Chapter 5: This Wasn't in the Musical!

Penny stared as Gustave and his family disappeared into the crowd.

She let out a happy sigh. This was particularly the best day of her young life. She actually talked to the son of Christine Daae'. And he was good at singing too.

"That was something, wasn't it?"

"Nah, I was hoping she would sing. Caruso sang "Half a Pegleachi" (I think that's what she said ^^;) for us when he got off the boat."

"I bet she ain't got it no more, I'm sure she pitches perfectly but empty inside, like a plane without a –"

"Look! It's the Rock-a-fellas!"

The crowd ran over to a band of some sort; Penny couldn't tell who. She only saw a man that didn't go with the crowd. He wore a black coat, and his hair was black. The young girl didn't move. Her heart nearly stopped. She knew this man…

A year ago…

Penny was sadly walking down the sidewalk. "I was sure they knew about my parents…" She let out a sad sigh, "This is disappointing…" Fat tears appeared in her eyes. She didn't think that it was fair! She was so hated for being different; she bet that she was lied to by the police! No, police don't lie. Not even to the people they hate and despise.

"Hey!"

She stopped and turned to the man. "What do you want?"

"You look lost," the man smirked, "Need any help?"

"I'm not lost," Penny retorted, "I've got nowhere to go."

"I insist that I help you, at least."

"Please, not even an officer could help me find the identity of my parents!"

The man was shocked, she could tell. "So you're an orphan," he snickered, "This is easier than I thought…"

"What do you mean by that, sir?" The young girl glared at the suspicious man who continued giving his evil smirk. Penny growled as the man came closer. "What are you doing?"

"This won't hurt a bit…"

Penny shook the memory off and saw the same dark smile on the man's face. "Well, well, well," the man said, "What've we here?"

"…W-well," Penny swallowed nervously, "Look at the time…I best be on my way!"

With that, the young girl ran with the stranger coming at her.

Ms. Fleck noticed this from a distance. She turned to Squelch and Gangle. "Listen, I've got something to take care of," she told them, "You escort the, okay?"

"Fine with us," Squelch said calmly.

Gustave saw Ms. Fleck leave. What is she doing?

"Stay back!" Penny growled. She was cornered. To think the best day of her life would turn into her last. The man took out a knife and grinned at Penny's unseen fear. "Now just come with me, quietly-"

"Leave the girl unharmed, or I will shoot."

The man quickly turned with a frown. Ms. Fleck did indeed hold a gun in her hands, glaring at the man. Penny let out a small gasp. "Look, we don't want any trouble," the man said, "I was just talking to my daughter here."

"While holding a knife to her," Ms. Fleck said with a plain face, "I don't believe it."

The man glared at Penny whose breathing came out short.

"Get away from the girl!"

"…This isn't over." And with that the man left. Penny's heart rate went on quickly, seen through her trembling. He had followed her all the way to Phantasma…he really was insane!

"Hello?"

"Huh?"

"I asked if you were alright," Ms. Fleck said.

"Oh," Penny said shyly, "I'm fine, thank-you."

Ms. Fleck gave the girl a smirk. "You should be more careful, kid," she said, "You were lucky I was here, or you'd be history." Penny smiled. "And I thank-you for that," she said politely, extending her hand, "I'm Penny." Ms. Fleck shook the girl's hand and also introduced herself, "I am Ms. Fleck."

"Hey! You!"

"Oh great," Penny groaned, "It's the crazed reporter again…"

"He looks awful mad," Ms. Fleck stated, "What's his problem?"

"I bumped into him," Penny answered, "Listen, I gotta go."

Before Ms. Fleck could say anything the girl ran off into the shadows. She was surprised that only after she went into the shadows she had completely disappeared…

This chapter stinks with a capital S. Aw well, nobody's perfect. Please read and reveiw