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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

Chapter List
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The next morning Erique walked over to the sleeping Cat and yanked off her blankets. She shivered and groped around blindly to find them and cover her barely clothed body. When that didn't work, she sat up and looked at him with bleary eyes.

"Up up up ma petite chat. It is time for you to wake up. Breakfast is on the bed." His voice seemed far cheerier than usual and his face wore a slight smirk. "We're starting today and you'll need your energy."

"Starting?" She yawned "Starting what?"

"Your lessons." He pushed the tray of food towards her. "Now eat."

Erique then dashed out of the room, leaving Cat confused but hungry. As she wondered what was going on she ate the apple pastries he brought her and the couple of pieces of bacon. She had just finished her grape juice when he strode back in.

"You're finished? Very good." He tossed the dress in his arms at her. "Turn around so I might unlace that corset."

In a few moments he had it undone and off. She sat there in nothing but an almost see through chemise from the waist up.

"Let me see your ankle." She quickly pulled out the one she had twisted and held it out for him so examine. Surprisingly it was no longer swollen. He reached up and rolled her stocking down and off to find that it was only mildly bruised. "You'll be fine."

"Wonderful." Cat, who had been blushing at how his hand brushed her inner thigh when he pulled the stocking off, muttered. His smile grew broader as he saw the remnants of her blush.

"Stand up for me Catalina." She stood with ease. He fought to ignore the glimpses he could see through the not quite sheer fabric. "Good. Now would you like to freshen up?"

She nodded slowly; hoping this did not involve what she was sure was a very cold lake.

"This way. He turned to walk down the stairs and towards a set of two mirrors next to the Christine statue alcove. After pushing on one of the mirrors, it swung open for him, revealing a candlelit passageway. He walked in and she quickly followed, amazed at her latest discovery. After a bit he stopped in front of a door on the left. "The bathroom is through here. There is hot water ready if you wish to bathe. Just turn the knob." He then turned to walk away.

She walked in to the room and gasped. It was huge and beautiful. A tub that could fit at least two, maybe more, stood in one corner. A large shower took up an entire wall across from it. Double sink and a large mirror in a wrought silver frame were right next to the door. Several large lit scones were set in the walls and a candelabra graced the ceiling so the room was well lit. Everything was done in pale blue, midnight and silver.

Beneath the sinks were cabinets full of plush towels and various cosmetics. In one section of the cabinet sat a little bag. Cat of course, with all her curiosity, pulled it out and opened it up to find her soaps, shampoos, perfumes and even her ebony hairbrush.

Excitedly she grabbed the bag and walked to the shower. Her clothes came off and she grabbed her vanilla rose shampoo and matching soap before getting in to the giant shower. Five heads sat in one wall, three more spread around and two were even anchored in the ceiling. A small bench sat in one corner.

Half an hour and much hot water later Cat walked out, warm and clean, feeling much more human. She wrapped herself in a huge fluffy towel and walked out of the bathroom to find her dress, brush in hand.

As Cat got in to the hallway she noticed a number of other doors lining the walls. If her lips hadn't been turning blue from the cold she probably would have gone to see what was behind each door. For once however physical comfort won over curiosity so she headed back the way she'd come with Erique.

As she walked through the mirror she noticed him sitting at his desk, writing something down. She closed the mirror and he looked up at the sound and turned to see her dressed in the towel.

"Did you enjoy your shower?"

"Y-y-yes." She shivered and shook even more.

"Your dress is on the bed. Call if you need me."

He watched her walk away, shaking from the cold as she walked up the stairs and through the curtain. He continued to watch as she disappeared in to the bedroom, his eyes lingering long after she was out of sight.

There was nothing under that towel...Nothing but a good bit of pale, creamy, smooth, soft, beautiful skin... He sighed and shook himself, trying to get those thoughts out of his head. I'm sorry Christine. I don't mean that. I won't betray you. I can't. He stared down at the music he was working on and had just begun to concentrate when she called.

"Erique? Are you there?"

Sighing he got up and walked up the stairs then went through the black curtains. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, her dusty pink skirts flaring out around her, contrasting sharply with the black sheets.

"You need laced?"

She nodded and turned around. When he had finished she turned to look at him.

"Where did you learn to lace women's clothes so well?"

"I've spent many years living beneath an opera house. I've watched numerous productions set up and countless actresses dressed. I've been able to pick things up."

"Ah. How long have you been here?"

"Enough of these questions. Come with me. Your lessons are beginning now."

"What lessons? Where are we going? Are you going to teach me? If so what?"

