her head against the window of the cab.

"Okay then." She finally agreed to speak. "Can I ask you a question?" Tony nodded. "Tony, do you believe in ghosts?"

"Like the one we're chasing down?" He joked. Jess found nothing about his comment funny, but she couldn't explain why.

"No, we're looking for history, proof . . . not the . . . real thing." She whispered in an angry tone.

"Tell that to Daniel." Tony said jerking a thumb at the front seat where Dan sat, not paying attention to them.

"You know how people claim to have experiences where they think they see ghosts, spirits and angels but they appear as if they are human. You know solid beings that you can see and hear. Like that." She explained.

Tony sat back in his seat, deep in thought or at least as he appeared to be. "Well I think it's possible. I mean all those people who said they saw such things can't all be crazy. I think that would be harder to believe in that than believing in ghosts. But I don't think anything like that could happen to me." He offered, picking at his nails. "Why, did you see a ghost?" he asked

You have no idea. "No I just had a dream, where that happened." She lied, not even sure of her own words.

"Well dreams have come true more than once. That is something I certainly believe in." He remarked. They didn't say anything after that, but Jess could see that Tony was keeping an eye on her. The group was faced with a problem that Daniel didn't want to address. They wanted to find costumes for the party, but there were in the heart of Paris, the fashion capital of the world. It wasn't like they could walk into a Halloween store and pick up something simple of spandex and plastic. The cab let them off at a specialty store, but for only seconds of looking around inside, Jess knew even if they found something they liked, they couldn't afford it. Jess had hardly any cash on her, so she sat in a chair by the door as Dan looked around ecstatically at the masks and costume pieces. Claudine who was supposed to meet them for lunch downtown, showed up at the story early, so Daniel's attention totally focused on her. They shopped for at least half an hour, until Claudine, Dan, and Tony found delightful feathered and beaded masks for the event. Claudine noticed Jess sitting alone.

"Jessalyn, you do not want anything for the party?" she asked.

"Yeah Jess you have to pick up something. I mean it is a masquerade." Dan insisted. Jess shook her head, in disbelief that she was listening to this.

"No guys but thanks. Besides I don't have any money to buy anything."

"Nonsense you have to go as something." Dan exclaimed. "Remember what you went as to the Pi Beta Halloween party last year?"

Jess sighed. "A pirate." She replied. Claudine giggled at the thought.

"So go as that." Dan suggested, not noticing the blush of embarrassment that rose in Jessalyn's cheeks. She couldn't believe how Daniel could annoy her to the point she wanted to slap him, and then wins over her bad mood with his innocence the next.

"I don't think my stripped red and black cut up skirt, and mock puffy sleeve skirt is going to fool anyone, much lest be accepted by that type of society at a masked ball."

Claudine paid for her purchase, then looked thoughtfully at Jess. "I have an idea. I'm asking the shop lady if I can rent a costume from storage. I'm sure she let you pick out something to wear too." She suggested.

Jess perked up. "Do you really think so? I mean the person in charge wouldn't mine?"

Claudine nodded. "Not at all. She'll only ask for a small fee to pay for the cleaning." Jess now felt a wave of relief. Perhaps this masquerade wouldn't be so bad after all.

On there return to the opera, Claudine immediately took Jess to the costume department. She held onto Jessalyn's hand leading her through the winding passages and hallways like giggling schoolchildren. They finally reached their destination, and Jess found herself surrounded in a large closet of many period dresses. They racks were hung above their heads, so the hems of the garments came down at eye level and a large step ladder had to be used to get anything down. Jess made her way through the rows and rows of gowns following Claudine and the wardrobe mistress, pushing the dresses aside like branches in a thick forest.

Claudine and the woman exchanged many excited words in French, as she picked out a gorgeous blue and white gown from one of the racks. It was so detailed and beautiful Jess had to gasp in awe despite herself. It was Civil-War era style with a large hoop skirt, and Claudine held it up to her body and danced around as if she just picked out her wedding dress. "Oh Jessalyn, doesn't this look fantastic!" she exclaimed.

"It looks great on you. You'll be the perfect Southern Belle" Jess agreed.

"Oh then you must help me do my hair for the party." She said, teasing her curls. "Madame, this is Jessalyn Greene, who I told you about. She's with the American group of students." She introduced the two.

"Nice to meet you." Jess said, shaking hands.

"Pleasure is mine, Mademoiselle Greene. I've heard a lot about you and your companions." The woman reasoned in clear English with only a hint of an accent.

"All good things I hope. I wanted to ask you if I could possibly borrow a dress? And I would be willing to pay if that's all right?" There was a pause as the woman looked to be in deep thought. "Of course if you are busy, I understand."

