Chapter Five: A Great Development

Author's Note: The story is back in Jesabelle's point of view. (:

I sat on the floor, my chest heaving. The past month had been spent sweeping, scrubbing floors, and going miscellaneous chores. Though I continued to inquire about the Phantom of the Opera, I didn't get very far. Sometimes, when I would sneak into Box Five, I did get an odd feeling. It was as if someone, or something, was glaring daggers at me. Often I left the box as quickly as I came.

Sometimes, as my acquaintances had once said, I would hear a soft and mournful tune in certain hallways. There were no words to the sad song, and at times it made me want to cry. Other times I might hear footsteps in empty rooms, or whispers in the night. I gradually began to think I was becoming paranoid. The legends of the opera ghost were getting to my mind. Yet, no matter what I thought or experienced, I came no closer to finding the location of the ghost.

"Something wrong, Jessy?" Charlotte patted me on the shoulder, awakening me from a daydream.

I shook my head. "No, Charlotte…just thinking about home."

"Again? You must really miss that place." I received a sympathetic look from Charlotte, who turned her attention back to her work.

"You have no idea…" My mind often wandered back to heaven and to the few friends I had left behind. It was a frustrating thought to know I had been stuck as a human for over a month, but had not gotten anywhere. There was no way I could get back, as I still had to help a human. I still wondered why I had been assigned a man who hid in the shadows, where it was almost impossible to find him.

The day dragged on, the end of the work hours coming as a relief. I walked down the dark hallway, ready to retire for the night. Somehow I was lucky enough to spot Monsieur Richard and Monsieur Andre coming toward me. They were engulfed in conversation, and did not notice me as they walked past. Fate was on my side, it seemed, as I quietly followed them. Maybe they could give me a little more information on the mysterious ghost.

"What are we going to do, Richard?" Andre's voice squeaked, his tone full of uncertainty.

"We will get rid of our problem, Andre. This so-called Opera Ghost will be exterminated."

"I'm not sure...remember what happened to Buquet and Piangi? What if he goes for us next? We can't ignore his letters."

"Must you bring that up, Andre? We shall find a way to get rid of the ghost. There is no point in bowing down to some lunatic and handing over our money."

"He's become threatening, Richard. The ghost, lunatic or not, wants his money. See? Here's his most recent note." Andre handed Richard a folded piece of paper. My eyes widened as I saw the note. So, the opera ghost was still here! This was a great development.

"There is no point in keeping this. Let the obsessed performers do what they want with the ghost; we will not be shaken." Richard threw the now-crumpled note to the floor.

Stopping until they were a little bit ahead, I dashed toward the paper. I picked it up, but managed to step on an extremely loose piece of wood.

The managers turned around, giving me 'the look.' It was the stare they gave anyone who did a bad job. "Mademoiselle, what exactly are you doing?" Andre stepped forward, raising an eyebrow.

"I, er…was just cleaning up the hallway for you!" I held up the wrinkled note.

They seemed to doubt my excuse, but accepted it. I didn't think of it as a lie, because I technically was cleaning up. The trash wasn't on the floor anymore, at least.

"Well, since you are cleaning up, why don't you go clean the chairs in the auditorium?" Richard barked the order at me, and then marched away, Andre on his heels.

"Great." I muttered a few colorful words under my breath, heading back to do some work after-hours. When I was alone, I started to open the note. Maybe it would be something more exciting than a request for a paycheck. If I was lucky, and the opera ghost was dumb enough, it might even give me hints to his location!

A cold hand reached out and grabbed my shoulder. I jumped, turning around to slap the perpetrator. My wrist was grabbed, and I was suddenly staring into the face of Madame Giry. She was a kind but strict woman, the teacher of the ballet corps. "I suggest not prying into business that isn't yours." With that, I was again alone in the hallway.

Her words left my mind in a blur. What did she mean by business that wasn't mine? I thought the opera ghost was my business, as he was my one-way ticket home. She was suspicious, but so were a lot of other people.

"Opera ghost, if you're out there, listen up. I'm still on your case, no matter who you send to warn me!" I threw my shoulders back, resting my hands on my hips.

I could have sworn I heard a faint chuckle. I made sure that I was alone, but the soft laughter did not stop. Either I was imagining things, or I was not really by myself in the hall. Turning, I quickly walked to the auditorium to clean the chairs. The note was stuffed into the pocket of the odd apron I wore. When I had the chance, I would read the note. Slowly but surely, I was finally moving a step ahead in my quest.

I'm sure that the angels in heaven were laughing at me. I could almost see them standing in a circle, mocking me. Maybe they hoped I would start a genuine friendship with Charlotte or even the opera ghost, after I located him. However, I was determined to prove them wrong. I would complete this mission without real friends, even if I did feel alone.

Author's Note: Sorry for the late update. ): I was busy over the Easter weekend, and didn't get a chance to finish this chapter until now.

Whoo, Jesabelle is getting closer to finding the ghost. (: Don't worry, it won't be that easy for her to meet Erik. After all, he is a man who values his solitude, no?

Thank you, people who are reading. [= I appreciate that you have given this story almost 150 hits. (:

For anyone who might read, but does not have a FFN account: I have opened anonymous reviews. (: If you would like to share your opinion, you can under the anonymous review.

Important: I do not own Phantom of the Opera or any of its characters. I still own just the characters of Jesabelle and Charlotte.

xoxo,

Jezebel Denver