He tuned her out and went through the mirror again, with her close behind. They walked to the door just past the entry to the bathroom; it was one of the doors Cat had been curious about earlier. Erique opened it and walked in.

The paint on the walls was parchment colored and a large black piano sat in one corner. A desk was tucked in to the corner adjacent to the piano while shelves lined one wall. On those shelves was an assortment of black cases of various size and shape. A huge golden harp stood taller than her in the only corner left. Erique pointed to a chair that sat in the middle of the room.

"Sit."

"Why?"

"Sit down Catalina."

As she finally did he began pulling cases off the shelves and setting them on the floor. Then he went over to the desk and pulled out a few sheets of paper. He handed her one.

"Do you know how to read music?" He asked as he stood in front of her, almost threatening in his black coat, black pants and dark looks despite his relaxed pose.

"Of course I do. I told you I played did, I not?" The annoyance she felt at being asked such a ridiculous question showed in her voice.

He raised an eyebrow at her tone but didn't comment. "You'd be surprised how many people can't. Even those that play. Read me the first line then."

He nodded at each as she recited the notes in a bored voice.

"Are we done yet?" Cat whined.

"No. Now read the next line."

She rolled her eyes. On this went for an hour, him commanding and her complaining. Finally he waved a hand.

"You are done for today. Tomorrow we shall see if you can play as well as you read."

"Of course I can." She snapped as she flounced out of the room.

Erique sighed and what he'd read in her diary the day before flooded in to his head. Spank me till my bottom is crimson...Ignore what he says only so he'll punish me...gentle, loving, strict, cruel, kind, harsh, creative...I can't. I can't. Can I? He shook himself out of his fantasies. I can't. I won’t. I won't betray Christine. Not like that.

***

Cat was lounging across Erique's bed reading something when he walked up.

"If you insist on staying here I shall show you to the extra bedroom." He said from behind her. "I am getting tired of sleeping in chairs and would like to have my bed back."

"What?" She turned around to see him. "Oh. I am sorry."

"Don't worry about it. Follow me." He spun and walked to the mirror doors again. Book in hand she followed. They went down the hallway until them came to the third door on the wall opposite the bathroom and music room.

"This will be your room for the remainder of your stay however long that may be. The room to the left is a sitting room. You already know where the bathroom is. The door to the right of this is the dining room. The ice cellar is in the back. Those are all of the rooms you are allowed in. The door there," He pointed to the one at the very end of the hall. "Leads to a room you are absolutely no allowed in. And I had better never catch you in there. I promise that you will regret it."

Actually, knowing her, she may not, but I can't have her learning my secrets. Not if I ever want her to leave. Do I want her to leave?

Stopping that train of thought in its tracks he turned. "I'll be at my desk if you need me." He started down the hall and stopped. "One last thing. Please don't wander around late in the night. It could be dangerous." Then without explanation he walked out.

She watched him leave then opened the door to her new room. Though she couldn't figure out why because every room so far was attractively furnished, the beauty of this particular room took Cat by surprise.

The walls were painted a rich gold with cream colored trim. The furniture was all done in dark mahogany wood; the bed was canopied with soft blue gauze, the bedding white with pale blue and gold accents. A few decorative lanterns and wall scones lit up the area, giving everything a soft glow. All in all it was one of the prettiest rooms Cat had ever been seen. It could belong to some foreign princess or something.

“Wow.” She walked around, looking at the desk and opening the wardrobe. Hanging tidily inside were the dresses, her undergarments were tucked into the bottom drawers. Two pairs of her shoes were neatly lined up on top of the drawer, much tidier than they ever would have been at her home.

Beside the wardrobe was the door to the sitting room. She walked over to open it and was again surprised. It was more of a library than a sitting room though there were several plush chairs and a couch. Two of the walls were lined with floor to ceiling bookshelves. Again the room was done in cream and dark wood but this time the accents were a soft red. Thrilled to pieces that these beautiful rooms were hers, Cat grabbed a book and began to read happily.

***

The next morning began much the same way. Erique walked in and yanked the blankets off Cat, who for the first time actually made it in to her nightgown. He set the tray holding her breakfast on the nightstand beside the bed and set about lighting some of the lamps and candles littering the room. Cat shuddered and rubbed her eyes.

“Why are you doing this to me? Can we not start in an hour… or maybe even three?”

“No. I am the teacher and I decided we start now. Now get up.”

“I do not remember dying. I think I would. I should definitely remember ending up in Hell. Dante never once mentioned this in The Inferno."