"No I can get you something, but I am rather backed up on some requests management has made for the party as well." She circled around Jess looking her over. "I'll need to get your measurements. You do have rather big shoulders though dear." She commented dryly. Jess blushed in embarrassment at the woman's bluntness. But she did have a point.

"That's okay. I look horrible in sleeveless gowns anyway." She sighed.

The next days passed uneventful. Daniel spent most of his time in Jess' room working on the computer, surfing the Internet and comparing notes with Tony. Jess however avoiding being in her room alone at all times, afraid of what could happen. Would he come for her again? Not wanting to let her return this time? And would she have the will to resist him? She spent her days watching the ballet practice. They had left after Thanksgiving, and Christmas was now only two weeks away. She was going to miss it. She remembered the pause on the phone after she had told her mom she wasn't going to be home for Christmas this year, even though she tired to play it off, excited for her daughter to be going on an expedition to Paris. And Dan and Tony were certainly too wrapped up in their work to even give a thought to the upcoming holidays. Besides she didn't have money for a nice dress, she was renting one, so there would be no cash around to buy her friends gifts. No tree, no home-cooked dinners, no presents, or any old-fashion traditions. Just Christmas with a bunch of strangers.

The day of the masquerade came, and Jess tried to pull herself together. She had to be happy or at least look like she was happy. This event was being held in their honor for some reason. Bored with watching the dancers for the millionth time, she made her way back to her room, ready to just take a long nap until she had to get ready. There had been no sign of the Phantom and now she was seriously questioning if she had dreamed the whole thing up. She has a history of having intense realistic dreams before. She walked in her room, locked the door and stared at her bed.

On the freshly made up sheets was a large white box, complete with a red ribbon. She examined it in awe and discovered this was no ordinary plastic bow, but actually silk hand tied around the box. She slowly unraveled the ribbon, pulled off the lid, pushed through the tissue paper to see what lay inside.

Jessalyn couldn't believe her eyes. In fact she was in such shock she dropped the box back on the bed, and it tumbling spilling out green fabric down the bed side and onto the floor. Before her eyes was a breathtaking ball gown, made entirely of green and white silk. She scooped down to pick up the dress, and held it against her bodice. She even took a moment to admire herself in the mirror. This was a gown from the early 1800's she could tell from it's cut and how the high waistline came just below her breasts. But it looked so stunning . . . and perfect on her. The sleeves where just the right length, hiding her "quarterback shoulders" as she liked to call them. It was form fitting but didn't make her look fat at all. Jess had to take a moment to laugh in pure delight. Her spirits where instantly lifted and now she could think of nothing except getting dressed and enjoying herself at the party.

She couldn't believe the wardrobe mistress had found such a beautiful piece out of the collection of costumes for her to wear. Jess tried to imagine what opera this dress was featured in. But then she noticed a small enveloped had fallen from the white box onto to floor. Perhaps the costume department hadn't sent this. She reached down to pick it up, anticipation quivering in her fingers as she tried to open it. Of course! Daniel sent this dress so I would have something nice to wear. How thoughtful! She finally managed to open and read the small note card inside.

"Mademoiselle Greene,

Tonight.

O.G."

Jess let the note of red ink fall from her hands in disbelief. She became in that instant so over come with terror, all joyous emotions from seconds ago gone, that she felt a tear of despair slipped from her eye.

This wasn't a dream anymore.

The party started at eight. Jessalyn tried to look her best with what little makeup and hair supplies she had packed. But when she arrived, she felt all her efforts in vain as she starred at the sea of masks, expensive gowns and made-up faces about her. She sighed, and slipped on the plain white mask that had come inside the box. Then proceeded to make her way through the unfamiliar crowd. She found Daniel, accompanying Claudine, with Tony who were discussing something with Bernard Ambler. M. Delauney stood off to the side, listening and watching Jess as she approached.

"Jess you look great!" Dan exclaimed. "What a lovely costume!"

"I agreed" chimed in Claudine, and was followed by compliments from the others.

"Mademoiselle Greene, that is such a delightful gown. It's suits you well, especially the color." Ambler said trying to crack a joke. Delauney stepped forward, and something about his presence there unnerved her.

"Glad that you could join us tonight, miss." He said simply, bowing his head.

"Thank you M. Delauney." She replied as if not to be rude. Through she had noticed him acting strangely toward the group, just after he had given Dan the blueprints to the cellars. He was talkative before, though not nearly as bubbly as Ambler, when he gave them the tour. But now he was silent, way out of his element. Tony rushed forward. He was dressed in a tux complete with cummerbund and white gloves. He wore a beaded red and black mask over his face. He bowed to her.

"Hope you don't mine, Dan. But it seems you already have a date for this evening, so I hope you won't be jealous if I cut in?" he said acting flamboyantly on purpose. The group laughed as Tony offered his arm to Jess. "If you would do me the honor mademoiselle?" he asked.

