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After the Angel	By : kharkcom Category: M through R > Phantom of the Opera Views: 5808 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Phantom of the Opera, and I do not make any money from these writings

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"Catalina! Hurry up! The performance begins in half an hour. You should be ready by now!" A tall shapely blonde yelled up a flight of stairs. The powder blue satin ball gown she wore matched her eyes perfectly. She glanced in a mirror hanging on the wall beside her and fluffed her golden updo. After tugging her opera gloves up, she began to tap her foot impatiently.

Up the stair a petite brunette was running around searching for shoes to match the deep red of her dress and lips. The dark curls pinned atop her head bounced as she knelt down on the floor and shoved a violin case out of her way to look under the bed.

"Where are they? Where are they? There they are!"

She crawled under the bed and pulled out two black ankle boots with sizable heels. As she started out she banged her head and winced before sitting on the bed to quickly pull her shoes on. The silk of her gown rustled as she moved rapidly. Her almost black eyes shone with excitement while a faint blush added color to her creamy complexion.

"I will be down in a moment! Just wait a bit longer Lizzy!"

The blonde shouted back up at her angrily. "Elizabeth! Not Lizzy you insufferable twit!"

Cat rolled her eyes. I have called her Lizzy since we were five. I am not changing just because she has gone all sophisticated on me!

Catalina Hyde and Elizabeth Sharpe had been friends since their parents meet at gala when they were children. The girls were five to be exact. Now fifteen years later Cat's parents were dead and Elizabeth's parents, a count and countess, decided to gift the two girls with a trip to France for their twentieth birthdays, which happen to fall within two weeks of each other. Elizabeth was older of course. This would be the first time either of them had left England.

The girls had been in Paris two days now and the opera they were scheduled to attend tonight started shortly. As usual, it seemed Cat would make them late. Elizabeth sighed and checked her hair again. Her white gloves moved to untangle a curl that had attached itself to her dangling earring.

Cat suddenly tore down the stairs, her purse and wrap thrown over one arm as she attempted to put her necklace on.

"See. I am ready. I told you it would just be a minute. Have I ever been wrong?"

Elizabeth looked at her best friend and arched a golden eyebrow.

"On second thought, do not answer that. Is the carriage here?" Cat inquired.

Elizabeth's reply was tart. "It has been here twenty minutes already. I have been ready for thirty. What took you so long?"

They started out the door together.

"I could not find my shoes. And I misplaced an earring. And my hair was being uncooperative."

"And you were still reading your book until ten minutes ago." Elizabeth snapped.

"I was doing no such thing. I was simply...I was..." She faltered a bit, trying to find an appropriate excuse. “I was checking the date to make sure we were not getting ready for nothing while the show was tomorrow. We did that once before."

Cat ignored the driver, who as trying the help her in to the carriage and slid quickly in. Elizabeth, however, accepted the hand up with a soft smile and got in after her friend.

"We did that because I listened to you, Miss Catalina. as to when the event was. I learned my lesson after that. I checked. Not to mention I doubt you can find much mention of dates and operas in Dante's Divine Comedy. So the driver is quite handsome. What do you think?"

"So maybe I was not looking for the date but I started getting ready at least fifteen-What was that?" The carriage began to move as Cat tried to recover from Elizabeth's sudden subject change. "You worry far too much about boys. They are not that interesting."

"You worry far too little about gentlemen. You're twenty years old for goodness sake. Now is when you are supposed to worry about them." Elizabeth then pulled a small mirror from her purse and began to primp.

"I will worry about them later. At the moment the only ones I wish to deal with are Shakespeare, Milton, Swift and Voltaire." Cat replied dreamily.

Elizabeth sighed and put the mirror away. "What am I going to do with you?"

"You are going to do exactly as you always to. Alternate between ignoring me and micromanaging my social life. I do believe we are here." Cat said as she opened the curtain to see the famous Paris Opera House. "Brilliant architecture. I suppose that is one thing the French can do right. That and pasties. And Alexandre Dumas. And the philosophy. Except for Rousseau of course. He's just a misanthrope."

Grinning, Elizabeth looked out her window. "I can think of a few other things the French can do as well."

"Alright, you can just be quiet now." The carriage came to a stop and the driver opened the door to help them out. Again Elizabeth accepted with a smile while Cat ignored him.

"How well is your French Lizzy?" Cat asked quietly as they began up the front stairs.

"It's Elizabeth and it is a little rusty. Yours?"

"Plus que competent je crois."

"I suppose we're set then. You talk and try not to get us arrested or something equally horrible while I stand next to you and look pretty."

"You always were better at looking pretty than I waas anyway."

"Oh now you be quiet."

The girls walked up to the door and Elizabeth pulled the tickets from her purse. The man at the door said something in rapid French and Cat nodded while Elizabeth presented the tickets to him. He said something again and this time Cat shook her head. He smiled and waved them in.

