Vara sat on the small stool in front of the mirror, Charlie fussing over her hair as Mimi held a small box full of hair pins, asking questions here and there and Charlie answering back, glad to have an admirer nearby. Carly was sitting on the edge of the hotel bed, blushing, as she was talking with Ida, who also had a very light tint to her cheeks. It had been only yesterday since she received her first letter, which she burned. And only a few hours since her second one, which held a proposition. Vara sighed as she thought back to the last day and a half...
Vara grabbed the paper from Mimi's hand and put on a fake smile to cover her shock.
"Oh yeah that must of slipped out my pocket. Adler wanted to see me?" Mimi made smiled widely and nodded.
"Yep! He said it was very important. Come on!" Mimi started across the catwalk, Vara following numbly. Her eyes shifting here and there, looking for any sign of the man with the mask. Everyone was backstage celebrating the finally of their first show. Ida was feeling up some poor stagehand, who looked like he'd never even seen a women naked before. Plus he was a few inches shorter then Ida. Amanda had her posse of admirers around her giving her praises and compliments.
Even though her voice may not be what it used to be, Vara had to admit she did well tonight. Mimi and Vara got to the hallway where Adler's was situated when a young Korean boy by the name of Dae-Hyun, came up shyly and asked if he could talk to Sang-mi. Mimi blushed and accepted, leaving Vara to her devices. Walking down the halls, Vara heard Adler talking to someone. She was about to knock on the door when she heard a very familiar voice.
"We would love to be sponsors, Mr. Adler. What kind of man would I be if I didn't go to the theatre?" Vara's eyes widened as she open the door to see Carly sitting on a plush chair smiling happily and Charlie shaking hands with an ecstatic Adler. Charlie turned to sit back down and caught sight of Vara hanging back in the doorway.
"VARA! My Darling Bartender!" Charlie swept forward and clung to Vara, mock tears in his eyes. "This new man I hired knows nothing compared to your brilliance! And he's such a pervert!" Vara wide eyed, rubbed his back and stared at Carly who gave a meek smile and shrugged her shoulders just a bit.
"Calm down Charlie, I'm sure the girls will scare him off." It was true. Charlies models were very protective of each other. The lot of them tended to scare off any man, or woman, that seemed... Shifty. They were all girls of odd backgrounds. None of them looked like they should be model. Some were plus sized, some very tall, or too short. Charlie may be a fashion designer but He hated "high fashion" models. 'Too catty for their own good' as he said in a catty tone himself.
"That's what I'm afraid of!" Charlie wailed even harder, "He's sooooo cute!" He stressed his words in a deep guttural voice. After a few more exaggerated sobs her quieted and released Vara and smiled devilishly.
"Darling we have sooo much to catch up on. And since I've taken up leave for a bit, I'll be seeing more of you. Tonight, we are going to dinner. Dress nicely." Then he was off. Carly stood up and gently walked over to Vara arms outstretched.
"I missed you so much. I can't wait to talk to you. See you tonight." And with a gentle smile she walked off, to the sound of Charlie helplessly calling out for his twin. 'Those two will never change.' Vara laughed to herself. Adler cleared his throat and caught her attention.
"Why didn't you tell me you were close with the Dillinger's?" He gestured his hand to the chair previously occupied by Carly.
"They were close friends, and don't really want to be known by their fathers empire." Vara answered simply.
"Well they are now the main investors of Theatre Star. Now onto the business at hand." Adler sat down and his face became gravely serious. "Our next show is going to be Phantom of the Opera. This will be a defining moment for many people. Including you." Vara raised an eyebrow.
"Me?" Adler smiled cryptically for a second or so, then resumed.
"This is your time to show me what you got. You'll be in charge of make-up," Vara's face lit up considerably but Adler had more in store. "From the stories your friends have told me you also have an eyes for fashion, due to Mr. Dillinger. I also am going to put you in charge of costume design." Vara was close to hyperventilating.
"T-This is... I mean Y- Thank you!" Vara grabbed Adlers hand and shook it vigorously. Adler smiled.
"You have 7 months. I'm sure you will do very well. Now go out with your friends." Vara smiled and ran off to the cafeteria in the theatre house.
They decided to keep it when rebuilding the House, seeing as how quite a few people decided to live in the threatre. Mimi was with Dae-Hyun and Ida, chatting happily. Vara walked up and got their attention.
"Everyone, I have good news." Vara said her eyes sparkling as she looked at the group. "I'm going to be head of the make-up the department and costume designing!" Mimi squealed and hugged Vara tightly. Ida smiled and patted her back while Dae-Hyun smiled and congratulated her.