Erique laughed. “Ma petite chat, this is nowhere near Hell. Trust me. I was in Hell once or twice.” He turned and strode out, leaving her to wonder why she was putting up with this. Her mystery was solved. She discovered the ghost and his lair. Why was she still here?

I don’t want to know the ghost. I want to know the man. He’s the greatest mystery I’ve ever met. I hate mysteries. I want to know his past, his life, his likes and dislikes, even just knowing his age would satisfy some of this itch inside me. And I would put up with a great deal to discover more about him.

Cat sighed and quickly ate before walking down to the bathroom in her nightgown. On the way, she passed Erique who coming out of the door at the very end of the hall, the one that was off limits to her. After bathing and brushing out her long wet hair, she went back to her new bedroom. Feeling particularly morose, she pulled on black bloomers and stockings, followed by a matching corset she could managed to lace herself. Over that went a dress made of ebony silk shot through with a smattering of silver threads.

The dress left her shoulders daringly bare. She pulled her long hair up into an intricate French braid, leaving the line of her neck bare as well. She went back to the bathroom and put some kohl around her dark eyes. After looking in the mirror, she grinned.

The black made Cat’s skin glow ghostly pale. Her eyes stood out, large and dark in her fair face. Without her hair around her face, Cat looked more fragile, the bones in her faces delicate. The whole effect was rather ethereal. When she felt she looking good, Cat walked down to the music room.

Erique sat at the desk in his music room. He had already pulled out a variety of instruments to test her with and now he sat waiting. Several moments later Cat glided in. He stood and his eyes went wide with shock.

Mon Dieu. She looks amazing. It’s a small wonder why black is her favorite color. Her skin glows and her eyes shine. She actually looks better than amazing. She looks otherworldly. He swallowed and composed himself.

“Sit Catalina.” As she did, he pulled a sheet of music from his desk and handed it to her before also giving her a flute. “Play that.”

She took the flute and looked over the music before nodding. She played well, only missing a few notes. After a moment, he held up a hand to stop her.

“Well enough.” He said as he handed her a lap harp and another sheet of music. This went on through the harp, which was followed by a clarinet then a cello. Finally he handed her her own violin. She touched the familiar dark wood with a smile.

“What shall I play?” Her soft voice questioned.

“Whatever you would like.” He replied.

She grabbed her bow and placed the instrument on her shoulder. After closing her eyes she set the bow to the strings and the violin let out an eerie note.

The song began quiet, almost mournful. She concentrated fully on the song, completely enveloped in her music. He watched her, startled. It had been so long since anyone else’s music made him feel. Not since Christine. His heart felt like it would break all over again. Every note wrenched at him.

Suddenly the music picked up, and soared into sheer joy. His emotions flew with her song. How is this possible? How can she do this? One little girl with a violin shouldn’t be able to do this. One beautiful little girl… He then began to notice things. Little things like how lush her dark lashes looked against her flushed cheeks. And how the tops of her small, smooth, breasts rose and fell with each breath. And also how the ebony wood of her violin complement her fair skin perfectly.

While he was distracted, the song quieted again. His heart plummeted and he began to remember ever tragic event of his miserable life. Every woman who came to his bed willingly, but kept him as their dirty little secret. Every cruel name people had ever called him. Every blow, every strike, and every pain. And then Christine. He relived the most horrible event he’d ever experienced.

As her song came to a soft end, he turned away to hide the tears shimmering on his cheeks. Her eyes opened to find his back facing her.

“Your lesson is over. Go.” He said harshly to hide the hurt in her voice. She hesitated, confused. “Go!” That was all she needed. Cat gathered her skirts and fled the room. As soon as she shut the door he collapsed on to the bench.

“I cannot keep her. I cannot fall again. I can’t go through that again. I won’t survive it. I will take her back. Slip something in to her water though she a sound sleeper anyway. I know where she lives. It won’t be hard. She goes. Tonight.” He resolved to himself.

***

Several hours past midnight Erique snuck into Cat’s room. He had slipped an herb in to her evening drink to make her sleep a little sounder. She had left a single lamp burning, dimmed but still enough light for him to see. His heart fluttered as he looked into her sleeping face. As otherworldly, elegant and beautiful as she looked awake, she was all that and more asleep. She looked warm and trusting, delicate and almost childlike. A perfect, lovely innocent.

If he hadn’t already resolved to take her back, that moment would have cemented it for him. He simply could not risk falling in love again. He would not survive it if she left him. And she would. There was no reason for her to stay.

