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

VI. Duel

Only then did she realise that the obstacle wasn't only the table but the Count too. 

The table was strategically distanced further away, covered with dark maroon tablecloth. A lit candelabra was placed in the middle. Next to it were two large bordeaux glasses and a bottle of dark wine, waiting to be opened. Even the tableware was golden.

The image before her screamed 'rendez-vous' but she awkwardly took a seat nonetheless. She was facing the crowd, since Philippe's back was turned to he couldn't see the stares that were directed towards the two of them. Two tables over she noticed the Choleti couple. 

Charlotta was smiling enthusiastically, waving at her with a stiff hand. Her husband beside her wore a stoned expression. 

Christine gulped.

A waiter with a sleek moustache stepped behind Philippe, effectively blocking Christine's field of vision. 

"What do you wish to order, good monsieur?" the waiter asked in a posh voice.

"I will have the usual, as for the lovely lady …" he glanced at her, gesturing for her to order. Christine panicked.

"I -I will have a glass of water, please." she looked at the waiter apologetically. She didn't bring any money since she hadn't planned to eat out. Why order pricey food at the Bistro when she could raid the opera's canteen for much less. 

The waiter gave her a dirty look.

"It is coming right away." drawled the waiter, quickly buzzing away.

The crowd was no longer staring at them. Charlotta was busy talking animatedly to a wealthy looking couple, her husband was nowhere to be seen.

Christine let out a sigh.

Philippe averted her attention with a gesture to come closer. He leaned in toward her over the table. She barely heard him over the new singers on the stage.

 "I spoke with La Carlotta a few moments ago. She agreed to provide private music lessons for you."

Christine blanched, what had the twisted man done.

"Oh no, you shouldn't have done that," Christine breathed. She though quickly "S- She is too busy working on the Faust. I can't bother her."

In truth she didn't wish for Carlotta's help in any way. She hoped the woman wasn't going to strange her tomorrow.

Even if Charlota was down to earth Chrisine wouldn't want her as her tutor.

Maestro was much more pleasant to work with. Besides, they had an agreement that he would take it upon himself to teach her as his first ever student. To find a new tutor when she already had one felt like betrayal.

"Christine, you aren’t bothering her. She has agreed willingly to tutor you and Faust has been postponed for the next month. She has time." Philippe said.

She couldn't tell him that she already had a tutor since she agreed with Maestro that he would remain anonymous. She had to find another excuse.

She had to find a way to worm herself out.

"I -I found excellent guide books in the city library, there is no need for a teacher really. I have been practising on my own and it's enough." Christine lied, she never had time to visit the library and much less to read because of work, it was the only thing she could think of at the moment.

Philippe gave her a confused look obviously not convinced.

"This kind of offer from Paris's leading singer doesn't come every day." He said slowly. "I suggest you take it while you have the chance, there is a big difference between books and a living word." He smiled.