The Phantom, the Soprano and the Opera || Phantom Of The Opera Fanfic

II. Familiar Face

"Christine?"

She was surprised to see the handsome face of Count Philippe de Chagny heading her way.

Impeccably dressed from head to toe as always. His blond hair was slightly longer than it was when she last saw him at the country fair a few months ago. He was visibly stunned as was she.

He stood before her, studying her for a moment.

"It is you," he murmured, his eyes darting to the cart in front of her, his expression shifted.

Christine's jaw set as she glanced toward the door. Seemingly, the entire ballet corp had gathered there together with the doorman Jean-Claude. They appeared to be silently watching their interaction with great interest.

She shifted uncomfortably, brushing blonde hairs behind her ear.

"I- I swear I did not intend for you to be doing this," stuttered Philippe, grabbing her attention. He was gesturing to her cart.

It was true, at the fair he had personally vowed to provide her with singing lessons at the opera Garnier. He gave her his word and she took it too seriously, how could he not know that the old manager retired ? He was the patron! Since then she learned that the Count made similar promises to numerous young women on a regular basis, trying to earn their favour.

Her stomach twisted.

"It's all right monsieur, I'm honoured just being here." she responded, trying to continue on her way. Having all female members of the opera, scrutinising her with their stares was unnerving. They were mocking her already, this would only add fuel to the fire.

The Count put his foot against her cart, effectively stopping it. "No, you should be having singing lessons," he pressed on, still insisting "it's what I promised you".

She glanced toward the mass occupying the doorway.

He had most likely promised things to every single one of them, time or another. Christine didn't want to give off a false impression that she was involved with Philippe in any way. She wasn't deaf by any means, she was aware of his reputation among women of the upper class.

Last thing she needed on her back was promiscuous gossip, she held her tongue.

"You have a wonderful voice," he stated, a smile playing on his lips."I know about these things, I come to the opera all the time."

Roaring laughter came from the gathered crowd on the doorway. Counts' smile faltered as he moved away. Christine flushed.

He comes to the opera for the beauty of faces rather than the beauty of music, Maestro's words resonated through her mind and she knew them to be true. She remembered the sea of love lockets that held his face in them.

The Count Philippe de Chagny never loved music and never would. In his eyes Palais Garnier was a place to rub shoulders with the aristocrats, flaunting achievements and women.

Christine's expression fell, she knew music to be much more.

"We will be at the Bistro tonight!" squealed a woman amongst the crowd, more giggles erupted in response.

The Count coughed, averting his gaze from Christine to their personal audience, a handsome smile plastered across his face. He straightened his back.

"Better than that, because I'm so happy to be back with all of you," he announced "I'm going to throw a party tonight," he paused dramatically, grin plastered across his face "for the entire company at the Bistro!"

The women shrieked and clapped in excitement. Count Philippe certainly knew to animate a crowd. This was her cue to leave before the women noticed, but the persisting Count stepped in front of her again.

"Will you come with me, as my special guest?" he asked confidently. He must have gotten a wrong impression from her at some point. She should clear things up before it is too late.

Scowling face of her father entered her mind, he would have never allowed her to be in the company of a man such as Count de Chagney.

Christine knew that the Count didn't have an upper hand. She didn't owe him a favour in return since his promise failed and she was glad it did. Maestro might have not proposed to teach her himself otherwise.

She remembered her teacher mentioning the Bistro. It was a small restaurant reserved for more notable guests and opera stars not far from the opera. Lavish parties were held occasionally by the wealthy patrons and they would mingle among the renowned singers to boost their reputation and earn favours. Those who wished to perform would then be invited to the stage, it became a sort of tradition to sing. It was a perfect place for novices like her and grab their chance to stand out and make a name for themselves. A cold feeling washed over her, she wasn't ready yet.

This was a unique opportunity, she scolded herself. She wouldn't chicken out. She had to perform.

Maestro had assured her he would take care of it when the time comes but she knew that invites were scarce. There was no telling on how long it would take for such an opening to present itself again.

Maestro would be thrilled. She had to inform him quickly. Her back straightened.

She looked at the expectant Count in front of her, having decided on her reply and responded in a sure voice "Thank you for the invitation monsieur, may I inquire about the time?"

Vicomte smiled in triumph "It starts at six tonight. Until then Christine." he nodded and turned, heading towards the door and the awaiting crowd. Girls swarmed him like bees around a flower.

Parisians were an odd bunch.

Christine grabbed the cart and quickly stolled away. It was two already, which meant she didn't have much time.

She had to hang the clothes and find Maestro right away.