"I hate to leave right now, but I'm sure my brother is drinking right now, and if I don't stop him, We'll have another week of dish duty, for the kitchen." Dea-Hyun smiled shyly at Mimi and scurried off in the direction of the House rooms. Vara took a seat and smiled contentedly, just sort of picking at Mimi's abandoned carrots, when an idea came to her.
"So my friends from back home are here in Paris" Vara started, easing into her question.
"Oh really? They must of missed you, huh?" Ida said as she bit into a piece of roast beef. Vara nodded.
"Not only that, but they are vacationing out here. Plus I just found out that they are now sponsors of the theatre." Vara watched as Mimi's eyes widened and Ida snapped her head to her. "They want to go out to dinner tonight, their treat. And they won't mind at all if you come along, I'm sure." Vara bit the inside of her cheek, as she she waited for an answer.
A simultaneous yes was heard from both girls. Vara smiled, relieved.
"Just wear something, outrageous or fancy. Charlie will love both." Vara got up and stretched. "I'm going to go start my sketches and plans, then head bed, I'm exhausted." The three girls bade goodnight to each other as Vara walked off. Passing through the halls, she saw people chatting, laughing, kissing, even a few couples heavy petting. Walking up to Ida's door she walked in and went to her bags.
On top of one was the key to her official room. Which she had yet to see. The little number on the handle of the key read '45'. The girls had convinced her a few days ago to at least go look at her room, spend one night in it, and if she still felt uncomfortable, they would keep letting her bunk with them.
Vara had to admit she was starting to feel guilty for sleeping in their rooms so often, and did miss her privacy. Vara wasn't an extremely social person and liked her solitude...
Taking a deep breath, she picked up the key and her bags and walked out of the room down the hall. Ida's room was 11. So she ended up walking further down the hall, where people thinned out, but the people that were there were obviously drunk. They left Vara alone as she walked deeper in the hall.
The very last room. That was the one door, that said 45. The last room in the corridor. Sliding the key in, Vara took a deep breathe as she opened the door and walked in, flipping the switch on the way. The room was simple like Ida's and Mimi's, If a bit larger. Whereas both Mimi and Ida's room were slightly rectangular, enough room for the closet, bed, desk, and a small dresser, Vara's was a square shape, closet, a large desk a mirror on the wall. Vara shuddered at the mirror and walked up to it. It was a simple one that you stuck to the wall, easily removed.
The room was a cream colour and the bedding was the standard white sheets and white blanket. Vara knew she would change that very soon. Setting her bag on the bed she walked up to closet wand was happy to find empty hangers already in the closet.
The room seemed nice enough, and Vara didn't feel like she was being watched. That felt like the first time in weeks. Opening her tech bag, Vara pulled out her laptop, and plugged it in, setting it on the desk. Turing it on, she started to play her techno list. The repetitive beats lulling her in a comfortable work pace, as she placed her clothes in the closet while also looking for something to wear.
Vara never wore dresses, unless for special occasions. She'd rather wear a nice pant suit, but Charlie would give Vara an earful if she didn't show up in a dress. His dresses actually.
Vara wouldn't own any if it were up to her.
They were nice enough dresses, one silvery satin like one, the gathered near the hip and rear end, while flowing nicely on the other side stopping slightly past mid-calf. The side that gathered ended mid-thigh. Vara had yet to wear it, it felt too revealing.
Another was a pretty cocktail dress, with a white upper half, a striking red waist band, and a dark grey skirt that flared out when Vara spun in a circle, It cut off slightly before her mid calf, and Vara wore it once, when she went on an outing with the twins. But that was the problem she had already worn it. Charlie would belittle her playfully about wearing the same thing everyday.
Then Vara pulled out one that was actually A collaboration between the twins.
It was a simple Black dress, with a modest V-neck, that showed some cleavage but enough to still be appropriate. It cinched at the top, with sleeves that hung slightly off shoulder, then flowed outward once past the waist hugging middle. Mid-calf (which really was a recurring theme with many of Charlies designs) and lightweight. The perfect little black dress. Vara smiled as she laid it out on the bed, happy with her choice.
Feeling a bit tired of the techno, Vara changed the play list to her "Gothic" list. Pianos and guitar solos were in order. Vara started to change into her dress when she felt her phone vibrate. A text from Carly saying that dinner would be held off until tomorrow. There was a systems crash at the hotel, so anyone trying to check wouldn't be able to. Charlie sent the same text, if a bit more melodramatic. Vara texted Ida and Mimi, telling them the situation and bidding goodnight. Sighing Vara grabbed some clothes and heading for the showers, feeling the need for one. Not really realizing how many long she had been in her room, many people had actually migrated out of the halls to more private places.
