Chapter 5: An invitation
By: PittsBurghFuzz
The next morning, Paulette could not stop thinking about Erik. In Paulette's eyes, he was such a fascinating figure, but there were so many questions to be answered. Would she ever see him again? What were her true feelings. Well, quite frankly, Paulette was pretty sure she liked Erik. But would that mean anything? Especially considering that Erik has killed several people, and not to mention, Raoul hates Erik with a burning passion.
A knock came from the door.
"What is it?" Paulette asked.
"Its me, Raoul, may I come in?" Raoul asked.
Paulette rolled her eyes. "Come in."
Raoul entered the room, and seemed semi-excited.
"Why are you so, peppy?" Paulette asked.
"Cocteau has a proposal for you!" Raoul told Paulette.
"Dear God, tell him I won't marry him."
"Its not a marriage proposal! Its an invitation to a fundraiser!"
"What makes it so exciting?" Paulette asked.
"Its a masquerade ball!"
"I'll be down there in just a minute."
Paulette slowly, but surely moved down the stairs, awaiting the appearance of Jean.
"Good morning mademoiselle." Jean greeted Paulette, kissing her tiny hand.
"Good morning." Paulette coldly stated, but with a smile on her face.
"I'm sure you brother has told you about the masquerade?"
"Indeed. And quite frankly, I think its horribly cruel of you to say that you have no more money for the project."
Jean laughed.
"What's so funny?" Paulette asked.
"Oh nothing, dove. Its just that you think so highly of yourself to believe that I would set this masquerade up just at a snag for you?"
"No. Well..."
Jean laughed. "The truth is, I haven't run out of money. In fact, Mr. Y has been supplying some of the funds. However, the new managers are horribly superstitious." Cocteau explained.
"I see."
"Well, will you accompany me?"
"I...I already have a friend in mind."
"Paulette? Have you finally fallen for someone?"
"No. He's just a friend. However, He doesn't get out too much, and I thought he deserved it."
"Really now? And who is this elusive figure?" Jean asked.
Paulette was thinking. She didn't expect Jean to ask who this mysterious man was.
"He is an ex-earl from England." Paulette told Jean.
"An ex-earl? May I ask how an earl becomes an ex-earl?" Jean asked inquisitively.
"The man defended his honor." Paulette simply stated.
"May I know the name of my rival?" Jean asked.
"Not until the masquerade, which is when?"
"In three days, Paulette, see you then. And this ex-earl of yours." Jean gave a sinister grin.