The Fifth Cellar (Phantom of the Opera)

Chapter 25 - Suitor

 Evangeline's POV:

I dressed in my black dress and we drove to the cemetery. There lay my great Aunt Rose. I barely recognized her. It had been so long since I had been in Spain. I smiled at her form and held back my tears. The funeral went well and we all went back to the house afterwards. My cousin had made a meal for us all. We sat down and Jaguar took the seat beside me. I didn't think anything of it until he said,

“So, I understand you work at the Opera Populaire, Eva?” I nodded.

“Yes, I am a ballerina there.” He smiled and said,

“It must be interesting. I bet you are one of the more popular girls.” I shook my head.

“No one notices me. I am perfectly happy staying in the half light.” He laughed.

“I am surprised. You are too pretty to not be noticed.” I swallowed and kept my calm. This guy was sweet and he seemed to mean all he said. Then he asked,

“Do you have someone courting you?” I shook my head again.

“No, I do not.” He drew back in shock.

“Now that I can't believe.” He was silent for a while and then he asked, “Surely you have someone you love.” I didn't know what to do. I decided to tell him part of the truth.

“Yes, I do love someone. But he doesn't love me back.” As I said that my heart began to shift. I realized something. Erik loved Christine and if he didn't do anything stupid he would win her heart. I was sure of that. I really needed to let Erik go. I would always love him but my love for him would kill me one day. If I let go now it would spare me such pain later. So I said, “I need to get over him.” Jaguar's eyes brightened.

“You do?” I nodded.

“He loves a singer at the Opera House. Madly loves her. They are perfect for each other.” Jaguar looked very happy.

“Would you like some help getting over him?” I looked at him in shock.

“What do you mean?” Jaguar smiled and said,

“I haven't known you long but I think you are a wonderful girl. You are sweet, talented, and gentle. I would like to court you.” I took a deep breath and thought about it. This was the way to do things. Erik would get Christine which would break my heart but I would have someone waiting for me when I let Erik go. I sighed and said,

“I want you to know something, Jaguar. I still love him and it isn't easy to let someone like him go. I may not be able to return much affection. I hope you will not lose hope. One day I may learn to care for you. But right now it may not be easy for me.” He nodded and laid his hand on my arm sympathetically.

“Oh, I understand. I won't push you. It takes time to get over someone. I will give you all the time you need.” I smiled and we went on with lunch in a comfortable silence. I knew that it wouldn't be easy but I would learn to love Jaguar more than Erik. Erik deserved better than a poor ballet rat. He deserved Christine. There was one thing I wish he could have done before I left. I wish he could have called me by my name. Just once called me “Eva.” Even “Evangeline” would have been alright. Just some acknowledgment that I was more to him than an annoying ballet rat who wouldn't go away and who he had decided not to kill.

When I laid down in bed that night I compared Erik and Jaguar. There was only one similarity. They were men. Otherwise they were polar opposites. How could I love one and then love another that was so different! I was so confused. I wished I hadn't fallen for the famous Opera Ghost. It would have made things so much easier. As I slipped into a restless sleep I whispered,

“Eva, Erik deserves so much better than you. He and Christine are perfect for each other. She is beautiful and you are not.”