"Come on. Your parents got us a box. According to the man we have some of the best seats in the house. To the left and up the stairs"

They got to their seats and settled themselves in. After briefly glancing at the programs, they began to eagerly look around.

"I still cannot believe your parents sent us to France completely unsupervised." Cat practically bounced in her seat, trying to see everything at once.

"I know. I know. Is it not wonderful?" Elizabeth started to look at the people who were seated in the lower levels of the theater. "Oh! Look at the one down in the fourth row. In the navy blue coat. What do you think of him?"

"He is...um...he is...very nice?" Cat stumbled for the right words.

"Yes he is. Maybe I will try to introduce myself during the intermission." Elizabeth stared off vaguely in the direction of her latest love interest.

"Yes. Well. Have fun with that." Cat opened her purse to look at something. Elizabeth glanced up at her.

"You had better not have a book in there. The show is starting soon. Look, the lights are going down and everything." The theater was indeed dimming and the lights on stage brightening as Elizabeth snapped at her friend.

"It is nothing. I am not reading now. I can hardly see." Cat shut her purse quickly while Elizabeth shot her a warning glare.

"You had better not. What book is it anyway?" She began to whisper.

"Shakespeare's Sonnets. It was the only one small enough to fit in my purse."

Elizabeth sighed as the first chords of the overture sounded out through the theater. "Just enjoy the opera."

Cat started to watch as actors filed out on stage. "Is this the haunted opera house?"

"Oh Catalina hush."

Cat then settled down to watch the show. After what felt like no time at all, the first act was over and it was the intermission.

"Alright Cat. You go do whatever you wish. I am going to go mingle and try to find that good looking gentlemen in blue. Just be sure to be back before act two begins."

Now Cat rolled her eyes. "Yes mistress." She replied mockingly. Elizabeth ignored her, checked her mirror again and waltzed out of the box without another word.

I should go wander and see if this place really is haunted. I wonder if I can find that Phantom of the Opera everyone was going on about several months ago. Meeting a ghost would certainly be interesting.

Cat got up and slid out of the box. The staircase leading down was empty. Soon she managed to get past the crowds milling around chatting and headed in to a deserted part of the theater.

As she passed by unused props, sets and furniture she ended up in what seemed to be a forgotten section of the opera house. Mice scurried around and cobwebs coated the corners of the walls. Cat reached out and touched one of the dusty sconces lighting the area. As she did the wall swung open to reveal an entryway.

Well this is certainly remarkable. Without a second thought about it, Cat grabbed a lit candle from a sconce and walked through.

Her eyes quickly adjusted to the dimness of the hallway, her small flame the only source of light. I suppose that is one advantage of having plain black eyes. I can see well in the dark. She then sighed softly. I hope I am not getting my dress too dusty. I am rather fond of this one. Cat wandered through the tunnel, attempting to ignore the mice and random scuttling of creatures with far too many legs.

This is a touch boring. And there is not a single ghost so far. I wonder how long I have been gone. She continued walking but glanced back several to try to gage how far she'd gone. While was looking back and not paying attention to where she was walking, Cat ran in to a wall and smack her head. She blacked out before she even hit the ground.

***

The man in the mask wandered his caverns looking more and more like a walking phantom. He was lost in his misery.

Why do I even bother to live? I lived for her. She was my redemption. There's nothing left for me. There's no point to my live anymore. Death seems to be the only option. She left me...my angel left me...for that boy. His distaste even showed through his thoughts. I still can't believe it, even after all this time. That arrogant ignorant boy... How could life hold anything for me now?

In the distance something caught his attention and pulled him from his gloomy reflections He saw a small flickering light, a candle flame or something similar. As he drew closer, he observed a bit of red fabric as well, shining beside the candle.

A candle? And red silk? That's strange. Could someone be down here? He moved closer yet and noticed that the cloth seemed to be a dress. A dress that was on a female. A female who happened to look a good bit like-

"Christine!" He ran up to the girl lying on the ground. "You've returned-" He then got a better look at her. His eyes took in the deep red color of the dress and the sharp angular facial features of the girl.

She looked so like my love at first glance. The fair skin and dark curls deceived me. She's smaller than my Christine and that dress...It's beautiful but nothing like my angel would wear. Who is she however and what is she doing here? She's pretty but not at all like my love. Her face is all bladed cheekbones and pointed chin. None off the sweet softness of my darling's. Oh Christine, why did you leave? I miss you so.

He looked again at the unconscious girl. What do I do with her? How did she even get in here? Never mind that. I'll simply take her back to the theater and return to my sorrows.

The dark masked man put the ring from his hand in to his pocket then picked Cat up gently. That’s a nasty bruise. Must be why she fainted. She's so little. I can't imagine she more than fourteen or so.