The showers where empty thankfully.
Locking the door, Vara set her clothes on the counter and turned on the shower, the water hot immediately. Stripping down, Vara felt something poke her through her back pocket. Emptying said pocket she pulled out the letter with her name on it. Shuddering she flipped it over and was faced by a red wax skull.
Looking at it for a few minutes Vara finally came up with a choice. This... Man, or Ghost, was not going to scare her any longer. She Came to Paris for a wonderfully job, she had the chance of a lifetime with the up coming play, and she couldn't deal with that if she was looking over her shoulder every few minutes looking for a shadow, or listening for footsteps.
Vara grabbed her lighter from her discarded pants and with a simple flick, lit the little black zippo. Vara lit the edge of the letter on fire and placed it in the sink. Watching it burn for a few seconds. Sighing Vara looked in the mirror and smiled at her nude self. Even with the foggy mirror she could faintly make out her bi-coloured eyes. Still smiling Vara stepped into the shower thinking to herself 'Wonder where we're going to eat tomorrow...'
The Phantom had spent the last few days cleaning his home. It seemed as if time had merely covered his underground temple with a simple layer a dust. The Phantom had cleaned everything. His coffin, organ, every room, surface, trinket was now spotless as the day he died.
Old sheet music was put away or burned. And while the Phantom was cleaning he realized something.
He was hungry. Starving really. Going topside would do no good. He had no money. So it was time to slip back to his old ways. Donning his mask, cap, and soft soled shoes (to soften the noise while he walked). Heading through the dark halls the Phantom realized something else. All the one way mirrors were covered or gone. And many of his old trapped doors were sealed.
Frustrated The phantom choose with ceiling trapped door. A longer walk mind you, but Maybe it would be worth seeing what had become of his beloved Opera house. The door was stuck also, but with a bit of muscle he shoved it open. Blinking at the sudden burst of light, The Phantom heard a familiar sound.
Music. Odd pulsating music. Music from instruments he'd never seen but music none the less. Sliding along the ledge with the statues the Phantom saw people onstage dancing. Oddly dressed women in knickers, and breeches. Somewhere offstage The Phantom smelled paint and wood dust.
A booming voice came over the whole stage.
"We have new mics!" A man carried several small boxes. He wore odd blue pants with a simple white button down shirt. "Vara come down and set them up!" The man shouted over to where the box seats were. Following the mans gaze the Phantom saw one of the balcony boxes closed of with just a window. A set of large, wide cylindrical objects rested precariously on metal rods mounted to a thin walkway. Just to the phantom left a door swung open and out stepped a young girl, she wore the odd blue pants like the man but wore a black shirt.
She closed the door and headed back into the shadows down stairs. Staying on his perch the phantom Watched as this 'Vara' appeared downstairs after only a few minutes. Taking a smaller box from the man with the white shirt, she began fiddling with several people onstage, clipping small boxes to waist line of pants and belts. Sharing a few words with crowd she made her way up and back into the box. She left the door open this time however.
Making his way to the room he saw small switches and levers, and a small rod with a red button. The girl pushed the button and grabbed the rod.
"Alright simple mic check. Mic one test." Her voice boomed all around the theatre, almost making the phantom jump. Almost. Another booming voice was heard as well.
"My bologna has a first name it's O-S-C-A-R, My bologna has a second na-" The girl, Vara interrupted.
"Okay Rick we get it. Mic Two test." A women answered back.
"It's M-A-Y-E-R! Oh I love to eat it ev-"
"Thank you Michelle." Vara responded quicker this time, "Mic Three!"
"Everyday! And If you ask me what I'll say! Oh Oscar Mayer has a way with-"
"Mic Four!" A group of people blasted the area with off-key singing
"B-O-L-O-G-N-A!" Vara jumped at the noise and shook her head, while the group of people down on stage laughed and slapped each others backs.
The girl sighed and fiddled with some levers and knobs.
"The mics are good. Just hand one to Amanda when she returns from her...break." Vara made a disgusted face at saying the girls name. The Phantom watched as he heard a little bell sound off near Vara. Reaching into her pocket the girl, pulled out a little box, which she open. It lit up as she opened it, catching the phantoms interest.