Jess smiled. "Of course. But don't call me mademoiselle anymore. It sounds so official and bothersome." She replied.

"Don't get too anxious to start the dancing yet my young friends." Ambler butted in. "We still have a surprise." Then he and Delauney slipped away into the crowd. The people chatted and enjoyed refreshments until everyone had arrived. Then Ambler and Delauney took center stage on the grand staircase.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please! We, the management would like to thank you tonight for being such generous patrons this year. But this night is also to honor our new American friends who hope to offer this historical opera some more much needed publicity." The crowd turned to where they were standing and applauded. Jess tried to get her mind off worrying, to get caught up in the moment. But a sense of dread still hung over her head. She vowed to stay as close to Tony this night as she possibly could.

"So for our first event, we have a small surprise. We are going to have an auction!" Ambler continued.

"I hope it's for a shattered chandelier." Daniel joked behind them.

"Gentlemen, you must place your bets if you and your partner want to be the first couple to lead the first dance of the evening!" A delighted gasp rose from the assembly. "Payment will be in Euros, tonight. But first let us invite our contestants up here. Madame Rivera, one our voice instructor" A middle-aged women in a black dressed pushed her way up in the front to stand before the crowd. "Mademoiselle Constanza Touslt, our prima ballerina!" Jess shook her head. This is ridiculous! "And Mlle. Jessalyn Greene and Claudine Breyer!" She couldn't believe her ears as Claudine grabbed her hand and rushed them forward.

Jess stood unnerved in front of all the people, like standing in the spotlight. And they all wore masks, so she couldn't even see the expressions on their faces, as she felt herself beginning to sweat.

"So let the bidding begin." Ambler announced raising his hand up like an auctioneer's mallet and throwing it back down. There was as pause before a voice yelled from the crowd.

"Twenty-five for Mlle. Touslt!" Jess sighed not wanting to guess how long this would go on. Daniel shot up his hand.

"Thirty for Claudine Breyer!" he shouted. Claudine blushed slightly. Jess caught Tony's gaze. He rolled his eyes, giving her a sign of he thought this was just as stupid as she did. She shook her head in reply. She didn't expect or want him to bet anything, especially on her.

"Thirty-five" Rose another challenge from the back.

"Forty-five." Dan offered and Jess pondered on how much cash he really had to blow.

"Fifty!" The stakes climbed again. Jess saw Dan pout.

"Sixty!" he exclaimed to many oohs and ahhs from the crowd. Jess now certain she wasn't going to win, much lest be considered, started to walk away already accepting her defeat.

"Twenty thousand." Called out a cool, calculating voice above the roar. Jessalyn snapped to attention as the entire crowd turned to a figure, dressed commonly in a black tux like the others, with a long cape draped over his shoulders. "For Mlle. Jessalyn Greene." He finished.

Jess paused dead in her tracks. He was many yards away but Jess felt as if he were right there in her face. It was him. And he was calling out his lucky number.

Ambler looked around aghast, and Dan and Tony tried to see over the crowd at the mysterious bidder. "Do we have anyone for . . . over that number?" Ambler asked meekly, not even bringing himself to say the offered amount. No answer. "Well then going once . . . twice."

Sold. There was no escaping now...

"The first dance of the evening belongs to the lovely Mlle. Greene!" Ambler offered up and the crowd replied with cheers and clapping. "Congrats sir, you've may start your well-earned waltz with a pretty American girl." Ambler tried the chuckle even in his overwhelm stated. A young man in a tuxedo rushed up to him, handing him a packed envelope.

"From the gentleman, sir." The man whispered to Ambler. "It's all cash." Ambler nodded then motion to his fellow manager for a private chat. He had paid for her, before she had even stepped onto the dance floor.

Jess stood there watching him, and step by step he approached. The crowd parted before him like the Red Sea separating for Moses. She couldn't leave or run away, then they would know something was wrong. If Dan, or Tony or anyone else for that matter found out what had really happened to her, and what she had found, she knew their lives would be in danger. She couldn't risk it. She took a deep breath and then a step forward, willingly moving to meet him. She would play this ghost's game one more time.

She could tell he was surprised to see her actually walking toward him. A long black cloak of rich velvet with red backing draped over his shoulders, trailing behind him on the floor. He wore an elaborate mask, with long flaps hanging from each cheek, past his jaw line. It was black, gold and red, covered in sequins, gaudy looking, blending in with the rest of the masks perfectly.

Each step she took she felt her as if her foot had become a lead weight, yet she went on, until she was face to face with him. She extended out her hand gracefully, playing along with this charade.