In her unconscious state Cat began to cuddle against her rescuer. Against his will, a gentle smile played across his lips, the first in a long while. A soft aroma of vanilla and roses caressed his nose as he cradled her in his arms. He hurried through the tunnel and out the entrance Cat had discovered.

Ah. This is how she got in. Clever girl. I may have to be a bit more careful now but with luck she won't tell anyone of what she found. Or even remember. He, then, set her on a bed that had been used in a different performance and admired her again. Not like my Christine but certainly not unattractive. I should wake her so she can return to the show. It’s on the last scene.

He touched a strong white hand to her equally pale cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin. This touch was the closest he'd been to a woman's skin in weeks. As he stood there with his hand on her soft cheek, several notes of music entered his head. Hmm. I like that tune. I must write it down. I thought music had left with my angel. Maybe, just maybe, I was wrong. He paused and studied Cat's peaceful face. Maybe there is something more for me. Maybe death is not all that's left. Would Christine want me to live on? To try to find a way to be happy without her?

After a moment, he gently laid a hand on her bare shoulder and shook. She stirred slowly. As she began to open her eyes he started to leave, blending in to the shadows so she wouldn't see him.

"I almost…hope we meet again." He whispered as he disappeared through the secret entryway. Her eyes opened wide as she heard that low musical voice. Quickly, Cat sat up and looked around, searching for the source of the sound. She turned just in time to see the edge of a cape go through the passageway and the wall close tightly.

"What was that?" She wondered aloud. Cat then realized where she was. "How did I get here? I cannot remember." She then sighed. "I must finally be going as crazy as everyone suspected. Oh well."

Shaking it off, Cat got up and looked around quickly before heading back towards Elizabeth. "There is something odd here and I would like to know what. I will be back later. I promise. Ow. My head hurts." She rubbed her head as she walked back for what was more than likely a lecture.

***

"Where have you been?" Elizabeth yelled as Cat arrived back at their box. "The show just ended! You missed the entire second half!"

"I got lost." Cat replied promptly, having already preparing a perfectly believable lie on the way there. "On the way to powder my nose. This place is quite large."

Elizabeth shook her head. "What on earth am I going to do with you? You are hopeless. And where did you get that bruise on your head?"

Cat smiled. "You ought to be used to me by now. Oh that? I ran in to a wall."

"I am used to you. It still just amazes me occasionally. We should leave before you get in to any more trouble." She started out, mumbling to herself as she went. "A wall. How does she manage? How is that possible?"

"So did you find your handsome gentleman?"

It was Elizabeth's turn to smile. "Yes. Why yes I did." The look in her eyes was very similar to the way Cat's kitten looked the day it ate the housekeeper's canary. Very satisfied with itself and more than a hint of mischief.

"I do not even want to know."

As Elizabeth headed down the stairs Cat looked around and set her purse down beside her seat. Now I have an excuse to return. She smiled to herself and ran out to catch up with her friend.

***

Cat sat in a rocking chair, reading The Divine Comedy again. Her hair was still damp from bathing and fell perfectly straight to her waist. She had changed her dress to a simple yet elegant one of luminous amethyst satin. Elizabeth walked in to the room, her golden curls still sopping.

"I am going to bed now."

"Good night. Oh wait." Cat feigned an innocent voice. "Have you seen my purse anywhere?"

"Do not tell me you left it at the opera house." Elizabeth sounded exasperated.

"I did not leave my purse at the opera house." Cat replied cheekily. "I will take the carriage over there in a few minutes to confirm it however."

"If you are not back in the morning I will send a search party." She then walked out without another word.

"Wow. That was easy. I expected more fussing. Or lecturing. I suppose I should stop complaining and go." She walked out and looked around for the driver and carriage.

"Oh there you are. I need to go back to the opera house." The man looked up from the card game he was playing with the stable boys and sighed.

"I do not suppose you will wait for me to finish this round." His English was accented but perfect and as he spoke he raked his fingers through his shoulder length dark hair.

"Well I suppose I can wait for a bit. But I would like to get my purse some time tonight." She sounded fairly irritated and mildly impatient.

He flashed a dashing smile in return. His gray eyes twinkled. "I could put my game on pause for you mademoiselle but you must make it worth my while." He then winked at her.

"Finish your game and stop flirting with me. Bother Elizabeth. She will enjoy it." Her mild irritation went to complete annoyance.

"I prefer your petite dark beauty to the tall blonde one. But alas I shall respect your wishes." He winked again. "That shalln't however stop me from trying to woo you in time ma cheri."

Cat began muttering to herself. "Damn Frenchmen. Stupid stupid stupid. What is your name any way?"

"Jacques my dear. Jacques at your service."

"Well hurry up. I would like to leave soon." She snapped.

"Oui ma cheri." He laid a card on the table and grinned. "This round is over. Pay up mes amis. You must be my good luck charm." He turned his grin to her.

