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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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For a week Cat remained in that bedroom. Elizabeth had meals sent up for her, but they always appeared outside the shut door of her bedroom completely untouched. For a week Cat saw no one and spoke to no one. She was depressed, alternating between sobbing hysterically and staring blankly at the ceiling. For a week the only thing Cat tasted was her tears running down her face, the only thing she saw was his letter as she read it over and over, and the only thing she did was think of him.

For a week this went on, until one evening when Elizabeth barged in to the bedroom, threw a package on to the bed, and tore the blankets off of Cat.

“Get up. We’re leaving.”

“What? No. I do not want to go anywhere.” Cat said morosely.

“I don’t care. You’re getting up and coming with me.” Elizabeth grabbed her arm and pulled her in to a sitting position. “Get up.”

Slowly Cat stood and noticed Elizabeth was all dolled up in a bright green velvet gown with golden accents. “Where are we going?”

“I’ll tell you while you bathe. Now go! Hurry!”

Elizabeth pushed her out the door and in to the bathroom where she had a hot bath prepared with Cat’s favorite scents, vanilla and rose. Quickly Lizzy unlaced the corset Cat wore over her nightgown and then turned away for Cat to undress.

“You have twenty minutes to wash.” With that Elizabeth walked out and shut the door.

Cat sank down in to the hot water and slowly let the warmth fill her. For the first time in a week, she felt halfway human. She began to wash up, getting every part of her body with soap twice.

When she had finished with all of her various bathing practices, she walked out and in to her room, wrapped in a fluffy towel. Elizabeth was waiting on Cat’s bed, the package she brought sat right beside her.

“Where are we going?” Cat asked quietly.

“It’s a surprise. Now open the box.”

“Fine.” Cat replied with more than a little exasperation. Cat began to untie the ribbon that was holding the package shut. She opened the box and pulled out the tissue paper. Beneath that was a dress. A dress made of a luxuriant dichromatic silk that was a deep red bordering on black. Insets of black lace were hidden within the pleats of the skirts. The bodice of the strapless gown was beaded gently in black and red crystal that caught the light beautifully. Cat was stunned. It was the most gorgeous, fabulous, fantastic and risqué dress she’d ever seen.

“W-what is that for?” Cat asked when she recovered from the shock.

“We’re going to see an opera tonight. And you, my dear, will either give your phantom a heart attack or catch another, better, man.”

“But Lizzy-” She began to complain.

“No. We’re going. Now get dressed.” Elizabeth commanded imperiously.

Cat glared, but nevertheless began to dress. The box also held undergarments in pure black silk. Under those was a black ribbon with a small red crystal rose and matching delicate, dangling earrings. Everything matched perfectly.

When Cat had finished dressing, Elizabeth sat her down and began to brush out her hair. She pulled it in to a tight bun and pinned it in to place with two shiny black chopsticks. Cat winced in pain and tried to twist away throughout the process. After that, Elizabeth put makeup on Cat’s flinching face. She then handed Cat her heeled boots.

“You’re ready. Let’s go.” Elizabeth grabbed Cat’s arm and began pulling her out the door. The carriage and its smiling driver were waiting for the girls and soon they were off to the opera.

***

A week had past and Erique wasn’t feeling any happier about leaving Cat. He realized it was necessary but that didn’t mean he felt better. The burst of inspiration that had him writing music again had tapered off to nothing. He tried to read, but books now reminded him of her. The red dress was hung beside his bed and more often than not he caught himself staring at it.

Erique began to pace up and down his lair. Essentially he was bored. There was absolutely nothing he could that didn’t remind him of her. Disgusted with himself Erique sighed and dropped down to the bench in front of his organ.

“I need something to do. Something to get her out of my head.” He then stood up quickly. “There’s an opera tonight. I saw the posters for it on my way back the other morning.” He began to pace again, excitedly.