The girl smiled and begin to pick at the small glowing box with her thumbs. Light clicking noises could be heard and then the girl closed the box with a snap, placing it back in her pockets. The girl stood, causing the Phantom to step back into the shadows. He was about to leave when he saw something that made his head spin.
The girl, who was now facing and walking out the door, had two different coloured eyes. Realization hit the Phantom almost immediately. This girl, This odd girl in tight breeches, and with glowing boxes and add technology, was the one who woke him up.
He almost grabbed her then and there, to bring her down and interrogate her on what was going on. But he thought against it. He could learn much if he'd just follow her. Shadow her like back in the old days. She seemed to know how to work these odd technologies.
So the Phantom pulled back, and for the next week or so, he followed.
The girl seemed to work the technologies in the box, and worked among the rafters, moving the "lights" onto people and fixing 'tech' problems. He had been amazed at the things he learned just by observing her and the people throughout the theatre.
It was 2012. That was something unexpected. Hundreds of years had passed while in his death. His theatre was just rebuilt. His shining achievement was left to rot for so long, but now it was just as glorious as it was opening night.
The Phantom, stole small amounts of cash here and there, stocking up for if the time came to go shopping, But Once the Phantom saw how bright the night had become wit the electric light everywhere, that maybe out of the question for sometime.
Music had changed too. Actors would bring a small 'radio' as they called it onstage and would dance to the odd pulsating music the phantom first head. Occasionally he would hear music from his own era, or new versions of the 'classical' music, but all in all, the Phantom felt out of place in the advanced world.
People were so much faster, more advanced,but yet in a way they seemed more childish, more simple.
Stealing food from the kitchen was even a challenge. Thing where in cans and boxes. They seemed safer to eat the the things he used to eat, but it was more obvious if he took something. He took to only stealing thing from the back of the cabinets.
Many of his old passage ways were boarded up, or just broken from years of abandon, but some could be saved. His lift to box five was fixed with the help of some tools the phantom found lying around back stage. It would have taken his twice as long to fix it with tool he had once owned.
He could build grand things with today's technology. Ideas began springing to his mind and best of all, music. Sweet music flowed through him. When he wasn't upstairs learning all he could, he was underground, pounding, caressing his organ, filling the cavern with wondrous music.
Tonight however he had to be at his best. Tonight was the premiere of the house first show in centuries. He dressed in his finest tuxedo. Patting his pockets he felt the letter he had written to the young girl, Vara and smiled grimly to himself. He needed to make sure this girl would not betray his whereabouts. She had yet to so far, but A simple reminder was still in order.
The Phantom swept his way along the passage ways. Many people showed up. Many in dresses and what he assumed was considered 'fine' clothing, other people were dressed more casual, he assumed, in 'jeans' and 'T-shirts.'
The opera was much different the he remembered. The music and singing was different, and the dancing was more... tribal. Not the graceful ballet. There were some moves that was similar but most was very different and strange. The plot was different too, something about it raining for months on end while a women tried to find he true love, and when they met, the sky cleared.
The special effects were very advanced and people 'awed' here and there, and clapped at the end.
When the performance was over the director stepped on stage. The Phantom made his way to the catwalks, where he knew Vara would be. The oddly quiet and strange (even by his own standards), girl.
Both the phantom and Vara was shocked when the Director said The Phantom lived once more. He felt rage at the girl, but the look of surprise confused him. Then he heard the director say something about a musical... about him. He mind was reeling. Still glaring at Vara he silently made his way up to her. She hit her head a few time mumbling to herself. He stood right behind her when she turned and rammed into him.
The Phantom stood his ground as she looked up at him. Terror covered her face. She looked up at him and shivered. As stepped to her he felt a thrill roll through him as she looked on in fear. She spoke to him, stuttering over he words slightly.
He tried something out, He spoke to her, using his old skills to manipulate his voice.
"You found my home." as he spoke he watched her eyes slightly gloss, and she nodded not speaking, but her eyes were loosing its sheen. He spoke again.
"You were the one who awoke me." Her eyes smoothed over. The dominance he felt over her raced through him. The feel of power excited him, he was about to begin his questioning when he heard one of her little friends call out to her.
Cursing in anger, but not wanting to tempt fate he began to step back, but discreetly left his warning behind. The paper fluttered to her feet just as the young Asian girl appeared. Vara snapped too and listened to Mimi. She grabbed her letter from Mimi's hand but surprisingly said nothing of their encounter. Smirking to himself, the Phantom made his way home.
This Vara girl could be even more useful. He needed to know his own history, and she could give him answers. Supply him with necessities, and altogether be the next Giry.
