Chapter 4
Nicole hid quickly against the bottom of the boat.
Her heart was racing in her chest, wondering if perhaps he had seen her. She cursed herself for wearing a bright yellow dress.
He had to have seen me! I am wearing the brightest dress in the world!
She lay in the boat unsure of what her next move should be.
She was probably the only person to know he was still alive. The night of the opera house fire was not far from her mind. He was the one to cut the chandelier down, he burnt the building to the ground. He was a murderer too, if the rumors were true.
I need to turn back! Belle will be worried sick about me!
Just as she was standing to leave she heard the music stop and the Phantom say, "Mademoiselle I know you are there."
He knew right when Nicole came to the opening to his home. She wasn't exactly being quiet. First she plunged that pole into the water and then she rocked the boat when she tried to hide in the bottom of it.
She is wearing a bright yellow dress surely she must realize I can see her clearly?
He had taken a risk in playing his music. After the fire the construction of the opera house became less stable, making it easier for his music to be heard.
He had a sudden fear that she may leave now and run to the police and tell them about him. He realized that he needed to talk to her, get her on his side. He knew his voice was still hypnotic and judging by the ease of which she came this far he knew she would be easily swayed.
"Mademoiselle I know you are there."
He must have startled her for he heard a large splash and knew she fell out of the boat.
He got up from where he sat and headed to the opening.
He came upon a rather frustrated young woman. She was trying to get back into the boat but every time she just fell back into the water. Only the lower half of her body was soaked in the murky water, each time getting a little more wet as she tried to get in the boat.
She turned when she noticed he was in standing behind her. He smirked at her display and that made her blush a deep red.
He stood up straight and crossed his arms over his chest. He mentally thanked himself for wearing one of his nicest suits that day and knew he must look intimidating.
He was going to make sure she was afraid enough of him to not tell a soul that she found him. He was a fool for bringing her down her, for showing her the way to his home. Weakness had brought her down here. His weakness of needed to be in control of something, anything again.
"What is your name, mademoiselle?" he asked sternly.
"Nicole Lafette."
"And what are you doing in my opera house, Mademoiselle Lafette?"
"I, I was exploring the ruins."
Her voice was timid, and her looks even more so.
Her big brown eyes were as wide as saucers, fighting back tears. She was shivering from being half soaked and half in fear.
His heart softened looking at her, and he decided he need not be so gruff with this girl.
"Do you know who I am?" he asked.
She looked up at him, looked him straight in the eye, trying to show courage, "You are the Phantom of the Opera."
He nodded, "You are correct, Mademoiselle Lafette."
"What are you going to do with me?" Nicole whispered, trying to hide her fear.
Again his heart grew soft with hearing her small voice. It was almost melodic.
"Do not fret Mademoiselle no harm shall come to you." He said in a soft feathery tone to soothe her.
It seemed to work for she stopped shivering and her eyes no longer held tears.
"What is your name Monsieur?" she asked suddenly.
Her question threw him off guard. He wasn't expecting her to want anything to do with him, let alone ask for his name.
In truth he was rather excited to answer. She would be the first person in a long time to know his real name. He truly was starting his life over.
"My name is Erik."