“I haven’t seen an opera in ages. That should do the trick.” He ran over to his dressing room and pulled out one of his best suits. He undressed and tugged on his pressed black pants, followed by his crisp white shirt and dove grey vest then the grey tie. His black jacket was embroidered with the same grey on the collar and cuffs.

As he turned to walk out, he noticed something had fallen to the ground. He bent to pick it up and noticed it was the mask he designed a year ago with Christine in mind. The mask was a masterpiece. When Erique wore it, his disfiguration was utterly hidden behind what looked like a completely normal face. If normal meant exceedingly handsome that is. The only problem was, the mask never got its trial run.

“Well, now is as good a time as any. I still keep my box booked. I’ll try it tonight.” Erique then pulled off his standard white half mask and fitted the other one on. After a quick, admiring look in the mirror, he was off.

***

Catalina and Elizabeth were settled up in their box. Both looked amazing and were eagerly glancing around the theater for pretty boys to flirt with during the intermission. For Elizabeth’s sake Cat was putting on a good show. She was even somewhat enjoying herself but hidden somewhere deep down inside her, the depression still lingered.

The show was amusing and lighthearted. Before she realized it Cat was giggling at the entertaining antics of the actors. Her depression slipped further away, never leaving but she couldn’t feel it nearly as much. The girl’s were in high spirits when the intermission came. Arm in arm they headed down the stairs and separated to go flirt.

Elizabeth found a cute blond in dark green while Cat’s guy had dark hair and looked dashing in a standard black and white tux.

“Bonsoir mademoiselle.” The guy kissed Cat’s hand. “I have not seen you here before.”

“It is only my second time seeing a show here; I am Catalina by the way.” She said with a demure smile.

“A beautiful name to fit a beautiful girl. My name is Jean-Claude.” He beamed as she giggled softly. “I can give you a tour if you would like. My parents are some of the patrons for the Opera House so I know it well.”

“That would be lovely. Thank you.” Erique was the one to leave me after all. It serves him right. Jerk. She thought as she took his arm.

Elizabeth walked with a grin as they walked off together,

***

Erique watched from his box as people milled around and chatted with each other. Feeling invincible in his new mask he decided to venture down.

Several girls tried to approach him but he simply smiled and dismissed him. He continued to walk before catching sight of a couple walking towards the back of the theater. The girl was in a very risqué dark red dress. As she moved, hints of sheer lace showed in her skirts. The girl’s back was almost completely bare, covered only by a few black, satin ribbons. Together the two young people walked up a flight of stairs that led to the roof. A flash of familiarity ran through Erique and instead of a red dress, he saw a red cloak and instead of dark hair bound sleek with chopsticks, he saw brown curls everywhere.

Erique slipped in to the shadows and began to trail the couple. They continued up the stairs and out the doors. He waited a few moments before following them out as well. Erique hid behind a statue as watched them carefully. The girl’s bare back was to him as they began to kiss. After a moment they turned and continued to kiss but now he could see part of her face and recognized it instantly.

Catalina, the very girl he’d been trying to put from his thoughts by coming to the show tonight was here. Not only was she here but she was already in the arms of another. Fury rose up inside him while all logic fled from his head and fell off the roof. As one of the idiot’s hands moved up Cat’s uncovered back, Erique dashed out and grabbed him by the back of his shirt. Cat gasped as Erique dragged Jean-Claude over to the door and opened it.

“Never touch her again. He hissed as he threw Jean-Claude through the door and slammed it shut. He then stalked over to Cat who was watching him with a shocked expression.

“I tried to leave you, to let you forget about me but no. You came back here and flaunted yourself in front of God and everyone. I do not have the patience for this!”

“You left me! What do you care what I do?!” She shouted at him.

“For your own good!”

“Who are you to decide what is good for me?” Her eyes flashed in anger while her hands balled up in to small fists.