Even after the fire he started, The Giry's still came to him and gave him food and news from the outside, well into the years, even after Antoinette died, Meg took over and became his supplier and almost, almost, his friend.
The Phantom knew Vara wouldn't do so willingly. While he could easily use his voice to hypnotize her, he still remembered his last servant. The poor man who he had hypnotized so young, who had controlled his life for so long. He felt a small pang of pity.
No he wouldn't hypnotize her. Besides she was interesting. She had an odd spunk to her, that she tried to hide in front of others.
If the Amanda girl insulted her, Vara would wait until she wasn't looking to and give her a rude gesture, or an odd face. Only when other weren't looking. She seemed to hide herself away, and he was sure she didn't even realize it. No he wouldn't hypnotize her. She was like so many girls from his own time and now. She was self conscience, and she lacked self esteem. And there was a simple way of getting what you want from the unconfident.
He wouldn't hypnotize her. He wouldn't even threaten her. The Phantom felt himself grin wickedly. He hadn't felt this devious in so long.
He would seduce her.
Vara woke up feeling more refreshed then ever, Her first night in her room went smoothly, and tonight she would be dining with all her friends. Today was Saturday and most of the theatre occupants would be out at on the town, spending their money and playing about. Vara decided today she would relax. Checking her phone she had a few texts, one from Mimi saying she was excited for tonight and she would be out all day with Dae-Hyun. Ida saying her friend had better be cute. One from Carly saying they found a hotel. And Several from Charlie saying pretty much the same thing with all of the juicy details.
Siting up Vara stretched and and popped her back. Standing up made her way to the dresser. She pulled out a pair of yoga black yoga pants, and a navy blue tank top. She dressed in she comfiest clothing. She turned to her laptop and was going to check her email when something caught her eye.
A lush red rose was lying on her desk, a black ribbon tied around its stem. An envelope sat next to it, with her name written in the red script.
Vara hesitantly walked up to it, remembering burning the letter last night. Picking up the letter she flipped it over, No skull awaited her this time. Just red wax seal with O.G. In elegant script.
'Should I?...'Vara thought to herself. Taking a deep breathe, and against her better judgment open the letter with ease. The wax was still warm, and pliable. Vara shuddered. He had been here not that long ago. Sitting down, Vara pulled out the letter and unfolded the paper.
To Miss Vara Kingston,
I'd like to formally apologize for my actions and my words in the previous post I gave you. I am in a very comprising position and, sadly to say, panicked. I do not wish you any harm. That is the last thing I'd wish to do to you. Instead I offer my hand out to you in a hope that you may wish to formally speak with me. I have many questions I'd like to ask and merely wish that you be the one to answer.
If you wish not to, merely forget you ever saw me, dispose of this letter and I shall leave you be. You will never be bothered by me again. Though if you would like to speak, Meet me tonight in the old chapel below.
You have my word that I will do nothing to harm you in any way. I Hope to see you soon I will await for your arrival until the clock strikes three.
Your Obedient Servant,
O.G.
p.s. The rose was for the wonderful work you did on the Opening play. You deserve it and more.
Vara reread the letter two more time until she placed it down next to the rose.
A meeting... with the Phantom. Vara felt the world begin to wobbled. It was insane. The ghost man she had seen come back to life wanted to speak with her. Vara picked up the rose and inspected it while battling herself.
On the one hand she knew she shouldn't go. This man could kill her. Easily. He was dangerous. And he was a living dead. He literal Zombie. Half of her knew she should not go.
But the other half, and unfortunately this half was beginning to win, wanted to go. This man was mysterious, different and seemed genuinely sorry for scaring her. She could learn so much about him. She could use him personality and transfer it to the making of the costumes and make-up. She could literally make another him.
Vara lifted the rose and inhaled lightly. The scent was brilliantly sweet, making her slightly light headed.
Vara decided to let dinner decide. If she Got back to the theatre before three, she would see him, if if lasted longer... then it would be just a normal outing with the twins. She knew she should just say no, but she felt daring today, and would just let fate decide...
Boy was fate strange...
So as you can see I changed almost everything about this. It's still not the way I would of liked it, but I still enjoy it. I originally planned for the Phantom to be the broken man, but fuck it. I want a dark, brooding mastermind. And you all shall get that. Don't worry He'll mellow out...eventually. Sorry for the long update but I made this super long to make up. And next chapter with FINALLY be the dinner with the twins, Mimi and Ida.
Please give me you're ideas, questions, or comments. I really do need them for the next few chapters. Thank you for your support.