Quietly he pulled her dresses from the closet and crushed them in to a bag. He had already gathered her toiletries and stuck them in a saddlebag. He grabbed everything and attached it to the saddle of the black horse he “borrowed” from the opera house several years ago. He could trust it to obey him enough that he could hold Cat in his arms and lead the animal at the same time.

Erique then went back to Catalina’s bedroom and gathered her up in his arms. She struggled for an instant before sighing and settling down. A moment later Erique and the horse were walking through the catacombs underneath Paris. Within an hour’s time, he stepped out on to the street, a block or so away from Cat’s manor. The horse trotted quietly behind him. The street seemed empty, but as they began to head in the right direction he was stopped by a nighttime patrolman.

“You there! Stop!” The policeman demanded as he walked rapidly to Erique.

“Oui monsieur? Can I help you?” Erique said politely as he angled himself partially in the shadows. His mask would cause unwanted questions.

“What are you doing out so late? And who is she?” The man interrogated.

Erique put on his most charming smile and began to lie smoothly. “Ah. My apologies monsieur. This is my baby sister. She was staying across town for a few days. Our mother however worries so when she is gone. Youngest in the family and mother’s darling of course. Mother sent me to bring her home. She fell asleep about an hour ago and I didn’t want to risk her falling from the horse. So here we are.”

“I see. How much farther is your home?”

“Just a block left.”

“Well carry on then. Sorry to interrupt you.” With that the officer went back to his patrol.

Erique grinned to himself and quickly walked the last block. The window he broke in to last time was still unlocked. After shifting the limp body in his arms, he finagled the window open and slid inside.

After setting Cat on the bed, he went back for her things. He put everything back in its proper place and set a note on the desk before sitting down on the chair beside her bed to watch Cat sleep. Just as the sun began to rise Erique heard footsteps outside the door. After laying a kiss on Cat’s cheek, he slipped out the window moments before a maid walked in.

With a last look at her sweet sleeping face, he fled to safety of his opera house as the morning light broke.

***

Cat awoke to the sound of a door slamming and rapid footsteps. She opened her eyes and looked around just as the door opened and Lizzy walked in. Lizzy looked at her with shock as Cat realized where she was. She was at her home in Paris, not under the Opera House where she has fallen asleep. She sat up quickly and bolted from the bed as Lizzy stared. Cat tore the wardrobe open to see that almost everything was back as it had been before Erique entered her life. Everything except the red gown she had worn that first night when she had gone to see an opera. It was missing.

“Damn him! Why am I here? I don’t want to be here! I don’t want to be back! I want to be with him!” She dropped to her knees and broke down in to sobs, “Damn him!”

Lizzy rushed to her side and helped her back in to bed. “Only you could get the attention of a ghost.” She walked out as Cat continued crying. When she returned, she carried with her a glass of water. “Here honey. Drink. It will be alright.”

Lizzy noticed the note on the desk and brought it to Cat. “It’s going to be okay. I promise.” Cat grabbed the note and started to read through watery eyes.

Ma petite chat,

I’m terribly sorry about returning you, but you did not belong. You need and deserve a bright happy life in the light. With me that could never be achieved. I shall never forget you and what you have done for me. I stood at the brink of death till you came and showed me life. However, it would be best if you forgot me. Marry a handsome man, have beautiful children and leave the Phantom of the Opera House nothing but a distant dream in the back of your mind. Thank you for everything.

Yours Truly,

O.G.

P.S. I’m sorry about your dress. I couldn’t bear the thought not having something of yours. Nor could I bear the thought of you wearing it for a future courter.

Cat looked at the note with shock and rapidly reread it. “He does not want me. He wants me to forget about him… Why? What did I do wrong? Why does he not want me?” Tears formed anew in her eyes. Lizzy gently patted her shoulder before walking out and closing the door as Cat dropped down to bury her face in to her pillow. She continued to sob until she had nothing left.

***

Later that day while Cat enjoyed a drug induced sleep (thanks to the water Elizabeth brought her), a gardener was planting flowers by the window. There he found a beautiful red rose, dipped in wax, a black satin ribbon tied in a bow around the stem. The gardener bought the rose to Elizabeth, thinking it was from an admirer. Lizzy, realizing who it was truly for, set it on Cat’s dresser.

***

Cat woke up late that night and stared up at the darken ceiling. Why am I so upset? I only knew him for a few days. I thought he understood me though. He paid attention to me. I had forgotten how that feels. He wanted to know about me. Honestly wanted to know about me. And there was so many questions I never got to ask him. Why did he leave me? Why? We had so much potential. And now it is all gone… Tears began to prick at her eyes again.
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After the Angel