The Fifth Cellar (Phantom of the Opera)

Chapter 26 - News From Paris

 Evangeline's POV:

I sat down in the seat opposite Jaguar and smiled at him. It had been two weeks since my Great Aunt's passing and he had asked me to go to dinner with him. It was a nice restaurant and the menu looked delightful. Jaguar was being so patient with me. He knew that it was hurting me to break away from the love of my life and he was so careful to make it up to me. He was a good man and honest. I learned he owned a nice house and a good section of land. He was well to do and he liked me. He said that I was very dear to him and he would wait for the rest of his life for me if he had too. He said things that I wished Erik would say. We were making small talk until he said,

“Oh, did you hear what happened at the Opera Populaire two weeks ago?” I raised my head and shook it. Whatever it was it must have been big for it to reach Spain.

“What happened?”

“Well, it seems that the famous singer Christine Daae disappeared and so did Raoul de Chagny. Some days later his older brother was found dead in the fifth cellar. No one has heard from any of them since.” I studied the menu as I tried to keep my head on straight. Erik had something to do with it. I knew it.

“Did someone kidnap her?” Jaguar nodded.

“It is believed that the Opera Ghost had something to do with it. Do you know anything about the Opera Ghost?” I swallowed and smoothly lied,

“A little. Just ballet girls' tales. Nothing more. I did know Christine though. I hope she is alright.” Jaguar smiled.

“Well, some people say that they have seen Raoul and Christine in the north of France. People are beginning to believe that they eloped. They were said to be quite close.” Jaguar smiled and looked back at him menu. I couldn't think straight. Erik wouldn't have just let Christine go. He loved her too much. I knew he had kidnapped her but had she escaped? If she had then he would be on her trail. If he had let her go than either he didn't love her any more or he was going to die. Either way I had to get to him. I was silent through the whole dinner and didn't say much when Jaguar was taking me home.

When we arrived at my uncle's house he helped me out of the carriage and said,

“I need to talk to you.” When he didn't let my hands go I knew he was about to say something that I didn't want to hear. “I know we have only known each other for a few weeks but I think I am beginning to care a lot about you. I am willing to wait until you are over your other love. But I think I am falling in love with you.” I gasped and smiled at him. He was a nice young man and I did like him. But I knew deep down I would never love him like I had loved Erik. A love like that only comes around once in a life time. I said,

“Thank you for being so honest. You are really very kind. One day I might be able to love you back. Just give me some time. You have been so gracious about it.” I smiled at him and he kissed me gently on the cheek.

“I am a patient man. I will wait. I will see you soon?” I nodded and he drove away. I walked into the house and up the stairs. My movements had no life. I ran my hands through my hair and stared at myself in the mirror. Christine had been kidnapped. Raoul had disappeared. Philippe was dead. Something had happened. Maybe if I went back I could relieve the pain in my chest. Yes, I knew what I would do. I sat down on my bed and started to write a note to Jaguar.