"Brilliant. Now may we go?"

"Oui ma cheri. Now I will take you to the opera house." He collected his winnings and started up.

"Finally." She stalked over to the carriage with him behind her. She had the door open and was in before he even got over. He attached the horses and hopped in to the driver's seat.

"Off we go ma cheri." After several minutes past, they had arrived. "I shall await your return."

"Fine. Fine. I do not care what you do. It is your time to waste." Dashing out of the carriage before he could help her, she ran up to the doors. Surprisingly, they were unlocked, though the theater was dark and silent. She slid in, but rather than heading to the box where her purse was, Cat headed towards the back to find the passageway again, her curiosity burning inside her.

Damn. I cannot remember which it was. I guess I will have to touch them all. Fortunate for me, someone left the candles burning. Not that I mind really. It is worth the extra time to discover a secret doorway. I cannot wait to see where it goes. She went all along the wall, touching each sconce carefully. I wonder if it connects to the catacombs that I have heard run under the city.

Finally, half way down the wall, she hit the one that opened. She grabbed a candle and went through, closing the door cautiously behind her.

It is just as dark earlier but somehow this place seems scarier when I know it is night time. She wandered through the tunnel, hopefully getting further than before and minding her head this time.

After what felt to her like hours Cat sat down with her back to the wall. She set her candle down beside her.

"I am fairly bored of this place. And I do believe I am lost." She then yawned. "Not to mention a little tired." She laid down on the ground. "Maybe I will just rest a moment so my feet do not ache as much." Within seconds she had fallen asleep.

***

"Who was she? Why was she in my tunnels? Especially alone? Doesn't she know it can be dangerous? Didn't anyone ever teach her it's rude to go tromping through a person's home without permission? Why on earth would anyone want to come down here? I hardly want to be down here but I have few other places to go." The Phantom paced through his lair thoughts of dark curls and scarlet lips matching a scarlet dress crawled through his mind. "Christine would never have done something so bold. Christine would never have worn something so bold. Oh my dear angel. How I long for your sweet voice and soft touches."

Spots of ink dotted his pale hands while several sheets of paper on his desk glistened with wet black lines. Music notes danced across the parchment. "I should go lock that door. She may tell someone about it. I can't have just anyone getting in here. I don't feel like killing anyone else."

He stopped his pacing and brushed a bit of dried ink off the cuff of his crisp white shirt. Black pants, a midnight blue vest and a black coat completed his ensemble. His hair was neat and shiny and it seemed he had bathed and eaten since he'd discovered Cat in his tunnels.

“Nor do I particularly want her trying to come back. Yes. I shall go shut that now.” He grabbed his now clean cape and a torch before dashing out.

***

His white mask glowed in the torchlight as he navigated the catacombs beneath the opera house. He reached the half way point to the door and once again he saw a candle in the distance.

“I should have come earlier. It seems someone has already arrived.” He drew closer and saw the small girl lying on the floor of the cavern. She was dressed in purple this time, her hair unbound. It looked long and sleek splayed out on the ground. The Phantom smiled, an almost affectionate look on his beautiful face.

“I feel déjà vu here, little one. Didn't anyone ever tell you curiosity killed the cat?” He knelt and brushed a hand across her soft cheek. “What shall I do with you? I don't know where you live or even who you are dear one. I don't know where to take you. I can't leave you out on that bed till morning. Some drunken actor may come across you and think you're a present. I fear waking and leaving you here will only increase your curiosity or you'll just get lost.” He sighed.

“I'd really rather not take you to my residence but I believe your discovering it is almost eminent. Very well. My options are quite limited apparently. I shall take you with me and send you home in the morning. Do not think for a moment however you are staying for anything length of time. I do not have the patience to deal with another child.” For the second time that day he lifted her up and held her to his chest. She nestled against his warmth, completely trusting in her slumber.

“Who are you? Why are you so determined to discover this place's secrets? Why do I always seem to find you asleep? And why do I find myself thinking of you alongside my angel, my Christine? I don't even know your name. So many questions. Perhaps I may find some answers when you awaken.” With her in his arms he quickly went back to his lair.

“You're so light. And petite. I'm afraid I may break you. You can't be very old. No more than fourteen or so. So young. So very young. So innocent. I do not think I was ever that innocent." He laughed darkly before glancing down at her. "And rather doll like with your dark hair, porcelain skin and those red red lips. Pretty but almost not real. Too perfect to be real.” After only a few moments he arrived back at his cave. Slowly, he walked over to the black bed in the shape of a swan and laid her down atop the satin sheets. She was restless for a moment but quickly settled down.

“I shall be here when you awake. Hopefully you will answer my questions then.” He let the veil down and returned to his music. She had once again given him ideas he needed to write down.
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After the Angel