“Someone who cares about you! You wanted someone who was controlling and dominant, didn’t you?” He took several steps so he was inches away from her. “You want someone who will turn you over their knee and spank you.” She gasped as she heard lines from her diary and tried to take a step back. He moved as well and used his height to make her feel even smaller.

“You got it. You got what you wanted.” He grabbed her shoulder and pulled her in. His mouth landed on hers and he kissed her fiercely. She gasped again and opened her mouth ever so slightly. His tongue pushed through her lips and tasted her for several moments before pulling back. Erique then grabbed her hand and turned to the door.

“Come along, ma petite chat.” Stunned she followed him down the stairs. They could hear music from the stage as they reached the main section of the theater and he turned back to look at her.

“Where is your seat?” Erique asked her quietly. Cat pointed to the staircase on her left.

“My box is that way.” He pointed the other direction. “After the show I want you to wait for me here. I would like to meet your Elizabeth and gather your things before we go to the lair. Understand?”

She nodded and turned to go. He watched her leave, marveling at what had happened.

How do I get myself in to these messes? Why did I take her back? I can’t stand the thought of her with anyone else. What’s in store for me now?” He then turned and walked up to his out box.

***

“Did you get lost again?” Elizabeth asked as Cat walked in and sat in her seat.

“No. I was otherwise occupied…”

“You were what?!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “Give me details. Give me details right now. Right this very moment.”

Cat looked over and hushed her. “I want to catch the end of this.” I cannot believe he kissed me.

Elizabeth gave her a pained expression but turned to face the stage anyway. The second the actors walked off the stage Elizabeth turned to Cat again.

“What happened?” She asked slowly.

“He is here. We…ran in to each other.” Cat replied softly.

“And?”

“He is waiting for me downstairs. He would like to meet you.”

Elizabeth grinned. “The infamous Phantom of the Opera wishes to meet me? Well, we shouldn’t keep him waiting should we?” They walked out arm in arm to meet her Opera Ghost.

***

Erique was standing at the base of the staircase that led to Cat’s box. All around him girl’s glances lingered on his near perfect face. He was smiling at a particularly cute redhead when Cat appeared with a tall blonde on her arm. Cat’s face lit up as she saw him. He smiled briefly before turning his full attention to the blonde.

“You must be the lovely Elizabeth Catalina has talked so much about. I am Erique. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He leaned forward and kissed her hand.

Elizabeth smiled and blushed. “My pleasure as well.”

A spike of jealousy shot through Cat as she watched their exchange.

“So you’ll be stealing my little Cat away from me again?” Elizabeth asked with a grin.

“I am afraid I must. Ton petite chaton and I have much to discuss.” He replied as his gaze raked over the small brunette. She flushed under the attention. “Why don’t we retire to your residence and discuss this further?”

“Of course. My carriage should be right out front.”

“Lead the way, lovely one.” The two began to walk off, leaving Cat seeing red.

She stood there for several moments trying to contemplate what to do. Apparently he prefers blondes.

Rage, jealousy and obstinacy made Cat stop thinking about anything but getting back at him. I wonder how long till they remember I exist. She then stormed out the doors of the opera house and began to walk the several blocks of sparsely lit Parisian streets to her home.

***

“Alright. I do not get it. Why were you ignoring her?” Elizabeth asked once they were tucked inside the carriage.

“I was angry. She was on the roof kissing some fool when I found her.”

“Ah ha. How well do you really know Catalina?”

“Not all that well, actually.” He admitted.

“I see.” Elizabeth then leaned forward and told the carriage driver to go.

“Wait! What are you doing?” Erique exclaimed. He had thought they were waiting for Cat.

“She will not be coming. I do know her. She will try to make you worry in exchange for you making her angry. Thus she’s probably already walking back to the house.”

“That's unacceptable! Of all the idiotic, brainless things to do!” Erique began to rant, rage filling him up.

“Calm down. She’ll be fine. It is better this way. Now I get a chance to explain a few things to you.” Elizabeth said, soothingly.

“Such as?” He snapped, running his fingers through his dark hair.