"Good evening, my lady." He said bending to kiss her awaiting hand. Again Jess tried to suppress a thrill as their skin came in contact once more.

"I see you have won me as a mere prize, sir. So I'm obligated to do what you wish with my company." She said sternly. She could Daniel out of the corner of her eye, now able to see them. Erik wrapped his arm around her waist like a serpent, and pulled Jessalyn close against him.

"Yew, well it would be wise not making a spectacle of yourself in front of all these people. And I certainly wouldn't let you expose my little secret, my dear." He whispered into her ear, deliberately. The cords of opening violin notes were struck as the waltz started. "All I ask for now, is a dance." Taking her hand, he led her out onto the awaiting dance floor, grinning under his mask as he passed Daniel and Tony, no doubt delighting in making them jealous. She didn't know how to look at her friends, without betraying her emotions. She wanted to mouth the words "Help me" or give some sign in her eyes that she needed assistance. So she adverted her eyes as she passed them.

And there they stood alone on the floor. Other couples gathered about them on the perimeter, but Jessalyn felt miles away from them. Then she realized she knew nothing about ball room dancing, but she followed his lead and began to be swept away in the slow music. Soon, she felt as if her feet were floating and she had been dancing like this all her life. In his arms, Erik had transformed her into something graceful, and now all that high class Paris society could do was watch her, the affection of the wealthiest man in the room.

"That gown looks breathtaking on you, if I might say." He noted examining the dress on her, taking in every detail with his precise gaze. "It matches your eyes very well."

"Thank you. I'm glad I can indulge in your fantasy as having me as your pampered pet." She retorted. He flung her about to face him.

"Excuse me?" he asked coldly, his grip on her glove hand tighten ever so slightly.

"Well you pick out what clothes I will where. Taught me to fear every step I take in this gilded cage. And you give your best damn attempt to make me cower in your presence." She explained, not caring how harsh and impolite she acted toward him. He pulled her back against his body. She could feel the rapid pulse of his heart and the heavy breathing against her bodice. This ghost of a man, upon her.

"Is that so? And you are giving you best attempt to not act frighten at all. Well I could think of many other ways to treat you, if that is what you desire, Jessalyn." He spoke in a tone that she could only describe as sinister, and her blood went rushing through her at the sound of his voice speaking her name. He was toying with her, and both of them knew she could not run away now. Too much was at stake, too many suspicions would be aroused. The music continued and she was whirled about the floor in a dizzying speed. Colors, faces, fabrics and lights all meshed together in a web of motion.

Leering satyrs, peering eyes . . . Masquerade, run and hide but a face will still pursue you . . .

Erik spun her about one last time at the climax of the music. He stretched out her arms in a dramatic pose, letting her back push against his chest. She closed her eyes as the last notes drew to a somber finish. Her heart beat like a hummingbird's in her breast, and a drop of moisture started to form on the tip of her nose. Deafening applause from the party goers flooded her ears, only broken by the sound of his breath lingering behind her ear. "You should feel very fortunate thought that I find your boldness quite charming." He said. Jess unable to stand it any longer opened her eyes.

And met with the sad face of Daniel starring back at her. He was a few yards away, beyond the other dancers, but she could see him clearly. Claudine was not at his side, nor did she appear to have been anywhere near him during the dance. He just stood there alone, starring at her. And the look of bewilderment on his face, literately broke her heart. She pushed herself away from Erik, not turning to look back at him. She stormed her way through the crowd in the opposite direction, her face hidden. Away from Daniel, from Erik from all of this. On the outskirts of the crowd she accidently bumped into M. Delauney, who was alone with a glass of wine. She tried to make herself look presentable, holding back her tears.

"Please sir, could you direct me to a place where I might gather some fresh air?" she asked softy. His gaze turned to a near by flight of stairs.

"Up those stairs and to your left, go right at the second hallway you come to. There you will find the entrances to our upper, outside balcony windows. That hallway also leads up to the roof . . . should you want to be alone." He commented, sipping his wine when he finished. Jess gathered the folds of her long skirt.

"Thank you sir." She offered and took off up the stairs without another glance behind her.

"Mom, did it take Andrew Lloyd Webber 20 minutes to write Phantom of the Opera?" -Eric Cartman

A/N: Another cliffhanger! I'm as crafty as R.L. Stein (Or am I?). I'll probably get punjabed for cutting it off here. Anyway lots of good stuff coming up in the next chappie, I promise, and I'll keep the updates closer together. I'm working hard. I assure you. Ask my back (ouch I have crappy typing posture!) And why is it all the good ideas have to come at two in the morning? Just Kidding. Love all the reviews, I can't tell you how happy they make me. To all my readers you are one of the inspirations that keeps me writing (and of course our dear Angel of Music :)

Typing in silence, PC