The Phantom Ascending |✔| [Phantom of the Opera Fanfiction]

Red and White

Christine

I changed as quickly as I could, and dismissed Sophia to stop her from commenting my restlessness.

After everything sad and terrible that transpired in my life, here I was, living my dream. Returning to France wasn't a part of it, but at least being with Raoul would keep my loneliness at bay. However, I also wished for more.

Manelli had said that Mr. Dessler seemed to be from France. If he liked my performance, perhaps he would be inclined to suggest me for a French production of one of his works in the future... Daydreams, foolish daydreams — but not entirely impossible.

A knock sounded at the door, startling me. Trying to hide the eagerness in my face and voice, I opened the door.

"My dear miss Daae, you were splendid!"

It was Manelli, carrying a large bouquet of red roses. Their sensual and delicious scent filled the room.

"Thank you, they are wonderful!"

"They are not from me, I'm afraid. Mr. Dessler, with whom I spent some time before the opera, brought these and left them in my office, since he intended to personally deliver them to you after the performance."

"Is he not coming, then?"

"Apparently not. He was seen rushing outside as soon as the opera ended."

"He must have been disappointed by something," I said in a small voice.

"No, no, my dear miss Daae. The man is a recluse — if anything, he might have been displeased by the way I introduced him. What can I say — I got carried away by the moment. Or, more likely, his lady was unwell and he rushed to her side."

"His lady?"

"Yes, the one who apparently attended with him. She was seen leaving during the second act. Ah, never mind them, miss Daae — think of yourself and your talent, your passion for music. Won't you reconsider my offer and remain with us for another month at least?"

"This is not very sporting of you, Mr. Manelli," a familiar voice interrupted us. "Trying to woo my fiancée behind my back, are you?"

Raoul took a sting from his words by smiling, but I knew he really did mind. I could see the tension in his eyes.

"Signor! Yes, I'm afraid you have caught me!" Manelli cackled. "Well, an old man such as I never knows if he will live to meet another singer such as she. My desperation got the better of me. I will leave promptly to hide my shame," the old fox said, without a hint of shame in his manner. As always, Manelli amused me.

"For you," Raoul handed me a bouquet of white roses. They were delicate, innocent and fragile, their scent subtle and sweet. I placed them next to the red roses Manelli brought.

There it was, a metaphor of my own confused self. One part naive and young, needing shelter, guidance and safety; and the other hot-blooded, eager and bold, yearning for the passion that only music could give me.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"What's wrong, Little Lotte?" he took me by the hand and kissed it.