To Outwit an Angel

5. Christine Giry?

Loretta's POV:

Sharlene and I? In our favorite musical together? This was the kind of daydream that kept me a little too occupied during school. The kind of fantasy that I'd write in my journal, alongside all my hopes and goals. It wasn't just too good to be true; it was too outlandish to be true. 

 I, Loretta Clark of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, had the chance to sing like Christine Daaé and marry the Phantom of the Opera himself. 

 Sharlene was flicking through a stack of sheet music for Hannibal. Unlike me, she could actually read it and understood the strange technical language of music.

 I finished packing my bag, which I had no real purpose for. I had no clue where Christine lived, but even if I did, how could I travel there based on memories that weren't mine?

 Someone knocked on the door. 

 "I'll get it." 

 I stood to greet our visitor. When I opened the door, a short, blonde ballerina appeared behind it. 

 "Christine! There you are! It's time to go home. Maman will be furious if we're late! I couldn't find you anywhere."

 "Oh, let me get my bag. You stay out there. It's a bit of a mess."

 "So's our room? I'm sure it's not that bad."

 The girl attempted to go into the dressing room, but I slipped inside and slammed the door in her face. I bolted the door.

 "What are you hiding in there? I promise no one can see your angel. Even if they can, I won't tell!"

 I grabbed my bag.

 "Who is that?" Sharlene asked.

 "No clue, but apparently, I live with her."

 "Live with her? You don't think it's like a whorehouse or something?"

 "I hope not. Should I go?"

 "It's up to you, but I would. Anything's better than staying here where you might get caught."

 Caught by who? The janitor or the Phantom? Either way, that encounter wouldn't contribute to a good night's sleep, which I desperately needed.

 "I guess you're right," I hugged Sharlene goodbye, then said, "I'll miss you. I'm not sure separating is a good idea."

 "I'll be here tomorrow if it makes you feel better, but I've got some plans with Piangi tonight."

 "Wait- wait, what are you two doing?" 

 "I'll tell you tomorrow! Right now, you have somewhere to be."

 Sharlene pushed me toward the door. 

 "Promise you'll be here tomorrow?" I asked.

 "Promise. Now go!"

 I returned to the blonde, and I quietly shut the door, sealing Sharlene inside. 

 "Here's your cloak. It's a bit frosty out."

Meg placed the heavy wad of fabric in my hands.

 "Thank you."

 It took me a moment to understand the strange cape. There was a tie along the neck hole, a confusingly large button in the middle front, and two holes dead center for a quarter of my arm to go through. I managed to shrug it on, probably looking very stupid in the process. 

 "So," she began, smiling blithely, "there really is an Angel of Music who's been teaching you? Is he in there right now? I'd love to meet him."

 Angel of Music? Like the song? Christine only told one person, and it was her friend. Listening to the song, I'd inferred it was the daughter of Madame Giry, but she could just be an unrelated ballet girl. If only I could will myself to remember her name!