“Cat’s a great deal more fragile than she seems. She’s quite good at hiding it. She will pretend something did not bother her, did not affect her but then she goes and does something like this. I know better. I picked up the pieces after you left her.”

Erique winced as he imagined how Cat must have reacted. “I-I shouldn’t have come back.”

“No. No, you shouldn’t have, but here you are. You can’t leave yet. She won’t understand. She doesn’t understand the concept of doing something awful for someone’s own good. She’ll make herself believe you hate her. That the world hates her and that no one will ever love her. And in a month she’ll pretend to be over it.”

Erique was shocked. “This has happened before?”

“Once. While we were in finishing school. She fell in love with a teacher. He told her he loved her in return. Then he left the school. Told her he did not want to ruin her reputation.”

“Ah.” Erique mulled over this new information.

“I am not attempting to force you to stay by telling you this. However, should you choose to leave again, be sure to never return. I won’t have you toying with her feelings.”

Inwardly Erique bristled at her tone however, he nodded in understanding. “Does she do things like this often?”

“The stubbornly walking home in hopes you’ll worry?”

He nodded again as the carriage pulled to a halt.

“Routinely. She cannot stand being ignored. It makes her feel invisible and she hates that more than almost anything in the world.”

“I see.” He replied contemplatively as he got out of the carriage and held a hand out for Elizabeth.

“She enjoys being contrary. It amuses her to irritate someone. It guarantees they are thinking about her. Would you like some tea?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

***

Cat was fairly certain she was lost. This seemed to be the epitome of her life lately. It never failed.

I think I passed that building already. I am certain I passed that building already. Where am I?'

She looked around and tried to reorient herself. After a long minute she decided to try going left. She thought she remember a left in there somewhere.

***

After half an hour Erique was decidedly worried. And quite angry as well.

“How long should it take to walk here?” He demanded of Elizabeth.

“Not this long.” She replied, concern in her voice.

Sighing, Erique stood. “Stay here. I will go search for her.” And give her a few stern words about how idiotic this idea of hers was.

Erique began to back track to the Opera House. About halfway he heard a feminine scream and began to race towards the sound.

***

Cat continued walking, choosing streets at semi random by this point. She walked down one alley only to realize it was a dead end. As she turned to walk out, Cat realized a shadow was blocking her exit.

“Can I help you?” She asked nervously.

“I think you need the help.” A dark and cold voice replied. “You seem lost little girl.”

“I doubt it. I am not even lost. I am simply going for an evening walk. My husband is just behind me.” Cat lied carefully.

“I guess I should be quick then.” He advanced on her.

“I must insist that you leave me alone.” She barely managed to keep the quiver from her voice.

“I don’t want to.” His face was inches from hers and set in a cruel smirk.

Anger surged through her, all of the rage she’d been hiding since leaving the Opera House boiled to the surface. Suddenly her hand lashed out and smashed in to the man’s nose. She heard a sickening crack and he reeled back. As he did, Cat kicked him square between the legs before pushing past him. She began to run swiftly as he crumpled to the ground.

After a few minutes she stopped to catch her breath. As she stood there, shaking with fear and adrenaline, she felt a hand grabbed her shoulder. Rapidly she stepped on the person’s foot before whirling around and catching him with an elbow to his solar plexus.

“Leave me alone!” She cried and turned to look at her attacker. There she only saw Erique, doubled over and clutching his chest. He appeared to be attempting to catch his breath while simultaneously laughing hysterically.

“And to think” He wheezed. “I did not believe you would be safe out here.”

“Well. It seems I proved you incorrect.” She replied sullenly.

“Yes you did. Where did you learn that?” He stood and walked over to her.

“During my more rebellious years I took several fencing classes. My instructor also taught me what to do should I have no weapon.”

It appears ma chaton has some claws. Sharp ones. He laughed again. “I am glad. Now come. We must gather your things.”
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After the Angel